Franchise Euphoria

Providing Ongoing Value to your Franchisees with Brittany Driscoll of Squeeze Massage

Brittany Driscoll is the co-founder and CEO of Squeeze. In 2017, Brittany, who was vice president of marketing at Drybar at the time, was tapped to turn Squeeze into a reality by stepping into the role of CEO by spearheading the launch of the brand and the opening of the first location in Los Angeles.   Key Takeaways: [0:05] Welcome to Franchise Euphoria, the podcast that takes a deep dive into specific topics related to franchising. Franchise Euphoria exists to help individuals who ar...

Maintaining Authenticity in Your Franchise System with Yianni Kosmides of Apola Greek Grill

Yianni Kosmides is the CEO and co-founder of Apola Greek Grill, an Authentic Greek Grill based in California that is taking the US by storm with its truly authentic Greek gyro. Their work has been featured on Yahoo Finance, US News, Food Service Exchange and on TV’s ‘This is LA’ among other publications.   Key Takeaways:  [0:05] Welcome to Franchise Euphoria, the podcast that takes a deep dive into specific topics related to franchising. Franchise Euphoria exists to help individuals wh...

The Enduring Franchise System: Proving Viability with Scalability featuring Jim Donnelly of Restore

Franchise Euphoria is kicking off the first of several mini-series where we take a deep dive into a specific aspect of franchise. This miniseries focuses on what it takes to create a franchise system that not only grows but lasts. The first two parts of this miniseries concentrates on proven viability for your franchise system. This is the third and final episode of the series focusing on scalability, and Josh is featuring an interview with Jim Donnelly, the CEO of the Restore franchise syst...

The Enduring Franchise System: Proving Viability with Marketability featuring Jamie Izaks of All Points PR

Franchise Euphoria is kicking off the first of several mini-series where we take a deep dive into a specific aspect of franchise. This miniseries focuses on what it takes to create a franchise system that not only grows but lasts. The first part of the miniseries concentrates on proven viability for your franchise system. This is the second episode of the series where and Josh is featuring an interview with Jamie Izaks, President and Co-Founder All Points PR, a PR company based in Chicago th...

The Enduring Franchise System: Proving Viability with Data and Analysis featuring Tom Britt of Towne Post Network

Franchise Euphoria is kicking off the first of several mini-series where we take a deep dive into a specific aspect of franchise. This miniseries focuses on what it takes to create a franchise system that not only grows but lasts. The first part of the miniseries concentrates on proven viability for your franchise system. For this first episode, Josh is featuring an interview with Tom Britt, the founder and CEO of the Towne Post Network franchise system, who shares his insight on the importa...

Best of Franchise Euphoria with Tim Vogel of Scenthound

With Franchise Euphoria’s upcoming series: How to Build an Enduring and Long-Lasting Franchise, Josh thought it was fitting to call back to one of the podcast’s episodes from 2020 that features an interview with Tim Vogel, the CEO of Scenthound, a wellness-focused, membership-based dog grooming business that is focused on preventive care for dogs. Focusing on Skin, Coat, Ears, Nails and Teeth, Scenthound sets themselves apart by giving dogs the quality care they need. As of the episode’s ori...

Best of Franchise Euphoria with Rick Cesari

With Franchise Euphoria’s upcoming series: How to Build an Enduring and Long-Lasting Franchise, Josh thought it was fitting to call back to one of the podcast’s archived episodes from 2018 that features an interview with Rick Cesari, a brand guru and pioneer in brand-response advertising, who came on Franchise Euphoria to highlight best practices in building your brand identity.   Rick Cesari has been a pioneer in Brand Response advertising since the early 1990s. He helped create the con...

Best of Franchise Euphoria with Tra Williams

With Franchise Euphoria’s upcoming series: How to Build an Enduring and Long-Lasting Franchise, Josh thought it was fitting to call back to one of the podcast’s recent episodes that breaks down the psychology behind entrepreneurship in an interview with Tra Williams, a speaker and author specializing in entrepreneurship.   Tra Williams has sat at the helm of two international franchise brands and is a sought-after consultant specializing in startup culture, entrepreneurship, and economic...

Best of Franchise Euphoria with Scott Schubiger of LunchboxWax

With Franchise Euphoria’s upcoming series: How to Build an Enduring and Long-Lasting Franchise, Josh thought it was fitting to call back to one of the podcast’s recent episodes that touches on how to pivot your in-person discovery day events to a virtual setting in an interview with Scott Schubiger of LunchboxWax.   Scott Schubiger has been on all sides of the franchising industry with roles at the franchisor, franchisee and private equity investor level. In his most recent role, Scott l...

Best of Franchise Euphoria with Roger Martin of RockBox Fitness

With Franchise Euphoria’s upcoming series: How to Build an Enduring and Long-Lasting Franchise, Josh thought it was fitting to call back to one of the podcast’s recent episodes that touches on what it takes to franchise a business that featured an interview with Roger Martin of RockBox Fitness.   Roger Martin is the Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Offers of the industry-leading group fitness studio, RockBox Fitness. This concept changes lives, and he believes that changing lives is th...

Keeping Your Franchise System Simplified with Mike Gould of Houndstown USA

In 1982, founder Michael Gould begins his canine career as a founding member of the NYPD canine unit. Later he went on to become the Commanding Officer of the Nassau County Canine Unit, going on to have a 15+ year career in police canine management. In 1999, as Mike is getting ready to retire from the police department, he has the idea to open a pet care facility after recognizing the need for reliable and honest pet care on Long Island. In 2000, Mike opens the first Hounds Town location, in...

Focusing Your Brand On Your Core Products with Nick Binnings of Southern Classic Chicken

Nick Binnings is the Director of Brand Development at Southern Classic Chicken. Nick was most recently the Vice President of Brand Development for Another Broken Egg Café, where he helped grow the concept from 15 to 62 units before an exit to private equity. Now, he is spearheading Southern Classic Chicken's new franchise opportunity to help the concept grow across the South.   Key Takeaways: [0:18] Today’s episode of Franchise Euphoria is brought to you by IndyFranchiseLaw.com, a lead...

Growing Your Business Through a Corporate Structure with Mike Bausch of Andolini's Pizza

Mike Bausch is an industry leader whose restaurant, Andolini's Pizzeria, is a top ten pizzeria in the US, as named by TripAdvisor, BuzzFeed, CNN, and ​USA Today​. Andolini's began in 2005 and has grown to five pizzerias, two gelaterias, two food hall concepts, a food truck, and a fine dining restaurant by 2019. Mike is a World Pizza Champion, a Guinness Book world record holder, and a writer for ​Pizza Today​.   Key Takeaways: [0:18] Today’s episode of Franchise Euphoria is brought to ...

The Ins and Outs of Franchise Insurance with Devin Hernandez of Brown & Brown, Inc.

Devin Hernandez is the Vice President of Brown & Brown, Inc. Devin started a career in professional golf, which ultimately turned into a networking opportunity and led him to join forces at Brown & Brown, Inc. in 2014. Since then, he has focused his work on a few niche industries including franchises. Devin works with a variety of franchise clients including fast casual restaurants, manufacturing, hotels, and many industries in between.                                                     ...

Franchising as a Lifestyle with Mark Setterington of Island Fin Poke

Mark Setterington is a restauranteur, entrepreneur, and co-founder of growing franchise Island Fin Poke. After working in the restaurant industry for 36 years and overseeing 10 restaurants throughout Las Vegas and Los Angeles, Mark decided to launch Island Fin Poke to bring guests high-quality poke in an immersive tropical environment. His first location opened in Orlando, and over the past three years Mark has expanded the brand to new cities across the country. By the end of the year, Isla...

Discussing the Reality of the Print Industry with Mike Cline of Alliance Franchise Brands

Mike Cline is Vice President of Franchise Development at Alliance Franchise Brands. Alliance Franchise Brands LLC and its subsidiary, KK Printing Canada ULC, are the franchisors of approximately 600 locations in North America operating the company’s brands: Allegra Marketing Print Mail, Image360, Signs Now, Signs By Tomorrow, KKP, Insty-Prints, American Speedy Printing Centers and RSVP. Independently owned and operated franchises provide national, regional and local businesses and organizati...

Utilizing Networking To Springboard Your Franchise with Tim Conn of Image One Facility Solutions

Tim Conn is the Co-Founder and CEO of Image One Facility Solutions. As many good stories start, Tim was a high schooler in the Chicago suburbs who wanted to buy a car. He began cleaning his parent’s office building and by the time he graduated, he built his own small commercial cleaning company with three employees, servicing several clients across the Chicagoland area. What really spurred his growth was joining a networking group – even as a teenager he learned that networking and building ...

Strategizing for Gradual Expansion with Shahpour Nejad of Pizza Guys

Shahpour Nejad is the founder and CEO of Pizza Guys, a rapidly growing pizza chain with 70 locations throughout California, Nevada, and Oregon. He started his pizza journey in Cleveland, OH back in 1979 where he worked at a pizza restaurant while attending college. He worked his way up and became a partner at multiple pizza restaurants. When he moved to California in 1984, he brought his knowledge of traditional east coast pizza, modified it to California’s taste buds, and co-founded Pizza G...

Finessing Your System Before You Franchise with Belina Nernberg of 1Heart Caregiver Services

Belina Nernberg is the CEO of 1Heart Caregiver Services, a growing franchise that serves seniors by helping them with daily needs through high quality care. 1Heart places strong emphasis in the training of caregivers, and the brand’s “Caregiver University” has trained approximately 2,200 caregivers throughout Southern California. The brand currently has nine locations throughout California and Nevada open or in development.   Key Takeaways: [0:18] Today’s episode of Franchise Euphoria ...

Expanding Your Franchise System into Non-Traditional Units with Ben Crosbie of THE DRIPBaR

Ben Crosbie is an Entrepreneur who leverages his experience and knowledge of franchising, real estate, fitness, and business to create game changing businesses. Ben joined THE DRIPBaR in May of 2019 as the Chief Development Officer. THE DRIPBaR is a Rhode Island-based franchise focused on helping people obtain their best physical and mental health using intravenous therapies. Through advances in cellular and biological science, THE DRIPBaR helps clients fight the consequences of chronic illn...

Providing Ongoing Value for your Franchisees with Mark Stubler of Joe Homebuyer Franchise

Providing Ongoing Value for your Franchisees with Mark Stubler of Joe Homebuyer

Our guest today is Mark Stubler, founder of the Joe Homebuyer franchise, a real estate investing franchise that provides the blueprint to purchasing deeply discounted properties and helping homeowners out of a challenging situation.  After quickly growing his business into a multi-million dollar venture, he is now on a mission to help others do the same. His innovative approach to sales, negotiations and closing deals has been the foundation of his success and now he wants to share his bluep...

Growing Up in the Franchising Industry with Neil Newcomb of Kelly's Roast Beef

Neil Newcomb is a nearly 30-year veteran of the franchise industry and the CEO of Kelly’s Roast Beef Franchising. He started his franchise career with McAlister's Deli, which was founded by the Newcomb family and where he spent 15 years on both the franchisor and franchisee side of the business. In 2008, he joined Brixx Wood Fired Pizza and served as head of franchising for the brand until 2019.   Key Takeaways: [0:18] Today’s episode of Franchise Euphoria is brought to you by IndyFran...

Diving into Restaurant Entrepreneurship with Joey Cioffi and Jerry Eicke of The Salad House

Joey Cioffi is a veteran restaurateur with over 10 years of experience in the industry. He is the founder and CEO of The Salad House, a rapidly expanding salad franchise concept based in New Jersey that is currently seeking new partners throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania.   Jerry Eicke is the Director of Franchise Development and co-owner of The Salad House. Eicke has over 10 years of experience in franchising, and owns The Salad House’s Westfield location, in...

Managing Franchise Growth Amidst the Pandemic with Isaac Vaisberg of Sasquatch Strength

Isaac Vaisberg was 22 years old when he launched Sasquatch Strength, an education-based fitness concept dedicated to teaching its members about long term training while creating a community for those looking to improve their health. Today, the Seattle-based chain has four gyms in the Seattle metro area and is expanding its national footprint via franchising.   Key Takeaways: [0:18] Today’s episode of Franchise Euphoria is brought to you by IndyFranchiseLaw.com, a leading resource in th...

How the Quick Service Industry Has Been Thriving During COVID-19 with Zak Omar of Atomic Wings

Career entrepreneur and cancer survivor Zak Omar is the owner and CEO of Atomic Wings. He has plans for both international and domestic growth with the New York City-based Buffalo wing chain. Omar’s story is so much more than Buffalo wings. He gets his business chops from his father, an Afghani refugee who started a Wall Street mobile food business before food trucks were popular. Inspired by his dad’s hustle and success, Omar became a multi-unit Dunkin’ franchisee alongside his brother, Ray...

Utilizing Relationships to Build Your Franchise Business with Scott Talley of Network in Action

Scott Talley is the Founder of the Network in Action franchise system. Scott believes building relationships and connecting with likeminded business owners is the foundation of a successful networking group and felt there was a disconnect. Combining the building blocks of LinkedIn and a traditional group, Scott streamlined the innovative use of technology for group members to network and pass referrals virtually. With Network in Action, Scott has created a culture where positive actions are ...

Taking Franchise Risks at a Young Age with Kevin DuBois of Lapels Dry Cleaning

As the CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning, Dubois has more than 20 years in the franchise industry, the last near 15 years with Lapels. Under his leadership, Lapels Dry Cleaning has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as that publication’s “Top 50 New Franchises”. Dubois was also named “Franchisor of the Year” by the New England Franchise Association (NEFA). He earned this honor based on his key role in the franchise’s growth, commitment to the environment through its g...

Building and Exiting a National Brand with Jeff Dudan of Dudan Partners

Jeff Dudan is the CEO of Dudan Partners. Dudan Partners focuses on empowering early stage entrepreneurs in the franchise industry. Jeff helps others find freedom through entrepreneurship, and believes franchising is a great avenue for people to do this. In January of 2019, Jeff sold AdvantaClean Systems, a company he founded in 1994 and built to a national franchise brand with over 230 locations in 37 states. Additionally, Jeff recently published his book “Discernment: The Business Athlete’s...

What It Takes to Franchise a Business with Roger Martin of RockBox Fitness

Roger Martin is the Co-Founder and Managing Member of the industry-leading group fitness studio, RockBox Fitness. This concept changes lives, and he believes that changing lives is the best feeling in the world. Prior to co-founding RockBox Fitness, Roger worked in the pharmaceutical industry and most recently served as President for a leading contract manufacturer organization.   Key Takeaways: [0:18] Today’s episode of Franchise Euphoria is brought to you by IndyFranchiseLaw.com, a l...

Helping Your Franchisees Find Success with Brian Farris of Intelligent Office

Brian Farris is the Brand President of the Intelligent Office franchise system. Brian is an innovative senior-level executive with a proven ability to identify an opportunity, develop it strategically, operationalize it and inspire a team to bring it to life. In his 30+ years of experience in franchising, Brian has served in various executive roles in marketing, operations, finance and international development.    Key Takeaways: [0:18] Today’s episode of Franchise Euphoria is brought ...

Stepping Into the Shoes of a Director of Franchise Sales with Brynson Smith of UBreakiFix

Brynson Smith is the Director of Franchise Sales for UBreakiFix. 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. His most recent venture is working as the Director of Franchise Sales for uBreakiFix, an electronic device repair franchise.   Key Takeaways: [0:18] Today’s episode of Franchise Euphoria is brought to you by IndyFranchi...

Rediscovering Your Franchise Roots with Daniel DeLeon of Grumpy's Restaurant

Daniel DeLeon is the President and CEO of the Grumpy’s Restaurant franchise system. Daniel has owned and operated multiple franchise concepts in the restaurant industry and has grown six local and diverse businesses from the ground up. After a successful career as a multi-unit franchisee for various restaurant concepts and large franchisor representative, Daniel developed and launched Grumpy’s as a franchise opportunity.   Key Takeaways: [0:18] Today’s episode of Franchise Euphoria is ...

Conducting a Virtual Discovery Day with Scott Schubiger of LunchboxWax

Scott Schubiger has been on all sides of the franchising industry with roles at the franchisor, franchisee and private equity investor level. In his most recent role, Scott leads franchise development work for LunchboxWax.   As COVID-19 hit, the brand had to get creative if they wanted to continue their momentum on the development side and Scott implemented virtual discovery days and informative, monthly webinars. These virtual presentations are led by Scott and the FD team, showcasing t...

Determining If Franchise Ownership is For You with Careyann Golliver: America's Franchise Matchmaker

Careyann Golliver is known as America’s Franchise Matchmaker™. Her passion began from helping grow her local family handyman business to the top-rated national franchise in the industry. The company became so successful that in 2019 it was acquired by the largest retailer-owned hardware group in the world – Ace Hardware Corporation.   With thousands of franchise concepts out there today, Careyann knows firsthand how overwhelming and confusing it can be to go at it alone. With the assista...

Bouncing Back from Pandemic Struggles with Larry Perkins of SierraConstellation Partners

Larry Perkins, Chief Executive Officer of SierraConstellation Partners, has more than 18 years of management consulting and advisory experience with companies undergoing transition. Larry has enhanced business performance for numerous companies on projects ranging from interim management, profit improvement and working capital management to strategic planning and transaction execution. Larry is the author of the Amazon bestseller, Don’t Be A Stranger, where he explores the secrets of strateg...

Debunking the Biggest Myths in Franchising with Kim Daly from The Daly Coach

Kim Daly is one of America’s Top Franchise Consultants who has helped thousands of people explore franchise opportunities. For over 20 years, she has traveled the country as a keynote speaker and business break out leader and has hosted her own live events educating, motivating and inspiring Americans to the dream of small business ownership through the proven systems of a franchise.   Key Takeaways: [0:18] Today’s episode of Franchise Euphoria is brought to you by IndyFranchiseLaw.com...

Rapid Growth vs. Thoughtful Growth with Andrew Alfano of Retro Fitness

Andrew Alfano is the CEO of Retro Fitness, a leader in the high-value, low price fitness space with more than 140 gyms open or under development in 15 states. Alfano joined Retro Fitness this past May with over 25 years of experience in the retail, hospitality, and restaurant industries to mature and drive the growth of the brand across the US. Alfano currently sits on the Board of Fellows for the Culinary Institute of America, and previously sat on the Board of Directors for Make-a-Wish Sou...

Exploring the Psychology of Entrepreneurship with Tra Williams

Tra Williams has sat at the helm of two international franchise brands and is a sought-after consultant specializing in startup culture, entrepreneurship, and economic development. He has published or been quoted in more than 50 articles featured in Bloomberg, Forbes, Financial Markets World, as well as dozens of other print and online publications. Tra speaks and writes about how to reverse the decline of American entrepreneurship. He is on a mission: To Rescue 1 Million Entrepreneurs from ...

Vetting Your System Before You Franchise with Tim Vogel of Scenthound

Tim Vogel is the CEO of Scenthound, a wellness-focused, membership-based dog grooming business that is focused on preventive care for dogs. Focusing on Skin, Coat, Ears, Nails and Teeth, Scenthound sets themselves apart by giving dogs the quality care they need. Today, there are four locations open and operating in South Florida and 14 units in various stages of development.   Key Takeaways: [0:18] Today’s episode of Franchise Euphoria is brought to you by IndyFranchiseLaw.com, a leadi...

Leading Your Franchisees Through the Pandemic with Kelly Roddy of Saladworks

Kelly Roddy took his position as the CEO of Saladworks in August of 2019 with more than 30 years of industry experience. With a strong brand foundation and management team, Kelly is focused on rapid growth and franchisee profitability. Kelly most recently served as President of Schlotzsky’s where he repositioned the brand from a sandwich deli chain to a high quality eatery with more than twice the average unit volumes in sales. Prior to Schlotzsky’s, Kelly was Director of Retail Operations a...

How Modifications Due to COVID-19 Inspired Permanent Revisions with Hansel Lynn of The Coder School

Hansel Lynn is the Founder and CEO of The Coder School. Prior to founding Hansel has worked at various high tech companies ranging from Nuance Communications (the people behind Siri) and Accenture (the people behind 100 hour work weeks), and graduated from WashU in St. Louis with a Comp Sci degree. He’s fluent in Cantonese, can fake it with Mandarin, and is an avid endurance athlete, having finished ultra-running’s premier event, the Western States 100 miler, and a recent Ironman to boot. Ha...

Building Your Infrastructure with Franchising in Mind with Nicole Di Pietro of Jeremiah's Italian Ice

Nicole Di Pietro joined Jeremiah’s Italian Ice in 2016 as Vice President, to assist in positioning the company for growth. She has been instrumental in developing the company’s Core Values, Mission and Vision, along with the current infrastructure. Nicole boasts 25+ years in the hospitality industry with her foundations at Tijuana Flats in 1995 where she spent nearly 20 years climbing the ranks within the organization. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication and a ...

Managing Exponential Franchise Growth with Lindsay Junk of Yoga Six

From attending University of Hawaii as a varsity cross country athlete, iron-man triathlete and swimmer to working at Gold’s Gym and 24 Hour Fitness, Lindsay Junk has always been competitive. After working her way up in the fitness industry, Lindsay found success at YogaWorks and eventually TruFusion. From there, Lindsay was introduced to Xponential Fitness and felt a connection with the energy of the boutique fitness world it was building. When Xponential acquired YogaSix, she was brought o...

Innovating Your Franchise During COVID-19 with John Kutac of The Whimsy Cookie Company

John Kutac brings a plethora of experience to his role as President at The Whimsy Cookie Company. Previously Kutac served as President for Growler USA including 10 years with Romano’s Macaroni Grill, owned by Brinker International, where he worked his way up to Managing Partner. There he assisted in growing the brand to over 200 locations. Following his time with Brinker International, Kutac held leadership roles at Western Capital Partners and Clear Choice Dental Implants before taking on t...

Converting from Licensing to Franchising with Tom Britt of Towne Post Network

Tom Britt is the Founder and CEO of Towne Post Network. Prior to founding Towne Post, Tom founded a number of other business concepts including Progressive Publishing, Channelseek.com, and the atGeist.com Community Newsletter which eventually transitioned into the Towne Post Network. With over thirty years in the publishing industry, Tom offers a well-rounded prospective on the evolution of print to digital media.   Key Takeaways: [0:18] Today’s episode of Franchise Euphoria is brought...

Reclaiming Your Time as an Entrepreneur with Kate Erickson of Entrepreneurs on Fire and Ditch Busy Podcast

Kate Erickson is the engine at Entrepreneurs On Fire, an award winning podcast where John Lee Dumas interviews inspiring Entrepreneurs who are truly ON FIRE. She is also the host of the podcast Ditch Busy and co-author of The Podcast Journal: Idea to Launch in 50 Days. Learn more about the free training Kate & John have created for entrepreneurs who are ready to achieve financial and lifestyle freedom over at EOFire.com!    Key Takeaways: [0:18] Today’s episode of Franchise Euphoria is...

How One Franchise System Continues to Grow Despite the Pandemic with Roger Lewis of CMIT Solutions

As CEO of CMIT Solutions, Roger Lewis spearheads the widely recognized IT support franchise with its growth across the nation, adding to its over 220 locations. Before joining CMIT Solutions, Lewis co-founded AllianceTech, a meeting and events technology provider of onsite solutions. There, he led sales and marketing, taking the business from zero to $12 million-plus in bookings. In 2015, industry leader Cvent took notice and acquired the company, adding onsite solutions to its product portf...

Acquiring and Repositioning an Existing Franchise Brand for Success with Michael Mohammed of Chronic Tacos

Turning a One-Man Operation into a Franchise System with Vince Ortiz of Transblue Franchise

Vince Ortiz is the Director of Franchise Development at Transblue. Vince has over 20 years’ experience of managing businesses within the construction and facility industries, including owning his own franchise and being actively involved in the franchise industry for 10 years. Vince prides himself in being able to provide valuable information on Transblue’s World-Class Business and counsel to people who are considering franchising.   Key Takeaways: [0:18] Today’s episode of Franchise E...