What's Your F'ing Business?® artwork

What's Your F'ing Business?®

68 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratings

What's Your F'ing Business?® is a podcast about franchising. These are candid interviews with the CEOs, founders and leaders of the best, sustainable brands and the service providers that support them. Whether you are contemplating being a franchisor or are running and growing your brand, there is a lot to learn from these seasoned franchise veterans. Do you want to know what the latest is in franchising, then this is the podcast for you. If you are interested in more information about ethical and sustainable franchising and the folks at FranWise® and O'Connell & Company, Inc., visit https://www.franwise.net.

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Episodes

Mastering the Art of Franchising: Industry Leaders on Nurturing Culture, Satisfaction, and Growth

February 28, 2024 16:00 - 57 minutes - 39.3 MB

Ever wonder how franchising magic happens across different industries? Prepare to be enlightened as Donnie Carr, the CEO of Christian Brothers Automotive, and James Dwiggins, the innovative CEO of Next Home, pull back the curtain on their successful business models. From the tactile world of automotive repair to the evolving landscape of residential real estate, these titans of industry break down how they support franchisees, ensure customer satisfaction, and cultivate company cultures that...

Turning Personal Challenges into a Senior Care Franchise Success Story

February 13, 2024 16:00 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MB

When life hands you lemons—or in the case of Dustin de Stefano and Jerod Evanich, personal hardship—you squeeze out an opportunity to change lives. Today, we're honored to share the heartwarming genesis of A Place at Home, where these two visionaries transformed their family challenges into a thriving senior care franchise. They let us in on their transformative journey, from the initial concept to the intricate strategies they've developed for navigating the complex healthcare system and en...

Let's Grow! An invitation to improve franchise development with Liane Caruso

January 09, 2024 05:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MB

Liane Caruso, founder of hello CMO! and Let's Grow! speaks candidly about how much franchisors and their marketing teams need to know to have a coherent fran dev strategy - and why that's important.  And she shares her exciting news about a new learning experience unlike others that is laser focused on development.  It's Let's Grow! Happening in Dallas Feb 4 -6.  Not a bunch of panels, but hands on learning from peers and experts.  It's a Game Changer!  Listen, learn, and sign up today. W...

Anago Cleaning Systems - Adam Povlitz, President and CEO

November 14, 2023 19:00 - 55 minutes - 38 MB

Most franchises offer a model that appeals to a single skill set and relies on employees to fill in the gaps.  Anago Cleaning Systems runs a master franchise system that creates two opportunities for two very different types of business owners: Master Franchisees address the white collar aspects of a blue collar industry.  They do all the "daytime" aspects of the business such as marketing and customer acquisition.  The unit franchisees do the "evening" aspects – the cleaning. Listen to Pre...

DEI - Brett Larimer

May 10, 2023 16:00 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MB

Brett Larimer, franchise executive and CEO and founder of Compassion Culture Consulting shares her personal story and how it brought her into the world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Learn how a diverse workforce can great improve profitability, innovation, and market dominance.  Are unconscious biases hindering your franchise development goals? Are you missing untapped markets?  Brett effortlessly weaves statistics and case studies into actions that are graceful, compassionate, ...

Nextaff - Cary Daniel

April 11, 2023 07:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MB

Cary Daniel CEO of Nextaff talks beyond the need for great staffing. We talk leadership, designing and system and leading franchisees with thought and listening - and balance! We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Marketing Gamechangers - Panel 2

March 28, 2023 07:00 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MB

"Great marketing starts with operations." - Ashley Mitchell, Streamline Brands. We continue our discussion with more professionals who were named by Entrepreneur as 50 Franchisor CMOs Who are Changing the Game.  This time we focus on operations and franchisee-level marketing.  Join Jennifer LoBianco from Best Life Brands, David Fossas from Restore Hyper Wellness, Kelly Crompvoets at Any Lab Test Now, Quick Chadwick from Clean Juice,  Crissy Russo of Junk King/ Neighborly, Ashley Mitchell wi...

Marketing Gamechangers - Panel 1

March 14, 2023 07:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MB

When Entrepreneur makes an inaugural list of CMOs Who are Changing the Game, it's time to sit up and listen!  In this panel, featuring Angela Paules of Buzz Brands, Doug Zarkin from Pearle Vision and Essilor Luxottica, and Marci Kelinsasser of Home Franchise Concepts we cover it all -  franchise development, B2B marketing, consumer marketing, current trends, retro methods and everything in between that is effective.  And if you franchisees aren't great at marketing?  Learn from Buzz Franchis...

Class 101 - Tom Pabin

January 04, 2023 18:00 - 49 minutes - 34 MB

"We're not running heaven here; we are running a business.  We have impeccable systems run by imperfect humans but we try to be leaders.  We empower, not enable." Listen to Tom Pabin, the founder and president of Class 101 tell his inspiring story of a pledge to help teens, faith in what he was doing and then creating world class tools and system to create success and be the newest of the Unleashed Brands.  "Part of the process is following the process!"  Truer words were never spoken. We d...

Goldfish Swim School - Andrew McCuiston

December 13, 2022 18:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MB

The old sayings are "write what you know" and "do what you love."  When you combine the expertise and passion with a strong commitment to brand values and operational excellence you get - success.  You get Goldfish Swim School.  Andrew McCuiston, President, takes you through their methodical growth, adaptive changes to their growth trajectory.  Their commitment to water safety for children is changing lives for kids, parents and the franchisees. We don't just talk about operations, we help ...

Men in Kilts - Rachel Southard

November 08, 2022 18:00 - 51 minutes - 35.5 MB

By combining strong values, change management systems, and clear goals, Rachel Southard, the President of Men in Kilts, one of the Threshold Brands, is leading this 20-year brand to being an overnight sensation. The brand is true to the customer journey and encourages the franchisees to THINK BIG and EMBRACE CHANGE.  But that takes careful planning.  Tune in to learn how they are making change using ADKAR.  You can reach Rachel at [email protected]  We don't just talk about operati...

Code Wiz - Ruth Agbaji

September 20, 2022 16:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MB

From the violence in Nigeria to Microsoft to heading her own company - Ruth Agbaji is positive and wants to share her influence by making opportunities for others. Listen to this story of joy, accomplishment and vision and what she sees as the future of franchising. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Casa de Corazon - Natalie Standridge

September 06, 2022 13:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MB

Influence takes different forms and has many applications.  Founder and CEO of Casa de Corazon, Natalie Standridge, talks about developing a franchise program that has lasting positive effects that influence children's development and franchisees' lives slowly and methodically with good results for the franchisees and don't vary from the brand values. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Massage Heights - Susan Boresow

August 16, 2022 16:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MB

When your industry was hit by a pandemic, competition, and staffing challenges what do you do?  Build on your culture and focus on people.  Listen to your people and engage your culture!!  Listen to Susan Boresow, President and CEO of Massage Heights as tells how her 35 years in franchising with top brands translates to creating community throughout the franchise system.  We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Young Chefs Academy with Julie Burleson Founder and CEO

August 02, 2022 19:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MB

Influencing the growth of our country by educating our youth through cooking classes, Julie Burleson, Founder and CEO  of Young Chef's Academy, talks about building brands with heart, values, vulnerability, and strong business skills.  She says through the early days of fast growth through the stresses of Covid shutdowns, the key to her success has been being true to herself.  Listen to her story of leadership and influence.  We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Che...

Ziebart International - Larisa Walega

July 11, 2022 20:00 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MB

A franchise system over 50 years old and one of the first 100 brands in the IFA,  Ziebart International, continues  to grow and evolve.  How?  By always thinking of the franchisees, employees and customers and using influence to communicate, collaborate and celebrate.  Listen to Vice President, Marketing, Larisa Walega talk about her personal development journey and how the brand has influenced her and the brand. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how Fr...

Ziebart International - Larisa Walega

July 11, 2022 20:00 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MB

A franchise system over 50 years old and one of the first 100 brands in the IFA,  Ziebart International, continues  to grow and evolve.  How?  By always thinking of the franchisees, employees and customers and using influence to communicate, collaborate and celebrate.  Listen to Vice President, Marketing, Larisa Walega talk about her personal development journey and how the brand has influenced her and the brand. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how Fr...

Junk King - Lisa Merry COO

June 28, 2022 17:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MB

Listen to Lisa and her leadership philosophy of, "Don't follow me; Go with me."  Together they are going far. Culture, logistics, listening, and respect helped build Junk King to an industry leader.  They listen to franchisees' ideas and incorporate them when they can.  A new addition of highly trained FBCs increase the franchisor commitment to the system and the franchisees. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

We Sell Restaurants! Robin Gagnon, CEO & Co-founder

June 14, 2022 14:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MB

 Robin Gagnon, CFE, MBA, and CBI and her husband created a franchise system whose name says it all, "We Sell Restaurants" that is now the largest seller of restaurants in the United States.  Robin shares her story of growing from a serial entrepreneur to a CEO and create a niche that helps the franchisees thrive and restaurant owners achieve their desired exit strategies. Listen as she talks about influence, leadership, the Women's Franchise Committee, the Women in Franchising Clubhouse, IF...

Patti Rother, President of Frios Gourmet Pops

May 31, 2022 14:00 - 51 minutes - 35.6 MB

Patti Rother, president of Frios Gourmet Pops, talks of her leadership journey, being authentic and how to really know your franchisees.  Being authentic is part of the fabric of Frios Gourmet Pops and part of Patti Rother leading to a dynamic plan for franchise growth. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Just Between Friends - Shannon Wilburn CEO

May 16, 2022 16:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MB

The values are Hope, Grow, Share, and Solve.  The attitude is Advance and the secret weapon is an advisory board.  Listen to Shannon Wilburn, CEO and Co-founder of Just Between Friends talk about starting a business that was an economic necessity as a teen, became a passion as a parent that is now a thriving franchise system helping others save money and care well for their children by taking chances and asking questions and for help. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine ...

Navigating What's Ahead for 2022 with our Panel of Experts

February 16, 2022 08:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MB

"Franchisors have to soar with their strengths and manage their weaknesses…"  said Sean Falk, Commercial Lines Specialist at Hylant in a group discussion of the challenges and opportunities that await franchisors in 2022.  Join Dawn Kane, Co-founder and  CEO of Hot Dish Advertising, Michael Ianuzzi, CPA, Partner and Co-Practice Leader in Franchising at Citrin Cooperman, Michelle Rowan, COO and President of Franchise Business Review, Sherri Seiber, President of FranFund, Ty Brewster, Retail B...

Teriyaki Madness - Bowling over franchising through great tools, franchise selection and a profitable model

February 15, 2022 08:00 - 45 minutes - 30.9 MB

Michael Haith, CEO of Teriyaki Madness has successfully developed several franchise brands. Now he is taking the lessons he learned for franchise development, operational support and building a profit model for franchisees and franchisor.  We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Having a strong mission to guide strong growth

February 01, 2022 08:00 - 53 minutes - 36.7 MB

Sean Hart, VP of Development for American Family Care talks about relying on their mission statement to guide development and growth successfully and providing the support franchisees need.  "See customers where they are in ways that are convenient for them at prices that make sense for them." We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Creating a legacy brand with 2-way flow of information. Pete Baldine, Moran Family of Brands

January 18, 2022 18:00 - 53 minutes - 36.7 MB

It takes a lot to be a brands that keep growing after 30+ years and Pete Baldine, President of Moran Family of Brands tells us how.  Automotive is ever-changing and you need franchisees who trust you to flow, respond and anticipate.  Listen to how they have done it, keep doing it and their plans for the future of Mr.Transmission, Milex Complete  Auto Care, and Turbo Tint. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Quality food and franchisees go Wayback with Pat Conlin of Wayback Burgers

January 04, 2022 08:00 - 58 minutes - 40.4 MB

Consistent quality is the cornerstone of Wayback Burgers - in food, service, ambience and franchisees.  Listen as President Pat Conlin talks about building this brand and his unique perspective as a former franchisee. It's all about a commitment to the brand and doing it right. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

The Guest Experience is Everything! - Ryan Reeves of Bostons Pizza

November 30, 2021 00:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MB

Boston Pizza is growing through Canada and now the U.S. with a laser focus on operations, community, training, and the customer experience.  Hear how Ryan Reeves, Vice President of Franchise Sales and Development lays it out - you can't have development without great culture, operations and training.  Growth and training go hand in hand. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

1 Brand - 4 Pillars for Expansion in a Rapidly Growing Market. Property Management, Inc. Makes it Sexy

November 08, 2021 20:00 - 42 minutes - 29.1 MB

Join Danessa Itaya, President of Property Management, Inc, (PMI) to talk about a unique expansion model that supports its franchisees while they support property owners in all types of properties.  They had huge growth during the pandemic and are on target to grow even more. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Getting a Hydraulic Boost with Pirtek

October 28, 2021 01:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MB

B2B services offer some great franchise opportunities and Pirtek is one of the the top brands. CEO Kim Gubera explains why you don't have to be flashy to be a successful franchisee in a successful brand.  Hear about their in-depth technical training for franchisees and their employees , 24/7 tech support and a focus on company culture and values.  Integrity, transparency, mutual trust and mutual respect. It all works for franchisee success. We don't just talk about operations, we help you r...

NHance - Innovations for Cabinet Refacing and Franchising Success

October 13, 2021 18:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MB

Kelly Jensen, President of NHance takes his slogan "Wood refinishing done right" seriously and applies it to franchising, too.  NHance does franchising right and has over 400 franchisees to prove it!  Listen to his common sense approach that blends ethics, deep understanding of the franchise model and selectivity to drive franchise development and success. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Medi-Weightloss - It's All About People, People, People!

September 29, 2021 17:00 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MB

Join Andrew Cox, Senior VP of Business Development for Medi-Weightloss to learn how to successfully invest in franchising to become a leader in a crowded space.  It's all about people, people, people! (and understanding the business model). We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Batteries+ - A Legacy Brand Making Generational Adaptions for Success & Growth

September 14, 2021 14:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MB

Who is your prime franchise candidate?  Has your brand, its support and reach changed to attract a new generation of franchisees?  Listen to Joe Malmuth,  VP of Franchise Sales for Batteries + talk about the adaptations are needed for brands to remain relevant to today's buyers … and tomorrow's. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

ChemDry - Win!Win!Win! Taking Care of the Entire Channel

September 01, 2021 16:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MB

Balancing a franchise system so it survives 44  years and grows to 4,000 units takes work and understanding.  Ed Quinlan, President of ChemDry talks about the importance of metrics, customer satisfaction, innovation and making decisions that are a win for the consumers, franchisees and the ChemDry brand. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Who Rents Tires? Larry Sutton - RnR Tire Express tells you all about it.

August 18, 2021 15:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MB

Who rents tires?  RnR Tire Express franchisees do.  Larry Sutton, founder and CEO of RnR Tire Express tells how he converted the "rent-to-own" model to a necessity - tires and wheels.  Listen as he shares more than 20 years' experience growing and supporting franchisees.  Proper training is the key to solid growth. Mary Ann O'Connell of FranWise sat down with Larry for a great discussion, peppered with laughs. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranW...

Hooters and Hoots - How Change and Tradition Build a Brand with Sal Melilli - CEO of HOA Brands

August 04, 2021 15:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MB

What business are you really in?  When you understand your "why," decisions and growth can cut through the clutter and drive success.  HOA Brands (Hooters and Hoots) CEO Sal Melilli share his history with the brand and his passion for the brand and the customer and driving a path for franchisees' growth. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Growth and Profitability in a Crowded Market - MassageLuXe

July 28, 2021 15:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MB

Kristen Pechacek, Chief Growth Officer of MassageLuXe, shares her ideas on how to focus on growth.  It's more than adding new units, it's all about the franchisees' profitability and the franchisor's ability to support them.  When done well, there is always room for a great brand in a crowded market. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Welcome to Season Three

July 22, 2021 03:00 - 1 minute - 516 KB

Tune in this season and listen to the top executives of solid brands talk about endurance.  They may not be sexy, but they are solid!  These brands are brought to you with the help of 919 Marketing and Fishman PR.  It's a great season and all we need is - you! We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Respecting your franchisees adds up! Shant Assarian, CEO of Mathnasium

June 09, 2021 07:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MB

Respecting your franchisees' time and knowledge and acting on their feedback has created engaged and satisfied franchisees.  Shant Assarian, CEO of Mathnasium shares real world tips for building a strong brand, strong community and strong franchisee satisfaction. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Respecting your franchisees adds up! Shant Assarian, CEO of Mathnasium

June 09, 2021 07:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MB

Respecting your franchisees' time and knowledge and acting on their feedback has created engaged and satisfied franchisees.  Shant Assarian, CEO of Mathnasium shares real world tips for building a strong brand, strong community and strong franchisee satisfaction. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

"It all starts with listening and honoring your commitments." Building franchisee satisfaction with Dan Shapero President and COO of TeamLogicIT

June 02, 2021 07:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MB

Dan Shapero, President and COO of TeamLogicIT, makes it sound so easy, but he has a careful dedication to culture, honest communication and transparency that pays off with strong franchisee satisfaction.  Listen for great tips to grow your brand. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Want a Successful Brand? Make Successful Franchisees - Steve White PuroClean

May 26, 2021 07:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MB

It sounds simple - serve the franchisees by leading them to their potential.  Learn how to gain trust and satisfaction by building trust and being true to your word.  Steve White, COO of PuroClean talks about his success with many brands by setting culture and following through with a united team.  "You'll never grow focusing on your weaknesses, but you need to know what they are." We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Growing big in small markets with happy franchisees featuring Mary Jane Riva, Pizza Factory

May 13, 2021 15:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

Mary Jane Riva, CEO of Pizza Factory started as a franchisee, so she knows how to listen to their feedback.  Using data from the Franchise Business Review Franchisee Satisfaction Survey and a strategy to become an integral part of small markets, Pizza Factory has grown even through a pandemic.  How?  Be awesome! We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Focus, Vision and Transparency Build Franchisee Satisfaction - Sean Manning - Payroll Vault

May 05, 2021 19:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MB

How do you build great franchisee satisfaction in a highly competitive market?  Tell the franchisees the truth, keep a focus on what you do and get franchisees to share the vision.  Sean Manning of Payroll Vault doesn't pull punches and talks about the hard work it takes and the rewards it can reap. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Propel your brand to sustained growth with a shared vision - Christian Brothers Automotive

April 29, 2021 14:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MB

Donnie Carr, President of Christian Brothers Automotive talks about the power of a shared vision and strong business culture values when building a brand that lasts.  The balance of unit level economics and culture are the key to their franchising success. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Three Keys to Sustainable Growth Across the Globe - Fibrenew

April 21, 2021 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MB

Jesse Johnstone, President of Fibrenew, shares their focus for having highly satisfied and motivated franchisees as they grow out from their home base in Canada and persevere for 36 years!   We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Caring for This Phase of Your Franchisees' Lives - Pinch A Penny

April 14, 2021 07:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MB

Not every brand is seeking to be the biggest, but they can still be the best at what they do.  Michael Arrowsmith, CDO of Pinch A Penny Pool, Patio and Spa, talks about franchising with heart.  Hear how this family-run business has grown a regional brand to great success for them and their franchisees by truly caring about their franchisees success and developing a system around that and how the Franchise Business Review Franchisee Satisfaction Survey has been a key tool for that. We don't ...

Using Your Franchisees' Satisfaction as a great tool for growth and sustainability - Franchise Business Review

April 07, 2021 07:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MB

Good franchisees measure performance, but the great ones measure their franchisees' satisfaction.  Tune in to a fun and interesting discussion with Eric Stites Founder and CEO, and Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review about how getting anonymous, honest, and truthful feedback can be the most powerful tool in growing a brand.  The follow this season as we talk to some of their top scorers of the FBR, Franchisee Satisfaction Survey including: Pinch a Penny, Fibrenew, Christia...

Season Two Intro

April 04, 2021 16:00 - 1 minute - 961 KB

We're back!  Listen to franchisors who know the true measure of success - franchisee satisfaction and how to attain it. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Fun, Food, Franchising & Flair! A conversation about growth and culture with Charles Watson CFE, CEO - Tropical Smoothie Cafe

March 23, 2021 07:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MB

Franchising can move fast and the best brands keep up - without changing their culture.  Charles Watson, CFE is CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe and takes us on a tour of a brand that redefined itself as it grew into a quick casual powerhouse. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Taking a Legacy Brand to the Future - Scott Frith, CEO - Lawn Doctor & Happinest Brands

March 16, 2021 07:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MB

No one can rest on their laurels.  Scott Frith, CEO of Lawn Doctor and Happinest Brands talks about how a franchise brand that was launched over 35 years ago still dominates the market and has evolved to keep growing. We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!