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Franchising has long been a hidden gem in the world of business ownership, and in this episode, we had the privilege of diving deep into it with Cliff Nonnenmacher. From his early days hustling as a kid to his time on Wall Street and ultimately finding his passion in franchising, Cliff’s story is an inspiring blueprint for anyone looking to break free from the traditional job model and build real wealth. His journey began with a relentless work ethic—raking leaves, shoveling snow, delivering food—whatever it took to make money and learn the value of hard work. That same hustle carried him into investment banking, where he quickly realized that working for someone else wasn’t going to give him the freedom he wanted. That’s when he discovered franchising, a business model that allowed him to step into proven systems, scale quickly, and build multiple revenue streams.
One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation was the power of franchising as an investment vehicle. Many people think of franchises as fast-food chains or small businesses where the owner is stuck working behind the counter. Cliff completely shattered that myth, explaining that the right franchises allow you to work on the business, not in it. By following a structured model, hiring the right managers, and leveraging the brand’s existing systems, franchise owners can scale businesses without being trapped in a full-time job. For investors and entrepreneurs looking to diversify their portfolio, franchising is an asset class worth considering, offering stability, scalability, and strong cash flow.
Another fascinating topic we explored was how emerging trends are shaping the best franchise opportunities today. AI, automation, and demographic shifts are creating massive new markets, particularly in industries like senior care, pet services, and health and wellness. With the aging population growing at an unprecedented rate, businesses that cater to the needs of older adults—whether it’s home care, mobility solutions, or specialized health services—are booming. At the same time, the “humanization of pets” has led to a surge in high-end pet services, as more people treat their animals like family. And let’s not forget the wellness revolution, where biohacking, hormone optimization, and alternative health solutions are becoming major business opportunities.
We also took a moment to discuss something that’s often overlooked in wealth-building—teaching the next generation financial responsibility. Cliff shared how he instilled financial discipline in his son by making him work for things instead of just handing them over. The result? His son values money, makes smart financial decisions, and has a strong work ethic—something that many young people today are missing. As parents, business owners, and investors, we have a responsibility to ensure that financial literacy and independence don’t become lost skills.
Ultimately, the biggest message from this episode is that success in business isn’t just about having a great idea—it’s about execution, discipline, and knowing where the opportunities are. Whether you’re an investor looking for new ways to generate income, an entrepreneur considering a career shift, or someone who just wants to build a better future, franchising is an option worth exploring. Cliff’s insight into the future of business, AI, and scalable investments provides a roadmap for anyone serious about financial freedom. If you’re ready to take control of your future, it might be time to start looking at business ownership in a whole new way.
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Christopher Larsen is the founder and Managing Partner of Next-Level Income. Since “retiring” after 18 years in the medical device industry he dedicates his time to helping others become financially independent through education and investment opportunities. Chris has been investing in and managing real estate for over 20 years.
While completing his degree in Biomechanical Engineering and M.B.A. in Finance at Virginia Tech, he bought his first single-family rental at age 21. Chris expanded into development, private-lending, buying distressed debt as well as commercial office, and ultimately syndicating multifamily properties. He began syndicating deals in 2016 and has been actively involved in over $500M of real estate acquisitions.
In addition to real estate, Chris has invested in equities, oil & gas, and small business lending, as well as being active in Venture South, one of the nation’s Top 10 Angel Investing groups. Chris lives with his wife and two boys (and Viszla, Lucy!) in Asheville, NC where he loves spending time with them in the outdoors and enjoying the food and culture that the region has to offer.
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