Welcome to the podcast Where Passion and Purpose Collide. We are on a mission to interview women (and the occasional Token Man) about how their passion and purpose have collided to create healthy relationships and profitable businesses. We also feature a segment, Women in the Know, where we discuss everything from politics and policy to relationships and marketing and from franchise growth to difficulties between franchisees and franchisors. On Ask Beck and Liz, no topic is off limits! We answer your questions about business, life and everything in between. And be careful – we may even try to find you a spouse – just ask Robert Bruski!
What does it take to turn a store into a community movement? In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Johanna Bialkin, Founder & CEO of Aldea Home & Baby, a beloved San Francisco-based brand offering eco-conscious baby goods, curated home décor, and events that bring people together. Johanna opens up about: How her upbringing and family history shaped her entrepreneurial path Why Aldea is about connection over products Her decision to franchise Aldea and spread its “small village” model nationwide Lessons from the challenges of Covid and her journey toward embracing “I am enough” ✨ Whether you're an entrepreneur, franchisee, or simply someone who values community, this conversation will inspire you.
At just 16, Carl Comeaux began his journey as a personal trainer with a passion for changing lives. Today, as CEO of Crust Pizza Company, Carl leads with vision, resilience, and purpose. In this heartfelt interview with hosts Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa, Carl shares: His path from fitness and tech ventures to leading a rapidly growing pizza brand How Crust Pizza creates community through memorable dining experiences The role of vision, leadership, and giving back in scaling to 250+ locations His family's powerful story of overcoming challenges, and how St. Jude inspires his mission to give more than he receives
What happens when passion for pets, grit through hard times, and the dream of family legacy collide? You get the remarkable story of Shannon and Ashley O'Dore of Aussie Pet Mobile Tucson. For 17 years, Shannon grew her mobile pet grooming business from one van to a multi-van operation—navigating economic downturns, flat tires, and even grooming pets herself when needed. Now, her daughter Ashley and son-in-law Rylan are stepping in to carry the business forward, infusing new ideas, technology, and their own vision for growth. In this episode, you'll learn:
What happens when you mix family, business, and a passion for making homes beautiful? You get Lori & Chad Morgan — the powerhouse mother-son team behind Kitchen Tune-Up Colorado Springs. In this heartwarming and insightful conversation with The Franchise Woman Podcast host Rebecca Monet, you'll hear how: Lori turned a layoff into a 30-year entrepreneurial journey Chad brought fresh vision and new opportunities to the business They navigated challenges, client heartbreaks, and major wins together Their shared mission to “serve well” has shaped their brand and legacy From Franchise of the Year honors to kitchens that change lives, this is a story about more than remodeling — it's about building trust, family bonds, and a business to be proud of.
In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, co-hosts Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Brittney Lincoln—partner at Limitless Franchise Growth and founder of Females in Franchising. Brittney opens up about launching her first business in the aftermath of the 2008 recession, how she transitioned into franchising, and what inspired her to create a space just for women in the industry. With over 13 years of experience in both home services and brick-and-mortar franchises, Brittney shares invaluable insights into launching and scaling brands the right way. Key takeaways include: The real meaning of responsible franchising Common pitfalls emerging brands should avoid The power of mentorship, community, and connection How Females in Franchising is creating a space for women to grow, give, and get support
In this powerful episode of The Franchise Woman: Where Passion & Purpose Collide, we sit down with Mike Bahun, founder of Fundraising University. From overcoming poverty to coaching college baseball to building a national franchise, Mike shares how embracing struggle, focusing on the process, and fostering a growth mindset shaped his journey. Mike opens up about: ✅ How his early life fueled his passion for mentoring youth ✅ Why he believes struggle is essential for personal and business growth ✅ How Fundraising University helps students, teams, and franchisees develop life skills, confidence, and ownership ✅ The importance of mental skills vs. just sports psychology in both business and athletics ✅ His powerful message to entrepreneurs, parents, and leaders: Be good at the hard things. Whether you're a franchise leader, coach, parent, or entrepreneur, Mike's story will challenge you to rethink how you approach struggle and success.
In this candid and insightful episode of The Franchise Woman: Where Passion & Purpose Collide, Stephane Breault pulls no punches about what's holding many franchisors back—and how to fix it. With over two decades as a franchise CEO and another 15+ years coaching franchisors globally, Stephane knows the leadership pitfalls that can derail even the most promising franchise brands. In this episode, Stephane shares: ✔️ The #1 mistake franchisors make: seeing franchising as a transaction instead of a partnership ✔️ Why leadership (not management) is the key to scaling beyond 30 units ✔️ How to create rituals that build trust, connection, and culture ✔️ The leadership crisis that stops franchisors from scaling—and how to overcome it ✔️ How accountability must flow both ways to create empowered, high-performing franchisees Stephane also shares a powerful real-world case study from his client Poulet Rouge, a brand that transformed its growth by embracing these leadership principles—and now opens a new franchise nearly every week. Want to learn how to break the leadership ceiling in your franchise system? Don't miss this episode.
In this heartfelt episode of The Franchise Woman podcast, host Rebecca Monet and co-host Tracy Kawa sit down with Bonnie Lanyon and Carol Ann Hunter—two PuroClean franchisees who have built not only successful businesses but a decades-long friendship rooted in shared values, family, and faith in their franchising journey.
In this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast, Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa welcome Brooke Wilson, multi-unit owner of Two Men and a Truck and founder of Two Men and a Junk Truck. Brooke shares: How she built a $20M+ business with nearly 300 employees The real challenges of launching a business as newlyweds Her leadership philosophy: every person brings value What drives her mission to help others find their worth Hilarious and heartwarming stories from over 20 years in the moving industry Whether you're a franchisor, franchisee, or simply someone who loves hearing powerful stories of growth and purpose—you'll love this episode.
In this heartfelt Father's Day episode, Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Donna and Daniel Golik—co-founders of Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream—to talk about family, resilience, and building a $7M brand with purpose.
Join us for a powerful conversation with Dawn Kane, CEO of Hot Dish Advertising, as she shares her 30+ year journey from the skyscrapers of Manhattan to the heart of franchise marketing. What you'll learn: What franchisors should know before choosing a vendor or agency How due diligence and culture fit make or break a marketing partnership Why “agency” isn't just a title—it's a responsibility The role of B2E marketing in employee recruitment for franchisees How mentorship and connection fuel business (and personal) growth With warmth, wit, and wisdom, Dawn reflects on the lessons she's learned—and how she's helping brands grow stronger through strategy, integrity, and relationships. #FranchiseMarketing #HotDishAdvertising #FranchiseGrowth #WomenInFranchising #AgencyLeadership #TheFranchiseWomanPodcast
From the treatment room to the boardroom—this week's guest Kristi Levig shares her journey from waxing specialist to multi-unit Waxing the City franchise owner. You'll hear: ✔️ How she transitioned from manager to owner ✔️ What it's like to buy an existing studio vs. open one from scratch ✔️ The power of mentorship and building future franchisees ✔️ Why franchise support gave her the confidence to keep growing ✔️ How relationships—not money—drive her success Kristi's story is packed with optimism, grit, and inspiration for any woman considering entrepreneurship.
This week, we sit down with Loana Perez, founder and CEO of TeaCupFuls, to talk about how she turned a troubled past into a purpose-driven brand.
From condo property management to poolside entrepreneur, Carrie Waltman is one of only a handful of female franchise owners in the America's Swimming Pool Company system—and her story is all about resilience, relationships, and the power of heart-led leadership.
Join Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa as they sit down with Marcieli Pastorio, a visionary entrepreneur and CEO of Maha Juice Bar, a franchise redefining the juice bar industry with a focus on quality, kindness, and purpose. From her humble beginnings in the Amazon region of Brazil to building a successful franchise in the U.S., Marcieli's journey is one of faith, resilience, and servant leadership.
In this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast, Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with the visionary entrepreneur Sophia Wastler, the founder of the Starz Program—a company dedicated to enriching children's lives through dance, sports, cheerleading, and fitness. But Sophia's mission doesn't stop there! The Starz Program also offers business ownership opportunities, empowering passionate individuals to build successful businesses while making a difference in their communities.
In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, hosts Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Danielle Wellings, the dynamic CEO of One Source Moving Solutions—a company redefining the moving experience with a compassionate, full-service approach. From growing up in a family business to building her own franchise empire, Danielle shares her incredible entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of franchising, and the deep emotional connections her company forms with the families they serve.
What would make a successful healthcare IT professional leave her career to start a concrete coatings franchise? The answer: purpose, happiness, and family. In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Krystal Greenhaw, the inspiring entrepreneur behind Wise Coatings Raleigh.
What happens when two sisters leave corporate America to start a business in a male-dominated industry? Success, resilience, and a powerful story! In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, hosts Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Brooke Yobo and Lindsay Keyser, the inspiring sister duo behind DRYmedic, a restoration franchise serving Southwest Florida.
What if a single phone call changed the course of your career? That's exactly what happened to Maddie Wofford, founder of Beheld Beauty Collective. What started as a request to assist with wedding hairstyling quickly turned into a thriving beauty business, now expanding through franchising. In this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast, Maddie and her father/mentor, David Pierce, share their journey of entrepreneurship, leadership, and empowering women in business.
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Kayla Ryan, Chief Marketing Officer at Home Run Franchises, has a rich background in franchising, starting from her teenage years working in her family's franchise businesses. Her passion for entrepreneurship led her to establish and successfully grow her own company, Flick Switch Marketing, which she sold in 2023. At Home Run Franchises, Kayla now leads multiple brands within the company, focusing on empowering franchise partners through innovative, data-driven marketing strategies and personal coaching. Kayla champions the growth of family-run franchises, viewing it as a way to support generational success and avoid high student debt. In her family-focused work culture, she sees franchisees as extended family members and fosters an environment where they can rely on her team for business and personal support. This inclusive culture has become a foundation of Home Run Franchises, where franchisees are supported as they navigate business ownership, even if they are young or new to the industry. Looking ahead, Kayla's vision for Home Run includes strategic growth into multiple brands and maintaining a supportive, family-centric environment. Kayla's dedication to responsible franchising, family businesses, and personalized support underscores her commitment to building a sustainable future for both Home Run Franchises and the wider franchising community. Listen in to the full interview here.
Megan Allen is a seasoned franchising expert with nearly 20 years of experience. She is currently the Director of Real Estate and Construction at The Dog Stop, an award-winning, all-inclusive dog care facility. Her franchising journey began at the age of 17, spanning roles in funding, financing, and executive leadership. Megan's guiding principle is "service," focusing on serving franchisees first, ensuring their success. She believes if franchisees succeed, the entire system benefits. Her goal is to empower franchisees to grow, reinvest, and build legacies. Megan credits her service-oriented mindset to her upbringing, especially her mother's involvement in community service and her father's entrepreneurial spirit. She learned the importance of helping others and has applied these values to her career in franchising. At The Dog Stop, Megan is passionate about providing a well-rounded experience for pets through multiple revenue streams (e.g., grooming, daycare, boarding). She loves the impact the business has on both dogs and communities, particularly through fostering and adoption initiatives. Listen here for the full interview with Megan Allen.
To Thomas Miskowski business is personal. He has 2 passions: hunting and making sure his franchisees are successful. Thomas Miskowski, along with a business partner Wade Nolte, acquired Kitchen Solvers in 2010; Thomas was appointed President in November 2022. With over a decade of leadership in Kitchen Solvers, Miskowski has been instrumental in driving the company's success through his commitment to franchisee satisfaction, innovation, and per-unit metrics. What a fun conversation as Tracy Kawa and Rebecca Monet and one avid hunter discuss hunting, adventure and how the skills and attributes of a good hunter transfers into a strategic and focused leader in the franchise space. Listen here to full interview.
Julie Cartwright, President for the emerging fitness juggernaut Pvolve, joins us today on this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast. Julie spent the majority of her career in product development, helping some of the world's most recognizable fitness personalities – Tracy Anderson, Jillian Michaels, and Leslie Sansone – develop America's favorite at-home workout videos. And at the top of her game, Cartwright left it all behind to take over what she's called “one of the most impactful fitness brands on the market.” What makes Julie, a self-proclaimed observer and introvert, a great leader? It's her ability to pick-up subtle cues, listen intently and put pieces together that others may not see, hear or recognize. Listen as she shares her story of being an empath a stealth like decision maker.
Mother-Daughter duo Gwynda Jones and Monica Nia Jones, franchisees with HOTWORX, join us today on this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast. We talked about their philosophy of: When the door opens walk through it and the pivotal moments in their lives that led to business ownership. Gwynda's during the pandemic, and while battling a life-threatening cancer diagnosis, she discovered the physical and mental health benefits of infrared energy, namely through working out at HOTWORX. Upon entering remission, Gwynda along with her daughter, Monica Nia, opened their HOTWORX location in Chicago's River North Neighborhood in early 2023. Monica Nia's pivotal moment was when she was fired from her first corporate job after graduating from the University of Arizona. She decided to enter the Miss Illinois Competition in 2022. Monica was crowned Miss Illinois in 2022, the first Black woman to hold the title in 20 years. She competed in the 2023 Miss America competition, where she was named “People's Choice” and finished as a top 11 finalist. Listen in to the full interview here.
The Eyes Have It. Dr. Heather M. Skeens, the visionary behind Bellasee™ Franchising, LLC, and Bellasee™ Education, joins us on The Franchise Woman podcast. Seems Dr. Skeens was destined to be the in the ‘eye' business. Recently her mother showed her a human eye model that Dr. Skeens played with when she was a child. Although she does not remember the toy, it clearly made a lasting impression. Dr. Heather M. Skeens is a renowned ophthalmologist and entrepreneur with over 21 years of experience, specializing in corneal transplantation, cataract surgery, and refractive procedures. Dr. Skeens shares her journey from ophthalmologist to entrepreneur to franchisor and the mentors along the way. Listen to full interview here.
Two Life Themes Intertwine to Build Avanti Body Franchise. Terri Simpson, Founder and CEO at Avanti Body, and Andrea Dobkin, President of Franchise Development, join us today on The Franchise Woman podcast. Terri talks about her life theme of paradigm shifts. She thought she wanted to be a DJ … until she did it. Her life in radio was not for naught as she went on to work with Rush Limbaugh and owning several radio stations. Andrea Dobkin's life theme comes from the book: Love Yourself as if Your Life Depended on It, by Kamal Ravikant. This concept of loving yourself was not one discussed, encouraged or modeled by her mother or other female role models. Both Terri & Andrea encountered health issues which forced them to make a paradigm shift and begin to love themselves as if their life dependent on it … because it truly did. Listen in to this insightful interview with Terri Simpson and Andrea Dobkin.
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