Franchise Today

In this episode of Franchise Today, I sit down with Tom Krause, CEO of Donato's Pizza, for a compelling conversation about the storied history and exciting future of the beloved pizza brand. Tom shares his unique journey into the franchising world, starting with his early days at McDonalds and Wendy's and eventually leading him to Donato's. He discusses the transformative milestones that have shaped his career and the company, including McDonald's acquisition and subsequent buy-back of Donato's, the challenges and triumphs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the strategic partnership with Red Robin Gourmet Burgers that has enabled national expansion. You will also hear about Tom's personal milestones, such as his marriage to the founder's daughter, Jane Grote Abell, and their combined efforts in fostering a strong company culture and commitment to community service through the Donato's Foundation. As Tom prepares to retire, he introduces his successor, Kevin King, and shares his optimistic vision for the fut

This week I sit down with Tim Murphy, a company turnaround specialist, with a storied career in the restaurant, entertainment and franchising worlds. Tim shares his journey from working at Denny's Corporate to becoming a mentee of the late Applebee's International Founder and CEO, Abe Gustin Jr.  Now, Tim has taken the helm at Boomers Parks a rising chain of Family Entertainment Centers. Learn about Tim's strategies for revitalizing struggling companies, the importance of core values, and the innovative steps he's taking to bring Boomers Parks into the franchising world. Tim also discusses the significance of taking care of both team members and guests, the challenges faced during COVID-19, and the exciting future of Boomers Parks. No matter your current point on the franchise compass, Tim's insights provide valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the power of a strong company culture.

Welcome to another exciting episode of Franchise Today. This week,I welcome Keith Gerson, a trusted friend, respected peer, and an erstwhile frenemy. Keith delves into his early days in franchising, starting from his hippie rock-and-roll days to his first serious job responding to an ad in the Portland Oregonian. He recounts his journey from being a multi-unit supervisor at McDonald's to significant roles in Jack in the Box and Mrs. Fields Cookies, sharing invaluable lessons on systems, processes, and leadership. The conversation highlights Keith's strategic moves during the Great Recession, emphasizing the importance of doubling down on marketing when others pulled back. Keith shares his experience working for private equity and his transition to FranConnect, where he honed his skills in scaling franchise businesses. As the discussion progresses, Keith introduces his latest venture, Gerson Advisory Services, aimed at helping franchisors sell more franchises, drive top-line revenues, improve operational per

Since 1989, Anago has been making the dream of business ownership a reality. As CEO & President, Adam is deeply passionate about fostering entrepreneurship and the financial freedom that comes with it. He firmly believe that entrepreneurship is the cornerstone of economic progress. At Anago, they provide aspiring business owners with turnkey solutions, enabling them to confidently navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Fueled by over 30 years of expertise, Anago is disrupting the commercial cleaning industry. Their business is about helping entrepreneurs create their own businesses to provide jobs while building ties in their communities. Offering the possibility of financial and time freedom is what they're all about. Witnessing families reach that success through their franchise business is Adam's ultimate reward.

Brian Shunia is the President and Co-Founder of The Wing Snob™ brand and as such, he is dedicated to serving the very best, fresh, never frozen, mouthwatering, hormone-free chicken wings anywhere, topped by a variety of delectable signature sauces and flavorful dry rubs.  Wing Snob™ operates as a modern, quick-service, fast casual style restaurant with some 50 units open and operating, or under construction, with many more under commitment and he’s here to tell us all about it.       You put a lot at rish when you self-identify as a SNOB.  You literally have to be the best veresion of yourself at all times, to even earn the privilege.

As Vice President of Franchise Development at Right at Home, Jen Chaney is responsible for the company's growth and development by awarding incredible franchise opportunities to interested and eligible candidates.  Jen has direct oversight of new, prospective franchisees, as well as growth by expansion of existing franchisees. Jen is a strategic thought leader, but also oversees franchise legal documentation, lead generation, department budget & forecasting, as well as mergers & acquisitions, leading a team of outstanding sales and development professionals. Being a caregiver to her own mother in the last stages of her life, set Jen on a personal mission to help others become entrepreneurs in a business that is rewarding in so many ways.

Gary Prenevost, has served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Franchise Association for some 15 years, and has been a FranNet Rock Star for some 21 years.  Now, he adds the titlea of best-selling author and sought-after Platform Speaker to his resume, as his recently released book the Unstoppable Franchisee, soars on USA Today’s List of Top 10 Best Sellers.  This week Gary is right here, to tell us all about it!

RICKY KALMON is a growth mindset expert, a motivational speaker and are you ready for this, a celebrity hypnotist.  Ricky delivers high-energy and mindset motivational keynote programs and corporate entertainment. His programs are inspirational and offer compelling, applicable tools, that anyone can use for both their personal and professional development. Ricky Kalmon reveals how our mindset can be the greatest tool in achieving new heights, reducing stress, and increasing productivity and potential.  He has made numerous special guest appearances on several leading cable networks, including ESPN, HLN, Disney, Hallmark and Fox.  Ricky has worked his magic for businesses large and small, for franchisors and franchisees at their annual conventions and for teams of pro athletes, the like of the NY Yankees and Cincinnati Bengals.  This week, the author of Leverage Your Mindset-Overcome Limiting Beliefs and Amplify Your Life, talks with us. 

This week on Franchise Today, we delve into the world of business acceleration and artificial intelligence (AI) in franchising, with our esteemed guest, Ford Saeks. An acclaimed business growth accelerator and early AI adapter, Ford brings refreshing insights to the table, shedding light on how AI is revolutionizing workflows across industries.   Featuring expert inputs on implementing AI in business, avoid common mistakes with AI, and crafting frictionless user experiences, this episode serves as a valuable resource for all franchisors, franchisees, and multi-unit owners. Ford's exceptional understanding of customer touchpoints adds authenticity and transparency to any business model for sustainable growth and sensible franchising. Additionally, our conversation navigates through the shifting dynamics and emerging trends in the franchise world, including the rise of multi-unit operators and impact of socio-economic changes. Ford's emphasis on mindset, strategies and tactics in the business journey shares t

John Smolen, Senior Vice President of Global Distribution Sales at Atmosphere TV, joins us today to discuss the streaming platform’s benefits for franchises and businesses, like restaurants, bars, grills, taverns, and gyms.Atmosphere TV is known for replacing daytime TV in public spaces with engaging short-form content across 40+ channels and is recognized for its rapid growth and impact on customer engagement and incresed unit-level sales.  Smolen, with a background transitioning from psychology to sales, outlines Atmosphere’s ad-supported revenue model that provides free, family-friendly programming, along with marketing tools enabling franchisors and franchisees, to manage content across various locations. The service’s ability to target specific audiences based on venue type enhances its value as an advertising platform, offering flexibility and affordability with no minimum investment constraints. The episode also touches upon the broader digital landscape, noting the scrutiny of foreign-owned social m

In September, 2019, Ace Hardware successfully expanded its business by acquiring Handyman Matters and rebranding it as Ace Handyman Services, with a refreshed business strategy focused on expanding home improvement services. Under the leadership of Andy Bell, co-founder of Handyman Matters and CEO of the rebranded entity, Ace Handyman Services has capitalized on the surge in home services since the pandemic and increased sales, in large part, due to the rebranding and commitment by Ace, of new resources.  Since then, the company has experienced significant growth in franchise territories too and is ambitiously aiming to extend its reach to 1,000 territories over the next few years, while prioritizing responsible and sustainable expansion through well-considered franchising practices. Colette Bell, co-founder of Handyman Matters and Vice President of Franchising for Ace Handyman Services Franchising, is here to tell us all about it. 

John Francis, a franchise expert, advisor, and speaker with over 30 years of experience, shares his deep understanding of the franchising world. Born into a franchise family, he was a franchisee and franchisor multiple times. His parents pioneered the franchise model in the hair salon industry, creating a global empire. John's diverse background includes working in various franchise brands, consulting, and serving on boards. He talks about his journey in franchising, from working in his family’s business to consulting and advising franchise brands. John also discusses his involvement with Zor Forum, a mastermind group for franchisors, and reflects on the industry's future, emphasizing that franchising remains a successful model when executed properly. Additionally, he highlights his personal life, celebrating 25 years of marriage and his two daughters, and introduces Fathers Eve, a holiday he created for dads. John is open for contact and collaboration, offering his wealth of experience to help others in the

This week Alia Alston, founder of Icebox Cryotherapy Studios, shares her personal journey and business insights on Franchise Today. A car accident and childbirth complications led her to discover the pain-relieving benefits of cryotherapy, prompting her to open the first retail cryotherapy studio in the United States. Despite her lack of experience in owning a retail store, her background in product development, retail marketing, and real estate, coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit, drove her to pursue this venture. Fast forward the tape and her wildly successful first studio in ATL, has beocme the first of 20, as she is successfully franchising the brand and changing lives for both clients and franchisees, as the business successfully scales.  .  .   . Initially targeting professional athletes in Atlanta, Icebox quickly attracted a broader clientele seeking natural anti-inflammatory solutions and chronic pain relief. Alia’s vision for Icebox was to create a scalable and simple model for services that c

Last week in Phoenix, I invited attendees from various facets of the franchising community to share the impact IFA has had on their careers. Collectively, I am calling this the Many Voices of IFA and presenting it as this week's episode of Franchise Today.  Seasoned industry professionals like Frank Fiume, Nick Friedman, Rocco Fiorentino, and others spoke to the value of the relationships, mentorship, community, and access that IFA facilitates within the industry. Key figures such as Omar Soliman, John Francis, Terry Braun, Dave McDougall, Scott Perry, and Ron Bender emphasized the organization’s role in providing educational resources, protecting the franchise model, and supporting “smart growth,” including the encouragement of veteran participation through the IFA’s Vet Fran program. The significance of the IFA was further underscored by contributions from Ralph Yarusso, who expressed his passion for giving back after 20 years of involvement, and Josh Wall, who noted the importance of learning from industr

Doug Willmarth shares his career journey from being a navy pilot to finding his passion in marketing and the restaurant business, leading to various roles including chief marketing officer at Wingstop and President at Mooyah Burgers, Fries, and Shakes. With experience in brand management at companies like Kraft Foods and PepsiCo, Willmarth transitioned into franchising, gaining a deeper appreciation for its impact while at Wingstop. He later worked with Rave Cinemas and Pizza Hut before joining Mooyah, where he learned the intricacies of running a smaller company, preparing him for executive leadership. At Mooyah, Willmarth focuses on high-quality food, particularly burgers, fries, and shakes, adopting a specialization strategy akin to successful brands like Chipotle and Chick Fil A. He emphasizes the use of certified Angus beef and the importance of streamlined operations for consistent service across franchises. Despite challenges during the COVID pandemic, Mooyah thrived due to a robust digital and delive

This week on Franchise Today, Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association (IFA). offered a deep dive into various critical topics, notably the eagerly anticipated IFA Convention set to take place in less than two weeks in Phoenix. Haller shared insights into the convention, which aims to "franchise smarter" by fostering responsible business practices and enhancing the franchising community, attracting nearly 4,000 participants, including the celebrated Coach Prime. Haller, emphasized the industry's collaborative spirit and the vital role of sharing experiences to forge long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. He highlighted the IFA's role in setting realistic expectations, promoting trust, particularly among suppliers seeking immediate returns, and navigating the evolving franchising landscape. This includes adapting to the influx of external capital and its effects on operations, exemplified by successful franchises like Neighborly and School of Rock. The conversation als

Heather Anderson shares her journey from working at a digital marketing agency to becoming Vice President of Marketing and Operations at The Little Gym, and then transitioning to a VP role at Eulerity, a supplier of efficient marketing platforms. She underscores the importance of adaptability in franchising and marketing, especially during the pandemic, and stresses the need for brand consistency and creating a passionate customer base. Heather highlights the blurred lines between marketing and IT, the necessity of data management, and privacy concerns. Discussing her move to Eulerity, Heather explains how the company’s AI-powered digital marketing platform helps businesses manage their digital presence and streamline operations, improving agility and reducing the need for outsourcing. Eulerity enhances strategic focus while optimizing media spend through machine learning, benefiting brands with multiple locations. The rapid evolution of technology and consumer behavior, the importance of AI in marketing, a

Meet Dave Mortensen, the visionary co-founder and president of Self Esteem Brands, who along with partner and co-founder Chuck Runyon, have taken the franchise world by storm with the renowned Anytime Fitness brand, now over 5,500 locations strong, across 41 countries! From being inspired by the structure of companies like Pizza Hut and McDonalds, to creating a global fitness phenomenon, Dave’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. He and Chuck transformed a college dropout story into a consulting firm, and then into a franchising legacy! Even in the face of adversity, like the sudden pivot during the COVID-19, Anytime Fitness demonstrated unmatched resilience, transitioning from celebrating major achievements to navigating a world in lockdown - and emerged stronger!  Commitment runs deep, literally under the skin, with customers inking their allegiance at the brand’s very own tattoo parlor.  With a diverse portfolio that includes Waxing the City, Basecamp Fitness, and The Bar Meth

As we enter 2024 franchising as a business model is navigating a complex landscape of challenges, including new legislation that affects their operations and various factors that influence business decision-making. The labor market has experienced significant shifts as the result of the pandemic, with many companies turning to technological automation to adapt, especially in the restaurant space.  This trend towards technology-driven operations is part of a broader movement involving brand consolidation and evolving franchising strategies. Amidst all of these developments, my conversation today with iconic franchise finance expert and IFA Government Affairs Advocate, Ron Feldman highlights the ongoing issues faced by franchising, but concludes with the expectation that franchisor valuations will remain stable, nonetheless.  .   Ron Feldman, this week on Franchise Today.  

Jason Feifer in the Editor in Chief at Entrepreneur Magazine.  Like most of us in the franchise world, Jason never anticipated that small businesses of any kind would become a cornerstone of his career, much less those in franchising.  As a journalist, he wrote for various newspapers and magazines, with no particular attachment to the content.  That all changed when he landed at Entrepreneur in 2015 and started meeting and writing about Entrepreneurs.  Inspired in part by Author, Speaker, Podcaster Malcolm Gladwell, these days Jason is doing more than just writing about Entrepreneurs.  He is speaking, coaching, consulting and himself, living the dream.  This month Entrepreneur celebrates the release of it's 45th Annual Franchise 500.  Jason and I spend a fair amount of time discussing that, as well.