Franchise Today

After years in recruiting, franchise development, and lead generation, Dan Claps sold his company to build something else, on his own. That decision became the foundation for VODA Cleaning & Restoration — but the company nearly collapsed after launch.In this episode, Dan shares the gritty truth behind VODA'S early struggles: high monthly losses, a failing model, and the moment he realized that defending his ideas was sinking the business. Everything changed when he started listening — really listening — to franchise candidates and early operators. Their feedback reshaped the model and sparked explosive system-wide growth.Today, VODA has 107 franchises across 260 territories in 32 states, backed by a dual-revenue model (carpet leaning + restoration,) a 24/7 national call center, and more than 9,000 five-star reviews. Dan explains how transparency, principle-centered leadership, weekly communication rhythms, and culture-first decision-making became VODA'S real competitive advantages.This episode is a masterclass in humility, resilience,and building a franchise system that wins by putting franchisees first.

After 41 years in hospitality and franchising, Paul Damico has seen it all — scaling restaurant brands through explosive growth, navigating economic downturns, selling companies for a combined $90 million, and now revitalizing two iconic, 60-year-old legacy brands: Perkins and Huddle House.In this episode, Paul sits down with Stan Friedman to share how his career began at Marriott in 1986 before co-founding a 102-unit restaurant portfolio, leading Moe’s Southwest Grill from 160 to 700+ locations, and overseeing more than 5,000 restaurants at Focus Brands.Now, as CEO of Ascent Hospitality Management, Paul is rebuilding two classic American brands through a back-to-basics approach — deep franchisee engagement, stronger leadership recruitment, operational discipline, and a renewed focus on loyalty over acquisition.Paul explains today’s biggest shift in restaurant behavior: diners aren’t trading down… they’re disappearing. With fast food no longer a clear value play, he reveals how casual dining may actually reclaim value leadership in the coming years.He also outlines what he looks for in franchise partners: substantial liquidity, meaningful net worth, portfolio experience, and the ability to open a minimum of five units within three years.If you want to understand legacy brand turnarounds, strategic franchising, or the next era of restaurant growth — this episode is for you.

Nick Lopez left Colorado as a wide-eyed first-generation college student, to work on a BS in Business Marketing at Michigan State. His plan was to "walk on" to the wrestling team, which would ultimately pay for the cost of tuition and living.The reality was that a scholarship was a couple of years away, so Nick made the tough decision to hang up his wrestling boots for an entrepreneurial endeavor, in order to support the cost of his education.At the age of 19, Nick founded his painting  company and every summer thereafter, he painted homes to help pay for tuition, books, and cost of living. By doing so, Nick developed a real passion and love for the craft of home improvement. In his third year as the owner of the company, the “light bulb” went off. Nick realized that those years of painting didn’t have to be his last, and that a future in the home improvement industry made sense. From that point forward, Nick focused on building a business that would set the standard for excellence in painting and home improvement.He's here today, to tell us all about it.

What separates a successful franchise exit from a costly one?In this week’s episode of Franchise Today, Stan Friedman sits down with Patrick Galeher, Founder, CEO and Managing Partner of Boxwood Partners, one of the leading M&A advisory firms focused on franchising and multi-unit brands.Patrick has lived every side of the franchise world — franchisor, franchisee and supplier — giving him a 360-degree perspective few deal-makers ever have. Before founding Boxwood, he scaled Sweet Frog from 15 to 350 locations before selling to MTY Kahala in 2018. Since then, Boxwood has guided powerhouse brands such as Stretch Zone, AdvantaClean and The Lash Lounge through successful liquidity events.Patrick reveals how alignment, not just valuation multiples, creates lasting value — and why the best M&A advisors start by deeply understanding their clients before ever calling a buyer. He explains how franchise M&A differs from typical middle-market deals, what investors really look for, and how founders can prepare years in advance for a strong exit.Whether you’re a franchisor, franchisee or private-equity partner, this conversation delivers a masterclass in how to build, buy and sell brands the right way.

What happens when two brothers nearly lose everything—only to discover they were accidentally building a franchise model the entire time?In this Encore episode, host Stan Friedman sits down with Ryan Parsons, CEO of Evive Brands and co-founder of The Brothers That Just Do Gutters. What started as a small family-owned gutter business nearly went bankrupt during the 2007–2008 recession, after diversifying into general construction. But that crisis forced a pivotal realization: their true success lay in focusing on what they did best—gutters.By embracing the “riches are in the niches” philosophy, they built systems, processes, and a customer experience so strong that clients assumed they were already a franchise. That assumption sparked the birth of what is now one of the fastest-growing home services franchise brands in America, with over 300 territories.Ryan shares how turning down early private equity offers led to even greater opportunities—including becoming CEO of an entire portfolio of brands under the Evive platform. He also reveals why brilliant basics—answering the phone, showing up on time, wearing professional uniforms—are still the ultimate differentiator in franchising today.👉 If you want to hear how near-failure can become the foundation of franchise greatness, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and strategic focus.

"This week, Shelly Sun Berkowitz, founder ofBrightStarCare, joins host Stan Friedman for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation about the intersection of franchising, family, and female entrepreneurship. Shelly’s journey was born out of her personal need to find care for her grandmother. Shelly’s decision to expand BrightStar through franchising came later though, and began with a spark — watching her mother-in-law invest in a Choice Hotels franchise.  The passion to help families with care andthe franchise spark ignited a career that would lead to one of the most respected senior care brands in America. But during COVID, she found herself working 20-hour days while caring for her autistic son, Luc. It was a breaking point that led to her decision to sell BrightStar and prioritize family — but also lead her to her next great purpose.  Today, through Founder to Founder and Next Phase Capital, Shelly mentors entrepreneurs and provides “patient capital” for founders scaling and exiting on their own terms. She’s also tackling the harsh truth that only 1.9% of women-owned businesses ever reach $1 million in revenue, helping women founders overcome systemic barriers to funding and confidence. 👉 Listen now to hear Shelly’s hard-earned wisdom on balancing ambition with authenticity — and building businesses that honor both profit and purpose.This episode is dedicated to the memory of Bill Chaffee and his undying effort to promote initiatives to assure the furtherance of success, for women in C-Suites of franchising." 

What happens when a hurricane changes your entire life philosophy? For Jeff Dudan, a late-night drive home from Hurricane Katrina relief became the turning point that transformed him from a traveling restoration contractor into a franchise empire builder.Starting with a college painting business and pivoting into restoration after Hurricane Andrew, Jeff launched Advanta Clean in 1994. By 2005, he realized franchising could give him the balance and scalability he needed. But success didn’t come overnight—he admits to early failures rooted in ego, until he embraced the franchise community and hired experienced professionals in 2008.Today, as CEO and founder of Homefront Brands, Jeff leads a diverse portfolio that has grown to 230+ franchise owners across nearly 800 territories in just 30 months. Brands like Temporary Wall Systems, Window Hero, Top Rail Fence, Designery, and Roof Scientist all share one thing in common: the CARES values system that drives culture, leadership, and results.In this conversation with host Stan Friedman, Jeff shares:How personal tragedy became the catalyst for his franchising journeyLessons from scaling multiple brands at record speedWhy values-based leadership outperforms micromanagementHis outlook on franchising as America’s greatest wealth creation engine👉 Listen now to hear how Jeff Dudan builds empires rooted in values, vision, and servant leadership.

After five years as Chief Development Officer at Another Broken Egg, Jeff Sturgis is making another bold pivot—returning to independent consulting.In this conversation with host Stan Friedman, Jeff reflects on three decades in franchising, from his unexpected entry after leaving professional sports to senior leadership roles at Coldwell Banker, U.S. Franchise Systems, Focus Brands, Fantastic Sam’s, McAllister’s Deli, Fazoli’s, and Another Broken Egg.Jeff’s story is one of adaptability, resilience, and relationships. He shares how chance encounters and career setbacks became springboards to new opportunities, why awarding franchises (not just selling them) remains his guiding principle, and where he sees opportunities for brands in today’s challenging market.Whether you’re an emerging franchisor scaling from 20 units or a mature brand navigating growth hurdles, Jeff’s insights into development, strategy, and market dynamics are invaluable.👉 Listen now to hear how one of franchising’s most seasoned leaders continues to shape the future of the industry.

From exile at 17 to CEO of a billion-dollar franchise platform. Shirin Bezhadi’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and remarkable leadership. Hear how she scaled Budget Blinds/Home Franchise Concepts, survived a brain tumor, and turned adversity into her greatest advantage.📌 Key TakeawaysExile and hardship can fuel resilience and leadership ambition.Fractional CFO work can shape company growth and PE exits.Health crises sharpen clarity and leadership priorities.Scaling a franchise requires iterative testing, discipline, and creativity.Private equity exits demand operational maturity and cultural reinvention.She’s now sharing the playbook in her soon to be released book, “The Unexpected CEO: My Journey from Gas Station Cashier to Billion-Dollar CEO” (on sale Oct. 28).  https://shirinbehzadi.com/book/

Carlos Hesano is the brand President of Authority Brands DRYmedic Restoration Services, a company that steps in…  when life takes unexpected turns. Whether it’s water, fire, storm, or mold damage, DRYmedic is there 24/7 to helpfamilies and businesses recover, rebuild, and reclaim their lives. And, they’re not just about restoring properties — they’re about restoring peace of mind. In this episode, you’ll hear how their approach to those that they serve, is more like what you’d expect from a 5 star restaurant or hotel.  Over the years, Carlos has evolved into a powerful voice and leader in franchising, guiding others toward building wealth, independence, and community impact through franchise ownership.

This week we welcome Mike Bahun, founder and CEO of Fundraising University. His journey into fundraising and franchising began as a high school coach, igniting his passion for enhancing resources for schools in need. Mike shares his vision to revolutionize fundraising through a service-based model that prioritizes the needs of students, teachers, and coaches. Discover how he shifted traditional fundraising approaches towards effective digital solutions, providing schools with the means to raise funds efficiently.The episode also examines how the pandemic reshaped their franchise model. With a focus on adaptability and strong operational frameworks, Mike reveals how they transitioned from an owner-operator to a semi-absentee model while retaining strong community ties.Join us as we explore how Mike's innovative strategies not only alleviate the burden on coaches but also ensure significant funds for underfunded organizations.Have you experienced challenges with school fundraising? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

In this episode of Franchise Today, host Stan Friedmanwelcomes Bob Gappa, founder of Management 2000 and one of franchising’s most respected voices. Bob’s journey began in the middle of a recession with an unconventional move — offering free consulting — which soon grew into adecades-long career guiding some of the world’s most successful franchise brands.From navigating economic downturns to anticipating industry shifts, Bob shares timeless lessons and candid insights that every franchise professional needs to hear. Whether you’re new to franchising or a seasonedleader, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

This week, we hear from Chris and Andrew McCuiston, two of the dynamic leaders behind Goldfish Swim School, as they share their remarkable journey from a single swim school in Birmingham, Michigan, to a thriving franchise with nearly 200 locations across North America. What began as a spontaneous entrepreneurial leap, evolved into a national brand rooted in safety, trust, and memorable customer experiences. The McCuiston brothers reveal how franchising found them,the importance of building strong franchisee relationships, and the operational pivots that helped them navigate the challenges of COVID-19 and come out stronger still, on the other side. From expanding into Canada to strategicallytargeting growth in California and Florida, they share insights on creating a company culture that prioritizes safety, facility excellence, and community engagement.No matter your point on the franchise compass, there is rich take home value in this conversation, applicable to anyone involved in franchising.  This episode delivers lessons on resilience, adaptability, and staying true to your core values.

What do you get when you mix structural engineering, with immigrant grit, a viral video, and a love for Hawaiian poke? What you get is the recipe for one of the most exciting fast-casual franchise stories of the past decade.This week on Franchise Today, Stan Friedman welcomes Peter Yang, co-founder and managing partner of Pokeworks—a premium poke concept that exploded out of a 750-square-foot shop in Midtown Manhattan and quickly became a national sensation.Peter shares how:Pokeworks went from unknown to viral, thanks to a burrito and a million online views an hourA family legacy in food and a pivot from engineering set the foundationThey use EOS and AI to drive operational consistency and franchisee support80% of franchisees come back for more—and why passion trumps experienceIf you think you know fast casual franchising, think again. This episode is a masterclass in how authenticity, values, and execution have morphed a niche idea into a thriving national brand.

Clarissa Windham-Bradstock, CFE, CEO, CPO on transforming healthcare access and building a franchise model for the future With a unique background that spans healthcare, franchising, and public policy, Clarissa Windham-Bradstock brings a bold, mission-driven leadership style to the helm of one of the nation’s most innovative direct-to-consumer lab testing brands. Under her guidance, Any Lab Test Now has not only expanded its national footprint but has also become a trusted resource for affordable, accessible healthcare testing — no insurance or appointments required.She’s also a passionate advocate for consumer empowerment in healthcare, a champion for women in franchising, and a firm believer in building purpose-driven franchise cultures.Join us for this candid conversation, at the trisection ofhealthcare, entrepreneurship, and leadership — and learn how Clarissa is helping shape the future of both franchise and healthcare delivery models.

This week I am joined by Don and Evonne Varady, a dynamic husband and wife team who are the founders and franchisors of Clean Eatz, one of the fastest-growing healthy food franchises in the country. Evonne and Don share their incredible journey — from launching their first café to building a purpose-driven brand, that’s changing lives across the nation.We talked about:✅ The early struggles and breakthroughs✅ What it takes to build a values-based franchise✅ Staying mission-focused in a fast-growth business✅ How they’ve cultivated a community — not just customersIf you’re interested in entrepreneurship, franchising, orcreating impact through business, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.#CleanEatz #Entrepreneurship #Franchising #Podcast#HealthyLiving #PurposeDrivenBusiness #Leadership #SmallBusinessSuccess#ComingSoon #EvonneVarady #DonVarady Brought to you by: #FRMSolutions

True story: Transitioning from military life to the world of franchising can be a pivotal moment in one's career. Back in 1994, Mary Kennedy Thompson, a former Marine, embarked on this journey seeking stability for her family. Inspired by a simple franchise brochure from Cookies by Design, she took a leap that led to multiple successful locations and eventually to the role of President of the company.  Throughout her career, Mary has demonstrated that franchising isn’t just about business; it’s about empowerment. Here are a few insights from our conversation: • Leadership Matters: Mary emphasizes that effective leadership shapes organizational culture. Franchisors and franchisees alike must embody core values to drive success. • Community Drives Growth: The power of local support is immense. During uncertain times, organizations like BNI andIFA provide stability and a sense of belonging. • Give First: The transformative essence of giving is compelling. BNI’s motto “giver’s gain” showcases how selflessness can catalyze both personal and communal success.Mary's journey from the military to the C-Suite has always been as a servant leader.  She consistently illustrates that with resilience, one can navigate challenges and find new significance beyond mere success.

This week on Franchise Today, host Stan Friedmanwelcomes John Teza, a franchising veteran with more than 20 years of leadership experience across top-tier brands.John’s journey includes influential roles with Quiznos,Jersey Mike’s, and currently as CEO of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, one of the fastest-growing wellness franchises in North America. Known for his strategic vision, people-first leadership, and deep operational knowledge, John has helped shape some of the most recognized namesin the industry.In this episode, John discusses: Pivotal Moments that shaped his career What it takes to lead through transformation How to scale franchise systems sustainably His insights into the future of health and wellnessWhether you’re a franchisor, franchisee, or entrepreneur,John's story offers valuable takeaways and inspiration.

1Huddle is revolutionizing workforce training for franchises through its AI-powered, gamified platform, designed to engage franchisees, managers, employees and streamline onboarding processes. By transforming traditional training materials into interactive mobile games, 1Huddle enhances knowledge retention and accelerates employee readiness across franchise networks .

This week we hear from Scott Thompson, Chief DevelopmentOfficer at Radiance Holdings, the franchisors of Sola Salons and Woodhouse Spa.  Listen in, as Scott reflects on his unexpected journey into franchising, which began after he faced rejection in his initial career, as a cardiac rehab specialist. Pivoting to his passion for fitness, Scott joined Fitness Together, ultimately becoming a successful, multi-unit franchisee in New York City, before pivoting again to the corporate side of the business, as a franchisor. Scott shares insights from his hands-on experiences, including the challenges of navigating the 2008 financial crisis, emphasizing his belief that determination and a willingness to learn are essential for success in franchising.