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ThinkSBA is a Nationwide SBA 504 and 7a Loan Brokerage serving small business and entrepreneurs purchasing owner occupied real estate, acquiring a business or franchise or buying out a partner.

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Franchise Bookkeeping & Ownership Insights with Max Emma | Ep. 28 | My SBA Loan Pro

by Ryan Smith on January 9, 2026

From learning English by calling credit card companies to building a nationwide bookkeeping franchise, Max Emma’s story is the definition of the American Dream. In this episode, Max shares how he bounced back from a devastating bankruptcy during the 2008 recession to launch and scale BooXkeeping.

We dive deep into the world of franchising, discussing what aspiring business owners should look for in a franchisor and the unique “3-6-9-12” training model that sets his company apart. Max also reveals his insights on the hottest franchise industries right now—including health, pet care, and handyman services—and offers wisdom on why you should never be afraid to open new doors.

In this episode, we cover:

  • Max’s journey from the Soviet Union to US entrepreneurship.
  • Overcoming failure and the mindset needed to rebound.
  • The “X-Factor” of BooXkeeping and their franchisee support system.
  • Which franchise industries are oversaturated and which are growing.
  • The impact of AI on the future of the workforce.


Key Chapters:
0:00 – Introduction and Host Welcome
1:08 – From the Soviet Union to Corporate America
2:44 – An Ingenious Way to Learn English
4:04 – Surviving Bankruptcy and Starting “Bookkeeping”
6:28 – Qualifications and the Role of Operations vs. Sales
7:49 – Creating Culture: The “Cool Bean Counters”
9:02 – The X-Factor and Trademarking the Name
10:39 – How AI and Cloud Tech Are Changing the Industry
14:30 – National Growth and Protected Territories
18:13 – The 3-6-9-12 Franchisee Training Model
24:32 – Realistic ROI and the “Cash Cow” Myth
26:23 – Max’s Consulting Business and Commission Sharing
31:51 – Market Trends: Fitness Consolidation and Senior Care Saturation
34:54 – Future-Proofing: Kids Brands and Handyman Services
35:53 – The Imminent Impact of Automation on Jobs
38:20 – The Opportunity Cost of Doing Your Own Books
40:43 – The Importance of Being Coachable
42:51 – Traits of High-Performing Franchisees
45:20 – Words of Wisdom: Open Every Door
48:42 – Contact Information and Conclusion

M

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More ThinkSBA Resources

⁠https://calendly.com/thinksba – Schedule Call
https://g.page/thinksba – Google Business Page & Reviews
https://thinksba.com/faq – Frequently Asked Questions
https://mysbaloanpro.com⁠ – My SBA Loan Pro Podcast
http://youtube.com/@thinksba – YouTube Channel

Category: SBA Loan PodcastsTag: SBA Loan Podcasts

About Ryan Smith

Ryan Smith is Principal and Founder of ThinkSBA®, and Creator of The My SBA Loan Pro Podcast. Ryan specializes in assisting business owners and entrepreneurs with obtaining financing to purchase owner occupied real estate, acquire a business or franchise, or buy out a partner. Ryan accomplishes this by leveraging over eighteen years experience inside two of America’s top financial institutions.

Previous Post:2026 SBA Playbook: Real Estate, Business Acquisition & Franchise Lending | Ep. 27 | My SBA Loan Pro

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