Brand Clarity

In this episode of The Brand Clarity Podcast, host Susie Liberatore chats with Ari O'Brien, Chief Development Officer and co-founder of Red Rock Franchise Development. Ari shares her powerful journey from the corporate world to launching a franchise development firm with her husband, Jason O'Brien—built on values that challenge the traditional Franchise Sales Organization (FSO) model.With a boutique-style approach that prioritizes quality over quantity, Ari breaks down what it truly takes to scale a franchise brand the right way. Whether you're an emerging franchisor looking to gain traction or a business owner exploring franchising as a growth path, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.What You'll Learn:Ari's transition from corporate to co-founding Red Rock Franchise DevelopmentWhy Red Rock's personalized, boutique model is shaking up the franchise spaceThe importance of strong consultant relationships and thoughtful franchisee selectionWhy referrals and reputation still outperform cold lead genThe role of digital marketing—and how to avoid wasting resourcesThe critical importance of your first 5–10 franchiseesHow broker conventions and expos can fast-track credibilityWhy Red Rock believes in serving the franchise community—even if it means pointing you elsewhereThis is a must-listen for franchisors ready to grow with intention, clarity, and support that lasts.About AriBoasting a sterling sales and marketing track record, Ari O'Brien has been the dynamo fueling franchise growth for over a decade. Her career prior to franchising saw her excel as a top sales performer in the nation's largest food distribution company, playing a vital role in aiding independent and national restaurant concepts expand their horizons.In 2013, Ari dipped her toes into the exhilarating pool of business ownership, co-founding Red Rock Franchise Ventures LLC, a franchise consulting brokerage firm based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Applying her innate knack for sales and deep-seated passion for helping others succeed, she swiftly established herself as a top producer in one of the world's most respected franchise consulting networks.Since 2019, Ari has channeled her expertise and experience into nurturing numerous emerging franchisors and franchise consultants, creating a legacy as a relationship specialist with a “get it done now” mindset and a ceaseless sense of urgency.For Ari, her work in franchise development boils down to a single, simple passion: to empower current and future franchisors in building a team of thriving franchisees. She embodies Red Rock's unwavering ethics of standing tall in a sea of franchise development brands and genuinely caring. She cares about your franchise as much as you do, and she's committed to its success.Connect with Ari: RedRockFranDev.comSusie Liberatore, a seasoned entrepreneur, discovered her passion for business ownership at a young age. Following years of academic pursuits and corporate experience, she founded her initial venture, Visions2images.com. What began as a solo endeavor has now evolved into a thriving enterprise led by Susie and supported by a team of 13 professionals. In a remarkably short period, she has elevated the brand's success by providing comprehensive services like website development, social media management, SEO, content creation, and paid advertising.Fueling her entrepreneurial spirit, Susie went on to establish various companies, showcasing her versatility in business development. The latest addition to her portfolio is Franchise-clarity.com. Recognizing a gap in the franchise market, she innovatively developed marketing software to address specific needs within the industry. For inquiries on marketing services, potential partnerships and investments, feel free to contact Susie Liberatore to discover how she can contribute to the growth of your business. https://susieliberatore.com/ 

Podcast Show Notes: In this episode of the Brand Clarity Podcast, host Susie Liberatore sits down with Steve Shortino, founder and CEO of iSMASH — the rage room and axe-throwing franchise disrupting the entertainment industry. Steve shares the story behind iSMASH's explosive growth, with over 60 franchise units sold in just over a year.They discuss what sets iSMASH apart from other entertainment brands, how early proof of concept fueled rapid expansion, and the powerful role digital marketing and AI play in driving franchise sales. Whether you're a budding franchisor, a franchisee exploring new opportunities, or a business owner looking to scale smartly, this conversation is packed with real-world strategies for modern brand-building and franchise success.What You'll Learn:How a viral moment sparked the idea for iSMASHWhy strong branding and customer experience are critical differentiatorsThe secret to gaining early franchise traction through proof of conceptHow iSMASH uses AI and digital funnels to scale franchise developmentBuilding internal systems (like supply chains) for faster, smarter growthSteve's advice for franchisors: financial validation first, expansion secondAbout Steve ShortinoSteve Shortino is the founder and CEO of iSMASH, the fastest-growing smash room franchise in the United States—originating from his hometown of Rochester, New York. What began in 2018 as a bold and unconventional idea has evolved into a thriving national brand, with dozens of franchise units sold and many more on the way.Originally launched under the name “Smash Therapy,” the concept was inspired by what Steve initially thought was a ridiculous idea: creating a space where people pay to break things. After conducting thorough research, he saw the potential and opened the first location in October 2018. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Steve used the downtime to write and launch a successful course teaching others how to start their own rage rooms.By 2021, business momentum was back—and growing fast. Steve opened a second location in Syracuse, NY, and soon caught the attention of a franchise development firm. Since then, iSMASH has exploded in popularity, with over 60 units sold across the country and no signs of slowing down.Steve's long-term vision is to make iSMASH the leading rage room brand in the location-based entertainment space, with a goal of scaling to 100 locations nationwide.https://ismashusa.com/Susie Liberatore, a seasoned entrepreneur, discovered her passion for business ownership at a young age. Following years of academic pursuits and corporate experience, she founded her initial venture, Visions2images.com. What began as a solo endeavor has now evolved into a thriving enterprise led by Susie and supported by a team of 13 professionals. In a remarkably short period, she has elevated the brand's success by providing comprehensive services like website development, social media management, SEO, content creation, and paid advertising.Fueling her entrepreneurial spirit, Susie went on to establish various companies, showcasing her versatility in business development. The latest addition to her portfolio is Franchise-clarity.com. Recognizing a gap in the franchise market, she innovatively developed marketing software to address specific needs within the industry. For inquiries on marketing services, potential partnerships and investments, feel free to contact Susie Liberatore to discover how she can contribute to the growth of your business. https://susieliberatore.com/ 

Episode Intro In this episode, Susie sits down with Sally Facinelli, CEO of Salty Dog Pet Salon and Bakery, to talk about her unplanned—but incredibly rewarding—journey into franchising. From beloved pet brands to launching a luxury grooming experience built on transparency and heart, Sally shares how Salty Dog is changing the way we care for our furry companions.They dive into the power of building a people-first culture, the importance of women supporting women in business, and why scaling a franchise isn't just about numbers—it's about staying true to your mission. Whether you're a pet lover, a franchise hopeful, or a fellow entrepreneur, Sally's insights are equal parts practical and inspiring.Key Takeaways:Franchising by Surprise – Twice in her career, Sally found herself entering the franchise world unexpectedly—and both times led to meaningful, fulfilling ventures.A Brand with Bark and Heart – Salty Dog started from a deeply personal moment and grew into a business that prioritizes pet wellness, visible services, and stress-free grooming experiences.Transparency at the Core – With all-glass grooming stations, Salty Dog lets pet parents see everything—building trust, reducing anxiety, and eliminating the mystery behind the door.Scaling with Soul – Now part of the Loyalty Brands family, Sally's focus remains on culture, connection, and empowering every franchisee to lead with heart.Women Lifting Women – Sally shares her passion for mentoring and the need for more women in leadership roles within franchising and business at large.Advice for Aspiring Franchise Owners – Research, reflect, and make sure the franchise fits you—your lifestyle, your values, and your energy.Retail That Wags Tails – Salty Dog's bakery isn't just cute—it's strategic. From doggy donuts to pupcakes, the in-store retail adds joy and revenue.About Sally:Sally Facinelli, CFE, is CEO of Salty Dawg Pet Salon + Bakery and advisor to multiple emerging brands. Sally has proven to be a skilled executive, visionary, and entrepreneur whose franchise roots run deep. She is known for building exceptional brand visibility, and she has been an integral part of nearly all aspects of franchising, having worked with franchisors, master franchisees, franchisees, industry suppliers, and as a small business owner of several companies.Sally is passionate about franchising and helping businesses convert visions into action, achieving measurable success, and helping people reach their personal and professional goals. She is a problem solver who takes businesses to the next level and opens doors.Sally is a noted franchise mentor, source, speaker, and author. Business Woman magazine named her one of the 2020 Top 100 Influential Women in Franchising Worldwide and Top 10 Women Suppliers.Website: https://saltydawgpetsalon.com/Susie Liberatore, a seasoned entrepreneur, discovered her passion for business ownership at a young age. Following years of academic pursuits and corporate experience, she founded her initial venture, Visions2images.com. What began as a solo endeavor has now evolved into a thriving enterprise led by Susie and supported by a team of 13 professionals. In a remarkably short period, she has elevated the brand's success by providing comprehensive services like website development, social media management, SEO, content creation, and paid advertising.Fueling her entrepreneurial spirit, Susie went on to establish various companies, showcasing her versatility in business development. The latest addition to her portfolio is Franchise-clarity.com. Recognizing a gap in the franchise market, she innovatively developed marketing software to address specific needs within the industry. For inquiries on marketing services, potential partnerships and investments, feel free to contact Susie Liberatore to discover how she can contribute to the growth of your business. https://susieliberatore.com/ 

Podcast Summary:In this episode of Brand Clarity, host Susie Liberatore sits down with entrepreneur Victoria Racca to explore her inspiring journey from nonprofit work to owning multiple businesses. After facing workplace challenges during a miscarriage, Victoria realized the need for career flexibility and took the leap into entrepreneurship. Today, she successfully runs a beauty business, a trade school, and multiple income streams, including licensing, manufacturing, and coaching.Victoria shares valuable insights on the importance of owning your audience beyond social media and how leveraging email and text marketing can drive long-term business success. She also discusses the risks of business coaching scams, why TikTok offers better organic reach than Instagram, and the continuous evolution of business growth.Key Takeaways:Entrepreneurship provides career flexibility and control.Diversifying income streams is essential for stability.Learning from experienced mentors accelerates success.Social media alone is unreliable for sustainable business growth.Owning your audience through email and SMS marketing is crucial.Be cautious of business coaching scams.TikTok offers better organic reach than Instagram.Business growth is an ongoing journey.Building an engaged community is more valuable than chasing trends.Tune in to hear Victoria's expert advice on creating a business that thrives beyond social media!About Victoria: Victoria Racca is an international speaker in the PMU industry. She's an influencer and educator on all things permanent makeup. Her dedication to her artistry speaks for itself through her hundreds of Permanent Makeup clients and award-winning services over her career. She has spent years of her career learning the latest techniques to uncover the why and how behind every decision an artist can make to release what is now globally recognized techniques and theory for the modern application of  PMU and provide her clients with service unlike any other. As a result, Victoria has created an amazing line of PMU Must-Haves to sell out internationally! She's sought after as both an educator and speaker for the industry.  https://www.instagram.com/victoria.glam/Susie Liberatore, a seasoned entrepreneur, discovered her passion for business ownership at a young age. Following years of academic pursuits and corporate experience, she founded her initial venture, Visions2images.com. What began as a solo endeavor has now evolved into a thriving enterprise led by Susie and supported by a team of 13 professionals. In a remarkably short period, she has elevated the brand's success by providing comprehensive services like website development, social media management, SEO, content creation, and paid advertising.Fueling her entrepreneurial spirit, Susie went on to establish various companies, showcasing her versatility in business development. The latest addition to her portfolio is Franchise-clarity.com. Recognizing a gap in the franchise market, she innovatively developed marketing software to address specific needs within the industry. For inquiries on marketing services, potential partnerships and investments, feel free to contact Susie Liberatore to discover how she can contribute to the growth of your business. https://susieliberatore.com/ 

Podcast Summary:Bill Snow never set out to become a franchisee—he simply wanted to provide top-tier car care and exceptional customer service. But after connecting with Rad Air, he saw the value in the franchise model and found the perfect fit. Today, Bill not only operates his own Rad Air location but also plays a key role in the brand's growth as Vice President of Franchise Development and Operations.In this episode, Bill shares his unique perspective on franchise ownership, the importance of local community involvement, and how Rad Air supports its franchisees for long-term success.Key Takeaways: Elevating the customer experience at the store level. Providing tailored support to franchisees based on their immediate needs. The power of community involvement and its impact on franchise success. Breaking down common misconceptions about franchising. How franchisees successfully integrate into their local markets. Building a strong shop culture and retaining top talent. Plans for enhanced training and development in the years ahead. Why proactive business planning is key for franchisees. The value of networking and learning from fellow franchisees.Tune in to hear Bill's insights on blending entrepreneurship with franchising and how Rad Air continues to evolve in the automotive service industry.About Bill: Bill grew up in Mentor, Ohio, and after school, you'd find him and his friends working on cars in his driveway. As time passed, he started working on motorcycles in his parent's garage and with race cars.Bill joined Rad Air to connect his passions for helping people and being around cars. He oversees Rad Air's marketing programs and enjoys being involved in the neighborhoods served by Rad Air. One of Bill's passions is getting young people excited about careers in the industry. In 2020 he created the Rad Air Rising Stars Racing program at the Painesville Speedway. Through the program, students can get behind the wheel of a race car and get connected with local businesses to gain valuable, hands-on experience. Connect with Bill on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamsnow/Susie Liberatore, a seasoned entrepreneur, discovered her passion for business ownership at a young age. Following years of academic pursuits and corporate experience, she founded her initial venture, Visions2images.com. What began as a solo endeavor has now evolved into a thriving enterprise led by Susie and supported by a team of 13 professionals. In a remarkably short period, she has elevated the brand's success by providing comprehensive services like website development, social media management, SEO, content creation, and paid advertising.Fueling her entrepreneurial spirit, Susie went on to establish various companies, showcasing her versatility in business development. The latest addition to her portfolio is Franchise-clarity.com. Recognizing a gap in the franchise market, she innovatively developed marketing software to address specific needs within the industry. For inquiries on marketing services, potential partnerships and investments, feel free to contact Susie Liberatore to discover how she can contribute to the growth of your business. https://susieliberatore.com/

In this episode, Susie Liberatore sits down with Sara Branch, CEO of Branch Consulting Group, to uncover the transformative power of networking. Sara shares her journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship and the essential skills many professionals overlook when it comes to face-to-face networking. From identifying your ideal customer to crafting a compelling value statement, Sara breaks down the key elements of building meaningful connections. She also dives into the art of one-to-one meetings and how to leverage platforms like LinkedIn for powerful online networking. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, this episode is packed with actionable insights to enhance your networking strategy and fuel your business growth. Key Takeaways: Sara's insight on the common misconceptions about networking Networking vs “net socializing” How networking has evolved  Benefits of identifying your ideal customer, including focused networking efforts Value Statement vs Elevator Pitch with examples Strategies for asking for one-to-one meetings at networking events Types of questions to ask, including  The FORM framework for asking questions: Family, Organization, Recreation, Message Strategies for maintaining consistent messages across social media Tips for identifying and connecting with your ideal customer Steps to take when attending networking events for the first time About Sara: Sara believes that relationships are the cornerstone of both business and personal success. In today's world, we all encounter daily challenges, and having a strong, diverse network is key to overcoming them. Sara is passionate about helping others build these networks, knowing that they provide invaluable support when needed.  With over 20 years of experience in corporate sales, training, and development, Sara is a seasoned business consultant who founded Branch Consulting Group to help businesses and individuals master the art of networking. Through one-on-one and group coaching, she teaches professionals how to build strong, lasting connections, accelerate trust, and drive business success. ​​ Sara is passionate about delivering customized solutions that empower her clients to grow their networks, achieve their goals, and thrive in business. Connect with Sara at https://www.networkinaction.com/ Susie Liberatore, a seasoned entrepreneur, discovered her passion for business ownership at a young age. Following years of academic pursuits and corporate experience, she founded her initial venture, Visions2images.com. What began as a solo endeavor has now evolved into a thriving enterprise led by Susie and supported by a team of 13 professionals. In a remarkably short period, she has elevated the brand's success by providing comprehensive services like website development, social media management, SEO, content creation, and paid advertising. Fueling her entrepreneurial spirit, Susie went on to establish various companies, showcasing her versatility in business development. The latest addition to her portfolio is Franchise-clarity.com. Recognizing a gap in the franchise market, she innovatively developed marketing software to address specific needs within the industry. For inquiries on potential partnerships and investments, feel free to contact Susie Liberatore to discover how she can contribute to the growth of your business. https://susieliberatore.com/ 

Summary:  Eric Van Horn, a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Front Street Equity Partners, joins Susie on the podcast to share expert insights on franchise growth strategies. In this episode, Eric dives into his experience building and selling successful franchises, the art of scaling businesses, and the innovative approaches that drive Front Street Equity Partners. Whether you're an aspiring franchisor or an experienced franchisee, this episode is packed with actionable advice and valuable lessons to help you take your franchise to the next level. Key Takeaways: FSO hangover concept Balance needed in franchise growth Learning how to be a franchisor Importance of local market knowledge for franchisees Value of mastermind groups Marketing for franchisors -from BizBuySell to LinkedIn for lead generation Engaging with local entrepreneurs and potential franchisees using Dinner Events About Erik:  Erik Van Horn is a franchising specialist and expert in multi-unit, semi-absentee business ownership. From franchisee to franchisor, and investor to consultant, Erik has worn many hats over the last two decades. His diverse experience has provided him unique insight into the challenging aspects of the industry. Unlike many other franchising pundits, Erik practices what he preaches, and is still an active franchise entrepreneur. He has owned 6 brands in 8 states, and isn't done yet with 30 more locations in the works. But more than expanding his businesses, Erik has a passion for helping people. That's why he has helped 1,000 people (and counting) find great opportunities that meet their lifestyle goals, so they can find the same freedom through franchising that he enjoys. Susie Liberatore, a seasoned entrepreneur, discovered her passion for business ownership at a young age. Following years of academic pursuits and corporate experience, she founded her initial venture, Visions2images.com. What began as a solo endeavor has now evolved into a thriving enterprise led by Susie and supported by a team of 13 professionals. In a remarkably short period, she has elevated the brand's success by providing comprehensive services like website development, social media management, SEO, content creation, and paid advertising. Fueling her entrepreneurial spirit, Susie went on to establish various companies, showcasing her versatility in business development. The latest addition to her portfolio is Franchise-clarity.com. Recognizing a gap in the franchise market, she innovatively developed marketing software to address specific needs within the industry. For inquiries on potential partnerships and investments, feel free to contact Susie Liberatore to discover how she can contribute to the growth of your business. https://susieliberatore.com/ 

Susie dives deep into the world of franchising—a topic often misunderstood as limited to big names like McDonald's and Starbucks. She explains the opportunities franchising offers and why it's an avenue worth considering for aspiring entrepreneurs. Susie shares her journey and passion for business ownership, providing insights into the benefits of established brand recognition, proven business models, and the support and training franchises offer. Tune in to discover how franchises remain essential to local communities and why they might be the perfect entrepreneurial venture for you.  Key Takeaways:  Franchise owners are small business owners. Franchise owners are invested in the local community The proven business model, support, and training make franchise ownership a desirable option  Franchise ownership comes with some risk but it is much lower compared to a startup Susie Liberatore, a seasoned entrepreneur, discovered her passion for business ownership at a young age. Following years of academic pursuits and corporate experience, she founded her initial venture, Visions2images.com. What began as a solo endeavor has now evolved into a thriving enterprise led by Susie and supported by a team of 13 professionals. In a remarkably short period, she has elevated the brand's success by providing comprehensive services like website development, social media management, SEO, content creation, and paid advertising. Fueling her entrepreneurial spirit, Susie went on to establish various companies, showcasing her versatility in business development. The latest addition to her portfolio is Franchise-clarity.com. Recognizing a gap in the franchise market, she innovatively developed marketing software to address specific needs within the industry. For inquiries on potential partnerships and investments, feel free to contact Susie Liberatore to discover how she can contribute to the growth of your business. https://susieliberatore.com/ 

In this episode, join Susie Liberatore as she takes you on an in-depth journey through LinkedIn, the ultimate platform for lead generation. Susie shares her proven strategies for leveraging LinkedIn to boost growth and drive sales, drawing from her personal successes and expertise. You'll discover actionable tips on optimizing your LinkedIn profile, the power of content marketing, and how to streamline your outreach with automated LinkedIn messaging for maximum results. Whether you're new to LinkedIn or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Stick around until the end for an exciting announcement about Susie's upcoming LinkedIn training program launching in 2025! Key Takeaways: LinkedIn is a strategic platform requiring consistent effort to see results. Susie breaks down why LinkedIn might not be working for you and how to adjust for success. Why investing in a premium LinkedIn account can be a game-changer. How content marketing on LinkedIn stands apart from other social media platforms. The secrets to effective LinkedIn messaging and outreach for business growth. Integrating LinkedIn with your CRM to amplify your results. Get ready to transform your LinkedIn game and take your lead generation efforts to the next level! Susie Liberatore, a seasoned entrepreneur, discovered her passion for business ownership at a young age. Following years of academic pursuits and corporate experience, she founded her initial venture, Visions2images.com. What began as a solo endeavor has now evolved into a thriving enterprise led by Susie and supported by a team of 13 professionals. In a remarkably short period, she has elevated the brand's success by providing comprehensive services like website development, social media management, SEO, content creation, and paid advertising. Fueling her entrepreneurial spirit, Susie went on to establish various companies, showcasing her versatility in business development. The latest addition to her portfolio is Franchise-clarity.com. Recognizing a gap in the franchise market, she innovatively developed marketing software to address specific needs within the industry. For inquiries on potential partnerships and investments, feel free to contact Susie Liberatore to discover how she can contribute to the growth of your business. https://www.visions2images.com/digital-marketing-agency/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Summary: In this solo episode, Susie takes you behind the scenes for a peak at her journey of creating Franchise Clarity. This software revolutionizes reputation and customer experience management for franchise owners. Susie discusses the crucial steps of discovering customer needs, refining product scope, and the ongoing evolution of developing a minimum viable product (MVP). With insights on the importance of AI and automation, she provides a candid look into navigating the SaaS industry, offering key lessons and advice for entrepreneurs.  Key Points: Always start with identifying a need for your product concept in the market.  Data collection and research into customer needs is an ongoing process. AI can assist in analyzing data and research. Narrowing down the product's focus to customer experience was an important pivot during development. User feedback is key for fine-tuning the interface and overall experience. Susie Liberatore, a seasoned entrepreneur, discovered her passion for business ownership at a young age. Following years of academic pursuits and corporate experience, she founded her initial venture, Visions2images.com. What began as a solo endeavor has now evolved into a thriving enterprise led by Susie and supported by a team of 13 professionals. In a remarkably short period, she has elevated the brand's success by providing comprehensive services like website development, social media management, SEO, content creation, and paid advertising. Fueling her entrepreneurial spirit, Susie went on to establish various companies, showcasing her versatility in business development. The latest addition to her portfolio is Franchise-clarity.com. Recognizing a gap in the franchise market, she innovatively developed marketing software to address specific needs within the industry. For inquiries on potential partnerships and investments, feel free to contact Susie Liberatore to discover how she can contribute to the growth of your business. Whether you're looking to grow your revenue, expand your customer base, or enhance your brand presence, this real workbook offers practical strategies and actionable steps tailored to your unique needs. https://wondrous-author-3639.ck.page/e1e5dfca86 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Summary:  Susie interviews Matt Kuntz, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing at Neighborly. Matt followed an unexpected career path, starting as a mechanical engineer, then purchasing a franchise, and now leading a major brand in the franchising industry.  Matt shares insights on the mindset shifts necessary for transitioning from a traditional job to owning a franchise, the importance of continuous personal and team development, and the evolving role of technology in enhancing customer experiences. Through sharing his story, Matt offers valuable lessons on leadership, overcoming challenges during times of change, and the power of effective communication.  Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge on navigating the dynamic landscape of franchising. Key Points: Mindset shifts are necessary for transitioning from a 9 to 5 to franchise ownership. Personal growth and development play a key role in business success. Technology and AI are essential for enhancing customer experience. Strong leaders put strategies in place to develop and trust team members. About Matt:  Matt is an accomplished and outcomes-oriented retail and service executive with extensive experience in strategic brand leadership, brand management, people leadership, product commercialization, franchise management, operations analysis, change management, and strategic planning. He believes in cultivating a customer-centric and performance-driven culture through innovation and talent development, driving scalable and sustainable growth. Matt demonstrates a proven track record in securing core business results, launching new products and ventures, fortifying stakeholder relationships, and laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity. Susie Liberatore, a seasoned entrepreneur, discovered her passion for business ownership at a young age. Following years of academic pursuits and corporate experience, she founded her initial venture, Visions2images.com. What began as a solo endeavor has now evolved into a thriving enterprise led by Susie and supported by a team of 13 professionals. In a remarkably short period, she has elevated the brand's success by providing comprehensive services like website development, social media management, SEO, content creation, and paid advertising. Fueling her entrepreneurial spirit, Susie went on to establish various companies, showcasing her versatility in business development. The latest addition to her portfolio is Franchise-clarity.com. Recognizing a gap in the franchise market, she innovatively developed marketing software to address specific needs within the industry. For inquiries on potential partnerships and investments, feel free to contact Susie Liberatore to discover how she can contribute to the growth of your business. Whether you're looking to grow your revenue, expand your customer base, or enhance your brand presence, this real workbook offers practical strategies and actionable steps tailored to your unique needs. https://wondrous-author-3639.ck.page/e1e5dfca86 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Summary: Michael Reeder, CPA, CEO of Reeder Group shares how he niched down to the franchise industry and became a trusted resource for franchise consultants and franchisees. He discusses the importance of proactive and strategic CPA services for small business owners and shares three tips for building a network on LinkedIn.  Key Points:  Michael learned about the role of a franchise consultant when he acquired a book of business in Chicago. That relationship led to the development of CPA resources for franchise buyers.  The franchise community is a very tight-knit community, and by proactively offering help to franchise buyers, Michael was able to build relationships and create partnerships with consultants quickly.  Michael uses LinkedIn to connect and engage with franchising prospects. It is a long-term strategy for visibility and engagement. A business owner's relationship with their CPA should be looked at as an investment, not an expense. A good CPA firm provides tax strategy and proactive communication to their clients.  About Michael:  Michael is the managing partner of the Reeder CPA group and is the lead advisor for clients in the business buying process. He is well-versed in all things accounting, tax/tax planning, entity structure, funding, ROBS, financial projections, resale financial statement due diligence, and franchise disclosure document items 5, 6, 7, 19, 21 as it pertains to buying a business, and small business ownership. Michael also helps business clients prepare for their exit and mitigate capital gains tax upon the sale of their business. His affiliations include the Illinois CPA Society, Maine CPA Society, FranServe, International Franchise Professionals Group, Franchise Brokers Association, and The You Network Website: https://reedercpagroup.com/ Susie Liberatore, a seasoned entrepreneur, discovered her passion for business ownership at a young age. Following years of academic pursuits and corporate experience, she founded her initial venture, Visions2images.com. What began as a solo endeavor has now evolved into a thriving enterprise led by Susie and supported by a team of 13 professionals. In a remarkably short period, she has elevated the brand's success by providing comprehensive services like website development, social media management, SEO, content creation, and paid advertising. Fueling her entrepreneurial spirit, Susie went on to establish various companies, showcasing her versatility in business development. The latest addition to her portfolio is Franchise-clarity.com. Recognizing a gap in the franchise market, she innovatively developed marketing software to address specific needs within the industry. For inquiries on potential partnerships and investments, feel free to contact Susie Liberatore to discover how she can contribute to the growth of your business. Whether you're looking to grow your revenue, expand your customer base, or enhance your brand presence, this real workbook offers practical strategies and actionable steps tailored to your unique needs. https://wondrous-author-3639.ck.page/e1e5dfca86 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Summary: Toni Taylor Harris shares her journey from a hesitant entrepreneur to a leading figure in business coaching and networking. As a business coach with Drastic Results Marketing and a franchisee of Network in Action, Toni uses proven networking strategies to help her clients make the impact and income they desire. By taking drastic steps herself, Toni discovered the power of building authentic relationships in business. Toni's story is a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the importance of having a solid “why” in your entrepreneurial journey.  Key Points:  Relationships build the ‘know/like/trust' factor, which is critical to business success.  Both social media and in-person connections are important to expanding your network. Re-examine your ‘why' to reclaim your purpose and create new goals.  It is crucial to invest in learning how to network and to continue to hone networking skills. Online reviews are a part of the networking process and are important to leverage in your marketing.  Become a master marketer by focusing on networking and referrals before outsourcing any marketing tasks.  About Toni:  Toni Taylor Harris is known as “The Networking Queen”. Toni's brand is about taking DRASTIC steps to be successful. As an owner of a referral network and a sales and marketing coach, Toni teaches her clients to build relationships to Get Known, Get Connected to Get Paid! If you are ready to end the frustrations of growing your business, connect with Toni to see how she can help you turn more contacts into contracts!  Connect with Toni: https://toniharristaylor.com/home Susie Liberatore, a seasoned entrepreneur, discovered her passion for business ownership at a young age. Following years of academic pursuits and corporate experience, she founded her initial venture, Visions2images.com. What began as a solo endeavor has now evolved into a thriving enterprise led by Susie and supported by a team of 13 professionals. In a remarkably short period, she has elevated the brand's success by providing comprehensive services like website development, social media management, SEO, content creation, and paid advertising. Fueling her entrepreneurial spirit, Susie went on to establish various companies, showcasing her versatility in business development. The latest addition to her portfolio is Franchise-clarity.com. Recognizing a gap in the franchise market, she innovatively developed marketing software to address specific needs within the industry.For inquiries on potential partnerships and investments, feel free to contact Susie Liberatore to discover how she can contribute to the growth of your business. Whether you're looking to grow your revenue, expand your customer base, or enhance your brand presence, this real workbook offers practical strategies and actionable steps tailored to your unique needs. https://wondrous-author-3639.ck.page/e1e5dfca86 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Summary: Daniel Stein is the CEO of Special Strong, a fitness company with the mission of providing adaptive fitness training to those with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges. Daniel's own experience with fitness as a means to overcome a learning disability led to the creation of this unique business. This episode offers powerful insights into defining success, entrepreneurship, and the emotional impact of meaningful work. Get ready to be inspired as Daniel's story unfolds and leaves a lasting impression. Key Points: Daniel's mentor gave him the idea and vision for working with people with disabilities. Special Strong expanded to 10 locations via franchising, starting in 2020. Faith has been a prime motivator for Daniel to preserve during tough times in business.  Special Strong has used LinkedIn strategically to connect with its target audience.  Emotional storytelling through the use of video has put the spotlight on the brand's mission and led to a large following and visibility for the organization.  Entrepreneurs must define what personal success looks like based on their values, and strive to achieve that.  About Daniel:  In 2011, Daniel felt a calling to help provide physical fitness training for young children, adolescents, and adults who have special needs. With this in mind, Daniel set out to achieve his goal by becoming certified in many areas of expertise. Today, he has certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Federation of Personal Trainers (NFPT) and is a Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer (CIFT). In 2016 Daniel started Special Strong with his wife Trinity, offering online autism fitness and special needs certification. Twelve months later, the program exploded resulting in a long waiting list of applicants from every corner of the United States. In 2019 the Steins opened their Special Strong special needs certification program to the public. Their goal is to train others who are interested in autism fitness training as personal trainers or in opening their own autism fitness training centers. Today, they have clients coming to them for certification from all over the world. Since the debut of Special Strong, Daniel and his team are proud to say they have been instrumental in helping hundreds of clients who live with a variety of conditions. These include autism, Asperger's, Down's Syndrome, ADD/ADHD, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, victims of stroke, obesity, and more. Their mission is to expand Special Strong training into new markets around the globe and affect positive change in as many lives as possible. About Susie Liberatore: After working in the creative field for over a decade, owner Susie Liberatore realized that corporations were missing out on creativity. Franchises come to Visions2images for full-service marketing because they feel that they are missing out on local marketing opportunities. At Visions2images, our mission is to serve as a leading franchise marketing agency dedicated to elevating companies by enhancing their visibility, generating valuable leads, and establishing an authoritative presence. Through strategic and innovative approaches, we empower businesses to thrive and achieve enduring success in the competitive landscape. At Visions2images we don't just offer marketing services; we become your dedicated partners in success. When a new franchise location opens its doors, we're there to set up a robust online presence across various platforms, all tailored to meet your unique business goals. Every location in your franchise family is special, and we recognize that. That's why we create custom content for each location to ensure they shine in their local area, making your franchise truly stand out. Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Summary: Stephanie Ruby is the director of franchise development for BioOne, the first crime and trauma scene cleaning franchise, operating in 41 States with over 100 locations. Stephanie shares her unique transition from retail weight loss into the franchising world and how she found her niche in the biohazard and trauma cleanup business. Susie and Stephanie discuss the increasing presence of women as franchise owners and the importance of building relationships in the industry. Stephanie sheds light on the compassionate and community-driven approach of BioOne, and why women are drawn to this unconventional yet lucrative business model. Listen in as they dive deep into the nuances of franchise development and the secret to successful candidate relationships. Key Points: BioOne's unique business model focuses on leading with compassion, discretion, and care. Nearly half of BioOne franchise owners are women, who are drawn to the compassionate aspect of the business, providing assistance to families in need.  BioOne places a large emphasis on giving back to the communities they operate in.  Franchise growth is directly tied to building and maintaining relationships. Combining digital marketing with local networking tactics is a powerful combination for local growth. BioOne provides a 24-hour call center plus a wide range of additional resources to support their franchisees.  About Stephanie:  Over the past 11 years, Stephanie Ruby has placed hundreds of people into business ownership through franchising. Most of her franchising career has focused on the home service space, and she is currently the Franchise Development Director for Bio-One, a biohazard franchise. Stephanie considers herself lucky to work with people from various backgrounds and help them achieve their business ownership goals. Stephanie lives in Tampa Bay, and her husband and two boys, ages 5 and 11. In her downtime, she enjoys everything that comes with being a boy mom: sports, Star Wars, superheroes, theme parks, and the beach whenever possible! Contact Stephanie at 813-416 6460. About Susie Liberatore: After working in the creative field for over a decade, owner Susie Liberatore realized that corporations were missing out on creativity. Franchises come to Visions2images for full-service marketing because they feel that they are missing out on local marketing opportunities. At Visions2images, our mission is to serve as a leading franchise marketing agency dedicated to elevating companies by enhancing their visibility, generating valuable leads, and establishing authoritative presence. Through strategic and innovative approaches, we empower businesses to thrive and achieve enduring success in the competitive landscape. At Visions2images we don't just offer marketing services; we become your dedicated partners in success. When a new franchise location opens its doors, we're there to set up a robust online presence across various platforms, all tailored to meet your unique business goals. Every location in your franchise family is special, and we recognize that. That's why we create custom content for each location to ensure they shine in their local area, making your franchise truly stand out. Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Summary: Jonathan Wellington is the CEO of Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar, a franchise with 18 locations. He shares his views on nontraditional marketing, the importance of genuinely knowing your customer, and the impact of authenticity in brand building.  Key Points: The key to marketing success lies in the ability to deliver on the brand promise through the customer experience.  Creating authentic conversations and genuine connections with the customer, while not typically considered part of the marketing mix, are key to a successful marketing strategy. Knowing the customer means being able to differentiate between the target audience and the actual customer. Managing customer feedback including addressing constructive criticism can make or break your relationships. An authentic relationship between customers and the brand leads to trust. Jonathan's most important franchise advice is for both franchisors and franchisees to focus on finding a cultural fit and compatibility. About Jonathan:  Jonathan serves as the CEO of Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar, a fresh seafood and cold beer concept out of North Carolina. He's been featured on the cover of FSR Magazine, appeared on Good Morning America, quoted and featured in numerous publications including The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Nations Restaurant News, and other local, regional, and national newspapers, journals, and magazines. Jonathan is known for his no-nonsense approach to true hospitality and business building. Link: www.theshuckinshack.com About Susie Liberatore: After working in the creative field for over a decade, owner Susie Liberatore realized that corporations were missing out on creativity. Franchises come to Visions2images for full-service marketing because they feel that they are missing out on local marketing opportunities. At Visions2images, our mission is to serve as a leading franchise marketing agency dedicated to elevating companies by enhancing their visibility, generating valuable leads, and establishing authoritative presence. Through strategic and innovative approaches, we empower businesses to thrive and achieve enduring success in the competitive landscape. At Visions2images we don't just offer marketing services; we become your dedicated partners in success. When a new franchise location opens its doors, we're there to set up a robust online presence across various platforms, all tailored to meet your unique business goals. Every location in your franchise family is special, and we recognize that. That's why we create custom content for each location to ensure they shine in their local area, making your franchise truly stand out. Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Summary: Daniel Feldman transitioned from being a state trooper to becoming a successful business owner as the founder of The Garage Floor Company. He was close to buying a franchise when he met his future business partner (a former franchise owner) and they decided to start a flooring business together. After establishing their business, they decided to become franchisors. Daniel shares how his experience with due diligence when he was considered becoming a franchisee changed his path. He also discusses branding, marketing strategies, and the importance of personalize support for franchisees. Key Points: Daniel explored various business ventures before finding his niche in franchising. The decision to start a franchise came out of being dissuaded from becoming a franchisee.  The Garage Floor Company business model focuses on slow growth, building trust, and personal support for franchisees. Potential franchisees should seek out companies that offer direct support from the founders and owners. Personalized and authentic branding builds trust and relationships. About Daniel Fletman:  Dan Feltman, Executive Vice President of Development and Chief Marketing Officer at GFC Franchising, Inc., has been an integral part of the organization's success story since its inception in May 2020. Alongside his role in the company, Dan also serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Feltman Enterprises, LLC, a position he has  held since July 2016. Moreover, from 2007 to 2020, Dan served as a dedicated Trooper with the Executive Protection Section of the Indiana State Police, ensuring the safety of the Governors of the State of Indiana. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Dan's multifaceted expertise, including marketing, development, and security, has greatly contributed to the franchise system's remarkable growth. About Susie Liberatore: After working in the creative field for over a decade, owner Susie Liberatore realized that corporations were missing out on creativity. Franchises come to Visions2images for full-service marketing because they feel that they are missing out on local marketing opportunities. At Visions2images, our mission is to serve as a leading franchise marketing agency dedicated to elevating companies by enhancing their visibility, generating valuable leads, and establishing authoritative presence. Through strategic and innovative approaches, we empower businesses to thrive and achieve enduring success in the competitive landscape. At Visions2images we don't just offer marketing services; we become your dedicated partners in success. When a new franchise location opens its doors, we're there to set up a robust online presence across various platforms, all tailored to meet your unique business goals. Every location in your franchise family is special, and we recognize that. That's why we create custom content for each location to ensure they shine in their local area, making your franchise truly stand out. Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Summary: Anthony Farrell is a third generation pest control expert, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father. He grew up working in the field, starting with stocking trucks. As he worked his way up, he held various positions from secretary to route manager to inside and outside sales.  Anthony provides valuable insights into the intricacies of growing a brand through franchising, and offers advice for those looking to do the same. Key Points: Anthony expanded his brand to include both pest and wildlife management services Pest control proved its potential for growth and scalability during Covid, when many other businesses had to shut down.  Weather and climate impact  pest control operations and business opportunities in different regions Franchise initiatives require sufficient capital and a strong support team  Franchisors need to build a positive reputation in the industry  Challenges and experiences in working with consulting firms and attracting potential franchisees About Anthony: Anthony Farrell has 28 years of experience in the industry, he started Complete Pest Solutions in 2008. He has grown this company through hard work, innovative services, and quality work. Complete Pest Solutions provides a broad set of comprehensive solutions to many different pest control issues. Technicians are  trained to offer expert solutions to wildlife intrusions and nuisances, something many small pest control companies (and some of the big ones) do not provide. Website: www.completepestsolutions.com  About Susie Liberatore: After working in the creative field for over a decade, owner Susie Liberatore realized that corporations were missing out on creativity. Franchises come to Visions2images for full-service marketing because they feel that they are missing out on local marketing opportunities. At Visions2images, our mission is to serve as a leading franchise marketing agency dedicated to elevating companies by enhancing their visibility, generating valuable leads, and establishing authoritative presence. Through strategic and innovative approaches, we empower businesses to thrive and achieve enduring success in the competitive landscape. At Visions2images we don't just offer marketing services; we become your dedicated partners in success. When a new franchise location opens its doors, we're there to set up a robust online presence across various platforms, all tailored to meet your unique business goals. Every location in your franchise family is special, and we recognize that. That's why we create custom content for each location to ensure they shine in their local area, making your franchise truly stand out. Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Summary: Don Schin spent 23 years climbing the corporate ladder, only to realize he was on the wrong path. After surviving a multibillion dollar acquisition, he decided to step out and become a franchise owner. Today he is one of the top leaders and performers in the business coaching and franchising industries, with an expertise in franchise development.  Key Points:  Don discusses his transition from a 23-year corporate career to becoming a franchise owner and CEO of Franchise Building Expert.  Franchise Building Expert focuses on franchise sales and development, nurturing leads, and matching potential franchisees with suitable brands. Don values professionalism, integrity, and ensuring a positive experience for individuals exploring franchising opportunities. Businesses considering franchising must ensure they are wildly profitable before pursuing franchising as an option. Operating a franchise and the challenges associated with marketing and lead generation in the franchise industry are different from the operations and challenges of running the business itself.  Don emphasizes the value of educating potential franchise buyers and providing resources for learning and evaluation About Don: Don is one of the top leaders and performers in the business coaching and franchising industries. He is the “coach's coach”,  producing two master franchisees of North America, a global franchise partner of the year, North American franchise partner of the year twice, an IFA Franchisee of the year, and hundreds of other award-winning franchisees over 23 years.  His niche is emerging brands. Don is also a seasoned professional speaker and author. He speaks on various topics from small business to relationships. He authored the book, Can you Relate?, as well as daily motivational/devotional books under the same brand. Website: FranchiseBuildingExpert.com About Susie: After working in the creative field for over a decade, owner Susie Liberatore realized that corporations were missing out on creativity. Business owners come to Visions2images for full-service marketing because they feel that they are missing out on local marketing opportunities. When she started her journey in the creative field, she started working at a startup agency in Nashville TN, and loved every little piece of it; she loved the fast-growing pace, the creativity, and the unique customers. She loved the dynamics and uniqueness of each client. Visions2images was born shortly after that!  At Visions2images, our mission is to serve as a leading franchise marketing agency dedicated to elevating companies by enhancing their visibility, generating valuable leads, and establishing authoritative presence. Through strategic and innovative approaches, we empower businesses to thrive and achieve enduring success in the competitive landscape. At Visions2images we don't just offer marketing services; we become your dedicated partners in success. When a new franchise location opens its doors, we're there to set up a robust online presence across various platforms, all tailored to meet your unique business goals. Every location in your franchise family is special, and we recognize that. That's why we create custom content for each location to ensure they shine in their local area, making your franchise truly stand out. Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Summary: Susie interviews Matthew Lyons, founder of Disaster Blaster, to discuss his journey in the restoration industry and his unique approach to franchising the business. From addressing seasonality issues to offering a diverse range of services, Matthew shares insights into growing a successful franchise. He also delves into the challenges faced in both the local business and franchising, emphasizing the importance of education-based marketing. Key Points: By offering 13 different services that build on each other, Disaster Blaster is better positioned to scale and grow the business. The scope of services provided helps to eliminate the seasonality aspect of disaster relief.  Their diverse service offering attracts a diverse customer base and creates less reliance on insurance claim business.  Disaster Blaster perfected its business model, marketing, service offerings, and the diversification of its customer base before deciding to franchise. The marketing strategy focuses on education and staying top of mind. About Matthew: Matthew has been in the restoration industry for nearly 30 years, and in that time has done everything from marketing and branding to project planning / project management, project estimation, large loss management, service development, and more! Matthew co-founded Disaster Blaster along with his father, Gary Lyons nearly 20 years ago and they continue to operate their local Disaster Blaster of Scranton & Wilkes-Barre location to this day. Happy to share his expertise, Matthew spends much of his time supporting the Disaster Blaster Franchise Program and is happy to help anyone looking to build their own legacy through Disaster Blaster franchise ownership! Website: https://disasterblaster.com/ About Susie: After working in the creative field for over a decade, owner Susie Liberatore realized that corporations were missing out on creativity. Business owners come to Visions2images for full-service marketing because they feel that they are missing out on local marketing opportunities. When she started her journey in the creative field, she started working at a startup agency in Nashville TN, and loved every little piece of it; she loved the fast-growing pace, the creativity, and the unique customers. She loved the dynamics and uniqueness of each client. Visions2images was born shortly after that!  At Visions2images, our mission is to serve as a leading franchise marketing agency dedicated to elevating companies by enhancing their visibility, generating valuable leads, and establishing authoritative presence. Through strategic and innovative approaches, we empower businesses to thrive and achieve enduring success in the competitive landscape. At Visions2images we don't just offer marketing services; we become your dedicated partners in success. When a new franchise location opens its doors, we're there to set up a robust online presence across various platforms, all tailored to meet your unique business goals. Every location in your franchise family is special, and we recognize that. That's why we create custom content for each location to ensure they shine in their local area, making your franchise truly stand out. Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Summary: Maya Rickcliff accidentally stumbled into fluid art as a hobby, and built a successful business around it. She then turned to franchising to make it grow.  Key Points: The infrastructure and support provided to franchisees contributed to rapid growth One of the first hurdles in franchising is choosing franchisees wisely  Maya is invested in building the brand and working with franchisees Personal relationships and trust are key components of success in franchising Making good business decisions requires emotional control and being able to respond rather than react to challenges  About Maya: Maya Ratcliff began her art career helping people with brain injuries delve into their artistic talents as therapy. She eventually developed her proprietary method of fluid art using acrylic paints and a special pouring medium while working from her home and area resorts. As word spread by students thrilled at seeing what they could create, the demand for her classes grew. Maya opened the first Hawaii Fluid Art studio in Waikoloa, Hawaii, where her fluid art technique is now taught during multiple daily classes.  Hawaii Fluid Art was founded in 2019 and currently has over 200 locations sold across the US. Small groups, large groups, birthday parties, and corporate events are offered at Hawaii Fluid Art. Website: www.hawaiifluidart.com About Susie: After working in the creative field for over a decade, owner Susie Liberatore realized that corporations were missing out on creativity. Business owners come to Visions2images for full-service marketing because they feel that they are missing out on local marketing opportunities. When she started her journey in the creative field, she started working at a startup agency in Nashville TN, and loved every little piece of it; she loved the fast-growing pace, the creativity, and the unique customers. She loved the dynamics and uniqueness of each client. Visions2images was born shortly after that!  At Visions2images, our mission is to serve as a leading franchise marketing agency dedicated to elevating companies by enhancing their visibility, generating valuable leads, and establishing authoritative presence. Through strategic and innovative approaches, we empower businesses to thrive and achieve enduring success in the competitive landscape. At Visions2images we don't just offer marketing services; we become your dedicated partners in success. When a new franchise location opens its doors, we're there to set up a robust online presence across various platforms, all tailored to meet your unique business goals. Every location in your franchise family is special, and we recognize that. That's why we create custom content for each location to ensure they shine in their local area, making your franchise truly stand out. Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Summary: Christian Saab is the founder and franchisor of CPG Recruitment. Christian's start in business came as the owner of a car wash, where he connected with many of his customers who were small business owners.  He identified that recruiting good workers is the biggest headache for most businesses, leading him to found his recruiting firm to solve this problem for other entrepreneurs.  Key Ideas: Christian's approach to business focuses on customer service CPG Recruitment targets entrepreneurial individuals for franchise ownership Reputation and relationships are key in the high-ticket recruitment industry As his franchise becomes more established he is focusing on brand awareness marketing Christian encourages aspiring franchisees to make decisions with intuition and passion to find the right fit About Christian: Christian Saab is an Entrepreneur with a passion to impact the globe one talk at a time. Christian Saab is open minded in the sense that he is willing to hop on a stage and share his stories with the goal that one of you will be inspired to grow and achieve something great. Companies call CPG Inc when they need help increasing successful hiring and decreasing their turnover. CPG find the leaks in your business that is not allowing you to grow your team to its fullest potential. Connect with Christian on LinkedIn About Susie: After working in the creative field for over a decade, owner Susie Liberatore realized that corporations were missing out on creativity. Business owners come to Visions2images for full-service marketing because they feel that they are missing out on local marketing opportunities. When she started her journey in the creative field, she started working at a startup agency in Nashville TN, and loved every little piece of it; she loved the fast-growing pace, the creativity, and the unique customers. She loved the dynamics and uniqueness of each client. Visions2images was born shortly after that!  At Visions2images, our mission is to serve as a leading franchise marketing agency dedicated to elevating companies by enhancing their visibility, generating valuable leads, and establishing authoritative presence. Through strategic and innovative approaches, we empower businesses to thrive and achieve enduring success in the competitive landscape. At Visions2images we don't just offer marketing services; we become your dedicated partners in success. When a new franchise location opens its doors, we're there to set up a robust online presence across various platforms, all tailored to meet your unique business goals. Every location in your franchise family is special, and we recognize that. That's why we create custom content for each location to ensure they shine in their local area, making your franchise truly stand out. Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Episode Summary:  Bary El-Yacoubi shares the origins of his unique franchise business, initially starting as a concierge service for personal trainers and evolving into a complete home services platform. Send Me A Pro simplifies the process for customers by providing instant transparent pricing and streamlined booking for services ranging from house cleaning to tutoring and more. Bary and Susie discuss marketing strategies, the importance of good content, and advice for aspiring franchisees.  Key Ideas -The publicity around the app for Send Me A Pro turned Bary into an accidental franchisor - Send Me A Pro is disrupting franchising by offering multiple franchise concepts under one umbrella - Send Me A Pro marketing includes online marketing, working with franchise consultants, and creating quality content - Bary's advice for individuals entering the franchise field is to surround yourself with the right mentors and be intentional about the end game About Bary: Beginning his career as a street performer at the age of 12, Bary became a self-taught entrepreneur, learning the importance of and perfecting the art of personal branding, marketing, and audience engagement. This competitive drive and determination continued to fuel through his experience as a D1 football player as a Running Back for the University of Northern Colorado. Determined to see the vision through helping others reach their peak mentally and physically, Bary founded Bounce Fitness, an in-home personal training and residential fitness management service. With the exponential success of his first company, he went on to found Send Me a Trainer, a scalable mobile application designed to make it easy to connect with a local personal trainer. About Susie: After working in the creative field for over a decade, owner Susie Liberatore realized that corporations were missing out on creativity. Business owners come to Visions2images for full-service marketing because they feel that they are missing out on local marketing opportunities. When she started her journey in the creative field, she started working at a startup agency in Nashville TN, and loved every little piece of it; she loved the fast-growing pace, the creativity, and the unique customers. She loved the dynamics and uniqueness of each client. Visions2images was born shortly after that!  At Visions2images, our mission is to serve as a leading franchise marketing agency dedicated to elevating companies by enhancing their visibility, generating valuable leads, and establishing authoritative presence. Through strategic and innovative approaches, we empower businesses to thrive and achieve enduring success in the competitive landscape. At Visions2images we don't just offer marketing services; we become your dedicated partners in success. When a new franchise location opens its doors, we're there to set up a robust online presence across various platforms, all tailored to meet your unique business goals. Every location in your franchise family is special, and we recognize that. That's why we create custom content for each location to ensure they shine in their local area, making your franchise truly stand out. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Episode Summary: From starting with a single franchise to scaling up to owning multiple brands, Charles discusses the growth and success of his ventures. He delves into the strategic decision-making process behind expanding into different brands and how he navigates the challenges of managing multiple businesses. Charles also provides valuable insights into franchise ownership, marketing strategies, and the importance of empowering employees for a self-running company.  Key Ideas:  Consider available territories before buying into a single franchise as limited availability will ultimately limit your growth potential. When evaluating a franchise, look at where the brand is in the growth cycle  Ask current franchise owners about what's important to them to ensure your local competition is aligned with the corporate values When a franchisor lacks a strong national marketing plan, it is even more crucial to execute local marketing tactics The Multi-Unit Franchise Conference is the place for leaders across franchising to learn from experienced, multi-unit, multi-brand franchisees.  About Charles: Multi-Unit, Multi-Brand Franchisee Sport Clips, Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning, Idea Image MedSpa Charles Keyser, President & CFO of Keyser Enterprises 1, LP, leads 27 Sport Clips, 6 Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning territories and 5 Ideal Image MedSpa's. He develops strong leaders to achieve their potential allowing Keyser Enterprises 1, LP to continue progress to the goal of 100+ units. He is partnered with this brother and , together, have been operating since 2005. Connect with Charles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-keyser-039560ab/ About Susie: Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life, while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. At Visions2images, our mission is to serve as a leading franchise marketing agency dedicated to elevating companies by enhancing their visibility, generating valuable leads, and establishing authoritative presence. Through strategic and innovative approaches, we empower businesses to thrive and achieve enduring success in the competitive landscape. At Visions2images we don't just offer marketing services; we become your dedicated partners in success. When a new franchise location opens its doors, we're there to set up a robust online presence across various platforms, all tailored to meet your unique business goals. Every location in your franchise family is special, and we recognize that. That's why we create custom content for each location to ensure they shine in their local area, making your franchise truly stand out. Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Episode Summary: Michael Moorhouse started as a consultant for a lawn care franchisee, and ended up developing his mosquito control side business into a lucrative franchise. Today, Mosquito Shield has 116 franchisees in more than 350 territories across the country.  Key Ideas:  Insights into multi-location franchise ownership and the importance of supporting franchisees' growth. Valuable tips for aspiring entrepreneurs considering franchise ownership, including the need to jump in and take that leap. Organic methods have worked well for franchise development  About Michael: Michael Moorhouse has been with Mosquito Shield for 15 years, long before the idea of turning the brand into the national franchise company that it is today. In 2011, the decision was made to grow Mosquito Shield nationally and the work began to develop Mosquito Shield Franchise Corporation, which was launched in February of 2013. Michael started representing Mosquito Shield at franchise shows around the country and has now opened franchises in 32 states. In addition to working closely with existing Franchisees, Michael remains involved in franchise development and was named President of Mosquito Shield in March of 2022. Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmoorhouse/ About Susie: Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life, while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. Visions2images leverages the power of their signature system The Branding Bridge© to find the missing gaps in corporate branding to help stand out as a local authority. During the pandemic, many people wanted to support small businesses that weren't big “chain” businesses. This bothered many because franchises are all locally owned and operated. The person who owns a franchise has their kids going to the same school, soccer games, and church; we are all neighbors in the community.  Franchises are small businesses right in our neighborhood.  Visions2images works with corporations, franchisors, and franchises with branding, website design and development, and digital marketing. Contact us for a free consultation.  Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Episode Summary: Aaron Harper acquired a company and then franchised it to 56 locations in less than a year. He shares the importance of finding a unique business niche within the franchise industry, building a solid infrastructure, and being transparent with potential franchisees. These strategies have been the key to his success with creating profitable franchise systems.  Key Ideas: If you are considering buying or starting a business, create a checklist of what you want to get out of the business and the attribute you want the business to have  Evaluate key factors such as recession resilience, market potential, margins, and competition when determining whether or not to franchise A franchisor should work to create a personal brand  It is important to vet potential franchisees and turn away those who do not align with the brand's vision and values. About Aaron:  Aaron Harper is an expert in the franchise industry. He has numerous accomplishments, including helping Patch Boys from distress as the Head of Development, ultimately selling and opening over 400 territories across two brands in just a few short years to deciding to build something similar on his own, the right way, with a power washing company called Rolling Suds he discovered only a year ago. Within 8 months, the franchise has sold 56 units across 16 states. Aaron ultimately serves as an inspiring example for startup and emerging franchisors seeking success through responsible franchising. For more information, visit www.rollingsudsfranchise.com. About Susie: Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life, while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. Visions2images leverages the power of their signature system The Branding Bridge© to find the missing gaps in corporate branding to help stand out as a local authority. During the pandemic, many people wanted to support small businesses that weren't big “chain” businesses. This bothered many because franchises are all locally owned and operated. The person who owns a franchise has their kids going to the same school, soccer games, and church; we are all neighbors in the community.  Franchises are small businesses right in our neighborhood.  Visions2images works with corporations, franchisors, and franchises with branding, website design and development, and digital marketing. Contact us for a free consultation.  Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Episode Summary:  A business that provides an essential service is recession-proof. Nick and Moe's adds to that with their world-class customer service and commitment to community involvement. Not just another gas station/convenience store, Nick and Moe's was founded on the value that Delighted Associates lead to Delighted Customers. By training and supporting their team, they strive to deliver a consistent customer experience with high-quality food, beverages, reliable products, and services at competitive prices in a safe, clean, fast, fresh, friendly, and hassle-free environment.  Key Ideas: Nick and Moe's offers big-time service with a small-town feel through three different concepts:  A liquor store offering delivery and curbside pick-up service A gas station/convenience store Famous fried chicken Shaun's background in the hospitality industry proved to be a great fit with his role in franchise development for Nick and Moe's. The secret of success for Nick and Moe's is their commitment to give back to the communities they serve. The company attributes its year-over-year double-digit growth to its reputation in the community. Nick and Moe's is located in central Florida and plans to expand through franchising. About Shaun:  Shaun is the Director of Franchise Development for Nick and Moe's. He brings his entrepreneurial experience to help others start their journey. The Nick & Moes franchise is more than a business opportunity; it's a chance to be part of Thriving Success In a recession-proof industry, just like Shaun has done throughout his career. With a vision that knows no bounds and an unyielding determination, Shaun has blazed a trail of success in the corporate realm. He has a knack for identifying opportunities and turning them into gold mines. His ventures have spanned various industries, from Hospitality to Business Development, and he's consistently left an indelible mark wherever he goes. What sets Shaun apart is his unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. He understands that excellence isn't just a goal; it's the foundation of any thriving business. With a passion for innovation and a relentless pursuit of success, Shaun has built a reputation for creating opportunities, fostering prosperous communities, and attaining the financial freedom many aspire to achieve. For more information visit www.nickandmoes.com/home About Susie: Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life, while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. Visions2images leverages the power of their signature system The Branding Bridge© to find the missing gaps in corporate branding to help stand out as a local authority. During the pandemic, many people wanted to support small businesses that weren't big “chain” businesses. This bothered many because franchises are all locally owned and operated. The person who owns a franchise has their kids going to the same school, soccer games, and church; we are all neighbors in the community.  Franchises are small businesses right in our neighborhood.  Visions2images works with corporations, franchisors, and franchises with branding, website design and development, and digital marketing. Contact us for a free consultation.  Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Episode Summary: Charles Bonfiglio made an early decision to pursue his passion and turned it into a successful franchise. In this interview, he shares his journey in the franchise industry. After encountering many obstacles to starting a car audio and accessory business, he discovered a blueprint for success as a franchisee.   His initial franchise opportunity was in the auto repair business. Charles honed his business skills and in 2007, he was ready to live out his dream of opening a car audio and accessory business. Charles did not want to start from scratch, so he purchased a six-store chain called Tint World®. While growing to over 150 locations, he is developing the unique automotive franchise lifestyle brand he had always dreamed of.  Key Ideas: Facing challenges in securing funding and a location to open a business, Charles discovered opportunities through becoming a franchisee Franchising provided the blueprint for success he needed to get into business Charles purchased a small chain of stores in 2007 and converted the business into a franchise Learning about franchise development and implementing sales systems led to more growth for his franchise, which is now over 150 locations About Charles:  Charles has over 40 years of experience in franchising, retail management, marketing, and business development. By developing and implementing effective strategies, systems, and processes, he has grown Tint World®  into America's largest and fastest-growing automotive styling and window tinting franchise. Charles holds multiple patents, certifications, and honors demonstrating his thought leadership in the automotive and franchising industries. Website: www.tintworld.com  About Susie: Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life, while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. Visions2images leverages the power of their signature system The Branding Bridge© to find the missing gaps in corporate branding to help stand out as a local authority. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

In this solo episode, Susie Liberatore announces the launch of Franchise Clarity, an all-in-one franchise marketing system. Susie and her team created this comprehensive suite of tools and features to meet the unique needs of franchisors. It streamlines and automates various aspects of franchise management, including marketing, training, operations, communication, and performance tracking. After more than 13 years of experience in the marketing industry and running her agency, Visions2images, Susie decided to specialize in the franchise sector. Her focus shifted towards working with franchisors, and took charge of marketing for multiple locations across various brands. Throughout the interactions with numerous franchisors, she noticed several gaps that needed to be addressed. Despite our efforts in monitoring and managing marketing activities, there was still a disconnect between franchisors and franchisees. It became evident that there was a void waiting to be filled. Drawing upon extensive research and expertise, Susie embarked on creating software specifically tailored to address these concerns. As the idea took shape, people responded positively, affirming its value. Learn more at https://franchise-clarity.com  About Susie: Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life, while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. Visions2images leverages the power of their signature system The Branding Bridge© to find the missing gaps in corporate branding to help stand out as a local authority. During the pandemic, many people wanted to support small businesses that weren't big “chain” businesses. This bothered many because franchises are all locally owned and operated. The person who owns a franchise has their kids going to the same school, soccer games, and church; we are all neighbors in the community. Franchises are small businesses right in our neighborhood.  Visions2images works with corporations, franchisors, and franchises with branding, website design and development, and digital marketing. Contact us for a free consultation.  Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Episode Summary: Ty McBride is the founder of Preservan Wood Rot Repair, a home service business specializing in wood rot repair using an eco-friendly and affordable epoxy solution. He decided to offer franchises so he could grow the company while working alongside small business owners.  Key Ideas:  Franchisees can identify their ideal customer profile by becoming familiar with  their city and understanding their neighbors Having a strong customer profile is the first step to effective marketing The most effective targeting of specific neighborhoods is done through a combination of traditional and digital marketing methods In-person networking can help franchisees break the stereotypes surrounding franchising and establish themselves as local businesses Effective marketing also targets referral sources, such as insurance agents and other local professionals About Ty: Ty McBride is the Founder and CEO of Preservan Wood Rot Repair, a fast-growing home service franchise with locations in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Orlando. With nearly two decades in the home service industry, Ty has garnered recognition through industry awards and a feature on HGTV. A Proud citizen of the Potawatomi Nation, Ty resides in Oklahoma City with his wife and six children. Learn more about franchise opportunities with Preservan at www.gopreservan.com. About Susie: Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life, while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. Visions2images leverages the power of their signature system The Branding Bridge© to find the missing gaps in corporate branding to help stand out as a local authority. During the pandemic, many people wanted to support small businesses that weren't big “chain” businesses. This bothered many because franchises are all locally owned and operated. The person who owns a franchise has their kids going to the same school, soccer games, and church; we are all neighbors in the community.  Franchises are small businesses right in our neighborhood.  Visions2images works with corporations, franchisors, and franchises with branding, website design and development, and digital marketing. Contact us for a free consultation.  Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Episode Summary: Luke Bazely started Driverseat with the intention to franchise and sold his first location after less than a year. He has spent the last 10 years investing in tech and systems to build up the business and is now poised for more growth. His marketing strategy has encompassed four areas - personal brand of the owner/operators, employment branding to attract qualified staff, the services branding to educate the potential clients, and the Driverseat brand focusing on franchising opportunities. Learning how to delegate  has been a challenge but also a key factor in driving growth.  Key Ideas:  Initial growth was fueled by guerrilla marketing tactics, leaning heavily on community involvement and digital marketing.  As the organization matures, Luke plans to prioritize  more focus to maintaining consistency of the brand across franchise locations.  Franchising now offers more opportunity than it did 10 years ago thanks to the proliferation of franchise sales organizations and brokers.  Delegating tasks to a project manager/integrator is critical for growth, but requires the owner to learn how to let go. About Luke:  Luke is an entrepreneur and the Co-Founder and President of Driverseat Inc. where he oversees all elements of the franchise brand. He describes himself as a servant leader and is passionate about the small business owner, particularly his franchise partners. Luke is determined to leverage his experience and passion in dramatically improving the statistics related to small business success rates across Canada and the U.S. Connect with Luke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukebazely/ About Susie: Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life, while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. Visions2images leverages the power of their signature system The Branding Bridge© to find the missing gaps in corporate branding to help stand out as a local authority. During the pandemic, many people wanted to support small businesses that weren't big “chain” businesses. This bothered many because franchises are all locally owned and operated. The person who owns a franchise has their kids going to the same school, soccer games, and church; we are all neighbors in the community.  Franchises are small businesses right in our neighborhood.  Visions2images works with corporations, franchisors, and franchises with branding, website design and development, and digital marketing. Contact us for a free consultation.  Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Episode Summary: Tammy Rodgers started grooming dogs as a high school student seeking to earn extra cash. A local groomer showed her how to groom a poodle; the rest of her education came from reading books. Her dad acted as her business manager, helping her find clients. Fast forward to adulthood, Tammy went through a rough divorce and moved in with her parents. After working to find herself again, she decided to give the grooming business another try. Tammy worked for a local grooming shop for about a year before deciding that she could run a better grooming business on her own. Putting her customer service and relationship-building skills to work, Tammy opened  “Puparazzi,” a Hollywood-themed mobile grooming business, in 2010. She offers a first-class grooming experience for both pets and pet parents. In 2015, Tammy franchised the Puparazzi concept and now mentors her franchisees to help them establish their mobile grooming business.    Key Ideas:  Tammy invested in herself to start the business, using funds from a 401K obtained through her divorce settlement  Cultivating strong relationships with clients and showing empathy towards their concerns and complaints is a key success factor  Tammy can help her franchisees with all aspects of the business because she was a hands-on owner, with extensive knowledge and experience in the grooming industry.  Failure is a learning experience and an opportunity to grow About Tammy:  Now with more than 40 years of pet grooming experience, Tammy Rodgers started her mobile grooming business back in 2010 during a bad economy. Still just as busy today as she was back then, her business has thrived. Tammy is a passionate groomer who can successfully groom any animal. The unique experience she provides keeps her loyal clients returning month after month for years.  Puparazzi came to be as Tammy sought to combine her love of family and her passion for pet grooming. With both children, now grown, having been in the movie and modeling industry at that time, the name Puparazzi seemed ideal! As a passionate businesswoman, Tammy believes in her business concept, her commitment to mentor her franchisees and continues to strive to make Puparazzi a nationwide, if not a worldwide household name! Connect with Tammy at https://www.puparazzimobile.com.  About Susie: Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life, while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. Visions2images leverages the power of their signature system The Branding Bridge© to find the missing gaps in corporate branding to help stand out as a local authority. During the pandemic, many people wanted to support small businesses that weren't big “chain” businesses. This bothered many because franchises are all locally owned and operated. The person who owns a franchise has their kids going to the same school, soccer games, and church; we are all neighbors in the community.  Franchises are small businesses right in our neighborhood.  Visions2images works with corporations, franchisors, and franchises with branding, website design and development, and digital marketing. Contact us for a free consultation.  Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Episode Summary: Loana and her husband began their entrepreneurial journey 12 years ago with a commercial cleaning business before venturing into the tea business five years ago. TeaCupFuls is a place to celebrate and enjoy over-the-top drinks topped with cotton candy, suckers, and other fun add-ons. Loana and Susie discuss the challenges female entrepreneurs often face, along with the importance of elevating women to leadership roles.  Key Ideas: The stereotypes that plague women in business and how to overcome them The benefits women bring to leadership The ROI comes from investing in yourself and your dreams Follow the marketing trends that apply to your industry and target market  About Loana: Loana had a dream… Of creating a place where friends could meet and hang out in an atmosphere that would put smiles on everyone's face. Out of this, TeaCupFuls was born and her dream became a reality with the first store opening February 2018 in the Brookswood Plaza, in Bend Oregon. It was such a success that she decided to spread the joy even further, and opened another store in Downtown Bend in November of 2018. Growing up in a heavily Vietnamese-influenced home, she always knew that boba was something special, and therefore wanted to bring that culture to Bend through TeaCupFuls, who offers truly authentic, artisanal boba through specialty drinks! www.TeaCupFulsStores.com https://www.instagram.com/teacupfulsbend/ https://www.tiktok.com/@teacupfulsbend About Susie: Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life, while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. Visions2images leverages the power of their signature system The Branding Bridge© to find the missing gaps in corporate branding to help stand out as a local authority. During the pandemic, many people wanted to support small businesses that weren't big “chain” businesses. This bothered many because franchises are all locally owned and operated. The person who owns a franchise has their kids going to the same school, soccer games, and church; we are all neighbors in the community.  Franchises are small businesses right in our neighborhood.  Visions2images works with corporations, franchisors, and franchises with branding, website design and development, and digital marketing. Contact us for a free consultation.  Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Episode Summary:  Nicole McIntyre started a dessert food business as a hobby and it morphed into a luxury food truck that is now a franchise.  Key Ideas: Entrepreneurship is full of challenges, and learning to drive a food truck was a big one for Nicole The only way to grow is to experience mistakes and be able to move out of your comfort zone to learn new things Data-driven sales are a backbone for creating value year after year Cost analysis can help determine best marketing strategies About Nicole:  Nicole McIntyre is a successful Franchise Executive, Business Consultant, Franchisor, and Speaker. She was born in Washington DC and later raised in North Carolina. Nicole went on to study Business Administration at Wake Technical Community College and North Carolina A&T. With her exceptional drive and leadership skills, Nicole has been working as a business consultant for new-generation entrepreneurs in the Raleigh-Durham area since 2011. Apart from being a consultant, Nicole is also the co-founder of Cocoa Forte, a dessert truck brand that started as a hobby with her husband back in 2012. Over the years, Cocoa Forte has become a popular mobile dessert truck brand, serving mainly in Wake, Orange, Durham, Chatham, Johnson, and Nash Counties in North Carolina. Nicole's dedication to bringing awareness and support to local food trucks led her to serve as a board member of the Raleigh/Durham Mobile Food Association (RDUMFA), where she worked to facilitate food truck events in towns outside of metro areas to strengthen communities through foodie experiences. Nicole's hard work and dedication have earned her several awards and recognition. In 2017, she was awarded Board Member of the Year with RDUMFA, and in 2021, she was recognized as a Top Performer in contract fulfillment with Fruit http://Bouquest.com . In 2022, Nicole was honored with the Rising Star award by The Women's Business Center of North Carolina, and she also received the Trailblazer Award from MyLocal CFO at their Business Financial Leadership Conference. In February 2023, Nicole completed her Certified Franchise Executive training with the International Franchise Association. Nicole's passion for entrepreneurship has led her to develop a living business system that inspires entrepreneurs in her community through business ownership. She plans to serve her future franchisees by helping them navigate the franchise industry and create successful businesses. With her drive, dedication, and passion for entrepreneurship, Nicole McIntyre continues to make a positive impact on her community and the franchise industry. Connect with Nicole:www.cocoaforte.com About Susie: Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life, while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. Visions2images leverages the power of their signature system The Branding Bridge© to find the missing gaps in corporate branding to help stand out as a local authority. During the pandemic, many people wanted to support small businesses that weren't big “chain” businesses. This bothered many because franchises are all locally owned and operated. The person who owns a franchise has their kids going to the same school, soccer games, and church; we are all neighbors in the community.  Franchises are small businesses right in our neighborhood.  Visions2images works with corporations, franchisors, and franchises with branding, website design and development, and digital marketing. Contact us for a free consultation.  Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Episode Summary: Richard Gould is CEO of Richard's Painting, a franchise with 17 locations. He started in the painting business when a friend offered him work. This led to owning and later selling a well-established painting company in New Jersey. After a move to South Carolina in 2007, he decided to launch a new painting business. Richard's Painting has grown into a brand that people trust by offering quality painting and customer service while building relationships in the communities served. Rich learned how to build a business from the ground up and now he is sharing his expertise with others through franchising.  Key Ideas:  Richard decided to franchise as a way to grow his business and teach others how to run and grow a painting business Buying a franchise is never a guarantee for wealth, the owner must put in the work to succeed.  Success in franchising requires smart decision-making, controlling expenses, and being able to motivate and understand your franchisees. Many times it is the little things that keep customers coming back. About Rich:  Rich believes painting is the best job in the world. As a longtime painting veteran with over 30 years of experience in the industry, Richard started his career in New Jersey, where he eventually bought an existing painting business. In 1999, Richard relocated to Salisbury, North Carolina, where he started Richard's Painting from scratch. After more than two decades in business, Richard's Painting continues to grow. In 2021, Richard made the decision to franchise his concept to help entrepreneurs own painting businesses that succeed by doing everything the right way. With multiple locations in North Carolina and New Jersey, Richard's Painting is growing fast. Find Rich online at www.richardspaintingfranchise.com About Susie:  Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life, while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. Visions2images leverages the power of their signature system The Branding Bridge© to find the missing gaps in corporate branding to help stand out as a local authority. During the pandemic, many people wanted to support small businesses that weren't big “chain” businesses. This bothered many because franchises are all locally owned and operated. The person who owns a franchise has their kids going to the same school, soccer games, and church; we are all neighbors in the community. Franchises are small businesses right in our neighborhood.  Visions2images works with corporations, franchisors, and franchises with branding, website design and development, and digital marketing. Contact us for a free consultation.  Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Episode Summary: After many years in franchising, Jeff Dudan founded Homefront Brands. This company is a multi-brand platform consisting of residential and light commercial  property service companies. They provide an experienced home office, a network of growth partners, strong support systems, and in-house consumer-acquisition and customer care services.  Key Ideas: Homefront invested heavily in building the Cadillac platform of the franchise support system Data and analytics are better than population and geography  for designing territories Great ideas can come from the franchisees so it is important to have a system in place to collect these ideas It takes effort on part of both the franchisor and the franchisee to keep the leads coming in A good franchisor must find a way to measure how leads come from the brand affiliation Jeff Dudan is the Chairman and CEO of Homefront Brands, a platform of property service franchisors. We exist to inspire entrepreneurs to take action and positively impact communities, franchisees, employees, and families. The success of our franchisees strengthens thefoundation of our economy, provides stability in the lives of our franchise operators, and expands the reach and relevance of the franchise industry sector. HomeFront Brands aspire to always do right by the franchisee and their customers. Jeff is a published author with his latest book “Discernment; The Business Athletes Regimen for a Great Life through Better Decisions” and a Forbes contributor, speaker, and consultant to emerging brands as well as serving YPO as Chapter Chair of the Southeast Regional US Chapter, Novant Health as Advisory Board member, and the IFA Franchisor Forum as a member. Jeff'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. In January of 2019, AdvantaClean was acquired by Home Franchise Concepts (HFC). Dudan Group is the capital partner to HomeFront Brands and others. We invest capital, provide expertise, and offer services that enable people to join, buy, build, or expand franchise systems. We operate select franchise brands and offer an array of complimentary services that create franchise start-ups, outsource franchise sales, and implement growth strategies that drive explosive growth. About Susie: Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life, while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience Visions2images leverages the power of their signature system The Branding Bridge© to find the missing gaps in corporate branding to help stand out as a local authority. During the pandemic, many people wanted to support small businesses that weren't big “chain” businesses. This bothered many because franchises are all locally owned and operated. The person who owns a franchise has their kids going to the same school, soccer games, and church; we are all neighbors in the community.  Franchises are small businesses right in our neighborhood.  Visions2images works with corporations, franchisors, and franchises with branding, website design and development, and digital marketing. Contact us for a free consultation. Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Episode Summary Matt Lovasz discovered the business of biohazard cleanup from a refrigerator magnet in the police department break room. He started researching the industry and determined that his skills as a police officer would transfer to this business. He started his own business and eventually bought and sold a franchise before becoming a master franchise owner, buying and selling franchises in six states. He then started TACT and is now selling franchises for this business.  Key Ideas Good communication with your franchisees about what's working and what is not working is key to success Education around the necessity of this business is part of the marketing strategy Brokers and consultants are expensive but provide a track to fast growth Building relationships with referral sources is a key part of marketing About Matt Lovasz T.A.C.T was founded by former police veteran Matt Lovasz. Matt was also a former master franchise owner and master instructor in the biohazard industry. Matt has been featured on the A&E show Hoarders on multiple episodes. After building a very successful business in the biohazard and hoarding clean up industry, Matt decided to start T.A.C.T using everything he had learned in his police and biohazard careers and improve on them to create the ideal crime scene cleanup franchise. Connect with Matt at https://tact-franchise.com/ About Susie Liberatore Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life, while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. Visions2images leverages the power of their signature system The Branding Bridge© to find the missing gaps in corporate branding to help stand out as a local authority. During the pandemic, many people wanted to support small businesses that weren't big “chain” businesses. This bothered many because franchises are all locally owned and operated. The person who owns a franchise has their kids going to the same school, soccer games, and church; we are all neighbors in the community.  Franchises are small businesses right in our neighborhood.  Visions2images works with corporations, franchisors, and franchises with branding, website design and development, and digital marketing. Contact us for a free consultation. Website: https://www.visions2images.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Franchisee to Franchise Consultant Episode Summary: John Francis has been a part of the Franchise industry since childhood. His parents were pioneers in franchising barbershops and hair salons. John grew up learning about franchising and went on to work in the industry as a franchisor, franchisee, supplier, and developer. For the last 10 years he has been an advisor, coach, and speaker. Key Ideas: John is known as a ‘franchise fixer'; he helps franchise businesses accelerate growth and avoid problems John draws on his over 30 years of experience working in all aspects of the franchise industry to act as an advisor and mastermind facilitator He puts his experience to work as a ‘share-it-all' rather than a ‘know-it-all' and asks the right questions to help others find the solutions to their business problems As an independent coach, his main goal is to help others in the franchise industry become successful Connect with John: Website https://www.johnnyfranchise.com/ About John: John has a LIFETIME of experience in franchising. His exposure to franchising began when he was just a child in his family's hair salon system, “The Barbers,” which was the 1,000-plus unit, publicly traded and international organization that franchised the brands Cost Cutters, City Looks and We Care Hair. He later joined the family business, playing a major role in the integration and merger of The Barbers into Regis Corporation in 1999. With more than twenty-five years of hands-on experience in the franchise industry, John Francis has served as a franchisee, franchisor, investor and Board Member for organizations such as Sport Clips, Cost Cutters, Super Cuts, Inner Circle, Office Pride, Just Between Friends, Dream Maker Bath & Kitchen, Culligan Water, Big Frog T Shirts, PostNet and the International Franchise Association. Today, John shares his perspective and expertise as a ZorForum Moderator, Brand Consultant, Board Member Director, Advisor and Speaker to help franchise systems and professionals “see what they don't see” and achieve their highest levels of success. You can't tell John a franchise situation he hasn't lived or experienced – that experience will help your system! About Susie: Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life, while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. Visions2images leverages the power of their signature system The Branding Bridge© to find the missing gaps in corporate branding to help stand out as a local authority. During the pandemic, many people wanted to support small businesses that weren't big “chain” businesses. This bothered many because franchises are all locally owned and operated. The person who owns a franchise has their kids going to the same school, soccer games, and church; we are all neighbors in the community. Franchises are small businesses right in our neighborhood. Visions2images works with corporations, franchisors, and franchises with branding, website design and development, and digital marketing. Contact us for a free consultation Website: https://www.visions2images.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Episode Summary: Susie Liberatore owner of Visions2images and Stacy Swift with Franchise Matchmaker, bust some of the myths around the franchise industry and the path to becoming a franchise owner. Key Ideas: What is a franchise Flexibility is part of a good franchise system Why Stacy thinks passion is overrated when looking for a business to run How a broker can make the path to business ownership much easier What do franchise owners need to do for marketing About Stacy: Stacy has over 30 years of small business ownership, management, sales, and marketing experience. She has been a multi-unit franchise owner with three different concepts, and also founded a deli/corporate catering business as her first venture into entrepreneurship in 1989. Stacy presents franchise information and business ownership seminars across the country in partnership with career transition firms, the SBA, Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, regional libraries, and military groups. In her 25+ years as a franchise broker and consultant, she has helped hundreds of people invest in a wide variety of franchise businesses. Stacy is currently an active member of the IFPG--International Franchise Professionals Group--and her company is called Franchise Matchmakers. Connect with Stacy: www.franchisematchmakers.com www.linkedin.com/in/stacyswift About Susie Liberatore: Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life, while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Episode Summary: Jeff Gartner founded Hudson Valley Swim with his wife Joan to provide an important service to their community. After running the business successfully and expanding to multiple locations, Jeff decided to offer the business as a franchise. He has perfected a low-overhead model with a great profit margin. Key Ideas: How Jeff developed his business idea for a swim school How processes helped streamline his business and get it franchise-ready What you need to start a franchise Franchise marketing The importance of follow-up for both customer service and marketing Connect with Jeff Gartner: Visit the Hudson Valley Swim website. Follow Hudson Valley Swim Franchise on LinkedIn Follow Hudson Valley Swim on Instagram Follow Hudson Valley Swim on Facebook About Jeff Gartner: Jeff, and his wife Joan, founded Hudson Valley Swim in 2003 to address the growing incidences of drownings in the country. As the business grew, they expanded to multiple locations in the area. In 2022 they launched the business as a franchise offering for community-minded people throughout the country who want to start their own business using an established "recipe". Hudson Valley Swim uses a pool rental model via established relationships with fitness facilities. It offers a low initial franchise fee, low initial investment to get started, quick time-to-market, low overhead costs, and a great profit margin. The best part is that owners do not need an aquatics background. Swim Lessons Save Lives! is our mission. Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life, while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Episode Summary: As a Franchise Consultant, Lance Graulich is a free advocate helping aspiring franchise owners through the process of vetting and choosing the right franchise to purchase. Key Ideas: Franchisees are small business owners who are vested in their communities. When you buy into a franchise, you get an established team to support you and a proven blueprint for running the business. Franchisees enjoy a high level of predictability within a proven system. The franchisee's role in marketing is to understand their local environment and provide a great customer experience. A successful franchise nails both operations and marketing Lance supports his clients with free consulting after they buy into a brand. There are many franchise opportunities for under $200,000, and financing is available to make ownership possible for those who want to be their own boss. Lance offers a free assessment on his website, https://www.ionfranchising.com, to help aspiring franchisees determine what type of business would be a good fit with their skills and experience. Connect with Lance: On LinkedIn On Facebook On Instagram About Lance: Lance Graulich is the host of top 50 Business Podcast Eye on Franchising and founder & CEO of ION Franchising, an industry leading franchise consulting and development group, that represents over 700 franchise brands & business opportunities in every imaginable category. Lance helps prospective entrepreneurs find their perfect franchise for FREE. He also assists independent business owners in creating a franchise system. Lance started out in the family business on Wall Street after receiving an economics degree. He then joined a TGI Friday's franchise in Phoenix, AZ as a key executive and was vital to the rapid growth of this $225,000,000 organization. Mr Graulich was a multi-unit, multi-state franchisee of Wingstop and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. He has created countless start up brands and has become the industry leading donut expert. He is the founder of a donut chain called Pinkbox in Las Vegas. His latest start up bakery project is with a Food Network star. As a business start-up expert with more than 25 years of experience, he has served as President of various franchise advisory councils and boards advising emerging franchise brands. He has helped a multitude of companies grow efficiently & effectively. Lance routinely provides advisory services to private equity firms covering the restaurant industry as well. About Visions2images: By 2027 Visions2images will be the #1 creative agency for midsized businesses who want to share their local hometown connection with their unique stories and personalities to their local audience. Let's dive into your business and find the missing gaps in your branding so that you can have a consistent visible look, on all platforms. Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Episode Summary: Ricky Hall got his start in franchising as a franchisee for GNC. He built up his portfolio over ten years to run five stores. After exiting GNC, Ricky was a franchisee for another brand for three years. He then decided to start his own brand under the name NutritionHQ. In 2020, Ricky became a franchisor and currently has two locations. Key Ideas: One of Ricky's biggest challenges on the franchisor side is properly vetting his first 10 franchisees to set up the organization for success Ricky has walked both sides and is committed to being a ‘franchisee-friendly' franchisor Developing a strong brand identity for NutritionHQ came first and is now helping with his marketing efforts Ricky recognizes the importance of relationship building as he works to make his brand a part of the community About Ricky Hall: Ricky Hall (the founder and resident storyteller) has been running successful nutrition franchises for more than 15 years. His experiences and expertise are what have shaped the NutritionHQ brand. If you ever saw Ricky you'd be shocked that he ever struggled with health (those muscles are no joke) But back in his Military College days, Ricky struggled with his fitness and body image. That's when he discovered nutrition: How what we eat can fuel us and help us become our very best. Helping fuel our communities' best days is still our central mission as a company, and as we grew into a franchise we now help business owners live out that mission in their own communities. About Visions2images: By 2027 Visions2images will be the #1 creative agency for midsized businesses who want to share their local hometown connection with their unique stories and personalities to their local audience. Let's dive into your business and find the missing gaps in your branding so that you can have a consistent visible look, on all platforms. Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. After working with some of the largest corporations, Visions2images knows how to get businesses to show up locally. Get our local workbook delivered to your inbox: https://wondrous-author-3639.ck.page/2652672aa7 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Why Videos Should Be A Part of Your Marketing Strategy Episode Summary: You've heard the statistics- people are watching more videos online than ever before. And this is predicted to keep increasing. You don't want to be left behind, but you can't fathom creating those cringy lip syncing videos yourself. Tracy Phillps is here to tell you that's not how you do it. Video needs to feel genuine to you, and it must help move your business forward. When you take a strategic approach, that is exactly what video will do for you. Key Ideas: Your visibility is your currency- it relates to your income Video allows you to stake your claim as the expert in your field The most important metric for measuring your video success is how many sales did you get Your video message must be compelling and focused to the right target audience You can repurpose your videos across platforms Video helps build the know-like-trust factor very quickly when you show how you can help Your video needs one call-to-action The only way to get over your mindset blocks around doing video is to do video Live video is actually much easier than pre-recorded - once you get over the fear What you have to say is much more important than how the video looks About Tracy Phillips: Tracy is an Emmy-nominated video and visibility expert who trains and works with CEOs, Key Opinion Leaders, Medical Professionals, Visionaries and Bestselling Authors who want to use their visibility to impact their internal and global audiences. Tracy's laugh & learn style of presenting has made her a highly sought-after speaker, trainer and workshop facilitator. Her clients include New York Times best selling authors and Fortune 500 companies. Connect with Tracy at www.videoscriptsuccess.com About Visions2images: By 2027 Visions2images will be the #1 creative agency for midsized businesses who want to share their local hometown connection with their unique stories and personalities to their local audience. Let's dive into your business and find the missing gaps in your branding so that you can have a consistent visible look, on all platforms. Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Episode Summary: Are you curious if owning a franchise might be right for you? Do you know that franchise opportunities are not limited to fast food? There are a wide variety of businesses that are franchised as well as a wide range of investment price points. A franchise consulting expert can match you with the franchise that meets your budget and your business skills. And there is no charge to you to use their services. Meet Terese McGroarty, a franchise consultant with FranNet. She can help you find an amazing franchise for sale in Northeast Ohio and answer all of your questions about franchising. Key Ideas: Franchises are locally owned and operated FranNet represents about 250 franchise concepts that include the athletic industry, home health, IT and more. The franchises represented have all been vetted for a 90% or better success rate Terese acts a coach,helping her clients do their due diligence as well as matching them with concepts that meet their budget and fits their skills About Terese McGroarty: Terese specializes in helping clients looking to become entrepreneurs find the best possible franchise match for their skills and financial capabilities. From start to finish, her professional approach and business knowledge will guide you through exploring top-quality business ownership opportunities. Together, you will find a fit that leads to a lifetime of fulfillment. With 30+ years of business ownership experience, she is able to offer premium services to help YOU find what's right for YOU. The best thing is – her services are paid by the franchisor, giving you FREE access to discuss options and alternatives for achieving the work-life balance you desire and the financial future you deserve. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Episode Summary: With a little pre-planning, you can be confident when you speak at your next networking opportunity. Attending networking events should be an important part of your marketing plan. But take it a step further and volunteer to speak occasionally. When you are the speaker, you make a meaningful connection with an entire room full of people, not just four or five that you happen to meet during the open networking time. Key Ideas: When you are the speaker you make a meaningful connection with everyone in the room Public speaking is the most efficient way to build connection The connections you can build through speaking will lead to opportunities to build your business Speaking lets you showcase what motivates you as a business owner along with your personality When introducing yourself at an event, plan your statement to include 3 things: why you got into your business, what can you offer to the group, and something personal about yourself About Aurora Gregory: Business Strategist. Speaker Coach. Author. Marketer. Aurora's career as a communicator started when she was 14. As an 8th grader, she was a finalist in a speech contest. While she didn't win, the experience launched her into the world of communicating stories and ideas. Today, she is a business strategist and speaker coach, teaching knowledge experts how to land stages, connect with audiences, and build businesses they love. She is the co-author of the speaker pitch best-seller, “Get Picked: Tips, Tricks and Tools for Creating an Irresistible Speaker Proposal.” Called a “secret weapon” by clients, Aurora is also a strategic content creator for global financial services companies. When she's not talking, you'll find her serving at her church, hiking the foothills in her hometown, or watching classic movies. About Visions2images: By 2027 Visions2images will be the #1 creative agency for midsized businesses who want to share their local hometown connection with their unique stories and personalities to their local audience. Let's dive into your business and find the missing gaps in your branding so that you can have a consistent visible look, on all platforms. Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Join us for this special episode where Susie Liberatore interviews Lannie Davis-Frecker, President and CEO of Julie Billiart Schools. Julie Billiart Schools is a family of K-8 coeducational, independent day schools based in Northeast Ohio for children with learning differences. About Julie Billiart Schools: The Julie Billiart website is a one-stop shop for anyone who wants to learn more about resources, growth, services, admissions, employment, and more. https://www.juliebilliartschool.org/ Meet Lannie As President and CEO, Lannie Davis-Frecker is the driving force behind the expansion and growth of the Julie Billiart Schools Network. With campuses in Lyndhurst, Akron, and Westlake, Lannie's vision to serve more than 700 students with unique academic and social learning needs throughout the region is quickly becoming a reality. Students with mild to moderate autism, anxiety, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences find success at Julie Billiart Schools because of the philosophy that celebrates their potential, nurtures their curiosity, and customizes teaching to their unique learning styles. Under Lannie's leadership, Julie Billiart Schools has been named a top workplace by the Plain Dealer for the past five years. She is a member of the School Choice Ohio Board of Directors, an advisor to the THRIVE program (previously the Academic Support Center) at Notre Dame College, and a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) - the global leadership of chief executives. In addition, she is a member of numerous grant committees and works closely with legislators to advocate for children with special learning needs. As an Associate of the Sisters of Notre Dame, Lannie lives out the charism and mission of the school founders and patroness, St. Julie Billiart. Admissions The admission process at Julie Billiart Schools ensures that they reach the students who need their unique help the most and are likely to benefit from our whole-child approach to learning. Julie Billiart offers rolling admissions in grades K-8. To explore admissions, please visit the website. https://www.juliebilliartschool.org/admissions/admissions-process About Visions2images By 2027 Visions2images will be the #1 creative agency for midsized businesses who want to share their local hometown connection with their unique stories and personalities to their local audience. Let's dive into your business and find the missing gaps in your branding so that you can have a consistent visible look, on all platforms. Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. Get the free marketing plan ebook! If you'd like to communicate with me, let's connect on LinkedIn. Send me a direct message on LinkedIn titled PODCAST, and I'll send you my marketing plan ebook. Whether you are thinking about hiring an agency or doing your marketing yourself, I think you'll find this helpful. LET'S CONNECT ON LINKEDIN --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Podcast Summary: 6 Red Flags To Look For When Hiring A Marketing Agency Have you been burned by working with a second-rate marketing agency? Is the fear of another bad experience holding you back from getting the help you know that you need? This episode takes a deep dive into what to look for when evaluating marketing agencies. All agencies are not created equal! When you ask the right questions, you can ensure a greater chance of success in hiring an agency that can do the work to improve your bottom line. Key ideas: There are no guarantees in any business venture Don't choose an agency based on their low fees Look at how the agency does their own marketing Ask what data they will track and how they will present it to you Does the agency give you ownership of your marketing assets? How easy will it be to communicate with the agency? About Visions2images By 2027 Visions2images will be the #1 creative agency for midsized businesses who want to share their local hometown connection with their unique stories and personalities to their local audience. Let's dive into your business and find the missing gaps in your branding so that you can have a consistent visible look, on all platforms. Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. Connect with Susie on LinkedIN. Send her a DM with the word PODCAST and she will send you her free marketing plan ebook. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Episode Summary: The right strategy is crucial to developing a successful franchise concept. The Franchise Dept. works with companies to determine the most effective pathway to profitability through franchising. James and his team provide support from the very first steps of developing the franchise agreement to the grand opening of the first unit and beyond. Key Ideas: The franchising industry has expanded in recent years as more local/regional businesses tap into the power of franchising as their growth strategy. Franchising can be right for the business that has proven its concept in the local market and wants to scale There is more than one way to the franchise and every brand has its own growth pattern; there can be a profitable business model for both 500-unit and 30-unit franchises especially when the right marketing is implemented. It is vital for franchise concepts to identify the correct and appropriate franchisee candidate avatar About James Luy: James Luy is a Co-Founder and Partner with The Franchise Dept, a boutique development and consulting firm that works with emerging as well as prospective franchise concepts across the fitness, wellness, beauty, and quick service restaurant industries. James has operated in the franchise space since 2015 and has held various executive roles to build franchise systems, facilitate appropriate unit development, and ensure unit level as well as franchisor profitability. The Franchise Dept's goal is to partner with engaging brands who are investigating, or have already begun, franchise growth and ensure that they strategize and execute growth initiatives best suited for their continued success. Connect with James: www.thefranchisedept.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-luy-85527667/ About Visions2images By 2027 Visions2images will be the #1 creative agency for midsized businesses who want to share their local hometown connection with their unique stories and personalities to their local audience. Let's dive into your business and find the missing gaps in your branding so that you can have a consistent visible look, on all platforms. Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. Book a free consultation: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/appointment-scheduler/61a6aee226967cdb8100897f/schedule --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Podcast Summary: How do you approach your marketing when times get tough? Do you pull back, stop altogether, or go full force ahead? The truth is you can't afford to NOT be marketing! While it may seem counterintuitive to spend money on advertising and promotion when your revenue slows down, you still need to be in front of your audience. The good news is that with the right marketing strategies you can stay top of mind and continue to nurture your customer base. Key ideas: If your competition keeps up with marketing when you pull back, you stand to lose even more It takes 10x more effort and expense to convert a new lead into a customer than it does to sell to a current customer It's harder to build trust with new audiences when the economy is not doing well Look for ways to support and provide value to your current customers By 2027 Visions2images will be the #1 creative agency for franchise owners who want to share their local hometown connection with their unique stories and personalities to their local audience. Let's dive into your business and find the missing gaps in your branding so that you can have a consistent visible look on all platforms. Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Podcast Summary: Before you start any business you need two things, a good CPA and a great attorney. Whether you are dealing with a wage-and-hour claim, negotiating a lease, entering into a franchise agreement or dealing with a vendor dispute, you are going to need an attorney. On this episode, Brian Seitz explains why the best time to find a good attorney is before you have a deadline or pending legal matter. Key Ideas: How to find a good attorney through your network What should you consider when evaluating if an attorney is a good fit for you and your business Understanding legal fee arrangements What should you ask your attorney about a pending legal matter About Brian J. Seitz: Brian Seitz is a seasoned and successful executive with deep experience in operations, law and finance. Brian is a key member of the management team for Hillcrest Foodservice and focuses his efforts on acquiring companies and cultivating efficient corporate growth. About Restauranttopia: Restauranttopia focuses on all things related to restaurant management and operations from hosts David Ross, Brian Seitz, and chef Anthony Hamilton. The show features interviews and restaurant success stories, along with insights on cost control, marketing, management and personnel issues. Tune in for marketing ideas and tactics from restaurant business experts, gathered from lessons and data from restaurants around the US. To Connect with Brian and Restauranttopia: Join Our VIP Text Club Join other independent restaurant owners and professionals on our VIP Text Club and get access to exclusive content, industry news, deals, insights, announcements, pro-tips, and more! join our mailing list and get our newsletter: Sign Up Facebook: Restauranttopia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restauranttopia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restauranttopia/ YouTube: Restauranttopia By 2027 Visions2images will be the #1 creative agency for franchise owners who want to share their local hometown connection with their unique stories and personalities to their local audience. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support

Podcast Summary: In this episode, Jordache Johnson discusses how NFTs are a business asset. He became an early adopter of NFTs to be at the forefront of this emerging digital investment. Listen in to learn the basics of how NFTs function and how they can benefit your business. Key Ideas: Creating original NFT's allow people/businesses to make royalty fees. NFT's are a business asset. NFT's come with risk and understanding how they work is key to keeping your NFTs safe. A mentor can help you if you are interested in becoming an NFT consumer. You can grow your podcast and YouTube channel with NFTS! Artists can sell their artwork and create royalty fees each time the work is resold. Shopify is jumping on board with NFTS. Instead of using coupon codes you can have a custom NFT for customers. About Jordache: Jordache Johnson is CEO and Founder of Jordache Johnson Brand. He trains impact-driven entrepreneurs & executives on leveraging relationships to scale their business. Jordache has been in the Crypto Currency space since 2017 and is an early adopter of using NFTs for business. He currently owns over 200 NFTs and is sharing the benefits of NFTs for business growth. By 2027 Visions2images will be the #1 creative agency for franchise owners who want to share their local hometown connection with their unique stories and personalities to their local audience. To Connect with Jordache: JordacheJohnson.com Let's dive into your business and find the missing gaps in your branding so that you can have a consistent visible look on all platforms. Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses' visions to life while watching their return on investment increase. Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susie-liberatore2/support