Franchise Interviews

Special New Year's Day Show We thought we would start 2020 with a vintage show on motivation.  David Handler is a professional business coach who specializes in helping leaders find clarity and take action to achieve their goals. Much like sports coaches, he shows clients how to compete at the highest levels in their industries. David served as a senior executive and founder of several organizations, championing talent development as an essential key to producing extraordinary business results.

Several years ago, one of my peers Elzie Flenard introduced me to motivational speaker Steve Pavlina.  Steve produced a number of great podcasts available to the public (uncopyright) on motivation, entrepreneurship and life balance.  For example, which patterns help us grow faster and squeeze more juice out of life? Which patterns slow us down or cause stagnation? Steve answered these questions in his book Personal Development for Smart People, published by Hay House in 2008. Listening to Steve is a great way to start the New Year. Today’s show gives you a taste of Steve Pavlina and prepares you for a wonderful 2020.  In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.  

Today marks our 653nd show…Our special guest today is Chris Simnick, founder of the Synergy Franchise Group.  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 r

Not long ago, I came across several interesting articles written by the Telephone Doctor Nancy Friedman on the Millennials.  One article was called, “Millennials + Customer Service. An Oxymoron? Or Great Generation?” and “Do We Owe the Millennials an Apology?”.  Nancy and I discuss this fascinating topic.  Here is one of the scenarios Nancy encountered.  A young gal, about 25, preparing to sit in one of her presentations at the NAR conference in DC came up to her with arms crossed and in a slightly defensive mode says, “You’re not going to tell us how bad we are, are you?”  Find out what happened next by listening to the show.  Nancy is the author of nine books on communications, sales, and customer service, Nancy will energize, inspire, and motivate you with tips, ideas, skills, and techniques you’ll use the rest of your life. Nancy’s keynote speaker presentations are high-energy, high in content, and best of all, high-results!  For more information on the Telephone Doctor, go to https://telephonedocto

With communities and businesses becoming more aggressive in their fight against drain and sewage problems caused by FOG (fats, oils and grease) and other organic matter, EnviroLogik, the expert in commercial drain line and odor control solutions, is set to pave the way to stronger, healthier and more conscious city systems. Not just an industry leader, but an industry disrupter, EnviroLogik is positioned to see massive growth as the brand announces the launch of its first-to-market franchise opportunity, with plans to open more than 250 franchise locations by 2025.   EnviroLogik uses proprietary, naturally effective products to solve drain and odor issues in commercial spaces, including buildup of fats, oils and grease (FOG), starch, sugars and odor-causing compounds that commonly cause blockages in both commercial drains and city sewers. United Kingdom native and entrepreneur Aziz Tejpar recognized the need for businesses to have access to effective, environmentally friendly, affordable services as more c

Today Franchise Interviews celebrates Thanksgiving, our 650th podcast, and 13th year anniversary.  We start our show with our most recent Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.  Today’s Great Quote in Franchising comes from Joseph Berger – President of You’ve Got Maids, Joseph has a unique perspective on the franchise industry as the residential cleaning concept was founded by his parents, Frank and Cynthia Berger. Joseph discusses why franchising is similar to taking an open book test. Next we play one of our earliest interviews with Scott Haner of the Yum! Brands franchise opportunity. Yum! Brands, Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, has over 48,000 restaurants in more than 145 countries and territories primarily operating the company’s restaurant brands – KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell – global leaders of the chicken, pizza and Mexican-style food categories. Worldwide, the Yum! Brands system opens over eight new restaurants per day on average, making it a leader in global retail development. In 2018, Yum! Br

We are meeting Brandon Ezra, Founder and CEO of Grand Welcome, the leading vacation rental management franchise. With the vacation rental segment is looking stronger than ever - over $13 billion in 2018 with a projected annual growth rate of 7.2%  Grand Welcome is capitalizing on the growing trend. The popular vacation rental management company combines quality and consistency while tailoring every home to suit every type of visitor. It offers fully-stocked vacation rentals available throughout California, Hawaii and Idaho, Colorado and Nevada. The brand is just launching its franchise opportunity and is searching for passionate entrepreneurs who are looking to capitalizing on the popularity of vacation rentals. Company Highlights  * Founded in 2008  * Started franchising in 2019  * $2.8M in total annual revenue  * Exists in 16 cities throughout five states  * 700+ properties In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.  

We are meeting with Inger Nicolaisen the founder of Nikita Hair…an international hair salon chain with 150+ locations across Europe and recent franchise expansion to the United States. Inger is a prominent figure in Norway, most known from the Norwegian television series The Candidate in 2004, which was the Norwegian version of the American series, The Apprentice. Nikita Hair supports the foundation, A Hand to Children. This organization provides help and assistance to children. The involvement of this foundation is to give children a chance at a better life, and hope for the future. All projects within the scope of this foundation aim to provide support to those most in need by providing food and clothing. For every haircut, Nikita Hair will donate a portion of the proceeds to support this organization. In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.    

We have a great show today. We are meeting Rob and Lisa Cannon - Founders of Thrillz, the world’s first high-flying adventure park.  The Cannons recognized the growing demand for indoor family entertainment as a great business opportunity. After successful careers in finance and 3 years as franchisees of an indoor trampoline park, they pulled together a world-class team to create the next generation of adventure parks. In August of 2018, Thrillz opened its doors in Danbury, CT.    

We are meeting with Brandon Cullen, Chief Concept Officer of MADabolic (strength and conditioning gym for athletes) … MADabolic Inc. delivers unparalleled Strength and Conditioning to an oversaturated cardio-focused market. Backed by science and years of athletic experience, Protocol M.A.D.’s signature combination of fat-torching intervals will enable you to carve a lean, athletic physique.  Their distinctive interval system, Protocol M.A.D., is crafted entirely around work-to-rest ratios. This presents a challenging yet accessible environment unique to each client. Rooted in science, MADabolic’s exclusive interpretation of pace and intensity is unrivaled in our market. In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.  

We are meeting with Joseph Berger - President of You’ve Got Maids, Joseph has a unique perspective on the franchise industry as the residential cleaning concept was founded by his parents, Frank and Cynthia Berger. Joseph will discuss the You Got Maids franchise, the benefits of working in a family run business and his best advice for maintaining a healthy professional and personal relationship with those you work with. In part two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.  

We are meeting with Angel Aguayo Director of Operations at Sushi Sake.  Sushi Sake, a Miami-based neighborhood sushi bar with 14-units is now franchising and already has two signed franchise agreements in Florida. Known for an expansive menu, dramatic longue inspired atmosphere and late-night hours, the founders Angel Aguayo and James Aguayo are now ready to take their fusion-inspired creation nationwide. Founded in 2009, the Aguayo brothers were ready to step out in the $12.8 billion market size of sushi restaurants. Growing up in restaurants and frequently dining at Benihana, Angel felt the industry was struck in the ‘traditional setting,’ and wanted to bring fusion offerings to the table. Another industry void they are alleviating is many good sushi restaurants aren’t able to provide that same quality on their hibachi side. Sushi Saki is known for offering the best of both worlds and creates an interactive dining experience. It is today’s Japanese Sushi restaurant with the perfect blend of a Teppanya

Tonight, we discuss franchising the moving industry.  We start the show with our latest podcast from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast from hall of fame speaker Warren Greshes. In Part Two, you will hear our interview with Dustin Black, Founder and CEO of Black Tie Moving.  Dustin is no stranger to the moving industry. From the time he was a child, Black worked for his father’s moving company, learning the ins and outs of the industry while also getting a behind the curtain view of exactly who homeowners were trusting their belongings.  With eight locations open and 24 new franchise territories under development, Black Tie Moving is rapidly expanding across the nation. In Part Three, you will hear our interview with Nick Friedman, the founder of College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving franchise opportunity. College Hunks Hauling Junk and moving is the fastest-growing junk hauling and moving franchise in America. College Hunks Hauling Junk has been named one the fastest growing companies in Ameri

We have a great show today. We are meeting with Lee DeJonge, COO of Shine, a window care and holiday lighting franchise with 40 locations in 10 states. Lee is also a franchisee and just opened his sixth Shine location. But while window cleaning is Shine’s business, the mission is to make the world brighter by building successful businesses and creating opportunities for individuals to become leaders.  In part two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.    

Last time we had House Doctors on the show was over a decade ago.  Known as the trusted home improvement service, House Doctors offers a myriad of services from drywall and gutter repair to kitchen and bathroom remodeling. The House Doctors team of insured, bonded and uniformed handymen have a wide array of skillsets to tackle even the longest list of to-dos. With a one-year guarantee, prompt and precise service and a team of qualified craftsman and technicians, House Doctors is not only a home improvement service, but a trusted advisor among the customers it serves. Founded in 1995, House Doctors is located across the country and has targeted several growth markets for the next few years.  We are meeting with Jim Hunter, CEO of House Doctors. As the home renovation sector is expected to grow over the next several years, House Doctors plans to increase its presence through strategic franchise growth in key markets across the country to accommodate the increasing consumer demand for home renovations, a $350

The Planet Smoothie franchise began in Atlanta during the mid-1990s, when smoothies were first beginning to be seen as a food offering on their own rather than part of an extended menu. Up until then smoothies were almost completely associated with hardcore health fanatics — people who spent a lot of time at the gym and were fanatical about counting calories  More Americans were looking to slim down and become healthier, a trend which continues through today, and smoothies became seen as a way to enhance a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing taste or convenience.As more people discovered smoothies, the market exploded, and Planet Smoothie quickly spread throughout the Southeast, becoming a dominant brand across the Southeastern and Northeastern United States. The opportunity to rapidly expand Planet Smoothie excited a team of veteran franchise executives at Kahala Brands, which acquired Planet Smoothie in 2015. Under their leadership, Planet Smoothie has developed the capabilities and resources, such as imp

Sometimes life throws you a curveball, but it's how you react to that moment that can shape the rest of your life. For entrepreneur Tom Hough that moment came following his 33-year-old brother's death due to heart failure. After tragedy struck, Tom realized the importance of not taking any day for granted. While working in security, Tom had always thought about becoming a personal trainer and with the help of his wife, he took a leap of faith and quit his job and on the anniversary of his brother's passing he officially became an owner of a Fit Body Boot Camp franchise. Now, Tom spends his days honoring his brother's legacy and working with clients to help them lead healthier and happier lives. In addition to knowing the first-hand benefits of the services he provides; the Hough's are also finding similarities between what it takes to find fulfilment in life and owning and running a small business.  In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast. 

Today we have a three part show.  In part one, we meet with Mitchell Levy. Mitchell Levy is the AHA Guy of AHAthat.com and CEO and Thought Leader Architect at THiNKaha.com. He and his team make it easy for corporations to easily create compelling content that help turn their experts into recognized thought leaders. Mitchell is an Amazon bestselling author with fifty-six business books, contributor at Entrepreneur Magazine, has provided strategic consulting to over one hundred companies. Mitchell has written social media enabled eBooks he offers for free. Mitchell discusses why more franchisors and franchisees should consider writing a book! In Part Two, we meet with Michael Peterson, author of How and Why to Franchise Your Business.  This book was written to be the go-to for a new or would-be franchisor. It was written with someone from outside our industry in mind. It dives deeply into such topics as preparing to become a franchisor, the legal repercussions of franchising, how to recruit the right candida

We are meeting with Jeff Melnick, the President of BOSTON’S PIZZA Restaurant and Sports Bar.  Boston's is both a family-friendly casual dining restaurant and an energetic sports bar, all under one roof. For over 50 years, Boston's has specialized in providing a relaxing atmosphere and food from scratch to parties of all sizes. With Boston's brand promise, "We'll make you a fan," and 80+ menu items, primarily made in-house, they deliver on having something for every occasion and taste. Boston's is recognized by Entrepreneur magazine as one of the top three full-service restaurant brands. The company is also currently ranked No. 464 on Entrepreneur magazine's 2018 Franchise 500 list. Additionally, the brand is ranked No. 89 on the 2018 Franchise Times Top 200 (Plus 300) list. With sales exceeding $1 Billion in system-wide gross sales, Boston's grows through franchising and is currently looking to expand around the US and Mexico. For more information, visit www.ownabostons.com today.

We have a great show today. We are meeting with Chris Pena (CMO) as well as Crystal Lizama (the new COO) for Body20. Body20 is leading the Technology Driven fitness revolution and offering franchise opportunities to entrepreneurs in one of the fastest growing industries within the franchising sector. Body 20 offers a low-staffing business model, with fast breakevens and impressive returns.   Body20 was created when founder, Bert Albertse sought out entrepreneurial endeavors and eventually dropped out of college to open a supplements company. Then, in 2014, while in Dubai for a fitness conference, Bert was introduced to the stat-of-the-art Electro Muscular Stimulation (EMS equipment). Amazed by its ability to deliver a whole week's worth of strength training in only 20 minutes, Bert took a soon-to-be father's biggest risk and spent his whole life savings, plus a loan from a friend, to buy a full body stimulation suit.   From there, Body20 was born and within the boutique fitness hotspot's first year