Shows
Behind the FranchiseEpisode 53: Unlimited Growth in Franchising with John and Tyler BerglundIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with John and Tyler Berglund of Tijon Fragrance Lab, a fast-growing fragrance experience franchise that began as a passion project in the French Caribbean. What started as a semi-retirement dream quickly evolved into a booming franchise concept, blending creativity, retail expertise, and unforgettable customer experiences.John and Tyler share their unique father-son dynamic, how Tijon scaled from just three locations to over a dozen in a short period, and why their interactive perfume-making experience has become a powerful driver of organic growth. From building a brand rooted in experience...
2026-05-0130 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 52: Scaling by the Pound with Daniel McCartyIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Daniel McCarty, founder and CEO of JunkStart Junk Removal, a brand redefining the junk removal industry with its innovative pay-by-weight model. Daniel shares his journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family to creating a franchise brand designed to scale smarter. He dives into the strategy behind launching in a saturated market, the pivot from volume-based to weight-based pricing, and the operational and technological challenges that made it possible.Listeners will hear:How Daniel identified flaws in the traditional volume-based junk removal model and created a...
2026-04-2331 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 51: The Power of Sharing Knowledge with Emily HazardIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Emily Hazard of Fortidia, where she helps grow powerhouse franchise brands like PostNet and AlphaGraphics. Emily shares her journey from being a marketer to stepping into franchise development, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to scale a franchise network successfully. From building strong systems to fostering collaboration across locations, she breaks down the human side of franchising and why connection still wins in a digital-first world.Listeners will hear:How Emily transitioned from a multi-role marketing position into franchise development.Why...
2026-04-1540 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 50: Take the First Step with Stefan FigleyIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Stefan Figley, President of 1-800-Packouts. Stefan shares his journey from global marketing analytics to leading franchise systems and how his experience across marketing, operations, and leadership shaped his approach to scaling service brands. From running analytics across 25 international markets to helping thousands of franchisees grow their businesses, he reveals the strategies behind building strong franchise networks and navigating the realities of ownership.Listeners will hear:How Stefan transitioned from agency analytics into franchising and eventually leading large franchise systems.Why marketing should always...
2026-04-1039 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 49: Shared Wins, Bigger Wins with Charles BonfiglioIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Charles Bonfiglio, founder and CEO of Tint World Automotive Styling Centers. Charles shares his journey from growing up in Brooklyn to building one of the most recognizable brands in automotive aftermarket services. From opening his first shop in Florida to acquiring and transforming a small six-location tinting business into a rapidly expanding franchise system, Charles reveals the lessons he learned about scaling, leadership, and building a brand the right way.Listeners will hear:How Charles leveraged early franchise experience to design a stronger system for Tint...
2026-04-0336 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 48: Growing a Passionate Community with Stacey RyanIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Stacey Ryan, President of School of Rock, to explore leadership, culture, and franchise growth in a global education brand. Stacey shares her journey from consultant to president, leading a mission-driven organization that impacts tens of thousands of students worldwide. They discuss maintaining intentional culture, scaling franchises internationally, and empowering teams while embracing personal and professional growth.Listeners will hear:How Stacey evolved from a reluctant consultant to leading an international franchise with students worldwide.The leadership lessons she learned from toxic cultures and how...
2026-03-2635 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 47: Purpose Driven Innovation with Sebastien LagreeIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Sebastien Lagree, founder of the globally recognized Lagree Fitness method. Sebastien shares his journey from aspiring action movie star to building one of the most innovative fitness brands in the world. What began as a necessity-driven pivot into Pilates evolved into a revolutionary workout system — complete with patented machines, international studios, and bold innovation powered by technology and AI.From being fired to cashing out credit cards for a prototype, Sebastien reveals how adversity fueled his creativity and how relentless iteration built a global movement. He opens up ab...
2026-03-2043 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 46: The Industry of Opportunity with Scott RedlerIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Scott Redler, restaurant industry veteran, Co-Founder of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and President of Mokas Coffee & Eatery. Scott shares his 50-year journey from a hotel and restaurant management grad to scaling one of the most recognizable fast-casual brands in the country, and now helping lead Mokas Coffee & Eatery into its next phase of franchise growth.From opening Freddy’s with no intention of franchising to building a 400+ unit powerhouse, Scott unpacks the power of consistency, culture, and people-first leadership. He dives into the hard-earned lessons behind wins and...
2026-03-1332 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 45: Curiosity, Grit, and Community with Gina SchaeferIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Gina Schaefer, founder and CEO of Logan Hardware and a trailblazer in the Ace Hardware cooperative system. Gina shares her unlikely journey from the tech industry to opening a hardware store in Washington, DC and how curiosity, grit, and community helped her build a thriving multi-location business.From navigating a male-dominated industry to serving on the Ace board as only the second woman elected in nearly a century, Gina reveals the leadership lessons that shaped her 22-year run. She also dives deep into the cooperative model, explaining how...
2026-03-0636 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 44: Build with the Basics First with David SmithIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with David Smith, Vice President of Digital Marketing at Go Mini’s Franchising, to explore how modern franchise brands are evolving through data, systems, and franchise AI. From shifts in consumer behavior to building a proprietary operating system, David shares what it really takes to modernize franchise marketing without losing trust at the local level.Listeners will hear:How consumer behavior shifted from phone calls to text and digital-first booking — and what that means for franchise systems.Why Go Mini’s built its own operating system and how adopti...
2026-02-2734 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 43: Building Real Connections on Social with Genevieve CoulsonIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Genevieve Coulson, Director of Social Media at Goldfish Swim School. Genevieve shares her decade-plus journey in social media marketing and what it really takes to build authentic, high-performing franchise social strategies in an era shaped by Franchise AI.From balancing national brand consistency with local storytelling to navigating how AI workflow optimization can support human connection, Genevieve offers a refreshingly practical look at how to use AI for business without losing trust, loyalty, or authenticity.Listeners will hear:Why social media only works when it’s...
2026-02-2048 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 42: Franchise Law and Legal Strategy with Ari SternIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with franchise attorney Ari Stern, partner of Fox Rothschild LLP, for a deep, practical conversation at the intersection of franchising, dispute resolution, and franchise AI. As the first lawyer to appear on the show, Ari shares how he unexpectedly found his niche in franchise law and why proactive legal strategy matters more than ever as brands adopt new technologies.From real-world arbitration stories to the risks of relying too heavily on AI-generated legal documents, Ari breaks down what franchisors and franchisees need to know to protect their systems, their...
2026-02-1329 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 41: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants with Adam ContosIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger welcomes back Adam Contos for his second appearance on Behind the Franchise. Former CEO of RE/MAX and current partner at Area 15 Ventures, Adam brings a seasoned perspective on private equity, leadership, and what it really takes to scale franchise brands without losing the soul of the business.Building on their first conversation around AI and leadership, Paul and Adam dive into how private equity and family offices are reshaping franchising today, what emerging franchisors need to understand before taking outside capital, and why staying in your lane matters more than...
2026-02-0638 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 40: Retail Theater with Brian BrittonIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Brian Britton, CEO of Kilwins, to unpack what it really takes to lead an 80-year-old legacy brand into its next era of growth. From private equity transition to modern marketing, Brian shares how Kilwins is scaling thoughtfully without losing the magic that made the brand iconic in the first place.From franchise marketing strategy to embracing modern tools and data, Brian explains how Kilwins is laying the foundation for long-term expansion while staying rooted in mission, storytelling, and culture. The conversation explores how leaders can blend heritage with...
2026-01-3033 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 39: Growth Through Culture and Systems with Del SalinasIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Del Salinas, VP of Franchise Development at Caring Senior Service. Del shares how a 34-year-old brand has grown intentionally and why culture, systems, and people-first leadership have fueled long-term success.From building a robust internal support team to developing proprietary technology, Del explains how Caring Senior Service balances high-tech tools with high-touch relationships. He walks through how they evaluate franchise candidates for cultural fit, and how thoughtful Franchise AI guidelines are helping owners stay ahead of the future of AI in business without losing trust or accuracy.
2026-01-2327 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 38: Quest for Evergreen Content with Alex GillelandIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Alex Gilleland, Brand Manager at Dryer Vent Superheroes. Alex shares how growing up in franchising shaped his data-driven mindset and why ROI-first thinking, localization, and trust-building content outperform flashy campaigns every time.From running ads for major brands like Sport Clips and Cold Stone to leading marketing for a fast-growing home services franchise, Alex breaks down what actually works for emerging brands competing against massive budgets. The conversation dives into evergreen content, testing discipline, franchisee transparency, and why sometimes going less polished delivers better results.Listeners...
2026-01-1640 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 37: Understanding the Bones of a Brand with Sherif MityasIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Sherif Mityas, CEO of BRIX Holdings, to unpack a career that spans aerospace engineering, big-box retail, Hollywood Video, TGI Fridays, and now an eight-brand restaurant portfolio with more than 300 locations. Sherif shares how cross-brand insights, consumer occasion mapping, and franchisee passion shape BRIX’s growth playbook — and why understanding the ‘bones of a brand’ matters more today than ever.Listeners will hear:How Sherif’s engineering-to-retail-to-restaurants journey shaped his approach to building resilient, multi-brand systems.Why operating eight brands gives BRIX a unique view of consumer behavior across dai...
2026-01-0937 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 36: Dream Big and Grow Smart with Heather RipleyIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Heather Ripley, founder and CEO of Ripley PR. Heather shares her journey from early copywriting days to becoming one of franchising’s top PR voices — including how she landed a home-service brand on Celebrity Apprentice and helped founders sell their companies by mastering media momentum. From overcoming repeated ‘no’s’ from TV producers to building long-term client relationships, Heather walks through the systems, strategy, and storytelling that separate forgettable press from franchise-building visibility.Listeners will hear:How Heather discovered her entrepreneurial spark while supporting franchise...
2025-12-1933 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 35: The Mindset That Builds with Gavin LantzyIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Gavin Lantzy, Head of Franchise Sales at Daisy. Gavin shares his journey from college-age multi-unit franchisee to helping build the largest smart-home installation brand in the country. From acquiring 17 companies in 18 months to building a national support infrastructure with 41 full-time experts, he pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to scale a modern home-tech franchise.Listeners will hear:How Gavin went from running a student house-painting franchise to acquiring and franchising Savvy Home in Denver.Why the smart-home industry is a $30B emerging...
2025-12-1233 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 34: Turning Crisis into Growth with Evan HackelIn this episode, Paul Ehlinger sits down with Evan Hackel of Ingage Consulting to explore the nuances of franchise leadership, growth, and organizational purpose. Evan shares insights from his 40-year career in franchising, including and launching businesses, rescuing a bankrupt franchise, and building purpose-driven organizations. He emphasizes the importance of vision, collaboration, and engaging franchisees and frontline employees to drive both growth and satisfaction.Key takeaways include:Engaging franchisees: Listening, involving them in strategy, and valuing their input is critical to sustained growth and loyalty.Leadership through collaboration: Leadership isn’t just charisma—it’s listening, challe...
2025-12-0538 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 33: Building Confidence and Community with Jami StiglianoIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Jami Stigliano, founder and CEO of DivaDance. Jami shares her journey from coaching dance teams in Austin to creating a national dance franchise built around confidence and community. She opens up about rebuilding her system, embracing EOS, and learning to delegate as her company scales — all while balancing motherhood, marriage, and massive brand growth.Listeners will hear:How Jami turned her passion for dance into a purpose-driven franchise brand.Why EOS and the right leadership team have transformed her ability to scale sustainably.The mindset shifts behind le...
2025-11-2645 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 32: Building Success Together with Brittney LincolnIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Brittney Lincoln, VP of Franchise Growth at Limitless Franchise Growth and founder of Females in Franchising. Brittney shares her journey from selling franchises to scaling major brands like Club Pilates and StretchLab, revealing the strategies — and lessons learned — behind growing a franchise network from 10 to 500+ units.Listeners will hear:How Brittney navigated founder-market fit and built a franchise community supporting female leaders.The importance of authentic leadership, collaboration, and responsible franchising in scaling successfully.How positive validation and strong infrastructure drive the “flywheel” of franchise growth.Her perspect...
2025-11-2145 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 31: Building Fun, Scalable Franchises with James LuyIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with James Luy, co-founder of The Franchise Dept. and partner at Bin Blasters. James shares his journey scaling innovative franchise concepts and how technology, including AI automation tools, is transforming the way franchisors grow, operate, and support their franchisees. From cleaning garbage bins to creating scalable, profitable home service systems, James reveals how a mix of fun, efficiency, and forward-thinking marketing drives lasting franchise success.Listeners will hear:How Bin Blasters turned a simple idea into a viral home service brand with nationwide growth.Why “going di...
2025-11-1440 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 30: The Power of Collaboration with Dan SherIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Dan Sher of AlphaGraphics for the past 18 years. Dan shares his journey from a PR agency director to a seasoned franchisee, explaining how his marketing and technology background helped him thrive in the world of print and marketing communications. From leveraging peer networks to adopting emerging technologies like AI, Dan reveals the strategies and lessons learned behind building a successful franchise business.Listeners will hear:How Dan’s background in marketing and public relations helped him transition smoothly into franchise ownership.The ways peer networks and collaboration am...
2025-11-0733 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 29: Leading with Confidence & Humility with Beth ToeniesIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Beth Toenies, Vice President of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group. Beth shares her journey from a journalism graduate to becoming president of a company at just 26, and now leading growth across 15 powerhouse brands in restoration and home services. From navigating male-dominated industries to embracing AI in franchising, Beth’s story is one of adaptability, emotional intelligence, and people-first leadership.Listeners will hear:How Beth went from journalism to leading national franchise operations at 26 years old.The “Three D’s” rule she learned from her mentors: Do it, Dele...
2025-10-3136 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 28: Growing with the Right Team with Rick PeroeIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Rick Peroe, a franchise veteran with decades of experience in system support, training, and franchise development. Rick shares his journey from a short-term seasonal role to leading franchise expansion at Heart to Home Meals, and reveals the insights that have shaped his approach to franchising. Listeners will hear:How Rick “fell into franchising” and discovered his passion for helping franchisees build dreams.Why he believes the right people, not just the right territory, are the key to success.The unique approach Heart to Home Meals is taking to expand into...
2025-10-2434 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 27: Startup Smarts & Local Marketing with Derick Jaros of CustomBoxes.ioIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Derick Jaros, owner of Customboxes.io and former executive at Home Depot, Yext, and other Fortune 500 companies. Derick shares how his career journey — from corporate strategy and e-commerce leadership to launching his own digital services firm — shaped his philosophy on growth, local marketing, and creating meaningful customer experiences.Listeners will hear:Why Derick believes growth can be “productized” and repeatable across industries.The lessons learned from scaling businesses inside giants like Home Depot — and how they translate into startup life.How local SEO consistently delivers the highes...
2025-10-1729 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 26: Going Viral & Staying Authentic with Leah PinkesIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Leah Pinkes, Franchise Marketing Coordinator at Oh Deer, an all-natural deer tick and mosquito control service franchise. Leah shares her journey from intern to full-time marketing lead and dives into the strategies behind building an authentic, community-focused social media presence across multiple franchise locations. From viral content to local SEO, she reveals the hands-on approach to marketing that drives growth while keeping franchisees engaged and empowered.Listeners will hear:How Leah went from intern to leading marketing efforts at an emerging franchise.The balance of brand consistency...
2025-10-1043 minBehind the FranchiseScaling Fast and Selling Smarter with Bennett MaxwellIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Bennett Maxwell, CEO of Franchise KI. Bennett shares his journey from door-to-door sales to scaling one of the fastest-growing cookie brands in America. From selling 450 franchises in less than two years to navigating lawsuits, he reveals the strategies — and lessons learned — behind building and scaling at lightning speed.Listeners will hear:How Bennett went from hustling sponsorships in high school to building multimillion-dollar sales teams.Why he believes sales is about conversations and opportunities, not pressure.The behind-the-scenes of Dirty Dough’s rapid growth and why simplicity was th...
2025-10-0139 minBehind the FranchiseThe Pink Carpet Treatment with Vanessa YakobsonIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Vanessa Yakobson, CEO and partner of Blo Blow Dry Bar, LashKind, and MYNC. Vanessa shares her journey from nonprofit fundraising to leading one of North America’s largest beauty and wellness franchise systems. From pioneering the blow dry bar category to scaling with customer experience at the core, she reveals how Blo continues to evolve while staying true to its values.Listeners will hear:How Blo created the blow dry bar category and grew it into a scalable franchise model.Why Vanessa sees customer service as the li...
2025-09-2641 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 23: Bring Your Own Chair to the Table with Erika WilsonIn this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Erika Wilson, CMO at Sound Income Group, a parent company supporting financial advisors through multiple subsidiaries, including a national franchise brand. Erika shares her journey from traditional advertising into the financial services world and how she built a marketing approach that balances creativity with the strict compliance of a regulated industry.Listeners will hear:How Erika transitioned from print and media buying to financial services marketing and why she decided to earn a Master’s in Financial Planning as a CMO.The unique challenge of marketing in a...
2025-09-1936 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 22: Growing Brands: Beyond the Tactics with Megan Stewart of The Grow CMOIn this episode, host Paul Elinger sits down with Megan Stewart, partner at The Grow CMO, a marketing consultancy that helps brands in periods of rapid growth or transition. Megan shares how her background in journalism and storytelling informs her approach to marketing, blending data-driven performance with creative brand-building.Listeners will hear:How Megan balances performance marketing with creative strategy to maximize ROI while building brand equity.Her approach to advocating for marketing budgets and influencing leadership across multi-unit and franchise organizations.Insights into stepping into the customer’s shoes through mystery shopping, user journey analysis, an...
2025-09-1546 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 21: Swinging Into the Future - Tech, Golf & Franchising with Ethan GrobIn this episode, host Paul Elinger sits down with Ethan Grob, co-founder and CEO of Another 9, a fully automated, 24/7 indoor golf simulator franchise. Ethan shares how his background in technology, retail, and product development inspired him to reimagine golf as a seamless, tech-driven, and approachable experience.Listeners will hear:How Another 9 blends digital booking and smart access with a premium private golf suite.Why the brand’s “turnkey by design” model makes it just as simple for franchisees as it is for guests.Insights into 9.OS, their custom-built operating system that helps...
2025-09-0537 minBehind the FranchiseParty with the Beast: Adam Contos on Leadership, Franchising, & Embracing AIIn this powerhouse episode of Behind the Franchise, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Adam Contos, former CEO of RE/MAX, to talk about the wild ride from SWAT commander to franchise titan. Adam shares the gritty realities of leadership, the psychology behind overcoming fear, how to navigate challenging franchisee dynamics, and why AI is already reshaping the future of franchising. Whether you're a founder, franchisee, or exec, this episode delivers gold on mindset, transformation, and what it really takes to scale in a world of accelerating change.🤯 Topics Covered:Adam’s journey from Marine → SWAT → CEOWhat f...
2025-08-2034 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 19: Building the Disney World for Dogs with The O'Loughlins of petbarJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Dan & Ashley, the husband-and-wife duo behind Pet Bar, the fast-growing pet grooming franchise known as the “Disney World for dogs.” From closing their tanning salons to launching their first Pet Bar in 2015, Dan & Ashley share how a personal grooming need for their schnauzer turned into a booming pet grooming business with over 30 locations.In this episode, you’ll hear:How they turned a simple self-wash dog grooming idea into a thriving franchise success storyThe challenges (and wins) of running a business with your spouseWhy passion for pets is the...
2025-08-1529 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 18: Cleaning Yards, Changing Lives: How Julie Harrell of Cooper's Scoopers Built a Purpose‑Driven FranchiseIn this inspiring Behind the Franchise episode, Julie Harrell, President of Cooper’s Scoopers, shares her unlikely journey from healthcare management to building one of the fastest‑growing mobile pet waste removal franchises in the U.S. Julie explains how she discovered a deeper purpose in the “poop business”—educating pet owners about environmental health, supporting franchisees with meaningful systems, and using franchise growth as a force for community impact. She dives into her founding timeline (launching in December 2023, FDD live by February 1, and nine trucks operational by June 17), operational challenges, and the importance of values‑...
2025-08-0632 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 17: Talk is Cheap with Fred Hassen and Alfredo Rivera of Sit Means SitIn this episode of Behind the Franchise, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Fred Hassen and Alfredo Rivera, the powerhouse duo behind Sit Means Sit, one of the largest dog training franchises in North America. From Fred’s unexpected entry into the dog world at age 40 to building a 170+ location business, they share an unfiltered look at the grit, growth, and guiding principles that built their empire.Discover how integrity, authenticity, and a passion for dogs transformed a van-based hustle into a national brand. If you're interested in franchising, entrepreneurship, or just love a good underdog story (li...
2025-08-0143 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 16: Bold Leadership & Brand Growth with Sally FacinelliIn this powerful episode of Behind the Franchise, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with industry powerhouse Sally Facinelli, CFE, a 29-year veteran in franchising. Sally shares the raw, real, and inspiring journey that’s defined her career — from international expansion in the dot-com era to leading high-growth franchise brands and shaping the future of female leadership in the space.🔥 Key Topics Covered:How Sally scaled Aussie Pet Mobile from 13 to 500+ locations globallyWhy franchising is more than business — it’s a familyThe mindset shift from perfection to authenticity in leadershipWhat Sally learned on a soul-search...
2025-07-2336 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 15: Building the Future of Pet Wellness Franchising with Tim Vogel of ScenthoundJoin Paul Ehlinger on Behind the Franchise as he sits down with Tim Vogel of Scenthound to uncover the behind-the-scenes tactics of scaling a data-driven pet care empire. From launching a single grooming van to building a network of 150+ franchise locations, Tim reveals how proprietary AI and longitudinal dog-health data are disrupting the pet wellness industry. Expect candid insights on overcoming “the serious shit moments,” removing bottlenecks from the CEO role, and the radical shift from artistry to automation in grooming. If you're a franchise investor, pet care innovator, or entrepreneur seeking a scalable model, this episode is your master...
2025-07-1637 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 14: Systems That Scale with Brooke Janousek of GarageExpertsIn this episode of Behind the Franchise, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Brooke Janousek, current CMO of Garage Experts and founder of The Grow CMO, for a deep dive into the realities of marketing leadership in franchising.Brooke shares her transition from running a thriving fractional CMO consultancy to taking on a full-time executive role—and why she made that move. Learn how she helped implement systems that scale, balanced brand creativity with performance, and stayed in sync with franchisees across 83 locations. She also drops gems on boundary-setting, customer insights, and the power of emotional branding....
2025-07-0338 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 13: From Facebook Pioneer to Franchise Powerhouse with Kristen Pechacek of MassageLuXeIn this episode of Behind the Franchise, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Kristen Pechacek—CEO of MassageLuXe and a digital marketing pioneer—to unpack her journey from launching Facebook pages in the MySpace era to leading one of the fastest-growing wellness franchises in the U.S.Kristen shares how she turned early social media success into a powerful franchising career, with stops at the Minnesota Vikings, Self Esteem Brands, and now MassageLuXe. Learn how she scaled emerging brands, built out tech stacks for growth, and why her marketing background gave her a unique edge...
2025-06-2040 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 12: Bravery, Brands, & Bottom Lines with Felicia Reeves of Empower BrandsFrom startup hustle to CMO of a billion-dollar franchise platform, Felicia Reeves brings clarity, courage, and sharp strategy to the ever-evolving world of marketing. In this episode of Behind the Franchise, Felicia opens up about her early entrepreneurial journey, how she empowers franchisees across 10 brands, and why bravery, action, and understanding the P&L are at the heart of effective marketing. We unpack how she fosters a high-performance culture, balances creativity with data, and embraces local marketing in a digital-first world. Whether you’re a brand bu...
2025-06-0645 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 11: Sliders, Strategy & Staying Power: White Castle’s Century of Craving with Lynn BlashfordIn this episode of Behind the Franchise, Paul sits down with Lynn Blashford, CMO of White Castle, to talk about the iconic burger brand’s 104-year legacy, its fiercely intentional decision not to franchise, and the creative strategies that keep it relevant across generations. From Valentine’s Day table service to Harold & Kumar’s enduring impact, Lynn shares how White Castle blends tradition with innovation — all while staying true to its family-owned roots. If you’ve ever wondered how a 1921 brand thrives in the age of TikTok and AI, this one’s for you.
2025-05-2341 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 10: More Than Merch with Andrea Wiita of The Retail MethodIn this episode of Behind the Franchise, Paul Ehlinger sits down with Andrea Wiita, founder of The Retail Method, to explore how smart retail strategy can supercharge brand loyalty and profitability in franchising. Andrea shares her journey from traditional retail with brands like JCPenney and Neiman Marcus to helping scale Orange Theory’s retail operations during a time of explosive growth. She unpacks the unique challenges and opportunities of retail in franchise environments, the importance of aligning merchandise with brand identity, and how to empower franchisees with tools—not just product.
2025-05-1531 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 9: Franchise Smarter, Not Harder with Dawn Abbamondi of SMB Franchise AdvisorsOn this episode of Behind the Franchise, host Paul Ehlinger is joined by franchise strategist and industry veteran Dawn Abbamondi of SMB Franchise Advisors. With a career spanning multi-unit corporate franchises, franchise consulting, and even franchise ownership, Dawn shares practical insights on brand development, innovation, and scaling the right way. She also breaks down how emerging brands can avoid common pitfalls, why founders need to let go to grow, and how franchisors must embrace technology and evolving consumer trends to stay relevant.From her engineering background to shaping franchise success stories, Dawn brings hard-earned wisdom and straight...
2025-04-2543 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 8: Scaling Smart with Leigh Welch of Leigh Welch ConsultingIn this episode of Behind the Franchise, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with franchise operations expert Leigh Welch, founder of Leigh Welch Consulting. With over a decade in the franchising industry, Leigh shares insights on the crucial role of franchisee support, the importance of investing in operational coaching from day one, and why early-stage brands often struggle with profitability. She also discusses the evolving landscape of franchising, the impact of AI on franchise operations, and the dos and don’ts of turning a business into a franchise. Whether you’re a franchisor, franchisee, or just curious about the business mode...
2025-04-1134 minBehind the FranchiseFigureoutable Marketing: Building Human-First Brands with Jay KallmanIn this episode of Behind the Franchise, host Paul Ehlinger (CEO of Flamel.ai) sits down with Jay Kallman, founder of Revvy Marketing, to unpack the beautiful balance between data-driven strategy and human-first branding. With over 15 years in marketing, Jay shares her journey from working with major franchises to launching her own purpose-driven agency.She dives into why foundational marketing still matters, how to build trust in a tech-heavy world, and what it really means to “show love” as a business value. From franchise systems to startups, Jay’s insights on aligning sales, marketing, and operations are action...
2025-03-2837 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 6: Building a Franchise that Lasts with Kristpoher Stuart of Bloomin' BlindsIn this episode of Behind the Franchise, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Kristopher Stuart, Chief Development Officer of Bloomin' Blinds, to discuss his unconventional journey from firefighter to franchise leader. Kris shares how growing up in a family-run business shaped his mindset, why he pursued firefighting alongside entrepreneurship, and how he ultimately discovered franchising as a vehicle for lasting impact.How firefighting and franchising share more in common than you thinkThe importance of transparency, authenticity, and trust in franchise operationsWhy Bloomin' Blinds is betting big on AI and automation to reshape home servicesHow strong company...
2025-03-1453 min
Her SuccessHer Success and FranshipHer Success welcomes IFA's Sydni Konohia, CFE the Manager of Member Services and Retention, and Paul Ehlinger, Founder/CEO of Flamel AI.
Ali Kraus, CMO of Benetrends Financial and Vice Chair of the Women’s Franchise Committee spoke with Sydni to learn more about the Franship mentoring program available to members of the IFA. Sydni explains how a Mentee is paired up with a Mentor from the franchisor,franchisee and supplier communities.
Then you wil hear from Dawn Abbamondi, Chief Marketing Officer with SMB Franchise Advisors, who is joined by her Mentee, Paul Ehlinger, a ne...
2025-03-0324 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 5: Momentum Toward Growth with Brooke Budke of Momentum BrandsIn this episode of Behind the Franchise, host Paul Ehlinger chats with Brooke Budke about her journey as the founder and CEO of Momentum Brands. They explore how she empowers franchisees, shares marketing tips for franchises, and continues to pursue growth both professionally and personally.
Highlights of this episode include:
Brooke shares how she got into franchising and how her journey led her to Momentum brands.
Insights into how Brooke balanced her personal and professional life in franchising.
The importance of understanding your audience as a franchise.
Creative marketing...
2025-02-041h 00Behind the FranchiseEpisode 4: Fired Up for Growth with Michael Sutton of Grill HeroIn this episode of Behind the Franchise, host Paul Ehlinger chats with Michael Sutton about how he is expanding his business Grill Hero from Canada to the U.S., as well as just constantly elevating all aspects of the franchise.
Highlights of this episode include:
Michael sharing some of his milestones when founding Canadian BBQ Boys and transitioning and rebranding to business to Grill Hero
The full rebranding journey and its lessons learned
A deep dive into Grill Hero’s core values & mission
Franchise marketing and customer engagement strategies fro...
2025-01-1538 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 3: Having Fun Growing Fast with Mark Amery of Puddle Pool ServicesDive into the pool of entrepreneurship with Mark Amery, founder and CEO of Puddle Pool Services! In this episode of Behind the Franchise, host Paul Ehlinger chats with Mark about building a fun, vibrant brand in the home services industry.
Highlights:
Mark's journey from a single home service brand to multiple successful franchises
The importance of maintaining a personal touch as your franchise grows
Innovative marketing strategies, including wrapping buses and joining Santa Claus parades
How Puddle Pool Services leverages technology to streamline operations
The challenges and rewards of rapid franchise expansion
Mark's unique approach to...
2024-11-0141 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 2: Win as a Team with Kyle Kosco of Caring TransitionsWelcome to Episode 2 of "Behind the Franchise"! In this episode, we chat with Kyle Kosco, VP of Marketing at Caring Transitions who shares his journey from running a marketing agency to leading the marketing efforts of a thriving franchise. Discover how Caring Transitions supports seniors and their families during life transitions and learn about their unique "Caring for a Cause" initiatives.
From his first 90 days on the job to building strong relationships with franchise owners, Kyle provides valuable insights into the world of franchise marketing. Plus, find out how CT Bids is revolutionizing the online estate sales space.
🔍 Key Topic...
2024-06-1746 minBehind the FranchiseEpisode 1: Brand Better, Grow Faster with Jessica Yarmey of SizzleSocietyWelcome to the inaugural episode of "Behind the Franchise" where we dive deep into the strategies that drive franchise brand success. In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger is joined by Jessica Yarmey, CEO of SizzleSociety and former CMO of Club Pilates. Jessica shares her journey from a marketing enthusiast to a franchise brand leader, offering invaluable insights on scaling businesses effectively and sustaining brand integrity during rapid growth.
Throughout the episode, Jessica discusses the nuances of brand promotion and protection, her strategies for aligning brand values with business operations, and her approach to overcoming the challenges of...
2024-05-1153 min
Middle Tech237. The Fed Raised Interest Rates, TikTok's Privacy Controversy, and Founder Spotlight w/ Paul Ehlinger of Flamel.aiThis week Logan and Evan discuss the Fed's decision to raise their benchmark interest rate, and the current state of the banking industry. We also dive into the controversy surrounding TikTok's privacy policies and the possibility of forcing them to sell to an American company. For our AI Edge segment, we explore OpenAI's launch of plugins and the fundamental shift it creates in the way we interact with the internet. With plugins, all the internet's information and call-to-action will be at our fingertips in a chat interface. Lastly we interviewed Paul Ehlinger, CEO and Co-founder of Flamel.ai. We...
2023-03-2751 min
Dragon Sports LiveDragon Sports Live 1/9/23Dragon Sports 1/9/23
MLB
Tigers acquire IF Tyler Nevin from Orioles for cash.
Yankees Aaron Judge AP Top male Athlete after 62-HRs year.
Wade Riley returning to the Brewers on 4.5M deal.
Yankees name Omar Minaya as Senior Adviser to baseball operations. Also Hire Brian Sabean as Adviser to GM Brain Cashman
Orioles DFA Ryan O’Hearn after trade. Claim back Lewin Diaz.
Diamond Back Sign 3 Time All Star Evan Longoria to a 1-yeal Deal
Reds released Mike Moustakas with $22M left on deal.
White Sox gives Andrew Benintendi a 5-year 75M Deal.
Shohei Ohtani, Yu Darvish, an...
2023-01-091h 04
Sports Card Strategy ShowSports Card Strategy Show Ep 54: London Card Show 2022 Recap - Sports Card Investing & Flipping TipsPaul Hickey and Kendall "Lefty" McKee team up for big Episode 54 of the Sports Card Strategy Show. We recap the London Card Show, and talk about Trevor Lawrence, Sam Ehlinger, Rhamondre Stevenson, Jacoby Brissett, Lewis Hamilton, Cade Cunningham and more. In this episode, we talk about: - L of the week - W of the week - Buy Now - Market Movers Deal of the Week - Sell Now - Would you rather? - Gauntlet - Sports Card Investment Report Moves - Audience Q and A
2022-11-0146 min
Dynasty Trade Calculator PodcastDTC Podcast #248 with Rich DotsonDTC Podcast is the world's first show entirely devoted Dynasty trades and player values, hosted by John-Paul Hurley (usually), Izzy Elkaffas and Akash Patel (usually). In this pod we cover: - Breece Hall - Kenneth Walker III - CMac - Same Ehlinger - Bailey Zappe - And more! Follow us on Twitter! Main Handle: (@FFDynastyTrades) Host: John-Paul Hurley (@FFHurcules) Co-Host: Izzy Elkaffas (@DTC_IzzyE) Co-Host: Akash Patel (@YZR_Fantasy) Producer: John Moeser (@DTC_JohnMoeser) Please rate & review us! Find our Podcast Archive, Articles, and The Dynasty Trade Calculator at www.dynastytradecalculator.com
2022-10-2737 min
Everyone Gets a TrophyFake AccentsPaul and Kevin discuss the tragic passing of Jake Ehlinger. Then UT baseball's triumph over TCU in Fort Worth, the emergence of Pete Hansen, what to do with Eric Kennedy's bat, and whether David Pierce can coach 3rd base. On to UT football: specifically, who should Sark target in the transfer market, whether to take another QB backup, and why our love of Samoans has been compromised by a USC transfer going to Ohio State. Finally, people faking accents to "relate" and shamefully catching ourselves doing it in our own lives.
Upgrade your financial life with Gabe W...
2021-05-121h 02
Sicko Sports PodcastEpisode 25 - Aaron Rodgers and the Mayweather Paul brawlWe have unfortunately lost a longhorn and the younger brother of Sam Ehlinger, Jake Ehlinger passed away yesterday and you can feel it heavy here in Austin. My thoughts and prayers to the Ehlinger family.
Where will Aaron Rodgers end up?
Jake Paul is at it again, this time with the greatest boxer of all time
#AaronRodgers #gotchahat #MayweatherPaul #JakeEhlinger
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sickosports/support
2021-05-0848 min
Winning Cures Everything | College Football5/7 Georgia NIL, Schefter vs fans?, Jimbo vs Saban, Jake Paul, Top 5 regional fast food, Bears move?Gary flies the ship solo on Episode 818!- RIP Jake Ehlinger - Texas LB & brother of QB Sam Ehlinger- Georgia governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 617, which is the state's NIL law... but there's some interesting differences with this one- Adam Schefter went on Dan Patrick's show and explained that he personally chose to break the Aaron Rodgers news on the afternoon of the first round of the NFL draft, for business reasons. What?- Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher told the Houston Touchdown Club that they're going to, at some point, "beat their ass" even with Nick...
2021-05-0735 min
614StartupsS7E3 - Paul Ehlinger, Allos VenturesOn this episode, Elio interviews Paul Ehlinger, Principal at Allos Ventures. Allos Ventures invests in industry-transforming businesses and partners with visionary entrepreneurs to help their companies accelerate growth and build value. Paul’s career started as a medical device engineer in Southern California and he ultimately transitioned from the corporate world to the world of venture capital as an Investment Manager at the Kentucky Enterprise Fund where he invested in pre-seed and seed-stage companies. Paul joined Allos Ventures in December 2019 to continue creating opportunities for early-stage companies. Allos recently invested in Columbus-based startup getHEALTH led by Nick Potts.
...
2020-11-2633 minEveryone Gets a Trophy"Campbell's Chunky" - The 1-0 PodcastIn this week's ep., Joe & BK preview the Longhorns' upcoming matchup with Matt Campbell and the Iowa State Cyclones. Plus, the guys discuss what this final stretch means for Sam Ehlinger's Texas legacy and they preview the 2020-21 Texas Basketball team.
Thanks for listening! Happy Thanksgiving!
2020-11-2558 minEveryone Gets a TrophyForde Yard BashChris Ash has a media availability. How's the D looking? We break down Sam Ehlinger's career at Texas and observe that he has gotten better every year. Can he still level up? Is his return in 2021 an actual possibility? Pat Forde and many in the national sports media continue to push the "playing football is irresponsible" narrative while having the audacity to make sympathetic noises when non-revenue sports are cut as a direct result of not playing it. We offer a hearty bag of F off to Forde and his ilk. Hard Knocks is following the LA teams and...
2020-08-2657 minEveryone Gets a TrophyHorns & BullsIt's a bovine themed EGAT as the boys explore the valuable additions of Michigan grad transfer WR Tarik Black and 2020 CB recruit Jahdae Barron to the Longhorn fold. Then they talk prospective 2021 Longhorn draft prospects like Sam Cosmi, Sam Ehlinger, Caden Sterns, and Joe Ossai. Is it too early to project their draft status? Of course. But let's do it anyway. Finally, they continue their Bulls Dynasty Jordan obsession with a discourse on the Last Dance documentary. The 90's Bulls are at their apogee, but the media begins chipping away at the Jordan phenomenon with criticisms of his proliferate gambli...
2020-05-0558 minEveryone Gets a TrophyDon't Let The Time Do YouWith nationwide lockdown, we talk about card deck prison workouts and break down the Big 12 and NCAA rules about athlete training to ponder how athlete self-discipline will be tested by online courses, open dining, and no mandatory workouts. Hope for a 2020 college football season, because nearly every other sport live under its financial roof. Finally, what do the Heisman, Big 12 conference championship, and national title odds tell us about the seemingly incongruous perception of the OU program and the Big 12 in general? Why is a Sam Ehlinger Heisman run inexorably linked to Texas revival?
The EGAT podcast is spo...
2020-04-011h 02Everyone Gets a Trophy"C's Get Degrees" - The 1-0 PodcastThe drought is over! Joe & BK break down every detail of Texas's first home victory over Oklahoma State since 2008. The Horns may have only played a "C"-quality game, but they did enough to tip the Cowpokes. The guys give all of the good, bad and ugly from the win, including special teams blunders and the continued emergence of the Sam Ehlinger and Devin Duvernay combination. Plus, the guys talk injuries and discuss what this secondary might look like against West Virginia after the bye week.
2019-09-251h 02Everyone Gets a Trophy"Lion Moms" - Everyone Gets a TrophyPaul and Kevin break down the Texas-Rice game, preview Oklahoma State and debate that Sam Ehlinger's junior year draft status may not be so easy to predict. Also, remember ref Walt Anderson? He's back! And finally, Notre Dame is a 14-point underdog at UGA. The Irish haven't been this disrespected since Henry VIII.
2019-09-191h 00