Franchise Interviews

We have a great show today. We are meeting with Joni Brownstein of the Art Recovery Technologies franchise opportunity.  Art Recovery Technologies can quickly assess, recover and return your artwork and collectibles to pre-loss condition. They specialize in the recovery of many types of art including antiques, photographs, family heirlooms, keepsakes, paintings, mosaics, taxidermy and much more.  In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising Podcast.  

We have a great show today. We are meeting with  Christo Demetriades, the COO of LunchboxWax, a boutique speed-waxing concept that combines refined techniques and the highest quality products. What makes LunchboxWax unique is their waxologists are trained to know how to wax every body and make the LGBTQ+ community especially the transgender community feel comfortable walking in and getting waxed. This inclusivity is present in all fronts of the business and each employee is put through a course of “culture classes” to ensure everyone is fully aware of the brand’s mission.The brand has 48 salons open and recently signed 2 multi-unit deals in brand new markets throughout the Midwest.  In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.  

We are meeting with Kelsey Stuart, CEO of Bloomin’ Blinds. Bloomin Blinds FYI: Family-owned and operated since 2001, Bloomin’ Blinds is a leading window treatment franchise serving 55 territories nationwide.Only window treatment franchises to offer product, installation, repair and cleaning. Bloomin’ Blinds franchises are typically run by husband and wife or small teams, so customers are often dealing with the same people over the course of several interactions, helping to build trust and longstanding client relationships. Combined, the leadership team has over 60 years of hands-on industry experience, bringing a personalized approach to training and a tight-knit family feel to the culture. Innovative tech allows franchisees to run their business efficiently and provide quotes to customers almost instantly, helping franchisees to close-in on more contracts. Franchisees are provided in-depth training at the home office with elaborate simulations to fully prepare each franchisee for the field. Aft

An Evening with Franchise Teacher Chris Simnick With over 40 years of experience as an independent businessman, franchisee, and franchiser, including fifteen years of international experience in launching and assisting franchise systems in Europe and the Pacific Rim, Chris Simnick knows the ins and outs of franchising, and how to establish and fine tune operations to ensure a profitable business at start-up, stability, or maturity - when a refresh or expansion to a new concept is desired. Chris has accomplished this by creating the Synergy Franchise Group Network consisting of the Synergy Franchis Group LLC and FranchiseTeacher.com. Through these organizations, Chris and his team has  guided clients through the process of identifying and purchasing the right franchise based on their interests, personality, and skill level; and assisted others on the opposite end of the spectrum determine if their concept was suitable for franchising, how to recruit and develop franchisees, and how to set up the infrastr

Steve Caldeira President and CEO We could not think of anyone better than inviting special guest Steve Caldeira. As President & CEO, Mr. Caldeira works with the IFA board to set the direction for the organization's strategic priorities: government relations and public policy, including the association's political action committee, media relations, public relations and professional development programs and research initiatives. He represents the association and acts as its primary spokesperson and liaison to government, news media, members, prospective members, business and professional organizations, educational institutions and the public, both domestically and internationally.

Last weekend I was doing some cleaning in preparation for fall.  As a business professor, I have thousands of books in plastic tubs.  One of the books that distracted me from cleaning was the Franchise Times Guide to Selecting, Buying and Owning a Franchise.  I was reminded of the interview Don and I did with Julie Bennett, author of the Franchise Times Guide to Selecting, Buying and Owning a Franchise.  The book, which has been updated, is filled with practical advice from real-life individuals who made the jump into franchising.  Some of Julie’s quotes made it into our Great Quotes in Franchising. We had fun on this interview.  In part two, we will play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.

We are meeting with Mike Cline VP of franchise development for Alliance Franchise Brands.  Alliance Franchise Brands serves the multi-billion dollar market for marketing, print, sign and graphics communications services. Alliance Franchise Brands is considered a leader in franchise training, technology and implementation. In its Marketing & Print Division, the company supports six brands: Allegra, American Speedy Printing and Insty-Prints in the United States and Allegra, KKP, and Speedy Printing in Canada. In its Sign & Graphics Division, the company supports three brands in North America and the United Kingdom: Image360, Signs by Tomorrow and Signs Now. In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast. 

We are meeting Scott Talley, CEO and founder of Network in Action. Network In Action Franchise (NIA) applies innovative principles to an industry that has long needed an update! There are an estimated 28 million small business in the United States and every one of them needs some type of marketing plan. According to their research if a business just has the funds for one marketing effort, networking provides the greatest return on investment!  Network In Action, a Houston-based networking franchise that has revolutionized the industry with its innovative use of technology, has created a Try Before You Buy program. The initiative gives entrepreneurs the option to go through a day in the life of a being a Network In Action group leader/franchisee, try the business model out by going through a five day training, recruit members, host their own meeting and then decide if they want to be a part of Network In Action within 48 hours. There is no fee associated with this initiative.  The average business owner does

We are meeting with Brynson Smith. Brynson is a sales and franchise consultant with a strong background in helping entrepreneurs break into the world of franchising, as well as helping established franchise owners diversify their portfolio. Brynson is the Director of Franchise Sales for uBreakiFix, an electronic device repair franchise.  uBreakiFix is obsessed with gadgets and gizmos. They are the folks standing in line on launch day waiting for the latest smartphone or gaming console. They love all things tech and they are experts at what they do.  uBreakiFix fixes electronic devices (it’s in our name after all). From the classic phone drop in the parking lot to the tablet in the toilet. They have seen it all. They understand how traumatic it is when you break your favorite devices and they want you to feel better the moment you walk in. In Part Two, we will play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast. 

iSold It was founded so that everyone-from individuals, to businesses, to fundraising organizations-would have an easy way to sell merchandise on eBay. Like many service stores personalized attention, reliability, and expert skills is what is important at iSold It.   Their business formula rests on the idea that busy people and small businesses want exceptional service to help manage their affairs. We are meeting with William Fikhman of the franchise iSold it on Ebay.  William is one of the youngest franchisees for Isold it on Ebay as well as the country.

Did you miss our interview with Lori Karpman? Lori founded the wildly successful “Zyng Noodlery” franchise for which she garnered several prestigious marketing & branding awards including the pinnacle award from the Ontario Advertising Assn & the Canadian Franchise Association for “Outstanding Overall Corporate Image”. Lori Karpman is a seasoned, multi- award-winning management consultant (and former attorney) specializing in multi-unit business development and professional coaching and training.  She is currently CEO of Lori Karpman & Company, a full-service firm providing all the services a growing brand needs. She is also Head Coach at Coach Lori an executive coaching firm  

We are meeting with Kevin Dubois, Chief Executive Officer, Lapels Dry Cleaning.  As the CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning, Kevin Dubois has more than 25 years in the franchise industry, the last 15 with Lapels. Over that time, Lapels Dry Cleaning has pioneered an eco-friendly dry-cleaning experience through a partnership agreement with GreenEarth®, the dry cleaning industry’s only non-toxic cleaning alternative. By utilizing the latest technology in equipment and GreenEarth solutions, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners able to boast that there is no hazardous waste in their process. Under Kevin’s leadership, Lapels Dry Cleaning has repeatedly ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list for the country’s top Franchise Systems—including the 2020 list. Lapels Dry Cleaning has also been named to Franchise Times Top 200+ on multiple occasions. It’s annual clothing drive to benefit Big Brother Big Sister has raised thousands of dollars in donations that resold at BBBS outlets. On an individual basis, Kevin

One of the hot topics in many towns across America is education.  Some states have gone to all online learning while others are using a hybrid approach.   This trend has resulted in a need for supplemental education services.  Education franchises typically have high margins and are in high demand.  Today you are going to hear two interviews from franchises in the education industry.  First, we will play our interview with the Code Ninjas franchise opportunity.  Code Ninjas® is the world’s largest and fastest-growing kids coding franchise, with hundreds of locations in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  From the mind of educator Dori Roberts, Engineering For Kids is an engineering enrichment program for Pre-K through 8th grade youth. Engineering for Kids have developed unique, exciting programs that invite children to have fun while using their knowledge of engineering and science to design, create, and improve solutions to engineering problems.  We end the show with a clip from our popular G

We are meeting with Paula Hope, the President of Booked Solid.  Paula helps business professionals, and their teams, create the revenue they deserve.  Through the strategic development of a referral/personal marketing plan which includes online activities, Booked Solid business professionals learn to create, manage and leverage their social capital (their personal good will) into a system that will grow their revenue for themselves and their firms.Paula consults and develops referral partner programs within progressive corporations who really want to get serious about creating high quality referrals for their organization. Paula is the author of Stop The Saboteurs: Conquer Negative Thoughts that Hurt Your Revenue and Your Brand.  In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast

We are meeting with Mike Wootton, the VP of Franchise Development for My EyeLab. My EyeLab is a state-of-the-art optical lab franchise best known for their high-tech approach to keep costs low for customers and franchisees alike.  My EyeLab is the fastest growing optical retailer in the country and they have performed over 800,000 telehealth exams using their revolutionary telehealth technology. 

Some recent studies show cleaning service franchises see COVID-19 spike in business.  Several franchises such as 360Clean have created a specialized program to help their customers return to work with a Peace of Mind as it relates to COVID-19 and the safety of their employees and customers.  360 Clean will thoroughly disinfect your office and the Touch Surfaces. These surfaces are the key pathway for the spread of germs in any facility and include, but are not limited to: Door Handles, desks, switches, telephones, dispensers, handles and toilets.  Our podcast today will feature interviews with two cleaning franchises.  First, we will play our interview with Barry Bodiford, CEO of 360clean, a specialized janitorial franchise. Next, we will play our interview with Todd Hopkins, Founder/CEO/President of The Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services franchise.  Office Pride is a fast-growing franchise in the $78 billion commercial cleaning industry. Their franchisees provide top-quality janitorial services and

Bonchon created their signature sauce in Korea back in 2002, and have kept their original recipe ever since.  Every piece of Bonchon chicken is double-fried, then hand brushed with their signature sauce. Bonchon was created to satisfy a craving. A craving for nostalgia and familiarity. A craving for the indulgent taste of authentic, flavorful, crunchy, Korean fried chicken accompanied with a variety of unique pan Asian comfort foods. In the beginning, there were few places to satisfy this craving in the United States. Their founder, Mr. Seo, introduced premium, flavorful sauces and cooking techniques served in a globally inspired, modern and sleek environment. And for the next generation of diners, a new way to experience fried chicken was born. Bonchon was recognized by Business Insider in 2019 as “the gold standard for fried chicken” beating out five major restaurant chains as “best chicken wings”. We are meeting with Flynn Dekker, CEO of Bonchon. In Part Two we play a clip from our popular Great Q

We start today's show with a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast. In Part Two, we will play our interview with the Poolwerx franchise opportunity.  I was recently asked by one of my business students what industries have seen an increase in demand in 2020.  One of those industries are pools with more people staying home and less people heading to the beach.  Founded in 1992, Poolwerx is one of the world’s largest pool and hot tub / spa maintenance providers. You will hear our interview with the CEO and founder of Poolwerx, John O' Brien. 

We are meeting with Gregg Rozeboom, the CEO and founder of Fruitive.  Fruitive is a whole food, plant-based restaurant franchise that’s actually in the middle of some pretty exciting expansions.  Your health and happiness are what matters to Fruitive. At Fruitive, they strive to be better for you. No matter where you are on your health journey, their wholesome ingredients support taking you to the next level. "My goal with Fruitive was to create something good for my family, for our community and for the world,” said Gregg Rozeboom, In part two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast. 

We are welcoming back Peter Holt of The Joint Chiropractic franchise. The Joint Chiropractic revolutionized the $15 billion chiropractic industry by making chiropractic care more accessible, convenient and affordable than ever before. Founded in 1999, The Joint has grown to more than 460 locations throughout the country, helping millions of people in the process find relief from neck and back pain. The rapid success of The Joint, now the fastest growing chiropractic franchise in the nation, is due to the straightforward business model that is easy to understand, quick to scale and meets a real need in the communities we serve. As a result, entrepreneurs with zero experience in the chiropractic industry, as well as chiropractors with significant experience, are choosing to franchise with The Joint. In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.