Franchising has long been one of the most accessible paths to business ownership, offering proven systems, recognizable brands, and built-in support. Yet success is far from guaranteed. Many investors discover too late that choosing the wrong franchise, misunderstanding financials, or failing to manage operations effectively can turn a promising opportunity into an expensive lesson. The Franchise Investor's Playbook: Strategies for Success is a practical, no-nonsense guide that helps investors approach franchising with clarity, confidence, and discipline. Written for aspiring franchise owners, semi-passive investors, and experienced entrepreneurs alike, this book demystifies the franchise model and breaks down what truly drives long-term profitability. Ron Antosko draws on real-world insights to show readers how to evaluate franchise opportunities beyond glossy marketing materials and optimistic earnings claims. Instead of chasing hype, readers learn how to assess fundamentals such as unit economics, scalability, management demands, and market saturation. The book begins by explaining the franchise landscape in clear, accessible terms. Readers gain a solid understanding of how franchises operate, how franchisors make money, and how incentives between franchisors and franchisees can align-or conflict. Antosko emphasizes the importance of thinking like an investor first, rather than an operator driven by brand recognition alone. A core focus of The Franchise Investor's Playbook is due diligence. Step by step, the book guides readers in evaluating Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), understanding royalty structures, advertising fees, and renewal clauses, and identifying red flags that signal potential issues. Readers learn how to compare franchises across industries, from food and fitness to home services and retail, using objective criteria instead of emotion. Financial literacy is another cornerstone of the playbook. Antosko explains startup costs, working capital requirements, cash flow timing, and break-even analysis in plain language. He shows how to model best- and worst-case scenarios to help investors avoid undercapitalization and unrealistic expectations. Special attention is given to financing options, including SBA loans, partnerships, and self-directed retirement accounts, with an emphasis on risk management. Beyond acquisition, the book addresses the realities of ownership. Readers learn what it takes to run a franchise day-to-day, when owner involvement is critical, and how to build systems that reduce dependence on the investor's constant presence. For those seeking semi-passive income, Antosko outlines strategies for hiring, training, and incentivizing managers while maintaining accountability and performance standards. The playbook also explores growth strategies, including multi-unit ownership, territory expansion, and resale planning. Readers discover how to increase enterprise value over time and position their franchise for a profitable exit. Rather than treating franchising as a job replacement, the book reframes it as a long-term investment vehicle that rewards patience, discipline, and informed decision-making. Throughout the book, Antosko reinforces a balanced mindset: optimism grounded in realism. Success in franchising is not about luck or secret formulas-it's about preparation, execution, and ongoing oversight. With checklists, decision frameworks, and practical guidance, The Franchise Investor's Playbook equips readers to avoid costly mistakes and build franchise portfolios that align with their financial goals and lifestyle. For anyone considering franchising as a path to wealth, independence, or diversification, this book provides a clear roadmap from curiosity to confident ownership.