When people hear “franchise”, they immediately picture a drive-through window and a fryer in the back. That narrow view hides one of the most accessible and profitable paths to business ownership today: non-food franchising.

We’ve been taught that entrepreneurship means starting from scratch: writing business plans, building systems, and hoping your idea sticks.

Franchising flips that equation. You’re not reinventing the wheel; you’re stepping into a proven system with training, marketing, and infrastructure already built. The best part?

You can own a business that runs without you being chained to it.

The real secret is that most high-income professionals, doctors, executives, and even W-2 employees can buy or build semi-passive franchises that generate cash flow, deliver powerful tax advantages, and diversify their wealth far beyond the stock market.

And yet, most never explore it because they still think of “fast food.”

Why is buying a franchise a better path into business ownership? What are the lesser-known benefits you get from this model?

In this episode, I sit down with Jon Ostenson, founder of FranBridge Consulting and author of Non-Food Franchising. We unpack the world of franchises that don’t involve burgers or coffee cups. We talk about how to identify the right concept, fund your investment, and leverage the new tax rules that make owning a franchise smarter than ever.

Things You’ll Learn In This Episode

-The shortcut to entrepreneurship
Most people think you need to invent something new to build wealth. What if the fastest path is owning a system that’s already proven to work?

-Semi-passive ownership, real results
Some franchises thrive even when the owner isn’t there daily. How do they do it, and what separates a true “executive model” from wishful thinking?

-The hidden tax advantage of business ownership
Business owners play by a completely different tax rulebook. How can franchising open those same doors for people still working a W-2 job?

-The non-food franchise boom
From home services to senior care, boring is the new profitable. Why are the most recession-resistant franchises the ones no one talks about?

Guest Bio

Jon Ostenson is a Top 1% Franchise Consultant; 2 x Inc 5000 Founder; author of 'Non-Food Franchising’, Forbes Contributor, and CEO of FranBridge Consulting. Specializing in the area of non-food franchising, he draws on his experience as both the president of an Inc. 500 franchise system and as a multi-brand franchisee in serving his consulting clients who are looking to explore business ownership opportunities. Jon helps clients understand all aspects of non-food franchising in the process of introducing them to opportunities from the over 600 high-growth brands that he represents. Before FranBridge, Jon was the President of ShelfGenie, a national franchise system with 200 locations. To learn more and get a free copy of his book 'Non-Food Franchising’, go to http://franbridgeconsulting.com/.

About Your Host

From pro-snowboarder to money mogul, Chris Naugle has dedicated his life to being America’s #1 Money Mentor. With a core belief that success is built not by the resources you have, but by how resourceful you can be. Chris has built and owned 19 companies, with his businesses being featured in Forbes, ABC, House Hunters, and his very own HGTV pilot in 2018. He is the founder of The Money School™ and Money Mentor for The Money Multiplier.

His success also includes managing tens of millions of dollars in assets in the financial services and advisory industry and in real estate transactions. As an innovator and visionary in wealth-building and real estate, he empowers entrepreneurs, business owners, and real estate investors with the knowledge of how money works.

Chris is also a nationally recognized speaker, author, and podcast host. He has spoken to and taught over ten thousand Americans, delivering the financial knowledge that fuels lasting freedom.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

From the outside, pro athletes look like they’ve made it; like they’ll never have to worry about money again. Multi-million-dollar contracts, highlight reels, and luxury lifestyles suggest money will never be an issue.

But behind the scenes, most players are one injury, one bad decision, or one contract away from financial ruin.

The truth is, the average NBA career lasts just 4 years. Taxes, agents, lavish spending, and poor planning chip away at earnings until the fortune is gone, and with no plan for life after the game, many athletes end up broke and starting over from scratch.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right mindset and strategy, those same athletes can turn short-term income into long-term impact.

That’s exactly what Rashad Jones-Jennings did, proving that reinvention is possible. He built a second career in real estate, transforming his hustle into $60 million of affordable housing developments that are reshaping communities.

Most players never make that leap. They leave the game without financial literacy, without a plan, and without the discipline to turn short-term income into long-term security. The difference isn’t the size of the contract, it’s the ability to shift from consumer to builder, from spending money to multiplying it.

How did Rashad set himself up for real estate success? What’s the secret to running a thriving development business that also makes a difference?

In this episode, we unpack the lessons from Rashad’s journey, why most players lose even when they earn millions, and how affordable housing represents one of the most overlooked wealth-building opportunities in today’s market.

Things You’ll Learn In This Episode

-The athlete's money myth
Big contracts shrink fast under taxes, fees, short careers, and lifestyle creep; most players aren’t set for life; they’re set for struggle. How do you design a plan that outlasts the spotlight?

-Affordable housing, unfair edge
While developers chase luxury, demand is starving for well-built, smaller-footprint homes. How did Rashad pre-sell an entire tiny-home community before a single structure went up?

-Operations over hype
Sourcing materials creatively and knowing line-item costs turns vision into profit and investor trust. How do you become an excellent operator in real estate development?

Guest Bio

Rashad Jones-Jennings is a retired NBA player, real estate developer, land flipper, and community builder. Transitioning from the world of professional basketball, Rashad is now dedicated to creating attainable housing solutions through the development of luxury tiny home communities. His focus is on providing innovative housing options in our ever-growing economy, creating living spaces anyone can call home. Rashad is passionate about sharing insights and fostering conversations around alternative housing. He also co-hosts a podcast called Big Man Tiny Homes, where he explores the nuances of tiny home living, urban development, and sports. To learn more, visit postprocapital.com.

About Your Host

From pro-snowboarder to money mogul, Chris Naugle has dedicated his life to being America’s #1 Money Mentor. With a core belief that success is built not by the resources you have, but by how resourceful you can be. Chris has built and owned 19 companies, with his businesses being featured in Forbes, ABC, House Hunters, and his very own HGTV pilot in 2018. He is the founder of The Money School™ and Money Mentor for The Money Multiplier.

His success also includes managing tens of millions of dollars in assets in the financial services and advisory industry and in real estate transactions. As an innovator and visionary in wealth-building and real estate, he empowers entrepreneurs, business owners, and real estate investors with the knowledge of how money works.

Chris is also a nationally recognized speaker, author, and podcast host. He has spoken to and taught over ten thousand Americans, delivering the financial knowledge that fuels lasting freedom.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

Most investors don’t fail because they pick the wrong stock or buy into the wrong trend. They fail because they never define success for themselves.

They chase returns without knowing what a win actually looks like. Without a clear target and purpose, investing becomes guesswork, and the chances of losing money are higher.

Worse, they choose methods that look cool instead of ones they actually understand. They don’t give themselves a hard out, so they hold too long or sell too soon. And often, they pick investment vehicles that only pay them in one way.

That’s where real estate changes the game. Unlike most assets, it doesn’t rely on just one outcome. A single property can generate monthly cash flow, long-term appreciation, leverage that multiplies gains, tax benefits that protect your income, and depreciation that offsets your liability.

It’s not just about the property; it’s about stacking advantages so your wealth grows from multiple directions at once.

Why do investors lose many on great investments? What makes real estate such an incredible wealth-building asset class, especially now?

In this episode, I sit down with Axel Meierhoefer, the founder of Ideal Wealth Grower, to unpack why real estate is uniquely built for multi-layered wealth, why most investors sabotage themselves before they even begin, and how defining success is the ultimate edge that turns purpose into profit.

Things You’ll Learn In This Episode

-Linear vs. exponential thinking
Most people still plan for a slow, predictable future. Why is that mindset a liability in an AI-driven, quantum world?

-The hidden laws of wealth
Wealth isn’t random; it follows timeless laws. How do today’s investors misinterpret them, and what are the modern rules you actually need to follow?

-Real estate’s unfair advantage
Cash flow, appreciation, depreciation, leverage, why is real estate the only asset that pays you in multiple ways at once?

-Purpose as the ultimate filter
Investing without a clear purpose is gambling. How does defining your personal “why” change the way you buy, hold, and exit investments?

Guest Bio

Axel Meierhoefer, PhD, is a mentor, coach, author, advisor to startups, and Fortune 1000 companies, and the founder of Ideal Wealth Grower. Wealth Grower offers you the experience, know-how, and strategic planning that help lead to better decisions and becoming financially free through passive income. The team helps investors turn critical and complex real estate issues into opportunities for growth, resilience, and long-term advantage. With a deep understanding of the interplay between today’s changing real estate marketplace issues, Ideal Wealth Grower offers clients innovative ideas about how to enhance their results and get ahead of key issues. To learn more or work with Alex, visit https://idealwealthgrower.com/.

About Your Host

From pro-snowboarder to money mogul, Chris Naugle has dedicated his life to being America’s #1 Money Mentor. With a core belief that success is built not by the resources you have, but by how resourceful you can be. Chris has built and owned 19 companies, with his businesses being featured in Forbes, ABC, House Hunters, and his very own HGTV pilot in 2018. He is the founder of The Money School™, and a Money Mentor for The Money Multiplier.

His success also includes managing tens of millions of dollars in assets in the financial services and advisory industry and in real estate transactions. As an innovator and visionary in wealth-building and real estate, he empowers entrepreneurs, business owners, and real estate investors with the knowledge of how money works.

Chris is also a nationally recognized speaker, author, and podcast host. He has spoken to and taught over ten thousand Americans, delivering the financial knowledge that fuels lasting freedom.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

Most people who buy life insurance never read the fine print.

They’re promised “stock market–like returns without the risk,” a retirement account that doubles as a tax-free loan machine, and peace of mind for their families.

On paper? It looks like the perfect product.

But what happens when the math doesn’t add up, the illustrations don’t match reality, and families find out, years later, that the policy they’ve been funding is set to collapse?

That’s the dark underbelly of the Indexed Universal Life (IUL) industry.

And it’s exactly what my guest, Jonathan, aka the IUL Exposer, has dedicated his career to uncovering. He’s reviewed over 4,000 policies in just 18 months, uncovered systemic mis-selling, and even built a process that has helped families claw back over a million dollars in refunds.

Jonathan isn’t anti-insurance. He’s anti–false promises. His work shines a light on how commissions drive product design, why regulators are warning against IULs, and how clients are left holding the bag when agents disappear.

This episode isn’t about theory, it’s about hard numbers, legal battles, and the uncomfortable truths most of the industry hopes you never learn.

Things You’ll Learn In This Episode

-Illustrations are a trap

IUL projects steady growth that rarely happens. Why do clients still trust the numbers?

-Commissions drive the product

IULs are sold 10-to-1 over whole life because they pay the fattest commissions. What does that reveal about whose interests are really being served?

-Refunds are possible

Families often think their money is gone forever. How are some clawing back tens of thousands in refunds?

-Indexes aren’t what they seem

Synthetic “uncapped” indexes promise market-like returns but rarely deliver. How are clients set up for disappointment from day one?

Guest Bio

Jonathan Aguilera is the voice behind @lifeinsurancerefunds on TikTok and Instagram, a platform dedicated to exposing misleading life insurance practices, breaking down complex policies, and helping families recover money they thought was lost. Licensed since 2012, Jonathan once built a national agency of 250+ licensed agents with Primerica. But when faced with the choice to “stay quiet to stay compliant” or speak up for what’s right, he chose the latter. He resigned, surrendered his securities licenses, and walked away from everything he’d built to launch DTRT Financial, not just a company, but a movement. Jonathan isn’t the suit-and-tie advisor chasing commissions. He’s the guy who got fed up watching families get misled, overcharged, and under-informed. Through thousands of policy reviews, he’s exposed the harsh realities of cash value life insurance while educating the masses on how to make intentional financial choices. Visit IULExposer.com to learn more.

About Your Host

From pro-snowboarder to money mogul, Chris Naugle has dedicated his life to being America’s #1 Money Mentor. With a core belief that success is built not by the resources you have, but by how resourceful you can be. Chris has built and owned 19 companies, with his businesses being featured in Forbes, ABC, House Hunters, and his very own HGTV pilot in 2018. He is currently the founder of The Money School™, and Money Mentor for The Money Multiplier.

His success also includes managing tens of millions of dollars in assets in the financial services and advisory industry and in real estate transactions. As an innovator and visionary in wealth-building and real estate, he empowers entrepreneurs, business owners, and real estate investors with the knowledge of how money works.

Chris is also a nationally recognized speaker, author, and podcast host. He has spoken to and taught over ten thousand Americans, delivering the financial knowledge that fuels lasting freedom.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

Most business owners only call the bank when they’re in trouble. Cash is tight, deals are falling apart, stress is mounting.

By then? It’s too late.

The banks shut the doors and wave at you from behind the glass. That’s the obvious mistake.

The less obvious one? Not realizing the best time to secure financing is when you don’t need it. That’s when banks give you more, on better terms, and when private lenders are willing to play ball.

That’s the theme of my conversation with George Otel, founder of U.S. Business Funding. He’s closed 400+ deals, from SBA loans to $50M commercial bridge financings.

He’s also been on the other side as a business owner who knows what it’s like to hit a wall when funding isn’t lined up.

And right now, while capital feels scarce and multifamily investors are calling this a “3-year recession,” George sees massive opportunity, especially with the $10 trillion baby boomer business sell-off already underway.

Things You’ll Learn In This Episode

-Banks love you more when you don’t need them.
You’ll get offered more money than you asked for when you’re strong, but the second you look distressed, the same lender disappears. Why is that the exact opposite of how entrepreneurs think about financing?

-Bridge loans are just the beginning.
Fast capital is a band-aid, not a solution. The winners use bridge money only as a setup for long-term refinancing. How do you structure that from day one so you don’t get stuck?

-Buying beats building in this market.
You’ll struggle to get a dime for a startup, but banks line up for businesses with systems and cash flow. With trillions in businesses set to change hands, is acquisition the smarter path for the next generation?

Guest Bio

George Otel is a business mentor, investor, entrepreneur, and financing expert. He specializes in start-up and business finance options, helping them attract the right capital for their business. George’s goal is to educate entrepreneurs, small business owners, franchise owners, business consultants, and professionals on how to obtain capital in today's lending environment and avoid declines. Over the years, George and his partners have helped direct thousands of entrepreneurs and businesses in the US in obtaining access to hundreds of millions of dollars so they could start, grow, and expand their businesses. To learn more, visit http://usbusinessfunding.net/, send George a DM on LinkedIn, or send a text to 414-475-7757.

About Your Host

From pro-snowboarder to money mogul, Chris Naugle has dedicated his life to being America’s #1 Money Mentor with a core belief that success is built not by the resources you have, but by how resourceful you can be. Chris has built and owned 19 companies, with his businesses being featured in Forbes, ABC, House Hunters, and his very own HGTV pilot in 2018. He is currently the founder of The Money School™, and Money Mentor for The Money Multiplier.

His success also includes managing tens of millions of dollars in assets in the financial services and advisory industry and in real estate transactions. As an innovator and visionary in wealth-building and real estate, he empowers entrepreneurs, business owners, and real estate investors with the knowledge of how money works.

Chris is also a nationally recognized speaker, author, and podcast host. He has spoken to and taught over ten thousand Americans, delivering the financial knowledge that fuels lasting freedom.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

Most real estate investors are running the same race: chasing the hottest markets, competing for the same deals, and trying to outbid one another. The problem? That crowded approach often blinds you to the opportunities hiding in plain sight.

The truth is, success in investing isn’t about following the crowd or chasing trends; it’s about looking where others aren’t, leading with strategy, and building relationships that open doors no one else can see.

That’s what sets Aleea Stanton apart. She didn’t start investing just to rack up properties. She began with a deeper purpose: to give back to her grandparents, who shaped her life.

That generosity sparked a ripple effect, creating community connections and investment opportunities most investors overlook.

In this episode, real estate investor and attorney Aleea C. Stanton joins me to share her journey from practicing law to building a thriving investing career.

We talk about what ignited her passion for real estate, how she finds deals differently than most, and the mindset shift that’s allowed her to succeed where others stall out.

Things You’ll Learn In This Episode

-Finding the fuel for your fire

Identifying your true source of motivation is what drives consistency and purpose in your daily life. What is the one thing that fuels your fire and pushes you to keep going, even on tough days?

-Creating a repeatable system that works

Mastering the process of flipping houses creates a repeatable system that can be applied to future real estate deals. How can refining one successful process make every future flip more efficient and profitable?

-Building a firm foundation

Trust is the foundation of lasting success in real estate partnerships. How do you actively build and maintain trust with the people you work with in real estate?

Guest Bio

Aleea C. Stanton is a seasoned attorney and real estate investor based in New York. She serves as Counsel in the Disputes & Investigations practice at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, specializing in white-collar defense, securities enforcement, and government investigations. Her expertise encompasses matters related to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), securities enforcement, and corporate compliance, with a focus on industries such as technology, oil and gas, aerospace, and defense

Aleea earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Howard University School of Law, where she was a semifinalist in the John J. Gibbons Moot Court Competition.

In addition to her legal career, Aleea is actively involved in real estate investing.

Aleea's unique combination of legal expertise and real estate investment experience positions her as a valuable resource for individuals navigating the complexities of real estate transactions and legal considerations in the industry.

Follow Aleea on Instagram @leescheri

About Your Host

From pro-snowboarder to money mogul, Chris Naugle has dedicated his life to being America’s #1 Money Mentor. With a core belief that success is built not by the resources you have, but by how resourceful you can be. Chris has built and owned 19 companies, with his businesses being featured in Forbes, ABC, House Hunters, and his very own HGTV pilot in 2018. He is currently founder of The Money School™, and Money Mentor for The Money Multiplier.

His success also includes managing tens of millions of dollars in assets in the financial services and advisory industry and in real estate transactions. As an innovator and visionary in wealth-building and real estate, he empowers entrepreneurs, business owners, and real estate investors with the knowledge of how money works.

Chris is also a nationally recognized speaker, author, and podcast host. He has spoken to and taught over ten thousand Americans delivering the financial knowledge that fuels lasting freedom.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!