Shows
The Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastHow the IFA is Shaping Franchising Today w/ Matt HallerWhat’s really happening behind the scenes at the IFA and why does it matter more than ever right now?In today’s episode, Matt Haller, President and CEO of the IFA, shares the growing role the IFA plays in protecting, enhancing, and promoting franchising. From Capitol Hill to convention halls, Matt explains how his team is helping franchise brands navigate policy, access education and build community.Matt dives into how stepping into leadership during the pandemic pushed the IFA to evolve faster than ever, from launching virtual education and...2025-08-0647 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastWhat Most Franchise Founders Get Wrong (& What Cathy Deano Did Instead)What does it take to turn a simple idea born in a barn into a nationally recognized franchise empire? Cathy Deano, the visionary behind Painting with a Twist and co-founder of Twist Brands, takes us back to post-Katrina Louisiana, where a desire to bring joy to her community led to a business that now spans 400+ locations. But her journey wasn’t linear and it definitely wasn’t typical!From scrappy startup beginnings to rapid-fire franchise growth (think 40 units in under a year), Cathy shares how she navigated the c...2025-07-2340 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastHow to Scale Your Franchise Without Burnout w/ Paul PrestonAre you building a franchise and wondering how to scale without sacrificing your values, sanity, or family time? Want to hear how the co-founder of the world’s largest swim school grew from a single pool to 170 locations and still finds time to coach Little League and be with his family?Today’s guest, Paul Preston serves as the Co-Founder and President of Aqua-Tots Swim School, where he oversees strategic planning, growth, and franchise development of all Aqua-Tots Swim School openings worldwide.After...2025-07-0944 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastUsing Data to Drive Growth for a Successful Franchise w/ Sam BallasWhat does it really take to build a franchise brand where record sales, loyalty, and work-life balance all go hand-in-hand?Today’s guest, Sam Ballas, is a serious numbers guy (his license plate literally says EBITDA!). And he is diving into his trademarked philosophy “driven by unit level economics”. Sam shares why focusing on the numbers at each location beats chasing super-sized national growth, and how regional relationships and relentless data tracking keeps his brands profitable and tight-knit. He also shares the importance of the quality of life (and ballet recitals!) even before expansion and ho...2025-06-2547 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastLeading with Passion, Purpose & Loyalty w/ Paul PickettWhat does it take to build a franchise brand that puts people first and thrives for over thirty-five years?In today’s episode, Paul Pickett, Chief Development Office of Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU), shares what has been key in making WBU successful over the last 35+ years.The first key to success is having a strong values-driven culture. Paul shares how his mantra of “How you do anything is how you do everything” has helped shape not only his leadership but the franchise’s commitment to excellence, genuine feedback, and fosterin...2025-06-1149 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastPower of Belief for a Successful Franchise with Robin GagnonWhat does it take to build an unstoppable franchise and lift others up along the way?Today’s guest, Robin Gagnon, shares the transformative impact of having others believe in her talent before she believed in herself. And this personal insight is why she believes that belief is foundational to success.Robin’s leadership philosophy revolves around learning, and lifting and leading others, which she credits for building multi-generational wealth and empowering franchisees to realize their own dreams. Robin shares how her adoption of EOS and her focus on core...2025-05-2849 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastFranchise Growth Strategies with Clarissa BradstockWhat does it really take to build a franchise brand rooted in excellence, innovation, and world-class customer experience?Clarissa Bradstock, CEO of Any Lab Test Now, shares a combination of strategies to really grow a franchise.It starts with placing franchisees within 1 of 4 quadrants which helps you understand where they are in their business and their mindset. As well as listening to feedback, even when it’s tough to hear. And why true franchise success hinges on fostering close relationships, genuine engagement, and encouraging continual improvement through meaningful recognition rather than monetary rewards.Cl...2025-05-1437 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastNavigating the SBA Franchise Directory Changes with FRANdata’s Edith WisemanAre you confused about the difference between the SBA franchise directory and the franchise registry and what recent changes mean for your brand's growth and funding? We are diving deep into urgent changes in franchise funding, specifically around the SBA Franchise Directory, a topic you can’t afford to overlook.We are joined by Edith Wiseman, President of FRANdata. Edith is breaking down everything from what FRANdata actually does, think deep dives into franchisors and franchisees, and how this information is used by lenders, suppliers, and franchisors.2025-05-0749 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastBuilding Franchise Success Through a Growth Mindset with Jerry AkersHow does a “farm boy from Iowa” grow one struggling salon into a thriving empire of 33 locations?Today on the podcast, we have Jerry Akers who is diving deep into the realities and opportunities within the franchise industry, and he’s getting straight to the point when it comes to the grit and growth mindset that is required to excel. Jerry is sharing how he took a single Great Clips location and expanded to 33 locations, and how hands-on leadership, calculated risk, and a do-it-yourself attitude fueled his exponential growth. And Jer...2025-04-3046 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastUncovering the Secret Sauce for Successful Franchise Leadership & Growth w/ Steve BeagelmanWhat’s the secret sauce that propels franchising success and transforms entrepreneurs into industry leaders?Today, we are joined by industry expert Steve Beagelman. Steve shares his early fascination with franchising that set him on a path to innovate and establish his own franchise, Black Tie Express, which predated companies like Uber Eats and Grubhub. And he’s diving into crucial insights for aspiring franchisors, emphasizing the importance of understanding that franchising demands commitment, hard work and a willingness to adapt to an ever-changing business landscape.Steve stresses that succ...2025-04-1647 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastThe Impact of EOS in Franchising Success with Justin MinkAre you a franchise leader feeling stuck and overwhelmed, searching for a system to help align your team and propel your business forward? In today's episode, Justin Mink, is diving deep into the world of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).He is covering all things EOS - a strategic tool designed to streamline your business and increase your success. If you've ever wondered what the heck EOS actually is, Justin is going to break down this magical framework into bite-sized pieces, emphasizing its simplicity and how it can transform y...2025-04-0245 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastPaul Blavin's Approach to Franchise Growth & Impact w/ Love, Leadership & LegacyHow can the intersection of franchise growth, impact and love create a powerful force for good?Today’s guest, Paul Blavin, is sharing his journey from a conventional money-minded career into a mission-driven path focused on love, service and his venture into the franchising space. Paul shares his realization that business success is not just about money but about the character and passion of the people at the helm. Because at the end of the day it’s the grit, heart and a servant mindset who truly wins the day.Pa...2025-03-1938 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastElevating Employee Experiences for Franchise Growth w/ Author Scott GreenbergHow can mastering your mindset, implementing proven systems and elevating others through your business end up transforming your franchise journey?Today's guest, Scott Greenberg, author of The Wealthy Franchisee and Stop the Shift Show, is sharing what sets successful franchisees apart from the rest. And it’s all about mindset, sticking to a proven system and using your business to elevate those around you. Scott also shares his concept of the “mental heckler” and how to deal with it through fact vs feeling as well as making sure bus...2025-03-0551 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastThe Intersection of Franchise Brokers, Leadership & Ethical Business w/ Sabrina WallAre franchise brokers a secret weapon to successful business ownership, or are they an unnecessary middleman?When Sabrina Wall entered the franchise space and worked with a franchise broker she had a lackluster experience which she turned into an opportunity to create a better franchise broker system for everyone.Today, we dive deep into what exactly a franchise broker does, the importance of maintaining ethics and educating clients, and how the Franchise Brokers Association came to be and spoiler alert it involves some serious networking and a...2025-02-1945 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastHow Strategic Pivoting and Knowing Your Niche Leads to Franchise Success with Frank FiumeHow do you turn a passion into a business empire?Today's guest, Frank Fiume, took his love of adult men’s softball and evolved it into a groundbreaking youth sports franchise. Frank discusses the importance of focusing on a niche market and the pivotal moment he decided to pivot his franchising business. He shares some hard truths about why so many franchisors struggle to hit that 100-unit mark and he dives into the challenges and strategies he employed to ensure success and stability for i9 sports. And you won’t wan...2025-02-0548 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastMaintaining Strong Relationships Through Rapid Franchise Growth with Josh WallWhat’s the secret to building lasting, impactful relationships in the fast-paced world of franchising? And how does a whirlwind of acquisitions reshape an industry and serve families better?In today’s episode we are joined by Josh Wall. Josh serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Unleashed Brands, a leading franchise platform accelerator focused on youth enrichment and family-centric brands. With a presence in over 1,300 operating franchise units and 700+ more in development across 15 countries, Unleashed Brands is dedicated to helping children learn, play, and grow.Josh shar...2025-01-2248 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastNavigating Unit Economics and KPIs in Franchising with Steve MurphyWhat does it take to turn a struggling franchise into a billion-dollar retail empire?Today, we have Steve Murphy, the mastermind behind Winmark Corporation's stunning transformation. Steve shares how inefficiencies in operations can significantly impact profitability and the importance of effective marketing and staff training in keeping inventory in check and maximizing margins.Steve also underscores the importance of understanding financials beyond just monthly reports, highlighting how financial metrics can dynamically improve operations. As well as optimizing KPIs to significantly boost profitability without additional sales efforts.2025-01-0848 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastThinking of Selling Your Franchise? Start Here w/ Alicia MillerHave you wondered how private equity can transform your franchising journey or why timing your exit strategy is as critical as choosing the right franchise?Today, Alicia Miller is sharing some golden nuggets on scaling your franchise, understanding private equity’s role and most importantly, planning your exit strategy ahead of time.And if you are confused when it comes to private equity, Alicia breaks it down into understandable bite size pieces. She explains how less than 20% of franchisors get private equity investment and what qualities these fi...2024-12-2549 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastWhy Empathetic CEOs Build the Most Profitable Brands w/ Catherine MonsonWhat if the key to success lies in changing your mindset?Today's guest, Catherine Monson, shares invaluable lessons on leadership, the importance of a positive mental attitude, and effective communication within franchises. Catherine’s leadership journey is marked by dedication to franchisee profitability and a profound commitment to ethical leadership and meaningful franchise support.Catherine also shares her personal struggles and triumphs, such as overcoming depression and maintaining a positive mindset despite difficult circumstances. Her candid reflections on her "Undercover Boss" experience reveal gaps in company operations an...2024-12-1142 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastHow Radical Transparency Turned a Franchise Around w/ Dustin HansenImagine launching a thriving global franchise during a period of personal loss and financial struggle. How do you transform hardship into prosperity, not just for yourself, but for an entire network of franchisees?Today’s guest, Dustin Hansen, is diving into lessons he learned while building a thriving business, and diving into his philosophy of fostering community and transparency within franchise networks. Dustin shares how involving franchisees in decision-making processes and maintaining open communication channels can significantly enhance brand equity and trust. 2024-11-2742 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastExpect the Unexpected on Business Growth and Franchise Strategy with Steve GreenbaumHow do you run a successful franchise? It often looks like identifying blind spots that inhibit growth, taking strategic pauses, and embracing the journey while expecting the unexpected. Today’s guest, Steve Greenbaum, dives into the concept of “blind spots” in business which equates to those challenges that often pop up out of nowhere in our business. Steve shares how an emerging business, Tootl, was using spreadsheets to manage transportation logistics which was unsustainable when it comes to scaling.And what do you do when somethi...2024-11-1341 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastBuilding Franchise Systems with Predictable Cash Flows with David BarrCurious how an average person with average work ethic can achieve extraordinary success in franchising?With decades of experience navigating the complexities of the franchise landscape, our guest David Barr is bringing a wealth of knowledge and a candid perspective on the realities of franchising.David Barr is the Chairman and majority owner of PMTD Restaurants and sits on the board of directors of a variety of public and private entities, both domestic and international, with a focus on consumer facing companies. David describes himself as a...2024-10-3052 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastLeadership Lessons from Jo Kirchner on Perfection, Progress, and CommunityHave you ever wondered how a working mom’s frustration led to a nationwide revolution in early childcare and a thriving franchise?Jo Kirchner joined Primrose in 1990 as Vice President and became President and CEO in 1999. Her lifelong mission is to deliver a nurturing environment and a quality learning foundation to help children become confident adults who love who they are and what they do.Under Jo’s leadership, Primrose has grown from four schools in metro Atlanta to more than 500 schools nationwide and she has...2024-10-1639 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastFranchise Success Through Heartfelt Communication & Visionary Leadership with Shane EvansWhat does it take to foster real trust and passion in a franchise? Today’s guest, Shane Evans is an accomplished entrepreneur and franchisor, best known as the Co-Founder of Massage Heights, a premier membership-based massage and skincare company. With a passion for enhancing well-being, Shane has cultivated a culture of elevated wellness that touches the lives of people, members, and communities.As the visionary leader behind Massage Heights, Shane developed the retail model and guided its growth into a privately held family business with 115+ ope...2024-10-0244 min
Franchise TodayThe Franchise Leaders Forum Interviews Stan Friedman and We Simulcast it Here!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 bro...2024-09-2536 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastFranchise Growth Requires More Than a Good System w/ Stan FriedmanIf you don’t do something that differentiates you, you don’t even get a look, much less an opportunity.In today’s episode we are diving into strategies for franchise success. We are starting off with the importance of thinking outside the box and how we can be creative about drawing attention and sales into our business. As well as always being a life-long learner as a leader and the importance of meaningful connections within the franchise space. Today’s guest, Stan Frie...2024-09-1836 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastHow to Choose the Right Franchise with FranNet CEO Jania BaileyWhen it comes to owning a franchise the most important thing you can do to set yourself up for success is to do your due diligence.And the most effective way to do your due diligence is with FranNet's 7-step process that sets you, the potential franchisee, up for long-term success.Today, we are joined by Jania Bailey who joined FranNet in 2006 and in 2015 assumed the role of CEO of FranNet. Under her leadership, she has led the company through unprecedented growth and has established FranNet as...2024-09-0443 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastWhat Great Franchise Leaders Do Differently w/ Alex JuddDo you sometimes feel stuck when it comes to moving your business forward?Perhaps, you aren't clear on what path you should take or you don’t have a clear vision of your business?What if you had a clear framework and intentional goals to drive your business growth?Today, our guest Alex Judd sheds light on the magic of success statements, defining them as a tool to keep your business on track with intentional goals. As well as the issue of...2024-08-2149 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastThe Power of Franchising as a Small Business Owner with Art ColeyWhen it comes to owning a franchise as a small business owner the benefits are high! They have a proven business model. They have manuals and training, and they will onboard you. They will teach you the industry, help you make less mistakes and hopefully achieve profitability faster than if you opened a stand alone small business.It was this business model and potential for unlimited success that drew Art into the franchising space.Today, we are joined by Art Coley. A...2024-08-0745 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastFranchise for Good: Purpose, Growth, and Franchise Opportunities with Dave KeilHow does one go from working at a Fortune 500 company doing jobs like production supervisor, plant industrial engineer, marketer, finance person and more to running an ice cream franchise business?Dave first fell in love with the Haagen-Daz Shoppes franchise because of the entrepreneurship and putting people in business. After this first foray into the franchise space Dave never looked back and has continued to forge his way through the franchise space.Today’s guest, Dave Keil, is president of Franworth, an Ann-Arbor based firm who build, in...2024-07-2447 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastNavigating Change and Growth in Franchising with Mary Kennedy ThompsonLet’s just start with the biggest question we are all asking ourselves!Why did Mary Kennedy Thompson leave Neighborly for BNI to become their CEO?Today, Mary is sharing that answer with us as well as her remarkable journey through the franchise system as a trailblazing leader.She sheds light on pivotal lessons in leadership, organizational change and the art of strategic decision-making.Mary is an emblematic figure in the franchising landscape. Mary is cu...2024-07-1044 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastCultivating Culture, Retaining Talent, and Modeling Leadership in Franchising with Bridget JonesWhat happens when you sell your successful franchise to pursue a dream?A dream that you ended up being denied? You do everything in your power to overcome the obstacles and hurdles until that dream becomes a reality.Today, we are joined by Bridget Jones. Bridget is a former owner of a Just Between Friends franchise and a current owner of a Chick-fil-A franchise.Bridget candidly shares her journey from a teacher battling cancer to b...2024-07-1043 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastFrom Franchisee to CEO - Tracy Panase’s Journey of Leadership SuccessHow does one go from a multi-unit franchisee to owner and CEO of the company?Tracy’s dedication to the mission, vision and values of the organization led her to make the leap from franchisee to CEO.In today’s episode, Tracy shares her foray into the franchisee space, and no it didn’t start with the Just Between Friends (JBF) franchise!But it was this first step that would lead her to JBF and the powerhouse leader she is today.2024-07-1044 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastShannon Wilburn’s Path to Franchise SuccessWhat is it truly like to start your own franchise? What challenges do you face as the franchisor? Shannon Wilburn is the innovative force behind the Just Between Friends Franchise System.Today, she shares about the pivotal role of open communication and transparency in fostering strong relationships with franchisees.She sheds light on the challenges and rewards of guiding a successful franchise system as well as navigating the demanding landscape of business ownership and her un...2024-07-1039 minThe Franchise Leaders Forum PodcastWelcome to The Franchise Leaders Forum!Whether you're a franchise or franchisee, or aspiring to join the franchising world, you're in the right place! Welcome to The Franchise Leadership Forum, the podcast that tackles the challenges and pains that you face every day.From understanding franchise dynamics to growing and supporting your franchisees. We get it because we've been there and continue to do it every day. The podcast is hosted by Tracy Panase and co host, Shannon Wilburn. Shannon founded and...2024-07-0302 min
The Franchise WomanTracy Panase - Just Between Friends Did you raise your hand? Tracy Panase held the distinction of being the top performing franchisee within the Just Between Friends (JBF) system successfully owning and operating four territories in southeastern Pennsylvania. One day while on vacation a system-wide meeting was called to discuss some major changes at JBF corporate. She joined the call. In the meeting, new roles and new leaders were assigned by JBF founder Shannon Wilburn. Tracy’s name was not announced. She was stumped. How was that possible? Had she not been considered? When Tracy discussed it with her hu...2024-05-0839 minThe Franchise WomanTracy Panase - Just Between Friends Did you raise your hand? Tracy Panase held the distinction of being the top performing franchisee within the Just Between Friends (JBF) system successfully owning and operating four territories in southeastern Pennsylvania. One day while on vacation a system-wide meeting was called to discuss some major changes at JBF corporate. She joined the call. In the meeting, new roles and new leaders were assigned by JBF founder Shannon Wilburn. Tracy’s name was not announced. She was stumped. How was that possible? Had she not been considered? When Tracy discussed it with her hu...2024-05-0839 min