Franchise Interviews

We are meeting Giuseppe Grammatico.  Giuseppe is a franchise veteran who simplifies the process of franchising and excels at guiding his candidates to the model that best suits them. His greatest joy is helping people realize the American dream and sharing the freedom that comes from franchising. Franchising has allowed Giuseppe to enjoy the freedom so many hope for. Sharing his expertise with his candidates, learning about their goals and their lives, and guiding them towards their dreams are what lights him up the most. Guiseppe is also the author of Franchise Freedom.

Junkluggers was started by CEO Josh Cohen right after college with the use of his mother's SUV. The brand achieved its goal of adding franchisees to the system in 2013 and enjoyed nearly 25 percent system-wide growth last year.  Cohen provides tips, insight, best practices, and what mistakes to avoid for other young business owners looking to take their business to the next level in 2014. Junkluggers got started in 2004, after Cohen returned to the U.S from studying abroad, he immediately hit the streets handing out homemade flyers all around town to promote his new business idea. After the phone began to ring, Cohen quickly realized there was a demand for a reliable, professional and eco-focused removal service. Armed with only his mom's SUV and a love for the environment, Cohen launched Junkluggers and has revolutionized the hauling and removal industry by focusing on environmentally-friendly and community-oriented furniture and junk removal practices.

We have a great show today. We are meeting Jeff McClain, the founder of Patriot Pipeline Inc. This is an amazing story on entrepreneurship.  Patriot Pipeline, Inc. specializes in underground utilities from mid to large scale commercial projects as well as residential tract projects. Patriot is a Class A General Engineering Contractor located in Wildomar, California, and has been serving Southern California since 2003. The Interview Where are you calling from today?Maybe we can go back to the beginning and tell the story about how and why you became an entrepreneur?Can you tell us about the history of Patriot Pipeline?Can you describe the services provided by Patriot Pipeline?What separates Patriot Pipeline from others in the industry?What has been the most interesting thing that has happened to you since launching Patriot Pipeline? Ex. Current projects or past projectsHow has technology played a role in your business?How big is your industry?What are some areas of importance for your customers when looking a

We have a great show today. We are meeting Tim Conn, founder of the Image One franchise opportunity.  From their customer communication and environmentally-friendly methods to their in-depth training and ongoing support, Image One has created an opportunity that calls for prospective franchise owners who are looking for a career, not just a job. Investing in an Image One franchise affords franchisees confidence in their industry, and the support needed for longevity and success. Their tools and training will not only help build your new business, but will also help you find the proper work-life balance necessary for your happiness. 

We are meeting with Yianni Kosmides, founder of Apola Greek Grill.  Apola is the most Authentic Greek Gyro you can get without buying a plane ticket! Fresh ingredients, gluten free, vegan, halal and veg friendly.  Yianni Kosmides and his family business, Apola, a Greek restaurant franchise that brings the best of Greek street food culture, to USA. Yianni's business adventure has been featured in Yahoo Finance, Fast Casual, NBC and other publications! Every business has a story. The Kosmides Family has been in the restaurant business since 1977 when Dimitri (the father) got his first job working as a fry cook and then purchasing his first Italian restaurant. Having grown up in a farming village in Greece, Dimitri knew the value of hard work, and quickly saw the value in owning your own business in the United States. Find out what happened next by listening to the interview with Yianni Kosmides.   In part two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.   

We are meeting with the VP of franchise development Marc Kiekenapp.  There's simply no comparison between traditional tanning salons and the Sunset Tan experience. Their Southern California locations attract the biggest celebrities and our brand is the focus of its own hit reality TV show, which has propelled the brand to worldwide recognition! Marc will discuss the highlights and benefits of joining us and owning your own Sunset Tan franchise.

We have a great show today. We are meeting Steve Willis, managing director for milliCare.  milliCare’s history can be traced all the way back to 1865!  milliCare provides total care for your carpets, floors & textiles.  When you choose milliCare for commercial floor cleaning services for your business or property, you’ll see why they are a leader in the industry. Their formally trained experts craft programs to meet your facility’s individual needs and extend the usable life of your carpets and floor surfaces. They know that no two facilities function in exactly the same way, so they pride themselves on their sustainable, realistic solutions. In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quote in Franchising podcast with franchise expert Karol Mercurio.  

We are meeting with Lee Braun, the CEO and co-founder of Perspire Sauna Studio.  The hottest new franchise is here (literally 150°). Perspire has developed, formulated and tested the most superior infrared sauna studio model and is the first national brand to bring this transformational health and wellness service to the masses.

We are meeting with CEO of ION Franchising, Lance Graulich. Lance is the founder & CEO of ION Franchising, an industry leading franchise consulting and development group, that represents over 500 franchise brands & business opportunities within 90 categories. Lance helps prospective entrepreneurs find their perfect franchise for FREE. He also assists independent business owners in creating a franchise system. Every business has a story Lance started out in the family business on Wall Street after receiving an economics degree. He then joined a TGI Fridays franchise in Phoenix, AZ as a key executive and was vital to the rapid growth of this $225,000,000 organization. Mr Graulich was a multi-unit, multi-state franchisee of Wingstop and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. He has created countless start up brands and has become the industry leading donut expert. He is the founder of a donut chain called Pinkbox in Las Vegas. His latest start up bakery project is with a Food Network star. As a business start-up ex

As a Franchise Consultant for 23 years, a member of IFPG for 10 years, and a member of the IFPG Ethics Committee, I believe IFPG holds its Consultants accountable to a higher standard compared to other consulting organizations. Our Consultants receive high-level training and certification programs to enhance their skills and knowledge. They are trained to be a consultant/guide through the due diligence process to ensure candidates are making a decision that benefits them and their families. I take great pride in placing my candidate first with the goal of finding a franchise that meets their skills, interests, priorities, budget, and income expectations. I am very selective with the brands I present. They must be companies my candidates can embrace, with a business model that meets their criteria. I never look at the commission when selecting brands. For me, if I don’t make the right match, I am not going to be paid for my services. The candidate always comes first.

Happy New Year!  Many years ago, we created a spin off of our podcast Franchise Interviews.  We called the podcast Great Quotes in Franchising.   Great Quotes in Franchising features great quotes from our show over the last 14 years.  What surprised and pleased us is the number of listeners to the podcast.  For example, one Great Quotes in Franchising podcast has received over 52,000 views to date.  http://www.franchiseinterviews.podcastpeople.com/posts/63495 Today’s Great Quote in Franchising comes from Peter Baldine, the President of Moran Industries.  Peter discusses some of the several advantages of franchising compared to non-franchise businesses like support, guidance and instantaneous relationships. 

The Perfect Seasonal Business Many years ago, Don and I got to interview Blake Smith from The Decor Group (Christmas Decor, Nite Time Decor. At the Décor Group...Franchising is their business. Since that interview, the organization has grown significantly.  Christmas decorating offers individuals and businesses the ability to generate significant revenues during a time that is traditionally slow for many seasonal businesses. The Christmas Decor franchise opportunity provides seasonal businesses the ability to offset their fixed overhead costs and maintain their key employees all year around. The majority of their almost 300 franchisees nationally were operating a seasonal business when they came to Christmas Decor. They had no prior decorating experience, but they understood what it means to work hard to grow a successful business. Each one found that Christmas Decor was the perfect seasonal business to expand their revenues.

We are meeting with Richard Huffman, founder and CEO of Celebree School.  Founded in 1994, Celebree School is a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs. With a mission to Grow People Big and Small™, Celebree School believes success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and connection. Each school employs a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children and follows applicable state guidelines. In 2019, Celebree School launched its franchise offering. With a Celebree School franchise, entrepreneurs can invest in their financial future and their community by leveraging our proven business model. In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.

Karol Mercurio has spent more than 23 years as a Franchise Consultant and over 30 years in franchising. She holds the distinction of being IFPG’s very first franchise consultant and one of the first female Consultants throughout all of franchising. Karol started her career in franchising at Nutrisystem. During her 12 years with the company, she was responsible for developing and delivering training programs to new franchisees. Later, Karol worked for Great Clips as their Franchise Development Manager for the Mid-Atlantic region. She has placed countless people in their own businesses and has been a role model for women in franchising. Karol’s wealth of experience and wisdom has been priceless to IFPG and all of its members.

We are meeting with Joe Soltis…Joe is the Founder and CEO of ChoiceLocal, a digital marketing firm that serves franchise systems where the average client partner of ChoiceLocal gains $15.51 for every $1.00 in invested in marketing.  ChoiceLocal is a local marketing firm specializing in marketing franchise systems. Their average client generates in excess of $15.54 in new revenue for every $1 invested in marketing. They deliver superior business results to any local marketing firm they have been compared to. Their clients experience, on average, 363% faster revenue growth working with us compared to working with other agencies. Joe oversees ChoiceLocal which in turn funds the Benjamin Isaac Foundation out of its profits. The Benjamin Isaac Foundation is a non-profit focused on helping kids in need. Every business has a story ChoiceLocal's missionis  to help others. ChoiceLocal was founded as a 1-person company and today just a few years later is 65+ people, is bringing on 2-3 new people per month, is a 2X

Last week we met with Scott Greenberg, author of The Wealthy Franchisee…Game-Changing Steps to Becoming a Thriving Franchise Superstar.  Fueled with over 10 years’ experience as a multi-unit, award-winning franchise owner (Edible Arrangements) whose operation won international recognition: “Best Customer Service” and “Manager of the Year.  Today we are going to play our interview we did many years ago with Tariq Farid, founder of Edible Arrangements.  Since having Tariq on our show, Edible Arrangements has grown by leaps and bounds.  Nevertheless, the show is a timeless interview with this amazing entrepreneur and franchise.  Hot of the Press Edible Arrangements is expanding into the #music category because they have seen how successful it's been when paired with their gift and treat options. And this new category brings Edible Arrangements one step closer to becoming a one-stop-shop gifting experience for their customers. Edible Arrangements is kicking off Edible Music with a partnership with Grammy and T

We are meeting with Scott Greenberg, author of The Wealthy Franchisee…Game-Changing Steps to Becoming a Thriving Franchise Superstar.  Scott is one-part business game-changer, one-part motivational leader. Fueled with over 10 years’ experience as a multi-unit, award-winning franchise owner (Edible Arrangements) whose operation won international recognition: “Best Customer Service” and “Manager of the Year,” Scott practically wrote the book on what it takes to become NEXT LEVEL.  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 Reena Bhatia of BidExecs franchising.  BidExecs offers a unique franchise model that allows you the opportunity to own a branded business in the multi-trillion dollar contracting industry. This is great for independent consultants, veterans, military officers, retired government employees who are ready to take control of their future and grow a significant business. Leverage your know-how, expertise and local influence to build a network of contract management professionals to serve key clients in your area.  In part two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.  

Franchise Interviews meets with Glenn Franson of Massage Heights. Massage Heights is an exciting new franchise opportunity in an industry that is still in it's infancy. Massage therapy has been around for thousands of years though until recently has not been seen as a practical application to treat stress, pain and other disorders due to the inconvenience in scheduling, costs involved and the inconvenience in scheduling, costs involved and the unprofessionalism of those in the industry.

We have a great show today. We are meeting with Dennis Mulgannon, and today we are going to talk about the WaveMAX franchise opportunity,- a high-tech laundromat, optimized with contact-less service, etc.   Background The industry is made up of Mom and Pop operators who are taken advantage of by the washer and dryer Distributors whose sole purpose is to sell equipment to these non-business savvy operators. The industry has no brand, no business sophistication and massive turnover from operator to operator. Just drive around your city and tour the laundromats in your area. Generally they are not staffed, dirty and run down…we call them Zombie Mats! WaveMAX® Was Created To Address This Situation! Since 2012 WaveMAX® Coin Laundry based in Jacksonville FL has focused its business model on developing the prototypical market & store that can scale and sustain a national chain of coin only laundromats. The Franchise Development is being led by Dennis Mulgannon who successfully built Home Care Assista