- What's The Deal With Franchising?
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- Edition #9: Franchises Vs. Real Estate
Edition #9: Franchises Vs. Real Estate
1/15/25


Happy “What’s The Deal Wednesday” Franchise Friends!
Welcome to the first edition of the “What’s the Deal With Franchising?” Newsletter.
In Today’s Newsletter:
🏠 Franchising vs. Real Estate - What’s Better?
✈️ Real Clean Aircraft Detailing Franchise Breakdown
5️⃣ The 5 Stages of Franchise Ownership
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What’s the Deal…
With Franchises Compared To Real Estate?
This right here is why there is no investment that can compete with business ownership from an ROI standpoint.
This picture shows some of the growth of Trader Joe’s in the 1980’s.
Your index fund or rental property likely does not have the potential to (consistently) increase profits an average of 71% over a five year period, as in this photo’s example.
For the same investment as a rental property, the financial output potential of a business is potentially leaps and bounds higher.
This is not to crap on real estate or investing into index funds. But if ROI is your main driver, I can’t think of a better option than business ownership.
Yes, business is active income and comes with higher risks.
If your goal is to work less, focus on building a portfolio of rental properties…or take advantage of investing in capital markets through stocks, bonds, mutual/index funds, ETF’s, etc.
It’s just likely going to take a lot longer and will require more capital to produce the same results.
If I can produce $300-$500/month in cashflow from a $500k investment into a rental property, I can potentially produce $100k, $250k, $500k, $1M+ in profit from a similar investment into owning a business.
These numbers are obviously completely hypothetical but they illustrate a point: there is a greater likelihood of higher growth rates in business ownership.
Business ownership isn’t for everyone and it’s definitely not get-rich-quick, but it IS an avenue that more people should consider.
Only if they’re not afraid of putting in the work.
In a world of people whose goal seems increasingly to be “passive income,” there is a huge opportunity for those willing to roll up their sleeves.
And there is pride in creating jobs, offering needed products and services to your community and country, and generating the profits to give back.
What say you?
Your Franchise Advisor,
Christian Dadulak

Franchise “Deal” of the Week - Real Clean Aircraft Detailing

RealClean Aircraft Detailing is a niche mobile concept that focuses on interior/exterior detailing in addition to other specialized services for various types of aircraft.
RealClean Aircraft Detailing Services was founded by Dustin Zeitler during his time in general aviation, driven by the need for professional aircraft detailing, a service distinct from auto detailing.
Lacking a clear blueprint, Zeitler drew on his aircraft maintenance experience to carefully develop the necessary skills and processes.
Together with Eric Stevenson, the company's operations manager and first employee, they refined their techniques, focusing on quality and precision.
In April 2019, Zeitler and Lucas Goucher acquired the business, expanding it significantly to service over 50 airports across the Midwest by implementing innovative practices and exclusive products.
The company sets itself apart by offering hyper-personalized services in an industry dominated by large, generic service providers.
As an owner-operated business with a long-tenured staff, RealClean Aircraft Detailing Services has seen substantial growth, with revenues increasing consistently year over year.
This success is attributed to their dedication to high standards, specialized training, and a client-focused approach that ensures each aircraft detailing job reflects the values and preferences of its owner.
The company continues to thrive, expanding its operations while maintaining a commitment to excellence and personal service.
Real Clean Aircraft Detailing is also backed by by a proven growth equity provider, Franchise Altitude, led by veteran franchisor Scott Marr, that offers a unique approach to franchise growth by combining strategic support, personal investment, and extensive industry experience.
Their team prioritizes integrity and a hands-on partnership, ensuring franchisees and franchisors not only receive the capital needed but also benefit from tailored advice and strong industry connections.
This makes them an invaluable partner for those seeking to scale their franchise successfully.
Competitive Advantages:
National Marketing Strategy
Recurring revenue opportunities
B2C and B2B - single jobs or corporate fleets
Niche, mobile business with no seasonality
Opportunity for high ticket invoices
Real Clean Aircraft Detailing Breakdown:
By the Numbers:
Minimum Financial Requirements…
(You need to meet these requirements at a minimum to be considered for this franchise)
Net Worth - $250,000+
Liquidity - $100,000+
Item 7 - Estimated Initial Investment Range
This range typically contains everything to get the business up and running, including the franchise fee and 3 months of working capital
Investment: $235,641 - $414,419
Approximate Down Payment w/ SBA Loan: $47,128 - $82,883 (assuming 20% down)
Item 19 - Financial Performance Representations:

*Refer to Item 19 in the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document*
Fees:
Royalty: 7.5% Gross Sales
Brand Fund: 1.5 % (up to 3%) Gross Sales
Franchise Fee: $56,500 (Tier 1 Territories) / $49,500 (Tier 2 Territories)
Total Franchise Locations Open: 0
Total Corporate Locations Open: 1
Real Estate Requirements: None Required - As Franchisees grow, they may choose to add a small, non-climate-controlled storage space or establish small lockers at frequently serviced facilities
Employees Needed to Start:
1 Full-Time Operations Manager
3 Detailing Technicians
Territory: Tier One: 400 Registered Aircraft and 25 Aviation Related Businesses. Tier Two: 300 Registered Aircraft and 15 Aviation Related Businesses.
*Refer to the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document. This information may have changed since first published and is provided for informational purposely only. I recommend that you always verify feedback, investment amounts, and offers for the franchise opportunity directly with the franchisor prior to deciding to invest. No offer is being made and can only be made by the franchise’s disclosure of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)*

The 5 Stages of Franchise Ownership
One of my best franchise friends and former podcast co-host of the “I Fired My Boss Franchise Podcast,” Dan Claps, wrote a LinkedIn post the other day that I felt perfectly paints the picture of the the emotional roller coaster that franchisees experience as they get their operation off the ground.
Dan is the CEO of Voda Cleaning & Restoration, one of the fastest growing home services and restoration franchises in the country.
Understanding the reality of what a franchisee will feel during the various stages of franchise ownership, AHEAD OF TIME, is critical.
This way, a franchise owner is better prepared to weather the storm through the initial ramp up.
Below is a screenshot of that post.


That’s it for this edition!
Let me know what you have questions about, what you’re curious to learn, what franchises you would like for me to break down, and more.
I want this newsletter to give you what you find most valuable so let me know how I can improve it. If it needs more information, less information, to be longer, shorter, share more industry news, etc, I can make that happen.
See you next week!

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Disclaimer
The views, opinions, and information expressed in this newsletter are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Franchise Sidekick. This newsletter is in no way affiliated with Franchise Sidekick. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to represent the views or endorsements of Franchise Sidekick.