Franchise Voice

Matt Haller, President and CEO of The International Franchise Association, shares an update of a busy end of 2024 including positive changes in the NLRB and his review of the upcoming Federal Trade Commission and Small Business Administration leadership nominees who will have an impact on Franchising. Matt also gives a preview of the 2025 IFA Convention with speakers James Clear, Danny Hughes, and incoming IFA Chair Mary Thompson. Today's podcast is brought to you by Hughes. Register now for IFA 2025: https://www.franchise.org Read the brochure for this exciting event: https://issuu.com/franchise411/docs/conventionbrochure2025

IFA's SVP of Government Relations and Public Affairs Michael Layman joins the podcast from the DNC Convention in Chicago. Michael shares ideas on what to expect at the upcoming IFA Advocacy Summit in DC September 9 – 11 including relationship-building for the future with our representatives. We're positioning Franchising for a big 2025 including tax reforms for small businesses after the current provisions expire in the coming year. Also on this episode, we welcome Alex Porter. Alex is the CEO of Location3, a digital partner of many multi-location brands and a member of the IFA Supplier Forum Advisory Board. He joins us live today from Google HQ with the latest on what's next for Franchise marketers! Thanks to Hughes for your support. Special Guests: Alex Porter and Michael Layman.

Welcome to THE podcast from the International Franchise Association: Franchise Voice. Today we're speaking with IFA President and CEO Matt Haller and IFA Board member / multi-unit franchise owner Rob Branca. This conversation was recorded live at the IFA's Summer Board Meeting in Nashville with host Jack Monson. Matt and Rob share updates on several tax and financial issues that will soon affect small business owners. Thanks to today's sponsor, Xpressdocs. Special Guest: Rob Branca.

The Franchise Ascension Initiative, a six-month accelerator program aimed at preparing qualified individuals from underrepresented communities with education, mentorship, resources, and guidance in accessing capital to maximize the opportunity for success through a career in franchise ownership. On today's podcast, we will speak with the visionary of The Franchise Ascension Initiative, Omar Simmons, IFA Board Member and Managing Director of Exaltare Capital Partners. Simmons says, “Franchising has been at the center of my journey and can provide a unique path to financial freedom for others. Now it is time to pay it forward so that even more people can have access to the same opportunities I had." Interested candidates can apply now at https://pages.franchise.org/ifa-franchise-ascension-initiative/ Special Guest: Omar Simmons.

Today we're wrapping up our series recorded live at IFA 2024 with the winners of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Nick Friedman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/collegehunkshaulingjunk/) and Omar Soliman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/omar-soliman-8119791/) of College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving. Nick and Omar discuss their thoughts on the award, the evolution they've seen in 20 years in franchising, and what they want to share with the next generation of business leaders. We'll also check in with Jamie Izaks (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieizaks/) of All Points PR on AI and other takeaways from this convention! Special Guests: Jamie Izaks, Nick Friedman, and Omar Soliman.

Today on Franchise Voice, Jack Monson hosts another in our special series of shows recorded live at the IFA 2024 Convention. We'll speak with some of the top leaders in franchising including Tamra Kennedy of Taco John's, Dr Kathleen Gosser and her students from the University of Louisville, and Tony Valle of Clear Summit Group! We're discussing the theme of Franchise Smarter and what each of these individuals would like to tell the world about franchising! Our specia guests: Tamra Kennedy is a Multi-Unit Franchisee with Taco John's, member of the IFA Board of Directors, and this year's winner of The Bonnie Levine Award. Dr Kathleen Gosser leads the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville. Today she is joined by her Program Coordinator Annie Nell Wadley and four top students who share their impressive stories of launching into the franchise space! Tony Valle is the Managing Partner of Clear Summit Group and is the winner of this year's William Rosenberg Leadership Award. Special Guests: Kathleen Gosser, Tamra Kennedy, and Tony Valle.

Why is Franchising so important to your community and to the next generation of business leaders? On this special edition of Franchise Voice, host Jack Monson speaks with some of the top leaders in franchising live at IFA 2024! Catherine Monson, CEO of Propelled Brands, has just won the IFA Hall of Fame Award. Catherine shares her thoughts on the hall of famers who came before and those will lead franchising in the next generation. She also discusses this year's theme of smart franchising, her advice for those just starting their entrepreneurial journey, and why franchising is the important means for wealth creation for all people. Paul Pickett, CDO of Wild Bird Unlimited, is this year's winner of the Ronald E Harrison Award recognizing Paul's hard work in increasing diversity in franchising. He also shares his views as franchising as an important part of every local economy and community. Plus, we have an update on Joint Employer, The NLRB, and other issues from Michael Layman, SVP of Government Relations, and Public Affairs at the IFA. Michael looks ahead to how this year's presidential election will affect national and state public policies on which IFA is working. Learn more about the upcoming Senate vote and The IFA petition to the White House on the IFA site. Special Guests: Catherine Monson, Michael Layman, and Paul Pickett.

IFA President and CEO Matt Haller leads a conversation with IFA team members Emily George and Sandie Curtis on the eve of The IFA 2024 Convention! The group shares ideas on how to make the most of your event, tips on networking, and how to find the takeaways to help grow your frnachise system! For more info or to register, please visit The IFA Convention site (https://www.franchise.org/convention) today! Special Guests: Emily George and Sandie Curtis.

On today's episode of Franchise Voice, we're talking about why lead generation is critical in franchising. First up: Graham Weihmiller, Chairman and CEO of BNI, the world's largest business networking organization. Graham shares thoughts on why networking is a crucial aspect of the franchising mode, how you can maximize your networking opportunities, and how to get started! Next, Jamie Izaks, President of All Points Public Relations, joins us to discuss the current state of Franchise Lead Generation, his perspective on opportunities and threats for 2024, and his team's plans for #IFA2024 and for The Northern Illinois Franchise Association. Special Guests: Graham Wiehmiller and Jamie Izaks.

Matt Haller, President & CEO of The IFA, shares his experience testifying in front of Congress last month on behalf of the Franchise community how you can participate with the Franchise Action Network in early 2024 in multiple locations. Matt also gives us a preview of the IFA Annual Convention Feb 17 – 20 in Phoenix and the event's theme is Franchise Smarter Next, Richie Huffman, CEO of Celebree School shares ideas on how a franchise system can become part of a new community. Special Guests: Matt Haller and Richie Huffman.

We have a major change in the federal government's Joint Employer policy. Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs Michael Layman walks us through the changes from the NLRB, the wide open and harmful Joint Employer standard, and where this fight will go next. Also on today's show, a spotlight on supplier member Proposify. CEO Kyle Racki shares ideas on getting control of your sales process and trends with service brands.

Today we're celebrating Emerging Franchises on Franchise Voice, the only podcast from The International Franchise Association (https://www.franchise.org) with your host, Jack Monson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackmonson/). First up, Matt Haller (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewhaller/), President and CEO of the IFA, discusses why networking at this early stage of your franchise's business is the most critical. Next, Meg Roberts (https://www.linkedin.com/in/megroberts73/), CEO of The Lash Lounge and Emcee of the Emerging Franchisor Conference, discusses the event's “unintimidating and intentional content.” She describes the show as the place you can approach anyone and where we lean in and help each other avoid some future mistakes. Then, Richard Huffman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardhuffmancelebree/), Founder and CEO of Celebree School gives advice to emerging brand leaders on the need to first build the team, culture, and processes before growing too fast. Join us Nov 1 - 3 at the Emerging Franchisor Conference in New Orleans! Registration is open now at https://www.franchise.org/events/efc Franchise Voice is brought to you by Celebree School https://www.celebree.com Special Guests: Matt Haller, Meg Roberts, and Richie Huffman.

IFA President and CEO Matt Haller shares updates from coast to coast including the negotiations on the recent legislation passed in California that has removed the existential threat to franchising. Plus, Tara Richards of Paychex joins the podcast with updates on new retirement manadates and using 401(k) plans to attract and retain top talent in franchise sytems. Special Guest: Matt Haller.

On this special edition of Franchise Voice, we'll speak with three franchising and government relations professionals about IFA members can make a real impact on critical issues and policy makers in Washington, DC this September at the IFA Advocacy Summit. Please join IFA's CEO Matthew Haller (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewhaller/); Michael Layman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellayman/), IFA SVP of Government Relations and Public Affairs; and Sarah Faye Pierce (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahfayepierce27/), Head of Government Relations at Paychex. Join us September 11 - 13 in DC! Register today at https://www.franchise.org/events/2023-ifa-advocacy-summit Thanks to the team at Benetrends Financial (https://www.benetrends.com) for your ongoing support of Franchising! Special Guest: Matt Haller.

Richie Huffman, CEO of Celebree School, discusses his strategies for growing his franchise system in specific markets. Richie shares how to get involved in your new communities, the key community members whom you should engage early, and why a hub and spoke model can accelerate your franchisees' success. If you're developing a franchise brand in new markets, you won't want to miss this helpful advice! Special Guest: Richie Huffman.

Vera Shafiq, Vice President of Digital Strategy at Location3 shares the latest trends for franchise systems on the local level for growing and acquiring new customers. Special Guest: Vera Shafiq.

Today on Franchise Voice, the CEO of Propelled Brands, Catherine Monson, reflects on the past 3 years of challenges for franchising. Catherine discusses how communication, networking, and sharing of information helped us persevere! Catherine shares how she's preparing her brands, teams, franchisees, and friends for future health-related crises as well as recessions, economic disasters, political turmoil, and other trouble that hurts small businesses. She also guides us how to plan for trouble while remaining calm and optimistic. Special Guest: Catherine Monson.

Franchise Voice welcomes Richie Huffman, Founder and CEO of Celebree School. Richie shares his own entrepreneurial journey and how he's now helping others on their own journey. Celebree is growing people big and small! Special Guest: Richie Huffman.

On today's Franchise Voice, we'll discuss Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Franchising with LaTonia Pouncey, President & CEO, The Pouncey Group, and Alesia Visconti, CEO & President, FranServe. How can franchisors incorporate DEI strategies throughout their franchise system? Also, we have a conversation with Jamie Izaks, the President of All Points PR on local franchisee marketing. What channels are working best now? And does it make sense for franchisees and brands to engage with a local influencer or content creator? Special Guests: Alesia Visconti, Jamie Izaks, and LaTonia Pouncey .

In part two of our series about the changes in the IFA's Certified Franchise Executive program, we speak with Dr Kathleen Gosser, YUM! Assistant Professor at the University of Louisville and Sandie Curtis, VP of Education at the International Franchise Association. The refreshed and simplified CFE program is not just a list of boxes to check and get some points. The Foundations of Franchising courses genuinely include professional development you help you learn about business fundamentals, law, HR issues, growth, and leadership. Learn how you can get involved immediately online and in-person. The next cohort starts next week so get more info now by emailing cfe@franchise.org. There are also many great sessions coming up at #IFA2023 in Vegas! Thanks to Benetrends Financial. Shout-outs today to Denise Cumberland, Emily George, Mary Kay Liston, Mark Liston, and Jania Bailey! Special Guest: Sandie Curtis.

This is the first part of our 2-part series about the changes in the IFA's Certified Franchise Executive program. Sandie Curtis, VP of Education, and Brittney Cosby, Sr Manager of Certification Programs at The IFA discuss the refreshed and simplified CFE program and how you can get involved immediately online and in-person. Special Guests: Brittney Cosby and Sandie Curtis.

On this Veteran's Day edition, Steve White tells his story from serving the US Army to transitioning to the civilian business world, and then to his current role as President of PuroClean. Steve is also a recent past chair of IFA's VetFran committee and shares the vision of this group as well as his thoughts on leadership, having a sense of mission, and the importance of Veteran's Day. Eric Johnson, Manager of VetFran is today's moderator. Special Guests: Eric Johnson and Steve White.

Today's guests on IFA's Franchise Voice: Allison Hill, Head of Diversity and Social Responsibility, ROARK Capital Group Jenn Garner, Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Papa John's Moderator: Rikki Amos, Executive Director of The IFA Foundation The panel discusses Roark's history with philanthropy, the origin of Franchising Gives Back, and Papa John's emphasis on community involvement. Special Guests: Allison Hill, Jennifer Garner, and Rikki Amos.

Rikki Amos, Executive Director of The IFA Foundation speaks with Ericka Garza, President of Au Bon Pain, and Marlen Cortez Morris of Ogletree Deakins, about the launch of The Hispanic Latino Franchise Leadership Council. The goal is to reach the Hispanic and Latino communities about challenges and opportunities in Franchising. Special Guest: Rikki Amos.

It's not often that we get a Congressional Candidate that understands Franchising this well. Chuck Edwards joins Fanchise Voice to share the nuances in policy that impact both franchising and small business ownership at large and how having a background in franchising informs public service.

The major disruptions in the workplace are revolving around HR and workforce development. Sam Caucci, CEO and Founder of 1Huddle, shares ideas with podcast host Jack Monson on: How can franchise systems create a more engaging environment and culture? What are successful brands doing to combat changing expectations and needs? And how can franchisees and other small business owners most effectively train and retain great teams?

August is National Black Business Month and we've invited leaders from The Diversity Institute and The Black Franchise Leadership Council Chair to discuss how we can advance the goals of improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in franchising. Rikki Amos, Executive Director of The IFA Foundation leads a conversation with Earsa Jackson, Richard Snow, and David Smith. Special Guest: Rikki Amos.

Today's guest on Franchise Voice is Franchise Payments Network CEO Tom Epstein, discussing trends in payment processing in the current inflationary environment. Tom shares new research about what franchise systems are thinking regarding passing processing fees and other fees onto the consumer as well as cryptocurrency, buy-now-pay-later, and other structures that are disrupting traditional payment processing.

“Franchising is for everybody.” Mark Jameson of Propelled Brands and Paul Pickett of Wild Birds Unlimited share the mission of IFA's Pride Council, how franchise systems can be more inclusive of the LGBTQ community, and their own personal stories of rising to leadership positions in franchising while being authentic. And moderator Rikki Amos gives an overview of The IFA Foundation and The Diversity Institute. Special Guest: Rikki Amos.

Live from IFE 2022 in New York! IFA's CEO Matt Haller (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewhaller/) sits down with podcast host Jack Monson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackmonson/) to discuss challenges he's hearing from small business owners and an update on IFA's Open for Opportunity program. Plus, we'll chat about next week's Franchise Customer Experience Conference in Atlanta. Next, Charlie Chase (https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliechase/), CEO of FirstService Brands shares his thoughts on the empowering nature of the franchise business model as well as his objectives as the new Chair of the IFA. Special Guest: Matt Haller.

Access to capital is one of the biggest challenges to growing diverse and representative franchise ownership. In fact, it is one of the most common issues or barriers to entry raised among potential franchisees from communities of color. But accessing capital doesn't have to be that hard if you know where to look. Join IFA Foundation Executive Director Rikki Amos, Senior Vice President of External Affairs at the Opportunity Finance Network Dafina Williams, and Principal of Liquid Capital of Greater Philadelphia Jack Wilson for a conversation on Community Development Financial Institutions and what you need to know to become a local business owner. Want more? Listen to this May 2022 webinar for a deep dive on Community Development Financial Institutions and how to access capital for your entrepreneurial dream. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuocUBbCWvY&feature=youtu.be) Special Guests: Dafina Williams, Jack Wilson, and Rikki Amos.

Robin Gagnon is the Co-Founder of We Sell Restaurants and the Chair of the IFA Women's Franchise Committee. She joins Franchise Voice hosts Bill Meierling and Jack Monson to discuss the success of the franchise model during and post-pandemic as well trends she's spotting for the restaurant industry for the rest of this year and next. Special Guest: Robin Gagnon.

The California FAST Recovery Act is a continued attempt to end the franchise model as we know it and harm thousands of local restaurant business owners in California and the jobs they support. The legislation will establish an unaccountable, unelected council of political appointees to oversee workplace policy, independent of the legislature and outside of existing labor law. In addition, by statue, it will eliminate the franchise model in California, turning hardworking local franchise business owners into middle managers, decimating equity they have spent their livelihoods building. Recent amendments purport to allow for legislative oversight but are instead window dressing and do not eliminate the serious legal and policy issues that doomed AB 257 last session. Special Guests: Greg Flynn, Jeff Hanscom, and Roy Gilad.

Today's Franchise Voice features Constance Hill-Johnson, owner of Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services of Cleveland with your hosts Bill Meierling and Jack Monson. Today, Hill-Johnson was announced as the Chairman of the Board for the Cleveland Foundation, the world's very first community foundation that today is also one of the largest with assets exceeding $2.5 billion and annual grant making of more than $100 million. Learn how Connie grew her business through community involvement and about the Cleveland Foundation's intentional approach to serving diverse communities. Special Guest: Connie Hill-Johnson.

In this episode, we are discussing the impact of the war in Ukraine on franchised businesses and the decision of many to cease operations in Russia, as highly reported in the media. We will dive in to how all of this works, answer frequent questions, and address common misperceptions about the franchise business model. We have two international franchise experts who will help set the record straight about how franchising works and what this means for businesses with units in these areas. William Edwards, CEO & Global Advisor to Senior Executives, Edwards Global Services, Inc. Larry Weinberg, Partner, Cassels Jack Monson, Host Bill Meierling, Host

On today's podcast, Bill Meierling and Jack Monson sit down with IFA's Jennifer Brandeen and Sandie Curtis. Then, we have a conversation with Wanda Williams, Head of Global Franchising at Yum! Brands. For more information on The Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence, please visit https://business.louisville.edu/about/learning-at-cob/yumcgfe/

The International Franchise Association welcomes you to Franchise Voice Episode 1! Join hosts Bill Meierling and Jack Monson for a conversation with IFA CEO Matt Haller. Matt shares his vision on how this podcast will integrate with other communications channels for the franchise community. We'll also preview the upcoming IFA Annual Convention and other events that will help small business owners grow in 2022! Special Guest: Matt Haller.