BiggerPockets Money Podcast · Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Alex Smirzlock identifies three primary types of franchise buyers: 'side hustlers' seeking supplemental income, 'corporate warriors' looking for a career change and more control, and 'serial entrepreneurs' diversifying their investments. The 'corporate warrior' segment, often dual-income households, is a significant demographic.
“One is the side hustler person who isn't looking for a full income replacement. They might want that card my yard, you know, or random kind of 20 hour a week side hustle franchise that is cheaper to get into, but might only yield 20 to 40k a year in in income or cash flow.”
“The second group is what you described perfectly. It's the corporate warrior, dual income household, they're not happy in their job, and they've realized, I spend 40 plus hours a week doing this, I might as well find something that makes me happy, and I just don't know where to start.”
“And then the third one is your more serial entrepreneur type. They might own some franchises already, they might own some short-term rentals and real estate, and this is just a diversification play for them.”