Podcasts about Don Fox

The U.S. and China have agreed to a ceasefire in a trade war that has rippled across the global economy, with both nations slashing tariffs for the next 90 days as trade negotiations continue. Cornell University's Eswar Prasad explains more. And, President Trump will soon visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Jon Gambrell, Gulf and Iran news director for the Associated Press, shares a view from the region. Then, Qatar has proposed a deal to gift the Trump administration a new jumbo jet to serve as Air Force One. Don Fox, former acting director of the Office of Government Ethics, explains the ethical concerns.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It’s been less than two months since President Trump took office. In that time, Trump, his family and administration members have seen personal and financial gain in ways aided by their power and influence. This week, the president lined up Teslas at the White House to help Elon Musk as Tesla stocks plummeted. Laura Barrón-López discussed more with Don Fox. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

It’s been less than two months since President Trump took office. In that time, Trump, his family and administration members have seen personal and financial gain in ways aided by their power and influence. This week, the president lined up Teslas at the White House to help Elon Musk as Tesla stocks plummeted. Laura Barrón-López discussed more with Don Fox. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Send us a Text Message.Curious about the secret sauce behind scaling a successful restaurant brand? Get ready to learn from Brandy Blackwell, VP Head of Marketing for Another Broken Egg Cafe, as she shares her journey from key roles at Tijuana Flats, McAlister's Deli, Dunkin', and Jimmy John's. Discover the essential elements of real estate, location, and adaptability that have propelled Another Broken Egg Cafe to over 100 units across 16 states. Brandy breaks down the importance of digital presence and community connection, offering invaluable insights into what makes full-service dining distinctive from QSR and fast-casual experiences. Unlock the power of actionable insights with Brandy's expertise on using feedback tools to elevate guest experiences. Learn why proactive measures are crucial and how fostering a supportive environment for franchisees can streamline improvements. Brandy also shares her admiration for industry leaders like Karen Stuck and Don Fox, and discusses Another Broken Egg Cafe's growing influence on social media platforms, including TikTok. This episode is packed with inspiration and expert advice on creating a five-star guest experience that keeps customers coming back.

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Hamilton is looking for new ways to deal with encampments as the cost of sanctioned encampments is revealed. Real estate insolvencies in Canada to surpass levels of the global financial crisis. CBC paid millions in bonuses after eliminating hundreds of jobs. Polling shows Cdns want Trudeau to go but believe his ego won't let him. Speaking of Trudeau, the PM says Canada is taking the review of immigration screening of terror plot suspects ‘extremely seriously.' Do we believe him? And healthcare! How has immigration impacted our already strained healthcare system? It is all coming up on the Hamilton Today Podcast! Guests: Brother Richard MacPhee, Executive Director of the Good Shepherd. Susie Braithwaite, Executive Director of the Hamilton International Village B.I.A. Don Fox, Executive Financial Consultant, with The Fox Group, IG Private Wealth Management. Franco Terrazano, Federal, Director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation. Andrew Enns, Executive Vice-President, Central Canada, for Leger. Ian Lee, Associate Professor with the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University. Phil Gurski, President of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting, former CSIS analyst. Dr. Shawn Whatley is a practicing physician, the author of When Politics Comes Before Patients — Why and How Canadian Medicare is Failing, and a senior fellow with the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. Scott Radley, host of the Scott Radley show and columnist with the Hamilton Spectator. Host – Scott Thompson Content Producer – Jordan Armenise Technical/Podcast Producer – Tom McKay Podcast Co-Producer – Ben Straughan News Anchor – Dave Woodard Want to keep up with what happened in Hamilton Today? Subscribe to the podcast! https://megaphone.link/CORU8835115919 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest episode of Hospitality Hangout, hosts Michael Schatzberg, affectionately known as "The Restaurant Guy," and Jimmy Frischling, "The Finance Guy," sit down with the legendary Don Fox, Chairman of Firehouse Subs.The Meteoric Rise of Don FoxStarting his culinary journey scrubbing dishes at an Italian restaurant in New Jersey, Fox has seen it all. From his aspirations of being a trumpet player to a substantial 23-year tenure with Burger King, Fox's tale is nothing short of inspiring. The episode sheds light on his monumental contribution to Firehouse Subs, transforming it from a 65-unit brand in 2003 to a colossal chain of over 1200 restaurants under his leadership.Lessons from Five Decades in the Restaurant IndustryReflecting on his extensive journey, Fox underlines three key lessons for budding restaurateurs:The importance of fostering teamwork and building robust relationships.Embracing hard work, coupled with unwavering dedication and effort.Prioritizing company culture, with leaders leading by example.These insights, echoed by Michael and Jimmy, serve as valuable takeaways for anyone in the hospitality industry.Shaq and the Digital FootprintA hilarious highlight from the episode revolves around NBA superstar, Shaquille O'Neal. From Shaq inadvertently compelling Firehouse Subs to join Twitter to a memorable interaction at a franchise conference, these stories underscore the potent impact of celebrities on businesses.However, diving deeper into technology's role, Fox emphasizes the need to merge technology with traditional hospitality elements. With a cautionary note, he warns of the risk of restaurants losing their unique identities if they entirely sideline the human touch that defines true hospitality.Generation Z and the Future of DiningThe episode delves into the evolving restaurant landscape, particularly the integration of technology. As Gen Z becomes the primary customer demographic, Fox ponders over their heavy reliance on technology and wonders if a saturation point might lead them to seek more traditional dining experiences.With a nod to the next generation, Fox also dispels some common misconceptions about their work ethic, holding a positive view of their contribution to the restaurant space.Lighthearted Moments and Quickfire QuestionsBetween serious discussions, the episode is peppered with playful banter. From joking about popular burrito spots in "Food Service Feud" Don's quickfire revelations (he's a fan of tomatoes on sandwiches and hails Chicago as his favorite food city!), the conversation keeps listeners engaged and entertained.Hospitality Hangout's latest episode is a blend of profound insights, playful jests, and industry reflections. Don Fox's extensive journey, coupled with the shared experiences of Schatzy and Jimmy, provides a holistic perspective on the challenges, growth, and future of the restaurant industry. Don't miss this insightful dive into the intricacies of the hospitality world!

Fransmart is a global leader in franchise development. For over 20 years, they've excelled at turning emerging concepts into national and global brands. Led by company founder Dan Rowe, Fransmart is known throughout the franchising community for spotting and growing brands like Five Guys Burgers & Fries and Qdoba Mexican Grill, from single unit businesses to the powerhouse chains they are today. Fransmart has built restaurants in all of the top 150 media markets in North America. Fransmart's success stories include Five Guys, Qdoba Mexican Grill and Halal Guys – a franchise that started from a success food cart in New York City. Today, Halal Guys is the most successful Middle Eastern restaurant in America. Dan's success stems from his knowledge of each market and the potential franchisees in each market. With that knowledge, he can often predict whether a restaurant will find franchisees and be successful. The biggest mistake a lot of franchisees make is picking the wrong brand to invest in. Another mistake franchisees make is not following the system put in place by the brand they're investing in.  QUOTES “A good franchisee wants to follow somebody else's system. A bad franchisee buys a franchise and tries to do everything different.” (Dan)  “In every market, we know where the best operators are, we know where the best intersections are, where the best projects are, the best architects, contractors, food distributors, so we just sort of developed this knack for understanding the best way to do everything in these markets.” (Dan) “I want to be relentless about getting the right site (for a new restaurant). For any concept, there's 10 or 15 or 20 potential sites. But there's really only three or four first sites. You have to be very careful when you're building a brand in a brand new market. There's something very strategic about using real estate and real estate's role in marketing.” (Dan) “You have to be really good at knowing exactly where your bullseye's are and coming up with some logic around what order you should be growing.” (Dan) “You have staff for the sales you want and you have to staff for the company you're trying to build.” (Dan) “I've never seen a concept that I can't figure out how to drive sales and lower costs.” (Dan)  TRANSCRIPT 00:00.00vigorbrandingHello if you’re a restaurant looking to become an an international restaurant chain or if you’re um, you know I’m gonna start over I’m sorry it’s kind of fumble that all just yeah, hello if you’re a restaurant looking to become an international restaurant chain or if you’re an entrepreneur who wants to own a franchise today’s episode is for you. My guest is Dan Rowe he’s the Ceo and founder of fransmart and he takes emerging restaurant concepts and turns them into national and international franchises. He’s been called the chainmakerr and we’re gonna talk to him today about his process. Dan. Thank you so much for joining us. 00:32.74dan_fransmart_comUm, yeah, thanks, thanks for having me. 00:36.52vigorbrandingWell let’s just jump right in. Let’s start with Fransmart tell me a little bit about it How you started maybe a little bit about your history and where you got your start. 00:44.96dan_fransmart_comsure sure I I started washing dishes and cooking got into technology if id never went to college so barelegged out of high school. So I but I was lucky enough when I was like nineteen eighteen and a half nineteen for about 5 years I got into technology. Worked for a guy that grew software companies made some money and what do I do go right back in the restaurant business I bought a franchise of a bagel bakery and it was a 6 unit bagel chain in Washington d c I lived in California the idea originally was to bring the franchise to California ah, because there’s no bagel shops near me. And I went into business with a buddy mine and his wife and they wanted to move to Denver so we opened up our first franchise in Denver I had negotiated a deal I said hey if we’re successful with this I want to also do your franchising and because I’m proving you outside of Dc where all your stores are. We were very successful and I was 23 I think he was 25 enty five or 26 and we were more successful than most of the stores that they had in Dc so we did their franchise development and we grew them from 6 stores to around 200 in about 4 years sold the company. 01:51.64vigorbrandingWow. 01:57.90dan_fransmart_com1 of my shops in Denver was across from the first Chipotle we tried to get him to franchise. He wasn’t interest in he did just fine without us but somebody who copied him was ah Kudoba Kudoba mexican so we approached Kudoba we got involved with Kedoba when they were only open a couple months. 01:59.35vigorbrandingI. 02:13.86dan_fransmart_comHelped him put together the whole franchise program grew that to think about 100 open and few hundred in development sold that to Jack in the box and at that point I had grown 2 companies at a time as individual, you know, like 2 different companies at a time under 2 different companies. And then I said it was 2000. Everything was a.com back then and I said you know what I’m going to I’m going to start a new company instead of growing one brand at a time I’m going to grow a portfolio at a time so we started fransmart. 02:45.15vigorbrandingThat’s brilliant Now you know, ah and talking with you I’ve learned a couple things number one I did 2 work in the restaurant first and I believe wholeheartedly that everyone should start out working a restaurant. You’ve got to take orders. You’ve got to get things Done. You have to execute you have to talk to people by and large. You have to get to know how to handle problems I mean there’s a whole lot of education that happens in a restaurant doesn’t it. The other thing I It’s very humbling. Ah, that’s right, That’s absolutely right? The other thing I will say is I also did not. 03:04.41dan_fransmart_comYeah, yeah, yeah, it’s It’s also humiliating and it’s humbling and it’s ah it’s good. It’s good to see why you should treat people better. 03:17.44vigorbrandingGo to college I I was a creative guy so I just like thought well hell I’m really smart at doing these big ideas and creating stuff I don’t need to go school so I didn’t and you know at the end of the day. It’s it’s kind of funny because 1 time my daughter was asked in school like hey do your parents ever have any sayings you know like you know what? what are they known for saying and. 03:23.23dan_fransmart_comYeah. 03:34.41vigorbrandingMy my daughter raised your hands and my dad said C students run the world so that was me I was just like yeah an underachiever. But just I worked really hard. So anyway, um so look with frasmar. Essentially you take this guesswork out of franchising right? You’re connecting entrepreneurs. 03:36.80dan_fransmart_comYeah. 03:51.90vigorbrandingAh, the one to get into the restaurant ownership business with emerging restaurants and I mean so you’re’re, you’re finding great ideas or you have these great ideas. You’re finding people that that are business people and maybe good operators but also teaching them how to operate um you know So what? at the end of the day. What makes a good franchisee. 04:05.99dan_fransmart_comA good franchisee wants to follow somebody else’s system a bad franchisee buys a franchise and then tries to do everything different or or argues with the the company. But yeah I mean franspart’s main business were franchise development company. We have big picture vision. So like with 5 guys. You know we didn’t invent burgers. We just saw a micro niche of you know, fresh burgers and nobody really owned that segment we saw burger King Wendy’s Mcdonald’s but nobody was really doing high quality. Um chefy food and. So 5 guys was in Dc they were near us. They won these awards all the time for best burgers. They had a really really good hamburger. It was more expensive than the other guys. Whatever but they had 4 units and I just said you know what? I’ve already grown you know mexican chain a bagel chain all across the country There’s nobody else doing this in any other market around the country and so our playbook is basically become we. We’ve built restaurants and all the top hundred and fifty biggest media markets in North america so New York’s the biggest something around Savannah Georgia or something like that is somewhere around one fifty 05:12.95vigorbrandingMe. 05:20.00dan_fransmart_comAnd in in every market we know who the best operators are we know where the best intersections are the best projects are the best architects contractors food distributors and so we’ve just sort of developed this knack for understanding the best known way to do everything in every one of these markets and so yeah, we did it with 5 guys. We. You know, wound up growing those guys I think we grew them from 6 4 4 locations to about 100 open a few hundred in development we sold. They’re like 2000 stores. Um, we did with halal guys. So here’s another thing like my premise was gosh. There’s a billion and a half muslims in the world. And when I go to Chipotle or Starbucks I’d ask my wife like do you know any muslim actors or singers or apparel companies or tech companies or car companies or food brands. There’s a no no no no no I’m like well wait a minute There’s a the biggest demographic population in the world and there’s no brand. 06:10.71vigorbrandingA. 06:16.28dan_fransmart_comAnd so and we were opening american brands over in the Middle East and so you know most of our franchisees are super wealthy. Many of them are royal family and the first night they gee whiz you with their homes and just the way that they live. Second day they’re like what do you want to do and I said I want to go get street food and they would take you to some of this amazing amazing middle eastern street food and I tell myself I’m like somebody’s going to figure out how to build a brand out of this and so we did with the halal guys. Ah, we hal. All guys was a cart in New York City for 25 years They had 3 carts in the city. Not even a food truck just a cart but they made really good kind of chicken or gyro over rice with this white sauce and. 06:47.34vigorbrandingUm, yeah. 07:00.43dan_fransmart_comAnd people stood in line for it and I’m like okay here we go so I found that same thing same playbook biggest 150 media markets. Best franchise operators you know exactly where to put them so anyone I mean sometimes these locations anybody could succeed there. 07:16.49vigorbrandingYeah. 07:16.65dan_fransmart_comBut that’s part of the hack. That’s part of the hack is is going into these markets and we’d pick great operators I remember the the 2 corporate stores that we built in New York City both did like ridiculous volume like 2 times what a 5 guys in the same location would do because we picked the right site. 07:34.20vigorbrandingHe. 07:36.18dan_fransmart_comThe first franchisee in Chicago opened up to like $80000 a week or some weird number the first California in first the first California store that we opened up clear across the country did over 100 grand it’s first week in sales. So. 07:48.67vigorbrandingWell. 07:51.51dan_fransmart_comYou take a good concept you package it right? and then you just have to build the right teams that can handle the volume pick the right locations and but that’s our playbook. We just keep doing it over and over. 08:01.41vigorbrandingThat’s fantastic That makes it mean it’s awesome and so like I have to ask like so the Halal guys I mean I’ve eaten it I mean I know know the carts I know that I know the whole deal Did you just like walk up there one day and say hey guys I’d like to talk to you about an idea I have. 08:12.41dan_fransmart_comSo they didn’t even have a website they didn’t have a website. They didn’t have a social media page. They had a fan page So a fan had created what I thought was the website. It wasn’t a website it was called. 08:21.50vigorbrandingScott. 08:26.38dan_fransmart_comFifty third and 6 are dot com or whatever it was but it was a fan page and I so and I basically emailed and they said hey I’ve done this and this and this and this and I want to do middle eastern and the guy’s like hey ah I don’t actually own it I’m just creating a fan page because I love these guys I’m like can you introduce me to them and they introduce me to him. 08:42.85vigorbrandingWow. 08:46.36dan_fransmart_comBut it was funny I’ll never forget when I went to go meet him I’m like hey I’m the guy that did 5 guys in qdoba and they’re like what’s that like they don’t know these were super religious muslim. They come to America looking for the american dream I mean. 08:53.20vigorbrandingYeah, yeah, yeah, so yeah. 09:01.88dan_fransmart_comAwesome founders, amazing! Beautiful people, great people. They came to America look they all had advanced degrees came here looking to the american dream and America basically shut the door and they started off driving cabs and they just you know, kind of worked really hard and then they opened a street cart. Was originally a hot dog cart that that they converted to halal food and they would use it as a way to sort of give people jobs like bring family members and friends over here and give them jobs and they had a couple of these carts but it’s like in the beginning when I was first trying to tell them. Oh I’ve got this big vision I want to go do all this stuff. 09:25.29vigorbrandingMay he. 09:36.38vigorbrandingYeah. 09:36.82dan_fransmart_comThey’re like what are you talking about and you know because they they just weren’t they didn’t realize they didn’t see what I saw and they and they were not taken at all with my background they could care less. Yeah. 09:44.63vigorbrandingWell, and yeah, they they had to start with they start with probably nothing right? So to get the cart and be able to get a corner probably was like they felt like they had they’d achieved a you know a lot which they had but they had no idea with with the capacity of that you could bring them like in in the locations and everything. 09:57.46dan_fransmart_comNo no and and and they didn’t care they frankly they said we don’t want to open what they didn’t want to do was be embarrassed, be ashamed. They’re like very prideful of what they do. It’s funny when you talk to the owners. They still talk about they could talk for. 10:03.10vigorbrandingWow. 10:15.46dan_fransmart_com10 minutes just about this plate of food and how to make that plate of food perfect and it’s like that’s why they have those long lines right? So like a guy like me I’m not the reason that they’re successful. They’re successful because they care about that plate of food tasting the way it tastes. 10:15.96vigorbrandingHe. Yeah. 10:30.31dan_fransmart_comYou know my job is not to screw it up but that it took a year from the time I first met him to the time that they finally said let’s go and it was mainly me convincing them that I wasn’t going to screw it up like this is a way that they’re feeding their family. They’re very proud of what they built and even though they didn’t have social media or whatever everybody knew what it was it was just 10:39.27vigorbrandingMy home. 10:49.71dan_fransmart_comThere’s 8000000 carts in the city and 3 of them have long long like absurdly long lines and they just didn’t want me to screw that up. So yeah. 10:55.79vigorbrandingUm, so I mean for us I mean you know we we do marketing and advertising so we focus on the restaurant segment with vigor and like they they took off is it because I kind of think it might be but. Because of the long lines in New York because of the word of mouth. Do you think it was just one of those things once they start getting locations people just kind of knew of it already because they had been exposed to it from the street or or is it like a lot of word of mouth or how do you think the explosion happened. 11:17.40dan_fransmart_comUm, well well yeah I mean well to take a step back a million people tried to knock him off none of them have none of a have a million people when this thing started to fly everybody who’s put the word halal. 11:26.40vigorbrandingHe wow. 11:35.29dan_fransmart_comOn their cart in their storefront or whatever when when I started franchising this. There was all these metoo copycats. None of them are around and it’s because they’re not authentic and they didn’t do the right thing but no, it took off what I did is the way I marketed it to people outside of New York was funny. The first few franchisees. 11:36.52vigorbrandingYep. 11:42.10vigorbrandingWow. 11:53.96vigorbrandingIn here. 11:54.63dan_fransmart_comKnew it from New York like when they would come to New York they would go there and so like my Chicago franchisee my vegas franchise or my um southern cow in my Houston franchisees even my Dc franchisee they they every time they went up to New York they went there so the minute that they found out we were franchising they they bought it. Everybody else? What? what? What would happen is we would just market pictures of the line so initially it was lines of the cart and so people would be like what is roe babbling on about and it’s like this long line would at least stop them to get them to look you know at the next line or at the next page. 12:17.41vigorbrandingHere here. 12:31.38dan_fransmart_comAnd then as soon as the first couple stores opened this the Southern California store doing 100 grandits first week that line looked like ah I mean it was Quarter mile long and so like even the news was taking pictures of it. So all I did is reposted what the news because. 12:41.45vigorbrandingA. 12:48.90vigorbrandingSure no doubt. 12:49.70dan_fransmart_comYou know it’s also a credibility technique. It’s like if I if I post a long long line people like yeah if the news posts it. It seems more credible. So yeah, we we just. In the beginning we would we kind of did that I didn’t want to explain with a lot of words what the concept was or what I thought it could be I just wanted to show long lines and then that would get people to come see it. Try it eat it and then you meet the owners and you just know like this this we had. 13:12.92vigorbrandingYeah, it’s authentic. 13:16.35dan_fransmart_comAlmost everybody who came in for Discovery day wanted a franchise but they wouldn’t approve him. They were very picky about who they let in I mean it’s funny. We had a guy that came in and the minute that they that they gave in the indication they weren’t going to run the place right? or hire the right team out like they would even get up and leave the meeting and um. 13:28.82vigorbrandingE well. 13:35.74dan_fransmart_comAnd then we even had a guy come in I’ll never forget it. He goes does the meat really have to be halal does it have to be halal because halal food’s more expensive and and I’ll never forget it like we’re all looking at each other like did he just say that and he did and it’s like meeting was over guy flew clear across the country for the meeting and within 8 minutes the meeting was over. 13:43.57vigorbrandingYeah. He had done. 13:55.41dan_fransmart_comAnd so yeah, it was but it’s a funny story but it’s’s ah I mean it’s such a great concept. It’s just a great concept. You think about billion and a half people no brands. It’s really the largest I mean certainly the largest restaurant chain MiddleEastern restaurant chain in North America 14:00.40vigorbrandingGood. 14:12.54vigorbrandingYeah. 14:12.74dan_fransmart_comBut now we’re open in London we’re open in Korea we’re open. You know we’re we’re we’re growing. So my goal with that and you know also when I started I’ll never forget when I first started growing the company. We got an interview with 1 of the big New York papers and I said this is going to and we only had carts and in. I said this is Goingnna be the biggest middle eastern brand in the world. The biggest muslim brand the biggest halal brand blah bla blah bla blah and the lady was laughing on the phone and I’m like what are you laughing about she was Dan They have carts and I’m like I know but I see something bigger so I’m not always right? But in halauge’s case I was. 14:35.62vigorbrandingIn. 14:43.11vigorbrandingYep, that’s fantastic. Well I love your line I’ve heard you say it many times that you let people vote people vote with their wallets right? So you followed the line that’s bright I mean ah and your marketing was smart too I mean using the the news and all that and showing the lines I mean that’s the proof and that’s ah. 14:50.15dan_fransmart_comYeah, yeah, yeah. 15:00.48vigorbrandingThat’s masterful marketing and so that that brings me to sort of another question because it’s really an interesting ah like I’m really interested in what you do I mean you find these great products and these great brands you you look at the lines you say?? Okay, this is. There’s ah, there’s some white space in the ah in this in the restaurant world for this. This can be the next big thing. But then there’s also ah you need to know a fair amount about real estate right? There’s certain you just said. There’s some real estate that you could put anything in there I’m sure that’s not true, but probably any of your products you could put in there and they’d be successful. But then there’s also the the franchisees people want to own a restaurant or maybe Master franchise. These folks that have like a. You know they have a serious office and they own a bunch of different brands in some cases talk about like the whole thing coming together that whole thing coming together. Well just you have these the master franchisees right? So you got to find them then there’s the the actual then there’s the real estate part right. 15:37.93dan_fransmart_comYeah. Wait wait which part. Um, yeah, yeah, oh um, yeah, so for me I always start with the end in mind I I see a chain for what it can be 10 years down the road and that in that tells me the. 15:52.73vigorbrandingAnd then there’s also sort of the restaurant part. How does that all work together. 16:07.16dan_fransmart_comYou know the 150 biggest markets in North America US and canada canada most of the canadian markets behave like us. So I always talk about North America but um and then certain international markets like we’ve sold tons and tons and tons of deals internationally so like I already know where this is going to go. 16:22.24vigorbrandingA. 16:24.47dan_fransmart_comI Already know the franchisees in those markets and so I know which ones are going to like the brand and why and how I have to package or maybe I have to cook it a little longer before I show it to a certain guy like I already kind of know that whenever I take on a brand. The most important thing. 16:38.66vigorbrandingNate. 16:40.62dan_fransmart_comWhen I get a new brand because I’m getting them at a very early very early stage. They’re still hair on them. They’re still rough around the edges. They still don’t know what they don’t know 5 guys didn’t have pos systems for example, like the whole all guys didn’t have dead carts right? They didn’t have pos they they. 16:44.30vigorbrandingMe. 16:54.48vigorbrandingYeah, say they had carts. 16:58.36dan_fransmart_comYeah, so it’s like that’s okay, that’s okay, it’s like I know the other stuff but that and ironically like what I know is not um, as important is the fact that 5 guys had a line out the door or ha all guys had a line down the block like I can figure out how to build a system or manual. Way faster than I can ever figure out how to organically get a line down the road like that’s that’s a different level. So yeah, that is the magic but what I do is is it’s really interesting like when I I don’t leave anything to chance. No matter who I’m selling no matter what brand what market and who the franchisee is. 17:15.21vigorbrandingRight? That’s the magic. 17:30.87dan_fransmart_comI I act like they’ve never been in this business before because I want to be relentless about getting the right site. So like here I’m in Scottsdale right in Phoenix Arizona there’s for any concept. There’s 10 or 15 or 20 potential sites. But there’s really only 3 or 4 first sites. 17:36.65vigorbrandingYeah, he. 17:48.15dan_fransmart_comLike yeah to be very careful when you’re building a brand in a brand New Market is like there’s something very strategic about using real estate in real estate’s role in marketing and real estate’s role in branding and so you have to be really good of knowing exactly where your bull’s-eyes are and coming up with some logic around. 17:56.12vigorbrandingA. 18:07.15dan_fransmart_comWhat kind of order you should be growing and so we’re that kind of pedantic even about real estate. It’s not just about hey I need a twelve hundred foot space or fifteen hundred foot space like no, no, no there’s so much more to it and then once you have the right spot you have to make sure that your unit economics hit. So that that’s the thing is like you can’t you can’t go into a spot and then have cost overruns or you can’t have what you know it needs the cost. What everyone thought it was going to cost to open it needs to open above. Whatever sales everybody was thinking originally it needs to hit profitability faster because there’s all these weird things in people’s minds that like even if it’s a great site and for some reason it gets off to a slow start all of a sudden people like oops not going like plan. And psychological psychological. Ah they’ll start making dumb decisions. They’ll start cutting people cutting marketing cutting problems like wait a minute and so we we assume all that stuff’s going to happen so we’re relentless about how we pick real estate how we market how we build the team I always say you got a staff for the sales you want. And you have to staff for the company you’re trying to build. We never sell mom and pop franchises ones e toosey’s we sell territories and so whenever we’re selling like a halal guys. For example, the California franchisee opened with a director of operations from Panera. 19:11.99vigorbrandingHere. 19:25.37dan_fransmart_comAh, director of operations from Chipotle and I think a director of culinary from one of those 2 concepts too. Plus the manager plus the owners were there well, that’s also why that first store in California self-funded 7 more is because you you know you basically open up with the the team’s bandwidth could easily handle. 19:32.00vigorbrandingWell. 19:37.32vigorbrandingAre here. 19:45.32dan_fransmart_comThe kind of sales I think it was doing over three million a year and so you you have to sta for that if you if you open up doing you know $5000000 run rate with a million dollar team your sales go down. They never come back up and so like all of that little stuff. It’s like Dan you’re just the sales guy. It’s like mm. 19:46.10vigorbrandingWow. 19:55.19vigorbrandingAnd he. 20:02.92dan_fransmart_comI I sell a lot of franchises not because I’m good at sales I sell a lot of franchises because I make the brand sell themselves So all the things we talk about are kind of how do we get the brands to sell themselves the best the best marketing tool Any brand would ever have selling a franchise is the existing franchisees and so. 20:07.58vigorbrandingMan. 20:19.58vigorbrandingYeah. 20:22.35dan_fransmart_comYou have to make those franchisees So successful. So happy so referenceable that even when you’re not, they’re trying to orchestrate just the right reference even if they just run into somebody what they’re saying sells your franchise. 20:34.20vigorbrandingSure I mean it’s the experience the the customers get the franchisees get everybody. It’s got to be. You know everyone’s a customer at that point right? You know they’re selling the the actual brands to to new franchisees. So that’s. I mean that’s ah, that’s a really really great point. So what is the biggest mistake you see like franchisees making like when they you know they’re first coming to you. 20:57.35dan_fransmart_comUm, Fran when a franchisee ah picking the wrong brand like if they pick I mean I if they pick the wrong brand if they don’t staff the right way like everybody think about why somebody wants a franchise in the first place. The only reason to own a franchise is to get wealthy like there otherwise. 21:00.70vigorbrandingMan. 21:15.40dan_fransmart_comIt’s not worth the risk like you’re risking capital you’re risking an Sba loan or A Loan you’re risking signing a lease now you’re on the hook for that lease for years. The liability, the cash outlay the liabilities and the contingent liabilities those are real costs. The only reason to do that is because you’re trying to get to a completely different level in life and so now the question is what’s the right vehicle to get there. So what’s the thing that that’s going to make so much profit that I want to keep doing it and how do I do it and so the mistake a lot of people make is they’ll pick the wrong brand. 21:45.53vigorbrandingUm. 21:49.50dan_fransmart_comSo they want to get to never never land. They just pick on the wrong the wrong brand to get there when they buy a territory so somebody that wants to own 5 or 10 or 20 units when they open up their first store and they open up with a skeleton crew. You know we all have we have so much turnover in the restaurant business. You open up a store. 22:03.81vigorbrandingSure. 22:07.62dan_fransmart_comWith the skeleton crew and you even just have normal attrition. You’re constantly in a hole right? So you have to staff for the volume you want you have to staff for the company you’re trying to build that has to include redundancy has to include turnover so a franchisee who thinks a franchise only costs 300 grand to open. 22:09.63vigorbrandingHe. 22:27.40dan_fransmart_comIt’s like yeah but you need another 100000 in these extra soft costs to basically get to the point you know to get to this point and so it’s people not really thinking that through or at the first sign of things didn’t go like I thought. They start cutting. They abandon the big picture and they go start focusing internally and what happens is you start managing that business down so that’s the biggest mistake and then another big mistake is people just not following the systems like I interview from my podcast. All these franchisees of other brands I’m like tell me the difference between you and the. 22:46.60vigorbrandingAnd. 22:59.60dan_fransmart_comI Mean you like you’re one of the most successful franchisees and whatever the brand is I’m interviewing the guy for like what’s the difference between you and someone who struggles with the same brand almost to a T they go. We just follow the system and I said whenever you buy a struggling franchisee stores. How do you make them successful. 23:10.22vigorbrandingA. 23:17.45dan_fransmart_comGo back and follow the systems just execute like people are buying 5 guys because they want that burger those fries to taste exactly like they think they don’t want chicken sandwich. They’re not there to get you know salad or whatever they want that like just go back to making that. That’s all you got to do and it’s people overthink it and it’s like. 23:17.80vigorbrandingLeave you. 23:31.72vigorbrandingInconsistency. Yeah. 23:37.53dan_fransmart_comThat’s all you got to do if you’re buying a jack on the box at Mcdonald’s if you’re buying you know a Jiffy Lube right it’s like whatever it is. It’s like people are going to that brand because they want that experience all you have to do is give give it that give that to them. 23:51.50vigorbrandingYeah, well I mean we always say like in in marketing what we do. We always say ah the definition of a brand is brand is a promise and you know in the case with the restaurants I mean if I go to 5 guys no matter which one I go to I want I want them to basically promise me and give me that same thing I want that same product I don’t want it to vary from place to place. So. 24:03.60dan_fransmart_comYeah. 24:08.98vigorbrandingI think that’s amazing. Do you find yourself because I have to think this is is somewhat the case because you find these I’ll say these raw concepts these great concepts whether it’s halal guys or 5 guys or or probably Qdoba when you start with them I mean you’ve you’ve launched them. Are you bringing? you always talk about a playbook. Are you bringing that playbook to them. Are you kind of saying. Yeah, this is great here’s how we operationalize this thing. Do you find yourself really kind of setting up the operations a lot I figured. 24:32.20dan_fransmart_comUm, almost always so not not I mean not only setting maybe some sometimes it’s just tweaking right or giving them some best known tool we have because some people in me actually have really good systems for. 24:37.50vigorbrandingE e. 24:47.70dan_fransmart_comThere are 1 or 2 or 3 stores that the owners are constantly there and even if they don’t have a written system. They kind of all know how each other thinks and you know all that stuff. So there’s there’s really just technique about the best known way to do everything I mean marketing staffing operations time and motion studies like everything you can think of. 25:06.70vigorbrandingMe. 25:06.79dan_fransmart_comLike we have a tool in our toolbox for it and those tools keep getting changed. They keep getting retrofitted because think about marketing twenty years ago versus marketing today or tech the tech stack like there wasn’t even a tech stack twenty years ago so it’s like you have to keep evolving but our ecosystem in the restaurant business. 25:14.36vigorbrandingSure right. 25:25.52dan_fransmart_comIsn’t only every restaurant brand I’ve ever worked with I’m on the board of the national restaurant association. So there’s not really a Ceo I don’t know there’s not a big franchisee of any brand that I don’t know um I’m I’m ah oh and then kitchen fund. So we have a fund a kitchen fund. 25:29.85vigorbrandingUm, yeah. 25:39.51vigorbrandingThe. 25:42.51dan_fransmart_comWe were early investors in like sweet green and Kava and you know all kinds of different brands. So like our ecosystem’s pretty good and pretty valuable like we have a lot of really successful successful access in our in our ecosystem to always getting the best answer and so if there’s something coming up or something my brands are dealing with. Like I just go find 2 or 3 people that I know are just knocking it out of the park and you know we sort of get those answers and then we weave that back into our brand so it’s it’s a little bit of cheating. But. 26:14.52vigorbrandingUm, you know? yeah. 26:14.64dan_fransmart_comYeah, it’s something that we’re able to do you and I are on ypo together. There’s like most of the most successful franchisors and franchisees are in ypo and if you reach out to ah I mean I always say success leaves clues like if you’re trying to get a better answer like most people are pretty generous with their time like as long as you’re not overtly. 26:29.76vigorbrandingUm, yeah. 26:34.18dan_fransmart_comCompeting with them or annoying them. They’ll kind of help they’ll they’ll kind of help you figure that out. but but yeah but back to what the stuff we bring to the table is I think I liken it to a chain that goes around your neck like every link in the chain it takes to open a restaurant and operate a restaurant. Every link in a chain. It takes to what do I have to buy when do I have to buy it. What’s supposed to cost every link in the chain we feel like we have the best known chain with the best known links and so any brand that we take on who’s used to only having 1 or 2 or 5 or 9 or whatever it is like we’ll just have. 26:57.48vigorbrandingMe here a hint. 27:09.24dan_fransmart_comAll these links in the chain were like you know like some of the things they they may say no I’ve already got that I don’t need that but most often they they want help with that and then I’ve never seen a concept that I can’t figure out how to drive sales and lower costs like ah like drive drive sales I was on a call earlier today with a brand that that we’re looking at. 27:21.38vigorbrandingA. 27:28.90dan_fransmart_comBut it’s like you know it’s some of the stuff. It’s sort of like you and marketing like you could conversationally talk about marketing of stuff That’s just second nature to you to someone who’s not a marketing expert and they think you ah are you know a guru and it’s like I’m not really a guru I’ve just had we just have so many of these conversations. 27:38.24vigorbrandingRight mean he. 27:48.31dan_fransmart_comAnd we’re constantly trying to figure out how how who’s doing something better than everyone else. So we’re constantly having this conversation about the best known way So when these conversations come up. We’re able to just rattle them all up and it’s not. You know it’s just nature of our business. 27:52.40vigorbrandingMe. 28:03.61vigorbrandingYeah, and just we got to be refined, always refining so like I’m interested tonight. So someone called you and and I know you probably can’t say which I totally respect. But you’re looking at something I mean is it somebody that says hey I’ve got two like stores and I really think I have something here that could be. 28:12.14dan_fransmart_comYeah, yeah. 28:19.50vigorbrandingThe next big thing the next 5 guys. Ah or is it stuff that like you might have stumbled on to something or heard about something I mean how does that? How do how do they come to you or how does that work. 28:28.61dan_fransmart_comOh ah, well well those are 2 2 different things the way we get brands half the time they’re coming to us or someone will refer someone or someone says hey have you checked this out the other time we know what we’re looking for like we know what we’re looking for and we. We go after the best known players and whatever the market is so I’m I’m on this whole latin kick that nobody nobody’s done anything new in latin since Chipotle and they’re not even latin and so they’re as wide as I am and so we’re on this whole kick I met pitbull the rapper. 28:43.28vigorbrandingGot you? he. 28:59.86dan_fransmart_comAnd he’s like how come no Mexican chains are owned by Mexicans and how come no latins own the big Latino restaurant brands I’m like let’s fix that because probably because they might have like some of the best tacos or its best best restaurants you’ve ever been or in the hands of authentic latinos. 29:00.16vigorbrandingUm, he. 29:14.88vigorbrandingRight? Bum pop. 29:17.96dan_fransmart_comWhy haven’t they figured out how to build chains like I don’t know. Maybe it’s capital. Maybe it’s confidence. Maybe it’s know-how it’s like well we have plenty of all those. So now we’re targeting Latinos like pitbull and I are targeting Latinos with really good concepts we’re given a. 29:24.24vigorbrandingHe he. 29:33.10dan_fransmart_comEverything that both of us know think about his ecosystem like we’re giving him everything that we know to make to drive um success around that brand So we’re actually going to and we want to get wealthy helping Latinos get wealthy right? So that’s. 29:34.50vigorbrandingUm, yeah. 29:47.57vigorbrandingThat’s fantastic. 29:48.95dan_fransmart_comThat’s like but that that was one of these things where as soon as he and I came up with this I’m like okay now I got to go find a really great brand and in that case, what I did is I went to Us foods the biggest supplier in the country or one of the biggest suppliers in the country said here’s what pit bull and I are looking for who do you know. And all of a sudden they’re like this brand in Chicago we think is the next thing could be the next chipotle blah blah blah blah blah fly out to Chicago and it like you are right right? So that that goes from you know, somebody a Us foods we we told us foods like I told 90 people what I’m looking for us foods. Basically you know. Said here’s we have a lot of latin brands here’s one that’s a standout and you think about that too is like like us foods has something to gain too because now they have a client that goes from I think it was 8 stores when we got there now. It’s 13 with 6 or 8 new territories around the country. Now. They’re going to have instead of a 8 unit brand they’re going to wind up having a 500 unit customer you know and it was because they basically brought it up to us. 30:49.54vigorbrandingThat’s awesome. So do you think a latino brand. Do you think that’s going to be Franz Mars Next big big thing in the portfolio or you have something else cooking or what? what do you think the next big big thing is. 30:57.31dan_fransmart_comWe we? Yeah, we have a few brands that are doing record numbers like this this latin brands called cilantro it’s growing faster for me so far than 5 guys did like our first several months is growing faster. 31:06.43vigorbrandingI Love the name. 31:11.34dan_fransmart_comAnd it’s growing every franchisee is a franchisee of another brand and so they all have experience. They all know what they’re doing. They have capital but they also have a perspective of why they like this brand better than what they’re doing and so um, it’s interesting. Keep an eye on cilantra. That’s gonna be a fun one and then we’re. 31:25.93vigorbrandingAnd again I don’t know who does your naming but I love that I Love the name Slanic because I think that’s so approachable yet It’s intriguing. You know. 31:33.69dan_fransmart_comYeah, but it’s it’s like Chipotle right? So it’s like cilantro and and ah but it’s I mean it’s a real authentic story because I’m like the world doesn’t need another chipotle another mexican created by a white guy like they need. It should be like so our tagline or our. 31:43.75vigorbrandingE. 31:49.14dan_fransmart_comPositioning is the next big thing in Mexican is actually really mexican and so this is a family that kind of you know snuck into the country and like so many do and started off ah humbly through life in America you know like the halal guys. 31:50.94vigorbrandingShe. 31:56.48vigorbrandingHe. 32:06.56dan_fransmart_comAh, yeah, but they you know they came across and they they literally started opened up a restaurant to make a living to feed people to make a living turned out that what they were serving and it was latin for latinos so they started off their whole career is making this amazing. So think about how tough that customer is it’s not Latin Latino for gringos. 32:18.00vigorbrandingBriefly. 32:25.61vigorbrandingWe hear. 32:25.73dan_fransmart_comThis is latino for latinos and it was a standout brand that was doing crazy numbers and then all of a sudden they had opened 2 locations. They took over a failed baha fresh and it’s doing crazy numbers. They took over a failed chipotle right? That’s America’s darling is chipotle. 32:41.70vigorbrandingUm, right. 32:44.30dan_fransmart_comWhere Chipotle couldn’t succeed in this area of Chicago they’re packed. They’re busy and so you’re like wait a minute latino for latinos yeah, people like it and I’m like this thing’s going to be a monster and that’s why like I think we had 6 or 8 people come look at it all 6 or 8 of them are our franchisees now. 32:47.27vigorbrandingYeah, and again so it’s it’s quality. Yeah. 33:01.87dan_fransmart_comSo they’re all buying the franchise but that and then the other thing I’m excited about we got approach and beginning a covid if you you remember when Covid first happened the government was scrambling every day with new rules and regulations and restaurants had to close or could only open every other seat or had to do dividers Whatever was driving the industry crazy. 33:02.11vigorbrandingThat’s awesome. 33:20.40dan_fransmart_comAnd I had a franchise lawyer that said hey I’ve got this electronics Brand Would you take it on I’m like I don’t think so I don’t know anything about electronics Long story short. We took it on that thing’s growing faster than any brand I’ve ever grown. It’s way more successful than any restaurant has ever been. It’s called pay more pay more electronics. It’s. 33:35.64vigorbrandingThat’s great, very cool. 33:37.90dan_fransmart_comBuy sell trade new and used electronics and the irony is a lot of food guys are building it and then all of a sudden I run across um, a ah facial Studio Skincare Studio called Glow thirty. So it’s a small little and and I was approached by her. 33:40.57vigorbrandingShe. 33:53.68vigorbrandingYou know. 33:54.36dan_fransmart_comHer commercial broker her real estate broker. She goes hey would you ever do like a facial place I’m like I don’t know I’ve never even had a facial and I I talked to the lady and she said hey I want to be the orange theory of skin care I’m like I don’t know what that means and I’ve never been to orange theory and I’ve never had a facial but I. 34:06.19vigorbrandingAnd then. 34:13.40dan_fransmart_comAnd I saw the lady who was in Bethesda Maryland I looked on through my Linkedin I found somebody at orange theory and Bethesda and I said hey can I venmow you some money and you go check this place out and she said sure I’ve venmoed her some cash she went and checked it out. She looked up my background she goes I don’t know what your plan is with this brand but whatever it is I’m in. 34:30.79vigorbrandingYeah, yeah. 34:33.90dan_fransmart_comAnd so she actually left orange theory came to work for me. She’s the vice president of 4 us growing low 30 and this is skincare clinic that’s growing faster than I mean it’s just grown like crazy. So we’ve gone from being a restaurant franchise development company to a franchise development company and um. 34:50.48vigorbrandingThat’s awesome. 34:51.84dan_fransmart_comBut we keep looking for food like I’m I’m I’m ah I can’t offline I’ll tell you who, but it’s but we’re we’re working on a pretty pretty big project right now like I’m still I’m at the end of the day I like to feed people. There’s just something very rewarding about feeding somebody someone pays you for the food that you give them. 34:59.73vigorbrandingUm, yes, yeah. 35:11.33dan_fransmart_comAnd they say thank you and they come back and they bring friends like there’s just something instantly gratification gratify gratifying about about that. So like I’ll always be in the in the restaurant business but the restaurant industry is getting a little wakeup call because it’s from a business perspective. It’s hard. 35:12.11vigorbrandingYeah, he. 35:29.54dan_fransmart_comHarder to make money nowadays in restaurants which is why so many like at this places glow 30 like we just sold all of Arizona to a huge food franchisee Greg Flynn the biggest franchisee in the world is this starting to expand with nonfoo and and ah yeah. 35:39.47vigorbrandingUm, sure. Yeah, the the glow 30 thing look I’ll be very very honest I think it’s fantastic because I know that look feeding people makes you feel great. If you haven’t gotten a facial i. Absolutely recommend it I look I’m a father of daughters I’ll admit it I go every two months. It is the greatest thing on earth. So the fact that you are in the on the but the ground floor of a franchise for this brilliant I guarantee it will explode I mean I just ah, in fact I buy a bunch of the gift cards and I give them out to folks here in the office because I just think it’s like. 36:02.53dan_fransmart_comUm, yeah. 36:11.60dan_fransmart_comYeah, well I it will now I can’t now so glow 30 It’s one of these members. It’s a membership skincare which is another thing it’s sort of like memberships is the ultimate hack because you make money while you sleep. You basically make money whether people use. 36:11.71vigorbrandingAh, great hour of your life. You know? So if you if you haven’t done it. Do it. Ah perfect. Yeah yeah, right. 36:28.82dan_fransmart_comSomething or not when you have a membership think about fitness studios how many times you buy a membership and you don’t go and the fitness studio is happy. They’re happy because you’re not there so they wind up selling one hundred and fifty percent of capacity knowing that the third of the morons never show up. So um. 36:31.63vigorbrandingYep, yeah. 36:41.56vigorbrandingUm, that’s right. 36:44.97dan_fransmart_comBut that’s that’s sort of the membership model and it’s like man this thing you buy a membership and the ah but the irony here is people don’t not use it. So it’s ah every month the the facial changes right? So like in October it was like a pumpkin facialin. 36:52.97vigorbrandingAre a are. 36:59.45dan_fransmart_comJuly I think it was like lemoncello or whatever but every month it’s a different carefully curated facial and people don’t miss it. So it’s not like you just get a facial and no big deal I get one next week it’s people like no, it’s the end of the month they’re going to change this month into next month I don’t want to miss last month so the reason I still haven’t ever been to glow is every time I come in for discovery day. These guys are booked out three weeks in advance. So like if you said you wanted a franchise right now for glow the earliest I could book your discovery day is like three weeks because we want you to get a facial as part of your discovery day. It’s like yeah and so. 37:19.90vigorbrandingOh yeah, yeah yeah. 37:26.37vigorbrandingWow Yeah in the in the facial is the product’s holding it up right. 37:35.15dan_fransmart_comSo yeah, so it’s ah but it’s yeah, it’s funny, but but now I mean it’s franchising like we had. We is weird. We had a record year last year we we had more new franchise sales last year than ever the first quarter of this year doubled last year so like been doing this for 30 years and 37:48.56vigorbrandingA. 37:54.11dan_fransmart_comAnd that’s even food like I mean our food brands like cilantro we have. We have the largest fastest growing indian brand called curry up now. So there’s another one. There’s a billion and a half indians when you think about how many indians and pakistani eat what looks like to you and I indian food. It’s like no one’s ever built a brand. 37:54.65vigorbrandingUm, yeah. 38:11.40vigorbrandingUm, right. 38:12.55dan_fransmart_comAnd so we you know now we have 100 units in development for curry up now. We just sold London so that’s now international. So the London franchisee is the subway franchisee for for all of Uk. He actually bought all of Uk for curry up now. So yeah, we’re going we’re going nuts we got dessert franchises. We got. You know we we got really good things but I’m drawn to things that have really good numbers. So like I have a cookie franchise called smackery in New York City and no one. There’s no real number 2 to crumble and nobody I mean crumble just went like a monster I tried to get smackery 6 or 7 5 five five 38:38.32vigorbranding8 38:44.17vigorbrandingYeah, yeah. 38:50.41dan_fransmart_comYears ago before I ever saw crumble and I couldn’t even get him to call me back and then finally I knew someone who knew him and we made a deal about a year ago but there’s no number 2 to to crumble all the people that are trying to build cookie shops are all doing six hundred Grand seven hundred Grand a year this guy is. He’s in Eight hundred Square feet and I think he did two point three million dollars last year. So yeah, yeah, cookies 3 yeah so I mean ridiculous sales and and um, but he’s doing a difference. It was like well even in New York there’s a lot of other places that do under a million dollars why is he doing. 39:09.85vigorbrandingWow Cookies That’s fantastic. 39:27.26dan_fransmart_comMore than double what everyone else is doing. It’s like that’s what I look for so like I look for concepts that just do like haa guys. There’s a lot of people selling meat over rice with sauce in New York only 1 guy had a line down the block. So I got him it was smackerys only 1 guy is doing whatever. 39:33.77vigorbrandingNo. 39:39.46vigorbrandingYeah, that’s right. 39:46.65dan_fransmart_comThousand dollars a foot in sales. He’s $3000 a foot in sales or whatever he’s doing even in New York like by New York standards that’s still 2 times the sales per foot than any other chain does and it’s like well you know so there’s something about that which makes yeah which makes my life easy because I don’t have. 39:56.93vigorbrandingUm, there’s some there. Yeah. 40:02.94dan_fransmart_comYou know like I don’t have the guy that’s only doing 7 or eight hundred Grand a year in cookies I have the guy doing two point three million so makes my life a little bit easier. 40:06.62vigorbrandingYeah, very cool. Let’s let’s talk 1 more thing about that you’re’re you’re embarking on the podcast journey you’re gonna do smart franise you go talk a little bit about that. 40:16.50dan_fransmart_comSure so I started a franchise. It’s the first question I ask whenever I meet successful franchisees or franchisors I’m like what makes you successful. What are you doing? What do you know that I don’t or what you know why are you getting results that other people are getting and so. 40:31.22vigorbrandingIs. 40:33.95dan_fransmart_comStarted smart franchising with frans smart I just believe success leaves clues and I feel like people are willing to share and so my first guest on was the biggest franchisee in the world. Greg Flynn he owns 2700 something franchises all over the world. He’s now going I mean I think he’s targeting 5000 franchises. He’s going to go to some weird number and it’s like okay, well and I’d ask him right on the podcast What do you do different like why are you getting the results you’re getting why are you and without saying it I’m kind of like why are you better than everyone else or what are you doing that people can learn from. 41:06.64vigorbrandingMe here. 41:10.85dan_fransmart_comAnd surprisingly I mean he’s he’s obviously um, careful. Ah, but he gave some really good. Um, really good tidbits and then but like I had franchisees of 5 guys and and um, franchisee really successful franchisee from um, red robin. 41:27.74vigorbrandingHe sure. 41:29.52dan_fransmart_comRight? So casual dining is taking a beating right now. Well here’s a guy that’s doing double-digit sales increases and he’s still growing. So I’m like what thell are you doing that like Chilis can’t figure out in Fridays are closing restaurants and you’re building more restaurants you’re doing great. What are you doing and he’ll tell you he’ll tell you exactly as secrets as success. 41:38.98vigorbrandingSo in here. 41:44.92vigorbrandingYeah. 41:49.00dan_fransmart_comAh, 5 guys franchisees like why? Why do you have 80 stores. Why do you? This other guy had 17 another guy had 80 like what is it, you do different than everyone else they leave that and one I had 2 other guys on that are really really cool by bunch but 1 of them was Don Fox from Firehouse sold a sandwich shop right? You think there’s not room for another sandwich shop or he builds one he sells it for $1000000000 so it’s like how did you do it like what can what can my audience learn or Freddy’s like even after fiveges. Freddy is the burger and and milk shake company. 42:08.98vigorbrandingYou’re right. Shift a. 42:22.10dan_fransmart_comSame thing like you get his whole story and you get how he did it and they tell it in a way that tells you if you follow what they did. You’re going to have the same result and then 1 thing right now that I think is mystifying a lot of people is the restaurant tech stack people don’t understand restaurant marketing or the tech stack. Most. 42:31.42vigorbrandingMan. 42:38.63vigorbrandingPerformance. 42:41.80dan_fransmart_comMost people don’t get it I had a guy on that I think is the best and most brilliant in the space and he decoded the whole thing and not only decoded it I’m like give me the app to fix this. Give me the app to fix that if you were a franchisee. What are the first 3 things that you’d make sure that you did. 42:57.90vigorbrandingMe. 42:59.16dan_fransmart_comAnd he went into detail about everything and so it’s you know stuff that he charges a lot of money as a consultant. He’s giving it all away for free so smart franchising with Fransmar is really just that. It’s like what’s this. What’s the best known way to do everything um in a way that people can learn from. 43:15.69vigorbrandingYeah I mean it seems to me and I don’t know if you found this but I feel like there’s a lot of the same ingredients I mean it typically starts with a really good quality product I think people think a lot of times when there’s a franchise or whatever. It’s like you figure out ways to ah ah skip. And to save money and certainly have to run the operation but it’s usually a quality product. Um consistency. Ah great operations and then I go back to that sort of that brand promise like there’s a story. There’s there’s this great authenticity that that kind of exudes and and kind of you can carry from place to place. We just had. I just had betsy ham ah from duck donuts on and that that’s a franchise that kind of grew I mean yeah, did the world need another donut shop I mean you know Russ Degiio the the founder thought so and and a great story I mean was it he was at the outer banks ah always thought of like you know going and getting fresh donuts at the beach the jersey shore we are. Lots of places have you know, fresh. You know, homemade Duck. He didn’t he couldn’t find one so he thought he should start a donut place at the outer banks out in duck and that’s where that’s where it came from and it was like I mean you know puts this together and it’s this. Ah, it’s this great franchise. So I feel like a lot of these guys have ah just a great story. A passion. 44:17.76dan_fransmart_comYeah. 44:29.72vigorbrandingAnd it’s an authenticity that you know makes it makes it kind of ah ah, magnetic that other people want it and and want to grow from it. Yeah. 44:33.49dan_fransmart_comYeah, yeah, yeah I agree but that I duck don’t I Love duck donuts and they’re delicious, but you think about it’s like well how did he create that it’s like because he created it like how did I do what I did because he did it. 44:43.90vigorbrandingYeah, yeah, that’s it. Yeah yeah, yeah, that’s right, you know execute That’s right, you know don’t be afraid to fail the whole thing I tell my I tell my daughters all the time I mean look I failed a lot. So. 44:49.77dan_fransmart_comIt’s like that’s the biggest thing is people sitting on the sidelines like you got to get going life is short. Yeah. 45:01.28dan_fransmart_comYeah, yeah. 45:01.81vigorbrandingThe C student guy Again, you know you you fail. You just go out there and you know hey look hopefully you get an a here bring that average up to a C but you know you’re allowed to fail you go out and try things and pivot and and keep going. It’s it’s exciting. So you said you start your podcast out with the same question I end mine with the same question. So I’m going to. 45:09.78dan_fransmart_comYeah. 45:17.85vigorbrandingI’m gonna ask this? Um I look forward to your answer, you’ve created a lot of restaurants you’ve built brands all over the the world. So your last meal one final meal. What would you eat where and why and there’s a disclosure you’re not going to assault any of your ah ah franchisees. You can just pick anything. So. 45:31.60dan_fransmart_comOh man, probably my last meal would be my last meal is going to be Italian and it’s probably going to be. 45:47.32dan_fransmart_comI don’t know got to think about this? um I wish you said it ahead of time but ah, but there’s a restaurant in New York City it’s my favorite in the world and it’s because the dad cooks the mom’s the hostess and the son’s the waiter. It’s called Sandros Sandros 46:04.57vigorbrandingSandros. Okay. 46:05.57dan_fransmart_comAnd it’s the best food I’ve ever had. It’s dinky teeny tiny but everything that comes out’s unbelievable. It’s the opposite of pretentious. It’s the ah I mean it’s just a neighborhood place that you could walk by a hundred times and never know it was there every time I go to New York I 46:13.37vigorbrandingE. 46:22.30vigorbrandingI I just wrote it down I’m in New York all the time. So I’m gonna I’m gonna try and fight is it in Manhattan it’s okay Sandros. 46:23.10dan_fransmart_comBlock time to go there. That’s probably my favorite meal of all places sandros. Yeah yeah, yeah in the upper East but it’s like it’s awesome. Food’s good. Price are reasonable. You know and you all and you go there and you feel like they appreciate that you’re there the whole the whole load but it was definitely my last meal of no matter where would be Italian like favorite food I could I mean I Just can’t get enough of that. So I Love it. But yeah, Thanks ma’am. 46:39.42vigorbrandingHe. Yeah, you go? Yeah hey I Appreciate you know I could talk to you for hours is fascinating I Absolutely enjoy it. Thank you so much soon. 46:57.21dan_fransmart_comYou’re welcome. We’ll see you soon. 

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: We look at the planned boycott of Loblaw stores, and the reaction from the CEO. New polling shows that 60% of Ontario residents believe they will need a second job or side hustle to afford a home in the province. A North Korean missile landed in Ukraine, after seemingly being launched from the territory of the Russian Federation. Seems like they procured it from North Korea. Why is Justin Trudeau showing up on podcasts and pitching his messages to Americans? Ontario Minister of Education Stephen Lecce joins us to walk through the updated rules around cellphones and vaping in our province's schools. Chrystia Freeland has previewed a new omnibus budget bill with the proposed capital gains tax change left out. It is all coming up on the Hamilton Today Podcast! Guests: Bruce Winder, Retail Analyst & Author, ‘Retail Before, During & After COVID-19'. Brian J. Karem, journalist and author, White House correspondent for Playboy and political analyst for CNN. Don Fox, Executive Financial Consultant, with The Fox Group, IG Private Wealth Management. Elliot Tepper, Emeritus Professor of Political Science with Carleton University. Phil Gurski, President of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting, former CSIS analyst. Elissa Freeman, PR and Pop Culture Expert. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education for the Province of Ontario. Dr. Ian Lee, Associate Professor with the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University. Scott Radley, host of the Scott Radley show and columnist with the Hamilton Spectator. Host – Scott Thompson Content Producer – William Erskine Technical/Podcast Producer – Tom McKay Podcast Co-Producer – Ben Straughan News Anchor – Dave Woodard & Jen McQueen Want to keep up with what happened in Hamilton Today? Subscribe to the podcast! https://megaphone.link/CORU8835115919

From his early days scrubbing dishes to directing a billion-dollar brand, Don Fox's extraordinary journey to the top of Firehouse Subs is a testament to where ambition and grit can take you.  With a deep dive into his decision-making process, Don shares how adapting to change, course-correcting, and always putting the brand first were crucial to his and the company's success. He also emphasizes the importance of a community-focused approach, highlighting how the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has become an integral part of the brand's identity, contributing nearly $90 million to public safety initiatives.   With 50 years of industry experience, Don dives into the challenges and triumphs of building a franchise empire, the importance of investing in people, and the strategic decisions that propelled Firehouse Subs to over 1200 locations.  This episode isn't just a story about making it big—it's about making a difference, one sandwich at a time. Tune in for an inspiring blend of wisdom, wit, and practical advice from a true industry titan.

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Norman Jewison, the acclaimed and versatile Canadian-born director, whose Hollywood films ranged from Doris Day comedies to social dramas, has died at age 97. StatCan says that the majority of Canadians now have more debt than savings. How will the cap on international student visas impact schools and their business, what about other areas of the economy? In a decision released just earlier this afternoon, Federal Court Justice Richard Mosley ruled it was unreasonable for the Liberal government to use the Emergencies Act to quell the “Freedom Convoy” protests in the national capital and at key border points two years ago. Ontario Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, joins us to discuss today's announcement about kindergarten in the province. It is all coming up on the Hamilton Today Podcast! Guests: Bill Brioux, television critic and author. Don Fox, Executive Financial Consultant, with The Fox Group, IG Private Wealth Management. Franco Terrazzano, Canadian Taxpayers Federation, Federal Director. Dr. Ian Lee, Associate Professor with the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University. Elliot Tepper, Emeritus Professor of Political Science with Carleton University. Henry Jacek, Professor Emeritus, Political Science at McMaster University. Christian Leuprecht, Professor at both the Royal Military College of Canada and Queen's University, and a Fellow at the Macdonald Laurier Institute. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education for the Province of Ontario. Scott Radley, Host of The Scott Radley Show and Columnist with the Hamilton Spectator. Host – Scott Thompson Content Producer – William Erskine Technical/Podcast Producer – Tom McKay Podcast Co-Producer – Ben Straughan News Anchor – Jen McQueen Want to keep up with what happened in Hamilton Today? Subscribe to the podcast! https://megaphone.link/CORU8835115919

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Radley: What are we expecting from the Ticats this weekend? What is being built in Hamilton that pushed us past the latest milestone, and what does this milestone mean for Hamilton? The City of Hamilton is replacing free HSR bus rides for disabled residents with a new program offering a 30 percent discount, aiming to provide more low-income people with transit access. A new report says MAiD growth is steady as the number of practitioners grows before the expected expansion next year. Canadians having trouble with car loan payments in the midst of tight financial times. We are learning the names of some of the teams that will make up the Professional Women's Hockey League and… they might be kind of bland. Or goofy… It is all coming up on the Hamilton Today Podcast! Guests: Rick Zamperin, host of Good Morning Hamilton as well as host of The 5th Quarter which follows every Tiger-Cats game on 900 CHML Alan Shaw, Director, Building and Chief Building Official with the City of Hamilton. Norm Schleehahn, Director of Economic Development with the City of Hamilton. John-Paul Danko, Councillor, Ward 8, City of Hamilton. Franco Terrazzano, Canadian Taxpayers Federation, Federal Director. Dr. Sonu Gaind, Professor, University of Toronto and mental health advocate. Don Fox, Executive Financial Consultant, with The Fox Group, IG Private Wealth Management. Steve Mossop Leger Vice President on the West Coast. Moshe Lander, Senior Economics Lecturer, Concordia University. Host – Scott Radley Content Producer – William Erskine Technical/Podcast Producer – Tom McKay Podcast Co-Producer – Ben Straughan News Anchor – Dave Woodard & Jen McQueen Want to keep up with what happened in Hamilton Today? Subscribe to the podcast! https://megaphone.link/CORU8835115919

In the latest episode of Hospitality Hangout, hosts Michael Schatzberg, affectionately known as "The Restaurant Guy," and Jimmy Frischling, "The Finance Guy," sit down with the legendary Don Fox, Chairman of Firehouse Subs.The Meteoric Rise of Don FoxStarting his culinary journey scrubbing dishes at an Italian restaurant in New Jersey, Fox has seen it all. From his aspirations of being a trumpet player to a substantial 23-year tenure with Burger King, Fox's tale is nothing short of inspiring. The episode sheds light on his monumental contribution to Firehouse Subs, transforming it from a 65-unit brand in 2003 to a colossal chain of over 1200 restaurants under his leadership.Lessons from Five Decades in the Restaurant IndustryReflecting on his extensive journey, Fox underlines three key lessons for budding restaurateurs:The importance of fostering teamwork and building robust relationships.Embracing hard work, coupled with unwavering dedication and effort.Prioritizing company culture, with leaders leading by example.These insights, echoed by Michael and Jimmy, serve as valuable takeaways for anyone in the hospitality industry.Shaq and the Digital FootprintA hilarious highlight from the episode revolves around NBA superstar, Shaquille O'Neal. From Shaq inadvertently compelling Firehouse Subs to join Twitter to a memorable interaction at a franchise conference, these stories underscore the potent impact of celebrities on businesses.However, diving deeper into technology's role, Fox emphasizes the need to merge technology with traditional hospitality elements. With a cautionary note, he warns of the risk of restaurants losing their unique identities if they entirely sideline the human touch that defines true hospitality.Generation Z and the Future of DiningThe episode delves into the evolving restaurant landscape, particularly the integration of technology. As Gen Z becomes the primary customer demographic, Fox ponders over their heavy reliance on technology and wonders if a saturation point might lead them to seek more traditional dining experiences.With a nod to the next generation, Fox also dispels some common misconceptions about their work ethic, holding a positive view of their contribution to the restaurant space.Lighthearted Moments and Quickfire QuestionsBetween serious discussions, the episode is peppered with playful banter. From joking about popular burrito spots in "Food Service Feud" Don's quickfire revelations (he's a fan of tomatoes on sandwiches and hails Chicago as his favorite food city!), the conversation keeps listeners engaged and entertained.Hospitality Hangout's latest episode is a blend of profound insights, playful jests, and industry reflections. Don Fox's extensive journey, coupled with the shared experiences of Schatzy and Jimmy, provides a holistic perspective on the challenges, growth, and future of the restaurant industry. Don't miss this insightful dive into the intricacies of the hospitality world!

In the latest episode of Hospitality Hangout, hosts Michael Schatzberg, affectionately known as "The Restaurant Guy," and Jimmy Frischling, "The Finance Guy," sit down with the legendary Don Fox, Chairman of Firehouse Subs.The Meteoric Rise of Don FoxStarting his culinary journey scrubbing dishes at an Italian restaurant in New Jersey, Fox has seen it all. From his aspirations of being a trumpet player to a substantial 23-year tenure with Burger King, Fox's tale is nothing short of inspiring. The episode sheds light on his monumental contribution to Firehouse Subs, transforming it from a 65-unit brand in 2003 to a colossal chain of over 1200 restaurants under his leadership.Lessons from Five Decades in the Restaurant IndustryReflecting on his extensive journey, Fox underlines three key lessons for budding restaurateurs:The importance of fostering teamwork and building robust relationships.Embracing hard work, coupled with unwavering dedication and effort.Prioritizing company culture, with leaders leading by example.These insights, echoed by Michael and Jimmy, serve as valuable takeaways for anyone in the hospitality industry.Shaq and the Digital FootprintA hilarious highlight from the episode revolves around NBA superstar, Shaquille O'Neal. From Shaq inadvertently compelling Firehouse Subs to join Twitter to a memorable interaction at a franchise conference, these stories underscore the potent impact of celebrities on businesses.However, diving deeper into technology's role, Fox emphasizes the need to merge technology with traditional hospitality elements. With a cautionary note, he warns of the risk of restaurants losing their unique identities if they entirely sideline the human touch that defines true hospitality.Generation Z and the Future of DiningThe episode delves into the evolving restaurant landscape, particularly the integration of technology. As Gen Z becomes the primary customer demographic, Fox ponders over their heavy reliance on technology and wonders if a saturation point might lead them to seek more traditional dining experiences.With a nod to the next generation, Fox also dispels some common misconceptions about their work ethic, holding a positive view of their contribution to the restaurant space.Lighthearted Moments and Quickfire QuestionsBetween serious discussions, the episode is peppered with playful banter. From joking about popular burrito spots in "Food Service Feud" Don's quickfire revelations (he's a fan of tomatoes on sandwiches and hails Chicago as his favorite food city!), the conversation keeps listeners engaged and entertained.Hospitality Hangout's latest episode is a blend of profound insights, playful jests, and industry reflections. Don Fox's extensive journey, coupled with the shared experiences of Schatzy and Jimmy, provides a holistic perspective on the challenges, growth, and future of the restaurant industry. Don't miss this insightful dive into the intricacies of the hospitality world!

How do great collaborators think and work? Listen to Don Fox, CEO of Firehouse Subs and how he has collaborated all of his career. Like a great jazz musicians, he has always worked in ensembles to create breakthrough solutions. In 2003, he moved from Burger King to a Florida branded restaurant with 65 locations. Today, they have collaborated with franchisees growing to over 1000 locations. Visit www.firehousesubs.com to learn more information on how you can own your Firehouse Subs, collaborating with local fire departments.

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: According to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, documents they obtained show that The Bank of Canada handed out $20 million in bonuses last year as inflation reached a 40-year high. A tentative deal has been struck, potentially bringing an end to the B.C. Port Strike. Public transit in Burlington, Ontario, will be free for seniors all the time and free for young people on evenings and weekends starting in August. On Tuesday, City staff outlined where and how the Ford government will meet the goal to build 1.5 million homes over 10 years across Ontario, which will include a big chunk of the Book Road area in Hamilton's southwest. Premier Doug Ford says a controversial push to mine a mineral-rich area of northern Ontario is being carefully watched around the world. Google is rolling out its new artificial intelligence chatbot, named “Bard,” across Europe and in Brazil, expanding its availability to hundreds of millions more users. It is all coming up on the Hamilton Today Podcast! Guests: Franco Terrazzano, Canadian Taxpayer Federation Federal Director. Keith Baldrey, Global News Legislative Bureau Chief based in Victoria, B.C. Catherine Baldelli, Director of Transit with the City of Burlington. Don Fox, Executive Financial Consultant, with The Fox Group, IG Private Wealth Management. Jeff Beattie, Ward 10 Councillor with the City of Hamilton. Keith Mackey, Mackey International. Colin D'Mello, Queen's Park Bureau Chief, Global News. Carmi Levy Technology Analyst & Journalist. Scott Radley, Host of the Scott Radley Show and Columnist with the Hamilton Spectator. Host – Scott Thompson Content Producer – William Erskine Technical/Podcast Producer – Tom McKay Podcast Co-Producer – Ben Straughan News Anchor – Dave Woodard & Jen McQueen Want to keep up with what happened in Hamilton Today? Subscribe to the podcast! https://megaphone.link/CORU8835115919

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Let's get into “Stay Interviews,” in which employers conduct regular interviews to get feedback from employees and learn what they can do to retain them and improve the workplace. Should more companies be doing them? “Life with Artificial Intelligence”. Alan Cross recently wrote a piece about Artificial Intelligence in the music industry… and how it might be a good thing! What do Canadians need to retire, and how can you figure out what works for you individually? Writing in the Ottawa Citizen, Phil Gurski says that David Johnston owes Canada's intelligence community an apology. Michael Chan – former Ontario cabinet minister who is currently deputy mayor of Markham – who has been the focus of intelligence leaks related to Chinese interference in Canada – is suing CSIS, saying the spy agency publicly humiliated him because of a “stereotypical typecasting of immigrants born in China as being somehow untrustworthy.” It is all coming up on the Hamilton Today Podcast! Guests: Dr. Ian Lee, Associate Professor with the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University. Stewart Klazinga, Member ACORN Hamilton's East End chapter. Alan Cross, Host of the Ongoing History of New Music. Don Fox, Executive Financial Consultant, with The Fox Group, IG Private Wealth Management. Steven Chase, Senior Parliamentary Reporter for the Globe and Mail. Phil Gurski, President of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting, Distinguished Fellow with the University of Ottawa's National Security program, and former CSIS analyst. Christian Leuprecht, Professor at both the Royal Military College of Canada and Queen's University, and a Fellow at the Macdonald Laurier Institute. Peter Graefe, Professor of Political Science with McMaster University. Scott Radley, Host of the Scott Radley Show and Columnist with the Hamilton Spectator. Host – Scott Thompson Content Producer – William Erskine Technical/Podcast Producer – Tom McKay Podcast Co-Producer – Ben Straughan News Anchor – Dave Woodard & Jen McQueen Want to keep up with what happened in Hamilton Today? Subscribe to the podcast! https://megaphone.link/CORU8835115919

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Radley: Brock University researcher Renata Roma's paper, ‘My 'Perfect' Dog: Undesired Dog Behaviours and Owners' ‘Coping Styles' looks at how the relationship between dogs and their owners ultimately affected the behaviour of the humans as well as their well-being and quality of life. Some changes are proposed for the Canadian passport, what are the pros and what are the cons of the new design? The Toronto Maple Leafs saved their necks last night and are still in the playoffs! Now all they have to do is win three games in a row! Ontario Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli calls it the “sleeper story” of the province's massive auto industry transition now that sights are being set on lithium hydroxide. Remembering Margaret Juravinski with former Hamilton mayor Fred Eisenberger & Don Fox. Why should Canada worry about trade deals with China anymore? Some are saying that they need us as much as we may need them, and they already retaliate over every arguable slight against them. The House of Commons has unanimously agreed that a committee should strike a study into the "intimidation campaign" allegedly orchestrated by a now-expelled Chinese diplomat against Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family. It is all coming up on the Hamilton Today Podcast! Guests: Renata Roma, Researcher, Child & Youth Studies, Brock University Elissa Freeman, PR and Pop Culture Expert Sean Fitz-Gerald, Managing Editor, feature writer with The Athletic Fred Eisenberger, former mayor, City of Hamilton Marvin Ryder, Professor with the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University Ron Foxcroft, Canadian businessman, Fox40World, Creator of the FOX40 whistle, Author of 40 Ways of the Fox, CEO of Fluke Transport; former Honorary Colonel with the Argyll Regiment; Chairman of the Argyll Commemorative Fundraising Campaign Charles Burton, Senior Fellow with the Centre for Advancing Canada's Interests Abroad at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute Geneviève Tellier, Professor, School of Political Studies, University of Ottawa Scott Radley, Host of the Scott Radley Show and Columnist with the Hamilton Spectator Host – Scott Radley Content Producer – William Erskine Technical/Podcast Producer – Ben Straughan News Anchor – Dave Woodard & Jen McQueen Want to keep up with what happened in Hamilton Today? Subscribe to the podcast! https://megaphone.link/CORU8835115919

Eating out has changed significantly over the years, even just in my lifetime. We've gone from the classic sit down dining to drive up, to drive through, to order up front, to grab and go, and even a big growth recently in ghost kitchens. So what's new in the dining industry? And, more importantly, what's next? Today we have a real treat on the podcast. I sat down with restaurant industry icon and chairman of Firehouse Subs, Don fox. We're going to talk about where this constantly evolving industry is headed next and what that means to all of us in business. Today I'm talking to restaurant industry veteran Don Fox. You can find Don Fox at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-fox-0919033 https://twitter.com/DonMFox You can find David Avrin at: www.davidavrin.com www.linkedin.com/in/davidavrin www.twitter.com/DavidAvrin www.facebook.com/therealdavidavrin www.instagram.com/therealdavidavrin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast. Today we're excited to be talking with Don Fox, an author, illustrator, and filmmaker based in LA. Don's latest project is the Robots of Mars eBook series, which is available now. Find out more at: https://robotsofmars.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast. Today we're excited to be talking with Don Fox, an author, illustrator, and filmmaker based in LA. Don's latest project is the Robots of Mars eBook series, which is available now. Find out more at: https://robotsofmars.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who is Mike Hancock? We find out in this week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive. Hancock recently took over as president of Firehouse Subs for longtime CEO Don Fox. Hancock has worked for Firehouse Subs parent company Restaurant Brands International. He started with the chain as chief operating officer last year after serving in a similar role at the Canadian chain Tim Hortons. Hancock discusses his views of Firehouse after a year with the chain, including its strengths and opportunities. He discusses technology in particular and the brand's foundation. We also get into a discussion on the future of the brand. And I can't help but ask him about Tim Hortons.

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: It's International Women's Day! How can companies and employees show support for women on this day? How can equitable and equal opportunities be presented? And what about wage parity? Scott hears from Mujda Rasoul, associate director at Peninsula Canada. More locally, several breweries in Northern Ontario have teamed up for a International Women's Day beer! Ashley Watt head brewer at Dawson Trail Craft Brewery tells Scott about the initiative. We're almost half way through March and our initiative to raise funds/gather essential needs supplies for Essential Aid continues. One company has been putting out videos in support of MarchPADness to get the message out. Mike Valchuk, owner of the company in question, joins Scott. In other news, The Bank of Canada has decided to pause the rate for now after a year of aggressive hikes. What does that mean for regular Canadians? Don Fox gives you and Scott some financial advice. It is all coming up on the Hamilton Today Podcast! Guests: Mujda Rasoul, Associate Director, Peninsula Canada. Ashley Watt, head brewer, Dawson Trail Creek. Mike Valchuk, owner of Building Dreams Contracting and supporter of the Children's Fund. Olivia Mackay, President, Children's Fund. Deirdre Pike, Hamilton Centre candidate in the by-election. Michael Cooper, MP St. Albert—Edmonton, Alberta. Dr. Jane Boulden. Professor, Department of Political Science, Royal Military College.  Don Fox, Executive Financial Consultant, with The Fox Group, IG Private Wealth Management.  Scott Radley, host of the Scott Radley show and columnist with the Hamilton Spectator. Host –Scott Thompson Content Producer – Elizabeth Russell Technical/Podcast Producer - William Webber Podcast Co-Producer –Ben Straughan News Anchor – David Woodard, Jennifer McQueen Want to keep up with what happened in Hamilton Today? Subscribe to the podcast! https://megaphone.link/CORU8835115919

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: A new nuclear reactor is coming to Ontario, and Scott gets all the details from David Novog, Engineering Physics professor at McMaster University. This week saw what is hopefully the final key interest rate hike from the Bank of Canada... for now. The Bank has stated that inflation is set to sharply decline, Scott gets a second opinion from financial consultant Don Fox. As we approach the anniversary of the 2022 Convoy protest in Ottawa, the Nation's capital prepares... but the House of commons is also preparing for its return on Monday. University of Toronto professor Andrew McDougall joins us. Yesterday, we learned that a Toronto man charged in connection with the 2021 toppling of the Sir John A. Macdonald statue in downtown Hamilton is no longer facing a mischief charge. Why? Scott speaks with criminal lawyer Jeff Manishen for more on that. On this annual day of commemoration of the holocaust, Canadians pause to remember the six millions jews who were murdered by the Nazis. In the years since, Jewish people here at home and around the world have continued to face antisemitism. Statistics today show incidents of hate targeting jews are on the rise. Caryn Liberman, author of Global News piece “Fighting the rise in antisemitism through Holocaust education” joins Scott. It is all coming up on the Hamilton Today Podcast! Guests: David Novog, a professor in the Department of Engineering Physics and UNENE Research Chair Don Fox, Executive Financial Consultant, with The Fox Group, IG Private Wealth Management.  Henry Jacek, Professor of Political Science, McMaster University. Jeff Manishen, Criminal Lawyer, Ross & McBride/ Former Crown Attorney. Andrew Enns, Executive Vice-President, Central Canada, for Leger. Caryn Lieberman, Senior Digital Broadcast Journalist | Global News Toronto Andrew McDougall, Assistant Professor in Canadian Politics and Public Law with the University of Toronto. Andrea Horwath, Mayor of the City of Hamilton. Scott Radley, Host of the Scott Radley Show on 900CHML Columnist for the Hamilton Spectator. Host – Scott Thompson Content Producer – William Erskine Technical/Podcast Producer - William Webber Podcast Co-Producer – Ben Straughan News Anchor – Diana Weeks, David Woodard Want to keep up with what happened in Hamilton Today? Subscribe to the podcast! https://megaphone.link/CORU8835115919

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Legendary guitarist Jeff Beck has died. We get an update on the St. Catharines fire. We're joined by a Global News reporter, and Mayor Siscoe later on. A few economics stories coming out of Ontario today, particularly with a Hamilton focus, we get more from Minister of Economics Vic Fedeli. Doug Ford says Ontario will accept Trudeau government's conditions for new healthcare funding. All this and more coming up on Hamilton Today. Guests: Ed Sanchuk, OPP Constable. Alan Cross, Host of the Ongoing History of New Music. Don Fox, Executive Financial Consultant, with The Fox Group, IG Private Wealth Management. Brittany Rosen, Global News Digital Broadcast Journalist, Video Journalist (ON)-News Gathering. Steve Foxcroft, Fluke Transport / Tri-Foxco USA. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade. Mat Siscoe, Mayor of the city of St. Catharines. Peter Graefe, Professor of Political Science with McMaster University Scott Radley, Host of The Scott Radley Show, and Columnist with your Hamilton Spectator Host – Scott Thompson Content Producer – William Erskine Technical/Podcast Producer – Tom McKay Podcast Co-Producer - Ben Straughan News Anchor – Diana Weeks Want to keep up with what happened in Hamilton Today? Subscribe to the podcast! https://megaphone.link/CORU8835115919

Understanding the landscape of the restaurant industry is getting more and more difficult with various market conditions that are in place to shift so much of what we are doing now. In this deep dive Restaurant Innovator Series, we get into where the shifts will occur with Don Fox, the CEO of Firehouse Subs.InnovationStarbucks Odyssey program will be the new platform for “Web3-powered experience” that “will allow Starbucks Rewards loyalty program members and Starbucks partners (employees) in the United States to earn and purchase digital collectible stamps in the form of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).”LaborWith supply chain constraints, wage growth, and increased operating costs, restaurants face post-pandemic challenges. With dine-in sales reaching 2019 levels, restaurants benefit from high demand, but most are still understaffed based on traffic demand. We dive into the possibility of a moderate middle of still high inflation and slowing price increases to maintain the future of dine-in traffic.The Restaurant Innovator Series dives into Brand Innovators, Thought Leaders, Next-Gen Tech, and the future of where the restaurant business is going! Contact us for any ideas or execs that you think will be perfect for this series.

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: The great, law-breaking CUPE strike of 2022 has concluded! The Ford government extended the olive branch, and graciously offered to bargain some more and rescind the back-to-work legislation in exchange for CUPE to stop protesting. Wait, isn't that where we just were? Scott noticed that, too. Doesn't that mean nothing has changed? Scott noticed that, and his opinions are hot and ready. On another note, though, let's talk about some motorsports Ron Fellows is up for the Order of Canada! Of course this was the weekend where we gained an hour of sleep, so let's talk about some sleep. A new study from the University of Ottawa's Sleep Research Laboratory has found that verbal intelligence may be more prominent in early-birds than night-owls, depending on sleeping patterns and natural inclinations. Dr. Aaron Gibbings speaks with Scott about that study. It is all coming up on the Hamilton Today Podcast. Guests: Ron Fellows. Co-owner, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. Don Fox, Executive Financial Consultant, with The Fox Group, IG Private Wealth Management. David Coletto, PhD, CAIP; CEO and Founding Partner of Abacus Data. Aaron Gibbings, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow, SLeep Research Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa. Elissa Freeman, PR and Pop Culture Expert. Campbell Clark, Chief Political Writer for The Globe and Mail. Judy Lam, Manager, Commercial Districts and Small Business for the City of Hamilton. Judy Fudge, Professor, Labour Studies, McMaster University. Scott Radley. Host of The Scott Radley Show, Columnist with the Hamilton Spectator. Host – Scott Thompson Content Producer – William Erskine Technical/Podcast Producer - William Webber Podcast Co-Producer – Ben Straughan News Anchor – Dave Woodard Want to keep up with what happened in Hamilton Today? Subscribe to the podcast! https://megaphone.link/CORU8835115919

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson Goodness gracious great balls of fire! Jerry Lee Lewis has died! A new survey found most Canadians shopping for Halloween candy this year will look for sweet treats they would eat themselves before factoring in price. $6,000 per night for a hotel room during Queen Elizabeth's Funeral – who was it staying there, who is it footing the bill, and how does the Canadian Taxpayers federation feel about all this? China-U.S. relations: Xi says he is willing to work with the United States… on what? What does this mean, and what position is China in on the world stage? Former Ottawa Police Chief Sloly testified today, explaining his response to intelligence that he received. We have learned that amid fears of the recession, Ottawa will present its fall economic statement next Thursday. All this and more on Hamilton Today! Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, professor of food distribution and policy, and the director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. Don Fox, Executive Financial Consultant, with The Fox Group, IG Private Wealth Management. Franco Terrazzano, Canadian Taxpayer Federation Federal Director. Alan Cross, Host of the Ongoing History of New Music. Carmi Levy Technology Analyst & Journalist. Elliot Tepper, Emeritus Professor of Political Science with Carleton University. Kyle Benning, Network Digital Broadcast Journalist, Global News. Ian Lee, Associate Professor with the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University. Scott Radley. Host of The Scott Radley Show, Columnist with the Hamilton Spectator. Host – Scott Thompson Content Producer – William Erskine Technical/Podcast producer – Tom McKay News Anchors – Dave Woodard & Diana Weeks Want to keep up with what happened in Hamilton Today? Subscribe to the podcast! https://megaphone.link/CORU8835115919

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Oakville may get Canada's youngest mayor if all goes well for Jack Kukolic, who joins Scott to chat about the municipal election race coming up and what it is like for a young person in politics. Elissa Freeman speaks with Scott about the viral pictures of an Oakville teacher with augmented breasts, and attire that does not conceal her nipples. Canada is finally reviewing the effect of cannabis legalization… a year after the review was scheduled; Cannabis expert Brad Poulos joins Scott for that. With Russia announcing that they are mobilizing reservists for the war in Ukraine, many have been arrested. Others are making plans to avoid being sent to war. Ronald Suny, political science and history professor at the University of Michigan helps break that down with Scott. It is all coming up on the Hamilton Today Podcast. Guests: Greg Dunnett, President, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. Carmi Levy, Technology Analyst & Journalist.  Jack Kukolic, candidate in the Oakville mayoral race, aiming to be youngest mayor in Canada. Elissa Freeman, PR and Pop Culture Expert. Brad Poulos, Instructor, Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University. Don Fox, Executive Financial Consultant, with The Fox Group, IG Private Wealth Management. Dr. Jane Boulden. Professor, Department of Political Science, Royal Military College. Ronald Suny, professor of history and political science University of Michigan. He is a former researcher at the National Research University in St. Petersburg, Russia. Scott Radley. Host of The Scott Radley Show, Columnist with the Hamilton Spectator. Host – Scott Thompson Content Producer – Elizabeth Russell Technical/Podcast Producer - William Webber Podcast co-producer – Ben Straughan News Anchors – Dave Woodard, Diana Weeks Want to keep up with what happened in Hamilton Today? Subscribe to the podcast! https://megaphone.link/CORU8835115919

Town Council President in Burrillville, Don Fox, says his town will not comply with the new gun laws passed in the state. In a June 22nd meeting, Council President Fox says he'll "never" give up his high capacity magazines, even if the law requires. Dan is joined by Councilman Fox to learn more about what the town will do moving forward. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:00.00 vigorbranding Everyone today I am joined by Sam Sanovich you might know him as Chicago sam he is the senior vice president of franchise leadership of a newer concept called big chicken and we're going to talk all about chicken today. We're gonna have a lot of talks about the industry because Sam is. Um, I would say beyond veteran he's an icon so ah Sam say hello and why don't you give a little bit of backstory for those who don't know. 00:24.20 Sam Well thanks Joseph for having me today on your show I am super excited to be with you talk big chicken talk about the background. Let's talk about the industry. There's so much great stuff going on. Um I wish I could say we were in the post covid era but we're still dealing with it across the country. 00:38.70 vigorbranding Case. 00:42.46 Sam But we're we're learning how to adapt to the new norms and continue to push forward. So I'm super excited to be here with you today and thanks for having me a little bit about my background I've been in the industry north of twenty plus years. Um, a johnson of wales graduate out of the providence rhode island campus and upon graduation left and worked for Marriott which at that point in time was my dream job and had the opportunity to be within Marriott open hotels do some exciting projects with Marriott. And because of networking and and a lot of the foundation that I learned over the years I was on some boards early in my career and had great mentors and people who really looked out for me and. Ah, created a situation where I got to be an early Ceo of a convention visitor bureau in the state of Illinois where I represented 4 counties and 33 communities to do their destination tours of marketing from there I got recruited into the national restaurant association educational foundation. And the national restaurant association itself. Um, prior to leaving the association I was head of product partnerships and strategic alliances for the association where I had a unique position to help the form the and Nra's fast casual and pizzeria councils create the tech tour. Do some really unique things that combined my experience in industry my passion for hospitality and then because I was blessed so much in my career at the association to really be able to leverage and give back and create programming to help others. With that I met some again. Great people some great mentors and had and had the opportunity with Don Fox to join the firehouse subs brand um as an area developer in a franchisee here in Chicago and got to grow with the brand for 6 years and one day got a call from a longtime friend who was interviewing for the Ceo O role of beer big chicken and beer park and we were talking and saw the opportunity at hand and said you know we've always wanted to work together and. Said if you know there's a role in an opportunity I'd I'd love to do it. You know, continue that passion because this is a relationship industry. Ah the hospitality industry is and he said let's do it and he got the role and I was his first hire and for the last seven months we 03:19.98 Sam We we all know that this industry is a marathon and not a sprint but we came out of the blocks and we've been sprinting for the last seven months and working with our partner shaquiel and and the great team at big chicken to help develop and grow the brand. So it's ah. 03:23.58 vigorbranding A. 03:36.34 Sam The 20 years seems like a flash and it's been a great ride and I've met thousands of great people and and the whole Chicago Sam Thing came about with a kind of a funny story because as the internet was emerging. You know everybody was looking for that cool Twitter handle and when I was at the association I always talk about Chicago. So people just coined me Chicago sand because I was the unofficial brand ambassador for the great city of Chicago and it just stuck and I rolled with it and I love my city. Although at the time of recording. Um. Here in Ja

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson On Hamilton Today Scott asks the age-old Canadian question: When will the Bank of Canada raise interest rates? It seems like it has been ages of putting it off. Don Fox has his view to share. Back on the truckers, what are they as a movement? What is their purpose? More on the Russia-Ukraine situation with PoliSci professor Elliot Tepper, as well as the CCP sticking its nose in the affairs of Chinese-Canadians with one of Global News's foremost investigative reporters. And, of course, tickets for the World Cup Qualifiers games are selling like hotcakes! Guests: Rev. Jim Carriere of the Good Shepherd Church in St. Catharines, Ontario. Don Fox, of IG Private Wealth Management. Howard Ramos, Professor, Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Dalhousie University. Dr. Nick Bontis, business professor with McMaster University, keynote speaker, management consultant, entrepreneur, soccer player and President of Canada Soccer re: World Cup Qualifying Game has sold out at Tim Hortons Field. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, professor of food distribution and policy, and the director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. Elliot Tepper, Emeritus Professor of Political Science with Carleton University. Jon Roe, research associate with Angus Reid re: Omicron level of concern. Howard Ramos, Professor, Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Dalhousie University. Sam Cooper, National investigative Global News, author of Wilful Blindness: How a Criminal network of narcos, tycoons and CCP agents infiltrated the West. Scott Radley. Host of The Scott Radley Show, Columnist with the Hamilton Spectator. Diana Weeks, reporter & anchor with Global News Radio 900 CHML Dave Woodard, reporter & anchor with Global News Radio 900 CHML William Webber, Technical Producer with Global News Radio 900 CHML   Host - Scott Thompson Content Producer –William Erskine Technical/Podcast Producer - William Webber Technical/Podcast Co-Producer - Ben Straughan News Anchors - Lisa Polewski, Dave Woodard Want to keep up with what happened in Hamilton Today? Subscribe to the podcast! https://omny.fm/shows/scott-thompson-show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Don Fox, the CEO of Firehouse Subs, which was recently acquired by Restaurant Brands International, parent to Burger King, Popeyes, and Tim Hortons. Don gives an inside look at that deal, what it means for Firehouse, and what could be possible for the brand in the coming years. In this conversation, you’ll find out why: As dine-in business continues to lag, you need to transfer your storytelling from the dining room to your messaging An exciting menu and brand alone won’t make your business attractive to potential buyers International expansion is the white space available to these major restaurant groups The resources available to these super groups makes them formidable The M&A market is hot right now both for successful brands and those with work to do Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.

Success Made to Last Legends of Business with Don Fox, CEO- Firehouse Subs. Don Fox is a restaurant industry veteran with 46 years of experience, predominately in the QSR and Fast Casual segments. His first job was scrubbing pots and pans at the dish sink of a local Italian restaurant in NJ. He began his management career in 1976 with Six Flags amusement parks. In 1980, he embarked upon a 23 year career with Burger King Corporation, which included assignments in R&D and field operations. Don joined Firehouse Subs in 2003 as Director of Franchise Compliance, rose to COO in 2005, and became CEO in 2009. Under his leadership, the brand has grown to over 1185 restaurants in 46 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada. In 2011, Fox was awarded the Operator of the Year Award by Nation's Restaurant News. In 2013, he became a member of the National Restaurant Association's Board of Directors (now in his eight year of service) and received the association's Advocacy Award. Also in 2013, he received the Silver Plate Award from the International Food Manufacturers Association, and was named the #1 executive in the Fast Casual segment by FastCasual.com.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.

On this episode of the Takeout, Delivery, and Catering podcast series, hosts TJ Schier and Sam Stanovich sit down with Don Fox, the chief executive officer of Firehouse Subs, to explore the latest in off-premises and packaging trends, as well as the importance of giving back to the community.

On this episode of the Takeout, Delivery, and Catering podcast series, hosts TJ Schier and Sam Stanovich sit down with Don Fox, the chief executive officer of Firehouse Subs, to explore the latest in off-premises and packaging trends, as well as the importance of giving back to the community.

Brands that start with a common core - a set of values can work together to create a great foundation.  The founders of Firehouse Subs did just that and then Don Fox, CEO, built a strong and growing system on top of it.  It's complicated, but Don makes it sound easy.

Renewable energy is an important topic at the moment, and will continue to be well into the future, but how does something like ML assist in these initiatives?In this episode of DS30, our hosts, data science instructors Michael Cullen and Ana Hocevar are joined by our own Don Fox, data scientist and instructor for Pragmatic Institute, to discuss his entrance into data science and his extensive experience in renewable energy and geothermal energy systems.

Mary Ann O’Connell of FranWise interviews Don Fox, CEO of Firehouse Subs.

In this episode of The Barron Report, host Paul Barron sits down with Don Fox, the chief executive officer of Firehouse Subs. Barron and Fox explore what Florida's new $15 minimum wage will mean for the restaurant industry.

In this episode, we talk to Don Fox, hospitality industry veteran and CEO of Firehouse Subs. Tune in to hear Don talk about how Firehouse Subs anticipated trends in off-premise dining pre-COVID and planned accordingly, positioning the brand to serve customers across channels and need states. Don also shares his team’s focus on day-by-day improvements, and the encouraging growth in sales - which are now outperforming previous years. Learn more about how a growth mindset can help restaurants navigate unprecedented challenges in this latest episode of Food Fighters!

From the Fox Sports panel.......Matty Johns, Paul Kent and Steve Roach discuss players performing in high pressure moments. Kenty focuses in on Darren Lockyer and various clutch moments throughout his career, Matty is on Darryl Halligan with a special for Don Fox's famous missed conversion at Wembley and Blocker talks to Wally Lewis and also Bob Fulton.   To take out a subscription to Fox Sports Australia where you can watch Matty Johns and get all the latest Tennis, AFL, Rugby, Motorsport, Football and Golf search FOX SPORTS AUSTRALIA   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Firehouse Subs’ sales are on fire. This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast “A Deeper Dive” features Don Fox, CEO of the Jacksonville, Fla.-based sandwich chain, talking about the company’s strong sales coming out of the pandemic.

In the latest episode of the Food On Demand Podcast, hosts Nick and Tom speak with Don Fox, the CEO of Firehouse Subs, and Charles Watson, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, about how they’re adapting their brands to weather the pandemic storm. They also discuss Panera getting into the grocery game, and the novel JoyRun delivery service accelerating its national rollout.

Welcome loyal listeners to another episode of The Loyalty Minute, I'm your host Rob Gallo and today I am eager to chat with Don Fox, the CEO of Firehouse Subs & Two Time Author of Patton's Vanguard, as well as Board Member of Army Historical Foundation Welcome to the show Don, thanks for joining me. For those loyal listeners out there who don't know who you are or what you do, perhaps you can share a bit of your story and background. How you landed at Firehouse Subs as well as the Army Historical Foundation, but then I want to talk about how Firehouse Subs is focusing on building a unique presence in communities it serves particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic... For more valuable customer and brand loyalty insights, please visit theloyaltyminute.com Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rob-gallo/message

We're continuing with our series of mini episodes helping restaurants through the coronavirus pandemic. With input from operators, vendors, consultants, data analysts, and more, these mini episodes will facilitate incredibly important conversation on how we can collectively survive the coronavirus scare.Next up: Don Fox is CEO of Firehouse Subs, a national sandwich franchise with more than 1,100 locations across the U.S. Fox weighs in on how he's communicating with his franchisees and what levers he can pull as a franchisor, and he even offers a few silver linings for operators struggling through this season.For more of QSR's coronavirus coverage, visit QSRmagazine.com/coronavirusQSR Magazine informationFacebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedInQSRmagazine.com Have feedback or interview suggestions? Email us at sam@qsrmagazine.com.

Stories from Franchisees & Founders   Our first installment from the 2020 “Best of IFA” series features Don Fox, CEO of Firehouse Subs. In this live conversation with Brian, Don sheds light on best practices to create the type of brand that can grow and sustain 1,000+ locations.    Don joined Firehouse Subs in 2003 as a Director of Franchise Compliance before rising to CEO in 2009, growing Firehouse franchise locations from 65 to almost 1,200.   We dig into the importance of developing strong leadership, technical disciplines, and a sound financial model early on. But more importantly, we touch on how Don has been able to foster the type of belief system that manifests into distinct behaviors for the Firehouse Subs brand. In Don's words, “Your customers chose you based on your values.” The more you have your value system on display, the more your customer has to identify with.   Don, who started his restaurant career in the kitchen scrubbing pots, says he learned some of his most valuable lessons early on in his career. Tune in to hear his fascinating story rising from pot scrubber to CEO of Firehouse Subs and the company culture that has proved to be a cornerstone to the success of the legendary brand.  What we talk about: Greetings and introduction of Don Fox What Don gets out in attending the IFA The factors that brought the explosive growth “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” - Don Fox The selection of the right franchisees Seeing the potential of the brand The charitable component of Firehouse Subs and its importance How Don's background affected his leadership style Being a leader, you're being constantly watched How technology has changed the food industry Bringing the mission to life Defining your culture “Your customers choose you for your value.” - Don Fox Risks taken that led into the business' defining moment Establishing the commonality of purpose The mainstream marketing as the great equalizer The relationship between the franchisor and franchisees Great communication coupled with fairness A constant stream of franchisees' feedback   What we mention: Firehouse Subs International Franchise Association (IFA)  

Sometimes — when the QSR gods are smiling on a brand — a new store prototype not only delivers on its objectives, but produces a whole new benefit or two as well. Such has been the case for the growing Firehouse Subs brand, as CEO Don Fox explains in this QSRweb podcast.

If a restaurant consistently delivers food and customer experience the same way every time, why is it so hard for staff to consistently answer the phones? Don Fox, CEO of Firehouse Subs, grew from 65 restaurants to over 1180 since becoming CEO in 2009—and franchises value consistency. Find out how to apply this advice to your practice on this episode of the Power Hour.

Whether you're in the military or not, how well you adapt to the fast-paced changing environment around you will determine your ability to thrive and have success. _____ Robert is a retired US Army Armor and Recruiter/Retention MSG turned Fortune 50 executive; Don Fox is a former senior Infantry NCO, Ranger Instructor (4th RTB) and 82nd Airborne, who became an officer and retired after nearly 30 years of active service with multiple combat deployments; Paul Martinez is a retired SSG sniper with 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment and with multiple combat deployments. This podcast is being brought to you by UnCanna. Visit UnCanna.com and use the code Mentors4mil. Read our disclaimer below. Join our new closed Facebook Team Room at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mentors4mil Visit https://www.patreon.com/join/Mentors4mil? to become a patron of our podcast. Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: https://apple.co/1WaEvbB Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl PodBean: https://mentorsformilitary.podbean.com/ SoundCloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mentors4mil Homepage: http://www.mentorsformilitary.com Use Code Mentors4mil at www.SkeletonOptics.com to receive your discount. DISCLAIMER: The goods advertised and/or the opinions shared are no substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. This information is provided on the understanding that it does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. Instead, we encourage you to discuss your options with a health care provider. Opinions expressed are based upon the speaker’s experience and conclusions, and neither Mentors for Military nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option or prevention option discussed in this podcast. The information contained herein is further provided for general information on matters of interest only. The application and impact of laws can vary widely based on the specific facts involved and the particular location. Given the changing nature of laws, rules and regulations, the information provided herein is provided with the understanding that Mentors for Military are not herein engaged in rendering legal, accounting, tax, or other professional advice and services. As such, this information should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, legal, or other competent advisors. Mentors for Military is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information in this site is provided “as is,” with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the sue of this information, and without warranty or any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no events will Mentors for Military, or any of its partners, agents, or employees be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information provided or for any consequential, special or similar damages.

Don Fox and Robert Gowin sit down with Matt (Special Forces) and Eric (Civil Affairs) at Fort Benning, GA to talk about the training pipeline to Special Forces (Green Berets), Civil Affairs, and Psychological Operations (PSYOPS). Matt is an active duty Green Beret NCO who served with 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) with multiple combat deployments and Eric is an active duty Civil Affairs NCO who served with the 82nd Airborne and other units at Fort Bragg, NC with several combat deployments. Both are currently working for the US Army Special Operations Recruiting Battalion to enlist active duty soldiers into SOF. _____ Robert is a retired US Army Armor and Recruiter/Retention MSG turned Fortune 50 executive; Don Fox is a former senior Infantry NCO, Ranger Instructor (4th RTB) and 82nd Airborne, who became an officer and retired after nearly 30 years of active service with multiple combat deployments. This podcast is being brought to you by UnCanna. Visit UnCanna.com and use the code Mentors4mil. Read our disclaimer below. Join our new closed Facebook Team Room at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mentors4mil Visit https://www.patreon.com/join/Mentors4mil? to become a patron of our podcast. Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: https://apple.co/1WaEvbB Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl PodBean: https://mentorsformilitary.podbean.com/ SoundCloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mentors4mil Homepage: http://www.mentorsformilitary.com Use Code Mentors4mil at www.SkeletonOptics.com to receive your discount. DISCLAIMER: The goods advertised and/or the opinions shared are no substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. This information is provided on the understanding that it does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. Instead, we encourage you to discuss your options with a health care provider. Opinions expressed are based upon the speaker’s experience and conclusions, and neither Mentors for Military nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option or prevention option discussed in this podcast. The information contained herein is further provided for general information on matters of interest only. The application and impact of laws can vary widely based on the specific facts involved and the particular location. Given the changing nature of laws, rules and regulations, the information provided herein is provided with the understanding that Mentors for Military are not herein engaged in rendering legal, accounting, tax, or other professional advice and services. As such, this information should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, legal, or other competent advisors. Mentors for Military is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information in this site is provided “as is,” with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the sue of this information, and without warranty or any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no events will Mentors for Military, or any of its partners, agents, or employees be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information provided or for any consequential, special or similar damages.

It was an honor to sit down with Don Fox, CEO of Firehouse Subs on Day #19 of our journey. Don is an iconic guy in the restaurant industry (and in franchising) and has a TON to share with you in this episode. As a 45 year hospitality industry veteran, I think anyone can pick up a gold nugget or two from this episode. Special thanks to STAN FRIEDMAN from FRM Solutions for setting up this meeting for us. One of the things i'll note is, the answer to the question about what he did with success early on will be of tremendous value to Marketing Leaders. Be sure to listen for that at the beginning of this episode, and share the episode with franchise marketing leaders and colleagues. In the episode we covered: -Don's Background and what brought him to Firehouse -The KEY thing Don believes he and the team did RIGHT early on -State of the industry: A decline in dine-in and where the industry is heading -How Don creates incredible loyalty as a leader -What makes Firehouse different? -How they identified a correlation between sales and community work -What discovery day's look like for Firehouse -Don's Book Listen today and be sure you SUBSCRIBE to the podcast! Follow Us On Facebook and LinkedIn: @MODRNbusiness @Zjfishman (insta too) @RyanThomasHicks (insta too) SPONSORS: SCORPION INTERNET MARKETING: www.Scorpion.co/mb Named the #1 franchise marketing company in America by Entrepreneur Magazine, Scorpion delivers all-in-one solutions for franchise brands looking to defeat disjointed marketing and increase revenue. As a marketing partner, Scorpion assists franchises in the management of branding, website design, online listings, paid advertising, and more, eliminating the need for multiple vendors. To learn more, visit www.Scorpion.co/mb RALLO: www.rallio.com Rallio is a powerful combination of social media technology and local agency. The easy-to-use technology enables franchisors and their franchisees to manage their entire social media presence, online reputation, and online directory listings in one dashboard for all locations. The mobile app provides a simple way for franchisees to engage and submit local photos WITHOUT having to caption them. And the advocacy system turns net promoters into REAL promoters and incentives employees to share content that portrays your brand as a "best place to work". Voted as the #1 social media technology platform and #6 marketing partner overall in the entrepreneur magazine's franchise supplier listing, Rallio will help you RALLY your employees and customers around your brand. To learn more, visit Rallio.com RPM: www.openmyfranchise.com Open for business - a simple term but a complex process; Let RPM help you. We are a real estate/project management firm whose main goal is to turnkey the opening process for both franchisees and franchisors. Let us manage the brokers, architects, contractors and other various vendors. Allowing you and your franchisees to focus on the training, marketing, and hiring. We save you on average 20% time and 17% total project cost. Check us out at www.openmyfranchise.com to see how we can help you.

Don Fox, CEO of Firehouse Subs, joins Aaron to talk about how the sandwich restaurant gives back to first responders. Aaron and Don discuss how Don’s firing from Burger King was the best thing that could have happened to him, how franchisees perform better with increased focus on philanthropic pursuits, and the importance of making an authentic connection with charity, including which companies do it well (and which don’t). Stay tuned to find out which sub is Don’s favorite. Learn more about Firehouse Subs and the Public Safety Foundation at firehousesubs.com. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Katrina Waelchli, and Mathew Passy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Positive Phil Show, we are joined by Firehouse Subs CEO Don Fox to talk about brand involvement with local communities and what it takes to make it! Firehouse Subs is a great example of this because of the chain’s heavy involvement with firehouses throughout the nation, as well as the brand’s 10-year-old Public Safety Foundation, which provides life-saving equipment to public safety officials, be it firefighters, policemen, you name it.Watch the full episode to explore how Firehouse Subs uses community efforts to better connect with its franchisees and its community, key advice to what makes a community-driven initiative successful, and how this involvement has affected consumer perception of the Firehouse Subs brand.Don Fox is a restaurant industry veteran with 45 years of experience, predominately in the QSR and Fast Casual segments. His first job was scrubbing pots and pans at the dish sink of a local Italian restaurant in NJ. He began his food service management career in 1976 with Six Flags amusement parks. In 1980, he began a 23 year career with Burger King Corporation, which included a variety of assignments in R&D and field operations. Don joined Firehouse Subs in 2003 as Director of Franchise Compliance, rose to the position of COO in early 2005, and became CEO in December of 2009. Under his leadership, the brand has grown to over 1170 restaurants in 46 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada.Fox is well regarded within the industry. In 2011, he was awarded the prestigious Operator of the Year Award by Nation's Restaurant News. In 2013, he became a member of the National Restaurant Association's Board of Directors and received the association's Advocacy Award. Also in 2013, he received the Silver Plate Award from the International Food Manufacturers Association, and was named the #1 executive in the Fast Casual segment by FastCasual.com. A board member of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association since 2013, he served as its chairman in 2017. He serves on a number of other boards in both the non-profit and for-profit arenas, both within and outside of the restaurant industry.Fox is also a published author. Among his works: "Patton's Vanguard - The United States Fourth Armored Division" , published in 2003 (soft cover edition released in 2007). He has been published in Nation's Restaurant News, Forbes, and other business publications.Fox is a frequent speaker and panelist at conferences and events both within and outside of the restaurant industry (over 175 engagements to date). If you are interested in having him at your event, feel free to reach out.www.firehousesubs.comThe Positive Phil Podcast Show, a podcast, available on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, where Positive Phil talks about personal stories, events and engaging interviews; with famous people, celebrities, athletes, authors, spiritual educators, thought leaders, as well as others in the social, business and entertainment industry.Airing on over 300 digital channels, including iHeart Radio, Spotify, StitcherFm, Google Podcast and published online via RSS feeds globally. The show has been around for almost 4 years and is one of the most popular podcast shows on the internet in the business-motivation space.Professional radio, tv, podcast host and producer from San Diego California.  We have a large national following on digital media channels, with our popular podcast and network of shows. Airing on iHeart Media, iTunes, Spotify, Spreaker, Stitcher, PlayerFM and over 200 additional media channels.https://www.positivephil.com

In this episode of the Positive Phil Show, we are joined by Firehouse Subs CEO Don Fox to talk about brand involvement with local communities and what it takes to make it! Firehouse Subs is a great example of this because of the chain’s heavy involvement with firehouses throughout the nation, as well as the brand’s 10-year-old Public Safety Foundation, which provides life-saving equipment to public safety officials, be it firefighters, policemen, you name it.Watch the full episode to explore how Firehouse Subs uses community efforts to better connect with its franchisees and its community, key advice to what makes a community-driven initiative successful, and how this involvement has affected consumer perception of the Firehouse Subs brand.Don Fox is a restaurant industry veteran with 45 years of experience, predominately in the QSR and Fast Casual segments. His first job was scrubbing pots and pans at the dish sink of a local Italian restaurant in NJ. He began his food service management career in 1976 with Six Flags amusement parks. In 1980, he began a 23 year career with Burger King Corporation, which included a variety of assignments in R&D and field operations. Don joined Firehouse Subs in 2003 as Director of Franchise Compliance, rose to the position of COO in early 2005, and became CEO in December of 2009. Under his leadership, the brand has grown to over 1170 restaurants in 46 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada.Fox is well regarded within the industry. In 2011, he was awarded the prestigious Operator of the Year Award by Nation's Restaurant News. In 2013, he became a member of the National Restaurant Association's Board of Directors and received the association's Advocacy Award. Also in 2013, he received the Silver Plate Award from the International Food Manufacturers Association, and was named the #1 executive in the Fast Casual segment by FastCasual.com. A board member of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association since 2013, he served as its chairman in 2017. He serves on a number of other boards in both the non-profit and for-profit arenas, both within and outside of the restaurant industry.Fox is also a published author. Among his works: "Patton's Vanguard - The United States Fourth Armored Division" , published in 2003 (soft cover edition released in 2007). He has been published in Nation's Restaurant News, Forbes, and other business publications.Fox is a frequent speaker and panelist at conferences and events both within and outside of the restaurant industry (over 175 engagements to date). If you are interested in having him at your event, feel free to reach out.www.firehousesubs.comThe Positive Phil Podcast Show, a podcast, available on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, where Positive Phil talks about personal stories, events and engaging interviews; with famous people, celebrities, athletes, authors, spiritual educators, thought leaders, as well as others in the social, business and entertainment industry.Airing on over 300 digital channels, including iHeart Radio, Spotify, StitcherFm, Google Podcast and published online via RSS feeds globally. The show has been around for almost 4 years and is one of the most popular podcast shows on the internet in the business-motivation space.Professional radio, tv, podcast host and producer from San Diego California.  We have a large national following on digital media channels, with our popular podcast and network of shows. Airing on iHeart Media, iTunes, Spotify, Spreaker, Stitcher, PlayerFM and over 200 additional media channels.https://www.positivephil.com

In this episode, we talk with restaurant industry veteran, DON FOX, the CEO of Firehouse Subs, one of America’s leading fast casual restaurant brands and one of the greatest internal cultures around. THOUGHT #1 Take every advantage of the opportunities you have at any given point in time; even if it is not what you envisioned for yourself. THOUGHT #2 Every time someone joins or leaves the band (or brand), the culture changes - surround yourself with, and hold on to, rock stars. CONNECT: Twitter: @donmfox Email: dfox@firehousesubs.com Website: www.FirehouseSubs.com BRAND & RESOURCE MENTIONS: Burger King – www.bk.com Hard Rock International – www.HardRock.com Patton’s Vanguard: The United States Army Fourth Armored Division - https://www.amazon.com/Pattons-Vanguard-United-Armored-Division/dp/078643094X Cannonball Kids' cancer – www.CannonballKidscancer.org Keppler Speakers - www.KepplerSpeakers.com Certified Rock Star - www.CertifiedRockStar.com Spectacle Photography (Show/Website Photos) – www.spectaclephoto.com Jeffrey Todd “JT” Keel (Show Music) - https://www.facebook.com/jtkeel DON FOX’S BIO: Don Fox is Chief Executive Officer of Firehouse of America, LLC, in which he leads the strategic growth of Firehouse Subs, one of America’s leading fast casual restaurant brands. He also serves as its chief spokesperson, sits on various boards of influence in the restaurant community, and is a respected speaker, commentator and published author. Don’s restaurant career started 45 years ago as an entry-level employee for an independent Italian restaurant in New Jersey. In 1980, he relocated to Florida with Burger King Corporation, which led to a 23-year career with the national chain. Don served in a variety of positions, from restaurant management and field operations, to R&D and new concept development. He joined Firehouse Subs in 2003 as director of franchise compliance. He was promoted to chief operating officer in 2005 and was named chief executive officer in 2009. Under his leadership, the brand has grown from 65 restaurants to more than 1,155 restaurants in 46 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and non-traditional locations, and is consistently recognized as one of the best franchises in the country. Don is a mainstay at restaurant industry events and is often involved both behind the scenes and as an expert panelist and keynote speaker. He was named Operator of the Year by Nation’s Restaurant News in 2011, joining a long list of restaurant luminaries. Don was ranked No. 1 on FastCasual.com’s 2013 Top 100 Movers & Shakers list and received the prestigious Silver Plate award from the International Food Manufacturers Association (IFMA). Fox gives back to the restaurant community through active participation on various boards of influence, and is a member of the Board of Directors for the National Restaurant Association (NRA). In 2013, NRA awarded Don with its Advocacy Leadership Award. A published author, his most notable work is “Patton’s Vanguard – The United States Army Fourth Armored Division,” a history of General Patton’s most famed division. Industry & Community Service: Board of Directors, National Restaurant Association (NRA) Advisory Board member, Technomic, Inc. Chairman, Advisory Board, Flagler College Advisory Board Member, Student Aces Board of Directors, Army Historical Foundation Advisory Board Member, Trinity Love Hoblit Foundation

It's the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final on Saturday, so the latest 'Rugby Reloaded' looks back at one of rugby league's most iconic moments: Don Fox's dramatic last-minute missed conversion in the 1968 Final. Why has this become a defining event in the history of the Wembley final and why does it continue to resonate with us today after more than fifty years?

Host Jerry White talks with Don Fox about how changing consumer habits affect the fast-casual industry and how to use new technology to keep up and keep growing. Our guest Don Fox is Chief Executive Officer of Firehouse of America, LLC, in which he leads the strategic growth of Firehouse Subs, one of America’s leading fast casual restaurant brands. Under his leadership, the brand has grown to more than 1,170 restaurants in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, and is recognized as one of the best franchises in the country.[01:52] - Adjusting to fewer dine-In visits [04:31] - Paying attention to the off-premises experience[07:14] - Coca-Cola Freestyle and brand partnerships[10:45] - How to track a customer base [15:09] - How the disruption in traditional retail affects the restaurant industry[17:48] - Is third-party delivery additive to the restaurant industry?[23:55] - Designing restaurants for the new consumer [35:58] - The challenges of delivery-only concepts[39:44] - Franchise arrangements and defining trade areas[45:10] - Non-traditional locations[46:40] - Tips for success in a competitive businessTo find about more about Don Fox and Firehouse Subs, check out the links below:Don Fox on Linkedin Firehouse SubsOur host, Jerry White, has worked in operations, in foodservice distribution, and then in media sales, holding top sales and management positions with several leading food media companies during the past 35+ years. Jerry joined the team at Plate magazine in early 2010 as associate publisher, and continues in that role providing solutions and opportunities for manufacturers and organizations as they anticipate tomorrow’s industry challenges. This episode was sponsored by Sage Intacct, a leading provider of restaurant accounting and financial solutions. Sage Intacct helps their restaurant customers reduce time, cost and resources on tedious financial processes so they can focus on servicing customers and growing their businesses. Learn more about how Sage Intacct restaurant customers make smarter decisions with critical visibility into business performance by visiting www.sageintacct.com/hospitality.If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Fast Casual Insider in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.This podcast episode was produced by Dante32.

Scott Thompson Show -  Scott Radley is in for Scott Despite the realities of aging, 1 in 4 Americans say that they don't plan to retire. How can financial issues prevent someone from retiring? Don Fox of Investors Group is in the studio to discuss why many North Americans plan on never retiring. Guest: Don Fox, Senior Executive Financial Consultant, Investors Group - Last week, the west coast was hit with earth quakes. Californian residents are wondering if they're getting close to ‘The Big One'.  Steve Foxcroft was inside the NBA arena where a game was playing when the earthquake hit, he joins Scott Radley, and then Scott talks to an expert on geohazards. Guests: Steve Fox Ben van der Pluijm, BR Clark Professor, Editor-in-Chief, Earth's Future; expert on geohazards, including earthquakes and volcanoes, and their impacts on society. He is a professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Michigan. - Netflix has adapted a new policy in response to criticism of all the smoking in their shows. ALSO: The Disney controversy continues this week. Last week it was over the casting of Ariel. This week it's over the lack of content from the original in the new Mulan. Bill Brioux

Fully Involved: Most of the subs at Firehouse Subs by default, are served "fully involved." (one of many kitschy firehouse references), which to customers means, automatically topped with a whole bunch of stuff, including lettuce, tomato, mustard, and a generous helping of mayo.  Fully Involved is also an apt description for Firehouse Subs Chief Executive Officer, Don Fox, a life-long over-achiever in both the culinary and franchising sectors.  Today, Don Fox serves as our First Responder and helps us learn about the magic of this incredible brand, started by REAL first responders and staying true to core values, through explosive growth.   

You’ve probably heard that news that we’ve launched a new, practical data science curriculum to train data enthusiasts to possess the in-demand skills they need to take on the future. But what does that really mean? Eddie Gordon, courseware designer at Pragmatic Institute, is joined by Don Fox, leading data science instructor for our new curriculum to discuss the prevalence of data and the importance of utilizing that data to improve business. Eddie and Don look at the courses we offer as well as the great tools and programs students will learn. Listen in to get all the behind-the-scenes details about this great data curriculum!   Are you a data practitioner looking to improve and advance your skills? Check out our data science curriculum and find the right course for you. Are you a business professional who wants to understand the possibilities of data? Register now for our course, The Business of Data Science. And make sure you listen to our other great podcasts, and join us for the best product training in the world.

In this episode, Robert is joined by long time friend, Don Fox. Don is a former U.S. Army E-7/SFC Ranger Instructor who decided to become an officer. He takes us down a journey through his career as an enlisted and as an officer in 4th Ranger Training Brigade and his other units while sharing lessons and stories along the way. Don began his U.S. Army career as an enlisted Infantryman. He is a Panama, an OIF, and OEF combat veteran. After attending Airborne School and Ranger School as enlisted, he served as a Ranger Instructor (RI) and a tour with the 82nd ABN before attending OCS. His tours as an officer included 4th RTB, Infantry Basic, 3rd ID, and the Pentagon. Don retired with nearly 30 years of service. Robert is a retired US Army Armor and Recruiter/Retention MSG turned Fortune 50 executive. Visit https://www.patreon.com/join/Mentors4mil? to become a patron of our podcast. Join our new closed Facebook Team Room at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mentors4mil Warrior Path Pro: http://www.warriorpathpro.com Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: https://apple.co/1WaEvbB Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl PodBean: https://mentorsformilitary.podbean.com/ SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/mentors4mil Homepage: www.mentorsformilitary.com Use Code Mentors4mil at www.SkeletonOptics.com to receive your discount.

A new Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation study shows that Hamilton is worse than the national average when it comes to the ratio between debts and disposal income, and that we had the biggest debt vs. income increase over the past year. Scott talks to Don Fox of the Investors Group, to find out why this is and what you can do if you find yourself in debt. Guest: Don Fox, of the Investors Group, co-host of Planning Your Financial Future on  900 CHML - Don Robertson joins Scott for sports talk, and to discuss why someone would call for the removal of a neighborhood ice rink from someone's front lawn. Guest: Don Robertson, of the Dundas Real McCoys - Scott has found what might be the best job in the world. It pays well, lets you travel, and covers your expenses, but comes with one potentially huge drawback. But if you think you could deal with the downside, and if you have a good camera, this might be the right job for you! Scott explains more.

Women have been serving alongside special operations units for nearly two decades. Several years ago the military allowed women the opportunity to join units and schools that were at one time only open to males. In this episode, we are joined by Jenny M. who graduated from Ranger School earlier this year (Apr 2018). Jenny is a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army and she discusses why she attended Ranger School and what she gained from it after graduating. Paul and Don join the show as hosts. Paul served in 3/75 Ranger Regiment for nearly nine years and several as a sniper, while Don served as an enlisted Ranger Instructor at 4th RTB and then later returned as a commissioned officer. Paul Martinez deployed 6 times to Afghanistan as a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment, and is the author of “When the Killer Man Comes”; an account of his combat experience as a Ranger Sniper. He is also the CEO and co-founder of 33 Degrees Publishing, a print firm that focuses on bringing the American story-telling tradition to the digital age. Don Fox began his U.S. Army career as an enlisted Infantryman. He is a Panama, an OIF, and OEF combat veteran. After attending Airborne School and Ranger School as enlisted, he served as a Ranger Instructor (RI) and a tour with the 82nd ABN before attending OCS. His tours as an officer included 4th RTB, Infantry Basic, 3rd ID, and the Pentagon. Don retired with nearly 30 years of service. Robert Gowin is a retired US Army Armor and Recruiter/Retention MSG turned Fortune 50 executive. Visit https://www.patreon.com/join/Mentors4mil? to become a patron of our podcast. Join our new closed Facebook Team Room at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mentors4mil Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: https://apple.co/1WaEvbB Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl PodBean: https://mentorsformilitary.podbean.com/ SoundCloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mentors4mil Homepage: http://www.mentorsformilitary.com Use Code Mentors4mil at http://www.SkeletonOptics.com to receive your discount.

Firehouse Subs CEO, Don Fox, talks about how much the shift toward takeout has impacted his company.

GPO Presents CEO in 10 with Don Fox of Firehouse Subs.  Visit www.gpo.co to learn how your national brand can reach the top of the Google organic search list, driving customers to your store. 

Fiona Heloise was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Military Police branch who recently decided that she needed to make a career change in order to match her passion and to ensure she developed enough experience in her career for a future military transition. She chose to go into the criminal investigation division (CID) and it meant that she would have to leave her commission and become a warrant officer. We talk about her career, but primarily about how life throws curves balls at us and at times we have to adjust in order to live out our passion. Fiona made a huge decision, but one that fits her passion and will set her up for future success. Joining us on the episode as a guest host is Don Fox. Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: http://apple.co/1WaEvbB SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/mentors4mil Homepage: www.mentorsformilitary.com

George Briones III is the founder of GB3 Athletics and Team Head Coach at SOFlete. He served 8 years in the USMC with part of that in Recon and as a BRC instructor. In this episode, he is joined by Robert Gowin, Mike Pritts, and Don Fox. Don was a US Army Ranger Instructor at 4th RTB and Mike Pritts was a command sergeant major (CSM/E-9) at SWCC. This group discusses what it takes to have an elite / unbreakable mindset. Whether a person is wanting to achieve higher personal or professional goals, wanting to improve in sports, or be a part of the military special operations, it begins with understanding the elite mindset. Listen to this episode to hear how to unlock the elite mindset. Learn more about GB3 Athletics: www.gb3athletics.com and www.instagram.com/gb3_athletics on Instagram Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: http://apple.co/1WaEvbB SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/mentors4mil Homepage: www.mentorsformilitary.com

Join the restaurant brokers as they take listeners on the floor of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Show. The hosts are discussing food and technology trends, cost savings techniques and the Affordable Healthcare Act in relation to the restaurant industry. Special guests include Emily Ellyn of Food Network, Don Fox, CEO of Firehouse of America, and Mathew Mandeltort, the Managing Consultant for Technomic.