Franchise Euphoria
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In this conversation, Alicia Miller, a former multi-unit franchisee and author, discusses the role of private equity in franchising. She highlights the misconceptions around private equity and the importance of understanding their perspective when evaluating franchise systems. Miller also emphasizes the need for founders to have a clear vision and goals for their business before considering outside investment. She explains that selling a majority of the business to private equity can result in changes to the management team, decision-making processes, and culture of the company. However, she also acknowledges that some founders choose to resist private equity and continue growing their business independently. In this conversation, Alicia Miller and Josh Brown discuss the role of private equity (PE) in franchising. They highlight that while PE can provide capital and strategic assistance, selling to PE is not necessary and depends on the objectives of the business. They also emphasize the importance of responsible and high-quality franchising, as well as the common missteps that emerging brands make. Alicia Miller's book, 'Big Money in Franchising: Scaling Your Enterprise in the Era of Private Equity,' is mentioned, which explores the history, impact, and opportunities of PE in franchising.
Brian Beers, co-owner of 33 Midas auto repair locations, shares his journey in the franchising industry. He highlights the importance of finding a franchise that aligns with your skills, goals, and personality. Brian emphasizes the need for scalability and a strong brand presence in the chosen franchise. He also discusses the significance of building a team and delegating responsibilities to replace himself in the day-to-day operations. Brian's ultimate goal is to demystify franchising and help ordinary people build successful businesses and create wealth.
Chris Stoness, CEO of Elite Window Cleaning and Sparkle Squad, shares his journey from the music industry to the window cleaning business. He discusses the challenges he faced in the music industry and how he found a new passion in window cleaning. Chris explains the innovations in window cleaning technology and how his company has revolutionized the industry. He also talks about the importance of franchisee-franchisor relationships and unit economics in successful franchising. Chris shares his marketing strategies and the growth opportunities in the window cleaning market.
In this episode, Josh Brown interviews Tony DiPietro, who oversees the emerging markets for Big B Coffee, a growing franchise in the coffee industry. They discuss the evolution of Big B Coffee, its growth and expansion, and the development of new markets. They also explore the importance of customer service and building relationships, as well as the impact of consumer trends and drive-thrus. Tony shares insights on franchisee promotion and staff development, and highlights Big B's focus on product innovation and ongoing value. The episode concludes with contact information for those interested in franchising with Big B Coffee.Takeaways __ __
Darden Coors, heiress ofthe Miller Coors Company and CEO of Salad Collective, discusses the rise of healthy eating options and the growth of Salad Collective's brands. She explains the franchisee selection process and the importance of maintaining both corporate and franchise locations. Coors emphasizes the value of franchisee input and the benefits of franchising as a local business. KEY TAKEAWAYS __ __
Founded in 1975, Melting Pot has offered a unique fondue dining experience for more than 45 years. As the premier fondue restaurant franchise, Melting Pot has 94 restaurants in 31 U.S. states and Canada. Known for offering a variety of fondue cooking styles and unique entrées, Melting Pot’s menu also features cheese fondues, salads, fine wines, spirits and chocolate fondue desserts. Melting Pot is an affiliate of Front Burner Brands, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida. Today’s guest is Franchise Growth Strategist, Collin Benyo. He assists potential franchisees in their journey to ownership. Having worked for Melting Pot for almost 15 years, he knows the ins and outs of the day-to-day process and strives to convey the success and wins he obtained to a new chapter of entrepreneurs and business leaders. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [2:10] - Collin shares the story of Melting Pot’s beginning. [3:32] - Starting out as a dishwasher for Melting Pot is the current CEO of the company. [4:45] - At the height, Melting Pot had roughly 130 locations. But their growth retracted a bit for a time. [6:39] - Currently, Melting Pot has 4 corporate locations. [8:30] - Josh shares his impression of Melting Pot from many years ago. [10:27] - Melting Pot’s previous reputation was as a fancy dining experience that customers only went to once or twice a year. Their look and feel is different now. [13:50] - Collin completed his Master’s degree internship at Melting Pot and loved the experience. [16:09] - What sets Melting Pot apart from other hospitality franchises? [18:59] - The focus for growth is primarily in the Southeast United States, but franchisees can come from anywhere and usually come as a Melting Pot fan. [21:54] - The selling point for franchisees is Discovery Day. [23:09] - An goal for Melting Pot is to partner with hotels and be present as hotel restaurants. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Melting Pot Website http://www.meltingpot.com/ Melting Pot Franchise Site http://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/
Pivotal Growth Partners is known for their ability to identify, prepare, and develop emerging brands into best in class growth concepts. Pivotal is deeply engaged in fostering the growth of any brand they engage with, actively contributing insights, systems and processes, expertise, and resources (both human and financial). They bring 40 years of experience in franchise strategy, growth implementation, real estate site selection/acquisition, design/construction management, and best in class market launch and new store opening (NSOs) strategies and techniques to any emerging brand they work with. Today, Casey Cooley, the President of Pivotal Growth Partners joins me to talk about their expertise in franchise growth and expansion. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [1:48] - Casey shares the start of Pivotal Growth Partners and what the mission has been since its inception. [3:12] - Emerging brands are franchises with 0-20 locations. They have some systems that have been tested and vetted and have some experience under their belt. [4:53] - Many business owners are looking to franchise, but growth can be a huge challenge. [7:08] - One thing that Pivotal Growth Partners guides clients through is the journey of growing pains in building a franchise brand. [9:42] - A common challenge is founders needing to give up a little bit of control to allow the brand to grow. [11:59] - Pivotal helps brands with both human and financial resources. [14:17] - Covid certainly changed the approach in brand growth, but Pivotal came out of it with new strategies to handle unusual variables. [17:04] - Replicable concepts are the key and are attractive to franchisees and brand growth. [18:56] - The brands that stick around are the ones with a system that allows an average person to become a franchisee and experience success. [20:37] - Casey shares some of the upcoming goals for Pivotal Growth Partners as well as some of the emerging brands that he’s excited about. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Pivotal Growth Partners Website https://pivotalgrowthpartners.com/
April Porter is a former award-winning, multi-unit franchisee, attorney, and creator of the Infinite FranchiseeSM mentorship program, which teaches franchisees the business intelligence, strategic thinking, leadership skills, and entrepreneur mindset to apply to the franchise model in order to reach a life of SWAG™ - Sanity, Wealth, and Gratitude™. April has been named to the Ten Women of Distinction in Franchising and a Top Influencer in the Global Franchising Industry, hosts the #1 Franchisee Podcast on Apple - The Infinite Franchisee Show - and received the Chairman's Award for Distinguished Service to the Franchising Industry from the AAFD. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [2:08] - April shares her law background as a criminal prosecutor before she made a shift into franchising. [4:30] - Her entrepreneurial spirit drove her to open a franchise location of something she loved. She wanted more time freedom and control over her income. [6:50] - April was able to identify the “franchise gap.” [8:36] - A lot of people franchise in an area they already know how to do, but they don’t know how to run a business. [10:31] - Just because you like the product or service, doesn’t mean you will like the business. [13:45] - Business owners who choose to franchise their business model must also know how to train and educate franchisees. [16:37] - April shares more about her cloning system. [19:08] - Franchisees need to have a business owner mindset. The franchisor can support but isn’t going to be able to do everything. [21:41] - A major pitfall for franchisees is knowing the difference between business and personal finances. [24:41] - Sanity, wealth, and gratitude are the elements that franchisees are in search of. [26:30] - A common problem is a franchisee’s management of time. [28:15] - Josh’s number one piece of advice for prospective franchisees is for them to talk to current franchisees and franchisors already in the business. [30:12] - What about multiple locations? MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Infinite Franchisee Website https://infinitefranchisee.com/ The Infinite Franchisee Show on Apple Ask April Porter Website https://www.askaprilporter.com/
The Dog Stop is a dynamic company that is committed to progress. What sets them apart is that they are constantly evolving and improving their standards of quality care. They have assembled an all-star team of experts with over 100 years of collective experience in the pet care industry. The Dog Stop is the first company in the pet care industry to partner with Fear Free, an organization whose mission is to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by educating and inspiring those who care for them. Jesse founded The Dog Stop in 2009 because he wanted to create a better version of dog care for his community. The business has evolved and changed tremendously, but the core principles remain unchanged: 100% transparency, the best customer service and all services under one roof providing a clean, fun, and safe environment for all dogs. Brett Reynolds is the Director and Dog Care and Training at The Dog Stop. He has been working full-time in the pet care industry since 2004 as a professional dog trainer and business manager. After 15 years of managing and owning dog training businesses, he moved into his current role of training and supporting franchisees and their teams on all things pertaining to dog behavior and care. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [2:05] - Jesse shares his background and what led him to found The Dog Stop. [5:08] - The Dog Stop is the only full service franchise of its kind. It prevents consumers from going to multiple places to meet their needs. [7:32] - Jesse describes what makes up the services that bring in different percentages of sales. [9:26] - Brett shares his path onto finding his passion in dog training. [11:01] - In the beginning, Brett and Jesse piloted various dog training services at The Dog Stop, including a program included with boarding. [13:55] - The chance of franchisees coming in with training and certifications on providing the services The Dog Stop offers is low. Prospective franchisees go through a process. [15:50] - The right candidate is open to learning new things and flexible. In this industry, it’s important to be able to shift to Plan B quickly. [18:34] - Through franchising, they have shifted from owner operator models to more of a semi-absentee owner model. [21:41] - The Dog Stop has partnered with Fear Free, an organization whose mission is to prevent and alleviate fear and anxiety in pets. [25:27] - Every franchise has its struggles when launching. Jesse talks about slow and controlled growth and the benefits of having a mentor. [28:12] - Real estate is important for this business as well and Jesse explains that they have a team of agents that help franchisees find the best place in their community. [30:40] - From a business administration perspective, The Dog Spot is currently working on implementing more technology to improve the customer experience. [33:40] - Not all dogs are suitable for a traditional doggy daycare. The Dog Spot has a menu of services and experiences for all personalities. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Dog Spot Website https://thedogstop.com/ The Dog Spot Franchising Site https://thedogstop.com/franchise-opportunities/
Joining today is Seek Hannemann, CEO of Seven Brothers Burgers. At Seven Brothers, they believe that the food industry is growing and pushing to faster, quicker, more convenient ways of how customers experience dining out. The human connection that restaurant food once had is getting buried and looked over by this constant race. They are in an effort to build and focus, more than ever, on that connection to bring back that feeling. Seven Brothers is a family focused business and says, "We're not in the burger business. We're in the business of changing lives." When customers come in, they want to make sure they feel wanted, needed, and appreciated. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [1:52] - Seven Brothers Burgers started as a family business at one location in Hawaii and eventually opened a second location before moving stateside. [3:04] - Initially, they weren’t sure about franchising out of fear of losing the integrity of the family business. They sought guidance before diving in. [4:35] - As a family-focused business, one priority for Seven Brothers is to bring franchisees on board that share the same values. [5:54] - They began with social media marketing, but the majority of franchisees have come from word of mouth in current locations. [8:40] - Seek shares a little of the menu items that set them apart. [10:56] - One motto of Seven Brothers is, “If it’s not perfect, it’s not worth it.” [12:15] - There really are seven brothers in the family and all of them are heavily involved in the business. [14:26] - What are the goals and mission for Seven Brothers Burgers moving forward? [15:17] - Seek shares his favorite menu item. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Seven Brothers Burgers Website https://www.sevenbrothersburgers.com/ Seven Brothers Burgers Franchise Site https://www.sevenbrothersfranchise.com/
Founder of Incite Tax and the author of Profit First For Microgyms, John Briggs has a theme: "The IRS Sucks". Business owners should keep more of their money to build long-term wealth. John joins the podcast today to share how he has built an amazing team of nontraditional accountants to help combat IRS bullying. John is a man on a mission to give entrepreneurs an actual work-life balance so they don’t get burned out. He helps them increase their cash immediately so they can have confidence in their choices and become financially resilient. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [2:19] - John shares his background and why he founded Incite Tax. [3:40] - He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs stay in business. [4:41] - Not enough capital and mismanaging capital are the number one pain points for franchisees. [5:33] - The demand for something expands to match its supply. [7:23] - John shares a way to manage money through multiple types of accounts. [8:53] - The first step of the Profit First method is to do a cash flow analysis. [12:03] - It is never too late to start thinking about a cash flow system. Start now. [14:06] - John explains why gyms and fitness businesses are a niche for Incite Tax. [17:23] - Because they are so experienced with the business model, Incite Tax can see the challenges before they do. [20:18] - You can negotiate lease agreements. [22:45] - John explains the systems he has built that help people avoid burnout. [26:37] - When is it time to think about adding another location to a business? [30:16] - Think about how to maximize the space you are in. [35:02] - It’s not always the best idea to open a second location. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Profit First For Microgyms by John Briggs Incite Tax Home Page https://incitetax.com/ Incite Tax on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/incitetax Incite Tax on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/incitetax
Happinest Brands has created a multi-brand platform with a focus on service concepts. Leveraging a strong leadership team, centralized systems, and over 55 years of franchising experience, they have a proven track record for lifting, growing, and developing franchises across the US and Canada. Happinest has a focus on mobile, low infrastructure, recurring revenue, high retention rate/membership-based models. Their brands are simple, straightforward, and scalable, focused on developing relationships with consumers who outsource home services. Happinest is building a portfolio of brands that cater to homeowners who don’t have the time or interest to do complete needed tasks around the home. They utilize centralized corporate marketing programs to drive interest and leads for franchise owners, along with a centralized in-house sales and conversion center to provide customers sales support for franchisees. There is a massive opportunity to capitalize on the home services market that is made up of mostly moms and pops, many of which struggle to provide on demand response, and service fulfillment, coupled with an excellent customer service experience. Eric Martin oversees the franchise development efforts for multi-brand home services franchisor Happinest Brands. He and his team are responsible for helping prospective franchise candidates determine if franchise ownership is the right path for them. The Happinest Brands development team, with its nearly 100 years of collective franchise sales experience, has helped Happinest and its franchises grow to over 850 nationwide franchise locations. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [2:10] - Happinest all started with Lawn Doctor and now with multiple brands is pushing 1000 locations. [3:41] - Although covering several brands, Happinest provides a lot of centralized systems for franchisees. [4:42] - Eric shares his background in franchising. [6:37] - The main reason people decide to step into franchising is because they are dissatisfied or unfulfilled in their current career. [8:22] - The home services industry is valued at over $600 billion dollars. There are a lot of opportunities to create wealth. [11:40] - When thinking about a franchise, most people think of the food service industry first. Many don’t think about home services as an opportunity. [12:38] - At this time, franchise owners do not own multiple locations within Happinest. [16:56] - Eric explains the difference between a franchisee and an entrepreneur. [18:56] - The first couple of years for a franchisee are the most important for them to get things off the ground with the support of a franchisor. [20:48] - The service space gives franchisees an advantage. [22:14] - Costs are driven down with centralized systems. [24:28] - The initial investment for Happinest brands is low compared to other franchise brands. [28:07] - Eric lists some of the ways people have created quick capital to start a franchise. [30:34] - Undercapitalization is a challenge and Happinest Brands works hard on eliminating the problem up front. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Happinest on LinkedIn Happinest Home Page https://happinest.com/ Lawn Doctor Franchise Site https://lawndoctorfranchise.com/ Mosquito Hunters Franchise Site Ecomaids Franchise Site https://ecomaidsfranchise.com/ Elite Window Cleaning Franchise Site https://elitewindowcleaningfranchise.ca/
Franchise Fame is a multi-award winning global franchise marketing agency. Over the years they have been nominated and have won various awards such as the Best PR & Marketing Firm by the Global Franchise for 2022, Franchise Excellence Award and European Search Awards. They work with global franchise brands some of which count more than 3000 locations worldwide. They connect aspiring entrepreneurs with already successful brands and in this way create more decent work, economic growth and equal opportunities for everybody. Dani Peleva, the founder and CEO of Franchise Fame, joins us today. Dani led the marketing and branding teams of a global franchisor and later on became a franchisee herself, before founding her award-winning franchise marketing agency. Gaining invaluable experience and extensive knowledge of franchise marketing, both client and agency-side, Dani has worked with franchises from the UK, USA, Australia, Europe and South America, some of which have a presence in more than 2,600 locations worldwide. As a key person of influence in the sector, Dani has been featured in multiple media outlets and is often invited to talk about franchising and franchise marketing at conferences, events and podcasts. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [2:44] - Dani shares her background and how her passion for marketing led her to her current endeavors. [4:08] - Initially, Dani invested in a franchise that allowed her to pay off student loan debt and put herself in the shoes of a franchisee. [6:03] - Marketing is very unique to every location and it's important for franchisees to understand their local market. [7:59] - Dani describes how Franchise Fame is approached by franchisors and franchisees alike. [9:42] - Franchisors are very busy and juggle a lot at once. Franchise Fame helps them market for franchise recruitment. [11:19] - Positive reviews are so important for any business, but especially a franchise. [13:30] - It is all about showing that you care. [14:48] - There are many business owners that do not have a strategy to protect their reputation. [16:57] - Dani shares that Franchise Fame is candid and honest with their clients, especially when it comes to their online reputation. [19:27] - Dani is the author of the book also called Franchise Fame. [21:16] - When you know your ideal client or customer, you will learn how to market to them. [24:40] - Personal branding and business branding are merging into one. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Franchise Fame Home Page https://franchisefame.com/ Franchise Fame: An Insider’s Marketing Guide to Incremental Growth and Soaring Success for Franchisors by Dani Peleva
Charlie Graves was a world-ranked swimmer and successful professional triathlete before turning to a career in sports management, sports television and event production, and sport equipment manufacturing. He has been the CEO of Athletic Republic since 2007, when he acquired and rebranded the company, introducing new franchising, operations, business, and marketing systems now in use in a worldwide network of franchises. Athletic Republic is the world’s premier destination for individualized, sport-specific training. With technologically advanced equipment, Athletic Republic tracks and showcases the improvements an athlete experiences through their training regimen. The brand is the leading sports performance franchisor, with over 80 training centers and has surpassed two million athletes trained in the program. It is the premier destination for individualized, sport-specific training for athletes of all ages and abilities who seek to improve their speed, power, stability, agility and stamina. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [2:25] - Charlie shares his background as an athlete before becoming a business owner. [3:53] - You have a hand in your success. [5:26] - Doing things that are within your control will improve your performance. [8:47] - There are a lot of cross overs in sports and business. [11:10] - Charlie became the head of marketing for a mall operator. This was the introduction to a franchise model for him. [12:36] - How did Charlie learn about the opportunity of Athletic Republic? [15:42] - The founder was a scientist. He tested and evaluated everything. [17:53] - Charlie made a lot of mistakes in the early years but learned through them and attended conferences and programs to improve and network. [20:08] - It wasn’t a franchise at first. Charlie lists some of the things they developed before jumping into launching a franchise model. [21:27] - The collaboration in franchising is extraordinary. [24:17] - An ideal franchisee is one that has passion for sports. [25:45] - Over half of the current franchisees are female. [27:56] - Charlie is in the business of opening successful operators. [30:15] - It’s important to care for franchisees that are making big investments. [31:19] - Rather than selling more units and having franchisees wait to get going, Athletic Republic takes their time with each franchise owner. [32:28] - What value does the franchisor provide to franchisees after they are established? [35:03] - Scaling in particular is something that needs to be considered and supported by franchisors. [36:42] - What role does celebration play in the Athletic Republic locations? MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Athletic Republic Home Page Athletic Republic Franchise Site https://www.athleticrepublic.com/franchise
Michelle Dacy has been in the special needs transportation segment for 20+ years. In 2012, she launched a non-emergency medical transportation business in Chicago to provide high-quality customer service to seniors and people with physical and cognitive challenges. Tootl provides an incredibly needed service for people of all ages and abilities. With a low investment, low overhead (no leases, retail locations, or equipment required) and excellent gross profit margins, Tootl stands out among other opportunities. Tootl is also backed by founders with over 20 years of experience and proven franchise leaders with nearly 30 years of experience building brands and serving the franchise community. Joining Michelle on today’s episode is Steve Greenbaum, a board member, advisor, and investor of Tootl Transport. He is a titan in the franchising industry and he shares his drive to support Tootl Transport. As far as competition, Tootl’s business model is unique to the franchise industry. At the client level, Tootl’s high level of customer service is above and beyond others in the non-emergency medical transportation industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [2:30] - Michelle explains how she worked for a special needs transport service and branched out on her own. [3:40] - Any need for special transportation can be assisted by Tootl Transport. [6:01] - Multiple locations over a period of time is beneficial to prove the model. [7:40] - Transportation services have been around a while but the industry has transformed in the last decade with the use of technology. [9:43] - While transportation is the goal, the drivers are also trained to help the customer out of their home and into the vehicle. [10:57] - When Michelle began Tootl in Chicago, she knew that she had a model that could be duplicated. [12:27] - It’s important to know that you can’t do it all. You have to invest in people. [15:24] - Tootl is brand new to the franchise model. [18:50] - There is a huge population of ideal franchisees for the simple business Tootl offers. [20:31] - Personality wise, an ideal franchisee has a good heart. [22:12] - Steve explains what Tootl can provide and the needs their model can meet. [26:41] - Steve and Michelle describe their vision for Tootl in the coming years. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: RideTool.com https://www.ridetootl.com/
CertaPro Painters has been recognized as the #1 painting company franchise in North America by Entrepreneur Magazine as a part of its annual Franchise 500 ranking. Additionally, the brand has recently made the prestigious Franchise Business Review Top 200 list for franchisee satisfaction. These recognitions come at a time of steady growth for the brand, as it is projected to reach $1B in revenue by the end of 2023. CertaPro had a smooth finish to 2022, locking in four new territory signings, and rounding out the year with 25 existing location resales. With the painting industry being valued at $60B there is plenty of room for growth, and the brand is looking to sign 25 territory agreements in key markets across the United States and Canada this year. The service industry remains a strong sector in franchising, and CertaPro has a lasting and growing legacy in the category. Today’s guest is Michael Stone, President and CEO of CertaPro Painters. We chat about how CertaPro is dialed in on growing with new franchises and how the proven business model paired with a low initial investment can lead for a high return for its franchisee and the success of the locations that maintain its massive footprint. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [1:57] - CertaPro has received very high accolades in the industry. [2:43] - Michael shares his background and how he got into the franchise world. [5:15] - There are a lot of different types of franchises. CertaPro is service-based. [6:41] - CertaPro isn’t looking for people driving a van around to paint. They have professional office spaces and are looking for leaders. [8:24] - Michael explains that the ideal operator isn’t necessarily in the painting industry, but they typically have good management and leadership backgrounds. [10:27] - CertaPro Painters is the largest painting company in the United States. [13:08] - Networking is important and service providers offer a lot of referrals. [14:50] - Michael describes the experience in completing virtual estimates and the system they created during Covid. [17:10] - CertaPro Painters has a great relationship with Sherwin Williams. [20:01] - When team members and franchisees are given the right tools, they will be able to build relationships with clients. [24:27] - CertaPro has a detailed process that ensures both the franchisee and client are satisfied. [28:05] - The industry has a lot of opportunities and CertaPro has a lot of franchising opportunities to build a business. [29:27] - Michael shares the goals for CertaPro Painters franchising for this year. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: CertaPro Painters Website https://certapro.com/ CertaPro Painters Franchise Site https://certapro.com/franchise/
Clean Eatz, which launched in 2011 and started franchising in 2015, was co-founded by husband-and-wife duo Don and Evonne Varady. They are heart-driven to “Change Livez” through clean, balanced food, thought-provoking education, and motivational support that inspires results. They know personal wellness is not one-size-fits-all, so they craft nutritional products and fitness opportunities that meet the needs of every type of lifestyle. Clean Eatz isn't a company, they are a community, and that is certainly something that sets them apart in the industry. Most think that they are just a cafe and sell food but they are in the business of changing “livez”! KEY TAKEAWAYS: [2:19] - Don and Evonne are a husband and wife duo. They share their background and how they began this business. [4:40] - The idea came from Evonne’s passion for health and fitness. [6:22] - Clean Eatz began franchising in 2015 with the help of an investor. [9:14] - Don explains that Evonne came into his life at a fateful time. [11:13] - Don filed bankruptcy and started over. [12:19] - For about two years, Don and Evonne actually lived in the restaurant. [15:19] - They were broke when they moved and social media marketing wasn’t a luxury they had. Evonne describes some of the things they did to get the word out. [18:31] - Before launching Clean Eatz in North Carolina, the boundaries and roles were already set. [20:10] - Opening multiple locations hadn’t occurred to Don and Evonne until about 2 years in. [22:07] - Oftentimes, the founders are not the ones who initially consider franchising. [23:18] - Evonne describes the beginning of the franchise process and the learning curve she experienced. [25:17] - Franchising is all about investing in people. [27:39] - Culture is earned. [29:04] - Principle over convenience. [31:22] - It starts with the customer, and you need to get to know them. [34:03] - At the time of this podcast recording, there are 92 locations ready to get going. [35:06] - Don describes the ideal franchisees for Clean Eatz. [37:23] - Check your ego at the door and continue to be humble. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Clean Eatz Home Page https://cleaneatz.com/ Clean Eatz Franchise Site https://cleaneatz.com/franchise Clean Eatz Kitchen https://www.cleaneatzkitchen.com/
The Everbowl menu is centered on superfood packed bowls and smoothies highlighting acai, pitaya, matcha, blue majic, cacao and other "stuff that has been around forever™". It's fun, vibrant eateries invite diners to augment these superfoods with fruits, nuts, berries, and grains to create flavorful bowls to fuel their active lifestyles. In 2022, Alex partnered with Drew Brees to form EB Master, an Area Representative organization in the Everbowl system. They are signed up to bring over 150 stores to 13 states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Illinois. In today’s episode, learn about what sets Everbowl apart from the rest and how their aggressive expansion goals are going strong towards success. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [2:36] - Alex’s original career path was in education but he realized he wouldn’t have the income he’d like to sustain the life he wanted so he went into business. [4:17] - Alex describes his experience and drive to bring acai to his town. [5:50] - What are the things to consider when choosing a brand to franchise? [8:32] - Everbowl has an aggressive expansion goal over the next four years. [10:41] - Alex explains how he connected with Drew Brees. [13:50] - One of the goals for Everbowl is to be connected with more athletes. [16:12] - What is Everbowl doing differently to attract franchise owners and customers? [20:21] - Alex describes the ideal retail spots for Everbowl. [22:13] - Owners that are really plugged in and involved in their community are ideal franchise owners for Everbowl. [24:44] - The menu at Everbowl is diverse and healthy. [28:01] - Connect with Alex on social media and find out more about Everbowl. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Everbowl Home Page https://www.everbowl.com/ Everbowl Franchise Site https://www.everbowl.com/acai-bowl-franchise
Jeff Dudan is the CEO of Homefront Brands, a platform of property service franchisors as well as Chairman of Dudan Group, the capital partner to Homefront Brands and others. Dudan Group invests capital, provides expertise, and offers services that enable people to join, buy, build, or expand franchise systems. Jeff is the author of Discernment; The Business Athletes Regimen for a Great Life through Better Decisions, a Forbes contributor, sought after speaker, and consultant to emerging franchise brands. Jeff served YPO as Chapter Chair of the Southern Sands Chapter, and IFA Franchisor Forum as a member. Jeff appeared on Season 8 of Undercover Boss in January 2017. His journey began as a college athlete who founded a business to paint student housing. After graduation, he assisted South Florida in recovering from Hurricane Andrew which led to the launch of AdvantaClean in 1994. With 240 locations, AdvantaClean became a national strategic partner with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and was acquired by Home Franchise Concepts January 2019. In this episode, Jeff talks about his journey, successes, and lessons learned along the way as well as how to learn more about Homefront Brands. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [3:29] - You can have a variety of different experiences by meeting new people. Franchising gives you the opportunity to collaborate and learn from others. [4:26] - For some businesses and business owners, franchising isn’t right, but Jeff believes that it is the best way to build wealth and success. [6:37] - Creating the entrepreneurial framework within the confines of a franchise system can be challenging depending on the franchise brand. [9:00] - Jeff describes the beginning of his career after graduating college. [11:26] - We have points in our lives where we have to make big life-changing decisions. [13:31] - What are the deciding factors behind Homefront Brands? [16:22] - Territories in a brand are really important to get right. [18:52] - Jeff explains how they mapped out territories. [21:04] - There are several businesses under the umbrella of Homefront Brands and together they offer a wide variety of services. [22:38] - It is important to be a values-forward company. [23:55] - Jeff shares the most valuable change he made to his mindset and what his leadership style is. [27:10] - What is Jeff’s hope for Homefront Brands over the next few years? MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Homefront Brands Website https://homefrontbrands.com/ On the Homefront Podcast https://homefrontbrands.com/on-the-homefront/
Michele Waits, a coffee industry veteran with over 15 years of experience, discusses being announced as Biggby Coffee's new CMO. Waits, who has worked with brands such as Gerber and illycaffè and worked as a VP for Starbucks for over 12 years, shares how her insights will empower the marketing team to connect with Biggby customers in a more individualized way, streamlining and modernizing the concept's efforts. Waits plans to leverage personalized digital marketing and a social media presence in her new role which will allow the brand to be able to connect with its customers how and where they prefer and can discuss how her experience working with household names internationally will help fuel Biggby’s growth even further. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [1:58] - Michelle shares her background in marketing and the 20 years of experience she has. [3:07] - After working for Starbucks for 12 years, Michelle confirms that Starbucks is not a franchise. Michelle’s transition to Biggby is a learning curve since it is a franchise. [4:52] - Franchise licensing can be confusing and it is regulated in different ways. [5:45] - A franchise owner is a small business owner. [7:29] - How did the misconception grow that a franchise isn’t a small business? [9:56] - Franchising allows you to go into business for yourself but not by yourself. [10:59] - As a franchise owner you have a lot of control but you also have a great deal of support. [14:01] - Michelle describes the things that the franchisor provides to franchisees. [16:13] - Marketing tactics are taught to franchisees to get the demand started even before their location is open. [18:58] - Biggby is proud of their coffee but isn’t in the coffee business. They are in the mood-uplifting business. [21:29] - It isn’t just about providing a product. It’s about providing an experience. [22:36] - There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to a company’s footprint. [24:13] - Who is the ideal franchisee for Biggby Coffee? [26:30] - How does Biggby keep the brand consistent across multiple locations? [28:27] - When you’ve got a strong brand, it will emanate out across locations. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Biggby Coffee Home Page https://www.biggby.com/ Biggby Coffee Franchise Site https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/ Michelle Waits on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwaits/
The definition of health and wellness has changed. We all have realized that we need to be more proactive towards our own health and wellbeing. By being more proactive we can live an active life for as long as possible, and isn’t that the point of living a longer life anyways? The Covery Wellness Spa provides non-invasive therapies designed to enhance and optimize the health journeys of their clients. Through their customized wellness journey, clients are provided with the tools and the education that is needed to reach their overall wellness goals. Today’s guest is Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) Edward “EK” Navan. EK Navan is also the co-founder and member of The Covery since its formation in August 2020. From June 2017 to present, EK has served as co-founder and member of R-WELLNESS in Baton Rouge, LA. From 2016 to 2018, he also served as a national account manager and consultant for Fitness Ventures International in Charleston, South Carolina. From 2015 to 2016, he served as Northeastern Regional Manager for TRX, Inc. in Atlanta, as well as the CEO of Redzone Fitness from 2015-2017. His experience in the wellness and fitness industry is extensive and has helped lead to the success of The Covery. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [2:04] - The wellness industry has grown exponentially in recent years. [5:27] - Covid-19 shut the doors on a lot of wellness locations, but EK says it gave them the opportunity to take a step back and put together a better program. [8:08] - EK shares some of the therapies and services that The Covery Wellness Spa offers. They are unique. [9:16] - The focus is the outcome. [12:03] - EK explains one of the ways they are working on health without prescriptions. [14:21] - What are some of the reasons clients come to The Covery Wellness Spa? [17:03] - The first location was opened in 2021 which was a challenging time to start a business, but the opportunity was there. [19:16] - EK’s opinion is that traditional franchising is broken. Their system is a little different. [20:53] - There are right ways and wrong ways to run a franchise. [24:42] - What role does the economy play in building a business like this? [27:14] - Josh admits that he is not a fan of the broker network early on in the process. [28:56] - Sometimes growing the smart way is by growing slowly. [30:42] - With a system like this, you can find the right people. [32:01] - Who is the right franchisee for The Covery Wellness Spa? MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Covery Wellness Spa Home Page https://thecovery.com/ Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn The Covery Wellness Spa Franchise Site
With a refined focus on clean eating, a literal approach to menu transparency, authenticity, and a digital-first approach, Balance Grille has been turning heads throughout the fast-casual industry since 2010, solving for nearly every issue facing the restaurant arena today and instead turning them into key differentiators for the brand. Prakash Karamchandani (PK) is the co-founder of Balance Grille. Since its founding in 2010, Balance Grille has successfully reinvented the fast-casual concept, Asian Fusion cuisine, and the franchise business model. It currently has 5 locations, which PK owns and operates along with his buddy-turned-business-partner, HoChan Jang (CJ). PK’s focus is on refining kitchen efficiencies, customer experience, and business operations. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [2:34] - PK shares the experience of meeting HoChan and deciding to team up to create Balance Grille. [4:40] - During the economic downturn at the time, PK and CJ were turned down time and time again. [6:38] - It’s not as easy as it seems to go to the bank and get the funding needed to begin. [8:50] - PK and CJ continue to work together and split the responsibilities to maintain the success of the business. [10:27] - They did everything themselves in starting the business. [12:19] - The goal was to create happiness and they did it through food. [13:47] - The restaurant industry is hard to break into due to tons of competition. [15:33] - There’s nothing wrong with making a profit, but there’s more to it than that. [16:58] - From the start, the goal was to create a business that was scaleable. [18:05] - Franchising is new for Balance Grille as they have only been franchising for one year. [20:55] - Staying local is a great goal, but consistency is lacking. [22:54] - PK and CJ have partnered with another company to help scale the business. [27:12] - They have a very clear vision of how they’d like the franchise structured. [29:00] - What are you doing right now to set yourself up for success? [32:31] - The business is growing and thriving right now at a fast pace. [34:31] - Balance Grille is actively seeking franchisees. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Balance Grille Website https://balancegrille.com/ Balance Grille Franchise Site https://balancegrille.com/franchise/
After 15 years of working his way up through the competitive ranks of NYC’s financial sector, Andrew Pudalov made a conscientious decision to leave his most recent position as Global Head of Fixed Income Derivative Trading at National Australia Bank to pursue an interest he felt was a virtue of higher importance. While he worked his entire adult life for a number of prestigious financial institutions to achieve an expertise in institutional fixed income derivative trading, he simply felt it time to gratify another more altruistic ambition he had always held. Andrew founded Boulder’s University Hill District’s first all-natural bowl/smoothie bar in the fall of 2004, providing a healthy alternative to the common “Hill” fare. After enormous success, Andrew launched a line of frozen grab-n-go bowls soon to meet the ever-mounting demand. Today, he operates Rush Bowls retail, wholesaling, and franchising with over 100 stores in various stages of development throughout the US. Rush Bowls continues to receive both regional and national acclaim. Andrew maintains a commitment to spreading the joys of pure, honest nutrition and making Rush Bowls the best possible company it can be. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [2:39] - Andrew shares his background before founding Rush Bowls. [5:24] - He went head first into the idea in 2004 and decided on smoothie bowls. [7:57] - Rush Bowls experienced slow and steady growth in the early years. [10:01] - Andrew explains the adjustment he made as he transitioned to the ownership of a business. [12:53] - Andrew has experienced a lot of opportunities to do things his way. [15:18] - A lot of franchises charge the franchisee for the product. But Rush Bowls does not. [17:08] - It is tough to build a business from scratch. Franchising is a great way to own a business with an already established structure and system. [18:33] - It was recommended by many for Andrew to franchise Rush Bowls, but he wanted to test it in multiple locations first. [20:55] - Education is important and a strength of Rush Bowls. [21:53] - Rush Bowls has locations in 21 states and has created great national networks. [23:53] - Everything at Rush Bowls is made to order. [25:37] - Too much space is a detriment to many franchisees. [27:18] - Who is the ideal franchisee for Rush Bowls? MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Rush Bowls Home Page https://rushbowls.com/ Rush Bowls Franchise Site https://rushbowls.com/franchise
Lisa Druxman is a mom on a mission. She is the founder of FIT4MOM, the country's largest fitness program for moms, a noted speaker, author, podcaster and powerhouse of energy. A self proclaimed idea monkey and #momboss, Lisa is passionate about helping women get out of overwhelm and in to a life of health and happiness. A well-published author, Druxman has written on business for Entrepreneur and on motherhood for magazines such as Fit Pregnancy, Shape and more. Recognizing her entrepreneurship, Druxman has also been nominated for and received numerous honors from organizations such as the National Association of Women Business Owners for her unique and successful business. FIT4MOM offers pre and postnatal health, wellness, and fitness programs for every stage of motherhood. All of their programs were created by moms for moms to provide Strength in Motherhood®. FIT4MOM is the world’s largest fitness program for moms with 2600+ locations, 1500 locations, and 310 franchise owners nationwide. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [2:22] - Lisa never had any intention of starting a business but shares how she has found herself as the CEO and founder of FIT4MOM. [3:30] - Don’t name your company based on one thing, because you might grow and branch out for more. [4:32] - FIT4MOM is more than just a fitness program. The community of mothers is what sets the business apart. [5:58] - Lisa wanted other moms to have the opportunity to build their own business with her model and have an impact in their own community. [8:01] - Lisa describes some of the classes FIT4MOM offers and how they are unique to each community and franchise location. [10:12] - What does FIT4MOM help their franchisees get started and continue building their own business? [12:07] - Originally, Lisa’s target franchisee was a fitness professional and mom. But that was far from the case. [14:21] - They have created franchise cohorts based on the goals and the stage of each franchise. [15:58] - The curriculum and course materials are all online and offer certifications to each franchisee to be able to teach their classes. [17:21] - Lisa has been able to build this business and become an author because she has built an incredible team. [18:53] - FIT4MOM is constantly evolving and Lisa does not foresee the future of becoming stale. [20:23] - The San Diego location has remained a corporation location and Lisa tests new things before sending them out to franchisees. [22:03] - Lisa shares special discounts for Franchise Euphoria listeners! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: FIT4MOM Home Page FIT4MOM Franchising Site
Today’s guest is Pete DiFilippo, a principal at C Squared Advisors, a leading investment bank and advisory firm that helps multi-unit franchisees in the restaurant and retail industries maximize the value of their businesses by presenting comprehensive solutions and executing complex transactions. Prior to joining C Squared, DiFilippo served in franchise finance leadership roles for well-known national banking institutions. With more than 100 years of collective experience, C Squared has helped sell, purchase, re-franchise, and recapitalize more than 10,000 franchised locations. Services include mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, valuations, private financing and recapitalization, restructuring, and ongoing financial advisory services. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [2:46] - Pete shares his background and experience in business and franchising. [4:20] - Covid-19 changed so many things and caused a lot of turmoil in the industry. [6:23] - Some franchisees may get to a point where they want or need to sell. [8:29] - Pete describes how C Squared helps franchisees and franchisors with their business and their specific needs. [10:21] - C Squared doesn’t focus on specific types of clients and customers. They customize their service to work with every type of franchise. [11:20] - What sets C Squared apart from the other advisory companies? [13:30] - Pete shares his advice for business owners to be prepared for the time they want to sell their business. They need to have everything in order. [17:41] - Surround yourself and your business with the right people. [18:54] - C Squared looks closely at a lot of different factors to make sure businesses are appealing to potential buyers. [20:54] - Focus on the things you can control. There’s always going to be noise and issues, but continue to stay focused. [21:27] - This industry is very resilient. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: C Square Advisors, LLC Home Page https://c2advisorygroup.com/
Brian Kelley has served as the President and CEO of Phenix Salon Suites for just under four years, leading the brand toward exponential growth and success across more than 340 locations in 34 states through the U.S. and now internationally. He has over 25 years of financing, owning, operating, and developing franchise businesses all across the United States in both the salon and restaurant industries. Mr. Kelley currently leads the charge as the salon suite concept continues expanding its global and national footprint. Phenix is a salon suite rental concept that offers an opportunity for salon and lifestyle professionals to operate their own business in a private salon suite within a larger, well-located salon. The brand licenses individualized suites so professionals can service their clients in a safe and secure environment. Founded in 2007 by beauty expert and celebrity hairstylist Gina Rivera, the Phenix suites concept has reinvented the salon industry. The company began franchising in 2012 and today has more than 340 salons across 33 states with continued plans to expand internationally. The brand sets itself apart through its semi-absentee opportunities and recession resistant model. Phenix ended 2022 with 70 franchise agreements, creating a strong pipeline for 2023 with 60-plus locations currently under construction. The brand is also the #1 salon suite concept and has been recognized by Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 for the past decade. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [2:19] - During and after Covid-19, Phenix grew as a direct result of their salon suite model to keep people safe. [3:16] - Brian’s background began in the restaurant industry and he shares why he made the change. [4:51] - There are so many businesses out there in the health and beauty industry, but Phenix is unique. [6:18] - Brian explains the business model that makes Phenix stand out. [8:39] - The stylists work their own businesses and Phenix makes the space available. It is a semi-absentee model. [9:53] - Originally there was a front desk component but they’ve gone away with it as it really just wasn’t needed. [12:01] - Stylists take care of their own suites including day to day cleaning. [13:40] - Once a facility is open, it’s all about getting people in the suites and maintenance. [15:12] - There’s not a lot of opportunity to build more value after a stylist has a suite as the stylist is maintaining their own business and the franchisee is absent. [17:08] - Brian describes the app that franchisees use to help manage the site. [18:32] - The founder of Phenix is still very much involved and is the face of the brand. [19:53] - Gina, the founder, has a really interesting story that led to the creation of Phenix Salons. [21:41] - Gina was also on an episode of Undercover Boss that highlighted the strengths of the business. [23:30] - Stylists can build quite a client base through the use of social media. [26:12] - The hardest growth is going from 1 to 2 locations. [28:42] - Look forward as far as you can, but look at your current growth first. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Phenix Salon Suites Franchising Site
Chris Prefontaine is the four-time best-selling author of Real Estate on Your Terms, The New Rules of Real Estate Investing, and Sell With Authority for Real Estate Investors. He’s also the founder of the Wicked Smart companies and host of the Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast. With over 31 years experience in real estate, Chris’s expertise ranges from constructing new homes and owning a Realty Executive Franchise to running his own investments and coaching clients throughout North America. Most of the time, franchising involves real estate. In our conversation today, Chris explains the difference between real estate strategies for franchisors and franchisees when thinking about locations and growth. Chris offers a lot of great resources for franchisees to learn about creative real estate and offers a wide range of real estate topics on his own podcast. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [2:35] - Chris shares his background and how his extensive experience in real estate has had an impact on franchising. [4:15] - After the crash of 2008, Chris had to completely reinvent his business. [5:25] - Chris describes the rules and methods used since 2008 and why these are important. [7:31] - Lease purchase is another strategy and is great for franchisees. [8:47] - What is Subject to Existing Financing? [10:40] - Chris’s trainings and master classes are great for those who are looking to franchise. [13:24] - Chris shares his experience as a real estate franchisee. [15:01] - Who is the ideal client for Smart Real Estate Coach? [17:30] - Banks are tightening up so commercial and residential lends itself well to creative real estate. [18:28] - Chris is the host of the Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast that is great for a variety of listeners. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Free Book for Franchise Euphoria Listeners! http://wickedsmartbooks.com/franchise/ Master’s Class 15-Minute Strategy Call Chris Prefontaine on LinkedIn Smart Real Estate Coach Website https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast
From franchisee to franchisor, Sharon Arthofer knows exactly what a franchisee needs. Sharon began her career in retail and made a shift 30 years ago as the first franchisee of Wetzel’s Pretzels. She was instrumental in growing the company from one location to malls across the country. But now, she has become the franchisor of a new and emerging concept. Sharon Arthofer is the Founder and CEO of Sip Fresh, a mall-based beverage stop for customers with a big twist. The hand-crafted concept puts Sip Fresh on the map as having a one of a kind product and the growth has been very steady for the company. Today’s episode is all about Sip Fresh’s start and Sharon’s perspective as a franchisee and now a franchisor. She’s seen how it works first hand and can be the driving force behind Sip Fresh’s success for current and new franchisees. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [2:50] - Sharon was the first franchisee of Wetzel’s Pretzels. [3:55] - After 30 years with Wetzel’s, Sharon saw a void she thought she could fill and went down the road of creating Sip Fresh. [5:10] - As a franchisee, it is important to represent the brand. [6:15] - Where did the idea of Sip Fresh come from? [7:24] - Sharon describes what it is like to walk into a Sip Fresh and the memorable visual experience. [8:30] - You see it, you sample it, you sip it. [10:05] - Engagement is a key component in the unique experience at Sip Fresh. [12:11] - Sharon describes some of the products they offer, including blended drinks and juices. [15:03] - Even with her 30 years of franchisee experience, it is different becoming a franchisor. The biggest challenge was Covid-19. [17:30] - Sharon is passionate about building a partnership and trust with franchisees. [19:48] - The ideal franchisee is a strong entrepreneur committed to a multi-unit model. [22:43] - The goal for Sip Fresh is to follow Sharon’s five year plan and become a regional brand and move across the country. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Sip Fresh Website https://www.sipfreshjuice.com/ Sip Fresh https://www.sipfreshjuice.com/Franchising Franchising
With an extensive background of 30+ years in franchising, today’s guest shares his perspective on the franchise business model and his shift from food service to restoration. Bob Moore is the Vice President of Franchise Operations for United Water Restoration Group. United Water Restoration Group (UWR) has provided water restoration services and reconstruction for the last 15 years and looks forward to future growth as it is currently about to cross the 100 unit mark for franchise locations. United Water Restoration is a full service restoration company available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for water, flood, fire, storm, sewage, and mold emergencies. The organization has served the state of Florida for many years but has evolved into a national franchise bringing the same level of professionalism, family values, and personal attention. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [2:08] - Bob shares his 30 year background in franchising. [3:40] - United Water Restoration Group serves residential and commercial customers after various types of damage. [5:16] - After Covid-19, United Water Restoration also cleaned and sanitized businesses for customers so they could meet requirements to reopen. [7:02] - Who is the ideal franchisee for United Water Restoration Group? [8:18] - The main focus for guiding franchisees getting started is hiring a solid team. [10:10] - The overall culture of the organization is what differentiates UWR from other restoration companies. [12:25] - There needs to be a very clear value proposition at the beginning and a clear progression moving forward. [13:14] - The most successful business owner is one that is good at solving problems. [14:55] - UWR focuses greatly on the franchisee. [17:32] - When it comes to systems, Bob shares the challenges faced in recent years by UWR. [19:04] - The goals for UWR over the next couple of years is to ensure that the current franchise units are continuing to grow and new units are established. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: United Water Restoration Group Website https://unitedwaterrestoration.com/ UWR Franchise Website https://uwrgfranchise.com/
Today’s guest has carved out a unique lane in the food industry offering all the benefits of a typical cold juice bar but with the added micro-cafe toast concept. This puts the brand in a whole different category that reaches a much broader audience and certainly gives them a unique edge in the market. We’re talking about Toastique, with founder and CEO Brianna Keefe. She created the first Toastique storefront just five years ago at the age of 24 with nothing to lose. And the success was immediate. Now with franchising available, the brand is expanding quickly and Brianna’s attention to detail has these new locations ready to give customers an amazing experience. The brand is healthy, fast casual food which is a rare combination in today’s restaurant industry and it was created around no extreme cooking equipment. This makes overhead, build out, and insurance less costly. Listen to this interview with Brianna Keefe to learn how she has launched a successful and thriving business and developed an unforgettable brand and business model. KEY TAKEAWAYS: [2:36] - Brianna shares her background and why she decided to head into the franchise world. [3:54] - The inspiration for Toastique was her love for healthy food and lifestyle as well as the push to do something on her own. [5:31] - There are a lot of decisions to make when opening up your first storefront. [7:12] - Brianna is her target market which makes things a bit easier because she thinks like her ideal customer. [8:14] - The first location of Toastique was extremely profitable and ideal for the business. [9:50] - Brianna describes the beginning experiences in developing a menu. [11:14] - Although following a system, you have to take into account what is happening in each location. Allow for creativity and flexibility. [12:50] - The details are important to Brianna and seeking franchisees that are like minded is what they are looking for. [14:28] - Corporate locations are great for testing new products and techniques. [15:55] - Ideally, franchisees for Toastique are multi-unit operators. [17:03] - Brianna shares the impressive numbers of franchises signed to open this year. [18:40] - As a brand, Toastique is very transparent, but at the end of the day, franchisees are running their own business. Brianna describes the ideal person. [20:46] - There are always challenges in franchising. What have been the challenges for Toastique? [22:40] - For 2022, Brianna was elected as a Forbes 30 Under 30! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Toastique Website https://toastique.com/ Toastique Franchising https://toastiquefranchising.com/
