Franchise Today

This week on Franchise Today, I host Greg George, founder and CEO of Peach Cobbler Factory, who shares his compelling story from designing cigar lounges to building out a 100+ unit dessert and treat concept. Greg’s story is one of passion, resilience, and family values. Key highlights include: Greg’s strategic approach to franchising, staying with brands until they soar, and his emphasis on strong products and financial diligence. The rapid expansion of Peach Cobbler Factory, growing to 112 locations across 22 states by 2022, thanks to Greg’s visionary leadership and a mentor’s guidance. Personal stories of triumph over adversity, including Greg’s own battle with addiction and his commitment to supporting others on similar paths. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, this episode is packed with valuable insights on scaling businesses, overcoming obstacles, and the profound impact of people in business. Don’t miss out on Greg George’s inspiring story and learn how franchising can be a powerful platform for change.

As a college student, Nick Lopez started a painting business to pay for his education. However, after reading the book "The E-Myth Revisited" Nick was inspired by the potential of the franchise model. This experience inspired Nick to explore franchising further, and eventually growing Lyme Painting into the scalable business it has become. Nick's story highlights how passion, adaptability, and a willingness to learn, can lead to unexpected opportunities in the world of franchising. Nick also describes how his entrepreneurship journey is guided by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, thereby making him the Founder and Steward of the business, as opposed to Founder and CEO. Nick and Stan talk too about how the unique competitive advantage of the business is in its market segmentation. Nick was intrigued by the lack of national players focused on the high-end homeowner market, which led him to pursue a scalable franchise model in this segment of the home improvement space. Nick Lopez, this week on Franchise TOday.

 Listen to this episode to learn how military discipline and a servant's heart can create an extraordinary franchise leadership career. Steve White is the President, COO of PuroClean. Discover how coming out of the Army, Steve's military precision transformed Domino's Pizza's struggling equipment division into a well-oiled machine. Steve White, a former Army officer, leveraged his logistics expertise to revolutionize Domino's operations in the 1980s, setting the stage for his remarkable career in franchising. Steve's problem-solving abilities caught the attention of Domino's founder, leading to successful turnarounds in multiple divisions. His leadership journey continued as he helped consolidate several companies under the Allegra brand and later became President and COO of PuroClean, where he continues to make an impact in the restoration industry. A passionate advocate for franchise community involvement, Steve serves on the IFA board, has chaired the IFA's VetFran committee and he currently chairs the IFA Educational Foundation.

This week on Franchise Today, Prospect Direct Founder and CEO Alex Oswiecinski shares his insights on the power of data-driven franchise development. He explains how focusing and targeting individuals with strong business acumen and financial capabilities, rather than just capturing leads from those who fill out forms online is a game changer. This more qualified approach sets them apart from generic lead generation portals that cast a wide net. Prospect Direct's process involves thoroughly vetting prospects' professional backgrounds and experience to identify the best-fit franchisee candidates for their clients. Alex attributes Prospect Direct's rapid growth, ranking 753 on the Inc. 5000 list, to factors like the pandemic disrupting traditional lead generation methods and their ability to connect with high-earning, six-figure potential franchise owners through targeted email campaigns. The key lessons from Alex's journey? • Embrace a data-driven approach, focus on quality over quantity, and foster transparent, sustainable relationships between franchisors and franchisees. • Identify and target high-quality franchisee prospects with strong business acumen  • Thoroughly vet candidates to ensure a good fit with the franchise model • Manage expectations and deliver realistic results in the franchise development process • Prioritize transparency and responsible franchise growth over short-term gains.

In this final episode of Season 15, host Stan Friedman delivers a heartwarming tribute to family, gratitude, and success as he welcomes Charles Bonfiglio, franchise founder and CEO of Tint World. Inspired in large part by hiis father, Charles emphasizes the importance of relationships and shares his journey from humble beginnings in Brooklyn, NY to leading a 150-unit strong and growing automotive aftermarket franchise chain. This episode also highlights his expanding portfolio of ventures, which starts with Tint World, ranked 249 on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2024 Franchise 500, his new emerging concept Cars Cafe and Auto Parts Network®, a Patent Pending, Automotive Aftermarket Parts and Accessories Distribution and eCommerce software company.  Stan closes the episode extending gratitude to sponsors guests and listeners, marking the season's end with well-wishes for the holidays.

Tracy Stapp Herold is the special projects editor at Entrepreneur magazine. The Annual Franchise 500 is her MOST ANTICIPATED publications each year.  It is Franchising’s equivalent of the Oscars, the Emmy’s, the Grammys, albeit minus the red carpet, but it is the Big Deal of the Year, when it comes to ratings.  So, what goes into that pot of stew.  How many data points are included and how are they massaged, measured and weighted.  How much if any, has the changing nature of franchising influenced the curation of the data that drives the 500.  Not that long ago, our industry was more Mom and Pop, operator centric with what were typically founder-led brands.  Today, it’s not unusual to see franchisee enterprises that eclipse many franchisor organizations in size and infrastructure.  Massive MUMBO’S multi-unit multi branded operations with dozens sometimes hundreds of locations.  And, on the Zor side, we see tons of roll-ups... Portfolios of brands, dominating specific verticals and service areas, led by divisions and subdivisions of Private Equity Sponsors replacing those founder-led concepts of yester year, with the power of professional management, deep pockets for growth and investment, igniting the economies of scale like rocket fuel.  It’s safe to say that our corner of the world, franchising is a changed place not your dad’s old Buick which means what’s important in 2025 to the compilation of the Franchise 500 too, must look a lot different.  Or does it?  Here to answer that and talk a whole lot more about it:  Tracy Stapp Herold, Editor of Special Projects, at Entrepreneur Media.

I’ve worked hard, built wealth, and won some awards along the way, and that’s all great, but I view my greatest accomplishments in life as my marriage to my beautiful and smart wife, Leslie, and raising our three beautiful children who have grown into amazing adults. They are grounded, balanced, nice people, who truly care about others. Family is everything to me. - Jimmy John Liautaud. As you will hear in this episode, benevolence is right up there, with love for his family.  The iconic Jimmy John Liautaud, this week on Franchise Today!

This week Stan sits down with Stephen Preuss, co-founder and CEO of Paymore Electronics, to explore the journey of transforming a humble secondhand store into a thriving franchise concept.  Discover how Stephen and his partner Eric Helgesen redefined the secondhand electronics market by blending brick-and-mortar with e-commerce, harnessing the power of proprietary technology, and the need to overcome challenging industry stigmas. In this episode, Stephen shares insights into the meticulous process of franchising, the strategic decisions that led to their rapid expansion, and the unique value proposition of Paymore stores. Learn about their innovative approach to customer experience, which boasts a repeat customer rate nearly 10X StephenR.Preussthe industry standard, and their commitment to eco-friendly practices through free electronics recycling. Tune in to understand the challenges and triumphs faced by Paymore as they scale nationwide and internationally, and get a glimpse into their vision for the future of the secondhand electronics industry.

This week I welcome Kyle McKeown, Senior Vice President of ProfitKeeper by PrimePay, as both a guest and a new sponsor. Kyle shares his journey into franchising, highlighting his 18-year experience in the industry and how ProfitKeeper has evolved over the years to support franchisees and franchisors alike. Kyle discusses the inception of ProfitKeeper, initially designed to assist franchisees with accounting, and how it pivoted to become a comprehensive financial visibility tool for franchisors. He explains how ProfitKeeper empowers franchisees by providing insightful data that enables them to benchmark their performance and make informed decisions to enhance their business profitability. The conversation also delves into the competitive nature of franchisees and the role of collaboration tools in fostering community and improving performance. Kyle emphasizes the importance of leadership in franchising and shares his personal experience as a Primrose franchisee, underscoring the value of aligning with a brand with strong leadership. Tune in to learn more about how ProfitKeeper is shaping the franchise landscape and discover insights into the dynamics of franchising from an industry veteran.

This week I am joined by Ryan Parsons, co-founder of The Brothers That Just Do Gutters and CEO of The Riverside Company's, Evive Brands. Dive into the journey of how "The Brothers That Just Do Gutters" transformed from being just a small business into a thriving franchise with 100 plus franchisees with hundreds of locations.  . Ryan shares insights on the unexpected path to franchising, the challenges faced during the recession, and the pivotal moments that led to their success. Discover how client feedback sparked the idea of franchising and how a focus on systems and branding played a crucial role in their growth. Explore the evolution of Evive Brands, a portfolio under The Riverside Company, which includes Assisted Living Locators, Grayson's Estate Sales, and Executive Home Care. Ryan discusses his transition to CEO of Evive Brands, the impact of COVID on franchising, and the importance of embracing technology and innovation in today's business landscape. Gain valuable nuggets of wisdom from Ryan's experiences and learn about the future of franchising as he shares his outlook on the industry. Whatever your role in franchising, his episode offers valuable insights into sustainable growth and the power of reinvention.

This week I welcome Kevin King, the newly appointed CEO of Donatos Pizza.  In this engaging episode, Kevin shares his incredible journey from a 14-year-old dishwasher at a local pizza joint to leading one of the most respected brands in the industry. Kevin reflects on his early career choices, including turning down a job at Procter & Gamble to join Dominos Pizza, where he discovered his passion for franchising. He discusses his experiences working in various countries, managing and turning around struggling stores, and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. Returning to Donatos after nearly two decades, Kevin talks about the brand's unwavering commitment to its mission and values, and how these principles have guided him throughout his career. He also explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the restaurant industry, the rise of third-party delivery services, and the importance of being agile in a rapidly changing business environment. Tune in to hear Kevin's insights on the future of franchising, the role of private equity, and his vision for Donatos as the company continues to grow and innovate. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the dynamic world of franchising and restaurant leadership.

This week I am joined by Serial Entrepreneur Ron Holt, the founder of Two Maids and a Mop and Pink Zebra Moving.  Ron shares his inspiring journey from lab work, following graduating UGA with a degree in Biology, to a more inspiring, and exciting career, as a successful franchise entrepreneur. Discover how a traffic jam and a pivotal book, (The E-Myth) led Ron to rethink his career path and venture into the world of entrepreneurship and franchising. In this episode, Ron reveals the story behind the creation of Two Maids and a Mop, the challenges he faced, and how he transformed a single cleaning business into a thriving franchise, and a successful private equity exit. Ron also discusses his latest venture, Pink Zebra Moving, a unique moving company franchise, that promises to make moving a fun and happy experience. Learn about the innovative practices that set Pink Zebra apart in the moving industry, and how Ron plans to disrupt the market once again. Whether you're a franchise enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration from a true industry disruptor.  Ron Holt, this week, on Franchise Today!

Ron Bender was one of the most affable, caring, sharing professionals in all of franchising.  We lost him this weekend and he will be sorely missed.  I interviewed Ron on Dec. 6, 2023, while he was still at Threshold Brands I re-listened to that episode yesterday, after learning of his death.  While most of the conversation was centered around Threshold, all I could really hear was the warm, affable voice of my friend Ron.   In his memory, I share that interview again today.  This time, minus the usual Franchise Today Intro, Outro and commercials.  The franchise world wil forever miss you Ron.  Rest in Peace my friend.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a leading franchise in the health-focused fast-casual market.  With nearly 1,500 locations nationwide, they offer an extensive menu of real-fruit smoothies, wraps, salads, sandwiches and flatbreads.  Charles Watson joined Tropical Smoothie Cafes in 2010 as VP of Franchise Development and was elevated to Chief Development Officer in 2015, following his personal responsibility for awarding more than 800 franchises, during his tenure.  In 2018 Charles went on to become CEO. A veteran hospitality pro, Charles has worked for several hospitality-related companies, including Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Intercontinental Hotels Group, US Franchise Systems, Inc. and Hospitality Real Estate Counselors.  He is a graduate of The Hotel School at Cornell University and also holds a Masters in Business from The Terry School of Business, at The University of Georgia.

Stephanie Johnson’s journey began with earning her Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications and gaining experience at a safety association. That path led her relocate to Denver and join AlphaGraphics, where she rapidly ascended from her initial role as Marketing Campaign Manager in 2019, to her present position, VP of Marketing for AlphaGraphics, POSTNET and World Options, All three of these brand flags flying under the umbrella of MBE Global.    AlphaGraphics operates approximately 230 franchises across the U.S. focusing on providing printing and marketing solutions for businesses, small and large. Her Marketing team is charged with increasing brand awareness and lead generation through national campaigns while improving internal communications with franchise owners. In response to COVID-19, AlphaGraphics boosted their marketing efforts with a campaign that offered $25,000 brand makeovers to small businesses, served by their franchisees. This was followed by their wildly successful “Bring Your Brand to Life” initiative, emphasizing storytelling via high-quality videos. At PostNet, the emphasis is on micro businesses and smaller print jobs, prioritizing customer relationships through campaigns like “We Love Our Customers” and “First Name Basis.” World Options the third leg of the stool, supports the logistical needs of small and medium-sized businesses with personalized shipping solutions, emphasizing exceptional customer service and flexible carrier options. Stephanie Johnson, VP of Marketing for all three brands, joins us this week to share more about it all, right here on Franchise Today.

This week I present a very special edition of Franchise Today, featuring excerpts of me being interviewed by Tracy Panase and Shannon Wilburn, on their brand new podcast, The Franchise Leaders Forum. With permission from Tracy and Shannon, we are simulcasting that interview, right here on Franchise Today.  So, listen as we flip the script and I become the subject of the  interview, as opposed to being the interviewer.       While this simulcast introduces you to Tracy and Shannon and The Franchise Leaders Forum, it also gives you a chance to learn a bit more about my storied career, which started in broadcast and led to some 36 subsequent years in franchising.  I hope you enjoy this.  I had a ton of fun doing it!

Welcome to another exciting episode of Franchise Today featuring Sean Bach, a seasoned franchise professional with a unique journey through the industry. From his early exposure to franchising through his father's association with the founder of Pizza Hut, to his pivotal roles at Cold Stone Creamery, Drybar, and now Pure Glow, Sean's story is one of constant learning and evolution. In this episode, Sean shares his transition from tax law to a career in franchise leadership and development. Sean also reveals his strategic approach to growing emerging brands, highlighting his current role at Pure Glow, an airbrush tanning franchise. Learn how Sean's investment in Pure Glow aims to revolutionize the tanning industry by offering a health-conscious alternative to traditional UV tanning. Sean also shares insights to where the franchise business model may be heading, over the next 1-3- 5 years.  Sean Bock, this week on Franchise Today

This week we are joined by Jenny Young, founder and CEO of Brooklyn Robot Foundry. Jenny is our Q-3, 2024 rising star of franchising and she shares her inspiring journey from a single unit in NYC, to the establishment of a successful, emerging franchise system, that is thriving!.. Jenny discusses how her background as a mechanical engineer and her passion for empowering children through creative robot-building classes led her to franchising. She delves into the challenges of operating in New York City's expensive commercial real estate market and how she pivoted to a more profitable mobile business model, eventually franchising it in 2022. The episode also highlights the importance of company values, the role of diversity in business, and the unique "Frandowment" competition that helped Brooklyn Robot Foundry find its second franchise owner. Jenny offers valuable insights for emerging franchisors, emphasizing the need for strong support systems and the significance of maintaining brand integrity. Join us to learn more about Jenny's innovative approach to franchising and her dedication to fostering creativity and entrepreneurship.

This week on Franchise Today I sit down with Brian Schnell, Partner and Chair of the Franchise Practice at Faegre Drinker, as well as the Chairman of the IFA's Franchise Relations Committee. Brian shares his journey into the world of franchise law, starting from his early days at Gray Plant Moody and his first project with International Dairy Queen in 1987. During this interview, Schnell delves into the intricacies of the franchise industry, discussing the significance of system change, unit-level profitability, and the importance of relationships and culture. Brian offers insights into the evolving landscape of franchising, including the rise of private equity in both franchisors and franchisees, and the need for responsible franchising practices. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities within the franchise sector, and gain valuable knowledge from one of the industry's most insightful professionals.

This week we are joined by Brett Larrabee, a seasoned franchise professional who has accomplished a great deal in his culinary and franchise career.  Brett’s incredible journey began right out of college, as a franchisee…, not just any franchisee, but as Subway’s very first, in the City of Seattle.  Over the next 20 years, Brett grew with Subway, opening many more locations and eventually helping other franchisees within the system, that were perhaps a little less successful than he.  That ultimately led to his transition, from the role of franchisee to that of franchisor.  Brett went on to develop more sophisticated franchised restaurants domestically and abroad, for: Panchero’s Mexican Grill, Five Guys, Famous Dave’s BBQ and Little Caesar’s.  Brett describe how a few years ago, while in Ukraine for Little Caesar’s, curiosity led him to encounter Lviv Croissants, a wildly successful Ukrainian-based franchise concept.  With nearly 200 locations throughout Ukraine, Poland, and Slovakia, this franchise brand is well known for their use of higher than usual, quality ingredients.  That, coupled with the simplicity of their operations, and crowds at all hours of the day and night really captured Brett’s interest.     What began as intrigue, actually caused Brett to flip the script.  After years of taking US brands abroad, he felt moved to bring this concept to the USA, despite the challenges and triumphs of opening the first Lviv Croissants store in Roswell, Georgia, amidst the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. After all these years, Brett returns to the simplicity of his Subway days, but this time, as CEO of Lviv USA, where he is on his way to building a franchise dynasty.  Filled with fascinating stories and insights into both the culinary and franchise worlds, he’s here today, to dish on it all.