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Franchisees are resisting Subway's loyalty program. Jersey Mike's promises it won't change under private equity. And one of FAT Brands' largest bondholders is suing the company.
In this episode, Eric Malzone chats with Verdine Baker, who shares his inspiring journey from being a professional athlete
Get the full recap from the New Orleans national conference! Giuseppe Grammatico shares the major theme of 2026: unmatched franchisee support. From AI callers to shrinking footprints and new funding models, this is everything you need to know before investing. Choose the right path at https://ggthefranchiseguide.com.00:00 Introduction to Franchise Freedom Podcast00:30 Host Introduction and Podcast Overview01:53 Conference Highlights and Key Takeaways02:45 The New Era of Franchise Support02:54 Main Theme: Support in Franchising03:58 AI and Automation in Franchising04:44 Shrinking the Footprint, Growing the Profit08:01 Technological Innovations in Franchising08:52 Revenue Streams and Financial Strategies08:52 Diversified Revenue Streams & E-commerce09:45 Franchisee Support and Financial Planning10:39 The "Right-Fit" Funding and Selection Process11:01 Conclusion and Listener EngagementConnect with Franchise Freedom on:Website: https://ggthefranchiseguide.com/podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giuseppe-grammatico/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GGTheFranchiseGuide X: https://x.com/ggfranchguide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ggthefranchiseguide/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ggthefranchiseguide Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/franchise-freedom/id1499864638 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13LTN5UzA57w2dTB4iV0fm TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ggthefranchiseguide The Franchise Freedom: Discover Your New Path to Freedom Through Franchise Ownership, Book by Giuseppe Grammatico https://ggthefranchiseguide.com/book or purchase directly on ...
Grab Jeff Dudan's book Discernment Duck fat fries and real franchise talk. Jeff Dudan sits down with The Designery owner Rebecca Merola in Quakertown, PA for a “Fries with Franchisees” conversation on what franchising actually is (and what it isn't). Rebecca shares why the initial leap from a steady paycheck is the hardest part, why not all franchises are created equal, and the one step that protects you from making the wrong decision: validating with current franchisees. If you're coming from corporate and wondering whether your skills translate, this segment will flip that switch. Watch the full Heroes on the Homefront episode to see Rebecca's showroom, her community impact, and why she's becoming a trusted name in Quakertown. Links: Grab Jeff Dudan's book Discernment: https://podcast.homefrontbrands.com/en-us/discernment Learn more about Jeff Dudan: https://jeffdudan.com Learn more about Homefront Brands #JeffDudan #HeroesOnTheHomefront #FriesWithFranchisees #HomefrontBrands #TheDesignery #RebeccaMerola #Franchise #Franchising #FranchiseOwner #BuyAFranchise #FranchiseOpportunities #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #BusinessOwner #WomenInBusiness #CareerChange #LeavingCorporate #PropertyServices #HomeServices #KitchenDesign #BathDesign #ClosetDesign #QuakertownPA #BusinessGrowth #Leadership Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Grab Jeff Dudan's book Discernment Duck fat fries and real franchise talk. Jeff Dudan sits down with The Designery owner Rebecca Merola in Quakertown, PA for a “Fries with Franchisees” conversation on what franchising actually is (and what it isn't). Rebecca shares why the initial leap from a steady paycheck is the hardest part, why not all franchises are created equal, and the one step that protects you from making the wrong decision: validating with current franchisees. If you're coming from corporate and wondering whether your skills translate, this segment will flip that switch. Watch the full Heroes on the Homefront episode to see Rebecca's showroom, her community impact, and why she's becoming a trusted name in Quakertown. Links: Grab Jeff Dudan's book Discernment: https://podcast.homefrontbrands.com/en-us/discernment Learn more about Jeff Dudan: https://jeffdudan.com Learn more about Homefront Brands #JeffDudan #HeroesOnTheHomefront #FriesWithFranchisees #HomefrontBrands #TheDesignery #RebeccaMerola #Franchise #Franchising #FranchiseOwner #BuyAFranchise #FranchiseOpportunities #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #BusinessOwner #WomenInBusiness #CareerChange #LeavingCorporate #PropertyServices #HomeServices #KitchenDesign #BathDesign #ClosetDesign #QuakertownPA #BusinessGrowth #Leadership Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Paul is the Divisional Franchisor for Jim's Diggers, and in this interview, he shares a lot of detailed information about how the division works, services plus a lot more about the Jim's Diggers system. A great listen or watch for anyone interested in joining the Jim's Diggers franchise. You might even be able to buy a Porsche!
BIO: Jon is the Founder and CEO of FranBridge Consulting, a 2-time Inc. 5000 company, and a leading franchise consultant.STORY: Jon believes franchising remains one of the most effective ways to build durable income, especially when investors focus on operational discipline and unit economics. He shares his top franchise categories for 2026.LEARNING: Look for businesses with repeat customers, operational discipline, proven unit economics, and leadership teams that have already made their mistakes.Guest profileJon Ostenson is the Founder and CEO of FranBridge Consulting, a 2-time Inc. 5000 company, and he is a top 1% franchise consultant. Jon is also the author of the bestselling book, Non-Food Franchising. Jon draws on his experience as a former Inc. 500 Franchise President and Multi-Brand Franchisee in helping his clients select their franchise investments.For many aspiring business owners, the biggest financial losses don't come from bad intentions. They come from underestimating complexity, overestimating scalability, or betting everything on an unproven idea. Jon Ostenson knows this lesson intimately.As the founder and CEO of FranBridge Consulting and franchise consultant, Jon has spent years helping entrepreneurs shortcut costly mistakes by investing in proven, non-food franchise models.In Episode 815: I Built a Million-Dollar Business That Never Made a Profit, he openly shared how he once built a million-dollar business that never made a profit. That experience now informs how he evaluates opportunities with discipline, structure, and risk control.Looking ahead to 2026, Jon believes franchising remains one of the most effective ways to build a durable income stream, especially when investors focus on operational discipline and unit economics. Below are his top franchise categories for 2026, and more importantly, why they help investors avoid the common traps that sink new businesses.Why Franchising Can Help Investors Avoid Big MistakesOne of the most common investment errors is assuming passion alone will overcome operational complexity. Many entrepreneurs love an idea but underestimate the systems, staffing, pricing discipline, and capital required to make it profitable.Franchising addresses this risk by offering something rare: a business model with historical data. Instead of guessing whether pricing works or whether customers will pay, franchisees can examine real-world performance, talk to existing owners, and follow systems that have already survived market cycles, helping investors feel confident in demand-driven, structured opportunities.Jon emphasizes that franchising is not about eliminating risk. It's about trading unbounded risk for structured risk, supported by systems, training, and benchmarks.1. Cost Mitigation Consulting: Profits Without PayrollCost-mitigation franchises help small and medium-sized businesses reduce expenses by analyzing vendor contracts, utility bills, shipping costs, and other fees. Clients pay nothing up front and instead share a percentage of the savings.What makes this model compelling is its simplicity. There's no inventory, no employees required, and no large infrastructure investment. Franchisees focus on business-to-business sales...
Download Jeff Dudan's Book here for FREE! The CEO of Homefront Brands Jeff Dudan sits down with Matt & Alicia Heck, owners of Top Rail Fence (Tampa, FL), for "Fries with Franchisees" segment at Sparkman's Wharf. They share what they wish they knew before buying a franchise, how they evaluated options, and why the franchise model accelerated their “speed to first dollar”—from day-one systems like a website and proven playbooks, to real support that made them feel like partners, not numbers. If you're considering business ownership in your next season, this is the framework to hear. Watch the whole episode hereLearn more about Homefront BrandsLearn more about Jeff Dudan #HeroesOnTheHomefront #FriesWithFranchisees #JeffDudan #HomefrontBrands #TopRailFence #Franchise #BusinessOwnership #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Franchise #Franchising #FranchiseOwner #Franchisee #FranchiseLife #BusinessOwnership #BuyAFranchise #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #LocalBusiness #FamilyBusiness #Legacy #LegacyBuilding #FinancialFreedom #WealthBuilding #AssetBuilding #Diversification #DueDiligence #Leadership #HomeServices #Fencing #FenceCompany #HomeImprovement #ServiceBusiness #Systems #Support #SpeedToRevenue Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Download Jeff Dudan's Book here for FREE! The CEO of Homefront Brands Jeff Dudan sits down with Matt & Alicia Heck, owners of Top Rail Fence (Tampa, FL), for "Fries with Franchisees" segment at Sparkman's Wharf. They share what they wish they knew before buying a franchise, how they evaluated options, and why the franchise model accelerated their “speed to first dollar”—from day-one systems like a website and proven playbooks, to real support that made them feel like partners, not numbers. If you're considering business ownership in your next season, this is the framework to hear. Watch the whole episode hereLearn more about Homefront BrandsLearn more about Jeff Dudan #HeroesOnTheHomefront #FriesWithFranchisees #JeffDudan #HomefrontBrands #TopRailFence #Franchise #BusinessOwnership #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Franchise #Franchising #FranchiseOwner #Franchisee #FranchiseLife #BusinessOwnership #BuyAFranchise #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #LocalBusiness #FamilyBusiness #Legacy #LegacyBuilding #FinancialFreedom #WealthBuilding #AssetBuilding #Diversification #DueDiligence #Leadership #HomeServices #Fencing #FenceCompany #HomeImprovement #ServiceBusiness #Systems #Support #SpeedToRevenue Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
How do franchisees pick winning concepts?This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Martha Olmos, chief operating officer with Damm Fine Restaurant Group, a franchisee of Dave's Hot Chicken and Blaze Pizza. Damm Fine got into both Blaze and Dave's early in their history. We talk with Olmos about what goes into operating such brands and how they found those concepts in the first place. We also talk about why they felt confident enough in the brands to get into them. We spent a lot of time talking about how to build a good company culture and to develop good employees. This is a great conversation for people who operate restaurants. We talk about the performance of Blaze and Dave's and the difference in operating the two. We talk about operating restaurants in California and how they got through the state's increase in the minimum wage. And all sorts of other things.
In this episode of the Jim's Podcast, we chat with Peter, National Franchisee of the Year for Jim's Building Inspections across Australia and New Zealand.Peter shares his journey from award-winning builder to franchise owner, what pushed him to step away from construction, and how he built a high-quality inspection business focused on integrity, education, and long-term outcomes for clients.We discuss:The mindset shift from builder to inspectorWhy quality inspections matter more than everApartment and strata risks most buyers overlookStaged inspections, expert witness reports, and dispute preventionWhat success inside the Jim's franchise system really looks likeWhether you're buying property, building a home, or curious about life inside a national franchise, this episode offers practical insights from someone who's seen the industry from every angle.
Welcome back to the Franchise Fit Podcast — I'm your host Lance Graulich. Today I'm joined by Keith McBride, a successful 1-800-PACKOUTS franchisee in the Philadelphia / Philly Metro market (
Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ ____ Michael Quilty (USNA '88) is a Navy veteran and franchise development leader who's built his career around creating opportunities for others. After years leading growth and strategy across multiple industries, he's now focused on helping fellow veterans transition to entrepreneurship through franchising. At Wild Bill's, he plays a key role in growing the company's franchise footprint, and expanding the presence of their nostalgic craft soda brand across the country. Michael's work focuses on identifying the right partners, particularly military veterans for opportunities that combine operational excellence with community engagement. His leadership is driven by purpose: helping others succeed while scaling a mission-led business. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Michael about: The Wild Bill's Franchise Model: A turnkey opportunity centered on events, nostalgia, and customer engagement. Veteran Empowerment: How franchising provides a path to ownership and autonomy after military service. Business Expansion: The challenges and rewards of scaling a product-driven brand through national events and local franchises. Leadership and Mindset: Why teamwork, resilience, and adaptability matter most in business. Looking Ahead: The future of Wild Bill's and how others can get involved. Timestamps: 00:26 Surviving the COVID-19 Pandemic 04:43 The Origin Story of Wild Bill's Soda 07:40 The Business Model and Franchise Expansion 12:23 A Day in the Life of a Franchisee 18:00 Future Goals and Opportunities 28:18 Conclusion and Contact Information Connect with Michael: LinkedIn | Michael Quilty www.drinkwildbills.com If you found value in today's episode, don't keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you're a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we'd love for you to join our community and get started today. Make sure you never miss an episode subscribe now and help support the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify Leave us a 5-star review! A special thank you to Michael for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01
Can an entrepreneur grow faster with someone else's idea? And, what if franchising wasn't just for big corporations—but was a powerful tool for everyday entrepreneurs to scale their brands?? In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Rob sits down with Gregory Ugwi, co-founder of WeFranch, to discuss how franchising is evolving in today's data-driven economy. From Gregory's unexpected journey from Nigeria, to Princeton, then Wall Street to tech entrepreneurship, to how technology and community are reshaping access to business ownership, this conversation uncovers how modern franchising can unlock opportunity, empower small business owners, and drive economic mobility in a rapidly changing world.Feel free to follow and engage with GREGORY here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-ugwi/Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefranchBusiness X: https://x.com/wefranchWebsite: https://wefranch.com/Email: gregory.ugwi@wefranch.comWe're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers03:12 Understanding Franchising and Its Importance05:48 The Role of Data in Franchising08:54 The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions12:00 WeFranch: Revolutionizing the Franchise Model14:59 The Two-Sided Marketplace of Franchising18:09 Gregory's Journey: From Goldman Sachs to WeFranch21:02 The Vision for WeFranch and Its Impact on Franchising24:07 Franchising Beyond the U.S.: A Global Perspective29:58 The Franchise Landscape in the U.S.32:00 Disruption in the Franchise Industry34:27 Building Relevance in a Competitive Market36:54 The Role of Franchisees in Business Growth39:46 Overcoming Barriers to Franchising44:02 Financing and Investment in Franchising50:00 Future Aspirations and Economic Mobility53:42 Key Questions for Aspiring Franchisors
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani is upset about the price of tickets to the World Cup, and a Hilton franchisee messed around and found out. Visit the Howie Carr Radio Network website to access columns, podcasts, and other exclusive content.
Most businesses give you time to adjust. Seasonal businesses don't. In this episode, we go deep into the reality of high-pressure seasonal franchises, where 80–90% of revenue hits in just weeks—and one bad decision can sink the entire year. We unpack: -Why "working harder" isn't enough -How seasonality magnifies mistakes -What actually drives customers through the door -The grassroots strategies that outperformed paid ads -Lessons learned from opening hundreds of locations If you've ever considered a seasonal franchise—or already own one—this episode will change how you think about time, marketing, and execution. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why seasonal businesses punish mistakes fast 04:45 – The myth of "you can fix it later" 10:30 – 90% of revenue in six weeks: why timing is everything 18:40 – Why most franchisees work hard… and still lose 27:15 – The moment we realized marketing was the real bottleneck 36:50 – Grassroots marketing vs radio ads (what actually worked) 46:20 – The hub-and-spoke kiosk strategy that changed everything 58:05 – First-year franchise mistakes you can't afford 1:09:30 – Why seasonal businesses forge elite operators 1:18:40 – Lessons that still apply to franchises today Connect with Erik Van Horn:
Become a member at www.blackwhitenetwork.com for just $10 per month with a 7 day FREE TRIAL and get exclusive content and extra discounts on merch!Member stream at 10am CST every Friday UNCENSORED!Locals: https://blackandwhitenetwork.locals.comBecome a monthly subscriber to the podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackandwhitenetwork/subscribeFollow us on Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/BlackandWhiteNewsFollow Black and White Sports on Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/BlackandWhiteSports
What happens when curiosity, purpose, and opportunity collide? In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast: Where Passion & Purpose Collide, host Rebecca Monet and co-host Tracy Kawa sit down with Katie Dills, Brand President of The Cleaning Authority, to explore her remarkable journey from franchisee to executive leader. Katie shares how stepping in to help her mother-in-law sparked a passion for franchising—and ultimately led her to help guide a legacy brand with more than 250 territories nationwide. From learning the business in the field to shaping training programs, investing in people, and leading with purpose, Katie offers candid insights on what it truly takes to build a sustainable, people-first franchise system. In this conversation, you'll hear: How Katie transitioned from franchise ownership to brand leadership Why hiring and developing people is the foundation of franchise success The role curiosity and "what's possible" play in long-term growth How technology, culture, and leadership intersect in modern franchising Why legacy, mentorship, and purpose matter more than ever Whether you're a franchisor, franchisee, or aspiring business owner, this episode delivers inspiration and practical leadership wisdom you won't want to miss.
On Tech and Science Daily from The Standard, we lead with an extended interview package on claims from former Vodafone franchisees — with 62 ex-partners taking legal action and Vodafone denying wrongdoing. Plus, a London commute upgrade: South Western Railway trials Starlink-powered “super Wi-Fi” on routes in and out of London Waterloo, and we wrap with a quick contactless payments rule change and a free S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 content update. For more, visit standard.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
California Pizza Kitchen has a new ownership group. Some McDonald's franchisees are upset about the chain's new pricing strategy. And new economic data presents a less-than-rosy view of the restaurant industry. This episode of Restaurant Daily is sponsored by O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream. Visit https://www.okeeffescompany.com/restaurantdaily and use code NRN for 15% off your first order.
Michael expected a slow start when he joined Jim's Mowing — especially heading into winter. Instead, his schedule filled faster than he imagined.In this episode of the More Than Just Mowing podcast, Michael shares his first two months as a Jim's Mowing franchisee in Canberra. He talks about starting out, learning to quote, responding quickly to leads, and how following the Jim's system helped him build a full diary early on.A practical, honest look at what new franchisees can expect when they back the process and focus on great customer service.
In this episode, Sharon sits down with three brand-new Jim's Dog Wash franchisees to unpack the real story behind joining the division. No scripts, no polish. Just honest conversations about why they chose Jim's, what training was actually like, and how it feels to step out of a job and into business ownership.You'll hear about trailer training, grooming big dogs in tight spaces, learning the systems, dealing with early nerves, and the surprising moments that made everything click. They talk openly about money, support, meeting Jim himself, and the emotional side of working with dogs every day.If you've ever wondered whether a dog wash franchise is right for you, or what it's really like behind the scenes at Jim's . This is the episode to listen to.What we cover:• Why these franchisees chose Jim's Dog Wash• The truth about training . and what surprised them• How the support system actually works• The shift from paycheques to running your own business• Trailer life, grooming challenges, and customer stories• Whether anyone can do this . even without grooming experience• Real talk about money, confidence, and backing yourselfA great episode if you're exploring franchising, love dogs, or just want a clearer picture of what it looks like to start a grooming business with real support behind you.To learn more about Jim's Dog Wash or book a day on the road, call 131 546.
Investing in NNN fast food franchises and limited-service hotel Real Estate is a great way to profit from steady operating businesses. Joe Tagliente is Managing Partner of Tage Capital Partners, a firm founded in 1970 with a single restaurant by family patriarch, Joseph P. Tagliente. Tage Capital has grown to become a leading hospitality company in New England. Today, Tage Capital is one of the largest privately held, hospitality real estate investment groups in the United States with net-leased investments in quick service restaurants, casual dining restaurants, and hotels.
In this episode of Smart Franchising, Dan Rowe sits down with Jack Johnson, CEO of Franchise Insiders, to explore the untapped potential of franchise resales. Jack breaks down the resale opportunity most franchisees miss by buying profitable businesses, skipping the startup grind, and building to sell from the start.Discover why resales aren't failures but smart investments that can fast-track your path to wealth. Jack reveals where to find hidden deals before they hit the market, how to structure SBA financing to buy cash-flowing businesses without draining your capital, and why the biggest franchisees like Greg Flynn built their empires through strategic acquisitions, not ground-up construction.Learn the critical mistakes that can cost you millions. Jack shares his proven strategies for always keeping your business sale-ready, the personality assessments that match buyers to the right opportunities, and why running your franchise like it's always for sale is the smartest move you can make.Whether you're a first-time buyer looking to avoid the 6-12 month startup wait or an experienced operator ready to scale through acquisitions, this episode delivers actionable insights on turning franchise resales into your competitive advantage.
Armed with a veterinarian medicine degree from the Philippines, Jaypee Culhi transitioned into business by acquiring a pet grooming franchise in Regional Victoria in September 2025. - Sumugal si Jaypee Culhi ng pinasok ang pagiging franchisee ng kilalang pet grooming na negosyo sa Regional Victoria nitong September 2025, bagay na akma sa kanya dahil nagtapos ito ng Veterinarian Medicine sa Pilipinas.
On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including McDonald's big win with its Grinch Meal, Subway's controversial Sub Club revamp, and the trend of restaurant companies pushing more for menu simplicity. First up is McDonald's new Grinch Meal release, which came with either a Big Mac or 10-piece McNugget, plus “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries and collectible socks. The promotion, which launched Dec. 2, has been so popular that markets are starting to sell out. Sam and Alicia discuss the promotion and why it struck a chord with consumers. Next up is Subway, which revamped its Sub Club with a deal that offers a free footlong for every three purchased. Franchisees aren't happy about the deal, which they said hurts profitability. Sam and Alicia are inclined to agree, and break down why a deal like this is tough for Subway of all chains. Then they dig into a story Alicia recently wrote about menu simplicity and why several companies are beginning to pull back after years of innovations and LTOs. Could we be seeing some decision fatigue among consumers especially? Finally, managing editor Leigh Anne Zinsmeister interviews Vishal Patel, cofounder at Tacoria Mexican Street Kitchen. For more on these stories: McDonald's brings McShaker Fries to the U.S.Subway franchisees say the chain's new loyalty program is too aggressiveWhy simplicity matters more than ever for restaurants
What separates great franchise founders from the ones who hold brands back? In this unfiltered episode, Erik Van Horn and Bobby Brennan break down: -The traits elite founders all share -The biggest red flags Erik sees behind the scenes -Why "franchisee-first" founders always win -How to succeed even if your brand doesn't have a strong founder -The mindset shift founders MUST embrace ("It's not my fault, but it's my problem") -Why honesty, transparency, and problem-solving beat charisma and hype every time -How the best founders build trust with franchisees -What happens when ego gets in the way of growth Whether you're a franchisee evaluating leadership, a founder trying to improve, or part of a growing system, this episode is PACKED with insider truths you won't hear anywhere else. Timestamps: 00:00 – People are people: why founders and franchisees both make mistakes 00:47 – Why this episode exists: what Bobby has learned from 20+ founders 02:15 – "Great founder vs. disaster founder" — why it matters to franchisees 03:51 – Early red flags when evaluating a founder 04:17 – The power of a clear vision + the "bridge" analogy 05:16 – The problem with visionary founders hiring clones 05:44 – Why founders need charisma AND scars 06:37 – Hard times create seasoned leaders 07:33 – Behind closed doors: the questions Front Street gets to ask 09:49 – Franchisee-focused founders vs. bottom-line founders 11:37 – The integrity test: Item 7, Item 19, and honesty 13:25 – Ego, feedback, and what founders must get right 16:07 – The rough-around-the-edges founder who became a rocket ship 18:21 – Why selling "the hard truth" builds stronger franchisees 19:50 – The problem-solving mindset: "It's not my fault, but it's my problem" 21:40 – What GREAT founders do every day 25:30 – Who gets credit for success? (Spoiler: not the franchisor) 27:05 – How the best founders deal with unfair criticism 30:46 – How founders build trust 34:47 – Trust killers: legal letters, pointing to the FA, hiding problems 36:48 – Do the best founders invest in coaching and mastermind groups? 41:53 – How two top founders grew in totally different ways 45:49 – Why franchise brands must lean into AI NOW 46:37 – The final takeaway: quantify the leader YOU want to follow Connect with Erik Van Horn:
Why do estate agents stay with Belvoir for over a decade? In this episode, Patsy Day, a franchisee from Suffolk and Norfolk, shares her 16 year journey with Belvoir. She explains how strong brand support, head office guidance, and a network of fellow owners helped her navigate challenges and grow. Patsy also discusses the TPFG merger and why it promises even greater opportunities for franchisees. Listen now for an honest, insider view.
Franchisees Who Are Winning Big—and the Strategies You Need! | Homefront Brands Panel of the Pros Franchisees across Homefront Brands are winning big—and in this Franchise Friday segment, Jeff Dudan breaks down exactly how they're doing it. Featuring insights from top owners Sean Raferty (Top Rail Fence Denver), Helen & Steve Holden (Temporary Wall Systems Fort Worth), Steve Moore (The Designery Greensboro), Allie Hauser (The Designery Atlanta), and Tyler Kirk (Window Hero Charlotte), this panel reveals the real strategies behind explosive franchise growth. From digital lead generation and referral partnerships to LinkedIn outreach, associations, commercial sales, and community networking, these franchisees share the exact tactics driving multi-million-dollar results in home services.
Franchisees Who Are Winning Big—and the Strategies You Need! | Homefront Brands Panel of the Pros Franchisees across Homefront Brands are winning big—and in this Franchise Friday segment, Jeff Dudan breaks down exactly how they're doing it. Featuring insights from top owners Sean Raferty (Top Rail Fence Denver), Helen & Steve Holden (Temporary Wall Systems Fort Worth), Steve Moore (The Designery Greensboro), Allie Hauser (The Designery Atlanta), and Tyler Kirk (Window Hero Charlotte), this panel reveals the real strategies behind explosive franchise growth. From digital lead generation and referral partnerships to LinkedIn outreach, associations, commercial sales, and community networking, these franchisees share the exact tactics driving multi-million-dollar results in home services.
In this milestone episode, Rick Mayo and Matt Helland reflect on 34 years in business, diving into the deep waters of growth, leadership, and transformation.Rick and Matt explain why franchising is an entirely different beast from running a gym and how most people don't realize that jumping into franchising means starting a brand-new business.They discuss how leadership requires evolving your identity, killing the “old you,” and embracing the discomfort of growth. They also share their own struggles with letting go, the importance of staying teachable, and why consistency trumps motivation every time.This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to scale their business with integrity.
Matt Lavinder shares how he scaled New Again Houses from flipping rentals to a 50+ location franchise by mastering construction, capital, and consistency.In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with Matt Lavinder, founder of New Again Houses, to unpack how he went from college professor to running one of the largest flipping franchises in the country.Matt breaks down how he and his wife started flipping houses the hard way—doing the work themselves—before scaling into high-volume construction, private capital, and eventually a nationwide franchise network.He explains why persistence beats talent, the myths that hold new investors back, and how real estate is simple but not easy. Matt also discusses the importance of adding real value with construction, why wholesaling requires huge marketing budgets, and how software + AI can help investors—but only if they still know their craft.Whether you're flipping your first house or considering a franchise, Matt's insights give you a clear picture of what it really takes to succeed in today's market.What You'll LearnHow Matt transitioned from academia to house flippingWhy construction is the true value creator in flippingThe mistake most new investors make with capitalWhy hitting singles & doubles beats chasing home runsHow he scaled from local flips to a national franchiseThe characteristics of high-performing franchise ownersWhy real estate is NOT a “no money needed” businessHow to think about risk, volume, and competitionThe right way to use AI without losing your skill setHow to evaluate franchise opportunities realistically
Felicia is joined by Ben Turnbull to talk about the male ego in Douglas Sirk's Written on the Wind (1956). We chat about the earnest approach Sirk takes to all of his films and specifically a high tense story such as this one. This is the series finale and one of my favourite month's of the show so far. It was fascinating learning more about Sirk's life and I hope we encouraged you to seek out more of his work. Send us your thoughts on the episode by sending us a message on any of our social platforms or by email: seeingfacesinmovies@gmail.com Follow Ben Here: The Franchisees Podcast on Spotify: @TheFranchisees Letterboxd: @ben_turnbull Twitter: @FartonFink IG: @benjamin.turnbull Sources: Sirk, D., & Halliday, J. (2018). Sirk on sirk: Conversations with Jon Halliday. Bloomsbury Publishing. https://www.criterion.com/current/posts/7680-written-on-the-wind-no-good-end https://www.criterion.com/current/posts/97-written-on-the-wind https://www.sensesofcinema.com/2005/feature-articles/sirk-2/ https://www.filmcomment.com/article/melodrama-and-the-new-woman/ https://www.filmcomment.com/article/sirkumstantial-evidence/ https://www.newyorker.com/culture/richard-brody/movie-of-the-week-written-on-the-wind Outro Song: Main Title from Written on the Wind by Frank Skinner Films Mentioned: Saw (Franchise) Interview With a Vampire (Neil Jordan 1994) Queen of the Damned (Michael Rymer 2002) Through a Glass Darkly (Ingmar Bergman 1961) Winter Light (Ingmar Bergman 1963) The Silence (Ingmar Bergman 1963) Dogville (Lars von Trier 2003) Manderlay (Lars von Trier 2005) Imitation of Life (Douglas Sirk 1959) Magnificent Obsession (Douglas Sirk 1954) My Winnipeg (Guy Maddin 2007) There's Always Tomorrow (Douglas Sirk 1956) Mulholland Drive (David Lynch 2001) Rebel Without a Cause (Nicholas Ray 1955) Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (Rainer Werner Fassbinder 1974) May December (Todd Haynes 2023) The Go-Between (Joseph Losey 1971) Far From Heaven (Todd Haynes 2002) Lured (Douglas Sirk 1947) The Tarnished Angels (Douglas Sirk 1957) Battle Hymn (Douglas Sirk 1957) A Time to Love and a Time to Die (Douglas Sirk 1958) Airplane! (David Zucker, Jerry Zucker, Jim Abrahams 1980) Lust for Life (Vincente Minnelli 1956) Double Indemnity (Billy Wilder 1944) Psycho (Alfred Hitchcock 1960) The Ascent (Larisa Shepitko 1977) Peyton Place (Mark Robson 1957) Bigger Than Life (Nicholas Ray 1956) Murder By Decree (Bob Clark 1979) Lolita (Stanley Kubrick 1962) What Ever Happened to Baby Jane (Robert Aldrich 1962) What Ever Happened to Aunt Alice? (Lee H. Katzin 1969)
ClearCOGS is creating a new category in restaurant technology by bringing predictive analytics to an industry that operates almost entirely on retrospective data. With $3.8 million raised, the company analyzes 100 million data points daily per restaurant to forecast demand and optimize prep decisions. In a recent episode of Category Visionaries, we sat down with Matt Wampler, CEO and Co-Founder of ClearCOGS, to explore how his experience turning around failing Jimmy John's franchises led him to build forecasting software that's fundamentally changing how restaurants operate—and how he's defining a category that doesn't yet exist. Topics Discussed: Matt's transition from 21-year-old Jimmy John's franchisee working 110-hour weeks to identifying systematic inefficiencies in food prep decisions across five locations Why restaurants remain stuck in reactive mode while sports betting and fantasy football have sophisticated predictive analytics ClearCOGS's data infrastructure processing 100 million variables daily—from 15-minute POS intervals and weather patterns to dew point and local events The product discovery process where Matt's co-founder kept asking "why" until every feature request collapsed into one core problem: uncertainty about tomorrow's demand Category creation through the Restaurant AI podcast despite no clear attribution model Building in public on LinkedIn as an enterprise lead generation channel that landed major brands within six weeks The ICP evolution from enterprise fast-casual chains (15-1,000 locations) to a freemium Toast integration targeting independents GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Let outsiders interrogate your domain expertise: Matt wanted to build dashboards restaurant operators requested. His technical co-founder repeatedly asked "why do you want that dashboard?" then "why do you need to see that?" Every answer eventually reached the same root cause: operators didn't know who would walk in tomorrow, making food prep, ordering, and staffing decisions inefficient. This pattern held across dozens of restaurant brands. The yin-yang of insider knowledge plus relentless outside questioning revealed the actual problem worth solving versus building a feature graveyard of requested tools. Reframe category education through familiar high-stakes analogies: "Predictive analytics" meant nothing to restaurant operators. Matt's breakthrough was pointing out the cognitive dissonance in their lives: they studied dozens of variables and probabilistic forecasts for fantasy football lineups but ran six-figure businesses on Excel sheets and gut instinct. This wasn't explaining predictive analytics—it was exposing the absurdity of having better forecasting tools for fantasy sports than for their livelihood, making the gap visceral and the solution obvious. Convert forecast errors into customer intelligence touchpoints: When ClearCOGS's predictions missed, the team initially spent weeks reoptimizing algorithms. The pivot: immediately call the customer, acknowledge the miss, and say "we're on it." Customers didn't expect perfection from a system replacing Excel and guesswork—they valued having someone actually watching their operation. In a software landscape where vendors disappear post-sale, proactive error acknowledgment became relationship acceleration. Every miss became an opportunity to demonstrate attentiveness that competitors couldn't match. Segment messaging by incentive structure, not org chart: ClearCOGS discovered the messaging split wasn't finance versus operations—it was franchisors versus franchisees. Franchisors earning royalties on top-line revenue needed consistency and scalability messaging. Franchisees and on-ground operators living on bottom-line profitability needed waste reduction and margin improvement messaging. The same product solving the same problem required different value propositions based on how buyers were compensated, not what department they sat in. Test public vulnerability as enterprise sales acceleration: Matt had zero social media presence before ClearCOGS. He started posting about struggles and failures on LinkedIn. Within six weeks, a major restaurant brand reached out for partnership discussions. Later, he posted their first website draft asking for brutal feedback—50 people responded with detailed reviews, video walkthroughs, and unsolicited legal advice. When he launched the Restaurant AI podcast with unclear ROI, he treated it as category education infrastructure. In oversaturated B2B markets, authentic struggle documentation cuts through polished competitor noise and creates asymmetric enterprise access that paid channels can't replicate. // Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe. www.GlobalTalent.co // Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM
Meet Shayne, who had a very successful building business for a very long-time before deciding he wanted a change and not the stress that comes with running a large business. Shayne bought a Jim's Building Inspections franchise and shares what that has been like for him and also how we can help customers a lot of money when it comes to buying their dream home.
Welcome back! After 4 incredible years, Eye On Franchising is officially becoming the Franchise Fit Podcast — because it's ALL about finding the right franchise fit.And today's episode is a MUST-WATCH.We're talking fake grass… real cash.
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In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Tope, Vice President of Franchise Development at Full Speed Automotive (the umbrella behind brands like Grease Monkey & Speedee). We go deep into:Why automotive is an overlooked but high-potential franchise category.How multi-unit growth works (40%+ of their franchisees are multi-unit/multi-brand).The DNA of top performers — business acumen + the “aggressive follower” mindset.Investment ranges, unit economics (top 25% units doing ~$1.8 M AV + $400-$500k EBITDA!).Where EVs and AI are really headed in auto service.What mistakes see franchises struggle — and how to avoid them.A special message for first-time franchisees: how to evaluate fit, culture, and franchisor support.
Mark Tracey is a WA Jim's Mowing franchisee who shares his reasons for joining Jim's Mowing and how it's been leaving FIFO to be his own boss.
MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Clayton Edrington. Clayton was making over $300,000 a year at Amazon but had an entrepreneurial itch. He explored everything from SaaS startups to buying existing businesses before landing on franchising.We dive into why he left a high-paying tech job, how he evaluated different home services and sweaty businesses, and ultimately chose to buy multiple territories in a relatively new roofing franchise, Bumble Roofing.Clayton shares the startup costs, his approach to financing, navigating the early months, and the crucial role of community and support.Questions This Episode Answers:Why choose a franchise over other paths?What is the business model of a roofing franchise?How do you pick the right franchise for you?What are the real startup costs for a franchise?What personal sacrifices come with starting a business?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 The Journey Begins: From Tech to Roofing03:10 Understanding the Roofing Business Model05:56 Navigating the Franchise Landscape09:13 Preparing for the Leap: Financial and Personal Considerations12:04 The Launch: Early Days and Initial Challenges14:53 Sales Success and Market Dynamics18:10 Cash Flow Management and Financial Insights20:52 Advice for Aspiring Franchisees
Shannon sits down with Michele, the founder and CEO of FACE FOUNDRIÉ. Michele shares her entrepreneurial journey from running a successful women's clothing company to tackling her hormonal acne struggles by creating FACE FOUNDRIÉ, offering accessible and high-quality skincare experiences. Learn how FACE FOUNDRIÉ's focus on customer service, community engagement, and a scalable franchise model has led to its rapid growth. Michele also discusses key traits of successful franchisees, the importance of listening to customers, and innovative plans for the future of FACE FOUNDRIÉ. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode offers invaluable insights into building a scalable yet high-touch business. [00:40] Meeting Michelle: A Unique Encounter [13:30] Scaling and Franchising FACE FOUNDRIÉ [18:45] Qualities of Successful Franchisees [23:45] Core Mistakes of Franchisees [27:15] High Touch Customer Experience [35:30] Balancing Standardization and Personalization [38:00] Future Goals and Innovations If you like this episode, check out: Your Finance Hire - Dos and Don'ts One of the Most Common Struggles While Growing Your Business I Hired My Husband - Here's Why Visit FACE FOUNDRIÉ's website: https://facefoundrie.com/ Interested in becoming a franchisee? Visit https://facefoundrie.com/franchise/#own Follow Michele @michelemanifests Learn more about our CFO firm and services: https://www.keepwhatyouearn.com/ Connect with Shannon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonweinstein Watch full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ Follow along on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/ The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. We love enthusiastic action, but please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.
Meet Cole who is just 22 years old and runs a Jim's Mowing franchise in New Zealand, he shares tips, tricks and the reality of running a small business.
In this episode we brought in a fellow knuckle dragging Operations guy, Clean Eatz Head of Operations, Quinn Newhall. Quinn came to Clean Eatz back in June. He brings a wealth of knowledge in the food business and has been on both sides of the isle in Franchising as a Franchisee and working on Executive Teams in multiple food brands his entire career. He is a great leader and we are lucky to have him in the Clean Eatz Family. https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinn-newhall-bb182a38/Clean Eatz - www.cleaneatz.comBonseye Marketing - www.bonseyeonline.comFounderz Lounge - www.thefounderzlounge.comhttps://instagram.com/donvarady https://instagram.com/stevebon8https://instagram.com/thefounderzlounge https://instagram.com/founderzlounge Clean Eatz - http://www.cleaneatz.comBonseye Marketing - http://www.bonseyeonline.comFounderz Lounge - http://www.thefounderzlounge.com
So many franchise buyers think “semi-absentee ownership” means passive income — but that couldn't be further from the truth. In this episode, Erik Van Horn (host of Franchise Secrets) breaks down what semi-absentee really looks like once the hype fades and reality hits. From bad hires to broken systems, Erik explains how he learned — the hard way — that you have to earn the right to step back. You'll learn: -Why passive franchise ownership is mostly a myth -The difference between semi-absentee and absentee models -How to avoid checking out too early and ending up “back in the weeds” -What systems, people, and culture you must build first -How to design your business for real freedom -If you've ever been sold the dream of mailbox money, this is your wake-up call. Timestamps: 00:00 – The painful lesson I learned from checking out too early 01:00 – The fantasy of semi-absentee ownership 03:40 – The “London scenario” that exposes your weak spots 06:54 – Ask this emotional question before buying any franchise 07:54 – Why “absentee franchise” is a red flag 09:20 – What true semi-absentee success actually looks like 14:17 – How lazy delegation destroys your business 18:51 – The real currency of freedom: systems 22:32 – Using AI and playbooks to scale smarter 37:44 – Don't chase lifestyle too early — earn it first Connect with Erik Van Horn:
Welcome back to Franchise Fridays on the Unemployable Podcast with Jeff Dudan — where we break down the mindset, systems, and leadership that make franchise owners succeed. Today's guest is Michael O'Driscoll, President of Franchising and COO at Homefront Brands, with 38 years of experience leading franchise systems across four continents. From building his career in Australia's largest residential construction franchise to launching global brands in transportation, banking, and home services, Michael has helped tens of thousands of entrepreneurs succeed in franchising. In this episode, Jeff and Michael discuss: What truly separates good franchise owners from great ones The biggest misconceptions about franchising The mindset shift required for first-year success Why accountability and leadership matter more than ever How AI and robotics are transforming home service franchises The future of franchising and what investors need to know This episode is packed with wisdom for aspiring and existing franchise owners — from resilient leadership to community engagement to long-term wealth creation. FREE COPY of Jeff's Book DISCERNMENTFind out more About Jeff Dudan www.jeffdudan.com
In this episode, we dive deep into Brian Beers's journey from an entrepreneur to an empire builder, discussing his extensive experience in franchising and business scaling. Brian shares his wisdom on navigating the complexities of franchising, the significance of community among franchisees, and the strategies that have led him to build a $50 million automotive business without knowing how to fix cars. Ultimate Show Notes: 00:01:03 - Brian Beers: Entrepreneur to Empire Builder 00:01:46 - Deep Dive into Brian's Business Ventures 00:02:13 - Franchising Insights and Impact 00:03:20 - The Polarizing Views on Franchising 00:04:41 - The Middle Ground in Franchising 00:06:03 - The Phases of Business Development 00:09:03 - The Importance of Hiring the Right People 00:11:21 - Exploring the Turf Business 00:12:31 - Finding the Right Partner in Business 00:15:44 - Recruiting from the Military Community 00:18:41 - The Unique Skills of Special Operations Veterans 00:19:25 - Brian's Mental Breakthroughs in Business 00:22:17 - The Role of Social Media in Business Growth 00:24:58 - Building a Community of Franchisees 00:27:23 - The Importance of Franchisee Profitability 00:30:09 - The Right Fit for Franchise Investment Connect with Brian on Social: https://brianbeers.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-t-beers/ https://www.youtube.com/@brianbeers Turn your unique talent into capital and achieve the life you were destined to live. Join our community!We believe that Capital is more than just Cash. In fact, Human Capital always comes first before the accumulation of Financial Capital. We explore the best, most efficient, high-integrity ways of raising capital (Human & Financial). We want our listeners to use their personal human capital to empower the growth of their financial capital. Together we are stronger. LinkedinFacebookInstagramApple PodcastSpotify
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Want to Start or Grow a Successful Business? Schedule a FREE 13-Point Assessment with Clay Clark Today At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com Join Clay Clark's Thrivetime Show Business Workshop!!! Learn Branding, Marketing, SEO, Sales, Workflow Design, Accounting & More. **Request Tickets & See Testimonials At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com **Request Tickets Via Text At (918) 851-0102 See the Thousands of Success Stories and Millionaires That Clay Clark Has Helped to Produce HERE: https://www.thrivetimeshow.com/testimonials/ Download A Millionaire's Guide to Become Sustainably Rich: A Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Successful Money-Generating and Time-Freedom Creating Business HERE: www.ThrivetimeShow.com/Millionaire See Thousands of Case Studies Today HERE: www.thrivetimeshow.com/does-it-work/
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