Franchise Today: Recent Episodes

Franchise Today

Welcome to Franchise Today as it celebrates its 13th year in 2022! Join host Stan Friedman, President of FRM Solutions every Wednesday at 12 PM ET / 11 AM CT as he provides full disclosure on what’s going on inside franchising today and serves up discussions with weekly guests, who will talk about best practices for scaling their businesses for sustainable growth, through sensible franchising.

Franchising remains an unintentional profession. Most people don't go to school to study about how to become involved in franchising. Rather, some life event causes it to find us. Each episode of the podcast begins with a look back at how franchising found my guest of the week. This is followed by a walk through their career up to and including the present day. It could be either a franchisor, franchisee or a supplier, that provides insights into high-level support services or top-quality products to better enable the franchise community. Each podcast will wrap with a look ahead to upcoming industry events, upcoming guests or important dates on the horizon.

What happens when a hurricane changes your entire life philosophy? For Jeff Dudan, a late-night drive home from Hurricane Katrina relief became the turning point that transformed him from a traveling restoration contractor into a franchise empire builder.

Starting with a college painting business and pivoting into restoration after Hurricane Andrew, Jeff launched Advanta Clean in 1994. By 2005, he realized franchising could give him the balance and scalability he needed. But success didn’t come overnight—he admits to early failures rooted in ego, until he embraced the franchise community and hired experienced professionals in 2008.

Today, as CEO and founder of Homefront Brands, Jeff leads a diverse portfolio that has grown to 230+ franchise owners across nearly 800 territories in just 30 months. Brands like Temporary Wall Systems, Window Hero, Top Rail Fence, Designery, and Roof Scientist all share one thing in common: the CARES values system that drives culture, leadership, and results.

In this conversation with host Stan Friedman, Jeff shares:

How personal tragedy became the catalyst for his franchising journey
Lessons from scaling multiple brands at record speed
Why values-based leadership outperforms micromanagement
His outlook on franchising as America’s greatest wealth creation engine

👉 Listen now to hear how Jeff Dudan builds empires rooted in values, vision, and servant leadership.

After five years as Chief Development Officer at Another Broken Egg, Jeff Sturgis is making another bold pivot—returning to independent consulting.

In this conversation with host Stan Friedman, Jeff reflects on three decades in franchising, from his unexpected entry after leaving professional sports to senior leadership roles at Coldwell Banker, U.S. Franchise Systems, Focus Brands, Fantastic Sam’s, McAllister’s Deli, Fazoli’s, and Another Broken Egg.

Jeff’s story is one of adaptability, resilience, and relationships. He shares how chance encounters and career setbacks became springboards to new opportunities, why awarding franchises (not just selling them) remains his guiding principle, and where he sees opportunities for brands in today’s challenging market.

Whether you’re an emerging franchisor scaling from 20 units or a mature brand navigating growth hurdles, Jeff’s insights into development, strategy, and market dynamics are invaluable.

👉 Listen now to hear how one of franchising’s most seasoned leaders continues to shape the future of the industry.

From exile at 17 to CEO of a billion-dollar franchise platform. Shirin Bezhadi’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and remarkable leadership. Hear how she scaled Budget Blinds/Home Franchise Concepts, survived a brain tumor, and turned adversity into her greatest advantage.📌 Key Takeaways

Exile and hardship can fuel resilience and leadership ambition.
Fractional CFO work can shape company growth and PE exits.
Health crises sharpen clarity and leadership priorities.
Scaling a franchise requires iterative testing, discipline, and creativity.
Private equity exits demand operational maturity and cultural reinvention.

She’s now sharing the playbook in her soon to be released book, “The Unexpected CEO: My Journey from Gas Station Cashier to Billion-Dollar CEO” (on sale Oct. 28). https://shirinbehzadi.com/book/

Carlos Hesano is the brand President of Authority Brands DRYmedic Restoration Services, a company that steps in… when life takes unexpected turns. Whether it’s water, fire, storm, or mold damage, DRYmedic is there 24/7 to helpfamilies and businesses recover, rebuild, and reclaim their lives. And, they’re not just about restoring properties — they’re about restoring peace of mind. In this episode, you’ll hear how their approach to those that they serve, is more like what you’d expect from a 5 star restaurant or hotel. Over the years, Carlos has evolved into a powerful voice and leader in franchising, guiding others toward building wealth, independence, and community impact through franchise ownership.

This week we welcome Mike Bahun, founder and CEO of Fundraising University. His journey into fundraising and franchising began as a high school coach, igniting his passion for enhancing resources for schools in need. Mike shares his vision to revolutionize fundraising through a service-based model that prioritizes the needs of students, teachers, and coaches. Discover how he shifted traditional fundraising approaches towards effective digital solutions, providing schools with the means to raise funds efficiently.

The episode also examines how the pandemic reshaped their franchise model. With a focus on adaptability and strong operational frameworks, Mike reveals how they transitioned from an owner-operator to a semi-absentee model while retaining strong community ties.

Join us as we explore how Mike's innovative strategies not only alleviate the burden on coaches but also ensure significant funds for underfunded organizations.

Have you experienced challenges with school fundraising? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

“Welcome back to Franchise Today! I’m your host, Stan Friedman, and this week we’re exploring how AI is changing the game for franchising. My guest is David Owasi, co-founder of Outreach Genius, who has taken his experience as both a franchise owner and software engineer to tackle one of franchising’s biggest challenges: missed calls and lost opportunities.From his journey from Nigeria to Canada, to building tools that help home service businesses land contracts worth six figures, David shows us how combining artificial intelligence with emotional intelligence can create powerful customer experiences. You don’t want to miss this one.”

In this episode of Franchise Today, host Stan Friedmanwelcomes Bob Gappa, founder of Management 2000 and one of franchising’s most respected voices. Bob’s journey began in the middle of a recession with an unconventional move — offering free consulting — which soon grew into adecades-long career guiding some of the world’s most successful franchise brands.

From navigating economic downturns to anticipating industry shifts, Bob shares timeless lessons and candid insights that every franchise professional needs to hear.

Whether you’re new to franchising or a seasonedleader, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

In this powerful episode of Franchise Today, host Stan Friedman welcomes Stéphane Breault, a very highly respected leadership coach and award-winning figure in Canada’s franchise community. What began as a spark during an MBA lecture in 1983 has since evolved into a decades-longmission: helping franchise leaders build better businesses by becoming better leaders.

Stephane takes us through his personal and professionalevolution—from corporate executive to author, consultant, and ultimately, sought-after executive coach. He opens up about the challenges of managing growth, making tough personnel decisions, and surviving economic downturns.

Packed with practical wisdom and real-world experience,this episode offers valuable insights for franchise founders, executives, and anyone navigating the complexities of leadership in the franchise world.

This week, we hear from Chris and Andrew McCuiston, two of the dynamic leaders behind Goldfish Swim School, as they share their remarkable journey from a single swim school in Birmingham, Michigan, to a thriving franchise with nearly 200 locations across North America. What began as a spontaneous entrepreneurial leap, evolved into a national brand rooted in safety, trust, and memorable customer experiences.

The McCuiston brothers reveal how franchising found them,the importance of building strong franchisee relationships, and the operational pivots that helped them navigate the challenges of COVID-19 and come out stronger still, on the other side. From expanding into Canada to strategicallytargeting growth in California and Florida, they share insights on creating a company culture that prioritizes safety, facility excellence, and community engagement.

No matter your point on the franchise compass, there is rich take home value in this conversation, applicable to anyone involved in franchising. This episode delivers lessons on resilience, adaptability, and staying true to your core values.

In this episode of Franchise Today, host Stan Friedmanwelcomes Bobby Lloyd, CEO of Magnolia Bakery, and Jason Mattes, VP of Domestic Franchise Development & Sales. Together, they unpack the remarkable transformation of a charming NYC bakery—immortalized by pop culture—into abeloved global franchise brand.

Hear how Magnolia’s fame exploded from media appearances rather than traditional marketing, and discover the strategic thinking behind their international expansion into places like Dubai and India.

Jason shares his personal journey from professional sports to franchise development, offering candid reflections on adaptability, planning, and scaling with intention.

Whether you're an aspiring franchisee or a seasoned pro,this episode offers invaluable lessons in branding, infrastructure readiness, and leading with authenticity.

In this insightful episode of Franchise Today, Tony Zaccario, President & CEO of Stretch Zone, shares his extraordinary rise from 22-year-old General Manager to the leader of a 400-location wellness brand. Tony opens up about his unplanned entrance into franchising, the early lessons from licensing missteps, and the critical pivot to training and supporting franchisees for sustainable growth and success.

Tony emphasizes the power of transparency, mentorship, and sound unit-level economics in building a scalable and resilient franchise system. He recounts navigating the pandemic with steady communication and shares how Stretch Zone’s partnership with Princeton Equity Group and industry leaders like Drew Brees has positioned the brand for global growth.

From exploring B2B revenue streams and national accounts to addressing joint employment concerns and franchise education, Tony provides a masterclass in visionary yet practical franchise leadership.

Barb Moran planned to be an artist, but life had other ideas. She faced other challenges including being fired from her family’s business by her father and suffering a traumatic brain injury, but she turned these setbacks into stepping stones.

Today, Barb is the CEO of the Moran Family of Brands, parent company to six automotive-related franchise brands: Mr. Transmission, Milex Complete Auto Care, Turbo Tint, AltaMere, Multistate Transmissions, and Dr. Nick's Transmissions. And... oh, by the way, this is the very company that she wasfired from, back in the day. Today, Barb and the Moran Family of Brands are award-winning, well-respected members of the (IFA) International Franchise Association and the broader franchise community.

Some takeaways from the interview:

• Embrace Change: When life forces you off your current path, look at it as a chance to pivot instead of it being an obstacle. Embracing change is often the key to unlockinghidden opportunities.

• Perseverance Pays Off: Use setbacks to fuel your determination and push through. Especially in business. Persistence will set you apart.

• The Power of Self-Belief: The journey from self-doubt to self-belief can be hard, but it’s also rewarding. By trusting in your ability, you’ll achieve the confidence you need to lead and thrive.

What do you get when you mix structural engineering, with immigrant grit, a viral video, and a love for Hawaiian poke? What you get is the recipe for one of the most exciting fast-casual franchise stories of the past decade.

This week on Franchise Today, Stan Friedman welcomes Peter Yang, co-founder and managing partner of Pokeworks—a premium poke concept that exploded out of a 750-square-foot shop in Midtown Manhattan and quickly became a national sensation.

Peter shares how:

Pokeworks went from unknown to viral, thanks to a burrito and a million online views an hour
A family legacy in food and a pivot from engineering set the foundation
They use EOS and AI to drive operational consistency and franchisee support
80% of franchisees come back for more—and why passion trumps experience

If you think you know fast casual franchising, think again. This episode is a masterclass in how authenticity, values, and execution have morphed a niche idea into a thriving national brand.

Clarissa Windham-Bradstock, CFE, CEO, CPO on transforming healthcare access and building a franchise model for the future

With a unique background that spans healthcare, franchising, and public policy, Clarissa Windham-Bradstock brings a bold, mission-driven leadership style to the helm of one of the nation’s most innovative direct-to-consumer lab testing brands. Under her guidance, Any Lab Test Now has not only expanded its national footprint but has also become a trusted resource for affordable, accessible healthcare testing — no insurance or appointments required.

She’s also a passionate advocate for consumer empowerment in healthcare, a champion for women in franchising, and a firm believer in building purpose-driven franchise cultures.

Join us for this candid conversation, at the trisection ofhealthcare, entrepreneurship, and leadership — and learn how Clarissa is helping shape the future of both franchise and healthcare delivery models.

Josh Wall is an accomplished brand leader with a stellarrecord of driving shareholder value through strategic acquisitions, innovative market development strategies, and dynamic team growth. His passion is fostering high-performance cultures and delivering exceptional results. He is adept at steering organizations toward sustained success and market leadership.

Josh has been growing successful franchise brands for20+ years. Sixteen of those years were in key leadership positions in both Operations and Franchise Development at the wildly successful Christian Brothers Automotive.

In July of 2019 Josh left Christian Brothers to assume similar responsibilities for Urban Air Adventure Parks. Today, he serves as Chief Operating Officer for Unleased Brands, the platform company that owns Urban Air, The Little Gym,Sylvan Learning Centers, Snapology, Premier Martial Arts, Class 101 and XP League.

As COO, Josh oversees brand teams for Operations, Franchise Development, Shared Services across the brands and is additionally responsible for all of the portfolio's Mergers and Acquisitions.
His leadership philosophy centers on strategic vision, operational excellence, and a relentless focus on achieving outstanding outcomes for all stakeholders. As a C-Suite leader, Josh is committed to leveraging these strengths to drive organizational growth and deliver significant value in competitive markets.

This week I am joined by Don and Evonne Varady, a dynamic husband and wife team who are the founders and franchisors of Clean Eatz, one of the fastest-growing healthy food franchises in the country. Evonne and Don share their incredible journey — from launching their first café to building a purpose-driven brand, that’s changing lives across the nation.

We talked about:
✅ The early struggles and breakthroughs
✅ What it takes to build a values-based franchise
✅ Staying mission-focused in a fast-growth business
✅ How they’ve cultivated a community — not just customers

If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, franchising, orcreating impact through business, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

CleanEatz #Entrepreneurship #Franchising #Podcast#HealthyLiving #PurposeDrivenBusiness #Leadership #SmallBusinessSuccess#ComingSoon #EvonneVarady #DonVarady Brought to you by: #FRMSolutions

True story: Transitioning from military life to the world of franchising can be a pivotal moment in one's career. Back in 1994, Mary Kennedy Thompson, a former Marine, embarked on this journey seeking stability for her family. Inspired by a simple franchise brochure from Cookies by Design, she took a leap that led to multiple successful locations and eventually to the role of President of the company.

Throughout her career, Mary has demonstrated that franchising isn’t just about business; it’s about empowerment. Here are a few insights from our conversation:

• Leadership Matters: Mary emphasizes that effective leadership shapes organizational culture. Franchisors and franchisees alike must embody core values to drive success.

• Community Drives Growth: The power of local support is immense. During uncertain times, organizations like BNI andIFA provide stability and a sense of belonging.

• Give First: The transformative essence of giving is compelling. BNI’s motto “giver’s gain” showcases how selflessness can catalyze both personal and communal success.

Mary's journey from the military to the C-Suite has always been as a servant leader. She consistently illustrates that with resilience, one can navigate challenges and find new significance beyond mere success.

True story: Navigating the challenges of a male-dominated industry can be daunting, but through perseverance and mentorship, it's possible to carve your own path. Lora Kellogg's inspiring journey from becoming the first female VP at Scotty's, a chain of home improvement stores, to the founder and CEO of Curious Jane, The Ad Agency for Franchise Brands.

Key insights from Laura's story and the podcast discussion:

1. Mentorship Matters: Having a supportive mentor can significantly influence your career trajectory, especially in challenging environments.

2. Adaptability is Key: Letting go of revenue to focus on a niche market can lead to greater growth opportunities.

Why Franchisors Should Build Internal, Franchise Development Marketing Infrastructure. Relying solely on brokers or FSO's, may not yield the best results.

4. Engaging Franchisees is Essential. Involving franchisees in national campaigns fosters collaboration andcommitment.

5. Leverage Technology Wisely: AI can enhance your marketing strategies, but it should complement human efforts, not replace them.

"The Evolving Landscape of Franchise Marketing." Lora Kellogg, Founder and CEO of Curious Jane, The Ad Agency, for Franchise Brands, this week on Franchise Today.

This week on Franchise Today, host Stan Friedmanwelcomes John Teza, a franchising veteran with more than 20 years of leadership experience across top-tier brands.

John’s journey includes influential roles with Quiznos,Jersey Mike’s, and currently as CEO of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, one of the fastest-growing wellness franchises in North America. Known for his strategic vision, people-first leadership, and deep operational knowledge, John has helped shape some of the most recognized namesin the industry.

In this episode, John discusses:

Pivotal Moments that shaped his career

What it takes to lead through transformation

How to scale franchise systems sustainably

His insights into the future of health and wellness

Whether you’re a franchisor, franchisee, or entrepreneur,John's story offers valuable takeaways and inspiration.

1Huddle is revolutionizing workforce training for franchises through its AI-powered, gamified platform, designed to engage franchisees, managers, employees and streamline onboarding processes. By transforming traditional training materials into interactive mobile games, 1Huddle enhances knowledge retention and accelerates employee readiness across franchise networks .

In this compelling episode of Franchise Today, Stansits down with Greg Muzzillo, founder of Proforma, a $600 + million provider of printing and promotional products, serving businesses of all sizes around the world. Through its network of more than 600 franchisees, distributors and affiliates, Proforma is a market leader in this $300 billion market segment.

As Stan unpacks Greg’s amazing story, you will hear how mentorship, resilience, and smart pivots have shaped ProForma’s franchise success. From early rejections, to life-changing guidance... from mentors like Subway founder FredDeLuca and recruitment and franchising icon, Alan Schonberg, founder of Management Recruiters, Greg opens up about evolving his business from cold leads to a purpose-driven powerhouse.

Learn how his wife Vera, who just happens to be Proforma's CEO has provided the leadership that has been instrumental to their growth, as a woman-owned business. Learn too, why genuine connections—and asking the right questions—are everything in business.

Greg confesses that he never planned on building a franchiseempire—but how one simple conversation changed his life. He also shares the highs, lows, and transformative lessons behind Proforma's success. From spiritual growth, to philanthropic impact... from selling products, to empoweringpeople, Greg reveals how values and vision can turn a business into a legacy.

This week we hear from Scott Thompson, Chief DevelopmentOfficer at Radiance Holdings, the franchisors of Sola Salons and Woodhouse Spa. Listen in, as Scott reflects on his unexpected journey into franchising, which began after he faced rejection in his initial career, as a cardiac rehab specialist. Pivoting to his passion for fitness, Scott joined Fitness Together, ultimately becoming a successful, multi-unit franchisee in New York City, before pivoting again to the corporate side of the business, as a franchisor.

Scott shares insights from his hands-on experiences, including the challenges of navigating the 2008 financial crisis, emphasizing his belief that determination and a willingness to learn are essential for success in franchising.

Discover how a chance encounter with a mall retailer led Dawn Kane, co-founder and CEO of Hot Dish Advertising, to revolutionize franchise marketing. After managing an in-house agency for a mall developer, Dawn, along with two of her cohorts, ventured out to establish her own agency, bringing her fast-paced retail expertise to the franchising world.

The Minnesota-based agency, named after the beloved regional casserole, transformed from a consumer-focused marketing firm into a franchise development powerhouse. Their innovative approach replaced generic messagingwith data-driven strategies, setting new standards in franchise marketing.

The COVID-19 pandemic became a catalyst for positive change, as Hot Dish successfully transitioned to a fully remote operation. This move expanded their talent pool nationwide while maintaining team cohesion throughthe Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).

Ready to dive into the fascinating story of how mall marketing experience evolved into franchise industry expertise?

Listen to this episode to learn how Dawn Kane and Hot Dish Advertising are reshaping the franchise marketing landscape.

Discover how Alison and Marty Langenderfer, transformed her passion for wellness into Spavia, a thriving spa franchise with 60 locations nationwide. After leaving pharmaceutical sales, Alison and her husband Marty identified a gap in the market for a more comprehensive spa experience, leading to Spavia's launch in 2005.

What sets Spavia apart is their unwavering commitment to customer experience and community involvement. Through their "Spavia Cares" initiative, franchisees actively support local causes.

Spavia's focus on exceptional guest experiences and careful franchisee selection has driven their sustainable growth. The company's success stems from prioritizing quality over rapid expansion, ensuring franchisees are well-capitalized and aligned with the brand's values.

Looking ahead, Spavia plans to continue it's suburban expansion, while also launching an innovative urban brand called Sway, combining high-touch service with cutting-edge technology.

Tune in to hear how this power couple built a wellness empire while maintaining their commitment to community impact and exceptional customer service.

Discover how right out of college, this architecture graduate had a change of plans, morphing from retail to restaurants. Over the course of some 30 years John Ramsay has become a restaurant and franchise industry leader. His unexpected path began with retail jobs and led to pioneering roles in major restaurant chains.

John Ramsey's fascinating career trajectory offers unique insights into the evolution of franchising, from traditional restaurants to innovative virtual kitchens.

This episode showcases how diverse experiences andadaptability can lead to franchise success, while emphasizing the importance of strong partnerships and strategic growth.

Ready to unlock the secrets of franchise success? Listen to this episode for invaluable insights from a true industry veteran.

Daryl Dollinger's journey began in his youth, working in the food service industry through high school and college. Hegained valuable experience in catering, cafeteria management, and campus dining with Aramark. His exposure to the food business, including opportunitieswith the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, sparked his interest and led him to leave Aramark and join a new restaurant venture in Buckhead called Country Star American Music Grill.

This marked a pivotal transition as Daryl embarked on a path towards entrepreneurship and franchising. His journey in food and hospitality included stints at Einstein's Bagels and Planet Smoothie, before becoming the co-founder and creator of the Moe's Southwest Grill concept, which they launched in Buckhead in 2000 with a small team andlimited resources, but managed to build into a successful business through hard work and dedication, with more than 100 locations, before his successful exit in 2008. Today he is focused on the further development of his Flying Biscuit Cafe Concept, with more than 36 open and operating and many more on the way.

This week, we'll discover how a family-owned after-school program morphed into a thriving franchise system, focused on empowering children through personalized education.

Stephanie Coppedge shares the fascinating evolution of Gideon Math and Reading, from its humble beginnings in 2004, as a licensing model, to its current success, with 30 total units open and operating and many more on the horizon.

Gideon Math and Reading, our Q-1, 2025, "Rising Star of Franchising."

This week on Franchise Today we break with our usual format and feature not one, but 25 voices… all, franchise movers and shakers. Each will share their thoughts and perceptions about the impact of President Trump’sdecisive win on franchising.

No personal feelings or biases were accepted. The Question to these franchise pros: “What have you observed already andwhat do you see ahead, with Donald Trump in the White House.

Mike Kelly, Senior Director, AtmosphereTV
David Owassi, Founder CEO Outreach
Dave McDougal, VP We Sell Restaurants
David Rawnsley, President, RobeksJuice
Steve Greenbaum, IFA Legend
Monica Feid, PR Pro
Peter Holt. IFA Legend
Erik Van Horn, Franchise Advisor, Entrepreneur,Podcaster
Dawn Abbamondi, CMO, SMB FranchiseAdvisors
Erin Fletter, Founder, CEO, Food GeekEmerging Franchisor, Sticky Fingers Cooking School
Katrina Mitchell, Chief Matchmaker, FranchiseSpeakers
Ford Saeks, “Featured Speaker,” FranchiseSpeakers.
Matt Haller, IFA, President, CEO

The episode drops at noon EDT on Wed. 3/12/25 at www.franchisetodaypodcast.com, or wherever you chase podcasts.

This week, discover how Keenan Fisher transformed his family's franchising expertise into a modern barbershopempire. As the driving force behind Tommy Gun's Original Barber Shops, Fisher brings a unique blend of edge, attitude, and confidence to the traditional barbershop experience.

Growing up in his family's successful Chatters hair salon franchise, Fisher recognized a gap in the men's grooming market. This led to the creation of Tommy Gun's, a conceptinspired by 1930s Chicago and New York vibes, offering premium barbershop services on demand through proprietary technology.

The brand's success is evident in its rapid expansion to 85 locations across Canada and 15 in Australia and New Zealand by 2015. Under Fisher's leadership, Tommy Gun's hasrevolutionized the industry by investing in top talent, including global creative lead John Mosley, and embracing the growing artistry in modern barbering.

Ready to experience the future of men's grooming? Listen to this episode to learn how Fisher is redefining the barbershop experience and creating a community of passionatefranchisees who share his vision for excellence.

This week, we are back with Part 2 of myConversation with John Rotche. Every nowand then, I happen upon a franchise biography that is so compelling that a single episode of Franchise Today just can’t do it justice. And, such is the case with John Rotche. Last week we wrapped up approaching the Title Boxing Chapter of John’s storied career and we’ll pick back-up there today, but first a couple of reflections on some of what John shared with us last week.

John quipped in wonderment about how he, athlete guy turned entrepreneur, managed to have the good fortune to be taken under the wings of not one, but two IFA Entrepreneur’s of the Year Domino's CEO Tom Monaghan and Service Brands International Founder, CEO and Serial Entrepreneur David McKinnon. To that, I say this..., “When the student is ready, the teacher appears. And oh, btw, it’s no coincidence that IFA awarded John those same prestigious honors in 2011. So, let’s pick back-up where we left off. Part 2: John Rotche, From Football to Franchising.

This week on Franchise Today, I welcome John Rotche, afranchise professional with a compelling story of overcoming adversity. John shares his journey from the expectations of beginning a promising college football career, to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the franchising world.

He discusses the importance of mentorship, the lessons learned from his experiences at Domino's and Krispy Kreme, and how he transitioned into the air duct cleaning business, before ultimately founding Franworth.

The conversation highlights the significance of building teams, the impact of mentorship, and the drive to help others succeed in their franchising endeavors.

Takeaways:

· Franchising is about building relationships andteams

· Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal andprofessional growth

· Overcoming adversity can lead to unexpectedopportunities

· Understanding your business's core focus isessential for success

· The importance of consistency and followingstandards in operations

· Giving back to the community can create apositive impact

· Franchising can be a path for those who haven’tplanned for it

· Learning from industry leaders can shape yourcareer

· The journey of entrepreneurship often involvesunexpected pivots

· Creating a legacy involves helping othersachieve their dreams

Greg George, Franchisor, CEO and co-owner of the Peach Cobbler Factory, reflects on his 35-year career in franchising and the personal transformation he underwent in his late 50s following a significant awakening.

The Peach Cobbler Factory has become the fastest-growing dessert chain in America, opening over 112 locations in less than three years. Despite this success, Greg shares his previous struggles and long history of drug and alcohol addiction, which began at age 12 and lasted until he was 46—a pattern he describes as a “family curse” affecting multiple generations.

Greg recounts the challenges of witnessing his oldest son’seight-year opiate addiction, which involved multiple overdoses and homelessness. This family crisis became a turning point, when his son entered a faith-based treatment center after hitting rock bottom. Shortly after, Gregfaced his own moment of reckoning, deciding to attend 90 Narcotics Anonymous meetings in 90 days, which marked the start of nearly seven years of sobriety.

His son also turned his life around and now holds a high-level position in Greg’s company. Together, they have helped 43 individuals find treatment for addiction.

Greg also highlights the significant influence of his businesspartner, Larry Johnston, a Fortune 50 CEO who became a mentor and friend through an unexpected social media connection. Throughout his journey, Greg emphasizes hope for those struggling with addiction, noting that manysuccessful people may secretly battle similar issues. He advocates for admitting powerlessness and seeking help, sharing how willpower and discipline led to his recovery and a more balanced life. Greg is dedicated to assisting others, particularly the homeless, by providing essentials and emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from helping others rather than financial success. Greg expresses gratitude towards Larry for supporting his growth and enabling him to aid others. He encourages individuals facing similar challenges to reach out for support and aims to positively impact at least one person through his story. The conversation concludes with appreciation forGreg’s transparency and dedication to personal and business growth, inviting interest in the Peach Cobbler Factory and his mission to help others.

This week on Franchise Today, I host Greg George, founder and CEO of Peach Cobbler Factory, who shares his compelling story from designing cigar lounges to building out a 100+ unit dessert and treat concept. Greg’s story is one of passion, resilience, and family values. Key highlights include: Greg’s strategic approach to franchising, staying with brands until they soar, and his emphasis on strong products and financial diligence. The rapid expansion of Peach Cobbler Factory, growing to 112 locations across 22 states by 2022, thanks to Greg’s visionary leadership and a mentor’s guidance. Personal stories of triumph over adversity, including Greg’s own battle with addiction and his commitment to supporting others on similar paths. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, this episode is packed with valuable insights on scaling businesses, overcoming obstacles, and the profound impact of people in business. Don’t miss out on Greg George’s inspiring story and learn how franchising can be a powerful platform for change.

As a college student, Nick Lopez started apainting business to pay for his education. However, after reading the book "The E-Myth Revisited" Nick was inspired by the potential of the franchise model.

This experience inspired Nick to explore franchising further, and eventually growing Lyme Painting into the scalable business it has become. Nick's story highlights how passion, adaptability, and a willingness to learn, can lead to unexpected opportunities in the world offranchising. Nick also describes how his entrepreneurship journey is guided by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, thereby making him the Founder and Steward of the business, as opposed to Founder and CEO.

Nick and Stan talk too about how the unique competitive advantage of the business is in its marketsegmentation. Nick was intrigued by the lack of national players focused on the high-end homeownermarket, which led him to pursue a scalable franchise model in this segment of the home improvement space.

Nick Lopez, this week on Franchise TOday.

Listen to this episode to learn how military discipline and a servant's heart can create an extraordinary franchise leadership career. Steve White is the President, COO of PuroClean.

Discover how coming out of the Army, Steve's military precision transformed Domino's Pizza's struggling equipment division into a well-oiled machine. Steve White, a former Army officer, leveraged his logistics expertise to revolutionize Domino's operations in the 1980s, setting the stage for his remarkable career in franchising.

Steve's problem-solving abilities caught the attention of Domino's founder, leading to successful turnarounds in multiple divisions. His leadership journey continued as he helped consolidate several companies under the Allegra brand and later became President and COO of PuroClean, where he continues to make an impact in the restoration industry.

A passionate advocate for franchise community involvement, Steve serves on the IFA board, has chaired the IFA's VetFran committee and he currently chairs the IFA Educational Foundation.

This week on Franchise Today, Prospect Direct Founder and CEO Alex Oswiecinski shares his insights on the power of data-driven franchise development. He explains how focusing and targeting individuals with strong business acumen and financial capabilities, rather than just capturing leads from those who fill out forms online is a game changer. This more qualified approach sets them apart from generic lead generation portals that cast a wide net. Prospect Direct's process involves thoroughly vetting prospects' professional backgrounds and experience to identify the best-fit franchisee candidates for their clients.

Alex attributes Prospect Direct's rapid growth, ranking 753 on the Inc. 5000 list, to factors like the pandemic disrupting traditional lead generation methods and their ability to connect with high-earning, six-figure potential franchise owners through targeted email campaigns. The key lessons from Alex's journey?

• Embrace a data-driven approach, focus on quality over quantity, and foster transparent, sustainable relationships between franchisors and franchisees.

• Identify and target high-quality franchisee prospects with strong business acumen

• Thoroughly vet candidates to ensure a good fit with the franchise model

• Manage expectations and deliver realistic results in the franchise development process

• Prioritize transparency and responsible franchise growth over short-term gains.

In this final episode of Season 15, host Stan Friedman delivers a heartwarming tribute to family, gratitude, and success as he welcomes Charles Bonfiglio, franchise founder and CEO of Tint World. Inspired in large part by hiis father, Charles emphasizes the importance of relationships and shares his journey from humble beginnings in Brooklyn, NY to leading a 150-unit strong and growing automotive aftermarket franchise chain.This episode also highlights his expanding portfolio of ventures, which starts with Tint World, ranked 249 on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2024 Franchise 500, his new emerging concept Cars Cafe and Auto Parts Network®, a Patent Pending, Automotive Aftermarket Parts and Accessories Distribution and eCommerce software company. Stan closes the episode extending gratitude to sponsors guests and listeners, marking the season's end with well-wishes for the holidays.

Tracy Stapp Herold is the special projects editor at Entrepreneur magazine. The Annual Franchise 500 is her MOST ANTICIPATED publications each year. It is Franchising’s equivalent of the Oscars, the Emmy’s, the Grammys, albeit minus the red carpet, but it is the Big Deal of the Year, when it comes to ratings. So, what goes into that pot of stew. How many data points are included and how are they massaged, measured and weighted. How much if any, has the changing nature of franchising influenced the curation of the data that drives the 500. Not that long ago, our industry was more Mom and Pop, operator centric with what were typically founder-led brands. Today, it’s not unusual to see franchisee enterprises that eclipse many franchisor organizations in size and infrastructure. Massive MUMBO’S multi-unit multi branded operations with dozens sometimes hundreds of locations. And, on the Zor side, we see tons of roll-ups... Portfolios of brands, dominating specific verticals and service areas, led by divisions and subdivisions of Private Equity Sponsors replacing those founder-led concepts of yester year, with the power of professional management, deep pockets for growth and investment, igniting the economies of scale like rocket fuel. It’s safe to say that our corner of the world, franchising is a changed place not your dad’s old Buick which means what’s important in 2025 to the compilation of the Franchise 500 too, must look a lot different. Or does it? Here to answer that and talk a whole lot more about it: Tracy Stapp Herold, Editor of Special Projects, at Entrepreneur Media.

I’ve worked hard, built wealth, and won some awards along the way, and that’s all great, but I view my greatest accomplishments in life as my marriage to my beautiful and smart wife, Leslie, and raising our three beautiful children who have grown into amazing adults. They are grounded, balanced, nice people, who truly care about others. Family is everything to me. - Jimmy John Liautaud.As you will hear in this episode, benevolence is right up there, with love for his family. The iconic Jimmy John Liautaud, this week on Franchise Today!

This week Stan sits down with Stephen Preuss, co-founder and CEO of Paymore Electronics, to explore the journey of transforming a humble secondhand store into a thriving franchise concept. Discover how Stephen and his partner Eric Helgesen redefined the secondhand electronics market by blending brick-and-mortar with e-commerce, harnessing the power of proprietary technology, and the need to overcome challenging industry stigmas.In this episode, Stephen shares insights into the meticulous process of franchising, the strategic decisions that led to their rapid expansion, and the unique value proposition of Paymore stores. Learn about their innovative approach to customer experience, which boasts a repeat customer rate nearly 10X StephenR.Preussthe industry standard, and their commitment to eco-friendly practices through free electronics recycling.Tune in to understand the challenges and triumphs faced by Paymore as they scale nationwide and internationally, and get a glimpse into their vision for the future of the secondhand electronics industry.

This week I welcome Kyle McKeown, Senior Vice President of ProfitKeeper by PrimePay, as both a guest and a new sponsor. Kyle shares his journey into franchising, highlighting his 18-year experience in the industry and how ProfitKeeper has evolved over the years to support franchisees and franchisors alike.Kyle discusses the inception of ProfitKeeper, initially designed to assist franchisees with accounting, and how it pivoted to become a comprehensive financial visibility tool for franchisors. He explains how ProfitKeeper empowers franchisees by providing insightful data that enables them to benchmark their performance and make informed decisions to enhance their business profitability.The conversation also delves into the competitive nature of franchisees and the role of collaboration tools in fostering community and improving performance. Kyle emphasizes the importance of leadership in franchising and shares his personal experience as a Primrose franchisee, underscoring the value of aligning with a brand with strong leadership.Tune in to learn more about how ProfitKeeper is shaping the franchise landscape and discover insights into the dynamics of franchising from an industry veteran.

This week I am joined by Ryan Parsons, co-founder of The Brothers That Just Do Gutters and CEO of The Riverside Company's, Evive Brands. Dive into the journey of how "The Brothers That Just Do Gutters" transformed from being just a small business into a thriving franchise with 100 plus franchisees with hundreds of locations. .Ryan shares insights on the unexpected path to franchising, the challenges faced during the recession, and the pivotal moments that led to their success. Discover how client feedback sparked the idea of franchising and how a focus on systems and branding played a crucial role in their growth.Explore the evolution of Evive Brands, a portfolio under The Riverside Company, which includes Assisted Living Locators, Grayson's Estate Sales, and Executive Home Care. Ryan discusses his transition to CEO of Evive Brands, the impact of COVID on franchising, and the importance of embracing technology and innovation in today's business landscape.Gain valuable nuggets of wisdom from Ryan's experiences and learn about the future of franchising as he shares his outlook on the industry. Whatever your role in franchising, his episode offers valuable insights into sustainable growth and the power of reinvention.

This week I welcome Kevin King, the newly appointed CEO of Donatos Pizza. In this engaging episode, Kevin shares his incredible journey from a 14-year-old dishwasher at a local pizza joint to leading one of the most respected brands in the industry.Kevin reflects on his early career choices, including turning down a job at Procter & Gamble to join Dominos Pizza, where he discovered his passion for franchising. He discusses his experiences working in various countries, managing and turning around struggling stores, and the valuable lessons he learned along the way.Returning to Donatos after nearly two decades, Kevin talks about the brand's unwavering commitment to its mission and values, and how these principles have guided him throughout his career. He also explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the restaurant industry, the rise of third-party delivery services, and the importance of being agile in a rapidly changing business environment.Tune in to hear Kevin's insights on the future of franchising, the role of private equity, and his vision for Donatos as the company continues to grow and innovate. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the dynamic world of franchising and restaurant leadership.

This week I am joined by Serial Entrepreneur Ron Holt, the founder of Two Maids and a Mop and Pink Zebra Moving. Ron shares his inspiring journey from lab work, following graduating UGA with a degree in Biology, to a more inspiring, and exciting career, as a successful franchise entrepreneur. Discover how a traffic jam and a pivotal book, (The E-Myth) led Ron to rethink his career path and venture into the world of entrepreneurship and franchising. In this episode, Ron reveals the story behind the creation of Two Maids and a Mop, the challenges he faced, and how he transformed a single cleaning business into a thriving franchise, and a successful private equity exit.Ron also discusses his latest venture, Pink Zebra Moving, a unique moving company franchise, that promises to make moving a fun and happy experience. Learn about the innovative practices that set Pink Zebra apart in the moving industry, and how Ron plans to disrupt the market once again. Whether you're a franchise enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration from a true industry disruptor. Ron Holt, this week, on Franchise Today!

Ron Bender was one of the most affable, caring, sharing professionals in all of franchising. We lost him this weekend and he will be sorely missed. I interviewed Ron on Dec. 6, 2023, while he was still at Threshold Brands I re-listened to that episode yesterday, after learning of his death. While most of the conversation was centered around Threshold, all I could really hear was the warm, affable voice of my friend Ron. In his memory, I share that interview again today. This time, minus the usual Franchise Today Intro, Outro and commercials. The franchise world wil forever miss you Ron. Rest in Peace my friend.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a leading franchise in the health-focused fast-casual market. With nearly 1,500 locations nationwide, they offer an extensive menu of real-fruit smoothies, wraps, salads, sandwiches and flatbreads. Charles Watson joined Tropical Smoothie Cafes in 2010 as VP of Franchise Development and was elevated to Chief Development Officer in 2015, following his personal responsibility for awarding more than 800 franchises, during his tenure. In 2018 Charles went on to become CEO. A veteran hospitality pro, Charles has worked for several hospitality-related companies, including Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Intercontinental Hotels Group, US Franchise Systems, Inc. and Hospitality Real Estate Counselors. He is a graduate of The Hotel School at Cornell University and also holds a Masters in Business from The Terry School of Business, at The University of Georgia.

Stephanie Johnson’s journey began with earning her Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications and gaining experience at a safety association. That path led her relocate to Denver and join AlphaGraphics, where she rapidly ascended from her initial role as Marketing Campaign Manager in 2019, to her present position, VP of Marketing for AlphaGraphics, POSTNET and World Options, All three of these brand flags flying under the umbrella of MBE Global. AlphaGraphics operates approximately 230 franchises across the U.S. focusing on providing printing and marketing solutions for businesses, small and large. Her Marketing team is charged with increasing brand awareness and lead generation through national campaigns while improving internal communications with franchise owners. In response to COVID-19, AlphaGraphics boosted their marketing efforts with a campaign that offered $25,000 brand makeovers to small businesses, served by their franchisees. This was followed by their wildly successful “Bring Your Brand to Life” initiative, emphasizing storytelling via high-quality videos.At PostNet, the emphasis is on micro businesses and smaller print jobs, prioritizing customer relationships through campaigns like “We Love Our Customers” and “First Name Basis.”World Options the third leg of the stool, supports the logistical needs of small and medium-sized businesses with personalized shipping solutions, emphasizing exceptional customer service and flexible carrier options.Stephanie Johnson, VP of Marketing for all three brands, joins us this week to share more about it all, right here on Franchise Today.

This week I present a very special edition of Franchise Today, featuring excerpts of me being interviewed by Tracy Panase and Shannon Wilburn, on their brand new podcast, The Franchise Leaders Forum. With permission from Tracy and Shannon, we are simulcasting that interview, right here on Franchise Today. So, listen as we flip the script and I become the subject of the interview, as opposed to being the interviewer. While this simulcast introduces you to Tracy and Shannon and The Franchise Leaders Forum, it also gives you a chance to learn a bit more about my storied career, which started in broadcast and led to some 36 subsequent years in franchising. I hope you enjoy this. I had a ton of fun doing it!

Welcome to another exciting episode of Franchise Today featuring Sean Bach, a seasoned franchise professional with a unique journey through the industry. From his early exposure to franchising through his father's association with the founder of Pizza Hut, to his pivotal roles at Cold Stone Creamery, Drybar, and now Pure Glow, Sean's story is one of constant learning and evolution.In this episode, Sean shares his transition from tax law to a career in franchise leadership and development. Sean also reveals his strategic approach to growing emerging brands, highlighting his current role at Pure Glow, an airbrush tanning franchise. Learn how Sean's investment in Pure Glow aims to revolutionize the tanning industry by offering a health-conscious alternative to traditional UV tanning.Sean also shares insights to where the franchise business model may be heading, over the next 1-3- 5 years. Sean Bock, this week on Franchise Today

This week we are joined by Jenny Young, founder and CEO of Brooklyn Robot Foundry. Jenny is our Q-3, 2024 rising star of franchising and she shares her inspiring journey from a single unit in NYC, to the establishment of a successful, emerging franchise system, that is thriving!..Jenny discusses how her background as a mechanical engineer and her passion for empowering children through creative robot-building classes led her to franchising. She delves into the challenges of operating in New York City's expensive commercial real estate market and how she pivoted to a more profitable mobile business model, eventually franchising it in 2022.The episode also highlights the importance of company values, the role of diversity in business, and the unique "Frandowment" competition that helped Brooklyn Robot Foundry find its second franchise owner. Jenny offers valuable insights for emerging franchisors, emphasizing the need for strong support systems and the significance of maintaining brand integrity.Join us to learn more about Jenny's innovative approach to franchising and her dedication to fostering creativity and entrepreneurship.

This week on Franchise Today I sit down with Brian Schnell, Partner and Chair of the Franchise Practice at Faegre Drinker, as well as the Chairman of the IFA's Franchise Relations Committee. Brian shares his journey into the world of franchise law, starting from his early days at Gray Plant Moody and his first project with International Dairy Queen in 1987.During this interview, Schnell delves into the intricacies of the franchise industry, discussing the significance of system change, unit-level profitability, and the importance of relationships and culture. Brian offers insights into the evolving landscape of franchising, including the rise of private equity in both franchisors and franchisees, and the need for responsible franchising practices.Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities within the franchise sector, and gain valuable knowledge from one of the industry's most insightful professionals.

This week we are joined by Brett Larrabee, a seasoned franchise professional who has accomplished a great deal in his culinary and franchise career. Brett’s incredible journey began right out of college, as a franchisee…, not just any franchisee, but as Subway’s very first, in the City of Seattle. Over the next 20 years, Brett grew with Subway, opening many more locations and eventually helping other franchisees within the system, that were perhaps a little less successful than he. That ultimately led to his transition, from the role of franchisee to that of franchisor. Brett went on to develop more sophisticated franchised restaurants domestically and abroad, for: Panchero’s Mexican Grill, Five Guys, Famous Dave’s BBQ and Little Caesar’s. Brett describe how a few years ago, while in Ukraine for Little Caesar’s, curiosity led him to encounter Lviv Croissants, a wildly successful Ukrainian-based franchise concept. With nearly 200 locations throughout Ukraine, Poland, and Slovakia, this franchise brand is well known for their use of higher than usual, quality ingredients. That, coupled with the simplicity of their operations, and crowds at all hours of the day and night really captured Brett’s interest. What began as intrigue, actually caused Brett to flip the script. After years of taking US brands abroad, he felt moved to bring this concept to the USA, despite the challenges and triumphs of opening the first Lviv Croissants store in Roswell, Georgia, amidst the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.After all these years, Brett returns to the simplicity of his Subway days, but this time, as CEO of Lviv USA, where he is on his way to building a franchise dynasty. Filled with fascinating stories and insights into both the culinary and franchise worlds, he’s here today, to dish on it all.

This week we dive deep into the fascinating career of Jamie Izaks, co-founder and president of All Points Public Relations. Jamie's journey from journalism to the hospitality industry, and finally to entrepreneurship, is a story of inspiration and perseverance.Jamie and I have known each other for 18 years, but it wasn’t until recently that I truly understood the depth of his background. His early years in television journalism, coupled with his foundational experience at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, led to an executive-level management role at Fishman PR led to a wealth of knowledge and ultimately the formation of his own PR Firm, with Lauren Izaks, his wife and co-founder. Before we dive into our conversation with Jamie, a special thanks to Aicha Bascaro, founder and CEO of the American Franchise Academy. If you missed last week's episode, be sure to grab it at www.franchisetodaypodcast.com. I've dubbed her Wonder Woman and you will understand why, after listening. .Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in the coming weeks, including insights from franchise lawyer Brian Schnell, Nneighborly CFO Jon Shell, Express Employment Professionals VP Harvey Homsy, and many more. Be sure to subscribe to Franchise Today, to never miss an episode.

This week we delve into the incredible journey of Aicha Boscaro, founder and CEO of the American Franchise Academy. Aicha recounts her unexpected entry into the franchising world, from her humble beginnings, freah out of college in the 80's, and out of business, after her retail boutique start-up failed. Looking for something easy to do, to pay her bills,while deciding what came next, Aicha became a Domino's pizza delivery driver. Little did she know then, that the decison to drive for Domino's would alter the course of her life. Learn how Aicha's passion for systems and processes led her to establish the American Franchise Academy, a unique institution dedicated to supporting franchisees in achieving their American dream. Discover the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way, and how her academy has evolved to meet the needs of franchisees and multi-unit operators worldwide.Tune in to hear about Aicha's insights on leadership, business management, and the importance of understanding and motivating diverse teams. Whether you're a budding franchisee or a seasoned operator, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and inspiration.

Over the past two weeks, we've delved into some fascinating finance conversations, centered upon creating liuidity events via royalty transactions, thanks to insights from Sean Morrison and David Earle.This week, we remain in the capital arena with Alicia Miller, a strategic advisor to franchise founders, leaders, and investors. Alicia Miller is the founder of Emergent Growth Advisors and author of the bestselling book "Big Money in Franchising. She joins us this week to discuss the transformative impact of private equity on franchising. With a trillion dollars in dry powder waiting to be deployed, private equity is reshaping the franchise landscape, partnering with over 700 brands, including Subway's notable acquisition by Rourke Capital for over $9 billion.Alicia's extensive experience includes advising franchise management teams and private capital firms on growth and value creation, alongside her work with Elevated Ventures Group and her contributions to Franchise Times, Entrepreneur, and Forbes. Alicia Miller, this week on Franchise Today..

Welcome to Franchise Today. In this week's episode, we continue our exploration of liquidity events that seem almost too magical to be true. Imagine achieving a liquidity event without sacrificing any equity or control over your brand. Last week, Sean Morrison from Diversified Royalty Management introduced us to this intriguing concept.Today, we're joined by David Earl, CFO at Stratus Building Solutions, the fastest-growing provider of green commercial janitorial services in the USA. David shares his journey of discovering and choosing royalty transactions over private equity, a decision that allowed Stratus to monetize their royalty base while maintaining full control and ownership.David's story provides a franchisor’s perspective on navigating liquidity events with this cutting edge approach and offers valuable insights into how other brands might position themselves for similar opportunities. Don't miss this fascinating discussion that could redefine how you think about liquidity and control in the franchising world.Next week, we remain in the world of PE and liquidity with Alicia Miller, a top franchise influencer and strategic advisor. Stay tuned for more powerful insights on Franchise Today.

In this episode, we hear from Sean Morrison, CEO of Diversified Royalty, as we delve into a groundbreaking approach to achieving liquidity for founder-led franchise concepts, without giving up any equity. This method allows qualified franchisors to monetize their current royalty base at very generous multiples of EBITDA, with no need to sell any equity, thus retaining ownership and the upside potential of future growth.

This week on Franchise Today, I am joined by Graham Chapman, who shares his unique journey into the franchising world, a path paved with family ties and serendipitous encounters. Discover how Graham's early experiences with 919 Marketing, a family business turned industry leader, shaped his career and set the stage for his current ventures.As the episode unfolds, Graham reveals some breaking news about his latest roles, including his position as CEO of Zor Forum, Visionary partner at Blue Maven, and his new coaching role at FranCoach. He discusses the importance of responsible franchising, the challenges and rewards of private equity partnerships, and the evolving landscape of the franchise world, post-COVID.Graham also highlights the value of mastermind groups for franchise leaders and shares exciting updates about upcoming events and initiatives. Tune in for a deep dive into the dynamics of franchising, the impact of family business transitions, and the power of strong professional relationships . Join us for an insightful discussion that offers valuable lessons and perspectives for anyone involved in the franchising space.

This week I welcome Erin Fletter, the passionate founder and CEO of Sticky Fingers Cooking. Discover how Erin's humble beginnings at her kitchen table led to the creation of a thriving children's cooking school franchise. Learn about her inspiring journey, the challenges she faced, and the innovative systems she implemented to begin successfully scaling her business across the United States.Erin shares her experiences and insights on the importance of giving back to the community, the critical role of technology in managing operations, and the unique international recipes that set Sticky Fingers Cooking apart. Get inspired by Erin's dedication to empowering women and minorities through franchising, and her commitment to building a supportive and inclusive business environment.Don't miss this insightful conversation that highlights the core values of franchising, the power of mentorship, and the impact of community-driven business models. Erin's passion and perseverance have earned our Rising Star for Q2, 2024. StickyFingersCookingSchool.

In this episode of Franchise Today, I sit down with Tom Krause, CEO of Donato's Pizza, for a compelling conversation about the storied history and exciting future of the beloved pizza brand.Tom shares his unique journey into the franchising world, starting with his early days at McDonalds and Wendy's and eventually leading him to Donato's. He discusses the transformative milestones that have shaped his career and the company, including McDonald's acquisition and subsequent buy-back of Donato's, the challenges and triumphs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the strategic partnership with Red Robin Gourmet Burgers that has enabled national expansion.You will also hear about Tom's personal milestones, such as his marriage to the founder's daughter, Jane Grote Abell, and their combined efforts in fostering a strong company culture and commitment to community service through the Donato's Foundation.As Tom prepares to retire, he introduces his successor, Kevin King, and shares his optimistic vision for the future of Donato's and the pizza industry at large. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in franchising, business growth, and the power of strong leadership and culture.

This week I sit down with Tim Murphy, a company turnaround specialist, with a storied career in the restaurant, entertainment and franchising worlds. Tim shares his journey from working at Denny's Corporate to becoming a mentee of the late Applebee's International Founder and CEO, Abe Gustin Jr. Now, Tim has taken the helm at Boomers Parks a rising chain of Family Entertainment Centers. Learn about Tim's strategies for revitalizing struggling companies, the importance of core values, and the innovative steps he's taking to bring Boomers Parks into the franchising world.Tim also discusses the significance of taking care of both team members and guests, the challenges faced during COVID-19, and the exciting future of Boomers Parks. No matter your current point on the franchise compass, Tim's insights provide valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the power of a strong company culture.

Welcome to another exciting episode of Franchise Today. This week,I welcome Keith Gerson, a trusted friend, respected peer, and an erstwhile frenemy. Keith delves into his early days in franchising, starting from his hippie rock-and-roll days to his first serious job responding to an ad in the Portland Oregonian. He recounts his journey from being a multi-unit supervisor at McDonald's to significant roles in Jack in the Box and Mrs. Fields Cookies, sharing invaluable lessons on systems, processes, and leadership.The conversation highlights Keith's strategic moves during the Great Recession, emphasizing the importance of doubling down on marketing when others pulled back. Keith shares his experience working for private equity and his transition to FranConnect, where he honed his skills in scaling franchise businesses.As the discussion progresses, Keith introduces his latest venture, Gerson Advisory Services, aimed at helping franchisors sell more franchises, drive top-line revenues, improve operational performance, and increase franchisee engagement. He emphasizes the importance of personal branding and the unique value his extensive experience brings to the table.This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone involved in the franchising world, illustrating the importance of continuous learning, strategic decision-making, and authentic leadership. Tune in to learn from one of the industry's most seasoned professionals.

Since 1989, Anago has been making the dream of business ownership a reality. As CEO & President, Adam is deeply passionate about fostering entrepreneurship and the financial freedom that comes with it. He firmly believe that entrepreneurship is the cornerstone of economic progress.At Anago, they provide aspiring business owners with turnkey solutions, enabling them to confidently navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Fueled by over 30 years of expertise, Anago is disrupting the commercial cleaning industry.Their business is about helping entrepreneurs create their own businesses to provide jobs while building ties in their communities. Offering the possibility of financial and time freedom is what they're all about. Witnessing families reach that success through their franchise business is Adam's ultimate reward.

Brian Shunia is the President and Co-Founder of The Wing Snob™ brand and as such, he is dedicated to serving the very best, fresh, never frozen, mouthwatering, hormone-free chicken wings anywhere, topped by a variety of delectable signature sauces and flavorful dry rubs. Wing Snob™ operates as a modern, quick-service, fast casual style restaurant with some 50 units open and operating, or under construction, with many more under commitment and he’s here to tell us all about it. You put a lot at rish when you self-identify as a SNOB. You literally have to be the best veresion of yourself at all times, to even earn the privilege.

As Vice President of Franchise Development at Right at Home, Jen Chaney is responsible for the company's growth and development by awarding incredible franchise opportunities to interested and eligible candidates. Jen has direct oversight of new, prospective franchisees, as well as growth by expansion of existing franchisees. Jen is a strategic thought leader, but also oversees franchise legal documentation, lead generation, department budget & forecasting, as well as mergers & acquisitions, leading a team of outstanding sales and development professionals. Being a caregiver to her own mother in the last stages of her life, set Jen on a personal mission to help others become entrepreneurs in a business that is rewarding in so many ways.

Gary Prenevost, has served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Franchise Association for some 15 years, and has been a FranNet Rock Star for some 21 years. Now, he adds the titlea of best-selling author and sought-after Platform Speaker to his resume, as his recently released book the Unstoppable Franchisee, soars on USA Today’s List of Top 10 Best Sellers. This week Gary is right here, to tell us all about it!

RICKY KALMON is a growth mindset expert, a motivational speaker and are you ready for this, a celebrity hypnotist. Ricky delivers high-energy and mindset motivational keynote programs and corporate entertainment. His programs are inspirational and offer compelling, applicable tools, that anyone can use for both their personal and professional development.Ricky Kalmon reveals how our mindset can be the greatest tool in achieving new heights, reducing stress, and increasing productivity and potential. He has made numerous special guest appearances on several leading cable networks, including ESPN, HLN, Disney, Hallmark and Fox. Ricky has worked his magic for businesses large and small, for franchisors and franchisees at their annual conventions and for teams of pro athletes, the like of the NY Yankees and Cincinnati Bengals. This week, the author of Leverage Your Mindset-Overcome Limiting Beliefs and Amplify Your Life, talks with us.

This week on Franchise Today, we delve into the world of business acceleration and artificial intelligence (AI) in franchising, with our esteemed guest, Ford Saeks. An acclaimed business growth accelerator and early AI adapter, Ford brings refreshing insights to the table, shedding light on how AI is revolutionizing workflows across industries. Featuring expert inputs on implementing AI in business, avoid common mistakes with AI, and crafting frictionless user experiences, this episode serves as a valuable resource for all franchisors, franchisees, and multi-unit owners. Ford's exceptional understanding of customer touchpoints adds authenticity and transparency to any business model for sustainable growth and sensible franchising.Additionally, our conversation navigates through the shifting dynamics and emerging trends in the franchise world, including the rise of multi-unit operators and impact of socio-economic changes. Ford's emphasis on mindset, strategies and tactics in the business journey shares the essentials for success in the franchising world.Join us in this insightful dialogue and learn about utilizing AI for a smoother customer journey and leveraging changes for your business's advantage. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an industry veteran, this episode is a must-listen!

John Smolen, Senior Vice President of Global Distribution Sales at Atmosphere TV, joins us today to discuss the streaming platform’s benefits for franchises and businesses, like restaurants, bars, grills, taverns, and gyms.Atmosphere TV is known for replacing daytime TV in public spaces with engaging short-form content across 40+ channels and is recognized for its rapid growth and impact on customer engagement and incresed unit-level sales. Smolen, with a background transitioning from psychology to sales, outlines Atmosphere’s ad-supported revenue model that provides free, family-friendly programming, along with marketing tools enabling franchisors and franchisees, to manage content across various locations. The service’s ability to target specific audiences based on venue type enhances its value as an advertising platform, offering flexibility and affordability with no minimum investment constraints.The episode also touches upon the broader digital landscape, noting the scrutiny of foreign-owned social media platforms like TikTok by bi-partisan entities, underlining the importance of oversight in the digital content sphere.

In September, 2019, Ace Hardware successfully expanded its business by acquiring Handyman Matters and rebranding it as Ace Handyman Services, with a refreshed business strategy focused on expanding home improvement services. Under the leadership of Andy Bell, co-founder of Handyman Matters and CEO of the rebranded entity, Ace Handyman Services has capitalized on the surge in home services since the pandemic and increased sales, in large part, due to the rebranding and commitment by Ace, of new resources. Since then, the company has experienced significant growth in franchise territories too and is ambitiously aiming to extend its reach to 1,000 territories over the next few years, while prioritizing responsible and sustainable expansion through well-considered franchising practices. Colette Bell, co-founder of Handyman Matters and Vice President of Franchising for Ace Handyman Services Franchising, is here to tell us all about it.

John Francis, a franchise expert, advisor, and speaker with over 30 years of experience, shares his deep understanding of the franchising world. Born into a franchise family, he was a franchisee and franchisor multiple times. His parents pioneered the franchise model in the hair salon industry, creating a global empire. John's diverse background includes working in various franchise brands, consulting, and serving on boards. He talks about his journey in franchising, from working in his family’s business to consulting and advising franchise brands. John also discusses his involvement with Zor Forum, a mastermind group for franchisors, and reflects on the industry's future, emphasizing that franchising remains a successful model when executed properly. Additionally, he highlights his personal life, celebrating 25 years of marriage and his two daughters, and introduces Fathers Eve, a holiday he created for dads. John is open for contact and collaboration, offering his wealth of experience to help others in the franchising field. John Francis, a franchise expert, advisor, and speaker with over 30 years of experience, shares his deep understanding of the franchising world. Born into a franchise family, he was a franchisee and franchisor multiple times. His parents pioneered the franchise model in the hair salon industry, creating a global empire. John's diverse background includes working in various franchise brands, consulting, and serving on boards. He talks about his journey in franchising, from working in his family’s business to consulting and advising franchise brands. John also discusses his involvement with Zor Forum, a mastermind group for franchisors, and reflects on the industry's future, emphasizing that franchising remains a successful model when executed properly.

This week Alia Alston, founder of Icebox Cryotherapy Studios, shares her personal journey and business insights on Franchise Today. A car accident and childbirth complications led her to discover the pain-relieving benefits of cryotherapy, prompting her to open the first retail cryotherapy studio in the United States. Despite her lack of experience in owning a retail store, her background in product development, retail marketing, and real estate, coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit, drove her to pursue this venture.Fast forward the tape and her wildly successful first studio in ATL, has beocme the first of 20, as she is successfully franchising the brand and changing lives for both clients and franchisees, as the business successfully scales. . . .Initially targeting professional athletes in Atlanta, Icebox quickly attracted a broader clientele seeking natural anti-inflammatory solutions and chronic pain relief. Alia’s vision for Icebox was to create a scalable and simple model for services that could be easily replicated by franchisees, inspired by the success of brands like SoulCycle. Despite initial hesitations, she decided to franchise Icebox, which proved successful even through the challenges posed by the 2020 pandemic, thanks to the dedication of franchisees and a focus on strategic growth.In running the franchise, Alia emphasizes the importance of passionate franchisees who are also disciplined, meticulous in client experiences, and involved in daily operations. The discussion extends to the critical role of the right team management and the excitement surrounding the partnership with Impact Brands for scaling the business. Finally, Alia' reflects on her drive to balance work and family life, aspiring to be a role model for working moms and leave a legacy for her children.

Last week in Phoenix, I invited attendees from various facets of the franchising community to share the impact IFA has had on their careers. Collectively, I am calling this the Many Voices of IFA and presenting it as this week's episode of Franchise Today. Seasoned industry professionals like Frank Fiume, Nick Friedman, Rocco Fiorentino, and others spoke to the value of the relationships, mentorship, community, and access that IFA facilitates within the industry. Key figures such as Omar Soliman, John Francis, Terry Braun, Dave McDougall, Scott Perry, and Ron Bender emphasized the organization’s role in providing educational resources, protecting the franchise model, and supporting “smart growth,” including the encouragement of veteran participation through the IFA’s Vet Fran program.The significance of the IFA was further underscored by contributions from Ralph Yarusso, who expressed his passion for giving back after 20 years of involvement, and Josh Wall, who noted the importance of learning from industry leaders’ mistakes. Mike Kelly valued the networking opportunities and client connections made possible by the IFA, while newcomer Michael Friedman, son of yours truly, brings his decade of software sales experience with him, into the FRM business.Enthusiasm for the IFA was also echoed by Ron Feldman, Aslam Khan, David Kurkjian and Marty Welch, who collectively praised the association for its role in fostering knowledge exchange, support, and insight-sharing among franchising professionals. The IFA was celebrated as a platform that not only enables connections with seasoned experts but also welcomes voices from emerging franchise businesses.

Doug Willmarth shares his career journey from being a navy pilot to finding his passion in marketing and the restaurant business, leading to various roles including chief marketing officer at Wingstop and President at Mooyah Burgers, Fries, and Shakes. With experience in brand management at companies like Kraft Foods and PepsiCo, Willmarth transitioned into franchising, gaining a deeper appreciation for its impact while at Wingstop. He later worked with Rave Cinemas and Pizza Hut before joining Mooyah, where he learned the intricacies of running a smaller company, preparing him for executive leadership.At Mooyah, Willmarth focuses on high-quality food, particularly burgers, fries, and shakes, adopting a specialization strategy akin to successful brands like Chipotle and Chick Fil A. He emphasizes the use of certified Angus beef and the importance of streamlined operations for consistent service across franchises. Despite challenges during the COVID pandemic, Mooyah thrived due to a robust digital and delivery infrastructure, without losing any franchisees, and even fostered stronger collaboration between franchisor and franchisees.Wilmarth discusses the success of franchisees from other brands like Freddy’s and McDonald’s, noting the trend towards multi-unit operations and the goal to open 16 to 18 new locations annually, eventually reaching 25 to 30. He acknowledges current labor market challenges post-COVID, such as cost and labor inflation, underscoring the need for flexibility and support for franchisees and the importance of employee development in the hospitality industry.As president of Mooyah, Willmarth encourages those interested in franchising opportunities to reach out for more information and expresses eagerness to share the brand’s delicious offerings over lunch, highlighting the rewarding potential of making a difference in communities through franchising.

This week on Franchise Today, Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association (IFA). offered a deep dive into various critical topics, notably the eagerly anticipated IFA Convention set to take place in less than two weeks in Phoenix. Haller shared insights into the convention, which aims to "franchise smarter" by fostering responsible business practices and enhancing the franchising community, attracting nearly 4,000 participants, including the celebrated Coach Prime.Haller, emphasized the industry's collaborative spirit and the vital role of sharing experiences to forge long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. He highlighted the IFA's role in setting realistic expectations, promoting trust, particularly among suppliers seeking immediate returns, and navigating the evolving franchising landscape. This includes adapting to the influx of external capital and its effects on operations, exemplified by successful franchises like Neighborly and School of Rock.The conversation also touched on significant challenges facing the franchise industry, such as joint employer issues and the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) review of franchising regulations. Haller urged for active participation in the Franchise Action Network to address these concerns. The upcoming convention will feature Sen.Joe Manchin as a keynote speaker, recognizing his support for small businesses and bipartisan legislative efforts. Additionally, the event will celebrate various speakers and award winners, and offer over 70 breakout sessions covering a wide range of business topics, including multiunit franchising and team building.

Heather Anderson shares her journey from working at a digital marketing agency to becoming Vice President of Marketing and Operations at The Little Gym, and then transitioning to a VP role at Eulerity, a supplier of efficient marketing platforms. She underscores the importance of adaptability in franchising and marketing, especially during the pandemic, and stresses the need for brand consistency and creating a passionate customer base. Heather highlights the blurred lines between marketing and IT, the necessity of data management, and privacy concerns.Discussing her move to Eulerity, Heather explains how the company’s AI-powered digital marketing platform helps businesses manage their digital presence and streamline operations, improving agility and reducing the need for outsourcing. Eulerity enhances strategic focus while optimizing media spend through machine learning, benefiting brands with multiple locations.The rapid evolution of technology and consumer behavior, the importance of AI in marketing, and the challenges of brand clustering by private equity are also addressed. Heather talks too, about the consolidation of family-run businesses and the need to maintain their original culture and vision after acquisition. She emphasizes listening to franchisees and merging different business cultures. Finally, Heather touches on her involvement with the International Franchise Association and the Women’s Franchise Network, and the origin of Eulerity’s name, inspired by mathematician Leonard Euler, reflecting the company’s goal to simplify complexity. The conversation ends with a nod to future discussions with Heather to further explore her insights.

Meet Dave Mortensen, the visionary co-founder and president of Self Esteem Brands, who along with partner and co-founder Chuck Runyon, have taken the franchise world by storm with the renowned Anytime Fitness brand, now over 5,500 locations strong, across 41 countries!From being inspired by the structure of companies like Pizza Hut and McDonalds, to creating a global fitness phenomenon, Dave’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. He and Chuck transformed a college dropout story into a consulting firm, and then into a franchising legacy!Even in the face of adversity, like the sudden pivot during the COVID-19, Anytime Fitness demonstrated unmatched resilience, transitioning from celebrating major achievements to navigating a world in lockdown - and emerged stronger! Commitment runs deep, literally under the skin, with customers inking their allegiance at the brand’s very own tattoo parlor. With a diverse portfolio that includes Waxing the City, Basecamp Fitness, and The Bar Method, the focus remains on global expansion, now with more locations opening internationally than domestically. Pioneering the digital transformation of fitness, Anytime Fitness integrates cutting-edge Apple Fitness Plus content into their app, offering digital gym access and solidifying their bond with consumers.Dave celebrates the spirit of franchising and service-oriented brands, emphasizing the importance of listening to franchisees. With AI-driven personalization, the brand aims to revolutionize member motivation and health improvement.As for community impact, Dave is actively educating policymakers on the value of franchising and supporting both franchisees and franchisors. In a heartfelt conclusion, Dave encourages following your passions and is generously offering personal insights to those interested in the franchise industry.

As we enter 2024 franchising as a business model is navigating a complex landscape of challenges, including new legislation that affects their operations and various factors that influence business decision-making. The labor market has experienced significant shifts as the result of the pandemic, with many companies turning to technological automation to adapt, especially in the restaurant space. This trend towards technology-driven operations is part of a broader movement involving brand consolidation and evolving franchising strategies.Amidst all of these developments, my conversation today with iconic franchise finance expert and IFA Government Affairs Advocate, Ron Feldman highlights the ongoing issues faced by franchising, but concludes with the expectation that franchisor valuations will remain stable, nonetheless. . Ron Feldman, this week on Franchise Today.

Jason Feifer in the Editor in Chief at Entrepreneur Magazine. Like most of us in the franchise world, Jason never anticipated that small businesses of any kind would become a cornerstone of his career, much less those in franchising. As a journalist, he wrote for various newspapers and magazines, with no particular attachment to the content. That all changed when he landed at Entrepreneur in 2015 and started meeting and writing about Entrepreneurs. Inspired in part by Author, Speaker, Podcaster Malcolm Gladwell, these days Jason is doing more than just writing about Entrepreneurs. He is speaking, coaching, consulting and himself, living the dream. This month Entrepreneur celebrates the release of it's 45th Annual Franchise 500. Jason and I spend a fair amount of time discussing that, as well.

With more than 30 years in the franchise space that includes 20 years leading Fran Dev at Home Franchise Concepts, JT opened doors and created opportunities for thousands of those who aspire to own their own business. Helping people make their dreams of business ownership a reality with low-cost, home-based franchise opportunities in the home services industry is his passion. At HFC, their elite portfolio of brands;includes segment leaders Budget Blinds®, Tailored Living®, Kitchen Tune-Up, Bath Tune-Up, AdvantaClean, Two Maids & A Mop, and Concrete Craft®; offers aspiring business owners a uniquely comprehensive and professional support program that provides every opportunity for success. Through thoughtful analysis and inspiring leadership, his team at Home Franchise Concepts works with and empowers the next generation of men, women, couples, veterans, seniors, and others to control their own lives through successful business ownership.He joined Home Franchise Concepts in 2003 as a Franchise Licensing Advisor and have worked his way to Chief Development Officer, where he's responsible for strategic planning, direction, and franchise growth of HFC’s 10 brands. While at HFC, he's championed the expansion of their footprint to include more than 2,400 franchise territories in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. JT was also actively involved in three acquisitions and two exit events during his time at HFC. Overall, his award-winning team of professional Franchise Advisors and he have awarded over two thousand franchise territories to deserving candidates.

Stefan Figley is President of 1-800-PACKOUTS. Since 2013, 1-800-Packouts has been shaping the contents restoration industry. Their story begins with a desire to create a consistent and professional process across the nation in the personal property space. Their greatest strength is their people, from the corporate team to their franchise owners. 1-800-Packouts employs some of the most experienced professional in contents restoration. They offer unparalleled professionalism, quality of work, and efficiency during all parts of the process.Stefan Figley, their President is a Global Strategic Marketing and Operations Executive, a Growth Driver and Results Oriented Leader bringing strategic vision, focused on key metrics that drive increased EBITDA performance. Stefan leads organizational change, enhancing brand strength through innovative marketing solutions and products, stimulating dynamic marketing performance and multimillion-dollar revenue growth. He is a business leader, a team builder, and a motivational leader who encourages his teams to realize the big picture impact of building market share growth for the organization. Stefan is a holistic thinker who delivers results. A tennis All-American and tour professional, he developed a keen ability early on, to handle high-pressure situations and manage for success.

This week we hear from Babz and Michael Barnett, a husband and wife franchisor team at the head of the table at Romp & Roll. Romp n' Roll is a young childhood enrichment exercise, education, STEAM and STEM concept, with an AMAZING story and it's co-founders are here to tell it. . It’s not every day that a US emerging franchisor in the early stages of growth and development domestically, winds up selling a complete country out to a Master, who actually collaboratively with the franchisor, awards hundreds of units in their country, especially, when the country is China, before the US franchisor, even hits a dozen units sold domestically. It’s one of those stories that you just can’t make up, but it’s true and you are going to hear all right now, from Babz and Michael Barnett.

Ron Bender is an experienced Franchise Professional, dedicated to helping people improve their lives through franchise ownership with transparency and positivity in all aspects . He believes that enthusiastic networking, a strong social media presence, dynamic presentations and internal and external team building and mentoring help achieve top results, and he has a hard-won reputation for over delivering on expectations, in everything he does. Ron is very active in promoting franchising for veterans and members of diverse communities, and he loves to learn from and to mentor others in the Franchise Community. He does so today, as VP of Franchising at Threshold Brands, a highly curated collection of home services providers. Their mission is simple, to open the door to a better lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to repair, maintain or enhance your home or property, or, to own a business that helps people do just that. Their family of brands is environmentally conscious, franchisee and consumer-friendly and places a people and relationships first, in all of the above.”

With nearly 10 years of experience in franchising, Ashly Loza brings both breadth and depth of knowledge as an experienced franchise executive. She has worked alongside 50+ franchise brands in a broad spectrum of areas including franchise sales, developing and implementing marketing and lead gen strategies, and driving operational excellence and efficiencies. Her approach to business development and scalability starts by honoring the client brand’s growth phase and goals, while identifying challenges and capitalizing on strengths. This enables the Blue Maven Team to craft an actionable plan and vision, that creates forward momentum and a competitive edge, for the sustainable growth of their clients. She’s here right now, to tell us her story and it’s another one that will inspire.

This week you are going to have the pleasure of hearing from another very affable and capable franchise executive, as my guest today is Stacey Ryan, Chief Operating Officer at The School of Rock, one of my favorite franchised brands. As their website describes them, "The School of Rock is a trailblazing global children’s franchise concept, that has over 2 decades, established locations in 15 countries across the globe. Now, with more than 338 locations globally, they are also the largest music school franchise in the United States, helping aspiring musicians master skills, unleash creativity and develop tools they need to thrive in life. They do it all, with their patented, performance-based curriculum, improving people’s lives with the power of Rock n' Roll.Stacey joined School of Rock as an Independent Consultant in 2015, and worked her way up the ropes to VP of Operations, and ultimately COO. Stacey oversees the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of School of Rock worldwide. As you will hear, after graduating from Rutgers University, she was set on becoming an elementary school teacher, but that was before she got bitten, by the "bug for business," and all bets were off. Her reputation is for redefining quality, raising standards, being people first, and driving results in everything she does. She’s here this week, to tell us all about it.

This is a very special Edition of Franchise Today, in celebration of Veterans Day, coming up Saturday November 11th 2023, at 11AM. Celebrations and parades will be kicking off across America in honor of all those who have served in our Nation ‘s Armed Forces. To help us better understand the close ties and connections between veterans and franchising, we are joined today by my good friend and IFA VetFran Chairman, Ralph Yarusso. Ralph is the Chairman of IFA’s VetFran Committee. His franchise career spans almost 40 years of experience, holding executive-level positions with multiple brands. But all of that came after first spending many years as a very successful multi-unit franchisee, with as many as 15 locations under his ownership in multiple cities. Ralph is a United States Air Force Veteran, a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and a Certified Franchise Consultant (CFC).No matter the role, zee or zor, Ralph Yarusso is passionate about helping others succeed in franchising and has always been happy to lend a hand to mentor others. He currently serves as Chairman of the VetFran committee for the IFA and here he is to tell us all about it.

Paul Damico grew up on Long Island, in New York. He holds 3 degrees in culinary and restaurant management including a Doctorate of Business Administration in Restaurant, Food, and Beverage Management from Johnson and Wales University. Paul began the first 14 years of his career working for the Host Marriott organization, working on travel plazas and airport development, before getting into the more traditional side of the restaurant business many years later. He has had a spectacular career leading up to his most recent assignment, but as he will explain, it hasn’t all been roses. But in his present role as President of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, this 3X Undercover Boss is all fired up fired up and excited to take this emerging brand nationwide.

Tarji Carter has been in franchise development for many years. Beginning with Carvel and Cinnabon at Focus Brands, and stops along the way at Dunkin Donuts, WIngstop and Bojangles. Today, she is the President of Guest First Services, a boutique consultancy and the Founder and President of The Franchise Player, a revolutionary initiative that aims to expand the number of Black-owned franchises across the country, by providing education, resources, and opportunities to aspiring franchisees and small business owners.She operates out of suburban Atlanta, developing and executing strategic franchise expansion plans and lead-generation tactics for her brand partners. On her Guest First Services website she says, "If You Don’t Build Your Dreams, Someone Will Hire You to Build Theirs!" Well, in Tarji's case, she's got the best of both worlds. She has built her dream of owning her own business AND her clients hire her to help them build theirs. Well, how's that for win/win?

Some have suggested that Floor Coverings International is to the flooring industry what Amazon is to retail.” My guest today, Floor Coverings International President and CEO Tom Wood says, “This business model is only becoming more and more relevant. Homeowners are looking for convenience and value, and they reward us for delivering it. Our ability to disrupt the flooring industry by bringing the flooring directly to the customer is exactly why our franchise will continue to grow over the coming years.Tom Wood joined Floor Coverings International in 2005 after previously serving three years as a Vice President of it's parent company FirstService Brands,overseeing the strategy and operational direction of several brands within their franchising portfolio. Tom actually initially joined FSB as a franchisee in 1985 and had worked in a few of its sister companies, including: College Pro Painters as both a franchisee and as an executive at CertaPro Painters as Vice President and part of the founding team. This week, it is my pleasure to introduce you to my friend, Tom Wood, President and CEO of Floor Coverings International.

Bio-One Inc. is the first crime and trauma scene cleaning franchise, with over 100 locations operating in 41 States. Bio-One is committed to providing excellent service in recovery and suicide cleanup, homicide cleanup, hoarding situations, junk removal, deceased animal recovery, and much more. Leading the charge, Bio One President Danessa Itaya is no stranger to franchise leadership in the service brand space. In fact, she brings 30 years of experience in the franchise industry, 10 of which were spent in national and international leadership roles, growing what are now household brand names, like: Molly Maid, Maid Right, and Property Management Inc., (PMI). Danessa also serves on the IFA’s Women in Franchising Committee and was named one of Entrepreneur’s Top Influential Women in Franchising in 2022. With her lead by example style, she’s excited to embrace the culture of ‘Help First’ and continue making a difference in the lives of others.Danessa Itaya, this week on Franchise Today.

This week I feature another in my series of Rising Stars in Franchising. In fact, this week’s Rising Star also checks the box for amazing women in franchising as well..My guest is Julie Cartwright, a truly inspiring, emerging franchisor, who is making all the right moves to assure sustainable growth through sensible franchising. Julie is the President of an impressive, emerging brand called Pvolve. In 2017 Julie’s partner, Rachel Katzman went searching for solutions to feeling broken from high-intensity workouts, which when mingled with her chronic scoliosis pain, caused her to search for a better way to get the results she wanted in terms of sculpting her body, minus the aches and pains and broken body that comes along with high intensity workouts. So, with that as her motivation, Rachel sought some seed capital to create a new modality that they’ve now dubbed, “functional fitness.” That investor, a successful serial entrepreneur in his own right, also just happens to double as Rachel’s dad. With his investment and belief in the concept, these founders put together a Clinical Advisory Board, a team of expert trainers, obtained patent on some amazing and unique equipment, and with an equally impressive team of franchise professional to guide them, these women are now disrupting the fitness industry, offering P-Volve franchises, which includes a hybrid of streaming and in-studio experiences for their members to benefit from, getting the look they want, minus the drain of high intensity workouts. P-Volve has literally put to rest the old adage of “no pain, no gain” and replaced that notion with low-impact, big results fitness, enabling one to still break a sweat, but not break one’s body. This brand has captured the interest of early investors, includinging Jennifer Anniston, a Pvolve member and subsequent investor.

This week I’m joined again, by industry veteran Greg Longe, CEO at Phoenix Franchise Brands, the franchisors of Fetch Pet Care, Door Renew, Spray Foam Genie and Furry Land, Mobile Grooming. In our first installment, we talked about his storied franchise career and how that's led to the creation of Phoenix Franchise Brands. This week, we discuss the road aheadd and how their mission is to, “Help those with entrepreneurial spirits create a legacy for themselves, their families, and the communities that they serve.” They do so living and breathing the following five core values: Honesty, Character, Courage, Inclusivity and Integrity. As you’ll hear yet again, Greg is rich in experience and collectively, his team is changing lives, one business at a time, across their ever-expanding portfolio of brands, with a combined 130+ years of franchising experience. Greg Longe, with a look ahead, this week on Franchise Today.

Frank Fiume is a pioneer in the youth sports industry and the founder of i9 Sports—the nation’s first and leading franchisor of youth leagues and camps. Since 2003, i9 has generated over 300 million dollars—with more than two million participants in 900 communities across 30 states nationwide. A baseball fanatic and native of Queens, New York, Frank graduated from St. John’s University and began a career as a medical equipment sales rep, though he was determined to pursue his life’s true purpose. So in l995, he created his own adult men’s softball league, ABA Sports. The start-up company quickly grew to over 900 teams in just six years, making it the largest adult sports organization on Long Island.

In 2003, Frank sold ABA in order to create i9 Sports, a business that catapulted him to national recognition and that Entrepreneur magazine ranked as the #1 children’s fitness franchising.

Frank has been featured on Fox Business News, HBO Real Sports, and in dozens of publications and national news media outlets, including USA Today, Sports Illustrated, and The Wall Street Journal.

In 2017 Frank sold i9 Sports to a private equity firm, but like any founder still feels a great affinity for the brand and is passionate about helping other emerging franchisors find their way as they take their similar journeys.

This week I’m joined by industry veteran Greg Longe, CEO at Phoenix Franchise Brands, the franchisors of Fetch Pet Care, Door Renew, Spray Foam Genie and Furry Land, Mobile Grooming. Their mission at Phoenix, is to, “Help those with entrepreneurial spirits create a legacy for themselves, their families, and the communities that they serve.” They do so living and breathing the following five core values: Honesty, Character, Courage, Inclusivity and Integrity. As you’ll hear Greg is rich in experience and collectively, his team is changing lives, one business at a time, across their ever-expanding portfolio of brands, with a combined 130+ years of franchising experience.

Greg Longe, this week on Franchise Today.

Brad Hillier, CEO of Re-Bath, who has successfully prioritized strategies to energize frontline workers and generate impressive results.Brad emphasizes that while digital technologies are essential, authentic human connection and 'real' experiences play a crucial role in making brands great. He has identified several best practices that have proven effective in energizing frontline workers: Cultivate a Culture of Appreciation: Recognize and appreciate frontline workers for their invaluable contributions. Implementi employee recognition programs, foster a culture of appreciation, and celebrate individual and team achievements, organizations can boost morale, job satisfaction, and overall productivity.Empower with Autonomy: Grant autonomy and decision-making power to frontline workers enabling them to take ownership of their work and make meaningful contributions. Allow employees to leverage their firsthand knowledge and expertise, fostering innovation, problem-solving capabilities, and increasing engagement.Prioritize Ongoing Training & Development: Understand that continuous learning and growth opportunities are essential for keeping frontline workers motivated and engaged. Invest in robust training programs, skill development initiatives, and career advancement pathways helps boost morale and empowers frontline teams.Enhance Communication Channels: Transparent and effective communication is vital for any successful organization. Brad encourages establishing open lines of communication with frontline workers, actively seeking their input, ideas, and feedback. Regularly updating employees on company news, providing clear direction, and creating platforms for meaningful dialogue contribute to a collaborative and engaged workforce.

Huey Magoo’s was founded in 2004 by Matt Armstrong and Thad Hudgens, two southern boys with a passion for quality chicken and a penchant for serving others. Now, Andy Howard and other former executives from one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing franchise chains, Wingstop, have partnered with the founders, bringing a shared passion and laser-like focus for the perfect chicken tender, crafted into everything that Huey Magoo’s offers today. Their leadership team includes other notables of Wing Stop fame, including Wes Jablonski, Mike Sutter, Matt Poleos, and Bill Knight.This week,Huey Magoo's President and CEO Andy Howard serves it all up, on Franchise Today.

Master Messaging helps clients increase their revenue in predictable and sustainable ways. Their approach applies the latest principles in behavioral psychology. These include how individuals perceive value and communicating in ways that increase engagement throughout the buyer’s journey. This empowers sales reps to communicate value with prospects and customers, which is crucial for increasing revenue.

David Kurkjian, Author of "6X - Convert More Prospects to Customers: A Road Map for Early-Stage Sales Conversations" and Creator of Master Messaging, breaks it all down. This week, on Franchise Today.

Celebree School is a Maryland based company which has been in business since 1994 and is on a mission to grow its portfolio of franchised schools across the country. Franchising only since 2019, they boast 42 locations open and operating, with 51 more in development, across 13 states. As a company, their mantra is to elevate the level of early childhood education through their unique offering of brand, curriculum, talent and experience, all carefully woven into the fabric of the communities that they serve.

This week, we hear all about it from Celebree School's Founder, President and CEO, Richie Huffman.

This week we celebrate National Chicken Wing Day, by sharing some amazing stories about the birth and growth of chicken wings, as a culinary delight and the company responsible for taking a once regional appetizer, to the center of the plate, GLOBALLY! Buffalo Wild Wings Co-Founder Scott Lowery and National Buffalo WingFest Founder and Promoter, the Wing King himself, Drew Cerza, this week on Franchise Today.

It's a new day at Foot Solutions and President and CEO John Prothro joins us this week to lay it all out. What a strange irony that we air this episode on this, the 2nd Anniversary of the passing of Foot Solutions founder, my good friend and serial entrepreneur, the late, great, Ray Margiano.

Entrepreneur Magazine tells us that more than 14 billion square feet of carpet and flooring is installed in homes and businesses each year — and every inch of it must be cleaned at some point. That’s why a Chem-Dry franchise is a year-round business with ongoing, significant earning potential.

Chem-Dry’s patented Hot Carbonating Extraction process put them on the map almost 50 years ago. The process, which uses water and no harsh chemicals, dries quickly and is safe for kids and pets. It sets the tone for almost five decades’ worth of market leadership, including more than 50 green-certified products and services.

Ed Quinlan, Chem-Dry's President tells us all about it.

Dr. John Hayes is the Titus Chair for Franchise Leadership at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He is listed among the “most influential people in franchising” by 1851 and SeoSamba. An accomplished Professor, author, speaker, Dr. Hayes now adds host and producer to his credentials, as he brings us Season 3 of the "franchise-centric and web-based, TV series, Franchise Hotseat.

On numerous occasions John Hayes has served on franchise corporate boards including The Dwyer Group, (now Neighborly) and HomeVestors. Dr. Hayes has also been a franchisee of several concepts, as well as the franchisor of a major American franchise company, and a consultant for franchisors in the U.S. and abroad. Now, he is hosting the third season of Franchise Hot Seat, a web-based TV series that gives rising franchisors the chance to seek the mentorship, advice or financial support of established leaders of the franchise community.. Dr. John Hayes, this week on Franchise Today.

When Dan & Ashley O’Loughlin opened their first Petbar Boutique in Dallas, TX, back in 2015 they no doubt, had no idea how different scaling their business would be from operating it. Fast forward the tape to the opening of their second company-owned store, on their way to embarking upon franchising, in 2022 and the difference between opertating and scaling, is now evident. Now, with some 17 locations open and more on the way, they have, in their infinite wisdom, added a seasoned franchising professional to their team, in the name of Greg Koffler and he’s here to tell us all about it. Then, remember to stick around after the interview. That’s when I’ll share my own amazing Petbar "pet-parent" experience to the conversation. It's all right here, right now on Franchise Today!

Dr.. Noah St. John is known worldwide as “The Father of AFFORMATIONS®” and “The Mental Health Coach to The Stars.” Working with 8+ figure company CEOs and individuals since 1997, Noah’s clients have added more than $2.8 Billion dollars in sales by following his legendary methods. Noah is famous for helping his clients make more money in just 12 weeks than they made in the past 12 months, while returning 3 hours per day and 4-8 weeks per year to them personally, that used to be time spent at their prior routines.Noah has appeared on over 1,000 media outlets including ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, The Hallmark Channel, Entrepreneur and SUCCESS Magazine. He also does keynote presentations and leads private workshops for groups ranging in size from 100 to 10,000+.This week, he adds Franchise Today to that illustrious media list.

Josh D’Agostino is one of the nicest people you will ever meet in franchising. He is also very good at what he does. With more than 17 years in automotive products distribution, he is President and CEO at Mighty Distributing System/Mighty Auto Parts. Josh is a true servant leader for his teams in Franchise Development (both domestic and international), Franchise Operations, IT, HR & Admin., and also supports Company owned Operations and competitive acquisitions.

A quick break this week, as we run up to the Memorial Day weekend. Next week I'm back with Might Auto Parts President and CEO, Josh D'Agostino.

The Franchise Brokers Assn. website says, "The right opportunity changes lives. We’re committed to empowering people through honest franchise guidance so they can positively impact their communities through a business they love. We’re an elite group of franchise brokers committed to upholding the highest industry standards.We exist with a purpose and a passion, and that’s to empower people, businesses, and communities through secure franchise opportunities — and we do it all with a commitment to ethics, education, and proof. If you’re ready to chart your own course, we’ll hand you the compass."Sabrina Wall, Founder and CEO of the Franchise Brokers Association, here to tell us all about it.

This week we hear my friend Lenny Valentino at TBC Corp. When I first met Lenny back in 2016, he was Vice President of Global Franchise Development and Integration, across TBC’s portfolio of franchised brands. Those brands included Big O Tires and Midas. Then a little less than 2 years ago, Lenny was promoted to Vice President and General Manager for MIDA International, overseeing all aspects of the business with its 2100 or so franchised locations globally with some 1200 of those in North America. Well no surprise, Lenny's made his presence felt. Just last week, he was promoted to President and COO. If you pay close attention to this interview, a few things about Lenny Valentino will quickly become evident. His work ethic is amazing, his appetite to learn is voracious, his need to teach and improve the lives of people in his sphere of influence is extreme, and his respect for family, people, relationships all rank #1, right along with his need to systemize, organize, strategize, execute, succeed, then repeat. Lenny does it all and ihe does it all with very steady hands and a soft spoken demeanor. Lenny Valentino, this week on Franchise Today.

This weeek we hear from Jose Merille, about his amazing and inspiring story of the growth of Estrella Insurance. Once just a south Florida phenomenon, Estrella Insurance is now experiencing explosive growth, nationwide. Founded by Nicolas Estrella in 1980 after he enjoyed a successful career in the life and health insurance sector, Estrella Insurance started franchising in 2008. The company specializes in home, auto, and commercial insurance services that typically cover businesses, vehicles, and boats, and has expanded its reach with more than 175 franchised offices across the U.S.Estrella Insurance is one of the cheapest franchises to own. You'll benefit from more than forty years of professional customer service that Estrella Insurance has delivered since its existence. This is a great story and it is a pleasure having Estrella Franchising’s co-founder and President Jose Merille with us this week, to share it with us.

In an increasingly polarized world, one thing nearly all leaders agree upon is the foundational role that culture plays in organizational success. While we all may agree about its significance, understanding the real mechanics of culture and, more importantly, how to create and drive it has always been shrouded in mystery, until now. My guest this week is David J. Friedman, Founder and CEO of Culture Wise. David literally wrote the book, "Culture by Design," empowering leaders to operationalize their corporate cultures. David Friedman has done with culture what Michael E. Gerber has prescribed we do for all of the physical systems and processes in your business. Yes, he has created a system for turn-keying-culture and optimizing the behaviors of your people, teams and franchisees, to consistently drive the disciplines that are the backbone of your organization. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss, as we will unpack it all with Vistage's 2021 Speaker of the Year, Culture Wise Founder and CEO, David J. Friedman.

This week we hear from an old friend, colleague and boss for that matter, as Tutor Doctor President Frank Milner joins us to talk about their meteoric growth. Approaching 400 franchises around the world, there is still plenty of room to grow, says Frank. You will also hear Frank wax eloquently upon the magical world of support and interdependency that we call franchising, as it exists inside our business model, like no place else on the planet. Frank will also talk about the power of peers and groups like those that we form at ZorForum. Tutor Doctor provides one-on-one, in home tutoring services to students from Grade 1 all the way to the University level. And, Tutor Doctor continues to enjoy meteoric growth, with franchisees, operating more than 500 territories across the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, Nigeria and all across Latin America. Their vision is to become the undisputed giant of the supplemental education industry.

Robin Gagnon, a a member of my "Franchise Family Faves." In the past, she has been a savvy corporate marketer, a business executive and corporate retail strategist. Today, she is a franchisor, a Supplier and servant IFA leader. Robin Gagnon is the co-founder and CEO of We Sell Restaurants, the only exclusive, “restaurant specific” business brokerage franchise concept that I am aware of in America. Robin also chairs the Women’s Franchise Committee of IFA and is a member of the IFA Board of Directors. She holds an MBA from Appalachian State University, a Certified Franchise Executive designation from the IFA and has also earned a CBI (Certified Business Intermediary) designation from the International Business Brokers Association. Robin also co-authored the award-winning book Appetite for Acquisition and contributes frequently to industry press, including Forbes, QSR, Modern Restaurant Management, and Franchise Update. Entrepreneur Media has named Robin Gagnon to their list of the “Top Influential Women in Franchising.”

It's Spring Break in America and right here, at Franchise Today! I'll be back next week with Robin Gagnon, Co-Founder and CEO of "We Sell Restaurants!" Until then, enjoy the break enjoy March Madness, I hope your brackets hold and I'll c-ya next week.

Trevor Rappleye is Founder, CEO at Franchise Filming. Franchise Filming is about more than just video production. It is more about storytelling, evoking emotion and communicating authenticity and happiness. Trevor and his team are passionate about breathing life into all of the B2B and B2C videos they produce for the franchise brands that they serve. They do it too, with a twist, offering their services on a subscription basis and they turn these videos around within an amazing 10 days of shooting them. Here to tell us all about it, Founder, CEO and Chief Story teller, Trevor Rappleye.

It all kicks off with FranChoice Founder and CEO Jeff Elgin. Then, Casey McKewen, Tim Evankovich, Mitch Cohen, Jonathan Benjamin, Ritchie Taylor, Jackie Adams, Charles Thurston, Mark Jameson, Tim Williams, Gregg Majewsky, Gary Prenovest, Dan Monaghan,Jim Thompson, Jack Monson, Clarissa Bradstock, Joe SIeve, Dave Crowley, Motaz Ibito, Dean Miller, Kit Vinson, Rogelio Martinez, Paul Pickett, Michelle ROwan, Paul Wolbert, Michael Seid, Thomas Scott, Mike Isakson, Eric Simon, Jim Atkinson, Ron Bender, John "Johnny Franchise" Francis, Omar Simmons, Steve Greenbaum, Gerry Henley, Scott Lehr, Tony Padulo,.. it's a Who's Who. Enjoy!

Anne Huntington Sharma brings a unique perspective and depth of experience to Huntington Learning Center. In her role as President, Anne is focused on the company’s digital transformation efforts, continued franchise expansion, developing strategic partnerships and serving as the company’s public-facing representative. In her previous role as Vice President of Business Development, Anne developed and executed programs and partnerships that positioned the company to help more students. Anne works with each department to ensure the company’s vision is carried out. She brings more than 10 years of proven experience in sales and business development within the fields of education and art. Top all that with the fact that Anne is the daughter of Huntington Learning Center founders, Eileen and Ray Huntington. With a total investment range from $148,017 – $263,072 all in, almost anybody looking for a franchise shoud be able to afford this opportunity, assumng they meet (or exceed) all other franchisor criteria and considerations.

This week we hear from Craig Sherwood, Senior Vice President of Development of US Development at Wing Stop. Is there any doubt in your mind about how much I am looking forward to this conversation? Craig is uniquely qualified attorney, business professional, and former Army officer with extensive senior leadership experience in franchise development and operations. Highly effective, at building strong relationships and consensus behind initiatives, leading to revenue and unit growth.His areas of expertise include: strategy formulation, franchise development, relationship management, revenue and EBITDA growth, conflict management, consensus building, contract negotiations, and leadership.

Roger Martin was once the Chief Operating Officer of an industry-leading pharmaceutical development and manufacturing company. His prior experience includes serving in the role of National Sales Director and Sr. Vice President of Sales, for leading sales and marketing teams of over 500 sales representatives in the specialty and big pharma market, so Roger brings a wealth of skills to his franchise brands. Roger has extensive expertise in sales management, leadership, and deployment, business development, strategic selling, contract negotiation, business-to-business service contracting, licensing, and contracted services and marketing. Roger currently serves as the CEO of RockBox Fitness and beem™ Light Sauna and has owned and operated multiple RockBox studios and currently owns the flagship beem™ Light Sauna studio in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina. Collectively these brands operate under the umbrella of ThriveMore Brands.

Scott Thompson is Chief Development Officer and Managing Director of all the brands, operating under the Level Five Capital Partners banner, most notably Big Blue Swim Schools. Scott is a strategic Franchise Executive, and Lifelong Learner, and Planner. He is also a Data Driven Sales and Marketing Executive that continuously innovates and leverages technology to the nth degree, to accelerate growth across all the brands he is aligned with. His specialties: Franchise Development, Lease Negotiations, Real Estate, Financing, Sales and marketing training, Franchise law, Corporate startups, Business Coaching, Partnership Development, and Teambuilding and Technology. And he joins us this week, to talk about all of that and more.

This week we hear from Scott Zide, CEO of Empower Brands. He started out as an Outdoor Lighting Perspectives franchise owner in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2000, and in 2002 was hired by the brand as a consultant, to help develop and support new franchisees. He became Vice President of the brand in 2004. Today Outdoor Lighting Perspectives is one of seven brands under the Empower Brands umbrella and Scott is the CEO of the whole shooting match. Following my interview with Scott, an exciting announcement from yours truly!.

Mark Jameson's career is as entertaining to hear about, as he is informative and enlightening. Join us this week and learn about his story and the growth and development of Propelled Brands, under the leadership of former IFA Chairwoman, Catherisne Monson.

Rafik Farouk began his illustrious career in hospitality in Egypt, right out of culinary school. Some 30 years later, he's done it all. From tending bar to International Operations and Franchise Development. Rafik's depth of experience has seen it all too, from both the franchisee and franchisor side of the equation. Today, he directs International Global Business Development for P.F. Changs and he is here to tell us all about it.

Until we meet again in the new year, may you and yours have a safe and joyeous Holiday Season. I return on January 11th at noon ET and will be joined by Rafik Farouk, Senior Director of GLobal Development at P.F. Changs. Until then, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Habari Gani, Good Boxing Day to my Canadian friends to the north and Happy BNew Year, to one and all! C-ya in 23!

This week we close out Season 13 of Franchise Today with a quick review of 2022 and a look ahead to 2023. Violating every rule of PC (Political Correctness) I will wish you all the very best for a safe and Happy Holiday Season, calling out some of those holidays by their correct and proper names. :)

I hope you all had a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. I certainly have enjoyed my break on the beaches of Amelia Island, FL. This week I reprise my interview with Franchise Business Review's Emily George. Anyone who knows her, gives thanks for the opportunity to do so. What a better way to bring the Thanksgiving break to a close. If you already know her, you know I'm right. If you've yet to meet her, here is your opportunity.

C-ya back here to put the lid on Season 13 of Franchise Today, next Wed. at noon Eastern!

This week I present my interview with Jeremy Morgan, CEO of WellBiz Brands, the pre-eminent beauty and wellness franchise portfolio including Drybar®, Amazing Lash Studio®, Radiant Waxing™, Elements Massage®, and Fitness Together®. Boasting some nearly 250,000 members and $500 million of systemwide sales across the 900 locations of their collective brands, WellBiz Brands is the leading franchisor of products and services that cater to the needs of affluent women.

As CEO, Jeremy has spearheaded the M&A agenda for WBB. Under his leadership the company has created a world-class membership ecosystem for franchisees, while also building expertise in supply chain management, e-commerce and product innovation. His influence and vision have helped the company earn national recognition on lists such as the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies and Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, among others.

This week I feature my former Wing Zone partner, Matt Friedman. For years when we would bring prospects and guests into town for Discovery Day, they would inevitably make the leap that by virtue of our last names being the same and me being Matt’s senior by a good 20 years, that we were father and son. They would look at all that Matt and Adam had accomplished in building the Wing Zone business and suggest how proud I must be of my son. Well, while I would always agree with them about the growth of the business, I would tell them too, how proud I am of my son, but his name is Michael, not Matt and doesn’t participate in the business. It was always lots of fun that I could count on monthly. Anyway, I tell you all that to say this week I am particularly proud of my son Michael, as he gets ready to join his bride Megan, to share their vows of marriage. So, who better to present today than that other Friedman, Matt, as I celebrate this sacred event with my "real son." Next week, I am back and joined by Jeremy Morgan, CEO of WellBiz Brands, franchisors of Amazing Lash, Dry Bar, Elements Massage, Fitness Together and Radiant Waxing.

The Band of Hands HR platform is transformational in the management of recruitment, administration and retention of front-line employee relationships. Band of Hands is not a staffing company, a PEO, a payroll company or a compliance admoinistrator.... Band of Hands is all of those things and MORE! Their game-changing software platform puts the wind at your back, while most everyone deals with head winds. They've got this down, even in California, so they can do it for you too, ANYWHERE!

This week I present another in my series, "The RIsing Stars of Franchising," as I speak with Ben Utecht, who enjoyed an exemplary career on the gridiron, as a starting tight end for the Bengals, and Colts. This culminated with a Super Bowl Championship in 2007, playing with Peyton Manning, on Tony Dungy’s award winning Colts.

Today Ben Utecht has brought his transferrable skills from the field and playbook, to the franchise game, as both a franchisor AND franchisee of Conquer Ninja Gyms.

Ben has had success in many realms, including being awarded Tony Dungy's Uncommon Leader Award following in the footsteps of athletes like Peyton Manning. Ben Utecht, this week, on Franchise Today!

This week, I’ll be talking with John Ramsay, Vice President of Franchising for the iconic Noodles and Company. John’s background spans over 28 years of experience in restaurant franchise development, with such icons as TGI Friday, Jack in the Box, Marco’s Pizza and Bruxie International. John joined Noodles & Company in November of 2020, as vice president of franchise development. While many restaurant concepts in this Covid/Post COVID era have been hitting the brakes, Noodles and Company has actually doubled down, as the Colorado chain with John leading the franchise development charge, hits the gas, driving Noodles' restaurant growth initiatives. John’s history includes positions in both franchise and restaurant development and he is extremely excited to have the opportunity to grow and further develop a proven concept like Noodles and Co. As we will discuss, Noodles has innovated and adapted quickly to the off-premise experience and offers attractive unit-level economics for franchisees."

Noodles & Company offers the world’s favorite noodle dishes, salads and soups, all in one restaurant. Each dish is carefully hand-made to the guests’ specifications, using only the freshest ingredients. Noodles proudly uses REAL Food and REAL Cooking for REAL Flavors. Their dishes are inspired by the individuality, creativity and cultural heritage of cuisines from around the globe. From Penne Rosa to Japanese Pan Noodles, The Med Salad, and of course our famous Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, only the most authentic ingredients make the cut. There's quite the story behind this award winning brand and here to tell it, is John Ramsay.

Goldfish Swim School offers swimming lessons to kids from the age of 4 months to 12 years. Founded by Jenny and Chris McCuiston in 2006, the swimming business started franchising in 2008, following a rise in demand for swimming lessons. Since then, the Goldfish Swim School franchise has expanded to more than 130 locations in both the United States and Canada.

Andrew McCuiston, President of Goldfish Swim School is my guest, this week on Franchise Today.

This week I present another inspiring tale of two young kids that went to high school together, remained friends through college and then began a junk business that took off, right from the start. The story: College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving is all about how Nick Friedman and his partner Omar Solimon, rode the wave of knowledge and information they took from reading Michael E. Gerber’s E-Myth Revisited.

During this interview, Nick will tell you that it was this book that transformed his point of view, from working in the business, to working on it and morphed it from the two of them doing everything from answering phones, driving the truck and collecting trash, to being an enterprise of 400+ franchised territories and growing. Today, they are delivering nearly $300,000,000 in system-wide sales. No doubt, one man's junk, is another man's treasure. Nick Friedman is here, to tell us all about it.

This week I chat with Jane Grote Abell, a second generation franchise leader. Herstory is not about how franchising found her, it’s how she was born into it the restaurant and franchise business along the way, had the golden opportunity to sell her company to the golden arches, that’s right McDonald’s and then double down about four years later and actually buy it back. We’re talking Donato’s today, with Jane Grote Abell, an amazing advocate for women in business, and philanthropy. Today, she is a founding family member and Chairwoman of the Board at Donato’s Pizza.

Jim Grote founded Donatos as a sophomore in college. His philosophy was simple: 'To make the best pizza and to treat others the way he would like to be treated.' Jim built trust with his customers and a sense of goodwill in the neighborhood. And, with Jim’s very first restaurant connected to the Grote house, young daughter Jane, very much grew up in the family business.

Some dozen years ago, I remember having a conversation with Amit Pamecha, the founder of FranConnect, who back then, just happened to be my boss. It was a conversation over dinner, about how back then, we didn’t seem to run into too many MBA’s in the franchising world. Well, fast forward to today and I think its safe to say that trend has changed. We hear from guests all the time here on Franchise Today, who have MBAs to their credit. But, it’s not everyday that those MBAs were earned at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, with an emphasis in Marketing, Operations & Entrepreneurship. Well that all changes this week, as my guest, Wetzels Pretzels CEO Jennifer Schuler, checks that box for us and is here to tell us all about that, and more.

Restaurant Operations, Marketing and Franchising veteran Paul Macaluso joined Another Broken Egg Cafes as President and CEO in 2019. Paul is an enthusiastic, hands-on leader with experience in a variety of executive and senior positions. Spanning a career of 25+ years, he is widely known for driving results at respected brands throughout the restaurant industry. He began his career as a Restaurant GM with Taco Bell and advanced to hold many operations and marketing roles for them for the next 10 years.

He then went on to take a turn at brand strategy, menu development and product marketing positions for both the Burger King Corporation and Sonic Drive-ins, before joining joined FOCUS Brands filling a variety of senior marketing and brand strategy positions there, before being promoted to President of McAlister’s, where he led the brand to record setting EBITDA and new restaurant openings.

Prior to joining Another Broken Egg, Paul served as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Krystal Company, leading a brand revitalization effort including rebuilding aged restaurants, achieving positive same store-sales, improving unit level profitability and restarting the franchise sales pipeline.

I'm off to Buffalo this week for my annual pilgrimmage to the National Buffalo Wing Festival, but in my place, I present a very special reprise of my two-part interview with Michael E. Gerber. PLUS, the Man, the Myth,The Legend has a very special offer that he is extending to select listeners of Franchise Today. Tune in Wed. @ noon ET, to learn more. Next week, I return and will be joined by Paul Macaluso, President and CEO at Another Broken Egg Cafes.

Brandon Ezra started Grand Welcome with a handful of condominiums in Mammoth Lakes and grew his property management company to be one of the largest in that destination. That was the start of a larger vision and the umbrella growth of Grand Welcome.

Today, Grand Welcome is a fast-growing franchise system leveraging the highly fractured, $81 billion-dollar short-term vacation rental market. With 738 properties under management nationwide, and sales projected at $48 million, Grand Welcome expects to nearly double their 2021 sales of $25 million, in 2022. Entrepreneur magazine has named Grand Welcome a 2022 Top New and Emerging Franchise.

Grand Welcome Founder and CEO, Brandon Ezra, my guest this week, on FRANCHISE TODAY.

This week’s interview is with an amazing, rising star of franchising, Tony Zaccario, who at the age of 28, is President and CEO of Stretch Zone. For the past five years, Zaccario has led the charge at Stretch Zone, bringing the brand to 200 units from the 5 that were licensed when he first got there. Zaccario was hired as General Manager in 2016, promoted to VP of Operations 15 months later and ultimately to President and CEO just 15 months after that.

WIth not a single failure, this chain is tracking toward 300 open and operating by the summer of 2023. And, with the likes of Drew Brees, NFL and franchising veteran on his board and, also investing in the brand as a multi-unit owner, this brand is on it's way.. In fact, their growth is not occuring from the sale to new franchisees, so much as from awarding additional territories to highly successful, existing franchisees, coming back for more.

Today, as CEO of Mongolian Concepts Restaurant Group, Gregg Majewski sits at the helm of 3 brands: Ghengiss Grill, Flat Top Grills and BD’s Mongolian. But this restaurant and franchise executive checks the box for growing more than just this roster of brands, as straight out of college 20 plus years ago, Gregg went from the role of accounting apprentice, to Controller, from Controller to CFO, then from CFO to COO and ultimately straight to the top of the house as CEO of none other than Jimmy Johns. Over the course of 5 years, he contributed to the growth of that iconic sandwich chain from 307 open and operating when he arrived, to more than 300 on his watch when he exited, 5 years later. And, he's well on his way to doing it all over again with Mongolian Concepts. Gregg Majewski, this week on Franchise Today. .

Chuck Bongiovanni is an accomplished, serial entrepreneur, with a knack for identifying challenges, facing them head on and creating win/win solutions for all stakeholders As co-founder and CEO of Care Patrol, he and his wife Becky grew that brand to +/-150 units, before selling the brand to the Riverside Company. To this day, Becky remains its President, while Chuck went on to create the next chapter in his life, as co-founder and CEO of Majestic Residences.

At Majestic Residences, they provide the highest possible quality of care to seniors who require low or higher levels of care, including memory-specific care, but they do so promoting dignity, self-esteem, and autonomy in how they go about doing it, caring for residents in the environment of smaller, residential care homes that they build or convert, in quiet, residential neighborhoods and communities, as opposed to most assisted living facilities, which are usually have much larger footprints and are more institutional in their nature.

Chuck Bongiovanni may even shed a little light on a surprise or two, revealed to us today, on Franchise Today

Jerry Flanagan is an Army Veteran and entrepreneur who, along with his wife Tracy, have created a national brand, dedicated to empowering Veterans through entrepreneurship. Rooted in the Military values of Respect, Integrity, and Trust, the JDog®️ Junk Removal & Hauling and JDog®️ Carpet Cleaning & Floor Care franchise systems have become a nationwide movement, creating business and employment opportunities for Veterans and Veteran families.

Jerry launched the JDog Junk Removal business in 2011. It was a two-person operation – Jerry hauled junk and Tracy managed the back office. As a Veteran, Jerry gained trust and credibility with customers quickly, and referrals came easy. Within a year, he had more business than one person could handle and began hiring local Veterans who embodied the brand’s values.

Through Jerry’s vision and leadership, JDog has since grown to hundreds of locations, 90 percent of which are Veteran owned. To date, the company has created thousands of job opportunities across the country.

Jerry served in the Army and then the National Guard, from 1987-1993 and finished at the top of his class, the recipient of the Army Achievement Medal. Since transitioning back to the civilian world, Jerry has committed himself to helping Veterans be successful in business. He teaches an entrepreneurial boot camp for Veterans at St. Joseph’s University, and at Boots to Business for Veterans, an entrepreneurial program offered through the SBA. He is also a Strategic Advisor for Grunt Style, a Patriotic apparel company committed to creating a quality products while supporting the Military and First Responder communities. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the Grunt Style Foundation and founded the JDog Foundation, whose mission is to support Military Veterans and Military Veteran-related causes – with a particular focus on preventing Veteran suicide and PTSD.

Providing personal and tailored support for franchisees in a rapidly growing system, co-founder and Slim Chickens CEO, Tom Gordon, is the driving leader behind the brand’s goal to have a 600-unit footprint by 2025, and unlike many brands that release large growth numbers, Gordon is leading the team in a manner that makes this goal more attainable with each passing day, month and quarter. Gordon & co-founder Greg Smart concocted the idea for the fast-casual chicken concept in Greg Smart’s garage, focusing not on the cost of the food but the quality.

Focusing solely on chicken, Slim Chickens has seen accelerated growth backed by a commitment to serve traditional Southern hospitality within its communities, while offering the convenience and affordability of fast casual.

By developing successful, multi-unit franchisees within the system who are passionate about Slim Chickens, and providing them with top notch site selection and unparalleled franchise business support, delivered by a highly qualified executive team, Gordon has been able to build the foundation for a great brand. His, is a leadership style that is one to be watched and learned from.

Leadership experience and building and guiding franchise brands, that’s what Mark Mele is all about. A Certified Franchise Executive, Mark Mele is an accomplished corporate franchise sales and development strategist, whose vision and expertise in business performance, have propelled such notable franchise brands such as Retro Fitness, Kumon, Huntington Learning Centers Century 21, Country Inns & Suites by Carlson and now, Paris Baguette of North America. Mele has achieved exciting company turnarounds and is recognized for his success in growing franchise brands.

He has been featured on development, franchise operations, support and turn] arounds and he’s here today to tell us all about it.

For over 30 years, Pizza Factory has stayed true to its roots. Hardworking owners and staff, family-friendly dining, and a high-quality product make them who they are. They take great pride in the smile that the first bite of their pizza brings to the faces of their guests and they strive to make everyone feel as if this is their hometown pizzeria.

Their motto says it all: “We Toss’em, They’re Awesome” —hand-tossed pizzas that are simply the best. Each bubbly, cheesy pie is made with 100% real mozzarella cheese and their signature sauce. It’s hard to say what makes it so delicious: the dough, the sauce, or is it the fresh toppings? Or is it all of the above. Mary jane RIva, Pizza Factory CEO "and" multi-unit franchisee, is here to discuss all of that and more.

Mary Jane Riva became president and chief executive of the Oakhurst, Calif.-based Pizza Factory in September 2012, after she and her husband, Bob Riva, acquired the Pizza Factory Inc. franchising system from founders Daniel and Carol Wheeler and Ronald Willey. But, she was a Pizza Factory franchisee, well before then.

In fact, the Rivas have owned Pizza Factory restaurants as franchisees for nearly 33 years and continue to do so to this very day. Always focused on unit level economics and franchisee success, Pizza Factory recently introduced a new, streamlined express model, to service the growing off-premise market segment, in addition to their larger foot print, dine-in restaurants. QSR has already heralded the brand as the next big thing in pizza. Mary Jane Riva, this week on Franchise Today.

It’s been just short of two years, since John Teza made a really big career move, leaving behind 20 years of restaurant franchising, to become the President and Chief Development Officer, at Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spas. Then, barely a year later, John stepped up once again, when Hand and Stone named him CEO. As CEO, John is responsible for driving the company’s brand strategy and performance across its 500+ spas and clinics throughout the US and Canada. John is a passionate brand builder and is committed to Hand and Stone's mission to make high-quality spa, wellness, and beauty experiences more accessible, affordable, and professional for its clients and team members.

He is also one of my best friends for life in franchising and he returns to Franchise Today, to tell us all about it.

Franchise For Good is a 501(c)(3) organization, founded to guide the growth of nonprofit organizations by leveraging proven best practices of franchising. Franchise For Good is the official nonprofit division of Franworth®. As the only full-service agency in the nonprofit space offering a suite of flexible services, Franchise For Good is a pioneering philanthropic initiative that offers nonprofit organizations of all sizes an avenue for growth.

Today’s guest is Kevin Bazner, CEO of one of America’s historic, if not iconic and legendary restaurant franchise brands. Are you thinking McDonalds, Burger King or perhaps KFC… Nope, all three of those upstarts go no further back than the fifties. You’d have to travel back to before sliced bread was created in 1928 to get even close, to the birth of this brand, I’m talking America’s first restaurant franchise ever, A&W Restaurants. I think to be statistically accurate, NATHAN’s Famous in Coney Island began doing business 3 years earlier than A&W, but A&W beat them to the punch by miles, in terms of franchising.

A fun fact or two about A&W: their name came from the first letters of each of the founders last names: Roy Allen and Frank Wright. A&W was also home to the first drive-thru restaurant in America is also the birth place of the bacon cheeseburger. One last trivia tidbit, back in the late 1920s, the Marriotts, JW and Alice ran an A&W Restaurant Stand in Washington, DC, before they pivoted much later, to developing hotels..

One can only wonder what it might be like to be surrounded in business, by leaders the likes of David Barr, current and past member or chair of dozens of boards, of franchised Brands, and those of restaurant concepts, both on the zor and zee side, as well as being nothing less than past chair of the IFA Board itself.

And what must it be like to work side-by-side with FranWorth founder and CEO John Rotche, another serial entrepreneur, mentor, FranWorth Founder and CEO and let’s not forget Drew Breez, franchising entrepreneur extraordinaire and yes, we’re talking about the same Drew Breez that for years led the New Orleans Saints, taking them to the Super Bowl while himself, personally earning 2009 Superbowl MVP honors.

At Franworth, their mission is to help franchisors grow to their full potential. With over 450 years of combined franchise experience, Franworth was designed to multiply resources, engineered to steer strategy and accelerate growth. We partner with franchises in a variety of capacities; from start-up design and emerging concepts, to more established brands seeking to fine-tune systems.They proudly work alongside ambitious founders, creating equity partnerships or providing fee-based support, in the pursuit of shared success.

Off for the holiday this week, but I present an encore of the most fun I have ever had producing Franchise Today. It features me on WSB Radio, talking about my favorite topic, (aside from franchising) CHICKEN WINGS! Mark Arum hosts the wildly popular, Afternoon Drive on Atlanta’s News & Talk. Well, tune in to listen what happened when I wound up on the air with him...It all took place 1 year ago. .

Today I welcome John Erlandson to Franchise Today. John is the Co-Founder, President, Board Member and an Investor, in Youth Athletes United, a recently created portfolio company, building a family of brands, all centered upon child enrichment, through youth sports. While the company itself, is fairly new, it was established out of the pairing of youth sports and activities brands Amazing Athletes and Soccer Stars. Under its umbrella today and across all 5 of its core brands, Youth Athletes United boasts some 15 - 20 years of success and a total of 200+ locations. Add to that, the nearly a quarter million children instructed by their programs, nationwide each year.

Youth Athletes United has earned trust in each community they touch. The brand’s overarching mission is to help the world understand that everyone is an athlete and ultimately impact the lives of over one million children. The high-energy and passionate John Erlandson, Co-Founder and President of Youth Athletes United, this week on Franchise Today

This week I feature May's Rising Star in Franchising, Angela Healy, CEO at AvenueWest Corporate Housing and AvenueWest Franchising. As some of you may know, I began my franchise career in residential real estate franchising, converting large, local brokerages , to brands such as ERA and PRUDENTIAL. In those days, it was my job to convince high powered, independent real estate brokers that their world was changing and that while they could certainly dig in and ignore those changes, they would do better, to jump in with brands like ours, and protect themselves from the losses they would otherwise suffer, at the hands of RE/MAX, if they chose to remain independent.

Well, since those days, the industry has morphed by umpteen orders of magnitude and the game continues to change. Now comes Angela Healy, with a game-changing twist of her own. With more than 25 years of industry experience, Angela Healy is the co-owner of AvenueWest, a Denver-based, managed Corporate Housing concept and of AvenueWest Global Franchise, LLC. Along with her husband Tim they have already awarded 15 franchises in major cities across the country, with a unique strategy for growth that ensures that Avenue West’s core philosophy of investor-centric decision making is reflected throughout the company and its culture. AvenueWest has already grown from being a small, local, real estate investment brokerage, to a national, award-winning franchise organization, losing not one single office, through two years of Pandemic. Angela Healy our Rising Star for May, this week on Franchise Today.

Today’s conversation is with Greg Cook. Many of you know Greg fro his 10 years at the IFA, running all things marketing. Well, today he has parlayed all of that experience and more, as he heads up Silvercrest Technology and Marketing, as President and CEO. Among our topics of conversation today, are just how much the lines have fuzzed between the disciplines of marketing and technology and what the recipe calls for in today's post COVID world of franchise marketing.

Silvercrest was founded in 2011 to fill a growing need for franchisees to access marketing and media efficiently. The agency is dedicated to delivering brand solutions for franchised and multi-unit organizations utilizing a combination of proprietary technology, customer data, marketing needs, and media buying, harnessed in one sophisticated yet simple platform. Greg Cook joins us today to discuss his recipe for successful franchise and multi-unit level marketing.

Pete First has been with BrightStar care for nearly 4 years, beginning his journey there, as Vice President of Franchise Development for BrightStar Care. During his tenure, Pete has grown that brand’s nationwide presence to 365 locations and has expanded the brand into new territories and markets.

Today, as Chief Development Officer of BrightStar Holdings Group, Pete is responsible for recruiting new franchise owners to all three of their brands: BrightStar Care, BrightStar Senior Living®, and BrightStar® Care Homes™.

This week we are joined by WOWorks CEO Kelly Roddy, to discuss his instance of one of the hottest, trends in franchising, rollups. Roll-ups are formed when a company is created, usually backed by private equity, to group multiple, compatible brands under a single umbrella, such that they may all leverage back-end economies of scale. It's simply smart business.for so many reasons. Kelly is a veteran of FOCUS Brands, an early pioneer in roll-ups, where he served as President of Shlotzky’s, .

WOWorks was formed in 2020 to help guests pursue their passions and live their best lives by serving healthy, nutritious, and flavorful food, delivered with first-rate hospitality. WOWorks’ portfolio consists of: Saladworks, the nation’s leading fast-casual salad brand; Frutta Bowls, a unique restaurant franchise serving a variety of superfood bowls, fresh fruit smoothies, oatmeal bowls, and more; Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, a popular Mediterranean restaurant concept; and most recently, The Simple Greek, which offers a fresh and healthy take on ancient Greek recipes, in a fast-casual setting.

WOWorks mission is to drive explosive growth across all of its brands through a variety of channels, both traditional and non-traditional, including ghost kitchens, food trucks, grocery retail, and more. WOWorks is owned by CentreLane Partners and led by CEO Kelly Roddy, who joins us here today.

Matthew Gourgeot, a true advocate and champion for small business in America. Today, he heads Corporate and Business Development at Thryv, where he is responsible for leading their franchise division and developing the company’s strategic corporate partnerships. Traded on the NASDAQ, THRYV is the provider of software that supports more than 40,000 loc al businesses and nearly 500,000 users, across the continent. What they have created is a fully integrated, end-to-end B2C customer experience platform, empowering small businesses to reach more customers, stay better organized, get paid faster and generate more online reviews. Utilizing Thryv's platform, small businesses can manage their customers anytime, anywhere and from any device.

Acceler8Success Group was formed mid-2020, building upon Acceler8Success principles and methods, all proven successful, since 2014. Between them, Founder and CEO Paul Segreto and Erik Premont, President, possess nearly six decades of practical, hands-on experience in the fields of:

Entrepreneur & Leadership Coaching
Business Accelerator Consulting
Small Business & Franchise Consulting
Restaurant & Hospitality Consulting
International Business Development Consulting
Fractional C-level Management
Commercial Development Management
Business & Product Brokerage
Financial Modeling & Analysis
Commercial Real Estate Advisory
Design & Construction Advisory
Board Advisory

Widely recognized as industry leaders & experts, Acceler8Success Group's leadership have extensive experience as entrepreneurs in small business & restaurants, as senior-level executives within nationally recognized brands, and as franchisees within successful franchise systems.

Paul Segreto and Erik Premont, right here, this week on Franchise Today!

I'm back next week to kick-off a great line-up of guests for this Spring Season. C-ya then.-Stan

Best Life Brands is a family of companies focused on the well being of clients at any stage of life and includes - ComForCare, At Your Side, premier franchised providers of in-home caregiving and private-duty nursing services, CarePatrol, the nation’s largest franchised senior placement organization, Boost Home Health Care and Blue Moon Estate Sales, the leading estate sales franchise in the U.S.

As CEO, JJ Sorrenti oversees the strategic growth of Best Life Brands. A franchising and retailing expert, J.J.has led multiple companies to award-winning results over the past 25 years. Formerly president of Safeguard Business Systems, a division of Deluxe Corporation, his experience also included serving as CEO and board member of Hollywood Tans, CEO of Huntington Learning Centers, and Senior Vice President and General Manager at General Nutrition Centers. JJ is also involved with the International Franchise Association (IFA) and sits on the board of trustees for the IFA Education Foundation.

This week I talk with Scott Gittrich, founder and CEO of TOPPERS Pizza. Scott Gittrich delivered his first pizza in 1984 while attending the University of Illinois. He dropped out of college after only two weeks into that job to pursue a full-time pizza career. Ever since then, he’s been a “pizza guy” through and through. He loved everything about the business, from the rush of the kitchen and ingredient selection, all the way through to the satisfaction he delivered to his customers.

After years of working for Domino’s working his way up from delivery driver to director of operations for a group of franchisees, Scott’s vision was to be more bold and creative, so he opened the first Toppers in 1991 with a mission to set the standard for high-quality pizza.

Today Toppers has grown to over 70 locations nationwide by consistently giving customers exactly what they want. Our brand’s focus on innovative menu options, bold recipes and world-class technology allowed us to seize the opportunity in a previously untapped corner of the pizza market.

Now, Toppers Pizza is one of the top QSR pizza concepts nationwide. With franchisees achieving a $1,110,000+ average unit volume across the entire system, Toppers Pizza is primed for major growth, and is looking for like-minded franchisees to join their family! Scott Gittrich joins me this week on Franchise Today to tell us all about it.

Back in 2007, Shuckin’ Shack co-Founders Matt Piccinin and Sean Cook had a craving for fresh oysters. Living in the sleepy coastal town of Carolina Beach, North Carolina, they figured it shouldn’t be too hard to find an oyster bar, right? WRONG.

Realizing they’d stumbled onto an unmet need in their local restaurant scene, Matt and Sean hatched a plan to open their own fresh oyster bar and seafood restaurant. Through cases of beer and plans scrawled on napkins, the pair’s dream materialized as a 900-square-foot monument to domestic seafood, cold beer, and laid-back fun for the locals.

Shuckin’ Shack was an instant hit, but things didn’t really get cooking until Jonathan Weathington joined the crew in 2014 in franchise development, then quickly becoming CEO.

Shuckin Shack features fresh, high quality seafood like you’d find in white tablecloth establishments, but in an atmosphere more like a beach shack and certainly way upstream from what you’d expect from fast food.

What impresses me most about this brand is it’s leader, and all the right things he’s doing to sustain the growth as he scales this brand. That’s why Jonathan Weathington is this month’s Rising Star.

Marking 62 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, last week the IFA celebrated it's Annual Convention, this year in San Diego and featured speakers that included NBA legend and franchisor, Shaquille O’Neal, Inspire Brands CEO Paul Brown, and Self Esteem Brand’s David Mortensen, along with America’s first black female combat pilot Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour, and author and workforce innovator Seth Mattison.

I had an open mic on the convention floor and asked nearly 3 dozen industry pros to become speakers, as well. My question? What does IFA and it's annual Convention mean to you?

Here's what they told me!

In the early 2000s, eight Baltimore-Washington Metro Area premier dry cleaners banded together to create a powerhouse brand: ZIPS Dry Cleaners. Together, they brought 100+ years of garment care expertise to the table. Their combined knowledge allowed them to perfect the dry-cleaning process from start to finish. While known in franchising more for his years in food service, restaurants and hospitality, Bob Barry has actually served on the ZIPS Board, for eight years, prior to assuming the role of President and CEO for these industry disruptors. The ZIPS difference is their passion for providing high-quality dry cleaning at unbelievably low prices. They have streamlined every part of the dry-cleaning process, from cutting costs and cleaning times to providing the best possible service and prices. Today, they are thriving at 65 locations nationwide, with commitments in hand for another 150. Here to tell us all about it, is ZIPS President/CEO, Bob Barry.

This week I am happy to feature Katrina Mitchell, someone who seldom takes hold of the mic, or is seen center stage. Rather, she is usually working behind the scenes, securing center stage keynote opportunities for her ever- growing roster of speakers and/or planning conferences for an expansive roster of franchise brands. Franchise Speakers Bureau is the ONLY speakers bureau dedicated exclusively to the verticals of franchising, licensing and distribution.

Katrina Mitchell is the Founder and Chief Matchmaker, at Franchise Speakers. Launched in 2008, when Katrina was still a successful franchisee herself, she saw the need for a franchise industry speakers bureau that would help franchisors find the perfect speakers, trainers, facilitators, emcees and entertainers, to authentically connect with their franchisees.

At Franchise Speakers, their mission is to help franchisors create fabulous experiences for their franchisees. While their speakers do the talking, Katrina’s team are active listeners… responding quickly with carefully selected speakers/ trainers/ emcees/ or entertainer options, based on the franchisor’s desired objectives. And throughout the process, Katrina and her team, make certain that the presenter options offered for review, will connect seamlessly with the franchisor’s culture and the desired feeling, tone, and energy of the event.

Cliff Kennedy bought a frios gourmet pops franchise in 2018, and not even a year later, purchased the ENTIRE company. Why? Because Cliff believes in magic. You see,one fateful afternoon, Cliff was stuck in traffic as he was every afternoon in Mobile, AL, when he spotted a crowd of happy faces at a Frios Gourmet popsicle stand at the side of the road. Next came the magic. Cliff pulled off, walked up to the stand to escape traffic for a minute, and took a bite of his future.

A Key Lime Pie frios ice pop on a stick was his choice, and it completely altered the course of Cliff’s life. In his mind’s eye Cliff was immediately transported to a beach in Florida and away from the afternoon drive and traffic. This is the power and magic of a frios.

Cliff was so mesmerized that he called his wife and told her, “we are buying a “Popsicle” company.” Randomly buying a dessert company could sound like a crazy statement. Still, Cliff wanted in because of the moment of HAPPINESS and MAGIC that it delivered to him while being stuck in traffic.

During COVID, the company has pivoted and grown from being brick-and-mortar retail shops, to becoming a mobile fleet of tye dyed food trucks, and their franchisees the purveyors happiness on wheels.

Greg Nathan is the Founder of the Franchise Relationships Institute (FRI) and recognized as the global thought leader on the psychology of franchising. He has been a registered psychologist for 35 years and is regularly invited to deliver keynote addresses at franchise sector conferences around the world. Greg's books such as Profitable Partnerships and the Franchisor's Guide to Improving Field Visits, are regarded as essential reading for anyone who works in the franchising sector. His numerous franchising models such as the Franchise E-Factor and The Franchising Wheels of Excellence are all based on empirical research and have helped shape the way franchising is conducted around the world.

Greg has books in print around the world, in multiple languages.

Today we hear another inspiring story when Zach Buetler, co-founding partner of Horsepower Brands, shares the story of his amazing ascent from becoming a multi-unit franchisee in his early 20s, to ultimately losing it all. Following his wipe out, which included a bankruptcy, Zach took a Mulligan and bounced back even bigger and better, with his second bite of the apple. All of this led to his migration to the Zor side of the business where he learned first-hand,the difference between franchise sales and franchise development, for sustainable growth and sensible franchising. Today we’ll hear another inspiring story when Zach Buetler, co-founding partner of Horsepower Brands, shares the story of his amazing ascent from becoming his career as a multi-unit franchisee in his early 20s,to ultimately losing it all. Zack took a Mulligan following his wipe-out and bankruptcy and bounced back bigger and better, with his second bite of the apple. He has since migrated to the Zor side of the business, where he has learned first-hand, the difference between franchise sales and franchise development. Today, it's all about sustainable growth and sensible franchising, at Horsepower Brands..

Michael Isakson is the retired President and COO of ServiceMaster Franchise Services Group, an international franchise services company, where he had responsibility for the development and growth of more than 5,000 franchises worldwide with sales totaling more than $2 billion annually. As part of the $4 billion ServiceMaster Company, Mike led ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, Furniture Medic and AmeriSpec brands, specializing in residential and commercial cleaning services, disaster restoration, on-site furniture repair, and home inspections.Mike was also the Chair of the IFA in 2008-2009 and is the Immediate Past Chair of the IFA Education Foundation. Today, he and his partners Doug Pound and Jim Wassell, give guidance to their clients and through Insight to Execution, help guide them on their journeys.

I planned to kick off a new season this week, but COVID got in the way. Instead, I return you to one of my favorite episodes of all time, as I speak with serial entrepreneur, founder and franchising icon, David McKinnon. Over the past forty years, David has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to recognize unmet needs in the marketplace, innovate solutions, and establish recognizable brands. David is a fire-tested executive with business acumen that is combined with a set of unshakeable beliefs, With that as a foundation, David McKinnon has guided his companies through three major recessions including the dot-com meltdown and the Great Recession itself.

McKinnon’s business interests have spanned technology, home services, business-to-business telephony, and consumer products. As co-founder of Service Brands International (SBI), he built numerous franchise companies that employed more than six thousand people with combined revenues exceeding $400 million. McKinnon sold his interest in SBI in 2015. Today, McKinnon is provides a sizeable endowment to the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Educational Foundation for the funding of its “NextGen Franchising” – a worldwide program that supports young entrepreneurs. Through his leadership as a senior advisor to The Neighborly Brands and through his other business interests David continues help people around the world achieve their dreams and ambitions. We’ll talk about all of that and more, this week on Franchise Today.

I wasn't plannig to post again until January, but here's a little ditty to celebrate Santa's dark side. Kidding aside, please stay safe, travel easy and avoid the plight of Corona Virus during the year end holidays!

See you in 22.

Merry Christmas!

Stan

This week, in Part 2 of my conversation with Michael E. Gerber, we look ahead, to how the E-Myth can touch you too, above and beyond his books. This week we look ahead to Michael’s E-Myth Vertical Publications, The Dreaming Room, Radical U., and we close out this 12th Season of Franchise Today, with a special offer from Michael E. Gerber to Franchise Today listeners, that invites you to bring all of this to bear, in a very personal and impactful way. A very generous offer from Michael E. Gerber, for Franchise Today listeners, wraps up Season 12 of Franchise Today.

My guest this week is the iconic Michael E. Gerber, author of the mega-bestselling E Myth Series of books. Inc. Magazine calls him “the World’s #1 Small Business Guru” — the entrepreneurial and small business thought leader who has impacted the lives of millions of small business owners and hundreds of thousands of companies worldwide, for over 40 years.

With an estimated 5,000,000 books sold to date, the E-Myth is taught in 119 universities around the world, with over 39 published works, translated into 30 languages.

Michael E. Gerber's mission is "to transform the state of small business worldwide™."

In Part 1 of this 2 part interview, we learn more about Michael E. Gerber the man and look back over the 35-year history of the E-Myth. Next week In Part 2, we will look ahead to some very exciting news, regarding his future plans for the E-Myth and what that could mean for you. Two weeks, back-to-back with Michael E. Gerber and the E-Myth, a big finish to this, our 12th season of The Franchise Today Podcast.

The Rising Stars of Franchising returns this week with retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Paul Huszar, President, CEO and majority owner of VetCor LLC, a restoration company focused on disaster recovery. What makes VetCor so unique, is that their franchise network is comprised predominantly of veterans and/or veteran advocates, who in turn hire veterans as technicians, to perform their services.

When it comes to achievements in both civilian and military life, Paul Huszar sets the bar high. Born and raised in Akron, Ohio Lt. Col. Huszar earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering at the United States Military Academy at West Point and his Master’s in Civil Engineering, at the University of Washington, before making the US Army and it’s corps of engineers, his career for some 23 years.

Jimmy John is known for many things, but few know how benevolent this man and his family actually are. From youngg kids working front lines in stores, to hospitals, universities, the military and the arts, Jimmy John has a kind heart and shares his thoughts on benevolence in this interview. Originally aired in 2019, this is still a great story and worth listening to again, or for the first time. Next week I am back with Paul Huszar, a career military man and President and CEO of VetCor Services. These guys are role models for doing things the right way and paying it forward for our veterans.

Then, on December 8th and 15th, a two-part series and a big finish for Season 12, featuring the iconic Michael E. Gerber, author of more than 37 books on small business, including the legendary, E-Myth. It's all coming up right here, on Franchise Today!

After almost 25 years Robeks has earned a healthy portion of the growing açaí bowl, fresh juice and smoothie franchise market – which has grown to over $2 billion in annual sales. They know what works, and the kind of leaders that thrive in their fun, yet fast-paced environment. What they look for in franchisees, are difference makers, as committed to their community as they are passionate about their portfolio. Here to tell us all about that and more is Mitch Baker, Robeks VP of Marketing. Mitch is the guy responsible for driving their message, both to consumers, as well as potential franchisees.

You know the last voice I featured last week, during my tribute to Jerry Darnell, was Ryan Hicks, when he told us about how much time he spent during the past few years, his early years in franchising, being guided and mentored by Jerry. That got me thinking about how many others are fresh faces and rising stars in this business. It got me thinking too, about how many of them could also use a leg up from time to time, by some of us that have been at this for a minute or two.

Emily George is one such Rising Star. Emily has a clear understanding of the power behind building partnerships, be those with brand clients, professional organizations, or vendor partnerships, that enable scalable solutions for those that she serves. At Franchise Business Review, Emily joins Michelle Rowan’s team, working with franchisors to measure and then use franchisee feedback, to make their organizations stronger and more successful.

Emily is multi-talented and what will be abundantly clear, after hearing from her today, is her passion for helping franchise systems. Emily wants to help brands grow the right way: by investing in people, creating a positive culture and measuring success so they can continue to grow better, faster. Who better to feature in this initial episode of Franchising’s Rising Stars, presented monthly, in memory of Jerry Darnell.

This week, I present Part 2, of a very special edition of Franchise Today, a tribute to my best and closest friend, Jerry Darnell. Last week in Part 1, we heard from Jerry himself, as I reprised his visit to the program, from way back in February of 2016.

This week, we'll hear from you, those who loved him. And, with special thanks to my sponsors, FRM Solutions, Atmosphere TV and ZorForum, this episode is presented commercial free. Thirty four voices in all, but one clear message... Jerry was universally loved and respected. His kindness and desire to improve the lives of everyone he touched, was second to none.

So, go grab a box of tissues and get ready to shed some tears, as I tee up these voices, quips, sound bites and anecdotes, from some of those who like me, truly loved this man. I’m Stan Friedman, this is Franchise Today and a very special tribute to Jerry Darnell.

Today, I am presenting an encore performance of an epic interview, originally aired right here, on February 17th, 2016, when Paul Segreto and I were still co-hosting the podcast. On that day, we had the good fortune to speak with an amazing franchising luminary, who also just passed, two weeks and three days ago. I am speaking of course of the iconic Jerry Darnell. Jerry left us on October 10th following complications from of all things, a brain injury. What makes this so ironic, as you will hear during this interview, is that so much of what Jerry was known for, was the sharpness of his mind. Jerry possessed the inane ability to recall and recount the most finite details of some of the legendary experiences of his career, life and conversations, with some of franchising’s greats. As you will hear, Jerry’s life had intersections with such well knowns as Bill Marriott, Jack Nicklaus, Fred DeLuca David McKinnon and many more great and emerging franchise pros, during his storied career. For a guy with a mind as sharp as his, to be taken from us prematurely was bad enough… but that it was the result of a brain injury that he suffered from taking a fall, makes this loss, almost surreal.

Almost straight out of college, Joe Sieve became a struggling, undercapitalized, single-unit sandwich shop franchised operator. It took him some time, but he finally figured things out and between operating and then spending time on the corporate side of the equation, Joe later become a highly successful multi-unit Domino’s franchisee, operating nearly 60 locations, across four states.

His career has been colorful, with hands-on experience in Operations, and Development as both a zor and a zee. Joe Sieve has experienced it all and is passionate about franchising. Moreover, he loves sharing the experiences of his illustrious journey.

Today, Joe brings his rich franchise experience to bear, as Vice President of Franchise Development, for the multiple flags flown, by Inspire Brands. With core competencies in revenue growth, brand building and value multiplication, what better place to be? Today, Inspire Brands has more than 3,200 franchisees, generating over $27 Billion in Global System Sales, across 32,000 locations, in all 50 states AND 65 + countries. With more than 650,000 company and franchise team members across the brands, Inspire Brands checks in today, as the 2nd Largest Restaurant Company in America, in both system-wide sales and number of locations. Here to tell his story and talk about it all, is their Vice President of Franchise Development, Joe Sieve.

This week Gina Rivera, President and Founder of Phenix Salon Suites, delivers an encore performance. I'm back live next week, with Inspire Brands VP of Franchise Development, Joe Sieve. Also next week, more information on my upcoming tribute to the late, great, Jerry Darnell.

Mike Rozman is passionate about helping business owners succeed. As CEO and co-founder of BoeFly, he has been doing just that since 2010. BoeFly has been connecting businesses with the resources they need to capitalize their dream of franchise ownership, utilizing data-driven systems and a robust online financial marketplace. I like to think of BoeFly as being the Match.com of franchise finance. BoeFly was founded by forward-thinking small business owners, lending experts and technologists, who joined forces with one goal in mind: to make getting a small business loan easier. Their view was that small business growth and financing, were intrinsically linked and in need of smart innovation.

When they started the business, it was exclusively focused on how to help small business borrowers get financing more efficiently. Along the way, top franchise brands approached them to speed up their franchise sales process. They wanted a better journey for their applicants with faster sales and openings. Today, Boefly solves for both!

With Q4 kicking into high gear, when better than right now, to talk about it all. BoeFly co-founder and CEO, Mike Rozman, this week on Franchise Today!

David Bloom, Capriotti's and Wing Zone's Chief Operations and Development Officer Two great brands, each primed for accelerated growth, with a Chief Development/Operations Officer that knows how to get it done. David Bloom delivers, for both brands and their prospective and existing franchisees.

David oversees all aspects of franchise development, operations and training. His background includes senior leadership positions in a variety of high growth franchise brands. His early career in the franchise industry began as a multi-unit franchisee and included such milestones as serving as Senior Vice President of Brand Expansion for Quiznos, growing it from a small regional brand to opening over 5,000 locations in 28 countries.

In subsequent senior roles, he was responsible for the rapid growth of numerous enterprises, including Clockwork Home Services, which has system-wide revenues in excess of $2.5 billion; Bridge International Academies based in Nairobi, Kenya, which has schools throughout Africa and India; and Famous Brands International, which has approximately 900 franchised locations in over 30 countries

Jodi Boyce is a skilled consumer brand marketer with over 20 years of experience, She has worked on both the agency and client side, transforming marketing needs into consumer messages through POP, print, media, contests, promotions, packaging and digital. Work at the C Suite level, she is a brand builder, skilled at turning complicated brand attributes into easy-to-understand consumer messages increasing sales for the brand and their franchisees.

Jodi is also the only guest to ever appear on Franchise Today, who began his/her career as a HOT DOGGER! What is a HOT DOGGER you ask? A HOT DOGGER is someone who has been priveleged to drive the 27 foot long, Oscar Mayer Wienermobile across country,doing promotions and participating in marketing events for the iconic brand.

Jodi Boyce, this week, on Franchise Today!

After co-founding Wing Zone some 28 years ago, my friend and one-time partner, Matt Friedman recently took his exit from the brand. He and co-founder Adam Scott conceived and created the brand in a frat house kitchen, back in the erly 90's, while they were both students at the University of Florida. Over the years, they grew Wing Zone from a regional concept into a global presence, before selling it to Capriotti's earlier this year.

Well, if the news of the sale was not news enough, Matt Friedman has just announced another bit of breaking news, regarding his plans for ACT 2 of his career. Matt Friedman joins us this week, to share that and more, right here, on Franchise Today.

With more than 10 years of experience in the fitness industry and owning multiple Fit Body Boot Camp locations, Bryce Henson's passion is spreading fitness to the world, while also mentoring fitness professionals, on how to grow their businesses and make life-changing differences in their local communities.

Bryce also co-leads the Fit Body Boot Camp Mastermind Group, an exclusive coaching group for high performing fitness professionals.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Bryce grew up in Michigan, but has spent most of his adult life in California. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and speaks Brazilian Portuguese fluently, having lived in Florianopolis, Brazil. He holds citizenship in the USA and Portugal. He is a fitness expert, a coach, an author, speaker and an inspirational leader. Today, he is right here, to tell us all about it.

Fit Body Boot Camp is the world's fastest growing and most popular indoor fitness boot camp franchise. Each franchised location offers guided 30-minute group workouts that provide the accountability systems of personal training, along with the social benefits of group training. Relying on minimal equipment, interval and resistance training, the weight-loss centric workouts are designed to produce maximum results in the least amount of time. Bedros Kullien founded Fit Body Boot Camp in 2008 and awarded Bryce multiple franchises, prior to inviting him to join the business as an executive, a partner and most recently, as CEO.

Ron Berger is the personification of success both in business and franchising. But it wasn't always that way. In fact his business career began with a bankruptcy. No, check that... Two bankruptcies: One business and the other personal. But, out of the ashes arose the phoenix. Today, ron is the Chairman and CEO of multiple pizza brands that he franchises: Nick and Willie’s, Pizza Schmitza and Figaro’s, What's more, you’ll find nothing but happy campers in his franchise families, across all three brands. A lot of that is tied to unit level performance, driven by effective systems and competent leadership. But it is also because of Ron’s focus on relationships and caring deeply for his people.

Ron Berger joins me to talk about his bumpy start, and how it's led to his ultimate success. Moreover, about how everyone that hitches their wagons to his engine, is rewarded both culturally and economically. This Berger talkspizza. Ron Berger on Franchise Today!

Gerry Henley is well respected and loved by all who know him. His motto is, scale to get BETTER, before you scale to get BIGGER! Gerry’s mantra is that Franchisor success is not only about systems – but that it is also about the soul of the people involved and he deploys the only proven franchisor roadmap that shows you how to drive unit level success across your entire franchise organization and its culture. With the firm belief that the success of the franchisee, is what dictates the success of the franchisor, he has created Launch to Growth, a consultancy that helps emerging franchisors get it right, building Win-Win Franchise Models and creating pathways for defining, aligning and achieving sustainable growth, for franchisees and franchisor alike.

Gerry believes that a Franchisor's success is not just about systems – but that it is also about the soul of the people involved. Utilizing the System and Soul system platform and tools, he deploys the only proven franchisor roadmap that shows how to drive unit level success across an entire franchise organization, strengthening its culture.

Peter Holt is the President and CEO of the JOINT, the nation's largest network of chiropractors, The JOINT Chiropractic prides itself on providing convenient and affordable chiropractic care focused on the unique needs and goals of their patients. Whether its pain relief or preventative care, patients of the JOINT can expect their patient-centric approach to be new and different from any healthcare experience they’ve encountered before. With more than 600 Locations, 1.000 plus licensed Doctors of Chiropractic, and greater than 12,000,000 patient visits, these guys must be doing lots of things right.

Peter himself, has been active in the franchise community for some 35 years, helping iconic companies such The UPS Store, Tasti D' Lite and Planet Smoothie manage their franchise systems in both domestic and overseas markets. For the past several years, he has been at the helm of The JOINT, guiding the growth and prosperity of the NASDAQ traded brand and the largest franchised network of Chiropractic clinics in the world.

Peter Holt, this week on Francise Today.

Our show opens with a quick visit from Wing King Drew Cerza, Founder and Promoter of The National Buffalo Wing Festival, the world’s largest chicken wing festival,talking about this year's Festival and my induction into the NAtional Buffalo Wing Hall of Flame. Then, my guest is Stacy Peterson, Chief Technology Officer for WingStop, the world’s largest chicken wing restaurant chain. There’s no wingin’ it there, when it comes to their investments in technology. Just as their more than 1,400 restaurants deliver great take home value for their guests, as my guest, Stacy does the same here today, with many nuggets of take home value.

Please forgive the puns... Like their wings, they were simply irresistible!

The IFA has a new President and CEO, but Matt Haller is hardly a stranger to any of us that have known him in his Government Relations roles at IFA, for the past many years. Who better asked the IFA Board, to assume the role vacated last year by Robert Cresanti. The answer to that speaks for itself. As President & CEO of the IFA, Matt will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of the association, working closely with the Board, committees and staff, to further develop and implement IFA’s strategic vision, policies and programs. All this, to advance the interests and protect and promote the organization’s reputation as the preeminent representative of franchising, across the country and around the world.

This week I present an encore performance with my friend Brian Sanders, Chairman and CEO of i9 Sports, the nation’s largest multi-sport provider focused solely on high-quality, community-based youth sports programs. I9 Sports offers youth sports leagues, camps and clinics for boys and girls ages 3 and up in, featuring programs in some of today’s most popular sports. These include flag football, soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball and ZIP Lacrosse™. Their mission is to help kids succeed in life, through sports. I9 Sports provides a youth sports experience unlike any other. They teach the importance of good sportsmanship on the court, in the field and in life. Their commitment is to provide age-appropriate instruction, making sports fun for kids and convenient for today’s busy families.

And in case you’re wondering about the origin of the brand’s name. Founder Frank Fiume created the brand’s name to represent 9 words beginning with the letter I, that define the very essence of what the brand stands for, in terms of the lessons it instills. These are for their kids to be: Imaginative, Innovative, Interactive, Integrity-driven, Impassionate, Inspirational, Instructional, Insightful and lastly, Inclusive.

Brian Miller supports and enhances Patrice & Associates’ ongoing mission to connect the country’s most respected brands with the industry’s top culinary and managerial talent. His leadership sets the direction for their aggressive global growth.

Brian joined Patrice & Associates in May 2014 as an equity partner, with expertise in all aspects of the Patrice business model – staffing, recruiting & franchising. His extensive experience in franchise operations, development, strategic planning and marketing makes him a professional tour de force in the franchising industry. Brian has some 25 years in franchising and 16 years at a leading full-service staffing and recruiting industry franchisor, Snelling Staffing.

While it's been one hell of a year and a half for everyone, I can think of no one, that has had to face down, endure and push through more in both their personal and professional lives, than Gary Gardner and Therese Thilgen. Gary and Therese are the co-founders of the Franchise Update Media Group, publishers of: Franchise Update Magazine, The Multi-Unit Franchising Magazine and producers of two of franchising’s most legendary, annual events. 1) The Franchise Update Leadership and Development Conference and 2) The Multi-Unit Franchising Conference. In addition to the utter and complete shut downs of all things related to their business since the Pandemic, they also suffered the loss of their son Mikey. Through their faith in God and the loving support of friends, family and the franchising community this amazing couple is back. And they are back with not one, but two major, LIVE fall events.Gary Gardner, Chairman of the Board at Franchise Update Media Group, my guest this week on Franchise Today.

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Nearly one year ago, I had Dave Pazgan on to talk about the birth of ZorForum as a new supplier in the franchising space, with the intention of creating and facilitating a community of peer groups, exclusively for emerging franchisors. Little did I imagine then, that less than a year later, Zor Forum would itself morph into much more than just a supplier to franchising, but rather, into a franchise organization and concept itself. A franchise concept that would be led by Dave, Graham Chapman of 919 Marketing Fame and yours truly.

It's true, we are mere days away from sharing our newly minted disclosure documents with dozens of our franchising peers and professionals, many of whom have been waiting patiently for months, to learn more about our offering and how they might become involved in our program. With this milestone approaching, I thought it would be cool to re-air my August 2020 interview with Dave, so that’s coming right up, this week on Franchise Today.

For over 30 years, Pizza Factory has stayed true to its roots. Hardworking owners and staff, family-friendly dining, and a high-quality product make them who they are. They take great pride in the smile that the first bite of their pizza brings to the faces of their guests and they strive to make everyone feel as if this is their hometown pizzeria.

Their motto says it all: “We Toss’em, They’re Awesome” —hand-tossed pizzas that are simply the best. Each bubbly, cheesy pie is made with 100% real mozzarella cheese and their signature sauce. It’s hard to say what makes it so delicious: the dough, the sauce, or is it the fresh toppings? Or is it all of the above. Mary jane RIva, Pizza Factory CEO "and" multi-unit franchisee, is here to discuss all of that and more.

Mary Jane Riva became president and chief executive of the Oakhurst, Calif.-based Pizza Factory in September 2012, after she and her husband, Bob Riva, acquired the Pizza Factory Inc. franchising system from founders Daniel and Carol Wheeler and Ronald Willey. But, she was a Pizza Factory franchisee, well before then.

In fact, the Rivas have owned Pizza Factory restaurants as franchisees for nearly 33 years and continue to do so to this very day. Always focused on unit level economics and franchisee success, Pizza Factory recently introduced a new, streamlined express model, to service the growing off-premise market segment, in addition to their larger foot print, dine-in restaurants. QSR has already heralded the brand as the next big thing in pizza. Mary Jane Riva, this week on Franchise Today.

Stan Friedman is passionate about franchising. Past leadership positions include C-Level roles at: Blimpie International, Wing Zone, Maggie Moos and Tutor Doctor. Years of franchise development and relationship experience are what uniquely prepared Stan for his present role at FRM Solutions, providing CRM tools to help franchisors manage relationships with their prospective and existing franchisees.

Always an “outside the box” thinker, Stan has been a long-time proponent of diversity in franchising. That work began at Blimpie, when he created an Urban Expansion initiative heralded by the media and leaders of the public and private sectors and culminated in a White House visit, where he and BLIMPIE Founder Tony Conza, personally participated in the President’s “Conference for Community Empowerment.” Later that year, this initiative was celebrated as Blimpie International’s Innovation of the Year.

In further recognition of his work in diversity, Stan proudly accepted the IFA’s Ronald E. Harrison Diversity Award in 2011, an honor only bestowed six times previously, in IFA history. More recently, Stan’s work in diversity has been focused on pro-athletes and their transitions from playbooks to Ops Manuals, as co-founder of PAFI, the Pro Athlete Franchise Initiative, a program created by he and 7 year NFL veteran, Michael Stone.

Stan currently serves on the (IFA) Educational Foundation Board of Trustees and Leadership Council, is a past member of the Supplier Forum and is a founding member of IFA’s Diversity Institute Board.

This week we talk about non-traditional development, more specifically, on-campus opportunities for franchise development. If you’ve ever considered moving your restaurant, beverage, retail, or financial service into the higher education channel, then Jim Gregory is your guy. His mission is to help improve “on-campus” retail operations and choices for college students.

His company, On Campus Brands, takes a data-centric approach to on-campus retail development. His extensive database of on-campus outlets helps target those campuses where certain brands have the greatest opportunity to succeed. His years of expertise in adapting concepts to the unique needs of the on-campus market save months, if not years, of costly trial and error, for his clients. And his connectivity to the communities of campus dining management and college auxiliary services put those brands in front of the right decision makers.

Prior to founding On Campus Brands, Jim was responsible for the non-traditional channel at Steak n Shake restaurants. But his experience in non-traditional restaurant and retail services stretches all the way back to 1990. In fact, it was Jim that conceived the vision of bringing superior brand offerings to college campuses: brands that resonate with students and complement the unique cultures of their schools; brands that are committed to grow and support their operations in higher education. So, he spent a few months signing up "charter" clients, building the first on-campus retail database, and gathering a network of his favorite ops, design and construction folks. By then it was Fall Semester 2016 and time to go to school!

Jerrod Sessler is a retired NASCAR driver, a Stage 4 Cancer survivor, a franchisor a franchisee, and best-selling author. He tends to dream big and then fulfill those dreams. If he continues that trend, in 2022, he will become the Representative from Washington State's 4th District, to the United States House of Representatives.

Immediately following high school and before attending college to earn an engineering degree, Jerrod Sessler served as a petty-officer in the United States Navy where he learned to put country and neighbor first. Ten years later, Jerrod and his wife were shocked by the news that he had stage IV cancer. Given a five percent chance to live, Jerrod switched to a plant-based diet and has been healthy ever since.

In 2004, Jerrod started HomeTask, a home service business that leverages the franchise business model to meet the home service repair needs of individuals throughout the US and Canada. With veteran discounts for franchisees, Jerrod has been able to support veterans who have dedicated their lives and risked their futures to make America great again.His commitment to the gospel of Christ has stirred in him a passion for sharing that unlimited hope and joy with others. It has also grounded Jerrod and pushed him to be a better husband and father. Jerrod and his wife Nikki have been married for 25 years and are the proud parents of three grown children.

Mark Arum hosts the wildly popular, Afternoon Drive on Atlanta’s News & Talk. Last week, I became his BFF. All it took, was for me to to catch him talking about one of my favorite topics on hi show… Chicken Wings. Yes, as you may know, since 2006, I have been the “Chairman of the National Buffalo Wing Hall of Flame. (that’s flame as in HEAT!) No hate mail, please.

Each year at the National Buffalo Wing Festival, I bestow honors upon those who have made contributions to the wing’s ascent to the center of the plate. Past inductees have included the founders of Wing Stop, Wing Zone and Buffalo Wild Wings. In 2011, I even inducted Bill Murray, for actually inspiring the creation of the Festival, which resulted from the role he played in the 2001 movie, OSMOSIS JONES.

So, I’ve said all this, to say that when I heard Mark Arum ranting about Wing Stop opening next door to his favorite wingery, the American Deli in Atlanta, I was glued to his program and he got my call. I hope you’ll enjoy this non-traditional episode of Franchise Today, as much as I’ve enjoyed producing it. It will be available for download, Wednesday June 2nd, @ noon EDT.

Tom Wells has only been in the franchise/private equity space for about eight or nine years, but a finer collection of mentors, guides and partners would have been difficult for him to assemble. I'm talking the likes of: Mike Rotundo, Scott Pressly and Charles Watson, as his mentors. The guidance provided by this group over the years, has helped to elevate Tom's core competencies in franchising, to a similar level that his BS in Finance at Boston College and MBA in Business, from Chicago’s Booth School have provided for him, in finance and enterprise. Add eight or more years of Southeast Franchise Forum and IFA programming to the mix and today, Tom Wells stands toe-to-toe, with the best of the best in the franchise private equity space. And, better still, he’s here right now, to tell us all about it.

In 1968, a group of Big Boy restaurant franchisees opened up RoBee's House of Beef in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Marriott acquired the restaurant with plans to expand it nationwide, however Arby's sued the chain for trademark infringement. Needing to change the name, Bob Wain, the founder of Big Boy's and a member of Marriott's Board, reached out to Roy Rogers, who at the time, happened to want to get into the chain restaurant business. And, so a deal was made. In exchange for the use of his name and likeness, Roy Rogers would receive a licensing fee as well as payment for personal appearances at the restaurants.

The fast-food chain was booming and Roy Rogers locations were popping up everywhere, with more than 600 operating restaurants. But, in 1990, all of that changed, when Marriott’s strategy shifted and they decided to focus solely on hotels. As a result, they sold Roy Rogers to Imasco, which was then the parent company of Hardee's. Over time, Imasco began converting Roy Roger's Restaurants into Hardee's locations and what they didn't convert, they sold to competing brands, like Wendy's, McDonald's, and Boston Market. In the end, only about 50 Roy Rogers locations were saved.

Well, fast forward the tape and today the family of the man that actually helped pioneer the Roy Rogers Restaurant brand for Marriott in the first place, who themselves became early stage franchisees, now own the Roy Rogers Restaurant brand and are doubling down on the franchise expansion of the brand, based on the strength of it's name, reputation and cache. Not even a pandemic, will prevent Roy Rogers from riding again.

Here to tell us all about it, the guy that the Plamondon family has placed back in the saddle, to redevelop and build out the franchise network, Gregg Koffler, VP of Franchise Development.

Leo Resig is the CO-Founder and CEO of Atmosphere TV, the world's largest provider of audio-optional, streaming TV services for businesses. With more than 50 channels to choose from, there is a channel for every business and mood imaginable. Atmosphere's TV fills the void for businesses in a world dominated by linear cable TV, better suited for at-home viewing. No cable carrier has addressed the need for TV programming that doesn't require audio or the love of sports to be enjoyed.

This week we are rejoined by one of my favorite Washington insiders, Bruce Mehlman. Bruce heads Mehlman, Castignetti, Rosen and Thomas, a premier inside the Beltway lobbying firm, that helps Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups understand, anticipate and navigate ever-evolving policy, environment and political trends, likely to impact the global marketplace.

Bruce joins us for a look back on the projections he made during his visit in August of 2020, as well as for a look ahead. We’ll talk about today's political landscape, 100 days into the Biden presidency and some of the many changes ahead.

Bruce will tell us, that while things may feel very different now, as compared to the past four years, according to data, things are very much the same. When he joined us last August, as a nation we were deep into lockdown and both our business and persosnal lives seemed very uncertain.

His quarterly updates on political trends are widely read by business leaders and political observers across the country and have been frequently covered in leading publications, including the Washington Post, Axios, Politico, CNN, Fortune, and the Daily Caller and more recently, right here, on Franchise Today!

Clarissa Windham Bradstock had a wealth of prior experience prior to joining Any Lab Test Now. But, it was also her very first job in franchising. Now, she's the CEO, has reimagined the brand significantly, greatly enhanced unit level economics as well as support, for their nearly 200 franchised locations. What else has she accomplished? She is the Chair Emeritus, of the Southeast Franchise Forum, the IFA's largest Franchise Business Network affiliate in Atlanta and also serves in for the Atlanta Chapter of the IFA's Women's Franchise Committee. And, speaking of the WOmen's Franchise Committee, in Feb. 2020, they honored Clarissa as the recipient of their coveted Crystal Compass Award. This award recognizes individuals who exemplify leadership and who have made significant contributions through their leadership, within their franchise organizations, the franchise community, or the community where they live. Clarissa indham Bradstock checks all three of those boxes and more.

Today we are going to hear the story of a magical brand that began franchising the “first time” in 2009, with lots of sizzle and appeal. But along with all that, came mis-queued marketing messages and less than stellar unit level economics. Stories like that usually don't end well. NOT SO, with ZOOM ROOM. Mark Van Wye is a founding partner, but he was not the CEO back then. Nor, was he the go-to-guy, responsible for their business systems, financial disciplines, or unit level economics.

All of that changed in 2016, when Mark took a Mulligan, buying out his partner, becoming CEO, bringing in venture capital and seizing the opportunity to do things better. This is a great story about a magical brand. Zoom Rooms are indoor dog training gyms with locations across the USA, with many more are on the way. Founded in 2007, they claim to have already made more than 100,000 tails wag. Their motto too, spells it all out. "We don't train dogs. We train the people that love them."

Zoom Room v 2.0, came out of the gates in 2018 and has been exploding ever since, with wildly profitable, sustainable growth. Today, in addition to being best in class at in their core competencies, they have also become proficient, in the practice of "sensible franchising."

My guest today is Steve Jackson, President and CEO of Hungry Howie’s. Steve, as some of you may remember, was my very first guest interview, following the COVID lock downs last spring. We were actually just entering week 3 when he joined us to talk about the radical changes that were under way then, to assure the ability to safely continue doing business, for both his franchisees and their teams, as well as for his corporate teams, both on the franchise AND supply chain and distribution sides of his business.

Well, it’s been just over a year since that last conversation and Steve is back today with a tale of the tape. A look back retrospectively, as well as a look ahead. How much has his business changed? ow much must it continue to evolve, post COVID?

For many of us, these times have felt more like the pages of a best-selling fiction thriller, than real life. But this is not a book, nor is it a drill. It’s the real deal and we all continue wrestling with the dual impacts of Corona Virus… medical and economic, as even a year later, it continues to wreak havoc on businesses, employees and customers.

Steve Jackson has 46 years on the front lines in pizza and franchising, with more than 500 take-out and delivery restaurants in 21 states, Steve is a guy, who’d thought he’d seen it all. But, as he will confess, these times are different than anything he’s ever experienced, in nearly half a century in pizza and franchising.

Scott Greenberg knows franchises. For more than ten years he ran a thriving multiunit Edible Arrangements enterprise that won the “Best Customer Service” and “Manager of the Year” awards out of more than 1000 locations worldwide. He’s presented keynotes and workshops to countless franchise systems. He’s seen the best, the worst and learned what it takes make a franchise operation prosper. Scott will help your franchisees get more from their business and perform at much higher levels, in service to their brands, their employees and of course, the customer experiences that they deliver in their communities.

Art Coley has been passionate about small business ownership since he opened his first burger stand at age 15. It was that early-stage business that sparked his interest in franchising. Art’s various career endeavors have all centered upon making small business ownership accessible for entrepreneurs around the world.

In 2015, Art noticed an anomaly in the franchising space. While many franchise concepts from start-up to mature, might have a good business model and initial success in unit-growth, there seemed to be a lack of structure and discipline around their ongoing franchise development processes and procedures, slowing growth and even stalling the brand out. Using decades of experience driving system-wide revenues for Top 200 brands, Art saw this as his calling and formed CGI Franchise, where his mission is to close that gap for CGI’s brand partners and provide their development teams with systems and processes for that deliver thriving, successful franchise development and onboarding. The system is called the Recruitment Operating System®.

Paul Wolbert is a straightforward, out of the box thinker who believes in himself and others. With four decades of experience in franchise operations and administration, he has a balanced perspective, with vision from both the franchisor and franchisee paradigms. He began his franchise career working with the most extensive franchise system in the world, has served on several executive teams during periods of rapid growth, and has co-founded several franchise concepts.

Paul has a passion for developing new concepts and working with start-ups and early stage franchise concepts and has passion for taking an active and hands-on role, advising early-stage franchisors on how to build a successful franchise system from the ground up.

He is an accomplished and recognized franchise expert and a frequent speaker at industry events. I am proud to call him my friend and to have him here as my guest.

HomeTeam has over a quarter century of experience successfully training new owners how to develop their powerful team approach to home inspections and how to dominate their territories. HomeTeam's industry-leading four-step training, vastly increases revenue potential and teaches franchisees how to establish a true business that will create equity as it grows.

HomeTeam pays for and sets up initial technical franchisee training which, upon completion, will lead to a franchisee earning his/her home inspection license, or state certification. They also help prospective franchisees set up their legal entity, insurance, banking accounts, etc. Something seldom, if ever seen.

HomeTeam provides true technical training and certification, small business coursework, and then actual field experience before franchisees ever open their doors for business.

Mike Bidwell is President and CEO of Neighborly, formerly known as the Dwyer Group. Last year during the height of Coronavirus, Neighborly ended the year with 382 new franchises awarded across their 2 dozen plus brands. They also managed to add five new franchised brands to their corporate portfolio and generate more than $2 billion in global sales. Mike will tell us that none of this came easy, in fact it didn’t come at all… they chased it. They did what they have done since their humble beginnings. They strategized, they adjusted, made many necessary pivots and they went after it. Mike's own story is inspiring and he shares that along with the history of the Dwyer Group and Neighborly.

Moreover, he is chock full of take-home value, applicable to any and all in franchising. From his start in franchising, as a single unit franchisee, to leading the charge for all of Neighborly, Mike Bidwell is now responsible for 26 franchised brands, more than 4,500 franchises and 1,000 employees, at 8 corporate support centers throughout North America, the U.K. and Germany.

Jimmy Weeks is a Google Analytics and Adwords-certifed professional who has spoken across the nation on topics related to Internet marketing, social media strategy and advanced analytics. He is the Founder and CEO of Internet Strategy Labs and has created analytic dashboards that mash and track data from leads generated, to really tell the tale of the tape about where your leads come from and which sources are truly effective. His platforms are all cloud-based reporting platforms, that enable businesses to improve their overall marketing strategy by providing a better understanding of website, social, phone and paid campaign analytics.

Peter Daly-Dickson is the co-founder and CEO of Macanta, a software company serving start-up and emerging franchise brands, in the UK. One of his partners, a best-selling author, prior to the start of their joint venture, knew the value that having a book, could bring to a start-up, or emerging business. So they thought about publishing a book centered upon their new business and its disciplines. Then, Peter had a vision to take that a step further and to invite others to join in the creation of a collaborative, multi-author publication, that would not only lift their own new business, but also those of the contributors, as well. Peter's thought was that more stakeholders, with shared purpose, would be better, in terms of assuring success. A rising tide lifts ALL SHIPS, is how he viewed it. Well, Peter was right. The book was released as an International Best Seller on Amazon Kindle and will soon be available in paperback. Here to talk about it all, is Peter Daly Dickson…..

This week, I’ll be talking with John Ramsay, Vice President of Franchising for the iconic Noodles and Company. John’s background spans over 28 years of experience in restaurant franchise development, with such icons as TGI Friday, Jack in the Box, Marco’s Pizza and Bruxie International. John joined Noodles & Company in November of 2020, as vice president of franchise development. While many restaurant concepts in this Covid/Post COVID era have been hitting the brakes, Noodles and Company has actually doubled down, as the Colorado chain with John leading the franchise development charge, hits the gas, driving Noodles' restaurant growth initiatives. John’s history includes positions in both franchise and restaurant development and he is extremely excited to have the opportunity to grow and further develop a proven concept like Noodles and Co. As we will discuss, Noodles has innovated and adapted quickly to the off-premise experience and offers attractive unit-level economics for franchisees."

Noodles & Company offers the world’s favorite noodle dishes, salads and soups, all in one restaurant. Each dish is carefully hand-made to the guests’ specifications, using only the freshest ingredients. Noodles proudly uses REAL Food and REAL Cooking for REAL Flavors.

Their dishes are inspired by the individuality, creativity and cultural heritage of cuisines from around the globe. From Penne Rosa to Japanese Pan Noodles, The Med Salad, and of course our famous Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, only the most authentic ingredients make the cut. There's quite the story behind this award winning brand and here to tell it, is John Ramsay.

Walter Bond is different than most pro athletes, because he played pro ball as an interim career, on the way to the rest of his life. He did NOT treat his NBA career, as his life's main event. As Walter will tell you in his own words today, playing pro ball was always his desire, but it was never intended to be his final destination.

For the past 19 years Walter Bond has specialized in making the thinking patterns, strategies, and behavior of top performers across a multitude of industries easier to learn and apply. Through keynotes viewed by millions, best-selling books, and life-changing coaching programs, Walter Bond has helped countless business leaders, diverse teams, and dreamers become the peak performers they were destined to be. How does he do it? He’s here to tell us.

Coming from a family who has been in the industry since 1929, Gina Rivera, was destined to pursue a career in the world of beauty. From her early roots of sweeping hair from the floors of her parent’s salon, Gina attended beauty school and later moved to a booth renter salon where she quickly established a winning reputation. Clients loved her as she never let anyone leave without feeling amazing.

And, the staff adored her because she was so open about sharing her knowledge and offering support where needed. Based on her learnings behind the chair, Gina realized not all salons are created equal and a majority of booth renters are usually provided very little support to ensure their success. With a passion for the industry, Gina became a fierce advocate for supporting the goals of Lifestyle Professionals who had the desire to operate their own salons, but perhaps lacked the financial resources. Gina realized that she had the opportunity to redefine the options available for sole proprietors in the beauty industry. With this, Phenix Salon Suites was born, establishing a new experience and opportunity for Lifestyle Professionals to own and operate a business at a fraction of the cost of traditional salon settings.

Gina is a wife and a mom, a national seminar speaker, addressing both the artistic and business side of the beauty industry for the American Association of Hair Care Professionals and others. She is also a seasoned columnist, featured in well-known publications such as Fashion & Style, Modern Salon, the Huffington Post, Glamour, Today.com, Oprah’s O Magazine and a little closer to home for this audience, the Franchise Times. With more than 500,000 social media followers tracking her “Tip of the Week” this Undercover Boss has quickly become one of the most well-read columnists on the web, providing advice on how to succeed in business and life to fans and beauty enthusiasts.

Erik Van Horn is the total package. Among other things, he helps High-Performing Franchisees connect in a community of like-minded Franchise Owners, so they can short-cut their path to scaling with multiple units and/or brands and sell for the highest multiples. He became a franchisee because he wanted...FREEDOM… the freedom to control where and how he spent his time and effort -and to have a lifestyle business

Whether his lessons were taught or caught, he quickly learned to:

Hire A-players to run the day-to-day operations.
Network in and outside of franchising -To learn from the brightest minds in marketing, sales, tax strategy, investing, etc. --To build his franchises to sell, from day one

Today, this father of three daughters, is a franchise podcaster, runs mastermind groups for successful franchisees, has been an area developer, multi unit owner, consultant, guide and Sherpa to others and is on the brink of becoming a first-time franchisor. He’s here to tell us about all that and more.

My interview with Erik Nan Horn is one you will certainly not want to miss, but techncal difficulties delayed post-production. So, please forgive the delay and return next week... I promise it will be worth the wait.

Until then, my conversation with Charles Watson, remains in place My apologies for the issue.

C-ya next week,

Stan

Charles Watson is CEO at Tropical Smoothie Café, a franchise concept that began on the beach at Destin, FL, and has morphed into a 900 plus, location wave. Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a lifestyle brand for people looking for something a bit better, as alternatives to fast food, serving up great-tasting, nutritious food and smoothies for their customers and incredible franchise opportunities. For those looking to join a brand who's culture is all about working hard, working together, having fun and making money, this could be the next big. To talk about all of this and more, CEO Charles Watson is here today, my guest on Franchise Today.

Greg Nathan is Founder of the respected Franchise Relationships Institute (FRI) and recognized as the global thought leader on the psychology of franchising. He is has been a registered psychologist for 35 years and is regularly invited to deliver keynote addresses at franchise sector conferences around the world. Greg's books, such as Profitable Partnerships and the Franchisor's Guide to Improving Field Visits, are regarded as essential reading for anyone who works in the franchising sector. His numerous franchising models such as the Franchise E-Factor and The Franchising Wheels of Excellence are all based on empirical research, and have helped shape the way franchising is conducted around the world.

The Faegre Drinker year-end Franchisor Best Practices and Leadership Summit will feature a collection of franchisors, franchisees and industry thought leaders. These include: Steve Hockett, CEO, Great Clips,Steve Romaniello, Senior Advisor, Roark CapitalSteve White, President, COO, PuroSystemsPaul Pickett, CDO, Wild Birds UnlimitedChristina Russell, CEO, Radiance Holdings (Sola Salons)Mary Thompson, COO, NeighborlySusan Rather, Multi-Unit BrightStar FranchiseeCraig Leonard, Multi-Unit Rally's FranchiseeSaunda Kitchen, Mr. Rooter Franchisee

Franchising since 1996 Christian Bros. has 230 or more franchised auto repair locations nationwide and get this, they have never closed a single location. No, conversely, they continue to build upon one of the best reputations in the auto service industry, both at the consumer and franchisee level. Check it out: JD Powers - #1 in Customer Satisfaction in the automotive aftermarketEntrepreneur Magazine– A Top 200 franchise concept for 10 consecutive yearsForbes - #2 in Americas Best Buys for those buying a franchise. The US Auto Franchise Business Review – A Top 50 Franchise Concept for franchisee satisfaction, for 10 years runningThe United Services Auto Assn. or as most of us know them, the USAA – Christian Bros. is a Top Franchise Opportunity for Veterans Brad Fink describes the "secret sauce" behind this thriving brand

The purpose of this podcast is sustainable growth and sensible franchising, Sometimes it is just impossible for our discussion to avoid the clutches of politics. This is one such moment in time, as explained further below.

Labor Union Launches Push for Anti-Franchise Legislation, 'Protecting the Right to Organize' Act

The PRO Act passed the House earlier this year on a 224-194 vote. IFA has strongly opposed the legislation as it would codify California' AB 5 law, along with the vague and unlimited standard for joint employment that was adopted in 2015 by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in its Browning-Ferris Industries decision. President-elect Joe Biden has previously voiced support for the PRO Act, but IFA will continue to work with Congress and the Administration to raise the franchise industry's concerns.

David Barr and Ron Feldman articulate specifically, the ramifications to those in franchising, should the Senate be lost by Republicans. The collateral damage to franchising is an existential threat. Please listen, learn and share. See you back here next week.

Happy Thanksgiving one and all. My interview with Ron Feldman and David Barr, regarding the potential impact that the outcome of two upcoming United States Senate races in Georgia could have on franchising, remains center stage this week.

Franchise Today returns next week, with a brand new episode. Until then, be safe, masks up, socially separate and enjoy the holiday with your loved ones.

On January 5, 2021, two US Senate seats are up for grabs in State of Georgia run-offs.

FACT: The outcomes of these elections could lead to devastating, if not existential threats to franchising, nationwide.

On Wednesday at Noon ET, David Barr and Ron Feldman join me to discuss how and why. David Barr is the Immediate Past Chair of the IFA, Franchisor, Franchisee, thought leader and investor. Ron Feldman is the past chair of the IFA Supplier Forum, Chief Development Officer at Apple Pie Capital, a “reluctant” lobbyist, and current member of the IFA Board.

Together, we will break this all down into bite size pieces and explain the implications that the results of this momentous election could foist upon us all. One thing is certain: If the Senate flips blue, all who earn their livings in franchising, stand to be adversely impacted by the consequences.

In mid-March, I began running a series of Special Editions of Franchise Today, following the onset of the Corona Virus Crisis. These, then continued with Special Reports on civil unrest, following the George Floyd travesty.

All these episodes veered from the usual forrmat of interviews with highly successful Zors, about sustainable growth and sensible franchising.

Each Special Edition was important and timely, but none spoke to issues so potentially consequential, as to be termed existential threats to our business model. This one does! Do not miss this interview.

Bruce Mehlman, is the founder and CEO of Washington DC based, bipartisan, government relations firm, Mehlman, Castignetti, Rosen & Thomas and he delivers an encore performance this week. As you may remember, Bruce's firm helps Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups understand, anticipate and navigate the ever-evolving policy environment and trends likely to impact the global marketplace. He made some bold predictions back in August. Let's take a listen to the "tale of the tape" andsee how accurate he was.

Since 2017, Madison Jobe has been the Chief Development Officer at Wingstop. He joins us this week to share his insights through the eyes of one who has seen it all in his illustrious franchise career, which began as a restaurant franchisee and operator, a QSR and franchising thought leader and professional, and for the past many years, as a restaurant and franchising C-Level executive. Madison Jobe is a veteran restaurateur, franchisee, franchisor, thought leader and executive. He is active with the IFA, the National Restaurant Association and the International Council of Shopping Centers, Madison is also a frequent panelist, speaker and facilitator at many restaurant and franchise industry conferences, and events. His experience is rich, both on the development and operations sides of the house, with decades of prior industry experience at such well-known brands as the Ruby Restaurant Group, Red Robin International and Rave Restaurant Group.

This week I am joined by Marcos Moura, someone whom I’ve always deemed to be one of the smart guys in franchise development… not because he’s an MBA, but rather, because of his street smarts. Marcos is often an early adopter of things that later prove to be disruptive. And, speaking of disruptive, did any of you catch his LinkedIn post last week? He posted up a picture of himself as a teenager, talking about how he had been expelled from Middle School not once, but twice, back in the day. Well, that suggests a completely different kind of disruption, one that we should probably save for another day.

Today, we will be joined by the Marcos Moura that I know... The affable, smart recipient of the 2020, "Two Comma Club C" award, given by Clickfunnels co-founder, Russel Brunson for grossing over $100MM. Marcos Moura, is here to talk about targeting your ideal audience, leveraging social media, and business growth.

Marcos is the co-founder and Chief Development Officer of Amada Senior Care. Since 2007, Amada has helped seniors and their families, as one of the only senior care companies in North America, to provide in-home, non-medical care, as well as assisted living placement consulting services. Ranked #245 in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 and as a Top 10, Best New Franchises to Invest In" – Amada also makes Inc. Magazine’s list of the 5000 fastest growing companies.

As Chief Development Officer, Marcos has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs start senior care businesses, empowering them to live life on “their” terms and do work that is meaningful - to them, to their families, and to their communities. Collectively, they are Amada, a brand dedicated to enriching the lives of America’s rapidly aging population.

Graham Chapman and I recently joined Dave Pazgan to launch ZorForum, the only peer group of its kind, excusively for founders and owners of emerging franchise brands. During today's ENCORE performance, featruring Allan Young, ShelfGenie founder and currently, Chairman of FranBridge Capital, you'll learn how it was he, who made all of this possible. Allan is the thought leader that planted the seeds with Dave, that ultimately led to Graham and yours truly, joining Dave as partners. During this episode, Allan talks about his 7 years as a member of just such a peer group, led by Dave and how all of that has evolved and become ZorForum. That and more, on this week's ENCORE PERFORMANCE, featuring Allan Young on Franchise Today.

Scott Greenberg knows franchises. For more than ten years he ran a thriving multiunit Edible Arrangements enterprise that won the “Best Customer Service” and “Manager of the Year” awards out of more than 1000 locations worldwide. He’s presented keynotes and workshops to countless franchise systems. He’s seen the best, the worst and learned what it takes make a franchise operation prosper. Scott will help your franchisees get more from their business and perform at much higher levels, in service to their brands, their employees and of course, the customer experiences that they deliver in their communities.

Graham Chapman is a PR, social media, and content marketing professional, with 11 plus years’ experience, helping franchise brands reach, influence, and convert qualified customer and franchise sales leads. He does so, as Vice President of Account Services at 919 Marketing, one of franchising’s fastest growing comprehensive PR, social media and content marketing agencies.

Graham is a Certified Franchise Executive, the youngest member of the IFA’s Supplier Forum Advisory Board and a cohort with his Dad David, Pete Baldine and dozens of others, including yours truly, in the #WhiskeyWednesday, viral video series. Graham Chapman’s talent is opening doors, creating relationships and starting conversations that help franchising and those in it, to grow, evolve and prepare for a successful future.

Graham joins us today to talk about all of this and more, as together, we have some breaking news to share.

Kim Daly is one of America’s Top Franchise Consultants and has helped thousands of people explore franchise opportunities. Most recently she also become the co-author of an Amazon International Best-Selling book, title Franchising Freedom, for which I proudly wrote the Foreword. For over 20 years, Kim has traveled the country as a keynote speaker and business break out leader. She has hosted her own live events educating, motivating and inspiring Americans to transform their dream of small business ownership, through the proven systems of a franchise, into reality.

Prior to becoming a franchise consultant, Kim ran her own health & fitness based consulting firm and worked with Dr. Denis Waitley, Denise Austin, eDiets.com, Gold’s Gym and many other national health and wellness brands and even launched the first health and fitness marketplace at USATODAY.com called BeHealthyNow. Kim was a personal trainer in college and as mentioned earlier, was even a Miss America contestant. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Nutritional Biochemistry and a minor in sports nutrition.

Kim has the wisdom that comes from experience and combines that with her knowledge of franchising, her passionate personality and her ability to inspire people to achieve their dream of business ownership. In all her pursuits, Kim desires to be a role model and influence others to live their best possible life!

https://thedalycoach.com/franchisetoday/

Jeff Dudan is an author, founder, podcaster in his own right, Undercover Boss, Coach, YPO Regional Chapter Chair, Forbes Contributor and all around franchising executive and guru, with 25 years of experience founding, building, operating, and ultimately exiting a national franchise brand.

Jeff’Dudan's journey as an entrepreneur began as a college athlete who founded a business to paint student housing. After graduation, he assisted South Florida in recovering from Hurricane Andrew which led to the launch of AdvantaClean in 1994.

As a leading national restoration franchise AdvantaClean became a strategic partner with St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital to support families in need, when they need it the most. In January of 2019, AdvantaClean was acquired by Home Franchise Concepts (HFC) to create a combined network with over 1,700 franchise territories operating in 11,000 cities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

After the successful sale and his exit from AdvantaClean, Jeff has set out to help others build sustainable businesses and franchise systems. He's here this week, to share all of this and more.

Gary Goerke is one of the world's foremost experts at pinpointing emerging technologies that will make a difference in small and medium business profitability. A recognized entrepreneur, Gary combines his passion for technology and his commitment to free enterprise by serving the franchising, small business and auto dealer community. A leading evangelist for business VoIP, today Gary is focused on the success of independent franchise owners and their franchisor partners.

In 2005, he created Clarity Voice when he identified a technology gap between available and applied technologies, in communications services, used by small, medium, and franchised businesses. As a company, we celebrate every time a business owner experiences the "A-HA Moment." It’s that moment when they realize we give them the extra edge over the competition.

With patented technology, Gary introduced Clarity’s FranchisePhones® service to the franchising world. Clarity™ is also the parent to Phone System in a Box® a small and medium business VoIP service.

Peter Daly-Dickson is the co-founder and CEO of Macanta, a software company serving start-up and emerging franchise brands, in the UK. One of his partners, a best-selling author, prior to the start of their joint venture, knew the value that having a book, could bring to a start-up, or emerging business. So they thought about publishing a book centered upon their new business and its disciplines. Then, Peter had a vision to take that a step further and to invite others to join in the creation of a collaborative, multi-author publication, that would not only lift their own new business, but also those of the contributors, as well. Peter's thought was that more stakeholders, with shared purpose, would be better, in terms of assuring success. A rising tide lifts ALL SHIPS, is how he viewed it. Well, Peter was right. The book was released as an International Best Seller on Amazon Kindle and will soon be available in paperback. Here to talk about it all, is Peter Daly Dickson…..

John Teza has served in senior executive management roles for several national restaurant companies including Corner Bakery, Jersey Mike’s and Quiznos. Over the course of his career, John led several significant brand expansion campaigns and also served in senior level capacities in marketing, operations, IT, legal, and training. During John’s tenure, Jersey Mike’s was named the fastest growing restaurant company by NRN for three straight years John is also the founder of Janus Brands, a consulting firm he started in 2009, with a focus on multi-unit growth, development strategy and SMB business planning. John is an active member of the restaurant leadership and franchising communities, serves as Trustee of the IFA Foundation and Board Member for the National Restaurant Association and as a board member of the Franchise Leadership and Development Conference. John’s career in franchising began right out of college, when he graduated with a business degree from William and Mary, in 1997.

Originally conceived as a “meeting of the minds” executive group in 2013, Dave Pazgan has launched ZorForum into a one-of-a-kind peer sharing and networking platform, exclusively for franchise executives. Members, are afforded unparalleled access to the best practices and the brightest minds within the franchising industry through regular meetings and dedicated communication platforms.

“After a more than ten year run, building 101 Mobility, growing it to over 80 locations and propelling it to the next level with private equity, Dave Pazgan decided that the next chapter in his life would include giving back. “So,with the encouragement of his personal peers and group members, Dave founded ZorForum, a community built specifically for franchisors and the unique challenges they face. Quote: “I derived so much value from participation in my personal group, that I wanted this platform to the greater franchisor community, offering others, the opportunity to enjoy the same benefits.”

The need for shared learning and leadership development among franchisors of emerging businesses is more paramount now than ever, in our rapidly-changing, Post COVID, business environment.

Dave Pazgan is a great guy and has an incredible concept. As some of you may know, each year, IFA Convention attendees score the Round Tables as the highest value ROI for their time and money spent. And with that said, I believe that Zor Forum has the potential to dynamically build on that same type of energy, with each and every one of their monthly group meetings. Through his expansive recruitment efforts, Dave expects ZorForum to eclipse 100 members, by as soon as January, 2021.

Allan Young is the Chairman of FranBridge Capital and brings a couple of disruptive formulas to the franchise PE space. Allan is also the founder and owner of multiple businesses that have generated over 300M in sales. His current portfolio includes Noble Brands, ShelfGenie Franchise System, Outback GutterVac Franchise System, ThunderVac Technologies, 10Xfive, G-O Logistics and Cabinet Components Innovations. His companies lead over 500 team members in over 160 locations throughout the United States and Canada. Under Allan’s leadership, his teams collectively grew to become Inc. 500, Inc 5000 and Entrepreneur 500 companies. Each company continues to thrive by continuously disrupting their industries with innovative technologies and amazing customer experiences.

Allan Young joins us this week to talk about it all.

Clarifying the non-sense of political and governmental murkiness.

As summer races by, the focus now is on fall and if, when and how schools will reopen, if, how and when professional and college sports can safely be resumed and games played, if how and when we can reclaim our lives and trade this new normal back, for some semblance of the world as we once knew it and imperfect as it might have been, it beat the hell out of these past few months, if you ask me.

I don't know about you, but government has really worn me out.They continue doing little more than what government does best, which amounts to little more than incessant finger pointing and assignment of blame. It’s almost like in a game of ping pong, each side bouncing the ball over the net, back and forth, Left, right, give, take. The ball keeps bouncing, the volley contunues, back and forth and we get to keep score, regarding who we like less? The House or the Senate? The Republicans or the Democrats? The Liberals or Conservatives.

Well, this week’s episode should prove fascinating and shed some light on the process, as I speak with Bruce Mehlman, founder and CEO of Washington DC based, bipartisan, government relations firm, Mehlman, Castignetti, Rosen & Thomas Bruce founded the firm after serving in leadership positions in politics, policy and business. His firm helps Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups understand, anticipate and navigate the ever-evolving policy environment and trends likely to impact the global marketplace.

Bruce's quarterly updates on political trends are widely read by business leaders and political observers across the country and have been frequently covered in leading publications, including the Washington Post, Axios, Politico, CNN, Fortune, and the Daily Caller. This week, we add Franchise Today, to that list.

Brian Sanders, CEO and Chairman of the Board at i9 Sports joins us this week. With over 2.5 million registrations in communities across the country, i9 Sports® is the nation’s largest multi-sport provider focused solely on high-quality, community-based youth sports programs. They offer youth sports leagues, camps and clinics for boys and girls ages 3 and up in today’s most popular sports such as flag football, soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball and ZIP Lacrosse™. To achieve their mission of helping kids succeed in life through sports, i9 Sports provides a youth sports experience unlike any other, teaching the importance of good sportsmanship on the field and in life. They are committed to providing age-appropriate instruction making sports fun for kids and convenient for today’s busy families. i9 Sports, It’s The Way Youth Sports Should Be®

In this encore performance, we hear from Jason Anderson, President of United Franchise Group's Venture X. This rapidly rising concept is experiencing meteoric growth... growth though that is measured, calculated and intentional. Like everything at UFG, there is a rhyme to the reason. Jason explains some of the magic behind this, at Venture X.

Much can be attributed to the concept, but more, much more is tfound in the calculus. Right people, right chairs, right place, right time. Jason Anderson, the "X Factor," at Venture X.

Next week, I return live, with Brian Sanders, President and CEO of i9 Sports.

COMMENTS

After 10 solid episodes of Franchise Today, related exclusively to Covid-19 and it's impact on franchsing, we pivoted with the news cycle, producing 3 back-to-back episodes on civil unrest and reacial inequality in our country. Then, last week's story about Martha Matilda Harper, America's first hair salon owner and the mother of modern day "retail franchising" was a bit of a break from the heavier news of the prior weeks, when Jane Plitt Martha's biographer stopped in to tell the story. This week, we stay in that genre, as we talk with another pioneer: Paul Segreto. Some 11 years ago, Paul was a podcasting pioneer, when he began the Franchise Essentials Podcast, which shortly thereafter, morphed into Franchise Today. Paul hosted Franchise Today on a solo basis for quite some time, before I joined him as his co-host and co-producer, for several years, before Paul ultimately turned the reigns over to me completely, more than a year and a half ago.

Well, this week, Paul is back! He's here to pay us a visit, reflect on the news of the day and catch us up on what he has been doing ever since. Paul Segreto, this week, on Franchise Today.

Jane Plitt is a fascinating biographer, who has made it her life’s work, to uncover and share the lessons we can all learn, from the life of yet another fascinating woman: Martha Matilda Harper. Harper was a very early stage entrepreneur and is credited with being the mother of retail franchising in America.

Plitt will reveal how this immigrant entrepreneur dared to succeed, using business for social change and also share the business lessons learned from Martha Matilda Harper.

Plitt’s writings have appeared in many publications including the Chicago Sun Times, Wall Street Journal, and one was even a featured cover story of Franchising World.

When I return next week, I will be joined by author, entrepreneur and visiting scholar, Jane Plitt and we will discuss her book about the amazing life of Martha Matilda Harper and her American Dream: How One Woman Changed the Face of Modern Business.

Plitt ignites audiences with topics including immigrant entrepreneurship, daring to succeed, forgotten women’s achievements, using business for social change, and the business lessons of Martha Matilda Harper. Plitt has also served as a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business and that same year, was chosen by SAVVY magazine as one of 14 Outstanding Women in New York State

Plitt’s writings have appeared in many publications including the Chicago Sun Times, Wall Street Journal, and one was even a featured cover story of Franchising World.

Jane Plitt is herself, a fascinating woman, who has made it her life’s work, to uncover and share lessons we can all learn, from the life of yet another fascinating woman. She joins us here to share it all, when we return from Summer vacation on Wednesday, July 15, 2020..

So, a little time off for the 4th of July, but when I return it will be with a compelling story that I can't wait to share, when I am joined by Jane Plitt, on July 15th.

Jane Plitt ran a thriving business consulting practice until she became enthralled with the Martha Matilda Harper story. In 1996, she was appointed a Visiting Scholar to the University of Rochester to pursue her research; the result was a book entitled Martha Matilda Harper and the American Dream: How One Woman Changed the Face of Modern Business. It was released May 2000 by Syracuse University Press. As a result of Plitt’s efforts, Harper was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame along with the American Business Hall of Fame. In 2017, Plitt released a young children’s book entitled, Martha’s Magical Hair published by Jade Publishing. In 2018, Plitt co-wrote a young adult version of the Harper story, Martha the Hairpreneur, with Sally Valentine. In 2019, a paperback version of the Harper biography was released.

Plitt ignites audiences with topics including immigrant entrepreneurship, daring to succeed, forgotten women’s achievements, using business for social change, and the business lessons of Martha Matilda Harper. Plitt has also served as a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business and that same year, was chosen by SAVVY magazine as one of 14 Outstanding Women in New York State

Plitt’s writings have appeared in many publications including the Chicago Sun Times, Wall Street Journal, and one was even a featured cover story of Franchising World.

Jane Plitt is a fascinating woman, who has made it her life’s work, to uncover and share lessons we can all learn, from the life of yet another fascinating woman. She joins us here to share it all, when we return from Summer vacation.

John Hope Bryant is an American entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, and prominent thought leader on economic empowerment and financial dignity.

Bryant is the founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Operation HOPE, Inc., a global nonprofit headquartered in Atlanta. Under the banner of “silver rights”, Operation HOPE has aided over 2.8 million individuals worldwide, and directed more than $2.7 billion in economic activity for the disenfranchised—turning check cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into small business owners and minimum wage workers into living wage consumers.

His work has been recognized by the last five U.S. presidents, and he has served as an advisor to the last three. He has received over 500 notable awards and citations for his work, including, Oprah Winfrey’s Use Your Life Award, and recognition as one of Time magazine’s “50 Leaders for the Future,” in 1994.

Bryant is the author of bestsellers How the Poor Can Save Capitalism: Rebuilding the Path to the Middle Class (Berrett-Koehler), and Love Leadership: The New Way to Lead in a Fear-Based World (Jossey-Bass). His latest book, The Memo: Five Rules for Your Economic Liberation (Berrett-Koehler) was published in September 2007, debuting as the #1 new release in budgeting and money management on Amazon. A mentor to many, Bryant is dedicated to sharing his failures and successes in life and business to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and world changers. John Hope Bryant shares a lesson in history, that explains a lot of what's going on today in our Civil Rights Movement. Right here, on Franchise Today

Today the conversation around Diversity and inclusion continues. There's nothing new about those words in Key Bank's lexicon. As a matter of fact, diversity, equity and inclusion have long been fundamental cornerstones of all things at Key Bank for years.

Today, Key Bank Senior VP Eric Fiala joins us to discuss what's going on in our world and the role that his team plays at at Key Bank, to share both fiscal and intellectual capital,to benefit those communities they serve, from Maine to Alaska, As Director of Corporate Communnity Initiatives, Eric also oversees Key Banks's commitment to franchising and their very generous contriibutions in support of the IFA Educational Foundation and Diversity Institute. .

Michael Stone and I are best of friends, with many things in common… but then too, there are many things about each of us, that the other can’t possibly experience directly... Like playing football for 7 years in the NFL. I will never know what that experience feels like… and that’s just the tip of the iceberg… Michael is African American, he is a single parent... and not just any single parent, but a single parent raising 4 boys.. between the ages of 8 and 17. So, as much as we share in common, Michael and I do have some different perceptions of things too, it would be impossible for us not to… Those differences notwithstanding, we have something else going for us too. Something, that none of this current day anger can wrest away from either of us.

Michael and I share mutual respect, trust and honor for the relationship that we’ve shared over time and we share a bond of common purpose. My hope is that you will take our conversation today as an example, of what you too, can and should be doing with members of your own teams, with your franchisees, your suppliers and anyone else with whom you share lots in common, but can never really appreciate some of those differences in your lives, without hashing them out openly, honestly and with respect, for one another’s points of view. It's Michael Stone back, today on Franchise Today.

As Host of Franchise Today, I'm accustomed to drawing out the stories, shared by my guests. This week I actually share a story of my own. It's about a personal and disappointing recent experience that I had as a customer, with a mega, global franchise brand, This experience was a train wreck in every possible way. As reputation management experts, Rallio's VP Ryan Hicks joins me as my subject matter expert today, as I describe the touch points and Ryan describes how THEY SHOULD HAVE gone, from the front line experience at the store, to follow up by the Operator and Management, the Agent from their Corporate Care Team and Executives, all of whom had every opportunity to do better, MUCH BETTER! Lots of take home value will be shared here, for start-ups, emerging brands and even senior brand executives. It' all coming up, this week on Franchise Today.

In the name of all those who have and continue to serve our nation and especially for the families, friends and loved ones of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, Franchise Today takes this week off in your honor. We also thank Scott Gittrich, Founder and CEO of Topper's Pizza for all of his insightful tips and information, shared last week.

I'm back next week with a conversation about the importance of trusting relationships at the store and corporate level ANY time, but especially when we encounter anheralded events and situations like this Pandemic has thrust upon us all.

Scott Gittrich is the founder and CEO of Toppers Pizza, a great midwestern pizza brand that is built to survive and thrive anytime, and yes, even in times like these. Scott’s unwavering affection for pizza became a full-fledged love affair when he decided to drop out of college to focus on a career at Domino’s, after only two weeks on the job. Well, that gamble paid off as he worked his way up through the company’s system. Scott stayed focused on having a successful career in the restaurant industry and in 1991 decided to kick it up a notch, when he created his own pizza concept, Toppers Pizza, delivering unique, fresh food made from scratch, rivaling anything out there. Franchising at Toppers the year 2000 and then as now, Scott’s relentless pursuit of product excellence, customer delight and FUN has led to some amazing experiences for his teammates, franchises customers and virtually anyone in his orbit.

And then, along came the COVID-19, Corona Virus, to test his mettle. Scott Gittrich is here today to tell us all about it and to share his thoughts on life, leadership and of course, his passion for PIZZA!

Pete Baldine is the President of the Moran Family of Brands, an automotive aftermarket franchisor with multiple brands. They are: Mr. Transmission, Milex Complete Auto care, Alta Mere Automotive Outfitters and SmartView Window Solutions. Pete joined the Moran Team in 1999 as their Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, bringing with him many years of automotive aftermarket, service industry and franchising experience.

From 1993 to 1999 Pete served as Regional Vice President of Safelite Autoglass, where he was responsible for 120 company owned centers, producing over $100 million in annual sales. From 1989 to 1993, Pete was Vice President/General Manager of VVP America, where he oversaw the Binswanger Glass Division, specializing in auto glass and residential and commercial construction markets. From 1980 to 1989, Pete held several positions with Jiffy Lube International through their rapid growth years including VP of the Western Region, which consisted of 550 franchised centers and $180 million in retail sales. So, with this depth of experience who better than Pete to lead the charge and drive Moran’s Family of Brands through Corona.

Cordell Riley is a Certified Franchise Executive and servant leader, with more than 20 years of experience on both the franchisor and supplier side of franchising. Cordell’s core competencies lie both in training and operations, as is demonstrated by his many years, directing training for Driven Brands, before founding Tortal in Y2K. Tortal is the premier e-learning and training platform for franchising.

Cordell is a past member of the IFA Education Foundation where he served on the Board of Trustees, and is currently as a member of the IFA Supplier Board.

Today, Cordell is a here to talk about a compelling program that he has created, to help franchisors assist their franchisees, as they work through some of the issues caused by the COVID 19 Corona Virus Crisis, in terms of their personal health, welfare, psyches and emotions, as well as those of their teams and teammates.

Shelly Sun is the CEO and founder of BrightStar Group Holdings, the umbrella company for multiple brands offering care services globally in various settings including in-home, assisted living and memory care communities as well as in commercial settings like hospitals through medical staffing services. Serving thousands of families in the USA, through its network of nearly 350 locations, BrightStar Care® delivers a full menu of in-home care, as well as premium healthcare staffing for corporate clients, such as nursing homes and physicians.

In 2005, BrightStar Care launched its franchising efforts, becoming the first and only franchising company in the country to specialize in both medical and non-medical home care and health care staffing. Shelly also served as Chair of the IFA Board of Directors (2017-2018), is a Certified Franchise Executive and was selected by the IFA as the 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year. BrightStar Care® has appeared for multiple years on Forbes magazine’s Top 10 franchise opportunities under $150,000 and also for 7 consecutive years on Inc. 5000. Shelly and BrightStar Care® were featured on CBS-TV’s Undercover Boss, she is the author of Grow Smart, Risk Less and discusses her journey as an emerging franchisor through amazing growth, lessons learned and game-changing ideas.

Matt Haller has been the man behind the man at IFA for nearly 10 years at the IFA. First, for Steve Caldiera and more recently, for Robert Cresanti. Matt leads the Government Relations, Public Affairs and Advocacy Team that monitors and protects the brand of franchising at the Federal and State legislative levels. Today, Matt joins us to share updates on the impact of the Government's actions and in some case, inactions, on IFA members and on certain market sectors within franchising.

To put some perspective on how much things have changed in the last couple of months, I asked my panelists from the IFA session that I moderated just a couple of months ago, to put what they shared then, (regarding big data and marketing) into perspective, since the advent of Corona.

My wonder, was whether what they’d prescribed then, would be been different, had this virus hit before convention, or if their digital marketing advice, would have remained the same.

Today, those questions are answered by: Christian Pillat, co-CEO of Transitiv, Jason Anderson, President of United Franchise Group’s, Venture X and Chris Lybeer, Chief Strategist for Revel Point of Sale Systems.

Dr. John Hayes and the Titus Center for Franchising have been hosting a series of webinars, bringing industry experts together, to talk through some of the implications of COVID 19 on our businesses, employees, clients and customers. His panelists have included luminaries from the franchisor, franchisee and supplier sides of our ecosystem. Dr. Hayes will bring us up to date on all of that and more and tell us how we may access this library of recorded knowledge.

In 1973, Hungry Howie's started with one hamburger shop turned delivery and carryout pizzeria in the suburbs of Detroit. Their now President/CEO Steve Jackson was there as a delivery driver. Since then, Hungry Howie’s has become a top pizza franchise with over 550 locations in 21 states and is still growing.

Hungry Howie's has perfected pizza and they have a proven franchise system. Single store locations and multiple store territories are available in great markets across the United States.

Hungry Howie's: The past, the present and future, right here on FRANCHISE TODAY!

Today I am going to continue the "Covid Crisis" conversation with Mike Drumm, a franchise lawyer and friend. Mike and I will discuss some of the immediate legal implications that this moment in time is having on our businesses and our lives and we will look ahead to the extent that we can, on what franchisors need to consider, as pertains to everything from FDD renewals, to functioning in your business. Drumm has built his legal practice, which consists of 24 professionals, on a virtual office model and has some inciteful tips to share about how to operate your business remotely. This could have some very powerful and pertinent implications for us, as we now into our second week of "social separation."

Before founding Drumm Law, Mike wore a suit and tie every day and worked at a large, national law firm. What he is most proud of today, is being the father of three young kids and hearing the following statement, when people meet him for the first time, "you really don’t remind me of a lawyer.”

Mike is continually recognized as a Franchise Times magazine Legal Eagle, an 1851 Franchise Legal Player and is a designated CFE. He is also an accomplished, serial entrepreneur and the founder of a start-up entrepreneurial venture of his own, Party O’ Clock, a revolutionary DJ company, for weddings and other personal and business catered events. Like many, Mike's Party O'Clock business, is on hold for now too.

The pendulum never stops in the middle, does it? We've gone from the best of times, to the worst of times, in a matter of days. Now, as COVID-19 has us all swimming in uncharted waters, IFA President and CEO talks about his efforts to protect franchisees from the very legislation that Congress is ostensibly trying to enact, to protect themselves from the abyss that we all could face, if cool, calm minds don't prevail in this crisis. . He also talks about a 3 part webinar he is particpating in, produced by Nick Powills and 1851franchise.com this week, honing in further on what exraordinary measures are required to survive, in these extraordinary times.

Cassidy Ford joined FRM Solutions in 2018, after years in restaurant franchise sales, development and operations. Immediately prior to joining FRM, Cassidy was with Huddle House, an iconic breakfast brand, here in Atlanta. She worked across departments to add new units, improve resales, increase profitability and support under-performing franchisees, relying on FRM all the way, as a client and power user. Cassidy brings this unique perspective to our client base offering her insights and our collective best practices, for all of our clients.

For more than 30 years, Dave McDougall has worked to optimize franchise brands for growth and efficiency. His mission at Your Pie is no different. As CEO, Dave leads Your Pie’s brand strategy and direction, identifying priorities, managing resources and aligning operational excellence with brand mission, culture and values at every level. Prior to joining the Your Pie family, Dave’s background includes household brands like Back Yard Burgers, Cinnabon and Carvel. No stranger to navigating high volume growth, Dave leverages his experience to hone and strengthen Your Pie brand positioning while maintaining the unique experience that has always defined the Your Pie brand. In his free time, Dave enjoys jogging, playing tennis, working in the yard, and college football Saturdays. A Seattle native, Dave now resides in Atlanta with his wife, Cheryl.

Marcus Slater is the (CMTO) Chief Marketing Technology Officer at Deka Lash, a company that is experiencing explosive growth within a $62 Billion dollar industry. Marcus is going to help us navigate the path between those fuzzy lines that are Marketing and Technology and the interrelationship bwtween the two. This is a fact that should come as no surprise to anyone who walked the Exhibit Hall at the IFA Convention this year, by virtue of how many new exhibitors had the words "digital" AND "marketing" somewhere in their corporate names or collateral material.

Marcus is going to break it all down for us, from B2B for FranDev and the impact too, that digital marketing has on the B2C side of franchisee consumer marketing. Stay tuned, this Franchise Today!

With more than 20 years of experience managing, owning and franchising health clubs, Chuck Runyon has distinguished himself as a leading authority in the field of fitness. Chuck revolutionized the fitness industry when he and Dave Mortensen co-founded Anytime Fitness – an alternative to big-box gyms which typically feature expensive “frills” that few members actually use or need.

Under his leadership, Anytime Fitness has earned numerous industry accolades, including the #1 Franchise on the planet, according to Entrepreneur magazine, “One of America’s Most Promising Companies,” according to Forbes, and the “Fastest-Growing Fitness Club in the world,” according to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA). Last Sunday, the trophy wall at Anytime Fitness and Self Esteem Brands took on yet another crowning honor, when the International Franchise Association presented Chuck and his co-founder and President, Dave Mortensen, it’s coveted Entrepreneur of the Year Award in front of 4,000 people, in attendance at its 60th Annual Convention, in Orlando. Chuck Runyon talks about it all, on Franchise Today. .

Today, as most everyone settles back in following IFA Convention 2020, Franchise Today reprises my recent interview with IFA President and CEO, Robert Cresanti. What a spectacular conference it was.

Back next week with IFA Award Winners, Chuck Runyon and Dave Mortensen, co-founders of Self Esteem Brands, parent company of Anytime Fitness, Waxing the City and more!

Horace Williams has a long history of "doing well, by doing good" Today, he shares how being a servant leader has impacted his career, but moreover, how it continues to influence the lives of those around him. For the past four years, Horace has been heading up Franchising at Honey Baked Ham. When you couple Horace's principle-centered leadership, with the magic of an iconic brand, then top it all off with a team of like-minded professionals, that are all commited to excellence, the result is a recipe for success, second to none. And, Honey Baked Ham is well positioned for more of the same. Sustainable growth and sensible franchising, are the reasons why. Horace tells how and why, right here, on Franchise Today.

My guests this week are Jeremy Sorzano and Jason Webb, co-founders of Soccer Shots. Jeremy and Jason talk about the process of adding executives to their corporate team, along with a third partner, one with strong franchise and soccer experience. The result? Accelerated and sustainable growth and unit level economic that work for their franchisees.

Jeremy Sorzano and Jason Webb, coming up next, on Franchise Today.

Jason Anderson is the President of United Franchise Group's Venture X. This rapidly rising concept is experiencing meteoric growth... growth though that is measured, calculated and intentional. Like everything at UFG, there is a rhyme to the reason. Jason explains some of the magic behind this, at Venture X.

Much can be attributed to the concept, but more, much more is tfound in the calculus. Right people, right chairs, right place, right time. Jason Anderson, the "X Factor," at Venture X.

IFA President and CEO Robert Cresanti lifts the curtain and offers us a sneak preview of IFA Convention 2020, just weeks away. He will also provide us with some BREAKING NEWS and a snapshot of the the State of the Franchise Union. How did 2020 wrap up on key and critical issues from the perspective of Government Affairs and what can we look forward to, both in the year and decade ahead.

My guest today, is serial entrepreneur extraordinaire Steve Cody. Steve is the founder of several companies, both in franchising and technology, but our conversation today will focus primarily on the Better Software Company.

Designed to ensure that franchisees can utilize technology to carry out the vision of their franchisor’s concept, Better provides both zors and zees a deeper understanding of what is happening throughout franchise locations. It also provides insights into what Zees are actually doing out in the field.

Better focuses predominantly on service brands and can customize and control a single product/service list with proper images, descriptions, and recommended pricing to Zees. It will also create email templates, client attributes, automated alert templates, new services, and products in one place for everyone to have immediate access or set permissions to control who has access to what. It will also provide scheduling and CRM tools for franchisees, to manage their relationships, appointments and touch points with their customers and even provide mechanisms for the production of estimates and workorders in the field, as franchisees are meeting with potential of existing clients.

I hope you've all had a safe and Happy New Year! Today, Cruise Planners Michelle Fee delivers an ENCORE Performance. We'll be back next week though, to begin another new season of inciteful guest interviews for 2020!

Until then,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Stan

As we wrap up 2019, I thought I'd do my best, by taking a shot at political correctness, something I'm not terribly good at... So, here I go! I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Good Kwanza, Happy Ramadan or whatever it is that is YOUR reason, for celebrating the season. Also, I'd like to share a little gift... the gift of music..This is an original piece of Christmas music that I hope you will enjoy, regardless of your religous persuasion. It is written and performed by recording artist and friend, Mary-Kathryn. I hope you will enjoy listening to it, as much as I enjoy sharing it with you.

Until we meet again in 2020, please be safe and have a Happy New Year!

Stan

The HomeVestors idea began in Dallas, Texas in 1989, when real estate broker Ken D’Angelo bought so many homes, he decided to transform his real estate brokerage into a home-buying business. By 1996, he took his business even further, when he created HomeVestors and sold his first franchise in the Dallas area. He figured out how franchises could advertise together, share vendors, and route calls to each other through a phone system and he eventually expanded to Kansas City. When he had 20 offices up and running, he expanded to Atlanta. HomeVestors of America® is now comprised of more than 1,100 franchises spanning 46 states and D.C and is growing dramatically. All of their independently owned and operated franchisees are supported centrally with mass advertising from their nationally-recognized “We Buy Ugly Houses®” brand, proprietary home evaluation, and lead management software, deep knowledge of the industry, and financial resources. Today we are joined by their CEO David Hicks, who has doubled the size of the company from 500 franchisees in 2014, to more than a thousand today.

John Covilli is a veteran franchise and business development leader who has spent more than a decade supporting Dale Carnegie Training franchise owners and expanding the franchise brand. In his current role as Senior Vice President of Franchising, John oversees the franchise program for North and Latin America for Dale Carnegie Training. His insights and experience allows him to provide the Dale Carnegie Training franchise system the resources and tools to drive growth.

Dale Carnegie Training ignites workplace enthusiasm with middle market and large corporations, as well as organizations, to produce measurable business results by improving the performance of employees. The brand's workplace training solutions focus on leadership, sales, employee engagement, customer service, presentations and public speaking, process improvement and other essential management skills.

The Little Gym has been around since 1976 and has come a long way, since those early days. Today, with more than 400 locations in the US and around the world, they offer programs for various age levels, beginning as young as four months and going all the way up to 12 year old’s. These include Parent & Child, Developmental Gymnastics, Karate and Sports Skills Development. The Little Gym locations also host birthday parties, summer camps, Creative Crafts Adventures and Parent's Survival Nights. Today we're joined by Alex Bingham, their President and CEO, who was actually enrolled in "The Little Gym" as a kid, as we talk about the business of delivering "Serious Fun! "

When I return live next week, I will be joined by Alex Bingham, CEO of The Little Gym. Until then, please have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. I can't thank you all enough for continuing to tune in each Wednesday at noon ET, for another episode of Franchise Today. Until next week, let me quote my good friend Jim Fliss, as I encourage you to enjoy the downtime and most importantly, "Enjoy Your Turkey Daze!"

Happy Thanksgiving!

Stan Friedman

Thanksgiving is upon us, so when better, to kick off my special series of Franchise Today Podcasts, on Franchising Gives Back. Jimmy John's Founder, Jimmy John Liautaud joins me to kick this series off, with a powerful, first installment.

Forget what you've heard, read or think that you know about this guy and tune in. Jimmy shares from the heart with compelling stories of sharing, caring and giving back. Don’t miss this first in a series of Franchising Gives Back podcasts. Available for download, Wednesday 11/20/19 at noon Eastern. Please tune in and have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving, as we kick off the holiday season.

Normally, my guests are accomplished franchising icons, those who have been there, done that and come here to share nuggets about it all. Today, I have invited Elizabeth Dunham to the podcast. Elizabeth is a talented writer whose franchising experience is at best, early stage. But stay tuned and learn why this woman will deliver more value than you can possibly imagine, as the Founder and Publisher of The Franchise Woman, a newly minted, bi-monthly franchise publication, devoted specifically to women in franchising.

Elizabeth’s story in many ways, parallels that of Professor John Hayes. He too, was an accomplished writer and knew little or nothing about franchising when he arrived on the scene. It wasn’t until he stumbled into our space, as the result of other circumstances in his life, that he focused his training as a writer and researcher like a laser beam on the intrigue and power of franchising.

Professor Hayes went on to become a member of the Board of The Dwyer Group, the CEO of HomeVestors and now serves as the Titus Chair for Franchise Leadership at Palm Beach Atlantic University. It’s too soon to know exactly how or where the Franchise Woman will land, but for now, Elizabeth Denham is clearly intent on making a difference, by reporting on all things centered upon "Women in Franchising." Elizabeth sits at the helm of an exciting new franchise publication, featuring all aspects of women in our space and I am proud to have her join us, on Franchise Today.

Scott Lehr has served the franchise community for 29 years in numerous positions within the International Franchise Association. Most recently, as Executive Vice President, with oversight of membership recruitment and retention of Franchisors, Franchisees and Suppliers. Earlier this year, Scott retired from the IFA and with two other industry giants, namely Tom Portesy, CEO of MFV Expos and Gary Gardner, Co-Founder and Chairman of Franchise Update Media Group, formed GT&S Franchise Executive Search, to help franchise companies build out and grow their teams with high quality franchise executives. GT&S will specialize in placing high level franchise executives including CEO, COO, EVP, VP and Director level executives ranging in scope from Franchise Sales and Development to Marketing, Operations, International and Legal.

The three partners collectively have over ninety years of experience in franchising building relationships and connecting franchise companies with qualified franchise executives andScott serves as Managing Partner and CEO.

Tray Doster is Director of Franchise Sales for Zaxby’s Franchising LLC and Chairman of the Board of the Southeast Franchise Forum, IFA’s Franchise Business Network affiliate, in Atlanta, GA. Tray has been with Zaxby’s since 2007 joining the brand at the 325 restaurants open mark and has contributed directly with moving that high water mark to now more than 900 open and operating units.

Prior to his current role as Director of Franchise Recruitment, his responsibility was split between franchise development and real estate/site selection. Tray earned his IFA Certified Franchise Executive designation in 2014 and has been an active and participating member of the Southeast Franchise forum for more than 10 years, prior to assuming his leadership role as Chair.

Tray Doster is one of the nicest people on the planet, much less in franchising and finds his happiness, in doing service for others. Tray delivers on that right here, on Franchise Today!

.

Last Saturday Key Bank and the IFA delivered a pilot ½ day educational program, the first of what I hope will be many more to come and an amazing event it was, in Cleveland, Ohio, Key Bank’s Home Base. I actually got to participate in this event, which hands down, was the best of any such events I have ever participated in, during my 22+ years of promoting diversity and inclusion in franchising What made this one such a game-changer from my point of view, was the deep level of franchisee participation in the program.

This came in the names of Vanessa Whiting, owner of 15 Cleveland Popeye’s restaurants, Michael Obi,CEO of Spectrum Global, a multi-unit Little Caesar’s franchisee and Connie Hill-Johnson, of Visiting Angels, all three, powerful and relatable communicators and business people, who helped convey to the audience how much franchised business ownership has changed their lives and those they employ and serve.

Today we’re going to continue that conversation, as I have invited Visiting Angels franchisee Connie Hill Johnson here today, to bring the conversation about diversity in franchising right her, as we will speak about more than just RETURN on INVESTMENT in franchising but ROI too, as it pertains to RETURN ON INCLUSION and why more franchisors, should be focusing their eyes on THAT ball as well.

Peter Capodice is sought out by leaders in Franchising who recognize the need to attract the industry's best talent. Through Capodice & Associates' extensive network of relationships and their "deep dive" qualification process, they are able to identify and secure individuals who represent the top tier of Franchise professionals. Find out how, on Franchise Today!

ENCORE PERFORMANCE! Christian Pillat is passionate about transforming disruptive ideas into actionable business strategies. As co-CEO of TRANSITIV, he does just that. Transitiv provides franchisors and franchisees with cutting edge intelligence about their customers and local store marketing. By enabling franchisees to identify their best customers, they can then market more effectively to them and bring them back more often. They can also target more customers like them and increase their average spend and frequency of visits.

Founders Debra Shwetz and Dena Tripp started Nothing Bundt Cakes in Las Vegas in 1997, simply to please their family and friends. Needless to say, over time, thousands of other people became just as excited about their delicious cakes as they were. By using the purest ingredients, handcrafted recipes and imaginative decorations, Nothing Bundt Cakes has grown into the warm brand that it is today, as they celebrate the very heart of true hospitality, where all are welcome and no one is a stranger.

Each thoughtful detail of the experience, from the heartfelt welcome at the door to remembering the customer’s favorite flavor, has been naturally embraced at Nothing Bundt Cakes and that same culture and spirit has been brought into their relationships with franchise owners.

It’s a very special kind of person that gets invited to become part of the Nothing Bundt Cakes family and we’ll talk about that and more today, with Dena Tripp.

The School of Rock is the world's largest and most trusted multi-location music school with tens of thousands of musicians going through their classes, workshops, camps and performance programs every day. Their leadership is committed to combining their business savvy, passion for music and their compelling drive to help children succeed in each and every. That charge is led by their CEO Rob Price and he joins us to tell us how this amazing brand takes music education and the business of providing it, to new heights... this week on Franchise Today.

(IFPG) The International Franchise Professionals Group is a membership based organization, with more than 800 members. Members consist of Franchisors, Franchise Brokers, Lenders, and other Franchise Professionals that help potential candidates in the process of buying franchises.

Hundreds of nationally recognized franchise companies have chosen the IFPG and its members to represent their brands; hundreds of experienced franchise consultants and brokers have chosen the IFPG to power their business. All of these individuals understand the value of being associated with IFPG.

The IFPG is a strictly membership based organization that does not participate in any referral fees from our franchisor members or our brokers, thereby allowing all of our members to work freely together. Our long-term success is predicated on retaining our members and providing all the tools needed to help award more franchises, and close more deals.

Discover why 800+ Franchise Professionals have joined the IFPG Family!

Michelle Fee is the founder and CEO of Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative. Backed by more than 35 years in the industry, Michelle is a well-rounded corporate travel veteran with in-depth knowledge in emerging travel trends and the franchise business.

Founded in 1994, Cruise Planners is now the nation’s largest network of home-based travel agents, yet Michelle maintains personal connections with franchise owners and even a mentor to new franchisees at the company’s STAR University.

Under Michelle’s leadership, Cruise Planners franchise owners are provided with unique marketing programs, hands-on training and cutting-edge tools allowing them to conduct business anywhere, anytime. She also leads a Home Office Team of more than 100 team members at Cruise Planners’ headquarters in Coral Springs, FL, which is full of Cruisitude.

Michelle is the recipient of numerous awards and has been named Ultimate CEO, Entrepreneur of the Year and Woman of the Year from media outlets and charity organizations. She has been quoted as an expert in The New York Times, USA Today, Entrepreneur, Inc. and other well-known publications. Cruise Planners is also highly decorated, with countless awards and accolades from the world’s leading travel and franchise partners.

Kit Vinson is a marketing specialist with over 20 years of experience from the ground up. His resume includes corporations such as Hillenbrand Industries, Service Corp. International and Infinity Broadcasting, showing his experience in advertising, financial services, and manufacturing. Kit earned an MBA from The American Graduate School of International Management (a.k.a. Thunderbird) in 1994. His fields of study include International Marketing and the Spanish language. He has also completed business studies at the University of London in London, England and language studies in Antigua, Guatemala. Kit’s entrepreneurial ventures and his experience working for Fortune 500 corporations have given him a unique perspective into the business world.

Kit is very active outside of work as a volunteer basketball coach for the YMCA, and the Den Leader, Assistant Pack Master, and Committee Chair for Cub Scout Pack 847.

Kit is also the host of an industry specific podcast called The Franchise Manual Podcast. Using this vehicle, Kit is creating a resource library for start-up and emerging franchisors, to help them as they travel down the road of franchising. His podcast has been downloaded by listeners across the U.S and 42 countries. Next up, on Franchise Today!

Bette Fetter is the Founder and CEO of Young Rembrandts. She is also the author of Being Visual: Raising a Generation of Visual Thinkers! Bette’s life’s work has been focused on the importance of creative arts and visual learning in children. Her true passion for kids, art, teaching and creativity, is what helped Bette launch a $35 a week part-time hobby into a multi-million-dollar, international franchise business.

Today, this mother of 4, tells us how "life balance" contributed to the growth of this 100-unit, International franchise system. With franchisees successfully operating in 28 states, South Korea, Germany and the Middle East, she has Young Rembrandts geared up and positioned to begin growing the next hundred locations. Primary geographical targets include the US, Canada, China and India.

Bette Fetter shares her passion, her story and moroe about her journey, this week on Franchise Today.

Christian Pillat is passionate about transforming disruptive ideas into actionable business strategies. As co-CEO of TRANSITIV, he does just that. Transitiv provides franchisors and franchisees with cutting edge intelligence about their customers and local store marketing. By enabling franchisees to identify their best customers, they can then market more effectively to them and bring them back more often. They can also target more customers like them and increase their average spend and frequency of visits.

This Grandpre is all about slow and steady... No race here! Chris Grandpre is the Chairman and CEO of Outdoor Living Brands, the franchisors of multiple brands: Archadeck, the world's leading designer and builder of custom decks, porches, sun rooms, patios and outdoor living spaces; Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, whose name is self explanatory, Renew Crew, a cleaning and protection company caring for a wide variety of exterior surfaces at residential and commercial properties; and Conserva-Irrigation, focused on the service and maintenance of sprinkler systems in a water-efficient manner. Outdoor Living Brands is also formerly the franchisor of Mosquito Squad, which they recently sold to Authority Brands, in December, 2018.

Chris Grandpre sets the strategic direction for the company, across 250 existing franchisees, is the scout for future acquisitions, and proudly fosters a corporate culture of innovation and service, both internally and throughout the multiple franchise communities of their brands.

Jonathan Barnett is Founder, President and CEO of Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning, one of the fastest growing cleaning franchises in North America, with over 300 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Their Mission is to be an environmentally friendly, green carpet cleaning company, who’s #1 goal is to provide their customers with the highest quality carpet cleaning experience in the industry and accomplish this with excellent service and support throughout all levels of the company. Listen, as he explains how he is accomplishing this, with both consumers and his franchisees.

Angela Cote is a second-generation franchising pro and consultant, from the Canadian Pacific Northwest. Angela refers to herself as a Franchise Growth Catalyst. Uniquely, she has experienced both sides of franchisor-franchisee relationships. Her family founded the iconic Canadian franchise brand, M&M Meat Shops, a hugely well-known and successful franchise company that grew to just under 500 locations from Cost-to-Coast across Canada and has won multiple business awards and distinctions, along the way.

Today, Angela helps emerging franchisors reach their growth goals faster as well as having some fun while doing it. She is with an organization called Cultivate Advisors and she is here to share some stories about growing up inside a franchise family and how that helps her guide, counsel and consult with emerging brands today.

The UPS Store, Inc. recently launched, Mission: Veteran Entrepreneurship, a program offering significant financial incentives – valued at nearly $300,000 – for a select group of qualified U.S. military veterans to help open their own The UPS Store® franchise location.

The UPS Store, Inc. is proud to support America’s U.S. armed forces as they pursue starting their own business and as a part of this effort the company will waive the franchise license fees for 10 first-time veteran franchisees.

The UPS Store, Inc. is accepting franchise application packets through Monday, Nov. 11, 2019 (Veterans Day).

Chris Adkins, The UPS Store's Vice President of Franchise and Business Development will discuss this and more during this episode of Franchise Today.

During this episode of Franchise Today, Chip Baranowski talks about he awards franchises, with Authority. As VP of Franchise Development for Authority Brands, Chip discusses everything from marketing and lead generation, to processes, procedures and pipeline, funnel and candidate management. All that and more, on this episode of Franchise Today.

In the Front of the House, I talk with Ryan Hicks, about his 15 day, Multi-State Modrn Businss Podcast Road Show and tour, starting July 15th. Then, my interview this week is with Brig Sorber, Chief Brand Officer and co-founder of Two Men and a Truck. He and his brother Jon started in the early 1980s as a way to make extra money while in high school. 30 years later, the company has grown to more than 350 locations worldwide. This brand has a great story and a powerful culture. It's all been born out of a great family's shared belief in focusing on giving.

Their mission: Continuously strive to exceed customers' expectations in value and high standards of satisfaction.

Brig shares how his family built their brand through servant leadership. He believes that this more than anything, is the fuel that has powered their growth. From movers and office personnel, to franchisees and the communities that they serve, everyone is on the same page, at Two Men and a Truck.

Fully Involved: Most of the subs at Firehouse Subs by default, are served "fully involved." (one of many kitschy firehouse references), which to customers means, automatically topped with a whole bunch of stuff, including lettuce, tomato, mustard, and a generous helping of mayo. Fully Involved is also an apt description for Firehouse Subs Chief Executive Officer, Don Fox, a life-long over-achiever in both the culinary and franchising sectors. Today, Don Fox serves as our First Responder and helps us learn about the magic of this incredible brand, started by REAL first responders and staying true to core values, through explosive growth.

Unlike DISC or other assessment tools that simply gauge personality and communication styles, Zoracle is franchise specific and scientific. In fact, its predictive analysis is based on 7 sciences that absolutely nail the results, each and every time. Franchise prospects simply answer a few on-line questions and within minutes, Zoracle’s algorithms scientifically analyze their thresholds for risk, their management styles and even their propensity for single, or multi-unit ownership.

Zoracle’s SpotOn! meta-analysis is the closest thing to a sure thing. And, because it’s all based on scientific algorithms, it flawlessly determine franchisee-franchisor compatibility and accurately predicts the performance a franchisor can expect from the candidates being considered.

We'll talk about how franchise brokers, franchise recruiters and yes, how prospective franchisees themselves, all benefit from this knowledge. All of that and more, on this edition of Franchise Today!

Kit Vinson is a marketing specialist with over 20 years of experience from the ground up. His resume includes corporations such as Hillenbrand Industries, Service Corp. International and Infinity Broadcasting, showing his experience in advertising, financial services, and manufacturing.

Kit earned an MBA from The American Graduate School of International Management (a.k.a. Thunderbird) in 1994. His fields of study include International Marketing and the Spanish language. He has also completed business studies at the University of London in London, England and language studies in Antigua, Guatemala.

Kit’s entrepreneurial ventures and his experience working for Fortune 500 corporations have given him a unique perspective into the business world.

He is very active outside of work as a volunteer basketball coach for the YMCA, and the Den Leader, asst. Pack Master, and Committee Chair for Cub Scout Pack 847.

Kit is also the host of an industry specific podcast called The Franchise Manual Podcast. Using this vehicle, Kit is creating a resource library for start-up and emerging franchisors, to help them as they travel down the road of franchising. His podcast has been downloaded by listeners across the U.S., as well as 42 countries. Next up, on Franchise Today!

When No Limit Agency was created in March 2008, Nick Powills saw an opportunity within the agency world, to deliver better relationships, strategy, service, and results, while consistently accomplishing and exceeding clients’ expectations.

Now, 10+ years later, No Limit has earned national recognition, by maintaining a high level of professionalism in the eyes of its clients, the media, the industry and the public. Today it calls Chi town home and its offices in the historic Prudential Building serve as home base for a team of 35 professionals, creating and telling stories and delivering measurable results, for more than 80 brands that they serve.

In today’s world of information on demand, the No Limit Agency strives to connect all the silos -- meaning, when they create a piece of content, it extends across channels. A press release morphs into a media pitch, or is repositioned into an article to use for their 1851 marketing platform, or serves as the foundation for a social media campaign and even forms the basis of content for a visual, like an infographic.

No Limit’s mantra, is their commitment to creating a wide breadth for their client stories, while maintaining message consistency across all channels. This creative team of storytellers, have themselves become known as brand biographers, covering all the bases, in this ever-changing and evolving age of information, on demand.

With more than 25 years of experience in business, including time as a consultant, entrepreneur, executive, venture capitalist and successful franchisor, Kevin Wilson’s passion has always been to build and lead strong teams of people, then support their successes. He's already done that quite effectively with Mosquito Joe, recently sold to Neighborly and here he GROWS again. This time Kevin is creating a BUZZ, with his latest offerings: Home Clean Heroes, Pool Scouts and British Swim School. We talk about it all, on this edition of Franchise Today!

His life hasn’t been simple and success certainly wasn’t handed to himon a silver platter. Devan Kline has faced obstacles, defeat, and disappointment. Seven years ago, sitting alone in a hotel room– he was devastated. After setting his sights on making it to the big leagues, he had just been released from the San Francisco Giants organization, after his third spring training. All he could think to himself was “What comes next?

Well, what next came was Burn Boot Camp, now boasting more that 200 locations in 37 states and growing, with "strength in our bodies and passion in our Souls! Devan Kline, next up, on Franchise Today!

The franchise resale market is hot and continues to build steam. Smart money is on those franchisors who embrace this and actually weave franchise resale programs into their development mix.

This week on Franchise Today we talk about all of this and more, with Terry Kelm, President of the Franchise Division at Sunbelt Business Brokers. Terry's focus at Sunbelt is on helping franchisors create and implement such programs. Listen, as he details how you too, can begin with the end in mind and create a well planned and executed resale program, one that actually augments, not detracts, from your overall development strategy.

That’s the business philosophy of Multi-Flagged aread developers, empire builders and co-founders Grant Simon and Greg Thomas...It's also how they got their name – LSGF Management. (Life's Short, Grow Fast!)

LSGF Management provides management services to franchisees and operators of retail and quick service food locations across the southeast. We currently support 50+ Great Clips in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina; 100+ T-Mobile Premium Retailer Stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee; and 7 Smoothie King stores in Georgia and Alabama.

Grant and Greg will share valuable nuggets about what it takes tfor franchisors to attract the attention of leadership and development guys like them.

This week we’re joined by two marketing gurus: 919 Marketing's Founder and CEO, David Chapman and Rallio’s VP of Business Development, Ryan Hicks. This promises to be a robust discussion about the intersection between traditional marketing and today’s digital world, as described by the ubiquitous Gary Vee and others. In this conversation, David and Ryan will discuss the ingredients needed for the perfect recipe, to help you break through the white noise that assaults us all daily. Tune in and learn, as these two pros help you make sense of it all. David and Ryan will offer helpful tips on how to create interest, engage prospects and manage the top, middle and bottom of your franchise development prospect funnels. It's all coming up next, on Franchise Today.

Retro Fitness CFO Robbie Sprechman talks about both the Fiscal and Physical Gains of Retro Fitness Ownership, This Week on Franchise Today!

$2,197,482: AVG GROSS SALES PER UNIT FOR THE TOP 10% OF RETRO FITNESS CLUBS

$628,203: AVGERAGE EBITDA REPORTED BY TOP 10% OF RETRO FITNESS FRANCHISE OWNERS

3,029 :MEMBERSHIP BASE AT THE AVERAGE CLUB (TOP 10% HAVE OVER 5,800)

$140.18: AVERAGE REVENUE PER SQUARE FOOT FOR THE TOP 10% OF RETRO CLUBS

The top 10% of Retro Fitness Clubs Avg. Gross Sales, Avg. EBITDA and Avg. Rev. Per Sq. Ft. numbers as published in Item 19 of the Retro Fitness 2018 Franchise Disclosure Document. Read Item 19 in its entirety for important defined terms, assumptions and qualifiers relating to these figures.

Shane Evans co-founded Massage Heights in 2004 with her husband Wayne. Today she is responsible for the company’s services, products and programs, and also helps develop strategic initiatives. Shane feels whole when balancing a busy career with family life, supporting her children and husband in their passions: exercise, art, dance, horseback riding and sports. She also relishes getting frequent massages, reading, hot yoga, running, and group CrossFit classes. Passionate about family, franchising and relationships, this former Undercover Boss strives to make the lives of everyone she touches better, in any way she can.

It all started when two enterprising women, Cathy Deano and Renee Maloney, wanted to do their part to rebuild their Hurricane Katrina-devastated community and give people a place to relax, unwind and get creative. Their guests loved the idea so much that today Painting with a Twist has created over 11 MILLION PAINTINGS in fun-filled studios in 39 states. This week on Franchise Today, co-founder Cathy Deano invites us to learn all about the journey.

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"Everybody has problems and issues," says J.D. Busch, chief energy officer of Houston-based Busch Global. "It is about how people have succeeded and grown effectively. I'm not afraid to ask people to learn from their mistakes and to learn from people who are doing things right."

Busch has been a disrupter in franchising from the start. In 1995, the former college cheerleader put three different franchises--an NCA Super Center, Kid Fit Sports Day Care, and United Taekwondo--under one roof, long before brand synergy was common practice.

Michael Isakson is the retired President and COO of ServiceMaster Franchise Services Group, an international franchise services company, where he had responsibility for the development and growth of more than 5,000 franchises worldwide with sales totaling more than $2 billion annually. As part of the $4 billion ServiceMaster Company, Mike led ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, Furniture Medic and AmeriSpec brands, specializing in residential and commercial cleaning services, disaster restoration, on-site furniture repair, and home inspections.Mike was also the Chair of the IFA in 2008-2009 and is the Immediate Past Chair of the IFA Education Foundation. Today, he and his partners Doug Pound and Jim Wassell, give guidance to their clients and through Insight to Execution, help guide them on their journeys.

Ray Margiano started working in his dad’s Derby, CT, auto garage when he was just 10 years old. After a brief stint in the Navy, he returned home to pump gas, wash windshields and do service repairs 50 hours a week, all while attending school full time. Although he couldn’t wait to get away, it was his first generation Italian father’s entrepreneurial spirit and fierce determination that laid the path for his own success in the footwear industry.

Today Ray tells how he kicked his corporate career down the road, in favor of living the dream of "making dreams come true for others," as a franchisor.

This week on Franchise Today, I speak with serial entrepreneur, founder and franchising icon, David McKinnon. Over the past forty years, David has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to recognize unmet needs in the marketplace, innovate solutions, and establish recognizable brands. David is a fire-tested executive with business acumen that is combined with a set of unshakeable beliefs, With that as a foundation, David McKinnon has guided his companies through three major recessions including the dot-com meltdown and the Great Recession itself.

McKinnon’s business interests have spanned technology, home services, business-to-business telephony, and consumer products. As co-founder of Service Brands International (SBI), he built numerous franchise companies that employed more than six thousand people with combined revenues exceeding $400 million. McKinnon sold his interest in SBI in 2015. Today, McKinnon is provides a sizeable endowment to the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Educational Foundation for the funding of its “NextGen Franchising” – a worldwide program that supports young entrepreneurs. Through his leadership as a senior advisor to The Neighborly Brands and through his other business interests David continues help people around the world achieve their dreams and ambitions. We’ll talk about all of that and more, this week on Franchise Today.

From a living room in Tulsa, OK, in 1997, to Forbes Magazine's list of top ten U.S. franchises for three straight years, (JBF) Just Between Friends co-founder and President, Shannon Wilburn joins us this week on Franchise Today. With more than 150 locations across 30 states, JBF has also been named one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 500 Franchises for the past six years, earned The Franchise Business Review's, “Franchisee Satisfaction Award” and has landed on FBR’s Top 50 franchise List, for the past ten years.

JBF has also been featured on numerous national television shows including The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Early Show, Fox News, ABC News, CNN, Headline News, Inside Edition and CNBC’s The Big Idea.

This week, Shannon Wilburn’s “Bright Light” shines here. Her passion, her story and her love of "life and family," "God and church," "business and friends," will undoubtedly inspire others to live their lives to the fullest, too.

Shane Evans co-founded Massage Heights in 2004 with her husband Wayne. Today she is responsible for the company’s services, products and programs, and also helps develop strategic initiatives. Shane feels whole when balancing a busy career with family life, supporting her children and husband in their passions: exercise, art, dance, horseback riding and sports. She also relishes getting frequent massages, reading, hot yoga, running, and group CrossFit classes. Passionate about family, franchising and relationships, this former Undercover Boss strives to make the lives of everyone she touches better, in any way she can.

ENCORE EPISODE: Three of Key Bank's key executives join me tomorrow, to discuss Key Bank's commitment to franchising and entrepreneurship for women, financial dignity in low and moderate income communities and how Key is increasing it's footprint to serve all 50 states, as a Top 15 SBA Lender. Learn too, about Key's financial committment to the IFA Educational Foundation, in the name of diversity, women, veterans and next generation entrepreneurs.

Next week we will be joined by Shane Evans, Co-Founder and President of Massage Heights Franchising, a membership-based Massage Franchise based in San Antonio Texas with retreats nationwide

Passionate as he is competitive, CraftWorks Holdings President Mark A. Belanger talks about his love of family, friends, cycling and franchising. Learn how this executive, with ten brands in the corporate portfolio, manages to balance it all, this week on Franchise Today

Three of Key Bank's key executives join me tomorrow, to discuss Key Bank's commitment to franchising and entrepreneurship for women, financial dignity in low and moderate income communities and how Key is increasing it's footprint to serve all 50 states, as a Top 15 SBA Lender. Learn too, about Key's financial committment to the IFA Educational Foundation, in the name of diversity, women, veterans and next generation entrepreneurs.

This week Tom Portesy, President and CEO of MFV Expos, makes a return appearance on Franchise Today. Our discussion though will be about something other than Expos. On this episode, Tom will be talking about MFV’s acquisition of the Best Franchisee of the World competitions, a series of national events culminating in an international event in Florence, Italy celebrating the best franchisees from around the world. How has franchising impacted their families, their futures, and their communities? Nominees submitted by their franchisors could win National Titles… or even Best Franchisee of the World. MFV Expositions is invested in highlighting the extraordinary people that are changing the franchising industry and changing the world. Tune in to learn more about this amazing global competition and the U.S. Competition that precedes it. The U.S. competition is now open for entries.

This week I talk with Solink VP Jim Farrell, as we discuss how restaurant and retail operators can revolutionize the way their locations use video, when they deploy Solink’s cutting edge, loss prevention technology. Solink identifies and solves transactional problems that affect franchised businesses daily, linking security footage with actual transaction data, creating “real-time” insights into daily business pain points and making it easy to have full visibility into every action and transaction, at every site, from any device, on demand. It does so by cutting through the noise and excess footage taken by security cameras and instead, points directly to the day’s notable events, unusual transactions and unauthorized activity. This puts the operator’s current systems on double-duty: providing “added value” from existing POS, cameras, and other digital systems.

The impact that Solink delivers, will interest every franchisor concerned with unit level economics, multi-unit franchisees and yes, even single unit operators. Jim also explains too, how these user-friendly tools also create coaching opportunities, in addition to identifying compliance and security concerns.

As Franchise Today celebrates its 10th season and start of a new era, Stan Friedman transitions from his former role as co-host to the show's new host. In this segment of the increasingly popular podcast, Stan welcomes as his guest, Chris Spears. Chris, a returning guest on Franchise Today is Co-founder and Chief Marketing Technology Officer of FRM Solutions parent company, Arke. Stan and Chris discuss how Arke, a digital business consultancy specializing in implementation and integration of marketing technology solutions has developed relationships with a growing number of franchisors across various industry segments.

This segment of Franchise Today airs Wednesday January 23rd at 12PM EST with on-demand access on iTunes. Franchise Today is sponsored by FRM Solutions along with new sponsor, Arke.

In this Special Edition of Franchise Today celebrating its 10th anniversary, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto reflect upon the podcast's history from its early beginnings in 2009 to its increasing popularity through 2018. Co-hosts for the past five years, Stan and Paul discuss their time together interviewing some of the leading founders and executives in franchising. To set the stage for 2019 and beyond, Stan and Paul also share some exciting news that is sure to take Franchise Today to new heights.

This segment of Franchise Today airs Wednesday January 9th at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

In this segment of Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcomed as their guest, Chris Fisher, Founder & CEO of Shine Window Care and Shine Holiday Lighting. Chris shared how he followed his grandfather's advice and instead of taking a sales job, he opened a window cleaning business in Austin, Texas. In 2011, he decided to franchise the business and rebranded as Shine Window Care and Holiday Lighting, and two of his longtime employees became his first franchisees. Then his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer; she recovered, but it convinced the couple to hit pause. They handed the business to friends, went to do missionary work in Uganda for two and a half years, then returned to the U.S. (and the business) in 2014.

Franchise Today airs Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

In this segment of Franchise Today hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcomed back Steve Greenbaum. Now in his role as CEO of ComForCare Health Care Holdings, LLC, a premier provider of non-medical in-home care with nearly 200 locations throughout the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Steve discussed his role with The Riverside Company, ComForCare's private equity partner and how he is creating and leading a multi-brand franchise parent company with plans for expansion across the home care industry.

Franchise Today airs Wednesdays at 12 PM Eastern Time / 11 AM Central Time with on-demand access on iTunes and is proudly sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Brian Scudamore. Brian is the founder and CEO of O2E Brands and a serial entrepreneur known for pioneering the professional junk hauling industry with 1-800-GOT-JUNK?. Since conquering that market, Brian has gone on to apply the O2E (ordinary to exceptional) formula to the painting, moving, and home-detailing industry with WOW 1 DAY PAINTING, You Move Me, and Shack Shine.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 12 PM Eastern Time / 11 AM Central Time with on-demand access on iTunes and is proudly sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

In this segment of Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcomed as their guest Ray Titus. In addition to serving as CEO of United Franchise Group and its affiliated companies. Mr. Titus is a life-long entrepreneur who began his career with his father, franchising legend Roy Titus, and went on to develop a group of successful brands and franchise development services. Ray discussed the Titus Center for Franchising at Palm Beach Atlantic University officially kicking off its second year of enrolling college students in the program and, more importantly for listeners, the Selling Franchises Bootcamp that is happening in January 2019.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 12 PM Eastern Time / 11 AM Central Time with on-demand access on iTunes and is proudly sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

Joining co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto this week on Franchise Today is John Fistolera, Assistant Executive Director, Corporate and External Affairs of DECA, Inc. Fistolera is responsible for developing strategic partnerships that drive DECA’s mission of preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. DECA’s strategic partners include the members of its National Advisory Board (NAB), Congressional Advisory Board (CAB) and DECA’s public affairs media partners.

About DECA: DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CDT / 12PM EDT with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"Franchising is still the best path available for most individuals to realize their dream of owning their own business." - Paul Pickett, Chairman #FLDCon

This week on Franchise Today co-host Stan Friedman is reporting LIVE from the 20th Franchise Leadership & Development Conference in Atlanta, GA. From the Exhibit Hall Stan will be interviewing conference attendees, seeking their perspective on the event, opinions on franchising today and what they forecast for the future.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 12 PM Eastern Time / 11 AM Central Time with on-demand access on iTunes and is proudly sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"I’m proud of how we’ve built our business, first establishing a successful company-owned operation in the Denver market and then expanding into franchising off of that strong model and foundation." - Mike Mastous, founder and president of Delta Disaster Services

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest Mike Mastous, founder and president of Delta Disaster Services. Mastous discusses recent acquisition of award-winning property restoration franchise brand, Delta Disaster Services by Franchisor HRI Holdings, HRI is the parent company to the Chem-Dry® Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning and N-Hance® Wood Refinishing franchise brands.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 12 PM Eastern Time / 11 AM Central Time with on-demand access on iTunes and is proudly sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest Jennifer Yiangou, Vice President of Operations and Compliance at Self Esteem Brands. Jennifer discusses the unique culture at Self Esteem Brands.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 12 PM Eastern Time / 11 AM Central Time with on-demand access on iTunes and is proudly sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“We started to get into selling a bunch of different items in retail that didn’t necessarily relate to our core product of swim lessons. Not only was it not successful, it took time and energy away from focusing on our swim lessons. As with all mistakes, it taught us an important lesson that we carry with us to this day – it is important to focus on our mission and our expertise and not get distracted by things that take us away from that.” - Jenny McCuiston, Co-founder, Goldfish Swim School

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guests, Chris and Andrew McCuiston, CEO and COO respectively of Goldfish Swim School. Chris and Andrew share how the brand has been built not just as a passion for kids or a passion for swimming… but, more a special passion for changing – even saving – lives by teaching kids to swim.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 12 PM Eastern Time / 11 AM Central Time with on-demand access on iTunes and is proudly sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"Previously, upon earning their degrees, veterinarians' options were limited to either working in a vet's office or animal hospital, or starting their own brick & mortar practice, which is tough. They're typically overworked and underpaid," Todd Giatrelis, co-founder & CEO of MVS Pet Care

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest Todd Giatrelis, co-founder and CEO of MVS Pet Care, the nation’s first professional franchise network of house call veterinarians. Todd discusses how MVS Pet Care brings general wellness care, vaccinations, illness and injury care right to the customers’ doorstep, a welcome relief to the 68 percent of U.S. families that own a pet who routinely experience the anxiety of transporting their cat or dog to the vet’s office and back.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 12 PM Eastern Time / 11 AM Central Time with on-demand access on iTunes and is proudly sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"On the notion of values alone that’s probably one of the key drivers because, when you have a clear set of values, they can vary from company to company, I use that as a filter." - Steve Greenbaum, CEO of ComForCare Health Care Holdings, LLC

This week on Franchise Today hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome back Steve Greenbaum. Now in his role as CEO of ComForCare Health Care Holdings, LLC, a premier provider of non-medical in-home care with nearly 200 locations throughout the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Steve discusses his role with The Riverside Company, ComForCare's private equity partner and how he is creating and leading a multi-brand franchise parent company with plans for expansion across the home care industry.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 12 PM Eastern Time / 11 AM Central Time with on-demand access on iTunes and is proudly sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest Ray Titus. In addition to serving as CEO of United Franchise Group and its affiliated companies. Mr. Titus is a life-long entrepreneur who began his career with his father, franchising legend Roy Titus, and went on to develop a group of successful brands and franchise development services. Today he discusses the Titus Center for Franchising at Palm Beach Atlantic University officially kicking off its second year of enrolling college students in the program and, more importantly for listeners, the Selling Franchises Bootcamp that is happening in January 2019.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 12 PM Eastern Time / 11 AM Central Time with on-demand access on iTunes and is proudly sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"I love franchising because you have the ability to bring in entrepreneurs who are going to be a part of your culture and go into your system with a blue print and turn key operation so they can scale their own business and find their own success." Josh York, Founder & CEO of GYMGUYZ when asked, Why do you love Franchising?

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Josh York, Founder & CEO of GYMGUYZ, the world’s first mobile fitness franchise. Josh discusses his brand's success in delivering in-home personal trainers right to clients' doors for customized one-on-one or group workouts in the privacy of clients' living rooms, backyards, or anywhere they choose. Talking about GYMGUYZ franchise opportunity, he also shares his vision to bring his convenient, customized and creative fitness franchise across the world.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 12 PM Eastern Time / 11 AM Central Time with on-demand access on iTunes and is proudly sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“Even with a franchise, there are many tidy details and lessons to be learned. These things are easy to miss, and it’s important to take time and pick up a nugget or two to improve your life,” says Shannon Hudson, co-founder and CEO of 9Round. “I don’t want you to sleepwalk through life, missing all the lessons as you go. Most people are just going through the motions and doing the same thing over and over – wondering why they keep getting the same results. Make sure you’re noticing and soaking up every nugget of knowledge along the way.”

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome Shannon "The Cannon" Hudson as their guest. Shannon is co-founder and CEO of 9Round, the world’s largest and fastest-growing kickboxing gym franchise. Based on his journey from a world kickboxing champion to the founder of a worldwide brand, Shannon discusses the blood, sweat and tears of building an international fitness chain.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 12 PM Eastern Time / 11 AM Central Time with on-demand access on iTunes and is proudly sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“What we saw in Fuzzy’s was not just amazing unit economics, but an amazing culture." - Aziz Hashim, Managing Partner, NRD Capital

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest Mel Knight, Co-founder & President of Fuzzy's Taco Shop. Knight discusses how Fuzzy’s, known for a menu of Baja-style tacos with a fast-casual, counter-order service style was founded in 2001, experienced steady growth spurred by a cult-like following, eventually drawing the attention of Atlanta-based NRD Capital who acquired a 70 percent stake in the brand in 2016.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 12 PM Eastern Time / 11 AM Central Time with on-demand access on iTunes and is proudly sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“Since the day it came to fruition, Pilates ProWorks has stayed true to its mission in providing affordable access to high-energy, Pilates-based group fitness classes that engage the core, break the norm and foster a sense of community and camaraderie among our members,” - Oscar Sanin, founder and CEO of Pilates ProWorks

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Oscar Sanin, founder and CEO of California-based, Pilates ProWorks. Oscar shares how in 2003, he followed his doctor’s recommendation and began to practice traditional Pilates as an alternative solution to surgery for severe injuries he had sustained in a 1994 plane crash. After experiencing Pilates firsthand, he soon realized the opportunity that lay before him to lead the charge on creating a new modern fitness movement based on traditional Pilates.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 12 PM Eastern Time / 11 AM Central Time with on-demand access on iTunes and is proudly sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"We didn’t go green because Al Gore started talking about it. We started before he was even talking about it. We didn’t hop on the Band Wagon We are the Band Wagon." - Salomon Mishaan, President & Founder OXXO Care Cleaners

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome to the show Salomon Mishaan, President & Founder of OXXO Care Cleaners, a brand offering revolutionary garment care for the same price as traditional cleaners, with added benefits, such as 24/7 ATM-style pickup and customer loyalty rewards. Salomon discusses how he came up with the idea for OXXO Care Cleaners and also personal insight into his life as an entrepreneur.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 12 PM Eastern Time / 11 AM Central Time with on-demand access on iTunes and is proudly sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“In addition to health, wellness and proper screen functionality, a trend we see today is bringing the outdoors indoors by incorporating a four seasons screened-in room with both home and commercial properties." - Scott Walker, President & CEO, Screenmobile.

Joining Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto this week is Scott Walker, president & CEO of California-based Screenmobile. Scott shares how the nation’s leading mobile residential and commercial screen service announced its strategic growth plan that stands to significantly increase the number of franchisee licenses Screenmobile projects to sign in 2018—growing its franchise presence by more than 15 percent.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 12 PM Eastern Time / 11 AM Central Time with on-demand access on iTunes and is proudly sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"It is at the core of our values to assemble a family of therapists that we can mentor as well as learn from. Together, we can offer true revolutionary care to a meaningful number of patients." - Doug Bertram, CEO & Founder, Structural Elements

Joining Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto is Doug Bertram, CEO and Founder of Structural Elements, an orthopedic wellness clinic that strives to provide the highest standard of care through a contemporary business model and a proprietary treatment approach.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 12 PM Eastern Time / 11 AM Central Time with on-demand access on iTunes and is proudly sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"Starting a business is a big achievement for many entrepreneurs, but maintaining one is the larger challenge." - Rob Flanagan, President, Wag N' Wash

'Real Motivation & Real Dedication' is the order of the day this week on Franchise Today. Joining co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto is Wag N' Wash president, Rob Flanagan as he shares how those very buzz words are at the core of his brand's growth. Discussing how Wag N' Wash is a different franchise, Rob also provides insight into the brand's position within the booming pet industry.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“A guru is an expert or teacher. That’s exactly what we consider ourselves. We do a lot of educating to the public, informing them of our new restoration process that many people aren’t aware of.” - Dan Frey, Founder & CEO, The Glass Guru Franchise Systems Inc.

Returning from another successful International Franchise Expo in New York City co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto this week welcome as their guest, Dan Frey, Founder and CEO of The Glass Guru. Dan explains how for for nearly 15 years, The Glass Guru has been revolutionizing the glass and window space. Instead of relying solely on replacement as a solution to glass related problems, the brand has tapped into unique technology that enables it to repair foggy windows and make them clear again.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 12 PM Eastern Time / 11 AM Central Time with on-demand access on iTunes and is proudly sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

Just a week ahead of the International Franchise Expo in New York City, Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their special guest, former National Football League star and recently elected president of the NFL Alumni, Bart Oates. This week's topic of discussion focuses on Oates' participation at the Expo where he is scheduled to lead a group of players on a tour of the Exhibit floor, followed by an invitation-only luncheon hosted by MFV Expositions. The luncheon will include a panel facilitated by Rocco Fiorentino, Lane Fisher and Franchise Today's very own, Stan Friedman.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 12 PM Eastern Time / 11 AM Central Time with on-demand access on iTunes and is proudly sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“Leadership starts with listening to your gut because it brings together your head with your heart. It’s about having enough heart to care, and enough mind to think through making smart decisions.” - Mary Kennedy Thompson, Chief Operating Officer, The Dwyer Group

Returning as a second-time guest to Franchise Today is Mary Kennedy Thompson, Chief Operating Officer of The Dwyer Group. Mary discusses with show co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto The Dwyer Group's journey from one brand with Rainbow International to 22 corporate brands today. Having been a franchisee, along with The Dwyer Group CEO, Mike Bidwell, Mary explains how that foundation has helped the company's growth.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 12 PM Eastern Time / 11 AM Central Time with on-demand access on iTunes and is proudly sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"The exit strategy for the business should be just as important as the price for entry. Whether it’s a resale, a nest egg that gets passed on to future generations, or other exit options unique to the business model, look at the staying power for a franchise opportunity long past the desired time you plan to stay involved yourself." - Ken Phipps, Director of Global Franchise Development, Gold's Gym

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Ken Phipps, Director of Global Franchise Development for Gold's Gym. Ken shares his insight on the demand for Gold's Gym is dominating new domestic and international markets how the results speak volumes not only for franchise owners and master developers but also for 3 million Gold's Gym members living stronger and healthier lives.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CDT / 12PM EDT with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Chris Fisher, Founder & CEO of Shine Window Care and Shine Holiday Lighting. Chris shares how he followed his grandfather's advice and instead of taking a sales job, he opened a window cleaning business in Austin, Texas. In 2011, he decided to franchise the business and rebranded as Shine Window Care and Holiday Lighting, and two of his longtime employees became his first franchisees. Then his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer; she recovered, but it convinced the couple to hit pause. They handed the business to friends, went to do missionary work in Uganda for two and a half years, then returned to the U.S. (and the business) in 2014.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“I think [our parents] wanted, and we continue as well to want, to reach as many children as we possibly can with our program and enrich their lives. It’s such a great feeling when you have a parent that is literally in tears coming up to you and talking about how much their child has learned over the years and how they are ahead of their peers going into school, and that really gives them an edge,” - Michael Brown, President, Children's Lighthouse Learning Centers

Sitting in this week with Franchise Today co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto is Michael Brown, President of Children's Lighthouse Learning Centers, franchisor of the nation’s leading values-based early childhood educational schools. Michael shares the company story of the family business and how Children's Lighthouse has continued to help enhance the education of children since it was founded in 1997 by his father and uncle.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CDT / 12PM EDT with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"Although I now use the term ‘founder,’ that word didn’t exist for me nine years ago. At that time, I was known as, The woman stupid enough to open a restaurant that only serves chicken salad." - Stacy Brown, Founder, Chicken Salad Chick

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Stacy Brown, Founder of Chicken Salad Chick. Stacy shares her story as a stay-at-home mother raising four children who turned her door-to-door meal delivery service into a multimillion-dollar restaurant concept despite a number of challenges that would have caused many others to give up.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure.” - Dr. Saman Bakhtiar, co-founder of The Camp Trasformation Center

Alejandra and Luis Font, co-founders of The Camp Transformation Center join Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto to share the story of transforming peoples lives through the development of a gym franchise that has succeeded where others have failed. Within the past 7 years Alejandra has led a team in opening nearly 100 Camp locations nationally and in Mexico. Luis has played an important role in the development and expansion of The Camp Corporate Division, which owns and operates numerous gyms. Together with a third co-founder, Dr. Saman Bakhtiar they've developed The Camp Transformation Center, a franchise that is a groundbreaking fitness concept in an industry that generates more than $80 billion U.S dollars annually.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CDT / 12PM EDT with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"The opportunities are endless, If franchising makes sense for you...then it's a matter of finding the right opportunity." - John P. Hayes, PhD, Titus Chair for Franchise Leadership and Director of the Titus Center for Franchising at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida.

There's a doctor in the house this week on Franchise Today as Dr. John P. Hayes joins show co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto to discuss his work at the Titus Center for Franchising at Palm Beach Atlantic University. John provides his perspective about assembling an Advisory Board at the Titus Center - bringing together some of the best executives in the franchising industry from across the country. He shares what his goal is for this leadership team, the current curriculum he is spearheading at the university for college students interested in franchising, the internship program he is creating to put the next generation of franchise talent into the workforce setting, and the programs he will be creating for professionals across the greater franchise industry at-large.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"The greatest reward from their 12-year-old venture has proved the “sense of discovery” they’ve had in taking an idea from concept to implementation and now, to expansion and growth." - Naomi & Jerry Hancock, Co-founders, Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream

Just as Disney had a hit with the movie 'Frozen', Naomi & Jerry Hancock have a hit with 'Flash-frozen'. Of course, that's a reference to flash-freezing ice cream with liquid nitrogen. This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome to the show, Jerry Hancock, co-founder of Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream. Jerry shares how he and Naomi saw an article about using liquid nitrogen to freeze food and the proverbial light bulb went off, spurring the couple to boldly go where few ice creameries had gone before. The rest as they say, is history.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CDT / 12PM EDT with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

Joining co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto this week on Franchise Today is John Fistolera, Assistant Executive Director, Corporate and External Affairs of DECA, Inc. Fistolera is responsible for developing strategic partnerships that drive DECA’s mission of preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. DECA’s strategic partners include the members of its National Advisory Board (NAB), Congressional Advisory Board (CAB) and DECA’s public affairs media partners.

About DECA: DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CDT / 12PM EDT with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

Franchise Today enters its ninth year with co-host Stan Friedman interviewing fellow co-host Paul Segreto. As has been the case multiple times in the past, Segreto shares his story of near-catastrophic failure to help others who may be fighting through their own business challenges. Also, he shares the story as transparency to a time in his life that on occasion has spurred questions and rumors without all the facts at the foundation of the matter with the strong belief that others will only benefit by realizing the magnitude of fear and consequences of failure.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CDT / 12PM EDT with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"We're constantly evolving. We started with traditional fruit flavors and over time our bakers started adding meat." - Dawn Nielsen, Chief Operating Offcier, Kolache Factory

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Dawn Nielsen, Chief Operating Officer at 35-year old Texas-based Kolache Factory. Dawn shares her experience working with the brand since she was nine years old. Her parents, John and Jerri Banks founded the company in 1982 to offer high-quality breakfast that could be "eaten on the run." Their venture turned out to be fruitful. Today, Kolache Factory has 24 company-owned stores and 28 franchises with annual sales closing in on $30 million.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome back to the show serial franpreneur, Lonnie Helgerson. Lonnie discusses his newest venture, Kix Mobile and the goal of changing the way consumers buy and repair mobile devices. The author of, Five Pennies - The Field Handbook for Building and Growing a Franchise Brand With the Right Mindset and Tools, Lonnie shares Five Pennies principles and its role in the development of a new franchisebrand.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"We have built our entire firm by leveraging the best practices of the best in the business. Our Client Centric approach is unique and allows us to help our clients find the best available talent in the market. We are old school headhunters that attact a search and will relentlessly dig until we find and recruit the best. We treat all of our clients as clients, helping from entry to the executive suite." - Tom Johnston, CEO & Founder, SearchPath

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome to the show, Tom Johnston, CEO & Founder of SearchPath, one of the nation's top networks of talent acquisition professional service firms. Johnston shares his extensive executive search experience along with today's challenges in the industry.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"Don't let your gender become an issue. If your company is a boys club then join the club. Remember, to be an equal, first, you have to prove yourself as an equal, then you can go on to become club president." - Marla Topliff, President at Rosati's Pizza

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome to the show Marla Topliff, President at Rosati's Pizza. Marla discusses the Rosati Family story, a tradition of quality for five generations and also provides perspective about the state of pizza today and what she sees ahead for the very competitive pizza industry.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"We’re working for franchisees so we make sure to take good care of them." - Eddie Flores, Founder & CEO of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Bryan Andaya, Chief Operating Officer of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. In addition to sharing the history of the brand that was founded in 1976, Andaya provides insight into the culture and people behind L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, the brand that Nation's Restaurant News referred to as one of the '50 Regional Powerhouse Chains'.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Sam Ballas, CEO & President, East Coast Wings + Grill. Sam shares his focus on strong unit-economics as paramount to franchise success at both Franchisor and Franchisee levels, and within an extremely competitive industry segment.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

As past chair of the World, Asia Pacific and Australian Franchise Councils, John O'Brien is a very respected voice for franchising as a business format on an international scale. As a guest on Franchise Today with co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto, John offers great insight on franchising as a whole, and specifically shares the Poolwerx story for what he oversees today.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"The question to ask is not whether you can franchise (anything can be franchised), but whether you should franchise. - Michael Seid, Co-Author of Franchise Management for Dummies

This week on Franchise Today we'll be discussing a new book on the market, Franchise Management for Dummies. Joining co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto are the book's co-authors Michael Seid, Managing Director at MSA Worldwide and Joyce Mazero, Co-Chair, Global Supply Network at Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP. Michael and Joyce share their motivation behind writing the book along with what readers may hope to gain from its content. From picking the perfect franchise for candidates to uncovering the secrets to continued success and future expansion for franchisors, Franchise Management for Dummies is a one source resource for all interested in or are already earning a living via franchising.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome to the show Scott Lowery, co-founder of Buffalo Wild Wings. Scott shares the experience of how more than 30 years ago while traveling to Columbus, Ohio, he and friend, Jimmy Disbrow came up with the idea for Buffalo Wild Wings after they couldn't find a local restaurant that served the New York-style wings they craved. In a bit of irony, or maybe fate considering the brand's current motto of, 'Wings. Beer. Sports.' Jimmy was actually in town to judge an amateur figure skating competition and Scott had decided to join him for the trip. The rest, as they say, is history!

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"I appreciate that people are serving healthier products now. We've been doing it for a long time. Eighty percent of our smoothies have no fat at all. "We want to be a healthy alternative to fast food." - Mike Weinberger, CEO, Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffee and Smoothies

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Mike Weinberger, CEO of Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffee and Smoothies. Weinberger discusses the continuing popularity of healthy alternatives to fast food and how Maui Wowi continues its growth trajectory and is now one of the largest brands bringing Hawaiian gourmet coffees and all-natural, fresh fruit smoothies to the world.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"Successful franchisors know that franchising is based on the execution of a strategy, not the accidental discovery of the right path." - as quoted on franchisespirngboard.com

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome back to the show, Brad Fishman. Along with his role as CEO at Fishman Public Relations, Brad is co-founder of Springboard, A Special Event for Emerging Franchisors. Brad discusses the importance for emerging brands to attend this year's event and shares that attendees will receive valuable, actionable advice from experienced franchise founders who have been in their shoes, taken their lumps and went on to create successful franchise systems. The increasingly popular annual event will be held at the Westin Philadelphia Hotel September 25-27. The event is produced by Fishman Public Relations, FisherZucker and Entrepreneur Magazine. For more information franchisespringboard.com.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"Stan's passion for helping individuals and companies achieve their goals via franchising is evidenced by his service to the franchise community." - BeTheBoss.com about Stan Friedman, franchise industry expert

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto change things up a bit as it puts one of its own in the spotlight. Long overdue, Paul interviews Stan about his successful career in franchising, his many contributions to this great industry and his insight about technology in franchising today.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"The challenge is that using franchise services or eating at a franchise location is far different than investing in a franchise. There are often significant differences between a good consumer franchise and good investment franchise." - Jeff Lefler, CEO, Franchise Grade.com

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Jeff Lefler, CEO at FranchiseGrade.com, the leader in competitive market research and objective analysis for the franchise industry. Jeff provides insight into the FranchiseGrade.com process of assessment, grading and standardized reporting to provide industry stakeholders with critical data driven metrics to support growth. In addition, Lefler discusses how FranchiseGrade.com is a valuable resource for both first-time and sophisticated investors in evaluating franchise opportunities across every industry segment.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“There’s a lot that I admire about Gatti’s,”Michael Poates, president of Gatti's Pizza said. “The pizza is great, and the people are even better. We’ve got an energized group of franchisees and a dedicated corporate team that’s committed to supporting them. This company is solid and profitable, and provides a great platform for growth. These were deciding factors as we evaluated this acquisition. All the elements for success are in place. My job simply is to serve the brand while accelerating the momentum. We’re all very motivated and excited for what’s ahead.”

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome Michael Poate as their guest. Poates is Presidentof Sovrano LLC out of Fort Worth, Texas - the private equity firm that acquired Gatti's Pizza. As the popularity of pizza chains continues to rise, Gatti's Pizza was one of several franchised restaurant brands to attract private equity investment in recent years. Poates draws from more than 28 years of experience at Dairy Queen, Whataburger, Papa John’s, Chesapeake Restaurants, and others.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"Being a fairly new CEO for a legacy brand, the Franchise Capital Exchange was extremely educational in preparing my company for both growth and ultimately an exit strategy. The wealth of knowledge and advice from the participating companies was awesome!" - Participant of Franchise Capital Exchange 2016

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome back to Franchise Today, Mary Ann O'Connell, President at Franchise Capital Exchange. Mary Ann provides insight into Franchise Capital Exchange, a unique, invitation-only franchise event considered the interchange of brands, investment, education and expertise. The event takes place in Chicago August 22-24 and is three days of opportunities, connections, coaching for franchisors who are looking to grow through investment and want the chance to present their plans to an array of capital investors. Mary Ann O'Connell also holds the position of President at FranWise, a leading franchise consulting firm.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"I'm so happy with how things have turned out, but I never thought my success would stem from cupcakes. I always thought it would be music." - Gina "Gigi" Butler, Founder of Gigi's Cupcakes

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest Gigi Butler, Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Gigi's Cupcakes. Butler shares her experience from country music singer to cupcake baker and her trek to success as the number one cupcake franchise in the world. She also discusses how the sale of her 8-year old cupcake company in 2016 was comparable to handing over her 5-year-old daughter. And although Butler released some control with the sale, she said her role in the company has shifted, not diminished.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"According to the International Franchise Association, franchise businesses are projected to grow faster than the rest of the economy. Benetrends is committed to supporting the growth and success of franchises by providing access to capital, as well as a full suite of small business funding solutions." - Rocco Fiorentino, CEO of Benetrends

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest Rocco Fiorentino, CEO of Benetrends. Fiorentino discusses the somewhat complex world of franchise funding options that along with a comprehensive suite of small business solutions offered by Benetrends helps franchisees across every industry segment. These solutions include SBA Loans, Securities Backed Lines of Credit, Equipment Leasing, Commercial Insurance, Individual and Group Healthcare, Payroll Services and more.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"Having been on “both sides”, I know how important it is to have a franchisor that is committed to the success of its lifeblood-the franchisees. At Capriotti’s, we understand that our success is ENTIRELY dependent on your success!" - Ashley Morris, CEO of Capriotti's

This week on Franchise Today, Ashley Morris, CEO of Capriotti's shares his journey from franchisee to CEO with co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto. Morris also explains how since acquiring the brand, he has guided Capriotti's in more than tripling in size, has brought on a new team of high-level franchise investors and has developed an aggressive growth strategy with plans to open 500 locations by 2025.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"One of the qualities of leaders at all levels and at each stage of their careers is that they know who they are, their true values, and they do not compromise them for any reason." Brian Tracy, Foreword of Values, Inc.

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome back to the show, Dina Dwyer-Owens, Co-Chair of The Dwyer Group, one of the world's largest franchise companies of trade service brands. Along with insight into her book, 'Values, Inc.', Dina shares The Dwyer Group's Code of Values and how the company follows the theme to Live RICH? In addition, Dina discusses The Dwyer Group's new overarching brand - Neighborly - as a platform for its customers and another way to position its service brands and the values it follows?

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"We are most proud of the 20,000 some parents we have helped (and counting!). We also volunteer in our communities to help low-income families with car seat education and installation, because every child deserves a clean, safe car seat." - Jennifer (Beall) Saxton

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome to the show, Jennifer (Beall) Saxton, CEO & Founder at Tot Squad. Jennifer shares how she came up with the idea for Tot Squad while in business school at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Looking for solutions that would help busy parents manage work/life balance, she tells how classmates laughed at her “cute baby idea” and how her business plan went on to win the Kellogg Cup Business Plan competition, which validated her instincts.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"When people are passionate, they will exceed expectations, they will work hard to champion the brand, and they will rise to the top in their markets - no matter the competition." - Gary Findley, CEO, Restoration 1

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto are joined by their guest, Gary Findley, CEO of Restoration 1, one of the fastest-growing and most-trusted emergency mitigation and restoration franchises in North America. Findley shares perspective on what makes a great franchise - support, staff and success of franchisees.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“The Hammer & Nails brand has truly discovered an untapped sector of the massive health and wellness industry – no one is delivering male-centered grooming services the way we are.” - Michael Elliot, founder and CEO of Hammer & Nails

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Michael Elliot, founder and CEO of Hammer & Nails,a men’s grooming shop that provides hand and foot care and haircuts and shaves in man cave nirvana. Elliot discusses how just one year after introducing the company’s franchise opportunity, the brand announced its incredible growth momentum with licenses awarded to Area Representatives for more than 200 shops in markets across the country.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"All aspiring entrepreneurs want to know the secret to success. The truth is, there is no scientific formula to ensure that a startup succeeds. However, there are lessons I’ve learned along my own entrepreneurial journey—starting and running my own business and investing in many entrepreneurs as an angel investor." - David Nilssen, Co-founder & CEO, Guidant Financial

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome to the show, David Nilssen, Co-founder & CEO of Guidant Financial and co-author of Making the Jump Into Small Business Ownership. Nilssen shares his experience working with indiviudals exploring small business finance options, the current state of credit and his outlook for the future.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“I wanted all my stores to be the same, to offer the same customer experience, whether I was there or not. Customer loyalty comes from consistent experience. They learn to count on you. When you screw it up, you fire your customers.” - Jimmy John Liautaud, Founder, Chairman and Majority Owner, Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches

This week on Franchise Today the one and only Jimmy John Liautaud, Founder, Chairman and Majority Owner of Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches is in the house sharing his experience with co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto. Jimmy John discusses his leap into the restaurant business at an early age to building a prominent brand that may be known as much for customer service as it is for great tasting sandwiches. On the personal side, Jimmy John provides some insight and perspective on giving back.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“If somebody would have told me when I started this company that we were going to grow into the 17th largest tire dealer in the United States, there is no way I would have envisioned that." - Larry Sutton, CEO & Founder, RNR Tire Express & Custom Wheels

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Larry Sutton, CEO & Founder of RNR Tire Express & Custom Wheels. Featured on CNBC's 'Blue Collar Millionaires' Sutton discusses how he founded RNR in 2000, and how the brand has since grown to almost 100 locations in 22 states with 16 franchisees operating 86 locations including opening a store a month for a recent 15-month period.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"We created a concept that isn't your typical sandwich shop - we are constantly innovating, creating a sandwich of the week, appealing to consumers seeking an elevateddining experience." - David Adir, co0-founder & CEO, The Carving Board

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome to the show David Adir, co-founder and CEO of The Carving Board. Following initial success in California and a signed Franchise Agreement in Dubai, Adir explains how the brand looks to continue momentum by partnership with local entrepreneurs in metropolitan cities across the country. Best known for putting comfort food meals in between bread in sandwich form - 50 unique creations in all.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"Saturday Night Live with John Belushi had a skit with him saying cheeburger cheeburger. So when I saw this place I said to my wife SNL had a skit that had this in there comedy routine. We had to go there to try it out." - Cheeburger Cheeburger visitor as stated on Trip Advisor (2016)

This week on Franchise Today Cheeburger Cheeburger CEO, Bruce Zicari joins co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto. Zicari explains the chain's origin as a throwback to the place families congregated at back in the day, "Imagine you have the place all to yourself. Take a seat at the soda fountain or pull up an old fashioned chair. Look around at the neon lights and neat signs and posters. Check out the cool T-shirts, gifts and collectibles. Turn on the fifties and sixties music. Feels good doesn't it?"

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"I began franchising at the end of 2009 to attract more business-minded, rather than employee-minded, professionals to the business. I knew that the demand for valuable talent within the hospitality industry was on the rise, and franchising was the best way to meet this demand on a national, and soon-to-be-international, scale." - Patrice Rice, Founder & CEO, Patrice & Associates

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto are joined by the top two executives at Patrice & Associates, Patrice Rice, Founder & CEO and Brian Miller, COO. A leading national talent acquisition firm that specializes in the hospitality industry, it was founded in 1989 and began franchising in 2010. The brand focuses on staffing management positions in restaurants, hotels and casinos, and is the gold standard in restaurant recruiting.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"Fact is, we have applied Chicago’s incredible culinary scene to our unique brand and it has sustained a loyal fan following for more than two decades. We’ve had countless franchise requests over the years and now we’re ready to answer that calling.” - Manolis Alpogianis, co-founder of America’s Dog & Burger (AD&B)

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome to the show, Manolis Alpogianis, who along with his brother George co-founded America's Dog & Burger. Manolis discusses how after a cross-county road trip through the United States the two were inspired to open a restaurant that offered the most compelling hot dog tastes of the nation in one dynamic environment. The discussion continues on how, after more than 20 years of proven success the family-run business is in strategic growth mode, awarding franchise opportunities to passionate individuals and teams attracted to the brand’s distinguishable niche.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“We’re in a strong position for growing our franchisee family. We have an outstanding support system in place and our existing franchisees’ overall revenues are consistently returning all-time highs. Our concept provides individuals a chance to increase their quality of life beyond what corporate America could provide and we’re confident in our current and future franchisee prospects.” - Julie Smith, President & Chief Operating Officer, Homewatch CareGivers. “

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Julie Smith, President & Chief Operating Officer of one of the nation's leading home care companies, Homewatch CareGivers. Smith discusses the brand's strategic franchise expansion initiative in key markets in order to enhance its ability to provide high quality at-home assistive services to a greater number of clients.

Signaling the appeal to potential franchise owners, Homewatch CareGivers has consistently been recognized in Entrepreneur’s prestigious “Franchise 500” ranking every year since 1999.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"From an investor standpoint, the main risk of investing in early stage emerging franchise companies is the inability for the company to have a cohesive and successful franchise sales strategy. This risk is greatly mitigated as the fund, as a condition of investing, will have its affiliate company ZGrowth Partners be the outsourced franchise sales solution for each company." - Scott Schubiger, President & Co-founder, ZGrowth Partners

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Scott Schubiger, President & Co-founder, ZGrowth Partners. Schubiger discusses the launch and success of ZGrowth Partners as it helps grow emerging franchise brands with proven, profitable concepts. Offering its clients a dedicated team, full service support and a single point of contact, ZGrowth manages the franchise sales and development process while also providing access to much-needed capital for the typically cash-starved brand.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“Our commitment to the independent brewers goes beyond just serving great beer, and is articulated in our True to the Brew™ philosophy that ensures each beverage is conditioned, held and dispensed as fresh and spirited as it was intended. This includes Cicerone® Certified Beer Server training for all servers and beer tenders." - Dan White, CEO & Founder, Growler USA

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcomes as their guest, Dan White, CEO & Founder of Growler USA. White discusses how Growler USA – America's Microbrew Pub has combined America’s rocketing interest in craft beer with the power of franchising to make Growler USA one of the country's fastest growing brands in 2016 with continued explosive growth forecast for the foreseeable future.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"Community is everything to us. We value the input given from everyone in our community, and their feedback is what shapes our events." - Xza Higgins, CEO & Founder, MommyCon

Co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto have returned from International Franchise Association Annual Convention in Las Vegas. Joining them as this week's guest is Xza Higgins, CEO & Founder of MommyCon. Higgins discusses the growth of MommyCon, a boutique convention dedicated to bringing modern parents and mothers-to-be together and also her recent participation in the NextGen in Franchising competition at #IFA2017.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“Over the Top Cake Supplies is a retail store for the everyday home baker AND the local chef, a place to learn how to decorate baked goods and also a fun place for children and adults alike to decorate cakes, cupcakes and cookies in a fun, party setting.” - Kevin Johnson, Founder & CEO, Over the Top Cake Supplies

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Kevin Johnson, Founder & CEO of Over The Top Cake Supplies. Kevin shares his perspective of adding a franchise model to his 20-year old bakery supply business to fill a gap in the consumer market. From developing and proving the business model to setting the stage for a sustainable franchise brand, Kevin discusses the journey and shares some of the challenges along the way.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“We are carving out our own distinctive niche in the fast-casual space that we have dubbed ‘Artisan Fast,’ serving up true artisan flavors – fast – in a welcoming and comfortable environment.” - Chris LaRocca, Founder, Crushed Red

This week on Franchise Today, Chris LaRocca, founder of Crushed Red joins co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto. LaRocca discusses how at Crushed Red, they believe that food that's served quickly should be great food, and great food should be good for our planet. They also believe that it takes experience and true artisan know-how to make this happen. LaRocca also shares how a high priority is placed on producing little to no waste with each location using recyclable to-go boxes, reusable dishes, LED bulbs, composts and more.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"Chris Spears is a creative and innovative business leader who is always in tune with the latest technology, information, and business strategy to help companies make quality business decisions and streamline business processes. Chris builds strong relationships with clients and business partners, and he believes in doing the right work, the right way, the first time." - As stated by a client about Chris Spears, Co-founder & Chief Marketing Technology Officer of Arke

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Chris Spears, co-founder and Chief Marketing Technology Officer of Arke, the leading marketing technology consulting firm working with businesses, franchise and otherwise to provide innovative and flexible solutions. Spears discusses how he and his team guide CIO/CMOs through the current revolution in marketing technologies, working to help align marketing technologies to the broader digital transformation and customer experience programs that all organizations have underway.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“Should competitors be worried about us? Absolutely, They are manufacturing in commissaries and focusing on technology, mass and speed. We are baking bread from scratch the right way and offering a franchise opportunity for a significantly lower cost than the big-box guys. We can outperform them with our product and out-cover them with our new model. I’ve heard people say we have for long been the best-kept secret in the industry. Well, now the secret’s out.” - Eric Keshin, President & Chief Marketing Officer, Great Harvest Bread Company

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome to the show, Eric Keshin, President & Chief Marketing Officer of Great Harvest Bread Company, a 40-year old bakery brand that makes bread "the way it was made in the Bible." Keshin will share what fanatic customers have been saying about the brand, calling it "bread heaven" due to its five hour process that starts with whole grains milled right on the premise.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"Controversy. Paris. Port-a-potties. Top 200. Stuffed dogs. Hamburgers. Only Franchise Times covers what you want to know—and maybe even a little of what you don’t." - Mary Jo Larson, Publisher of Franchise Times Magazine and Restaurant Finance Monitor

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Mary Jo Larson, Publisher of Franchise Times Magazine and Restaurant Finance Monitor. On the show's final segment of 2016, Larson provides perspective on franchising over the past year and a glimpse into what can be expected in the year ahead.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"We are looking to build the next generation of franchise ambassadors. By providing individuals from around the world with networking opportunities, constructive feedback and a closer look into key components of the franchise process – NextGen is helping entrepreneurial dreams come true."

International Franchise Association

This week on Franchise Today the spotlight is on young entrepreneurs in franchising, and from different perspectives as NextGen franchisor, franchisee and franchise supplier. Joining co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto are John Evans, EverLine Coatings founder, Chris Rigassio, Jersey Mike's Subs multi-unit franchisee and Shawn Goldsmith, Markarie founder.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"Parents will always be seeking engaging, quality programs for their children, and we strive to fill that gap between learning and fun for young children,” - Michael Barnett, CEO and co-founder of Romp n’ Roll

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Michael Barnett, CEO and co-founder of Romp n' Roll, a franchise specializing in early educations for toddlers and kids. The company, in announcing its expansion plan, said parents need "supplemental early education options," adding that "a business concept aimed at young children in their prime developmental years would never be just a fad, as parents would always be on the lookout for educational, engaging opportunities for their children."

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“Our continued growth both in terms of new franchisees and vendor relationships made this a great year for Tint World. We were able to accomplish a lot as a franchise, but some of our most successful actions have been what we’ve done behind the scenes to prepare for 2016.” - Charles J. Bonfiglio, president & CEO, Tint World (talking about Tint World success in 2015)

Joining co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto on this week's edition of Franchise Today is serial entrepreneur and president & CEO of Tint World, Charles Bonfiglio. Coming off the brand's 9th annual conference in Las Vegas, Bonfiglio discusses the growth of Tint World since franchising the brand in 2006. He also shares his journey from owning a number of successful automotive franchises and starting an automotive e-commerce business to developing Tint World into a leader in its industry segment.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"While most measure success purely in terms of financial gain, I measure business success on a balance of work and life. The happier I am in and outside of work, the higher the success rate I feel I have achieved. It’s also important for me to share the pathway to that balance with other members of my organization so that they can experience it and help my business grow." - Jason Leverant, president & COO, AtWork Group

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Jason Leverant, president and Chief Operating Officer of Atwork Group, a leading U.S. staffing firm. Leverant discusses cutting-edge solutions and initiatives needed to comabt the strategic issues facing the staffing industry including temporary staffing sector. In addition, he shares his perspective on the joint employer rulings and what the franchise industry can learn from the staffing industry where responsibility for franchisees' employees has been a blurred line between franchisee and franchisor.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“Your people make all the difference. The only thing your competitors can’t copy is your culture and your people.” - Mel Kleiman, Founder of Humetrics

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Mel Kleiman. Kleiman is an internationally recognized expert, author and speaker in the area of recruitment, selection, retention and engagement of frontline STAR employees and the people who manage them. Having worked with over 50 franchise organizations, helping them do a better job managing their most importat investors, the people who work for them, Kleiman shares his perspective of his unique classification of employees as investors, not assets. This week's discussion also targets various issues facing franchisors and all businesses alike as they pertain to increase minimum wage and overtime - and specifically for franchisors the NLRB ruling on joint employer relationships.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“This application is truly revolutionary for our industry. You see apps like this with restaurants and retail locations but it’s revolutionary for a swim program to be embracing technology like this to make the lives of the parents easier. We want to make our program as seamless as possible for parents so that they continue to come and teach their children how to survive in the event of a water emergency.” - Rita Goldberg, CEO & Founder of British Swim School.

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto are joined by British Swim School CEO & Founder, Rita Goldberg. A once a national swimmer in Britain, but after a career ending injury, Goldberg traded in her Olympic dreams for a career in franchising. In 1981, She shares how she opened her own private swim school in the basement of her home in Manchester, England. Then, with $3,000 to her name, Goldberg soon made her way to the United States to expand her business through franchising.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"Why Not You?" - Andrea Scott, co-founder & CEO, skoah (the three words she would tell her 15-year old self)

Joining Franchise Today co-hosts, Paul Segreto and Stan Friedman this week is Andrea Scott, co-founder & CEO of skoah, a brand specializing in personal training for your skin. Scott discusses how skoah is a first-to-market concept offering facials by a team of skin care trainers ho place an emphasis on client education and quality care. Skoah is also the first facial-only studio to offer an original line of products. The discussion also focuses on Scott's entrepreneurial spirit. Ever since she was a young girl, Scott has always been very entrepreneurial. Whether it be selling lemonade or selling her mother’s jewelry, which her mom ended up having to go and get back from her neighbors, Scott has always considered herself to be relatively entrepreneurial and resourceful.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“The moment is now. We are at the point where you won’t miss us quickly sailing past our competitors. It comes down to how we’ve shaped the business – a dynamic mix of state-of-the-art technology systems and advanced recycling programs that are helping drive the brand’s expansion into new markets throughout North America.” - Michael Andreacchi, CEO of Junk King Franchise Systems

This week on Franchise Today, Michael Andreacchi, CEO of Junk King Franchise Systems joins co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto, sharing his brand's explosive growth over the past five years in Canada and the United States. Additionally, Andreachhi explains how Junk King maintains the highest Net Promoter Score (NPS) for any service business in North America, citing their advanced technology systems as one of the major differentiators helping the brand achieve such high customer satisfaction ratings.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“The demand is high and there is no other company in the market offering more than 20 building maintenance solutions with only one point of contact. Beyond that, City Wide eases the amount of time and energy spent managing vendors, fielding service calls, and negotiating rates.” - Matt Sacher, Franchisee, City Wide Maintenance (Rhodle Island)

This week on Franchise Today, Jeff Oddo, president of City Wide Maintenance and founder & president of City Wide Franchise joins co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto. Jeff discusses everything from the company's early beginnings to his current goals for the industry's best building maintenance management company.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"Don't fear failure. Positivity is the key to success." - Bill Redfern, founder & CEO of Global Franchise Opportunities

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto visit with serial entrepreneur, Bill Redfern. Redfern is founder of, Global Franchise Opportunities which includes internationally recognized brands A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections (ABCHI), iCare – Intelligent Home Care Solutions and iHandyMan. After progressively launching the three brands from 2004 to 2015, Recognizing a need for all three brands in international markets, Redfern launched Global Franchise Opportunities in order that existing businesses in these sectors worldwide can be converted and receive support and ongoing training from the proven concepts.To that end, the Pompano Beach, Fla.-based franchisor has signed eight master franchise agreements to significantly expand two of the concepts in Africa within the countries of Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Angola.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

Aziz Hashim views the defense of the franchise business model as a top priority for this upcoming year, putting in place an “education policy to explain the true nature of the opportunity represented by franchising,” Hashim explained as he assumed chairmanship of the International Franchise Association February 2016.

On this Special Edition of Franchise Today, Aziz Hashim, Chairman of the International Franchise Association joins show co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto to discuss how he views leaders in franchising as ambassadors for the business model as well as their own brands, who have to explain “that most franchisees are local, family-owned businesses, owned and operated by individuals, who chose a less-risky path into entrepreneurship. Aziz further discusses various issues facing franchising today and into the future along with promoting the upcoming Franchisee Power Summit September 12-13 and Franchise Action Network Annual Meeting September 13-14, both in Washington D.C.

Franchise Today is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"People are moving fast, but the bottom line is, they want to be able to sit down with their family and let their hair down and let their kids go. I believe community is all about that. And if you're going to go into a community, you should be part of it." - Mary Jane Riva, president & CEO, Pizza Factory

This week on Franchise Today, Pizza Factory president & CEO, Mary Jane Riva joins co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto to discuss how she went from owning five locations as a franchisee to franchisor. Riva further discusses her brand's focus on communities as opposed to rooftops, a focus that has worked well as the brand has grown to 115 locations across six states in the western half of the United States and has seen a near-$10 million improvement from 2014 to 2015.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“In an industry where trust is never granted and only earned, Executive Care has separated itself from the pack of home care companies through an unwavering commitment to ensuring our customers receive the best possible care from the most qualified caregivers,” Lenny Verkhoglaz, Founder & CEO of Executive Care

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Lenny Verkhoglaz, Founder & CEO of Executive Care, a home healthcare franchise based in Northern New Jersey. From early roots formed from a personal experience to national expansion, Verkhoglaz discusses how fate struck in an unforeseen way that ultimately led to the launch of Executive Care and how this relatively young brand competes against the big boys in the home healthcare field.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"We have received numerous accolades and awards for our brand, but none are quite as special as the heartfelt acknowledgments we receive from our franchise owners and the glowing reviews from our satisfied customers,” said Tom Lindberg, co-president, Sir Grout

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guests co-presidents of Sir Grout, Jeff Gill and Tom Lindberg. Having co-founded the brand in mid-2005 the duo has transformed the way Americans care for their most treasured surfaces, both at home and at work. Gill and Linberg share how they've introduced to the home services industry and maintained the highest standards built upon a foundation of commitment to excellence that stems from incorporating a Six Sigma mindset.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“The quality and taste of the food that Costa Vida offers to consumers is rare if not unmatched in fast casual segment of the [restaurant] industry. With a focus on freshness, along with the coastal feel that the brand embodies, we are confident that the residents of Gainesville, Sarasota, and Tampa will be incredibly impressed with everything Costa Vida has to offer.” - Sam Haddock, Multi-unit Franchisee of Costa Vida

This week's guest on Franchise Today is 40-year restaurant industry veteran, Sam Haddock. Joining co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto, Sam shares his experience as both a franchisee and a franchisor, owning and operating restaurants such as Donato’s Pizza, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Rally’s Hamburgers, and Wendy’s Hamburgers, and serving as director of operations for Rally’s Hamburgers, COO of Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen, COO at Winnter’s International and Managing Partner & COO at J.Christopher's Restaurants. In addition, Sam describes his most recent venture as he and two partners are currently bringing Costa Vida to Florida with a 10-store multi-unit franchise agreement. Their first unit is projected to open soon.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes, and is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“What began as a rapidly growing Glide-Out™ shelving company evolved into the need to become a franchisor that was equally as progressive and growth-oriented. To achieve this, we developed an organizational structure where each department operates like its own company as a method to prevent stagnation and keep our employees hungry for success.” - Allan Young, founder & CEO of Noble Brands

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Allan Young, founder & CEO of Noble Brands, franchisor of multiple concepts including, ShelfGenie and Outback Gutter-Vac.Young discusses how he has positioned Noble Brands to be unlike any company in the franchise industry. The discipline and leadership skills he gained from serving as a commander in the U.S. Army has translated to his entrepreneurial endeavors. After co-founding the ShelfGenie franchise in 2006, Young brought many of its functions in-house by launching a world class call center, CRM system, manufacturing facility.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

Franchise Today is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“This is the time of year when homeowners begin spending more time outside with friends and family and want to have a lush lawn on which to do so. They choose Weed Man because of the level of customer service and our standards.” - Jennifer Lemcke, COO of Turf Holdings Inc. and Weed Man USA

Discussing a brand that has been around for 45 years is the order of the day this week on Franchise Today. Co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Jennifer Lemcke, COO of Turf Holidings, Inc., the company that owns the expansion rights for Weed Man USA, which now has more than 472 territories nationwide. Lemcke explains how for the second year in a row, Weed Man USA has been named by Forbes Magazine as one of America’s best franchise opportunities under an initial investment of $150,000 and how the brand ranked second in its category on the publication’s 2016 “Best and Worst Franchises to Buy” list, eight spots higher than in 2015.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

Franchise Today is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"We take pride in being able to provide industry leading products, tools and resources that our franchisees need to keep them at the forefront of the industry year after year." - Kevin Lathrop, President of Unishippers."

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Kevin Lathrop, President of Unishippers. Beginning his career as one of the brand's franchise owner, Kevin shares his basic principles of passion, innovation and determination that enabled him to move into brand leadership and ultimately to his role as president, while never losing his entrepreneurial spirit. Lathrop further shares his thoughts the connection between franchisee and franchisor being integral to the success of a franchise company.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

Franchise Today is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

"At the start of the recession in 2008, more and more people traded down from mid-priced gyms. While the price of these high-volume, low-priced gyms was good, the experience was not." - Todd Magazine, president of Blink Fitness.

Blink Fitness’s brand emphasizes “Mood Above Muscle,” a philosophy that celebrates the immediate positive feelings associated with exercise, rather than just the longer-term physical benefits. It's this philosophy that is discussed this week on Franchise Today as Blink Fitness president, Todd Magazine joins Franchise Today co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

Franchise Today is sponsored by FRM Solutions and Franchise Foundry.

“There was zero pressure and a lot of getting to know each other. They investigated us and our background and we did the same with them. Their track record is proven and it’s an industry that continues to grow.” - James Spink, a Bin There Dump That franchisee from Indianapolis

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto are joined by Micheal Kernaghan (CEO/President) and John Ferracuti (Chief Operating Officer) of Bin There Dump That, North America’s leading residential-friendly dumpster rental franchise. The brand has officially reached the 100th franchise mark as it has grown exponentially since it began franchising in 2001, beginning its growth in Canada then blossoming throughout the United States.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

“The customer experience is where 101 Mobility has been able to stand apart with our core values reflecting our commitment to providing a level of customer service that is unmatched in the industry. Our franchise owners live in the communities they serve, they care about the customer, they are passionate and are willing to go above and beyond for their customers.” - Dave Pazgan, Co-founder & President of 101 Mobility

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome Dave Pazgan, Co-founder and President of 101 Mobility, the largest Franchisor provider of accessibility and mobility equipment. Dave shares the short, yet successful story of 101 Mobility and his vision for tripling the number of franchisees in major U.S. markets within the next five years.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

“Our goal is to create the most exciting day ever for dogs, while providing pet parents peace of mind that their dogs are in the hands of a trusted authority,” - Neil Gill, President & CEO, Dogtopia

The old saying is, You can't teach an old dog new tricks." Well, instead of tricks, it's new tips at Dogtopia, as explained by the brand's President & CEO, Neil Gill on this week's edition of Franchise Today. Listen to Gill share his thoughts on making a great brand even greater with co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto. The Dogtopia leader also shares how under his leadership several new initiatives have been executed including: employing an environmental biologist, implementing dog-safe cleaning products and programs, requiring a dedicated, CPR-trained health and safety officer to be on staff at all locations and creating an 11-step facility tour to foster complete transparency among pet parents.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

“When equipment breaks down, dentists rely on Dental Fix Rx for quick and professional on-site repairs – ultimately saving their practices time and money,” said David Lopez, CEO & co-founder of Dental Fix Rx. “We saw a lot of crossover between our areas of expertise and ways our services could complement each other. By combining our excellent back-end customer support teams with our national network of expert technicians, we are providing a tremendous value to dental professionals across America.”

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, David Lopez, CEO & co-founder of Dental Fix Rx. Providing a much-needed solution to dental practices with a fast turnaround, reliable customer service and very competitive rates, Lopez discusses how Dental Fix has over 130 vans operating in the United States and Canada, serving more than 17,000+ dentists within a very unique business model.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"You [up-and-coming entrepreneurs] need to constantly be improving. When you get tired, you need to get out [of the business], Your motor has to run in top gear all the time." - Eric Casaburi, CEO & Founder of Retro Fitness

Always thinking ahead is just one of the success components discussed this week on Franchise Today as Retro Fitness, CEO & Founder, Eric Casaburi joins show co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto. Faced with limited choices, Eric explains how he chose the right path towards owning his own fitness center and ultimately turning it into a fitness empire. Also, as another guest from the franchise community that has appeared on both Undercover Boss and Franchise Today, Eric shares his experience working undercover inside his organization, not only for the benefit of the television audience but also for his benefit as the brand leader.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

“I did everything in those years, knocking on doors to get jobs, hiring the employees to get them done, managing their schedules, dealing with customer complaints, resolving issues. It was the best hands-on learning you could get. It teaches you what the real world is about. And it allowed me to save enough to get my first truck, trailer and equipment.” - Carmelo Marsala, founder & President,Spray-Net

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Carmelo Marsala. Carmelo is not only the founder & President of Canadian franchise brand, Spray-Net, but is also a multiple award winner in entrepreneurship including:

2015 Winner of the NextGen in Franchising Global Competition by International Franchise Association Educational Foundation

2015 Air Miles Small Business Achievement Award, Young Entrepreneur of the Year

2014 Finalist for the Ernst & Young, Young Entrepreneur of the Year

In this segment of Franchise Today, Carmelo discusses his rise from franchisee to a widely recognized young entrepreneur and his plans to expand the brand from Canada to the United States.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

Road signs may caution to be careful due to ice on the road but ice of all flavors consumed in communities across the nation is helping communities raise millions of dollars. Well, $35,000,000 and counting.

This week on Franchise Today, Tony Lamb, founder & CEO of Kona Ice joins Franchise Today co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto and discusses a major factor in his franchise brand's success - “We came up with the idea to help organizations in the community by giving them a percentage of sales at fund-raising events. The idea caught fire and the business exploded." In addition, Tony shares his perspective on using sustainable energy to help reduce each Kona Ice truck's carbon footprint while building a sustainable brand of over 700 trucks across 48 states.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

“I’m a CEO of a healthy brand. I should start practicing what I preach.” - Sal Rincione, CEO of UFood Grill

While old QSR chains are trying to save their consumer base, shed unfavorable brand identities and catch up, UFood Grill is in a leadership position to expand what they already do so well. Many companies aspire to evolve in the QSR Industry. But very few have all the elements required: the right team, the right strategy and a solid plan for growth. UFood Grill has proven that it has all three in abundance. This week on Franchise Today, UFood Grill CEO, Sal Rincione explains to co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto why he couldn't ask for a better foundation. Rincione also eplains how he put his money where his mouth is, so to speak by dropping 50 pounds using UFood’s universally sub-700-calorie menu as his inspiration, Also learn how Rincione assembled one of the most seasoned franchise teams in the industry and added former Boston Celtics player and coach M.L. Carr to the his board.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

Note: This show was originally scheduled to air May 4, 2016 but due to technical difficulties it was rescheduled to May 18, 2016.

"You have to be diligent about saying, ‘no.’ There are people who will want to buy into your brand, but we say ‘no’ more often than we say ‘yes.' It has to be the right person, and if we’re not comfortable with that person, it’s better to say no for the long-term. That’s tough when you’re trying to build a brand." - Nancy Bigley, CEO & Co-owner, Bottle & Bottega

From Corporate America to Entrepreneurship, the chosen path to pursue passion and devote vision, talent and energy to one's own business is a dream many have, but few follow. This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome Nancy Bigley, CEO & Co-owner of Bottle & Bottega, a growing brand in the booming paint & sip industry of franchising.

Nancy discusses her journey along with that of other female entrepreneurs that have become franchisees of the brand. Extremely active in the International Franchise Association, Nancy also talks about her leadership role in the Women's Franchise Network and shares her perspective on issues affecting franchising and small business today.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Nancy Friedman (no relation to Stan) aka Telephone Doctor. Nancy is a 2-time IFA mini session speaker – and has brought her keynote programs and workshops to dozens of franchise conferences around the country, entertaining the audience with her straight talk, no nonsense, common sense approach to her tips, ideas, skills and techniques. Covering all 6 touch points of communication… email, snail mail, phone, fax and face to face, Nancy is more that “just" telephones as she explains how positively memorable experiences are more than just for customers!

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

Regarding customers... “The customer experience is far and away the most important part of being in business, and we aim to satisfy that or actually over-achieve in that area."

About the future... "Collectively, as a management team, we’ve got great vision, we’ve got a strategy map in place, we’ve got great communication, we’ve got great core values in our company – it’s a fun place to be.”

Ralph Yarusso, Senior V.P. for Operations and Business Development, Grease Monkey

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome Ralph Yarusso, Senior V.P. for Operations and Business Development for Colorado-based, Grease Monkey. In an industry that has seen it's share of challenges, Grease Monkey continues to grow as a result of delivering exceptional customer experience across an expanding array of services and development of a corporate environment that exudes the right-fit culture.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"Franchising is all about risk and reward. The earlier you get into a system, the greater the risk and, if it succeeds, the greater the reward." - Eric Stites, CEO & Managing Director, Franchise Business Review

This week on Franchise Today Eric Stites, CEO & Managing Director of Franchise Business Review joins co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto to discuss franchisee satisfaction and franchise buyer experiences. Helping people make educated investment decisions about the best franchise opportunities available, Eric explains how Franchise Business Review is known for 'Sharing the franchise experience' which is actually the company's tagline.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"Chris is the man! His new venture class is a must-take for anyone wanting to be an entrepreneur. His lectures were "compelling and provocative" (just to use some of his words) and the class was challenging but in a good way." - A student rating Christopher C. Hanks, founder and executive director of the Kennesaw State University Entrepreneurship Center

Entrepreneurship is the topic this week on Franchise Today as special guest, Christopher Hanks joins co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto. With a long list of achievements, designations and accolades in and around Entrepreneurship, Hanks shares how entrepreneurship has the power to change lives and discusses the Kennesaw State University Entrepreneurship Center and how, as a community they strive to: serve others, solve problems, create value, lead well, follow well, and break entitlement.

And, about the KSU Entrepreneurship Center, where it's written, "Entrepreneurship has about as many definitions as it does people passionate about its impact. We love the tension surrounding entrepreneurship because we believe it fuels conversations that ultimately produce action. The diversity surrounding entrepreneurship is also why we choose to define it not by sentences on a page, but by a culture and a people."

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"It's hard to tell our story and encapsulate everything we do at MaxOut Strength Studio into the typical one to two sentence vision statement. It's because to every one of our clients, MaxOut means something different. What doesn't change, however, is our commitment to their goals - fitness and personal - with deep appreciation for the trust our clients and their parents place in us. It's a privilege to share this unique opportunity with other entrepreneurs so they may develop their expereince and ultimately, write their own MaxOut story." - Jason Griggs, President & CEO, MaxOut Strength Studio

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome Jason Griggs, President & CEO, MaxOut Strength Studio. Jason shares the story of developing a business model around very unqiue, state-of-the-art proprietary equipment only to stumble out of the box upon entering franchising. Stan and Paul dive into the challenges faced by this and other emerging brands while Jason shares the inside view on how, after several years of commitment, dedication and extreme passion in transforming the business, MaxOut re-enters the franchise arena stronger than ever.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

“I don’t do well with micro-management and bureaucracy. That’s not what I was raised on; it’s not who I am personally. If you give me a task and freedom, it will get done.” - Susan Beth

This week on Franchise Today, Susan Beth, Operating Partner at NRD Capital joins co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto. Susan sheds light on what her and her team at NRD Capital look for in a franchise brand around unit-economics, culture, technology and more - all cornerstones of a sustainable brand. In situations where brands are not hitting on all cylinders, Susan shares examples of her recommendations on how to make improvements to get the brand back on track and begin building [again] towards a solid future with focus on franchisee success.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

“For years, franchising has been the most popular path for those looking to open a small business, but with so many options in so many industries, deciding which opportunity is the best is an almost impossible decision." - Dr. John Hayes

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto are joined by internationally-recognized franchise speaker and author, Dr. John Hayes. Since 1979, Dr. Hayes has worked in the franchise community as a consultant, franchisee and franchisor. He is the author of a number of franchise-related books and countless articles that have appeared in media worldwide. Discussing the broad topic of how to buy franchises, Dr. Hayes not only shares his insight on how candidates should proceed through the process but also how franchisors should present their brands in the best light.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"Every year tens of thousands of new franchisees open their doors for business and look to fulfill the American dream of success, and every year hundreds of new franchise companies announce their plans to be the next McDonalds, Subway Restaurants, Marriott, RE/MAX, or Great Clips and fail to reach that goal. Why?" - Lonnie Helgerson, Author, Five Pennies 'Ten Rules to Successfully Build a Franchise Mega-Brand and Maximize System Profits'

Well-known franchise professional and author, Lonnie Helgerson joins Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto on his second guest appearance on the show, almost four years to the date. Lonnie discusses his book, Five Pennies 'Ten Rules to Successfully Build a Franchise Mega-Brand and Maximize System Profits' and how many of the principles outlined can help new and mature franchisors alike and especially as the franchise relationship continues to be attacked, and questioned in the news and ultimately, in the courtroom.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"Driving social media can be a valuable investment of time – however, ensuring that you approach social media with the same level of rigor, control and efficiency – as you would traditional marketing - is key. With the right preparation, tools and evaluation – growing and protecting your brand and business on social media can be efficient, cost effective – and successful." - Anthony Owen (as posted on FranchiseExpo.com, Approach social media with rigor, control and management for success

This week on Franchise Today, Anthony Owen, CEO & Founder of Manalto, Inc. joins co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto for a riveting hour of discussion around social media and it's role in effectively building a franchise brand. Anthony provides his experience in managing social media acorss many franchise locations, enabling franchisors to control messaging while protecting brand integrity. He also shares his perspective on franchisees' involvement to ensure community-building at the local level while also maintaining consistency in messaging and appearance.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"Success can be defined in a multitude of ways but in franchising, success is about being the right kind of person who makes the right kinds of decisions that help those in their sphere of influence become the right kind of people." - Jerry Darnell

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Jerry Darnell, CEO of Jerry Darnell & Associates. Often referred to as the “Mayor of Franchising” and recognized by many, as the creator of franchise “Discovery Days,” Jerry has worked through an illustrious 35 year-long franchising career that has seen him build new franchise division infrastructures for multi-billion dollar companies like the Medicine Shoppe and develop successful franchise programs for such well-known brands as Physicians Weight Loss Centers and Sterling Optical. Perhaps best known for his years as a consultant to MAACO Founder Tony Martino, or as a senior executive with Guidant, Benetrends or Bob Gappa’s Management 2000, there is nobody in franchising who has served so long, brought so many people together and can still remember each and every second of his amazing 35 year-long career, as if it all just happened yesterday.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"We are forecasting that for the sixth consecutive year, franchise businesses will grow at rates that exceed the economy-wide growth of industries where franchises are concentrated. Franchise businesses are showing tremendous capability to provide new jobs for working families and new businesses for first-time business owners across all sectors in local communities, despite the fact that franchisees are facing many new regulatory threats at all levels of government." - Robert Cresanti, President & CEO, International Franchise Association

A tradition continues this week on Franchise Today as Robert Cresanti, President & CEO of the International Franchise Association provides his perspective on the state of franchising and outlook on the upcoming 56th Annual IFA Convention, this year in San Antonio, Texas. This marks the fifth year in a row the leader of the IFA is a guest on the show LIVE and just ahead of the industry's annual convention. Co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome Robert Cresanti in this, his first appearance on Franchise Today, having been appointed to the IFA top spot this past September.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"Our business has morphed into attendees who have done research and are on step 3. They’ve cleared a number of different hurdles before they get to one of our franchise expos. They’ve done so much research, they’ve talked to franchisors, they’ve looked at some of the costs and industries, and are really in a different mindset by the time they attend an expo. They’re way more educated. It’s the biggest comment we hear time and time again, that the quality of the attendees at these shows is just off the charts. It’s so much different than it was 10 years ago." - Tom Portesy, CEO, MFV Expositions, when asked how the internet has changed how people today research franchise opportunities.

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto discuss the world of exploring franchise opportunities with their guest, Tom Portesy, CEO of MFV Expositions. Just ahead of Franchise Expo South in Houston, TX, an event produced by MFV with the International Franchise Association, Tom shares his perspective on how individuals have become more educated in the process of researching franchise brands and how the internet has changed the process from just a short ten years ago.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"The phrase [Content is King] has been replaced with "Content is Queen," "Audience is the King," "Content is the Servant," "Social Media is the Kingmaker," and several others. The message is the same. Quality content delivered to your audience will produce results. Interesting and new information provided on a brand's social platforms will mark the brand higher in search engine results." - Deb Evans, Franchising World 2013

This week on Franchise Today, Deb Evans, President of Deb Evans Consulting and Founder & co-host of the popular podcast, Social Geek Radio shares her insight and perspective on the increasingly complex, yet now mainstream digital world. Deb, along with Franchise Today co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto explore the importance of sharing quality content online in order to be heard through the maze of chatter that occurs on a daily basis. From social media to personal branding, brands and their leadership alike should be 'actively' utilizing the digital world to remain relevant in the eyes of stakeholders at all levels - and utilizing technology makes it easier than ever before.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

“Bridging Worlds” focused on combining current and future business environments, new business models, the Internet of Things, disruptive technologies and unique ideas that are particularly relevant for marketing, media, advertising and customer communication. - DMEXCO 2015 - Digital Marketing Expo & Conference,

This week on Franchise Today co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome as their guest, Steve Baxter, Managing Director of eKomi, Inc. North America. Focusing on challenges facing many small businesses today, Steve discusses how social commerce technology is used to enable trust, increase sales, reduce returns & complaints and drive organic traffic. This is the world of reviews and recommendations. From a larger perspective it's also the world of protecting the brand.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"...what we saw in the 80's and early 90's was a lot of specialty shops. And that did one thing that was very interesting that we saw, and part of the reason why we created these co-branding opportunities is because the customer was put at a disadvantage. With specialty shops it appeared on the surface to be a convenience factor for the customer. But what the customer lost was the relationship that theyhad. Years ago you used to go to the neighborhood gas station and you knew the operator, and you had a relationship and you trusted him, right?" - Pete Baldine, President, Moran Family of Brands

As Franchise Today launches its seventh season on the air, co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome long-time franchise professional, Pete Baldine as their guest. Baldine is president at Moran Family of Brands, franchisor to multiple automotive franchise brands including Mr. Transmission, Milex Complete Auto Repair and AltaMere Toys for Cars.

In an industry that has long been perceived as not having any glitz or appeal, co-branding has enabled Moran's brands to build and strengthen relationships with both customers and franchisees alike. For customers, it offers a one-stop shop of convenient quality service. For franchisees, it offers an efficient business model that builds loyalty and repeat business while minimizing overhead. To these points, show discussion will focus on the efficiencies of co-branding and how Moran Family of Brands has addressed technology challenges with today's vehicles, necessity of a higher skill level for technicians and issues that both franchises and independent business alike are facing today.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

When asked in a recent interview, What do you love most about being CEO, Catherine Monson, CEO & president of FastSigns responded, "I am going to start with what I love about franchising, as that is the basis of what I love about being CEO of Fastsigns International. I grew up in a small family business, and I am passionate about small business and its positive impact on the economy and our country. Franchising is the most effective business model to help people get into business for themselves: they benefit from being part of a brand with systems and procedures to help them succeed, thus being in business for themselves but not by themselves."

In light of recent attacks on the franchise model, it's appropriate and timely Catherine Monson join co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto on Franchise Today to discuss issues affecting what Catherine refers to as the most effective business model to help people get into business for themselves - franchising. Catherine shares her perspective on two key issues - NLRB joint employer ruling and $15/hr minimum-wage and the ripple effect both have or will have on franchise growth for products and services brands. As FastSigns is experiencing significant growth in international markets, Catherine also shares her insight on [similar] issues facing franchisors abroad.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"Minimum-Wage Issue Exerts Maximum Impact On Restaurant Industry" was a recent headline on Forbes.com and is the concern of many restaurant industry professionals including those of franchise brands with tens, hundreds and thousands of locations nationwide. Rising wages will force price increases across the menu. Brands have already begun to push their prices up as their labor costs have risen, either from mandated or expected hikes to the minimum wage or from costs associated with health care coverage. In addition, several national brands have already begun to roll out self-order kiosks to reduce labor.

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome long-time franchise and restaurant industry professional, Lynette McKee. With over two decades experience at Dunkin Brands, Burger King, Dennys, Checkers and Metromedia Restaurant Group, Lynette shares her perspective from the inside out of a labor-intensive industry that has already seen rising costs and declining profits. With a wealth of experience and time committed to education and leadership programs, Lynette also shares her insight on creating opportunities for minorities and women in food service and franchising.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"Today, I pay it forward by offering my perspective, experience, advice, and connections to select franchisees, franchisors, and suppliers so that they can “see what they don’t see” and achieve their highest levels of success." - John "Johnny Franchise" Francis

This week on Franchise Today, John Francis, aka Johnny Franchise joins co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto to discuss his perspective on issues threatening franchising as we know it today. As a Board Member and advisor to a number of prominent franchise organizations and a wealth of experience as a former franchisee and franchisor, John shares his point of view from both the executive suite and front line. Having grown up in the franchise industry, John focuses on "franchising done right" and today helps franchise organizations see what they don't see. He will do the same on Franchise Today, helping industry professionals (show listeners) see what they don't [or might not be able to] see.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"Begin your discovery and become a student of franchising while you are following the path to launching and growing your franchis system." These powerful words by Shelly Sun from her book, Grow Smart Risk Less are much more than advice for others. They're words Sun continues to live by as she has truly become a student of franchising (and teacher and advocate) and the success of her brand, BrightStar Care is evidence of her commitment to sustainable and sensible franchising.

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto discuss with Shelly Sun the trials and tribulations of becoming a world-class franchisor. In addition to improving unit-economics and growing BrightStar beyond US borders, Shelly also focuses on issues affecting franchising such as recent NLRB ruling on 3rd party employers and $15 per hour minimum wage, and the reasons behind her generosity of both time and resources to causes and industry events alike. As 2009 IFA Entrepreneur of the Year, Shelly also shares her thoughts on entrepreneurship, a timely subject as this week's show airs during Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

NFL veteran Michael Stone and Franchise Today co-host/franchise industry veteran Stan Friedman, co-founders of (PAFI) The Professional Athlete Franchise Initiative, now in it's 7th year, will talk with Franchise Today co-host, Paul Segreto about recent athlete/franchisee successes and what’s on the horizon at PAFI.

Join us as we discuss how franchisors, athletes and suppliers have all come together to successfully advance the business model of pro athletes in franchising. Tune in as we discuss how up and coming, twilight year and even retired veterans of the court or field can trade in their play books for Ops. Manuals and keep producing wealth and legacy through franchising. FRANCHISING: the ONLY game these athletes play, that NEVER GOES OUT OF SEASON! In addition, Mike and Stan will preview some new ideas on the horizon that PAFI is exploring with Expos like those produced by MFV, Franchise Update’s Multi-Unit Conference and of course, PAFI’s own 7th Annual Franchise Summit during the spring of 2016, in Atlanta.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"How to get everything you want without waiting a lifetime" is the tag line for the New York Times best-seller, Secrets of the Young and Successful, co-authored by Jennifer Kushell. It's also the underlying message this week's guest on Franchise Today shares with young entrepreneurs everywhere... and we do mean, everywhere.

Jennifer Kushell, founder and CEO of Young & Successful Media and YSN.com joins co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto, discussing the cause of economic empowerment among young adults and entrepreneurs and how franchising contributes to the same. The competitive program tied to franchising, is NextGen - A New Generation in Franchising, of which Jennifer is a driving force, working hand-in-hand with the International Franchise Association in this the second year of the global competition.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

Helping to change the basic way decisions are made through data and analysis that are timely, objective and helpful. FRANdata has a big vision: To positively impact decisions at all levels of the franchise industry.

This week on Franchise Today, Ron Feldman, Chief Development Officer of FRANdata shares his perspective on the future of franchising. Discussing the various challenges facing franchising including escalating minimum wages and joint employer decisions, Feldman focuses on how these challenges may adversely affect franchise organizations of all sizes. He also shares his thoughts on unit-economics and its effect on franchise finance.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

With 22 years of business ownership and management experience and work in the medical industry, two aspiring entrepreneurs decided to open a pizza franchise in Fort Worth, Texas. The husband and wife team knew that in order to turn their aspirations into a reality they would need to secure financing. “We have been open for business for about two months now, and it would not have been possible without the financing we secured through BoeFly,” said a partner. “The process was clear and extremely efficient, and it allowed us to establish a relationship with a nearby bank that is funding our loan.”

This week's special guest on Franchise Today is Mike Rozman, CEO and Founder of BoeFly. Mike discusses how BoeFly puts small businesses in control of their financial future via a step-by-step approach that helps business owners complete an effective loan request and match their business to the right lenders. Rozman also shares his insight on current state of business finance and how business owners can best position themselves ahead of needing capital for startup, acquisition or expansion.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"If only we could attract the right candidates to our franchise opportunity." This is a very familiar statement made by many franchise professionals. Truly, they couldn't be more spot-on, or could they? This week on Franchise Today co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto are joined by Rebecca Monet, President and Chief Scientist at Zoracle Profiles.Rebecca discusses how Zoracle provides science-based and market-validated profiling tools, including its Spot-on! Profile for the franchise marketplace. Further, she will discuss how Zoracle does not use personality tests and explains how its meta-analysis approach uses 5 complementary sciences within a single tool thus providing greater accuracy and predictability.

Rebecca Monet has been in the franchise consulting and psychometric assessment business since 1993. Much like her mentor Dr. Douglas Jackson of Sigma Assessment Systems, Monet is known for her uncanny ability to draw performance correlations. She is fascinated with neurology and human performance as it relates to business success. The Zoracle Profiling System is Monet’s most comprehensive and predictive work to date. Prior to joining Zoracle Profiles, Rebecca had founded Proven Match.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

As a major credit card company clains, membership has its privileges and the same should be said about membership in the International Franchise Association. Especially at a time when franchising continues to be under attack at local, state and federal levels like never before. This week on Franchise Today co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto are joined by Paul Rocchio, Senior Director of Development and Member Services at the International Franchise Association. Rocchio will share his insight on why it's more important than ever before to be an active member of the IFA, recent leadership changes at the IFA and what members can expect for 2016.

Paul Rocchio joined the IFA staff in March of 1999 as Manager of Grassroots and Political Education, and was promoted in 2001 and again in 2013 to his current position as Senior Director of Development and Member Services. Paul is responsible for the retention and recruitment of new members while creating continued value-added benefits and services to existing members. He staffs the IFA Supplier Forum Advisory Board and assists with the Membership Committee.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"Love your neighbor as yourself." That is what is defined as the simple mission of Christian Brothers Automotive and one that has helped them drive franchise success since it began franchising in 1996. This week on Franchise Today, Josh Wall, Vice President Franchise and Strategic Development for Christian Brothers will join show co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto to discuss how building upon a culture of faith and "nice differences" has helped the brand become one of America’s fastest growing full service automotive repair franchises with 150 locations in 20 states and another 35 awarded and in development.

Franchise Today airs LIVE every Wednesday at 11AM CT / 12PM ET. Each show is available on-demand on iTunes. Franchise Today is also on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FranchiseToday.

Ever since he operated a single store in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, Jersey Mike’s founder, Peter Cancro has believed in giving back to the community. His passion for helping others has resonated throughout the Jersey Mike’s system, resulting in an incredible outpouring of local giving and community support from Jersey Mike’s stores across the country. This week on Franchise Today, Brian Sommers, Vice-president of Jersey Mike's Subs shares his perspective about the culture that has catapulted Jersey Mike's Subs into one of America's fastest growing franchise brands. Brian's experience is unique as he has literally grown up in the brand, having started working in his teens at the brand's roots - the original store.

Franchise Today airs LIVE every Wednesday at 11AM CT / 12PM ET. Each show is available on-demand on iTunes. Franchise Today is also on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FranchiseToday.

This week on Franchise Today the topic is culture and who better to discuss with co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto than someone from a franchise organization that lives and breathes culture and everything that are key components to culture. This week's guest fits the bill perfectly and from an organization, The Dwyer Group that epitomizes the right culture in franchising. A returning guest to Franchise Today is Mark Liston, President of Glass Doctor, a brand of The Dwyer Group. In franchising since 1981, Mark has been very involved with the International Franchise Association in a variety of roles and is currently on the Board of Governors for the Certified Franchise Executive Board, having served as Chairman of that Board for two years. He is also on the Educational Foundations Board of Trustees. Previously he served the VetFran and Marketing and PR Committees.

Franchise Today airs LIVE every Wednesday at 11AM CT / 12PM ET. Each show is available on-demand on iTunes. Franchise Today is also on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FranchiseToday.

This week on Franchise Today, show founder, Paul Segreto welcomes as his co-host, long-time and well-established franchising professional, Stan Friedman. For the past few months, Paul and Stan have been reformatting the show to build upon the success that Franchise Today has already established for the better part of the past six years.

With that as a platform, Paul and Stan will use this week's show to discuss their mutual philosophies and how together, they will continue building on this legacy and taking Franchise Today to new levels and heights. As well-networked franchising professionals these guys have their ears to the ground and have a good sense of what you may want and need to hear more about. The co-hosts will discuss their thoughts on sustainable and sensible franchising, and how Franchise Today will focus on the same. To that end, they will talk more about the program’s new format.

This week on Franchise Today the focus is on something that seems to be in the news every day - data breaches! With data breaches more than doubling since 2009 to more than 25,000 incidents in 2013 and with 467 of those breaches occurring in the retail sector, franchises have been affected as well. Our guests this week are Tom Epstein, CEO of Franchise Payment Network and Lee Plave, Partner at the law firm, Plave Koch. Both are active IFA members on the Marketing & Technology Committee and are also some of the leading thought-leaders in franchising on today's topic.

About Our Guests

Lee Plave has extensive experience counseling distributors and franchisors, including drafting and negotiating franchise agreements for complex international and domestic transactions and advising clients on all aspects of franchise and distribution law. He also counsels clients on the application of technology to franchise and distribution systems. Lee focuses his attention on matters such as social networking and social media issues, e-commerce, data use and security policies, cybersquatting and domain name disputes, consumer complaint and cybersmear sites, as well as software and hardware licensing. In addition, he represents clients in matters before the Federal Trade Commission.

In addition to his role as CEO of Franchise Payments Network, Tom Epstein continues works with the IFA, serving on Supplier Forum, The Marketing & Technology Committee, FranPac supporter, host of IFA FBN (Franchise Business Network) in Orlando, has been published in all major Franchise Trades as well a sponsor of countless industry events though out the year. FPN works exclusively in the franchise space, utilizing Tom’s extensive knowledge in retail and payment processing to facilitate the unique needs of franchise systems.

We've chosen this archived segment of Franchise Today for this week's replay as it's about relationships and that's what holidays are all about - relationships! Happy Thanksgiving to all

In the second week of last year's The Franchise Model Series, host, Paul Segreto welcomed as his guest, Mark Liston, President of Glass Doctor. Paul and Mark discussed operations support and franchisee relations best practices with emphasis on the franchise relationship itself.

About Our Guest

Mark Liston is President of Glass Doctor, a brand of the Dwyer Group. In franchising since 1981, Mark is very involved in the International Franchise Association (IFA). He is the immediate past Chairman of the Board of Governors for the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives having earned his CFE in 2005. Mark is also on the IFA’s Educational Foundation Board of Trustees. Previously, he was a member of the VetFran Committee and IFA’s Public Relations Committee.

This week on Franchise Today the Doctor is in the house. That's right. The Telephone Doctor, Nancy Friedman will join host, Paul Segreto as they discuss the ins and outs of customer service. After all, when Oprah, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, Good Morning America, Good Morning Canada and Great Britain, CNN, Fox News, Wall Street Journal, USA Today and other well respected publications need an expert on Customer Service they call on Nancy Friedman.

About Our Guest

Nancy Friedman has appeared on hundreds of radio and TV shows over the years. Her common sense and “down to earth” actionable material provides a great package for any conference or major event.

The author of eight books on communications, sales, and customer service, Nancy will energize, inspire, and motivate you with tips, ideas, skills, and techniques you’ll use the rest of your life. Nancy’s keynote speaker presentations are high-energy, high in content, and best of all, high-results!

This week on Franchise Today the focus is on franchisee satisfaction and validation and how they ultimately combine for franchise success. Host, Paul Segreto welcomes as his guest, Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise BusinessREVIEW as they dive into the pitfalls that franchisors may face that slow down or even prevent growth and brand success. Paul and Michelle also discuss recent reports by Franchise BusinessREVIEW on emerging brands and in celebration of Veterans Day a peak into their recent editorial, Vet Report.

About Our Guest

Michelle Rowan is the president of Franchise Business Review, a market research and consulting company specializing in franchisee and customer satisfaction, as well as franchise relations issues. After working in the hospitality and telecommunications industries, she joined Franchise Business Review in 2005 as the first full-time employee. Over the last nine years, Rowan has worked with over 800 franchise systems. She is an active member of the International Franchise Association and a Certified Franchise Executive. She has facilitated CEO Performance Groups and Executive Networking Groups over the last 2 years within the franchise industry and regularly speaks at industry events.

This week on Franchise Today, Host, Paul Segreto is joined by Mary Ann O'Connell, Founder of FranWise, a full-service franchise-consulting firm, specializing in strategic planning, operations, documentation and compliance. Women in Franchising is the topic of discussion that will parallel Mary Ann's long career in franchising from franchisee to franchise corporate executive to business owner providing guidance and support to the franchise community.

About Our Guest

Mary Ann was introduced to franchising as the first Money Mailer franchise. For 11 years, she and her partner expanded two franchises while she coached other franchisees. She then worked for her franchisor, Money Mailer, Inc., as VP of Franchise Support Services for over 600 franchisees. Mary Ann then joined Great Clips, Inc. and as part of its leadership staff, she launched two major markets and continued to develop two mature markets overseeing all aspects of operations and training.

As a consultant and founder of FranWise® she has worked with major brands, new concepts and the top professionals in the world of franchising. FranWise® boasts an impressive client list of over 80 brands and maintains strong relationships with its past and present clients. Mary Ann is also an active member of the IFA and serves on many committees and the Supplier Forum Advisory Board. She is frequently asked to contribute articles and be a speaker for many franchise-related events.

This week on Franchise Today, host Paul Segreto welcomes as his guest, Evan Hackel, CEO of Ingage Consulting. Both members of the International Franchise Association's Franchise Relations Committee, Paul and Evan will focus on the franchise relationship and how engagement is the driving force in creating franchise brands that are "Better Together."

About Our Guest

Evan Hackel is the Founder and Principal of Ingage Consulting, a consulting firm focused on improving the performance of franchises by improving the relationship between franchisees and the franchisor. He is also the CEO of Tortal Training, the largest provider of training to the franchise industry.

Evan has over 30 years of experience in franchising. During that time, he helped start three different, successful franchising systems. He is very active in the franchise community. Evan isa co-chair of the International Franchise Association’s Knowledge Share Task Force, a board member of the New England Franchise Association and a Certified Franchise Executive.

This week on Franchise Today, our guests are co-founders of Pinot's Palette, Charles Willis and Craig Ceccanti. They will discuss how they've started their "sip and paint" brand at the height of tough economic times and have successfully grown to a world-class franchise brand despite being a relatively new industry segment and entertainment option while competing against a multitude of copycat brands. Pinot's Palette has been ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine in its Annual Franchise 500 and recipient of Entrepreneur's Fastest Growing Franchise, Top Service Franchise and Top New Franchise awards in 2014. It has also been recognized as a leader in franchisee satisfaction by Franchise Business Review as FBR50 award winner two years in a row, 2014 above average in every category and ranked #8 in franchisee satisfaction in FBR’s Emerging Trends report.

Returning to Franchise Today is Greg Vojnovic, Chief Development Officer at Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen and Chairman of the upcoming Franchise Update Media's Franchise Leadership & Development Conference. Greg and host, Paul Segreto will preview this year's event, including some big changes that is believed to take the Conference to the next level.

While the Franchise Leadership & Development Conference each year consistently presents the top breakouts for the Franchise Sales and Recruiting process, this year finds the scope of what happens AFTER recruiting a new franchisee. There will also be a new set of brealkouts focused on Market Planning and Development for long-term successful growth of franchisees. Also, for emerging brand or a brand at a transition point, there will be breakouts focused on Building Your World Class Brand.

Another change will take a conference favorite and super-size it. The annual Mystery Shop / Annual Franchise Development Survey has been changed to provide a more in-depth look into the industry's gold standard survey. Of course, there will also be keynote speakers and a one-of-a-kind CEO Summit and opening Bootcamps.

The Conference is October 15-17 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.

About Our Guest

Greg Vojnovic is Chief Development Officer for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. He is responsible for franchise development, franchise real estate, construction, design, equipment, and franchise recruitment activities. With over 30 years experience in restaurant development, Greg has held leadership positions as VP of Development at Huddle House, been Director of Franchise Development at MaggieMoo's and held development positions at Denny's and Arby's.

Franchise Today is back and stronger than ever as it marches towards its 6th year on the air. After a period of organizational change and subsequent transition back to Franchise Foundry, Franchise Today founder, Paul Segreto is back as show host and his first guest is Mary Kennedy Thompson, President of Mr. Rooter Plumbing and Executive Vice President of The Dwyer Group.

About Our Guest

Mary Kennedy Thompson became president of Mr. Rooter Corporation in October 2006. Mary came to Mr. Rooter from national franchisor Cookies by Design, where she was president of the franchisor corporation. She came into the franchising industry as a franchisee first when in 1994, when she opened a Cookies by Design® franchise in Austin, Texas. In the next three years she opened two additional locations. As a multi-unit franchise owner, Mary led the company in market penetration and sales, earning awards for “Top Performer, “Outstanding Customer Service” and “Masters Award”.

In 2003 she earned her certified Franchise Executive certification from the International Franchise Association. Promoted to President of the company in 2004, Mary’s initiatives resulted in alliances with universal Studios, a new web site that provided an immediate increase in sales, and renewed franchisee/franchisor relations.

At the end of her first year as president of Mr. Rooter Corporation, U.S. Business Review selected Mary as one of its 2007 Editor’s Choice Executives of the Year. Today Mr. Rooter is the fastest growing plumbing franchise with more than 336 locations worldwide.

In 2014 Mary was promoted to Executive Vice President of the Dwyer Group while also retaining her current role as President of Mr. Rooter. As Executive Vice President she provides support to the CEO in the daily activities and operations of the company and its subsidiary brands.

This rebroadcast is from The Franchise Model Series from earlier this year. Host, Paul Segreto welcomed as his guest, Mark Liston, President of Glass Doctor. Paul and Mark discussed operations support and franchisee relations best practices with emphasis on the franchise relationship itself. About Our Guest Mark Liston is President of Glass Doctor, a brand of the Dwyer Group. In franchising since 1981, Mark is very involved in the International Franchise Association (IFA). He is the immediate past Chairman of the Board of Governors for the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives having earned his CFE in 2005. Mark is also on the IFA's Educational Foundation Board of Trustees. Previously, he was a member of the VetFran Committee and IFA's Public Relations Committee.

This week on Franchise Today is a replay from the Franchise Finance series that aired in early 2013. Host, Paul Segreto welcomed as his returning guest to the show, Ron Feldman, CEO and Co-founder at Franchise America Finance. Paul and Ron focused on several options, traditional and new for today's franchisees to explore and secure financing in continued tight, but slowly loosening credit markets. The discussion also included the various challenges that small business owners are facing that ultimately may adversely affect their bottom line and their future ability to expand operations. About Our Guest Ronald Feldman is a co-founder of Franchise America Finance™, a boutique franchise investment and lending source. Prior to his affiliation with Siegel Financial Group & Franchise American Finance, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Response USA, a publicly traded Alarm Systems Company. Mr. Feldman was instrumental in both the public offering and ultimate sale of the Alarm Division. Mr. Feldman and his wife were one of the early Goddard School Franchisees and successfully owned, operated and sold their Goddard School in 2007. He has been a keynote speaker at scores of franchise related events, appeared on television programs as the "Champion of Small Business", and has been published numerous times in trade magazines. He is also an instructor on financing and access to capital to the International Franchise Association (IFA). Ronald has the distinction of being a Certified Franchise Executive ("CFE").

This week on Franchise Today is a rebroadcast of the recent show with special guest, Mitch Schlimer, serial and social entrepreneur, host of the popular radio show, "Let's Talk Business", founder of Let's Talk Business Network, and founder of Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. Franchise Today host, Paul Segreto and Mitch discussed the exciting things going on at the EpiCenter, the home of the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame where this year's nominees include Oprah Winfrey, David McKinnon, Bernie Marcus, Steve Jobs, Earvin Magic Johnson and more. Mitch says, "We all need to get behind the EpiCenter (home of the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame) and its mission, and that is to dramatically improve the success rates of businesses, as it is totally unacceptable that for decades the failure rate of start-up businesses in this country is still nearly 70%."

This week on Franchise Today, host, Paul Segreto is broadcasting LIVE from Franchise Update Leadership & Development Conference at the Intercontinental Hotel in Atlanta. With assistance from "roving reporter", Cheryl Ryan from Franchise Update Media Group, Paul interviews various franchise executives attending the conference, exploring their thoughts on what they're learning and hoping to take away from this year's event. As well, we learn what these executives have to say about the outlook for franchising as the new year approaches.

This week on Franchise Today, host Paul Segreto is joined by Mitch Schlimer, serial and social entrepreneur, host of the popular radio show, "Let's Talk Business", founder of Let's Talk Business Network, and founder of Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. Paul and Mitch discuss the exciting things going on at the EpiCenter, the home of the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame where this year's nominees include Oprah Winfrey, David McKinnon, Bernie Marcus, Steve Jobs, Earvin Magic Johnson and more.

Mitch says, "We all need to get behind the EpiCenter (home of the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame) and its mission, and that is to dramatically improve the success rates of businesses, as it is totally unacceptable that for decades the failure rate of start-up businesses in this country is still nearly 70%."

Franchise Sales & Development is one of the cornerstones of the franchise business model and it was a key topic during the Franchise Model Series this past June on Franchise Today. Host, Paul Segreto was joined by Robert Stidham, President of Franchise Dynamics, the world's leading full-service ‘franchise sales outsourcing' (FSO) firm. Paul and Robert dove into franchise sales and development best practices and discussed lead generation, the sales process and much more.

About Our Guest

Robert Stidham is president of Franchise Dynamics, the world's leading full-service ‘franchise sales outsourcing' (FSO) firm. Based in suburban Chicago, Franchise Dynamics currently represents a number of emerging to large-sized franchisors in a wide variety of categories throughout the United States and worldwide. Mr. Stidham is an accomplished franchise sales and business development executive with a proven track record of increasing franchise units, revenue and profitability while gaining market share and expanding brand awareness for both new franchise concepts and established brands. He has held a variety of positions in the franchise industry in franchise development, operations, consulting and as an international franchise company president. Mr. Stidham is active in the International Franchise Association (IFA), serving as a member of the International Committee and Research Committee, having previously served as a member of the IFA Membership Committee.

Riding the wave of a very productive week at the IFA Public Affairs Conference in Washington DC, host Paul Segreto is joined by former IFA Chairperson and long-time CEO of The Dwyer Group, Dina Dwyer-Owens. On this week's show Dina shares her experience and perspective on IFA efforts on Capitol Hill. Paul and Dina will touch on some of the particular issues addressed at the just completed conference, especially jobs creation, and more specifically jobs creations for veterans. About Franchise Today Franchise Today is hosted by Paul Segreto, President and CEO at Franchise Foundry. Paul's unique perspective and extensive industry experience provides the foundation for relevant discussions about franchising and franchise best practices. Weekly guests include some of the brightest minds in the franchise world, with specific expertise and experience within various areas of franchising.

This week on Franchise Today, host Paul Segreto is joined by a 4-headed star-studded panel of experts from the International Franchise Association to discuss the upcoming IFA Public Affairs Conference in Washington DC September 16-18. IFA experts include Matt Haller, Jay Perron, Dean Heyl and Erica Farage. Each talks about state and federal issues and the various ways franchisors, franchisees and suppliers can get inolved politically through the IFA. About the IFA The International Franchise Association is a membership organization of franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers that protects, enhances, and promotes franchising.