The Art of Franchise Marketing

On the Art of Franchise Marketing, Host Madeline Zook is joined by CMO, Kyle Smith. With nearly 15 years of experience in higher education marketing, Kyle seamlessly transitioned into the franchising world, leveraging his expertise in brand promotion and business development. His story highlights the interconnectedness between marketing roles in different industries, emphasizing the importance of brand protection and growth across diverse sectors.Kyle's strategic vision is focused on doubling growth and expanding brand recognition while maintaining a customer-centric approach. He emphasizes the significance of metrics-driven marketing strategies, including targeted advertising, referral programs, and strategic partnerships with power partners. Kyle's journey exemplifies how adaptability, strategic planning, and customer-focused marketing can drive success in the competitive franchising landscape.

On the Art of Franchise Marketing, our Host Madeleine Zook is joined by Kamille McCollum, Co-Founder and COO of BODYBAR Pilates. Kamille shares insights into the strategic decisions and operational intricacies that fueled the rapid expansion of BODYBAR Pilates from a regional presence to a nationwide franchise phenomenon. The dialogue delves into the intricacies of franchising, exploring the delicate balance between operational efficiency and franchisee support. McCollum's emphasis on trust, clear division of responsibilities, and a corporate ethos within franchise relationships offer valuable lessons for aspiring franchisors. As the conversation unfolds, McCollum hints at the brand's future trajectory, teasing potential expansions and service innovations that promise to further solidify BODYBAR Pilate's position as a frontrunner in the boutique fitness franchising landscape.

Join Eric Myers from My Place Hotels on The Art of Franchise Marketing as he delves into the dynamic world of hotel franchising. Eric offers valuable insights and expertise on guiding franchisees from vision to reality. With a background in finance and sales, Eric's role involves providing comprehensive support in navigating the complexities of opening and managing hotels, emphasizing the importance of strong financial backing and ongoing support post-launch. Discover the diverse pool of franchisees and investment opportunities available in this engaging discussion on transforming dreams into successful hotel ventures.

In this insightful conversation, Madeleine Zook interviews Kenny Reinbold, the Director of Advertising for Express Employment Professionals. With 13 years of experience, Kenny shares his career journey from local marketing to internal communications and corporate PR, ultimately diving into franchising. Discover the ins and outs of the franchise business model and gain insights on staffing processes and client relationships straight from Kenny's expertise. They delve into various aspects of the franchise industry, discussing the brand's history, growth goals, franchise model, impact on communities, and strategic advertising approach. The dialogue sheds light on how franchising can create meaningful impacts on individuals' lives while being a successful business venture.

Join us for an enlightening discussion with John Hewitt, a renowned CEO and founder in the franchising industry. With over 55 years of experience, John has shaped the landscape of franchise marketing, spearheading the success of Liberty Tax, Loyalty Brands, and numerous other ventures. In this conversation, John shares his remarkable journey, from humble beginnings to building billion-dollar companies.John's expertise shines through as he delves into the intricacies of franchising, highlighting innovative approaches like franchisee feedback sessions and strategic decision-making based on market dynamics. Through his insights, John provides a comprehensive blueprint for franchise success, drawing from his unparalleled experience and a deep understanding of the evolving franchising landscape.

On the Art of Franchise Marketing, guest Jennifer LoBianco, CMO of Best Life Brands delves into the challenges of digital marketing in today's landscape. From testing new tactics to maintaining a balance between data analytics and strategic focus, she offers practical tips for franchisees looking to optimize their marketing efforts.Jennifer highlights the significance of understanding target markets and tailoring messaging to resonate with diverse audiences. Drawing from personal experiences and industry expertise, she discusses the nuanced approaches to engaging both emotionally driven and pragmatically-minded individuals.Explore the intersection of branding, marketing, and franchise development with Best Life Brands, and discover actionable strategies for success. 

On The Art of Franchise Marketing, Madeleine Zook sits down with Kristopher Stuart to explore his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in a mom-and-pop shop to becoming a force in the franchising industry. Kristopher shares his serendipitous entry into franchising, starting as his mom's first employee in the window coverings business before transitioning into firefighting and ultimately diving headfirst into franchising. With a focus on service and community, Kristopher emphasizes the parallels between his experience as a firefighter and his role as a franchisor, highlighting the importance of a shared commitment to service in both realms. As the conversation unfolds, Kristopher candidly discusses the challenges his brand faced, including the realization of being "bad franchisors" in the early stages, and the pivotal decision to invest in a full brand build-out. Kristopher provides valuable insights into the delicate balance of operational and growth investments, offering practical advice for emerging brands navigating the franchising landscape. His commitment to family, both in business and in life, shines through as he discusses the ethos of his brand, emphasizing integrity, commitment, and selflessness. With a deep understanding of the human aspect of franchising, Kristopher's story serves as an inspiration for aspiring franchisors and a testament to the transformative power of building genuine relationships within the franchise community.

On the Art of Franchise Marketing, we delve into the transformative impact of mobile technology solutions on the franchise landscape. From enhancing customer experiences to optimizing employee efficiency, the conversation explores how innovative solutions offered by companies like Stratix are reshaping the franchise ecosystem. Stratix has the proven mobile expertise and service execution to help companies transform any mobility challenge into a competitive advantage. Moreover, the discussion illuminates emerging trends such as wearables, augmented reality, and the integration of AI, offering franchise owners valuable foresight into future technological advancements. With practical examples and expert analysis, this podcast equips franchisors with actionable strategies to leverage mobile technology effectively, paving the way for operational excellence and sustained growth in the competitive franchise landscape.

On The Art of Franchise Marketing, Jeff brings a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, sales process optimization, and infrastructure development to support franchise brands in their growth trajectory. Having successfully navigated private equity acquisitions, Jeff now leads Front Street, a boutique private equity firm focused on guiding emerging franchisors toward sustainable growth and equity-building strategies.In this engaging conversation, Jeff and industry expert Madeleine Zook shed light on the evolving relationship between private equity and franchising. From the initial stages of due diligence to post-acquisition integration, they delve into the complexities of private equity investment, offering valuable insights for founders and entrepreneurs considering selling their brands. Discover practical strategies for preparing your brand and team for private equity investment, and gain valuable perspectives on navigating the dynamic landscape of franchising and finance. Whether you're a franchisor, franchisee, or investor, this discussion provides essential guidance for optimizing your business for success in today's ever-changing market.

Join Scott Zide, the CEO of Empower Brands on The Art of Franchise Marketing, as he shares his remarkable journey through the world of franchising. With a career spanning from franchise ownership to leading a multi-branded franchisor, Scott brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table. From co-founding Mosquito Squad to spearheading the growth strategy of Empower Brands, Scott's story is a testament to dedication and innovation in the franchising industry. Delve into the intricacies of integrating acquired brands, fostering collaboration among diverse teams, and mitigating the risk of burnout as the organization experiences rapid growth.

In The Art of Franchise Marketing, experienced entrepreneur Dan Claps provides a deep dive into the world of franchise marketing, drawing from his extensive background in both franchise brokerage and lead generation. As the co-founder of Voda Cleaning and Restoration, Claps shares the strategic decision-making process behind transitioning from a successful lead generation venture to becoming a franchisor in the cleaning and restoration industry. Delving into the intricacies of franchise development and the challenges of building a business, Claps offers candid insights into the relentless hustle required in entrepreneurship, balancing work commitments with personal life, and the importance of defining one's priorities. With a focus on creating a business model that is recession-proof, pandemic-resistant, and impactful, Claps reveals the rationale behind Voda's unique dual offering of cleaning and restoration services, highlighting the brand's commitment to providing essential services while maximizing market potential. From his unwavering optimism to his dedication to empowering franchise owners, Claps offers a compelling narrative of resilience, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of success in the dynamic world of franchising. 

Delve into Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar's unique franchise model, spanning 18 locations across six states with a focus on maintaining a distinct local flavor.  Darren provides valuable insights into the delicate balance between brand consistency and allowing each Shack to embrace the character of its owners and community. As the conversation unfolds, Darren sheds light on the brand's commitment to a "Think Act Be Local" approach for 2024, emphasizing the importance of personal, face-to-face engagement with local communities. Gain insights into the brand's goal of healthy and deliberate growth, avoiding the pitfalls of rapid expansion in favor of preserving the quality and charm that define Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar. Discover the importance of cultural alignment and unique marketing strategies that go beyond the ordinary. This episode provides a compelling narrative of resilience, authenticity, and the art of building a successful franchise, one shuck at a time.

On The Art of Franchise Marketing, Tracy Stapp Herold, Special Projects Editor at Entrepreneur, shares valuable insights into the Entrepreneur Franchise 500. With over 20 years of experience in franchise lists and rankings, Tracy delves into the significance of the Franchise 500 for both franchisors and potential franchisees. Tracy provides a comprehensive overview of how the list is curated, from the criteria used in the selection process to the emphasis on support and brand strength.The discussion unfolds beyond the rankings as Tracy highlights the diverse categories covered in the Franchise 500, ranging from fitness and pet services to home services and more. The conversation also touches upon the unique challenges and opportunities in the franchise industry, showcasing how the list acts as a spotlight for the achievements and growth of franchise businesses.Whether you're a seasoned franchise professional or someone exploring franchise opportunities, this conversation offers valuable insights into the intricacies of the franchise landscape, the importance of support systems, and the holistic approach taken by Entrepreneur in presenting the Franchise 500.

On the Art of Franchise Marketing, our host, Madeleine Zook dives into the captivating story of Josh York, the founder and CEO of GYMGUYZ. GYMGUYZ delivers in-home personal trainers right to your door for customized one-on-one or group workouts in the privacy of your living room, backyard, or anywhere you choose. Imagine no commute, no gym bag, and no crowded locker rooms. Since 2008, their mobile fitness training company has continued to grow, helping thousands of clients improve their fitness and their lives, no matter their age or ability.This podcast episode navigates York's intense journey, starting from humble beginnings to servicing over 1,500 cities across the US, Canada, and the UK. Delving into York's unwavering commitment to fitness, family, and unrelenting persistence, listeners gain insight into the challenges, setbacks, and triumphs he encountered throughout the franchise's growth. Uncover York's leadership insights, coaching techniques, and the franchise's seamless international expansion. This podcast motivates and illuminates the path to success in fitness franchising.

On the Art of Franchise Marketing, host, Madeleine Zook sits down with Xponential Fitness President of Franchise Development, Lance Freeman. Through its mission to make boutique fitness accessible to everyone, the Company operates a diversified platform of ten brands spanning across verticals including Pilates, indoor cycling, barre, stretching, rowing, dancing, boxing, running, functional training, and yoga. The discussion unfolds, revealing Lance's expertise in identifying opportunities within the fitness market. He shares insights into scaling brands, navigating competitive spaces dominated by boutique fitness studios, and the unique advantage of competing against smaller, localized businesses. Lance reveals a strategic focus on sustainability, market trends, and the importance of aligning brands with a culture-driven approach.

On the Art of Franchise Marketing, The discussion delves into Kevin's journey from a graphic design background to spearheading the rebranding of a gutter-based business. The Brothers that Just Do Gutters is a rapidly growing, locally owned, and operated franchise with over 100+ locations nationwide and growing. Their mission is to "Reinvent Contractor Service" by providing a great place to work and delivering 5-star service every step of the wayKevin highlights the strategies essential for franchise sales, particularly in the home services industry. He emphasizes the importance of community building for franchisees, emphasizing an entrepreneurial mindset to forge strong local connections. The conversation extends to the role of franchise development and the nuanced partnership between franchisors and external sales organizations (FSOs), offering valuable insights for aspiring franchisees and franchisors seeking business expansion.Overall, this engaging dialogue not only dissects franchise marketing tactics but also presents a growth roadmap, drawing parallels between brand-building and community connections to drive success in the franchising landscape.

Join us on The Art of Franchise Marketing as Kory shares his inspiring journey from an enthusiastic fitness lover to a key figure in one of the nation's fastest-growing franchises, The DRIPBaR. Discover how the DRIPBaR's Vitamin Therapy and Wellness Services can improve cellular health, leading to a more vibrant and disease-resistant life.In this episode, we'll delve into the crucial aspects of a successful wellness franchise, including aligning expectations, establishing clear sales processes, and nurturing a unified culture. Learn the importance of empathy, building strong relationships, and adapting marketing strategies to enhance brand representation and community engagement.

In this episode of The Art of Franchise Marketing, a dynamic dialogue between Madeleine Zook and Craig Sherwood, the spotlight shines on the fitness landscape redefined by Lumin Fitness. Lumin Fitness is The World’s Smartest Fitness Studio. Founded in 2019 and developed by fitness, franchising, and gaming industry veterans, the brand’s proprietary fitness ecosystem utilizes the latest advances in artificial intelligence, digital display, motion tracking, and object detection to create the most intelligent, interactive, and individualized boutique fitness experience in the world.This groundbreaking approach disrupts traditional workout paradigms, immersing enthusiasts in an experience fueled by state-of-the-art AI technology. The proprietary technology reshapes the global fitness industry, providing a glimpse into a future of health and wellness that's interactive and intelligently tailored to each individual's unique needs and preferences. Lumin Fitness stands as a beacon guiding the evolution of fitness, embodying a holistic and dynamic approach that sets new benchmarks in the quest for personal well-being.

Join us on The Art of Franchise Marketing as we sit down with Betsy Hamm, the CEO of Duck Donuts, to unravel the fascinating journey of Duck Donuts' growth from a hidden gem in the Outer Banks to a nationally recognized brand. Duck Donuts was founded in 2007 by Russ DiGilio in Duck, North Carolina. His intention? To solve a family vacation problem: “Our family wanted a place to buy warm, delicious, made-to-order donuts!, and when we couldn’t find one, we decided to start our own.” Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, the company began franchising in 2013, and prides itself on sprinkling happiness to its guests through its unique in-store experience, exceptional guest service and a duckzillion donut combinations. As one of the fastest-growing donut franchise companies, Duck Donuts has more than 115 locally owned and operated shops across 24 states, Peurto Rico and three international locations in Burlington, Ontario; Cairo, Egypt; and Riyadh, KSA. In this episode you'll learn how Duck Donuts navigates the evolving QSR landscape, and the delicate balance of innovation while honoring tradition. Delve into the challenges of expanding the brand and adapting to diverse markets. Discover how Duck Donuts maintains a circle of success, empowering franchisees one warm, made-to-order donut at a time.

The discussion delves into the nuances of franchise development, highlighting its complexity beyond sales. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional and strategic aspects involved, focusing on aligning the right entrepreneurs with the appropriate opportunities. Jonathan's insight reveals the significance of mentorship, diverse experiences across varied company structures, and how these contribute to grasping the dynamics of franchisees. This episode's emphasis on cohesion within the franchisee community underscores the criticality of selecting partners who align with the brand's values, culture, and long-term vision.The discussion shifts to Wingstop's approach to menu innovation. While they primarily emphasize flavor diversity over menu complexity, they ensure consistent offerings adaptable across their products, facilitating a more seamless addition of items like sandwiches without overwhelming operational intricacies. The conversation wraps up with a glance into Wingstop's future goals. Jonathan emphasizes the ongoing focus on maintaining momentum, and maximizing existing strategies while innovating within the brand's core identity to achieve these ambitious goals.