#014 - Franchise vs Startup: What No One Tells You - Angela Jones

The Hidden Hustle

What’s it really like running a franchise?

In this episode of The Hidden Hustle, Angela shares her journey from corporate marketing at Jordan Creek and Glen Oaks to launching the Sylvan Learning Center in Altoona after her daughter’s education struggles sparked a bigger mission. She opens up about the reality of franchising, the emotional risk of starting something new, and the mindset shift that helped her take the leap after 8 years of dreaming.

We talk about:

• The real difference between buying a franchise vs. starting from scratch
• What no one tells you about opening your doors on day one
• Why hiring the right team is everything — and how to do it
• How her daughter’s struggles became the spark for a bigger mission
• What it means to lead with values, serve your community, and bet on yourself

Whether you're thinking about buying a franchise or starting from scratch, this episode reveals the behind-the-scenes hustle most people never talk about.

📲 How to get in touch with Sylvan Learning Center in Altoona:

• Website: https://www.sylvanlearning.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553666544067
• Phone: [phone]

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📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566839788273

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🎙️ The Hidden Hustle Website: https://www.thehiddenhustle.com/

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Chapters

1. The Myth of Easy Franchising (00:00:00)

2. Her Daughter’s Struggle Sparked a Mission (00:01:21)

3. From Marketing Director to Mom on a Mission (00:02:07)

4. Behind the Sylvan & Unleashed Brands Ecosystem (00:03:02)

5. Why Building Confidence Is the Real Goal (00:04:43)

6. Angela’s Roots in Media and Marketing (00:05:06)

7. Corporate Experience Meets Community Impact (00:09:11)

8. The Family Moment That Changed Everything (00:13:21)

9. Why She Chose a Franchise (and What It’s Really Like) (00:14:10)

10. Training, Set-Up, and Her Scrappy Opening Week (00:16:24)

11. Landing Her First Student (and Still Going Strong) (00:17:47)

12. Building a Dream Team Through Mission-Driven Hiring (00:18:12)

13. The Summer Learning Loss Most Parents Don’t Know About (00:19:29)

14. Getting Known in a New Community (00:21:31)

15. How Sylvan Helps Students With Learning Challenges (00:24:03)

16. From Managing to Leading: Her Shift in Ownership (00:29:32)

17. “Just Do It”: Her Advice to Future Founders (00:32:08)

18. Trust the Process and Give Yourself Grace (00:39:13)