The Franchise Academy Podcast

Join host Tom Scarda as he sits down with Stefan Figley, President of 1-800-Packouts, a leading name in contents and personal property restoration franchising since 2016. As part of the Five Star Franchising family, 1-800-Packouts has earned the trust of property owners and top insurance carriers across North America.In this episode, Stefan shares what makes this business so rewarding, the key qualities of a successful franchisee, and the unique advantages of joining this fast-growing franchise. He also breaks down the franchisee process, offering insights into what it takes to thrive in this industry.With nearly 30 years of experience in franchising and marketing, Stefan has held leadership roles at major brands like Terminix, Steamatic, Merry Maids, and Jani-King International. His expertise in brand growth and franchise development makes this a must-listen for anyone passionate about home service brands and considering franchising.Thinking about stepping into the franchise world? Tune in for an insightful conversation that could help shape your journey!

Hear the story of how Mailboxes Etc. became the UPS Stores. Hear about lessons learned during the process by the guy who was in charge of the transformation.

Why are Army and military veterans, successful franchise owners? Learn reasons military vets and franchises make a perfect match.

Rick Meekins is the Managing Partner at ABCG, Inc. and the Relentless Pursuit of Winning podcast host. Rick's expertise lies in operations management, business analysis, process enhancement, and software implementation, such as ERP and CRM systems. Notable recent projects include customizing and deploying ZohoONE for an international team-building firm, selecting and implementing CRM solutions for a supplement manufacturer, and crafting a strategic roadmap for a skincare company. Mr. Meekins's career has included launching ventures, guiding businesses to operational excellence, and leveraging technology for strategic advantage.

As the franchising landscape undergoes a significant transformation, industry stakeholders must adapt to the changing tides. By following the innovative strategies and principles Penny describes in Manual Magic, franchisors now possess the tools to craft a "magic manual” of their own to help their franchisees gain a competitive advantage and propel them into a brighter, more successful future.

It's difficult to obtain unbiased franchise information. In this interview, find out the reality of franchise ownership, plus the dos and don'ts.

Brooke Budke is a marketing thought leader and franchise expert. She is the founder of Momentum Brands Marketing company.

There are only three reasons that are holding back your success. Phil Johnson, a master of Emotional intelligence explains it all on this podcast.

Jeff Johnson understands the experience of franchisees because he has more than 35 years of experience in the industry.  Jeff founded the Franchise Research Institute in 2002 to provide franchise executives with data on franchisee opinions using science-based research methodology. FRI is the original auditor of franchisee opinions. Today, their clients include many leading brands in various franchise business industries. Jeff's entrepreneurship began when he left a Fortune 500 company to invest in a franchise at the age of 29.  Jeff was Schlotzsky's New Franchisee of the Year in 1985.  As a multi-unit owner, he made the national Top 20 rankings regularly.  As an Area Developer, he opened 19 franchises in 10 years, earning him an award for Area Developer Excellence.  He has served on the Franchise Advisory Council (FAC), the Franchise Marketing Council (FMC), and the Presidents Council. From these experiences, he learned that franchisees often do not share important insights with executives out of fear of retribution. This lack of open, honest communication can prevent a franchise brand from attaining its true potential.  He founded the Franchise Research Institute because he saw the need for an independent survey that goes “behind the curtain” and asks crucial questions of franchisees (while guaranteeing confidentiality).  The FranSurvey© obtains critical information valuable to the company and to franchisee candidates.

Carmelo is the founder and CEO of Spray-Net, a home improvement franchise spanning over 130 territories across North America and growing. His technical knowledge is the foundation of Spray-Net's patented weather-adjustable coatings, and he currently holds 5 patents on paint application processes and its related chemistry.

Once your systems are dialed in, it's all about daily behaviors, attitudes, and techniques in your business model. Jim Wilcox of Sandler Training explains in this podcast of The Franchise Academy.

Surinder Goode is a military spouse, business owner and podcast host of The Goode Show. Feel-good stories of military spouses of both genders.

Once your systems are dialed in, it's all about daily behaviors, attitudes, and techniques in your business model. Jim Wilcox of Sandler Training explains in this podcast of The Franchise Academy.

Marketing guru, Mark Montini speaks about marketing at Premium Service Brands.

The most compelling benefits for Sola's clients are increased incomes, the ability to elevate their careers, and the freedom and control of their schedule and revenue. For franchisees, it is a recurring revenue model. No cash, no onsite employees needed, no marketing. It's a lot like owning an apartment building and collecting rent.

Over the last 10 years, Clean Eatz has helped thousands of customers live healthier lifestyles with their prepared meals.

Home Clean Heroes is a residential cleaning business that gives back to local First Responders via the Heroes First Charity.

Ron Bender, franchise vet and director of Development for Threshold Brands, discusses the value of service-based franchise businesses.

Nora Farhat owns three franchise concepts, British Swim Schools, Pool Scouts, and Mathnasium. Nora explains how she does it and is a mom and wife, too.

This is an inside scoop on running a top franchise. Learn about the techniques it takes to be successful in franchising.

Pet Evolution is the Whole Foods of pet food and supplies. In this episode, we hear from Rian Thiele, CEO and co-founder of the franchise concept.

Joshua Tree Experts is a low-cost, service-based franchise. This concept allows you to work outdoors and not be chained to a cubical. It's a flexible concept that affords the owners flexibility and control.

Charles Jebran is a Franchise Accountant and a former multi-unit franchise owner of Dunkin Donuts and Baskin-Robbins. He has a keen understanding of running a franchise by the numbers. “After graduating from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Charlie started his accounting career with Coopers and Lybrand, now PWC.  There, he gained valuable experience working with major companies in various areas.  However, he was always interested in working with smaller entrepreneurial companies and left his first job to work with two smaller CPA firms to further his knowledge of closely held companies.  During this time, Charlie researched many franchises by talking to franchises, attending conventions, and reading books and magazines.  In 2003, Charlie started his own accounting firm and, along with a partner, signed an agreement with Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins to become a franchisee.  After working through all the details and construction, the first store opened in 2005, with the second store following in 2007.  As a multi-unit operator, he learned every facet of successfully running two high-traffic stores while still running a growing accounting firm.  The stores were subsequently sold in 2012.  Having gained so much knowledge by running his two stores, Charlie began to provide advisory and tax services to operators of a variety of franchises.  He currently provides a variety of services to over 100 stores in the nation.”

Happiness Brands consists of Ecomaids, Lawn Doctor, and Mosquito Hunters.

K9 Resorts® was founded in 2005 by brothers Steven and Jason Parker in Fanwood, N.J. Their love of dogs, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, led them to develop this unique brand.

At Seniors Helping Seniors, you are in business for yourself but not by yourself.

360° Painting is an award-winning brand that Entrepreneur magazine has ranked both as the #1 Paint Franchise two years in a row and as one of the fastest-growing franchises in the country.

Backed by multiple locations in operation and the expertise of a dedicated team, the dermani MEDSPA® franchise is designed to elevate the careers of entrepreneurs and medical professionals alike – while providing best-in-class medspa services to a variety of client profiles.

Listen to a chat with Barry Falcon. His professional career spans more than 40 years. Mr. Falcon has over 18 years of direct experience in franchising, both as a franchisee and as an executive within multiple national franchise organizations.

Have you ever parked in a parking lot? Did you wonder who paints the lines for the stalls? Meet the people who do it. 1-800-Striper

Kieran Scott is the Brand President for Pestmaster and Patio Patrol, two pest control brands owned by Threshold Brands, a multi-brand franchisor in the home-services industry. Prior to joining Threshold Brands, Kieran served as Vice-President of Operations & Director of Strategic initiatives for Scenthound, a wellness-focused, membership-based dog grooming franchisor in Palm Beach County, Florida. Kieran is also a graduate from Georgetown University Franchise Management Program and has received the Certified Franchise Executive designation from the International Franchise Association.

Dan Daquisto is the co-founder and president of LaundroLab and 2ULaundry with a mission to make laundry happy, providing modern-day solutions to all laundry needs across the country.

Rick Mayo is the founder and CEO of Alloy Personal Training, est 1992. Rick and his team have licensed the Alloy training systems to over 2,000 clubs worldwide. Alloy has recently pivoted to a full franchise model to better serve our communities and owners. Rick is a featured speaker at conferences domestically and internationally, speaking on how to best run service based businesses, leadership and create an amazing customer experience. He has written numerous articles on the business of fitness for trade journals and contributes regularly to national publications such as Men's Health. Rick sits on the board for the GA State exercise science department as well as the Association of Fitness Studios. Rick is also an NSCA certified personal trainer and has also been elected to the Industry Board of Advisors for the American Council on Exercise.

Heather Hakes is a Mindset Coach, speaker, and author of Take the Leap. She has been featured on numerous podcasts and published in Authority Magazine, Thrive Global, Voyage Denver, and Women Who Empower and Inspire. Heather has reached tens of thousands through her international podcast, Mind Over Matter.Heather specializes in helping others get out of their own way by awakening their infinite potential to create their ideal life.

Chris Davenport, VP of Franchise Development at Buzz Franchise brands is new to the company but not the franchise industry. Chris has been involved with child-facing service franchise systems. Most recently with Mathnasium Learning Centers & GYMGUYZ.

Diane Pleuss has matched hundreds of entrepreneurs with their perfect fit franchise opportunity, while successfully guiding them to avoid rookie mistakes – at no cost to her candidates. As a result, they are creating wealth, making an impact in their community, and enjoying the systems already in place to accelerate their path to success.

Founded in 2009, Level 5 Capital Partners is a next-generation growth equity firm investing in market-defining consumer businesses. Prior to L5, senior leaders of the team worked together investing in and operating consumer & technology businesses for over 10 years. The team leverages its operational experience to focus on the early growth equity space where pure financial sponsors are typically not well-equipped to invest. L5 can pursue these early-stage opportunities due to the depth and expertise of L5's captive operating team, Acceleration Services ("AS.")

David Weaver has a diverse and comprehensive entrepreneurial background to draw on as a FranChoice consultant. Having honed his business skills in a variety of ways, he now looks forward to sharing his knowledge and experience with others interested in business ownership. David embodies the Midwestern values of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life. He was born and raised in Indiana and got his first taste of business ownership by watching both parents build and operate successful businesses.

Learn about salon studios and how they provide great opportunities to those in the beauty industry while being recession-resistant and pandemic resilient.

How does Private Equity money affect franchise companies? Is a monetary investment a good or bad event?

From foxholes and war to adventure and chasing dreams, #Smart is a team of ambitious individuals striving to improve the lives of those around them every day.

Top 3 Value Bombs:1. Whatever you choose, your choices always come down to uncertainty, and unhappiness. Choose uncertainty.2. There's no way to get past fear. The only way is to embrace it and understand the ramification.3. Don't go into something that has zero market, unless you have lots of money and lots of time. Get into something where there's a niche, but not something that has never been done before.

While your skin type rarely changes, your skin condition does constantly. We look at your skin first, determining what's going on deep beneath the surface before recommending or treating anything. Our expert Skin Therapists personalize care based on what they see today and what you'll need tomorrow.

Opening a coaching or consulting business presents unseen challenges. David Shriner-Cahn offers tips to overcome the challenges.

Learn about how to evaluate a franchise from the attorney's perspective.

Learn how to Maximize your ROL (Return On Luck) with Simon Severino. Simon is the Author of "Strategy Sprints" & "Habits of Success" He is the CEO of global consultancy "Strategy Sprints.”

oach business owners through any challenge at any stage of their business,” Keziah helps small business CEOs navigate the operational and existential challenges of scaling up, pivoting, and/or selling a business they've put their blood sweat and tears into.

Private Equity investors have found franchising as a great addition to portfolios. How does it affect a franchise company and the franchise owners? Alicia Miller, Co-founder and Managing Director of Catalyst Insight Group a boutique investment bank and strategic advisory firm focused on franchising, gives insights to these questions and more.

Angela Paules is the Chief Marketing Officer for Buzz Franchise Brands, the parent company for service brands Pool Scouts, Home Clean Heroes, and British Swim School, and founding franchisor for Mosquito Joe.

John Neral helps mid-career professionals prepare, position, and promote who they are and what they do so they can SHOW UP to find a job they love or love the job they have.

In 2005, the concept of Ivybrook Academy was developed by first grade teacher Jennifer McWilliams. After recognizing the absence of multidimensional learning opportunities for her students, she knew they deserved better. With her passion to shape and teach young minds as her driving force, she set out to create the optimal learning environment for students.