#326: Helping Entrepreneurs Break Into Franchising with Josh Emison, USNA ‘14

Service Academy Business Mastermind

Joshua Emison is the founder of Tracer Franchising, where he helps individuals identify proven, scalable franchise opportunities tailored to their financial and lifestyle goals. With a background in business development and a sharp eye for operational models, he simplifies what’s often a crowded and confusing process in franchising. Josh works across industries to guide clients toward sustainable, long-term ownership—whether they’re exploring their first opportunity or expanding an existing portfolio.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and former Marine Corps Infantry Officer, Josh approaches business ownership with the same focus and structure that defined his military career. He’s also the co-founder of Sans Bank, a fintech company using blockchain to make alternative investments more accessible through asset tokenization. Across both ventures, Josh is focused on helping others take ownership of their future through smart, strategic decisions.

In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Joshua about:

• Franchise Education: A clear process to help new owners understand the realities of franchising.

• Matching System: A detailed quiz and vetting method to pair candidates with the right franchises.

• Tippy Toes Model: A lean, mobile business chosen for its strong demand and trusted leadership.

• Startup vs. Franchise: Franchising offers structure and support that startups often lack.

• Owner Mindset: Success requires patience, realistic expectations, and long-term commitment.

Timestamps:

• 00:59 Josh's Background and Career Journey

• 02:29 Introduction to Tracer Franchising

• 03:06 The Franchising Process Explained

• 05:55 Selecting the Right Franchise

• 09:57 Funding Your Franchise

• 11:59 Negotiating Franchise Terms

• 14:51 Choosing Tippy Toes Dance Franchise

• 17:56 Comparing Franchisee Experience with Startups

• 18:36 The Challenges of Starting a Business from Scratch

• 19:25 The Benefits of Franchising

• 20:55 Sales Success Stories

• 24:24 Adapting the Business Model

• 26:35 Future Goals and Vision

• 30:33 Common Challenges in Franchising

Connect with Joshua:

• LinkedIn

• Email: [email protected]

If you found value in today’s episode, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you’re a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we’d love for you to join our community and get started today.

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A special thank you to Joshua for joining me this week. Until next time!

-Scott Mackes, USNA ’01