Franchise Interviews

This week we are discussing two must read books before Labor Day.  We begin the show with Danny Lyon, author of  The Colour of My Underwear is Blue.  With over 60 marathons and 20 years of business experience,Danny Lyon shares why people create such varying levels of business and personal success. Lyon reveals the secrets of the success "high-flyers", the "turnaround artists", the "comfort zone dwellers", and the "give-ups". No matter where you are in your life right now, Lyon sheds light on how you may be holding yourself back and what it takes to get out of your own way.  Next, we meet with Steve Barnett, author of Gumption - Taking Bubba Gump from Movie to Restaurant.  Written in a cinematic style, this book is about the creation, growth, and sale of the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. The concept began when Paramount Pictures reached out to see if there was interest in creating a restaurant based on the movie Forrest Gump. It is also the personal story of the author’s growth as a CEO and creator of restaurant

We had the School of Rock franchise on our show many years ago.  Since that time, the organization has had tremendous growth.  We are meeting with Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock.  School of Rock provides students of all ages an exciting and engaged music lesson experience, which includes guitar, drums, piano and singing lessons. Drawing from all styles of rock and roll, School of Rock students learn theory and techniques via songs from legendary artists such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Frank Zappa. Thanks to the school’s performance-based approach, students around the world have gained superior musical proficiency, with some moving to record deals and larger platforms such as American Idol, The Voice and Broadway.  The rapid-growing international franchise currently operates more than 230 schools in 10 global markets, and since 2009, School of Rock has grown student count from 4,000 to more than 33,000.  In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.  

We are meeting with the CEO of Pigtails & Crewcuts, Wade Brannon. Pigtails & Crewcuts is a children’s salon franchise that understands the need for a memorable, stress-free haircutting experience for the entire family.  From your child’s first haircut to “Mom! The whole football team is getting mohawks, I want one too”, as a parent, you want your children’s locks in good hands. When veteran franchisor, Wade Brandon, came into the original salon with his two daughters as a customer, he immediately saw great potential to replicate and grow the Pigtails concept. After purchasing the single unit, he initiated the franchise offering to meet the increasing demand for services that cater to families with young children in the $58 billion haircut industry. Since launching the franchise opportunity in 2005, Pigtails & Crewcuts has grown to 61 open units across the nation with 57 in development.  In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.  

We are meeting with Peter Roberts and James Jakobsen, the founders of the ManageMowed franchise opportunity.  ManageMowed - founders Peter & James just launched franchising for their sub-contracting commercial landscape concept. Based out of Edmonds, Washington, they have been in business for over 20 years and we a speaking about their dynamic biz journey… going from residential real estate to commercial, why they got into the sub-contracting business. ManageMowed’s corporate locations now count marquee clients like Safeway, Jack in the Box, and Public Storage on their roster. These founders are interesting and entertaining, and their story is captivating.  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 Jason Anderson, President of the fastest growing coworking franchise, Venture X.  Venture X strives to provide high quality, flexible, collaborative spaces to business professionals allowing their members to grow their companies and exceed their business goals. They hope to provide a unique set of amenities and benefits that support business growth and professional development. Their vision is to provide upscale, flexible workspaces in every major city in the US and in some overseas markets. As the coworking space industry grows, a number of key trends are emerging. Owners and operators of coworking spaces likely find that attention to these trends will help them to attract and retain new business. One important trend is the central role technology plays in the formation of a coworking space. Some coworking spaces owners who operate on their own invest only in the bare minimum when it comes to technology. As their business grows, they find it hard to keep

Nancy is president & founder of Telephone Doctor Customer Service Training. When Oprah, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, Good Morning America, Good Morning Canada and Great Britain, CNN, Fox News, Wall Street Journal, USA Today and other well respected radio, TV and publications need a customer service expert, they call on Nancy Friedman. You should, too!  LinkedIn for Entrepreneurs - Franchise Interviews Meets with Nancy Friedman. In Part Two, we discuss LinkedIn for Entrepreneurs with Nancy Friedman.  LinkedIn is one of the most powerful networking business tools for professionals and entrepreneurs. Not long ago, Nancy Friedman was interviewed in a magazine article by Forbes. The article was called 10 New LinkedIn Tips to Propel Your PR. In this interview, Nancy and I discuss tips learned over the years on how to effectively use this social media tool.

We are meeting with Stacey Kimmins of the FUN BUS franchise opportunit.  FUN BUS is a fully climate controlled mobile fitness “gym on wheels” which serves children ages 2–7 years. At FUN BUS, their mission is to “drive the love of fitness to the young child” and they do this by bringing weekly fitness FUN classes/sessions to daycares and preschools, as well as birthday parties and special events.  FUN BUS kids are always beyond excited to see the BIG GREEN BUS roll up! Two trained “Fun Instructors” teach professionally designed lesson plans for our structured ½ hour classes, which typically run 6 to 10 weeks. A birthday party is a 1+hour event, with the same elements as a class but longer and geared towards the birthday child.

We are meeting with Clay Sanger of JINYA Ramen Bar: JINYA Ramen Bar was founded by Tomo Takahashi in 2010. His parents were restaurateurs in his native Japan, but he frequently visited the United States. Throughout his teenage and college years, he became obsessed with the goal of opening an authentic ramen restaurant on La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles. In 2010, Tomo made his vision a reality and opened the first JINYA Ramen Bar in Studio City, California. The restaurant was a communal eating experience utilizing community tables, a welcoming environment accompanied by modern interiors and an authentic Japanese menu. People were falling in love with the authentic Japanese noodles and broth, you couldn't find anywhere else. In 2012, Tomo and his team began franchising JINYA Ramen Bar - the first and only gourmet ramen franchise in the U.S. Fast forward to today and there are 35 locations from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. and everywhere in between. The franchise has received praise from prolific late L.A. Tim

This week (May 30 to June 1) Franchise Interviews will be visiting the International Franchise Expo in New York at the legendary Javits Center. Many refer to this show as the Super Bowl of franchising. Today you will hear numerous interviews on how to prepare for a franchise show.First you will hear our conversation with Tom Portesy, the President of Mart Franchise Ventures Expositions.  Mr. Portesy will discuss what aspiring frantrepreneurs can expect from a franchise show.  Next you will hear our interview with the franchise expert Terry Corkery who gives his advice to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to buy a franchise as well as some fantastic tips on attending franchise shows. The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, or Javits Center is a large convention center located on Eleventh Avenue, between 34th and 40th streets, on the West side of Manhattan in New York. http://www.ifeinfo.com/ Top 10 Reasons You Should Attend The International Franchise Expo: Meet face-to-face with over 400 of the top franchise

We have a great show today. We are speaking with the co-founders of the Central Bark® franchise system Jackie Jordan and Chris Gaba.  Jackie and Chris began this journey over 15 years ago with a vision that every dog deserves the very best care in a safe and clean environment.  Central Bark has taken day care to a whole new level with their unique “Whole Dog Care” approach, which integrates a full range of fun services specially balanced to nurture your dog’s whole health – their physical, mental and emotional well-being. These services and products adapt with your dog as they grow and develop, helping nurture and support them throughout their whole lifetime.  In part three we are joined by franchise expert Chris Simnick.   With over 2 million total dog visits to the Central Bark Doggy Day Care system and as the pioneer in creating the “UnKennel” franchise concept, the company has developed multiple streams of revenue, which includes grooming to training and retail ensuring that business is not limited to o

We are meeting with Bryan McMahon, CFO of Open Works.  When you compare OpenWorks to other companies in their industry, you’ll find that there is a clear difference. Unlike their competitors that simply maintain facilities, Openworks is the only facility services company that strives to create results that are measurable and add value to your business.  OpenWorks Difference Guaranteed customers, NO selling requiredWe train our franchisees on not only how to do the commercial cleaning, but how to manage a business and be a successful business ownerEquipment package includedInitial & ongoing training included The Brand OpenWorks is a trusted brand that was established in 1983Financially Strong: $30 million+ in revenueFull-time partnership opportunity The Commercial Cleaning Industry $150+ billion a year industryRecession-resistant industry & necessary service An OpenWorks franchise is not just about cleaning buildings when employees go home at the end of the day – it’s about harnessing your professiona

We are meeting with the founder of Delta Restoration Services Mike Mastous.  Delta Restoration Services has tripled its presence in the past 12 months and is set to add several dozen more locations this year. The property restoration franchisor is investing heavily in its training and support functions, including building a state-of-the-art flood house training facility in Denver. Mike Mastous conceptualized Delta after spending his career in the restoration industry operating restoration companies, adjusting for insurance carriers, and helping other brands expand into restoration. The full-service model was not an option for the customer or for insurance companies to use at the time. Micheal saw this opening and has been on a quest to fill it since 2006. Having our Founder and President driving the company’s daily operations and constantly looking for new opportunities for efficiency and profitability allows all franchises to take advantage of the native operational acumen and operational experience in real

We have a great show today.  We are meeting with Juliette Schmerler.  Juliette is the Creative Director and Founder of Sparktank Franchise Marketing. Sparktank's "franchise growth program" focuses on helping franchisors find new franchisees with powerful marketing materials and "outside the box" lead generation campaigns. Juliette's inspiration for helping franchises grow comes from the amazing opportunities she has seen her clients provide for new entrepreneurs to fulfill their dreams of business ownership. She loves being part of sharing each brand's story and spreading the word about their franchise opportunity. In part two, we play a clip with Michael Gerber from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.      

We are meeting with Christy Wilson Delk  After 17 years in corporate sales and distribution, Christy Wilson Delk decided to risk it all. In 1996, she sold her house and cashed out her 401K plan for the down payment on the $1.7 millions dollar SBA loan needed to buy and build a Kids R Kids Academy franchise in Orlando, Florida. Over the next 15 years, she expanded twice and grew her business into one of the largest franchises in her industry before exiting successfully in 2012.  Now, an Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at Rollins College and contributing writer, Christy has turned her focus to helping others realize greater professional rewards through growing a successful business.   In Part Two, we discuss Chrity's book, "My Adventure In Franchise Ownership".  "I admit, there were many times that I felt tired, alone and frustrated about my ability to run my business consistently well. I was disappointed that there was nothing available to help me and other franchisees get through the tough times. I le

We are meeting with Anthony Amos of HydroDog.  Anthony Amos founded the mobile dog-grooming company HydroDog at age 21 during his off-time as a professional rugby player.  His franchise model achieved massive growth and success in Australia, and Anthony has introduced HydroDog to The United States through the extended, nationwide 50-state BatheToSave.com Tour that includes his entire family in public dog-washing events benefitting local shelters and raising awareness for rescue adoption of dogs at a time of epidemic-level canine euthanasia.  This tour’s legacy also continues beyond the Amos family tour, in the form of regular public dog-washing events conducted by local HydroDog franchises that continue to expand rapidly throughout the country. In part two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.  

There are only five days left before filing your taxes.  This time of year, we get many questions on franchises that provide tax services.  We are going to play clips from two very interesting franchises in the tax industry.  First, we play a clip from our interview with Dom Cirello of the BookKeeping Express franchise opportunity. Dom is a franchisee to BookKeeping Express. BookKeeping Express, a national organization and franchise that provides businesses with professional bookkeeping services. Bookkeeping Express was founded in 1984 in California.  Next we meet with Nick Rizzi of the Smart Tax franchise opportunity.  Smart Tax allows its franchisees to own a tax preparation business without requiring a background in finance, accounting, or tax law - it's a business that is easy to start up and operate, just by following the established and comprehensive Smart Tax franchise system. In Part Three, we are meeting with Tab Burkhalter: Founder and CEO of Numbers House, which specializes in helping entreprene

We are meeting with Mike Thakur of the Work Lodge franchise opportunity.  The Work Lodge designs, operates and grows all-inclusive work spaces.  According to a recent study, shared workspaces have grown at an incredible rate of 200% over the past five years. Their mission is to create environments that inspire, empower, and enable our members to do work that changes lives...including theirs.” Mike Thakur understands how to create healthy environments that lead to success in the workplace. After moving to Houston 14 years ago from the United Kingdom, Mike decided to utilize his degree in Theology Studies and launched a church with his wife. While on his journey, he went to work for a security company specializing in kidnapping for ransom and extortion. Because of the line of work, there was no central office, so Mike began to explore shared office spaces. Once he found one, it felt like solitary confinement. He knew there was demand for energized coworking workspaces and immediately began to look for rea

This evening you will hear our interview with Tom Scarda.  Tom Scarda is a regular guy who left the 9-5 world, with the promise of a pension and a gold watch to explore his desire to follow his dreams be an entrepreneur   Tom discusses how he got into franchising as well as his book, The Magic of Choosing Uncertainty. Tom discusses the following topics: What suggestions would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to buy a franchise? Why did you write the book "The Magic of Choosing Uncertainty"? What types of traits make successful franchisees? What do you like about franchising? Tom also discusses how franchising changed his life.  In Part Three, we play a clip form our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.   

We are meeting 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.  Black was not impressed with caliber of movers available to consumers at that time, so rather than following in his dad’s footsteps, he turned his sights on baseball – even gaining a college scholarship before a knee injury sidelined him and removed him from school. After a terrible experience using a moving company that damaged $34,000 of his furniture, Black knew there was a hole to fill in the moving industry. In 2013, he founded Black Tie Moving, a luxury moving and relocation concept, with the goal to create the first professional mov

We are meeting with David Grossman of DMK Burger Bar.  DMK Burger Bar offers an elevated dining experience centered on a popular American classic, burgers. Every detail of the burgers is closely scrutinized and it's that focus on the product that gives DMK its sterling reputation.   Each of their award-winning burgers is made up of 100% grass-fed beef, artisanal cheeses, freshly-cut vegetables, and house-made sauces. With world-renowned fries, house-made sodas, gourmet milkshakes, and partnerships with your local breweries, DMK Burger franchises are garnering attention, nationwide.   David Morton, son of Arnie Morton of Morton’s Steakhouse, and five-time James Beard Award Nominee, Chef Michael Kornick, have teamed up with franchise guru David Grossman to bring DMK Burger Bar franchise to locations all across the world. Together, these three gentlemen provide experience and a service that is unrivaled in the Restaurant Industry, let alone the burger franchise niche.