Shows
Stars of FranchisingSomia Farid Silber, CEO of Edible Brands"It's about creating a lasting culture while embracing growth for the next generation." Somia Farid Silber grew up with entrepreneurship in her DNA — starting at the age of nine working at Edible Arrangements, the iconic brand founded by her father, Tariq Farid. Now, after years of learning every aspect of the company, Somia steps into her own spotlight as the new CEO of Edible Brands, just in time for the brand’s 25th anniversary. In this inspiring conversation back on the Babson College campus, Somia joins Ab and Vini to talk about: · How starting...2025-05-0740 minStars of FranchisingDebra Strougo, Row House Founder, Fitizens Partner“It’s a beautiful form of entrepreneurship to be a franchisee, because you have so much stability and support but you still are the maven of your own market.”Debra Strougo worked for the New York City mayor’s office in brand development for “the greatest brand in the world.” But over time her unquenchable passion for fitness beckoned and in 2017 with her husband she launched Row House — now with more than 300 North American locations. Today she’s an investor and advisor — a “founder co-pilot” — for numerous fitness-related brands, helping them as they scale through franchising and manage decision fatigue...2024-05-0844 minStars of FranchisingVanessa Yakobson, Blo Blow Dry Bar CEO & Partner“If a franchisee invents a practice that is serving them really well, we want them to let us know so we can package it up and share it in the system.”The beauty market is one of the hottest in franchising, and with more than 100 locations in the US and Canada, Blo Blow Dry Bar is one of the hottest beauty franchises. CEO and partner Vanessa Yakobson joins Ab & Vini to share her journey, her leadership lessons, and her insights on how ‘zees and ‘zors alike can achieve more.Listen in as Vanessa explains:How her...2024-05-0135 minStars of FranchisingShane Franson-Evans, Massage Heights Co-Founder & CEO“When you’re protecting an emerging brand, you’re protecting the stakes of all the people who’d invested in the brand.”From taking care of her own back pain to taking care of the owners of more than 100 Massage Heights locations, Shane (a member of the IFA board of directors) has priceless insights on building an emerging brand BIG while still keeping it all about the people -- ‘zees and customers alike.During her conversation with Ab and Vini, Shane discusses:Why franchisee/franchisor communication happens at its best in a “loop.” Applying the “Grandma Rule...2024-04-2431 minStars of FranchisingJustin Willingham & Monica Fonseca: An International Perspective on Franchising“Let’s not be copycats. Create a new demand for new products. Don’t be afraid. Go for it. And if you fail, just get up and do it again.”Our most in-depth look at international franchising yet! Based in Honduras, Justin and Monica have made their mark not only by importing multiple North American and European franchise brands to Central America, but also by expanding their footprints to Eastern Europe and North Africa. Most recently, Gong cha Bubble Tea awarded them the master franchise rights for Central America – they plan to open 50 stores across Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica...2024-04-1738 minStars of FranchisingMark Kushinsky, MaidPro & Threshold Brands Founder/CEO“There are a lot of things people misunderstand about franchising. People tend to think that if they buy a franchise, their success is going to be guaranteed.” It took Mark Kushinsky a year and a half as a department store manager to realize he didn’t want to be an employee. He started his own residential cleaning business, then "ran into” franchising and founded MaidPro, which he grew to more than 400 units. Today he’s on the board of Threshold Brands, a 7-brand platform of vastly diverse service-oriented businesses he founded in 2020. Mark visited with Ab and Vin...2024-04-1036 minStars of FranchisingScott Wendrych, FYZICAL Chief Development Officer“The better and more diverse backgrounds of the people in your system, the better your brand’s going to be.”A must-listen for current ‘zees, ‘zees of tomorrow, and anyone else contemplating a startup business venture. As the guy with the final say on who gets a FYZICAL Therapy & Balance franchise, Scott Wendrych is an undisputed authority on what makes a successful franchisee. (Spoiler: It’s not necessarily the same for established and emerging brands.)Scott joins Ab and Vini to share why FYZICAL attracts franchisee interest, and how it chooses the best of them. The most und...2024-04-0340 minStars of FranchisingAnnie Tselikis, Cousins Maine Lobster Alumna“The franchisee/franchisee relationships are critical for the success of our system.Annie Tselikis said, “You’re crazy” when her brother Jim and cousin Sabin Lomac hatched the idea of a food truck in Los Angeles serving Maine lobster rolls. But when they tapped into her deep fisheries expertise to shape their business model, Cousins Maine Lobster was under way! Today Cousins delivers an inimitable, mouthwatering Maine lobster roll experience to customers from more than 70 mobile and stand-alone locations. Annie (now Director of Marketing and Business Development for Slade Gorton seafood products), visited with Ab and Vini...2024-03-2749 minStars of FranchisingRamzi Daklouche, Edible Brands Chief Commercial Officer“If you just come in as a franchisee and expect to be employed by the franchisor, and just wait for the franchisor to give you direction, that’s a sure way to fail.”Five years as a franchisee for 4 US retail brands taught Ramzi Daklouche a lesson that informs his work today at Edible: It’s always all about the local markets. We’re thrilled to welcome Ramzi to the podcast, especially as Edible is rolling out an exciting 2024 brand refresh.Listen in as Ramzi explains to Ab and Vini the fine line between innovating within a s...2024-03-2032 minStars of FranchisingJeff Klein, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop Multi-Unit Franchisee“Franchisee unit-level economics has to be the most important thing a franchisor thinks about. If they don’t, the system doesn’t work.”The energy is AMPED in this episode, and no wonder: Guest Jeff Klein is a go-go ‘zee for Dunkin’, Auntie Anne’s, The Gents Place, and biggest of all, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shops, with 14 locations — #1 in the system. Not to mention his role as president of Capriotti’s Franchise Advisory Board. (Want him to stop working? Shut off his wifi!)Catch Jeff’s franchise bug as he opens up to Ab and Vini about his franchise th...2024-03-1340 minStars of FranchisingAlex Faigel, Dr. Dental Founder and Co-CEO“There’s no such thing as failure. You just didn’t get there yet.”Alex founded Dr. Dental in 2004 with the vision of retailizing dental care by providing convenient, accessible, quality care via retail dental clinics in convenient neighborhood locations. Now with 57 locations across the northeast, Dr. Dental isn’t a franchise in the strict sense, but a fascinating, franchising-adjacent model for entrepreneurship and scaling.Listen along as Alex shares with Ab and Vini the core business competencies that power effective repetition and scale. Why the partnership model that fueled Dr. Dental’s beginnings is “a great way to...2024-03-0636 minStars of FranchisingWinn Claybaugh & John Kanski of Paul Mitchell Schools & Salty Dawg Pet Salons“You can’t fire your way into building a better team of people. That’s why culture matters.”Our 25th episode is our hairiest yet! In 2018 they asked themselves, “Why not?” and began extending the “Be Nice” culture of Paul Mitchell Schools (Winn as dean and co-founder, John as a ‘zee) to a new venture, Salty Dawg Pet Salons. Now they’re creating more opportunity for their Paul Mitchell students while delivering stress-free grooming to “paw-rents.” Along their franchising journeys, they’ve picked up priceless lessons about culture and leadership that will benefit ANY entrepreneur. Join Ab and Vini to hear W...2024-02-2846 minStars of FranchisingChristo Demetriades, Managing Partner at Conscious Capital Growth“As a franchisor, you’re entrusting your franchisees to continue the growth of your brand, and putting the essence of the brand in their hands.”A proven entrepreneur, visionary and leader, Christo Demetriades has spent 3 decades as a CEO, CFO, and COO for franchising, restaurant, entertainment, and self-care brands. His superpower: Building and nurturing strong, loyal management teams that drive both culture and goal achievement. He’s also no slouch as a dealmaker — among his exits was selling a fitness venture to Sir Richard Branson’ Virgin Active. Today he (along with Episode 20 guest Heather Elrod) invests in and counsels...2024-02-2135 minStars of FranchisingGary Raphael: The Mid-Career Pivot to Franchising“Franchising is like politics: It’s all local.”After a 35-year career as an insurance executive, Gary Raphael found himself “on the short end of a merger” and embarked on a new entrepreneurial journey that has led him to the QSR (quick-service restaurant) franchising model with Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard. How did his high-level business experience prepare him for the pivot? And how did he ramp up a whole new skill set to establish himself as a successful and enthusiastic ‘zee?Ab and Vini welcome Gary, who shares what he’s learned along the franch...2024-02-1438 minStars of FranchisingJonathan Epstein, Planet Fitness Mega-Franchisee“Sometimes, franchising is MORE entrepreneurial, because in the larger franchises all of the great ideas that the customers are experiencing come from the franchisees.”Was Jonathan Epstein born to follow the franchise model to phenomenal success? With a dad who owned 37 Midas Muffler shops, it’s possible! But as he embarked on his own ventures as a young man, he saw in franchising a natural, logical extension of his entrepreneurial nature — with playbooks for rapid scaling. Sixty-seven Planet Fitness franchises later…Join Ab and Vini as they welcome Jonathan to the podcast and learn his lessons on...2024-02-0746 minStars of FranchisingRestaurant Franchising 2024 Outlook with Dan Bonoff of Goode Partners“Unit economics is what makes investing in restaurants compelling and exciting.”Dan Bonoff, a partner at Goode Partners, has been a private equity investor with a focus on the consumer sector for nearly 20 years. During his private equity career, he’s participated in platform investments and add-on acquisitions totaling more than $800 million of equity capital. His concentration on multi-unit restaurant and consumer brands is reflected in his roles as a board member of STONEFIRE Grill, Marolina Outdoor, Rosa Mexicano, and Silver Diner.Listen as Dan shares his forward-looking perspective on restaurant franchising with Ab and Vini: ...2024-01-3135 minStars of FranchisingHeather Elrod, Managing Partner at Conscious Capital Growth“As a franchisee, you have to work ON the business as well as IN the business.Heather's career spans 30 years in the franchise, beauty, and wellness industries. She’s held executive positions in multi-billion dollar as well as emerging companies — most notably and recently, Amazing Lash Studios, which she shepherded from 70 locations to more than 200 in just 2 years. Today, as Managing Partner at Conscious Capital Group, she guides the firm’s investments in emerging franchisors AND leverages her experience to seek out and support growth brands. Join Ab and Vini as they tap into Heather’s decades o...2024-01-2431 minStars of FranchisingTim Vogel, Scenthound Founder & CEO“Some people are not meant to franchise. Some people absolutely SHOULD franchise.”Talk about perfect timing: Tim Vogel opened the first Scenthound dog-care shop in 2020, just as pet ownership skyrocketed during the pandemic. Today, Scenthound boasts more than 50 franchises — so you can expect seriously actionable lessons in scaling from this episode!Join Ab and Vini to hear Tim’s take on franchises as LOCAL businesses. The power of creating communities of ‘Zees. The 3 priorities of ‘Zees for driving brand success. How to apply the scientific method for successful scaling. The moment he discovered his biggest leadership b...2024-01-1738 minStars of FranchisingElizabeth Roberts: Pure Barre’s #1 Franchisee“I did everything you’re not supposed to do in finance to open my first studio.”For Redbird Fitness founder/CEO Elizabeth Roberts, it all started with a pair of “sticky socks” in 2015. Now operating a dozen Pure Barre locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut (scaling from 1 to 5 in her first 5 years), she’s the fitness brand’s top ‘Zee — AND a highly respected voice at the highest levels of corporate.Liz’s journey to scale — and the actionable lessons she’s learned — is the centerpiece of this conversation with Ab and Vini. Learn how she found hot expansion opport...2024-01-1045 minStars of FranchisingBryce Fluellen: Economic Mobility Through Social Equity Franchising“You always have to be telling your story. If you’re doing good in the world you have to be just as loud and persistent as those who aren’t.”As President/Co-Founder of Arthur Lee Consulting & Advisory (named in honor of his father’s passion for food equity) and former Executive Director of Social Equity Franchising at Everytable, Bryce Fluellen is driven by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Life’s most persistent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”He’s fought for food justice and social equity for more than 20 years developing and i...2024-01-0336 minStars of FranchisingBob & Karen Sommers, Citywide Facilities Solutions Franchisees“We’ve seen the power of the system.”Required listening for current ‘Zees and wannabes! Seeking to bust out of their careers in tech and radio and do their own thing, Bob & Karen Sommers opened the 12th market for Citywide Facilities Solutions 15 years ago. But there’s a twist to the story: Franchising was NOT in their original entrepreneurship plan!Listen in as the Sommerses share their journey and their learnings with Ab and Vini. Hear how a pandemic pivot transformed their “customer/vendor” relationships to “trusted partner” relationships and made 2020 one of their biggest years. How they ta...2023-12-2047 minStars of FranchisingAndrea Mundie: Co-Founder & CEO, skoah; Principal, RDCP Consulting, Inc.“There has to be something that’s bigger than just the product … it has to be about the impact it has on the person on the other side.”With a powerful management and franchising resume (including 19 years at the helm of skoah), Andrea now consults with numerous franchise enterprises on matters ranging from growth and international expansion strategies to the development of operational and branding systems. Andrea joins Ab & Vini to reveal how franchising is like parenting(!)... Why financial literacy PLUS loyalty to a franchise brand’s system will always result in the strongest numbers for ‘Zees…...2023-12-1348 minStars of FranchisingBrian Belmont: FYZICAL CEO, Planet Fitness & Quiznos Franchisee“You are only as good as the last unit you open.” That single statement speaks volumes about Brian Belmont’s powerful belief in franchisor/franchisee relationships. As CEO of FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers (with more than 500 locations in 46 states) he draws upon his experiences as a Quiznos and Planet Fitness franchisee “to help other people live the dream I got to live.”Join Ab and Vini as they welcome Brian to the SoF podcast and hear his takes on private equity’s place in the franchising space, the potential of AI, how ‘Zees fit in the strateg...2023-12-0630 minStars of FranchisingKristin Kidd of School of Rock & The Lash Lounge“What matters is that you’re a good person and you’re passionate about the business.”From operating 27 School of Rock locations, to now owning 2 of them AND simultaneously serving on The Lash Lounge’s leadership team as VP of Operations, Kristin Kidd has lived all sides of the franchising model. And she has a lot to say about what works (and what definitely doesn’t).Kristin joins Ab and Vini to share her path from entry level to executive. Listen to her takes on the top things ‘Zees and ‘Zors should do for success. Learn how cultur...2023-11-2930 minStars of FranchisingOmar Simmons, Planet Fitness Franchisee & Venture Investor“As a franchisee, you’re in the business FOR yourself, but not BY yourself.” As owner of multiple Planet Fitness franchises and Managing Partner at Exaltare Capital Partners, Omar Simmons believes that there are many paths of entrepreneurship. Yet none do more than the franchise model to support the dreams of entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities achieve success.Join Ab and Vini as they welcome Omar and hear his emphatic belief in the power of partnerships… the essential need for empathy in both ‘Zees and ‘Zors… and his driving vision of franchising as a ladder to wealth equalit...2023-11-2232 minStars of FranchisingAmanda Bialek of Konnect Agency: 360-Degree Franchise Marketing“Franchising provides the opportunity to tap into entrepreneurial spirit with the guidance of a great play book”Welcome to the intersection of marketing and brand-building! As President of LA’s Konnect Agency Amanda Bialek advises franchisors on national strategies and franchisees on local advertising — a true 360-degree perspective of the market challenges and opportunities for franchises!Amanda joins Ab & Vini to share what she’s learned about shaping clear, shared, long-term visions with ‘Zees and ‘Zors… the dangers of not asking your questions… the critical need to know when it’s time to pivot… recession-proof franchises, and much m...2023-11-1528 minStars of FranchisingBig Chicken CEO Josh Halpern: Big Fun and the ‘Zor/’Zee Partnership“The best franchisors recognize that franchisees help make the franchisor system stronger.” Big Chicken in space? Someday for sure, if Josh Halpern has his way! Josh joins Ab and Vini to share how he’s leveraging his incredible brand, marketing, and operating experience to guide and lead Shaquille O’Neal’s new restaurant concept.A true entrepreneurial leader with a passion for innovation, Josh explains how franchises are (almost) like painting by numbers. How scaling a new franchise brand is like building an NFL team (Spoiler: It’s not all about the QB.). How the “trinity of cos...2023-11-0832 minStars of FranchisingJim Tselikis & Sabin Lomac, Founders of Cousins Maine Lobster“Time is more valuable than the money we lost. We can recover money, but we can't recover time lost.”Can lobsters and sharks get along? Jim and Sabin, our first Shark Tank-veteran guests, would say “ayuh,” having emerged from the CNBC show with Barbara Corcoran as a 15% equity partner!The real cousins behind Cousins Maine Lobster join Ab and Vini to share how they “jumped ship” from their sales jobs, tapped into childhood memories, launched their passion business, and ended up reeling in money with it. (Compare their story to typical entrepreneurs who start businesses expressly to...2023-11-0100 minStars of FranchisingNeal Faulkner, Dunkin’ Multi-Franchisee: Gettin’ Down in the Trenches“Franchisees have to work in the business and be ready to do every single task!”24 years ago Neal literally rolled up his sleeves and began a 5-year stint in the trenches dirtying his hands and learning one of America’s leading franchise powerhouses from the inside out. Now a respected Dunkin Brands multi-unit franchisee, Neal has priceless thoughts on entrepreneurship and leadership for everyone — priceless because he’s really been there with big mistakes (including an 8-figure whopper!) and huge wins. And as you’ll also hear, it’s not always “time to make the donuts.” Neal sp...2023-10-2556 minStars of FranchisingElaine Chow, ChopValue Boston Founder: B2B Franchising Meets Social Entrepreneurship“Don't underestimate the amount of work involved in being a franchisee. It’s full of grit, twists, and turns.”Our first guest from the B2B arena! Meet a pioneer in the green “circular economy” space and B2B franchising: Elaine Chow, founder of ChopValue Boston, which boasts a groundbreaking and fascinating value proposition: sustainable wood furnishings and custom architectural features manufactured entirely from recycled chopsticks. Join Ab and Vini to learn how her innovative, earth-friendly franchise model is working and growing by promoting supplier diversity and sustainable procurement — and how it’s a proof-of-concept for successful...2023-10-1834 minStars of FranchisingSoosie Lazenby, Club Pilates and StretchLab Franchisee: Going All-In on New Franchise Brands“Franchises don’t run themselves. There’s no such thing as an semi-absentee owner.”What’s it like to be “first in” on a new, unproven franchise brand? Soosie Lazenby is principal owner and operator of 4 StretchLab franchises (under the XPonential Fitness umbrella) in the Tampa Bay metro area. Not only that, she was among the first to commit to this new, emerging franchise brand. That kind of leap is not for the faint-of-heart, and while it sets Soosie’s approach apart, anyone in the franchise space (or who wants to be) can learn from it. The experienc...2023-10-1149 minStars of FranchisingKen Doyle, Halifax Partners Founder: Private Equity LOVES the Franchise Model“Innovation comes from the franchisees.”A must-listen not only for franchisee and franchisor owners, but also for other investors and potential investors in franchise brands! Ken Doyle brings an uncommon and valuable perspective to the podcast — as someone who has made successful investments not only in growth franchisors but also in franchisees.Learn why he finds the franchise model — and franchisees in particular — so attractive as investments in this conversation with Ab and Vini. Ken also shares insights into private equity best practices and investment criteria, regardless of business or vertical market. 2023-10-0454 minStars of FranchisingKing Food Group (Thailand) Founder/President Dr. Ausanee Mahagitsiri Leonio: How Powerful Brands can Power Social Uplift“You don't plan for opportunities. Rather, you work hard to be ready to take advantage of opportunities when they come.” Ab and Vini welcome our first international Star, Dr. Ausanee Mahagitsiri Leonio, founder and President of King Food Group (Thailand), a multi-franchise conglomerate. It all started with “love at first bite” when she tasted a Krispy Kreme donut. From there, she’s brought KrispyKreme, Cinnabon, Bulgogi Brothers, Pie-Face, Jamba Juice and IHOP Thailand under the King Foods umbrella, expanding the franchise footprints of 6 international brands. Along the way she’s remained a trailblazer at leveraging i...2023-09-2737 minStars of FranchisingNigel Travis, Author of The Challenge Culture, Former CEO & Chairman of the Board of Dunkin’ Brands (and that’s just for starters!)“Franchising and entrepreneurship are great bedfellows.” With more than 40 years of leadership experience at Dunkin’ Brands, Papa John’s, Blockbuster, and currently Chairman and Co-Owner of London’s Leyton Orient Football Club and Principal at Challenge Consulting, Nigel has steered global organizations through both spectacular success and existential threats. In this lively conversation with Ab and Vini, he shared what he’s learned about the game-changing role of authentic listening, servant leadership, diversity (of ALL kinds), and creating a culture that supports positive pushback. Listen to Nigel’s book, The Challenge Culture: Why The Most Successful Organizations Run on Pushback2023-09-2040 minStars of FranchisingFranchising in the Fast Lane with Jiffy Lube co-founder Stephen Spinelli, Jr.“Franchising is a way to scale value creation quickly.” As the founder of Jiffy Lube International, our guest Babson College President Stephen Spinelli, Jr. should know! Steve is an entrepreneur who grew up in the world of franchising. His experience in national and international franchising, coupled with his unique understanding of entrepreneurship education and practice, endow him with exceptional perspectives worth learning about. Get ready for a free-wheeling master class with one of the franchising industry’s greatest advocates.2023-08-2438 minStars of FranchisingSavoring the Fruits of Franchising with Edible Brands founder & CEO Tariq FaridTariq Farid, Founder and CEO of Edible Brands, the company that includes Edible Arrangements joins the podcast to discuss his journey from small business owner starting with a single flower shop, to technology entrepreneur to launching and scaling Edible Arrangements to a global brand. So many great lessons not only about franchising but more importantly entrepreneurial leadership and staying focused on the customer. You will leave inspired and driven to start small, do the right thing and achieve your dreams.2023-08-2341 min