What's Your F'ing Business?®

Unlock the secrets of turning a family business into a thriving franchise with insights from Kris Stuart of Bloomin' Blinds. Discover how Kris and his family honored their roots while expanding nationally, maintaining a family-first ethos that supports franchisees in balancing both work and personal commitments. Chris shares how their unique onboarding approach and brand integration process transcend the corporate norm, inviting newcomers to feel like family from day one.Explore the innovative methodologies that are transforming Bloomin' Blinds into a beacon of training excellence. Learn about their revolutionary OSHA-certified training platforms that prioritize functionality over aesthetics, enabling franchisees to master challenging installations with confidence. Hear how the introduction of the Bloomin' Scale operational platform empowers franchisees with tools and resources while valuing their autonomy. Kris also discusses the delicate balance between offering support and respecting individual expertise among franchise owners.Our conversation takes a deeper turn as we discuss the power of transparency and humility in building robust franchise relationships. Embrace the value of vulnerability and discover how it can elevate credibility and customer connections in today's competitive market. With a focus on fostering community, Kris and I highlight the strategic importance of industry expertise, community engagement, and the benefits of connecting through franchise networks. Hear how they prepare for their Franchise Business Network holiday event, aimed at strengthening relationships and sharing stories that inspire the franchise community.We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Rob Flanagan, CEO and cultural co-founder of Hounds Town USA, as he shares the secrets behind the brand's unique approach to doggy daycare and boarding. Discover how a former NYC Police Department canine unit member, Mike Gould, crafted a dog management philosophy that views the world through a dog's eyes, revolutionizing franchise operations and capturing the interest of franchisees. This episode promises insights into Houndstown's journey from humble beginnings and Rob's pivotal meeting with co-founder Jackie Bondanza.Explore the critical components of franchising as Rob sheds light on the importance of financial health and cultural alignment. Whether you're a seasoned franchisee or new to the game, understanding the financial intricacies before diving into the franchise world is crucial. Rob emphasizes the role of a skilled financial team in guiding growth while maintaining cultural integrity, especially when private equity comes into play. This discussion offers a roadmap for refining brand vocabulary and establishing a strong brand standards manual, ensuring new franchisees align with the company's values and vision.As we look toward the future, Rob shares Hounds Town's strategic growth plans, highlighting the significance of aligning with the right partners and integrating franchise recruitment across departments. The vision of every dog in America having access to Hounds Town services drives infrastructure development and marketing efforts. Gain valuable insights on navigating franchise networking, the importance of setting realistic expectations, and the collaborative spirit within the franchising community. Rob's contributions and the creative team behind "What's your F-ing Business" round out this engaging episode, leaving us inspired for the journey ahead.We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Attention franchise suppliers! Do you think your role at conventions is just about direct selling? Franchisors, do you thing the roundtables are only a place to one sold?  Think again. This episode sheds light the suppliers' role in creating the vibrant hubs of shared learning and collaboration - the Thought Leadership Roundtables. With insightful contributions from Emily George of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and Marcia Mead, President and founder of M2 Franchise Consulting and Executive team of the Supplier Forum Advisory Board , we highlight the shift from "Business Solution Roundtables", to the more inclusive Thought Leadership Roundtables. These sessions are now driven by supplier facilitators and the input from franchisors, franchisees, and  suppliers, fostering dynamic, participant-led discussions that focus on mutual learning and the exchange of innovative ideas in 7 key responsible franchising pillars.Marcia and Emily break down the process for achieving critical deadlines for topic ideas and facilitator options for the 2025 IFA convention and, ensuring you are well-prepared for upcoming events. We also discuss the importance of strategic participation for both franchisors and franchisees, ensuring maximum learning and networking opportunities. Finally, they share ideas on the essential etiquette for franchise suppliers, emphasizing the power of networking and knowledge-sharing over hard sales tactics. Discover why bringing paper business cards remains a timeless and crucial strategy, and learn how to effectively showcase your expertise. Their tips will guide you in making meaningful connections that go beyond the sales pitch, helping you leave a lasting impression without overwhelming potential clients.Tune in for an episode rich in practical advice and insights tailored for the franchising community!We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Unlock the secrets of franchise success and profitability with Jayson Pearl, CEO and founder of ServiceScore, and Mark Jameson, Chief Development Officer of Propelled Brands. Discover how the Franchise Customer Experience Certification Program transforms franchisee satisfaction into consumer delight and, ultimately, business growth. Jason reveals the compelling hypothesis that happy franchisees drive happy customers, establishing a virtuous cycle of profitability. Mark shares firsthand how Propel Brands has been revolutionized by this program, ensuring their franchises not only meet but exceed industry standards.Fast Signs' remarkable journey to 760 locations across nine countries is just the beginning. Learn about their strategic acquisitions, including Nerds to Go, My Salon Suite, and Camp Bow Wow, pushing their portfolio to around 1,400 locations. The rigorous Franchise Certification Process ensures that franchisees are fully supported and heard, driving both top-line growth and profitability. The importance of external feedback is underscored, demonstrating how franchisees and consumers contribute to the continuous improvement and success of the brands.Customer experience is paramount, and no detail is too small. From mature, well-established brands to new and emerging ones, we discuss how leveraging insights and implementing best practices early on can forestall future challenges. The role of the Franchise Business Consultant is highlighted, ensuring that data collected is not just stored but actively used to enhance brand performance. Ethical considerations are also addressed, emphasizing the importance of readiness for certification. Stay tuned for exciting collaborations and our ongoing dedication to being a trusted resource in the franchising community.We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Ever wonder how franchising magic happens across different industries? Prepare to be enlightened as Donnie Carr, the CEO of Christian Brothers Automotive, and James Dwiggins, the innovative CEO of Next Home, pull back the curtain on their successful business models. From the tactile world of automotive repair to the evolving landscape of residential real estate, these titans of industry break down how they support franchisees, ensure customer satisfaction, and cultivate company cultures that thrive, whether brick-and-mortar or virtual.We're not just talking shop; we're delving into the heart of what makes a franchise tick. Discover the importance of a supportive 'buddy network' for franchisees and how listening—truly listening—to customer feedback can propel a business forward. We dissect the building of bonds in remote operations, the impact of authentic corporate culture, and the power of a problem-solving mindset. And if you've ever wondered how to make transparency in business operations your ace in the hole, this discussion is your playbook.Wrap up with a masterclass in franchisee training and expectations. It's about quality, not quantity, and finding franchisees who resonate with your brand's core values. We look at the finesse of tailoring education through Learning Management Systems and the impact of strict training adherence on maintaining brand integrity. As the curtain falls, you'll walk away with an understanding of how perceived value can tip the scales in your financial favor—straight from the leaders who have turned this principle into an art form.We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

When life hands you lemons—or in the case of Dustin de Stefano and Jerod Evanich, personal hardship—you squeeze out an opportunity to change lives. Today, we're honored to share the heartwarming genesis of A Place at Home, where these two visionaries transformed their family challenges into a thriving senior care franchise. They let us in on their transformative journey, from the initial concept to the intricate strategies they've developed for navigating the complex healthcare system and ensuring top-notch care coordination.Our conversation with Dustin and Jerod takes a deep dive into the art of franchising, revealing how A Place at Home stands out in a competitive market. They emphasize the importance of establishing a family culture within their franchise network, offering coaching and support that goes beyond business basics to truly resonate with franchise owner values. Their passion for empowering others to succeed is matched by their innovative approaches to caregiver recruitment, ensuring that their services remain a beacon of reliability and compassion for seniors and their families.As we pivot to the realities of operating a home care business amid a pandemic, we find resilience is key. The founders elaborate on the necessity to adapt quickly to a landscape where caregiver shortages are juxtaposed against increased demand. Their nimble strategies for tapping into unexpected labor pools showcase the importance of satisfaction ratings and meticulous service delivery. Listen as we close this episode with an open invitation to fellow entrepreneurs to share their brand stories and wisdom, reminding us all that in the world of business, the journey is just as vital as the destination.We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Liane Caruso, founder of hello CMO! and Let's Grow! speaks candidly about how much franchisors and their marketing teams need to know to have a coherent fran dev strategy - and why that's important.  And she shares her exciting news about a new learning experience unlike others that is laser focused on development.  It's Let's Grow! Happening in Dallas Feb 4 -6.  Not a bunch of panels, but hands on learning from peers and experts.  It's a Game Changer!  Listen, learn, and sign up today.We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Most franchises offer a model that appeals to a single skill set and relies on employees to fill in the gaps.  Anago Cleaning Systems runs a master franchise system that creates two opportunities for two very different types of business owners: Master Franchisees address the white collar aspects of a blue collar industry.  They do all the "daytime" aspects of the business such as marketing and customer acquisition.  The unit franchisees do the "evening" aspects – the cleaning.Listen to President and CEO Adam Povlitz tell how this 39-year old concept has used Master Franchsing to grow and create profitable business ownership opportunities to hundreds of diverse and successful people.We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Brett Larimer, franchise executive and CEO and founder of Compassion Culture Consulting shares her personal story and how it brought her into the world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Learn how a diverse workforce can great improve profitability, innovation, and market dominance.  Are unconscious biases hindering your franchise development goals? Are you missing untapped markets?  Brett effortlessly weaves statistics and case studies into actions that are graceful, compassionate, and empathetic.We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Cary Daniel CEO of Nextaff talks beyond the need for great staffing. We talk leadership, designing and system and leading franchisees with thought and listening - and balance!We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

"Great marketing starts with operations." - Ashley Mitchell, Streamline Brands.We continue our discussion with more professionals who were named by Entrepreneur as 50 Franchisor CMOs Who are Changing the Game.  This time we focus on operations and franchisee-level marketing.  Join Jennifer LoBianco from Best Life Brands, David Fossas from Restore Hyper Wellness, Kelly Crompvoets at Any Lab Test Now, Quick Chadwick from Clean Juice,  Crissy Russo of Junk King/ Neighborly, Ashley Mitchell with Streamline Brands, and Amy Phillips of Altitude Trampoline Park.We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

When Entrepreneur makes an inaugural list of CMOs Who are Changing the Game, it's time to sit up and listen!  In this panel, featuring Angela Paules of Buzz Brands, Doug Zarkin from Pearle Vision and Essilor Luxottica, and Marci Kelinsasser of Home Franchise Concepts we cover it all -  franchise development, B2B marketing, consumer marketing, current trends, retro methods and everything in between that is effective.  And if you franchisees aren't great at marketing?  Learn from Buzz Franchise Brands and Pearle Vision - game changers!We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

"We're not running heaven here; we are running a business.  We have impeccable systems run by imperfect humans but we try to be leaders.  We empower, not enable." Listen to Tom Pabin, the founder and president of Class 101 tell his inspiring story of a pledge to help teens, faith in what he was doing and then creating world class tools and system to create success and be the newest of the Unleashed Brands.  "Part of the process is following the process!"  Truer words were never spoken.We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

The old sayings are "write what you know" and "do what you love."  When you combine the expertise and passion with a strong commitment to brand values and operational excellence you get - success.  You get Goldfish Swim School.  Andrew McCuiston, President, takes you through their methodical growth, adaptive changes to their growth trajectory.  Their commitment to water safety for children is changing lives for kids, parents and the franchisees.We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

By combining strong values, change management systems, and clear goals, Rachel Southard, the President of Men in Kilts, one of the Threshold Brands, is leading this 20-year brand to being an overnight sensation.The brand is true to the customer journey and encourages the franchisees to THINK BIG and EMBRACE CHANGE.  But that takes careful planning.  Tune in to learn how they are making change using ADKAR. You can reach Rachel at rsouthard@meninkilts.com We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

From the violence in Nigeria to Microsoft to heading her own company - Ruth Agbaji is positive and wants to share her influence by making opportunities for others. Listen to this story of joy, accomplishment and vision and what she sees as the future of franchising.

Influence takes different forms and has many applications.  Founder and CEO of Casa de Corazon, Natalie Standridge, talks about developing a franchise program that has lasting positive effects that influence children's development and franchisees' lives slowly and methodically with good results for the franchisees and don't vary from the brand values.

When your industry was hit by a pandemic, competition, and staffing challenges what do you do?  Build on your culture and focus on people.  Listen to your people and engage your culture!!  Listen to Susan Boresow, President and CEO of Massage Heights as tells how her 35 years in franchising with top brands translates to creating community throughout the franchise system. 

Influencing the growth of our country by educating our youth through cooking classes, Julie Burleson, Founder and CEO  of Young Chef's Academy, talks about building brands with heart, values, vulnerability, and strong business skills.  She says through the early days of fast growth through the stresses of Covid shutdowns, the key to her success has been being true to herself.  Listen to her story of leadership and influence. 

A franchise system over 50 years old and one of the first 100 brands in the IFA,  Ziebart International, continues  to grow and evolve.  How?  By always thinking of the franchisees, employees and customers and using influence to communicate, collaborate and celebrate.  Listen to Vice President, Marketing, Larisa Walega talk about her personal development journey and how the brand has influenced her and the brand.

Listen to Lisa and her leadership philosophy of, "Don't follow me; Go with me."  Together they are going far.Culture, logistics, listening, and respect helped build Junk King to an industry leader.  They listen to franchisees' ideas and incorporate them when they can.  A new addition of highly trained FBCs increase the franchisor commitment to the system and the franchisees.

 Robin Gagnon, CFE, MBA, and CBI and her husband created a franchise system whose name says it all, "We Sell Restaurants" that is now the largest seller of restaurants in the United States.  Robin shares her story of growing from a serial entrepreneur to a CEO and create a niche that helps the franchisees thrive and restaurant owners achieve their desired exit strategies.Listen as she talks about influence, leadership,

Patti Rother, president of Frios Gourmet Pops, talks of her leadership journey, being authentic and how to really know your franchisees.  Being authentic is part of the fabric of Frios Gourmet Pops and part of Patti Rother leading to a dynamic plan for franchise growth.

The values are Hope, Grow, Share, and Solve.  The attitude is Advance and the secret weapon is an advisory board.  Listen to Shannon Wilburn, CEO and Co-founder of Just Between Friends talk about starting a business that was an economic necessity as a teen, became a passion as a parent that is now a thriving franchise system helping others save money and care well for their children by taking chances and asking questions and for help.

"Franchisors have to soar with their strengths and manage their weaknesses…"  said Sean Falk, Commercial Lines Specialist at Hylant in a group discussion of the challenges and opportunities that await franchisors in 2022.  Join Dawn Kane, Co-founder and  CEO of Hot Dish Advertising, Michael Ianuzzi, CPA, Partner and Co-Practice Leader in Franchising at Citrin Cooperman, Michelle Rowan, COO and President of Franchise Business Review, Sherri Seiber, President of FranFund, Ty Brewster, Retail Broker at Locate.ai, Taj Adhav CEO of Leasecake and Amy Cheng, Founding Partner of ChengCohen law firm in a discussion of the changes that are happening in 2022 and how good franchisors can tap into outside expertise to manage it all and grow their systems.  And they share their tips for the best experience at #IFA2022

Michael Haith, CEO of Teriyaki Madness has successfully developed several franchise brands. Now he is taking the lessons he learned for franchise development, operational support and building a profit model for franchisees and franchisor. 

Sean Hart, VP of Development for American Family Care talks about relying on their mission statement to guide development and growth successfully and providing the support franchisees need.  "See customers where they are in ways that are convenient for them at prices that make sense for them."

It takes a lot to be a brands that keep growing after 30+ years and Pete Baldine, President of Moran Family of Brands tells us how.  Automotive is ever-changing and you need franchisees who trust you to flow, respond and anticipate.  Listen to how they have done it, keep doing it and their plans for the future of Mr.Transmission, Milex Complete  Auto Care, and Turbo Tint.

Consistent quality is the cornerstone of Wayback Burgers - in food, service, ambience and franchisees.  Listen as President Pat Conlin talks about building this brand and his unique perspective as a former franchisee. It's all about a commitment to the brand and doing it right.

Boston Pizza is growing through Canada and now the U.S. with a laser focus on operations, community, training, and the customer experience.  Hear how Ryan Reeves, Vice President of Franchise Sales and Development lays it out - you can't have development without great culture, operations and training.  Growth and training go hand in hand.

Join Danessa Itaya, President of Property Management, Inc, (PMI) to talk about a unique expansion model that supports its franchisees while they support property owners in all types of properties.  They had huge growth during the pandemic and are on target to grow even more.

B2B services offer some great franchise opportunities and Pirtek is one of the the top brands. CEO Kim Gubera explains why you don't have to be flashy to be a successful franchisee in a successful brand.  Hear about their in-depth technical training for franchisees and their employees , 24/7 tech support and a focus on company culture and values.  Integrity, transparency, mutual trust and mutual respect. It all works for franchisee success.

Kelly Jensen, President of NHance takes his slogan "Wood refinishing done right" seriously and applies it to franchising, too.  NHance does franchising right and has over 400 franchisees to prove it!  Listen to his common sense approach that blends ethics, deep understanding of the franchise model and selectivity to drive franchise development and success.

Join Andrew Cox, Senior VP of Business Development for Medi-Weightloss to learn how to successfully invest in franchising to become a leader in a crowded space.  It's all about people, people, people! (and understanding the business model).

Who is your prime franchise candidate?  Has your brand, its support and reach changed to attract a new generation of franchisees?  Listen to Joe Malmuth,  VP of Franchise Sales for Batteries + talk about the adaptations are needed for brands to remain relevant to today's buyers … and tomorrow's.

Balancing a franchise system so it survives 44  years and grows to 4,000 units takes work and understanding.  Ed Quinlan, President of ChemDry talks about the importance of metrics, customer satisfaction, innovation and making decisions that are a win for the consumers, franchisees and the ChemDry brand.

Who rents tires?  RnR Tire Express franchisees do.  Larry Sutton, founder and CEO of RnR Tire Express tells how he converted the "rent-to-own" model to a necessity - tires and wheels.  Listen as he shares more than 20 years' experience growing and supporting franchisees.  Proper training is the key to solid growth. Mary Ann O'Connell of FranWise sat down with Larry for a great discussion, peppered with laughs.

What business are you really in?  When you understand your "why," decisions and growth can cut through the clutter and drive success.  HOA Brands (Hooters and Hoots) CEO Sal Melilli share his history with the brand and his passion for the brand and the customer and driving a path for franchisees' growth.

Kristen Pechacek, Chief Growth Officer of MassageLuXe, shares her ideas on how to focus on growth.  It's more than adding new units, it's all about the franchisees' profitability and the franchisor's ability to support them.  When done well, there is always room for a great brand in a crowded market.

Tune in this season and listen to the top executives of solid brands talk about endurance.  They may not be sexy, but they are solid!  These brands are brought to you with the help of 919 Marketing and Fishman PR.  It's a great season and all we need is - you!

Respecting your franchisees' time and knowledge and acting on their feedback has created engaged and satisfied franchisees.  Shant Assarian, CEO of Mathnasium shares real world tips for building a strong brand, strong community and strong franchisee satisfaction.

Dan Shapero, President and COO of TeamLogicIT, makes it sound so easy, but he has a careful dedication to culture, honest communication and transparency that pays off with strong franchisee satisfaction.  Listen for great tips to grow your brand.

It sounds simple - serve the franchisees by leading them to their potential.  Learn how to gain trust and satisfaction by building trust and being true to your word.  Steve White, COO of PuroClean talks about his success with many brands by setting culture and following through with a united team.  "You'll never grow focusing on your weaknesses, but you need to know what they are."

Mary Jane Riva, CEO of Pizza Factory started as a franchisee, so she knows how to listen to their feedback.  Using data from the Franchise Business Review Franchisee Satisfaction Survey and a strategy to become an integral part of small markets, Pizza Factory has grown even through a pandemic.  How?  Be awesome!

How do you build great franchisee satisfaction in a highly competitive market?  Tell the franchisees the truth, keep a focus on what you do and get franchisees to share the vision.  Sean Manning of Payroll Vault doesn't pull punches and talks about the hard work it takes and the rewards it can reap.

Donnie Carr, President of Christian Brothers Automotive talks about the power of a shared vision and strong business culture values when building a brand that lasts.  The balance of unit level economics and culture are the key to their franchising success.

Jesse Johnstone, President of Fibrenew, shares their focus for having highly satisfied and motivated franchisees as they grow out from their home base in Canada and persevere for 36 years!  

Not every brand is seeking to be the biggest, but they can still be the best at what they do.  Michael Arrowsmith, CDO of Pinch A Penny Pool, Patio and Spa, talks about franchising with heart.  Hear how this family-run business has grown a regional brand to great success for them and their franchisees by truly caring about their franchisees success and developing a system around that and how the Franchise Business Review Franchisee Satisfaction Survey has been a key tool for that.

Good franchisees measure performance, but the great ones measure their franchisees' satisfaction.  Tune in to a fun and interesting discussion with Eric Stites Founder and CEO, and Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review about how getting anonymous, honest, and truthful feedback can be the most powerful tool in growing a brand.  The follow this season as we talk to some of their top scorers of the FBR, Franchisee Satisfaction Survey including: Pinch a Penny, Fibrenew, Christian Brothers Automotive, Payroll Vault, Pizza Factory, Puroclean, Team Logic and Mathnasium.

We're back!  Listen to franchisors who know the true measure of success - franchisee satisfaction and how to attain it.

Franchising can move fast and the best brands keep up - without changing their culture.  Charles Watson, CFE is CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe and takes us on a tour of a brand that redefined itself as it grew into a quick casual powerhouse.