Behind the Franchise

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Scott Redler, restaurant industry veteran, Co-Founder of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and President of Mokas Coffee & Eatery. Scott shares his 50-year journey from a hotel and restaurant management grad to scaling one of the most recognizable fast-casual brands in the country, and now helping lead Mokas Coffee & Eatery into its next phase of franchise growth.

From opening Freddy’s with no intention of franchising to building a 400+ unit powerhouse, Scott unpacks the power of consistency, culture, and people-first leadership. He dives into the hard-earned lessons behind wins and losses, how to scale without sacrificing quality, and why “sales drive profit” is the mantra that keeps brands alive for decades. Along the way, he shares insights on evolving leadership, modernizing a legacy brand, and what it really takes to win in franchise marketing over the long haul.

Listeners will hear:

• How Scott turned early failures into his “master’s degree” in business.

• Why consistency, from fry placement to brand design, is the secret weapon in scaling.

• How leaders must evolve from micromanaging details to empowering the right people.

• Why “make guest-driven decisions” is the ultimate filter for growth.

• How franchise brands can modernize without losing their soul.

• Why sales are the engine behind long-term profitability.

• What legacy really means after building a nationally recognized brand.

🎧 A must-listen if you want practical wisdom on leadership, Franchise marketing, and conversations around brand evolution, straight from someone who’s lived every phase of the journey.

#BehindTheFranchise #FreddysFrozenCustardAndSteakburgers #MokasCoffeeAndEatery #FranchiseGrowth #FranchiseMarketing #LeadershipMatters #RestaurantIndustry #Entrepreneurship

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Gina Schaefer, founder and CEO of Logan Hardware and a trailblazer in the Ace Hardware cooperative system. Gina shares her unlikely journey from the tech industry to opening a hardware store in Washington, DC and how curiosity, grit, and community helped her build a thriving multi-location business.

From navigating a male-dominated industry to serving on the Ace board as only the second woman elected in nearly a century, Gina reveals the leadership lessons that shaped her 22-year run. She also dives deep into the cooperative model, explaining how it differs from franchising and why autonomy plus shared resources created the perfect balance for growth.

Listeners will hear:

• How Gina went from three tech layoffs to founding a hardware business in a revitalizing DC neighborhood.

• What the “joy of the co-op” really means — and how it compares to traditional franchise marketing and ownership models.

• Why curiosity and asking “stupid questions” became her superpower in business.

• How serving in a male-dominated industry shaped her leadership voice and confidence.

• The inside story of transitioning her company to an ESOP and turning 135 employees into co-owners.

• Why generational wealth, local ownership, and long-term culture matter more than a private equity exit.

🎧 A must-listen for leaders who care about sustainable ownership, and building businesses that outlast them, and for anyone exploring how to use AI for business, and how to support smarter multi-location leadership.

#BehindTheFranchise #LoganHardware AceHardware #WomenInBusiness #ESOP #Entrepreneurship #Leadership

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with David Smith, Vice President of Digital Marketing at Go Mini’s Franchising, to explore how modern franchise brands are evolving through data, systems, and franchise AI. From shifts in consumer behavior to building a proprietary operating system, David shares what it really takes to modernize franchise marketing without losing trust at the local level.

Listeners will hear:

• How consumer behavior shifted from phone calls to text and digital-first booking — and what that means for franchise systems.
• Why Go Mini’s built its own operating system and how adoption, data transparency, and ROI changed as a result.
• How franchisee education evolved from selling services to teaching systems and outcomes.
• Why answering the phone faster can matter more than increasing ad spend.
• How transparency, leaderboards, and peer validation drive better franchise performance.
• Where AI fits today and why workflow automation matters more than flashy creativity.
• What’s next for Go Mini’s as they prepare for 2026 and the future of AI in business.

🎧 A must-listen for franchise leaders focused on franchise marketing, smarter systems, and AI workflow optimization that actually moves the needle.

#BehindTheFranchise #GoMinisFranchising #FranchiseMarketing #FranchiseGrowth #FranchiseAI #AIWorkflow #MarketingLeadership #Franchising #BusinessSystems

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Genevieve Coulson, Director of Social Media at Goldfish Swim School. Genevieve shares her decade-plus journey in social media marketing and what it really takes to build authentic, high-performing franchise social strategies in an era shaped by Franchise AI.

From balancing national brand consistency with local storytelling to navigating how AI workflow optimization can support human connection, Genevieve offers a refreshingly practical look at how to use AI for business without losing trust, loyalty, or authenticity.

Listeners will hear:

• Why social media only works when it’s a two-way conversation, not a one-way broadcast.
• How franchise brands can empower local owners with structure and creative freedom.
• The real role of AI in franchise marketing, and why “just because it can doesn’t mean it should.”
• How organic and paid social strengthen each other when built with intention.
• Why small creators, UGC, and community-driven content are shaping the future of franchise growth.
• What Goldfish Swim School is focusing on as social, PR, and partnerships continue to merge.

🎧 A must-listen for franchise leaders and marketers who want smarter socials, stronger communities, and AI that actually supports human-first marketing.

#BehindTheFranchise #GoldfishSwimSchool #FranchiseMarketing #FranchiseGrowth #FranchiseAI #SocialMediaStrategy #LocalMarketing #MarketingLeadership

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with franchise attorney Ari Stern, partner of Fox Rothschild LLP, for a deep, practical conversation at the intersection of franchising, dispute resolution, and franchise AI. As the first lawyer to appear on the show, Ari shares how he unexpectedly found his niche in franchise law and why proactive legal strategy matters more than ever as brands adopt new technologies.

From real-world arbitration stories to the risks of relying too heavily on AI-generated legal documents, Ari breaks down what franchisors and franchisees need to know to protect their systems, their relationships, and their brands. The conversation also explores how data privacy, compliance, and expectations-setting play a critical role in long-term franchise growth and franchise marketing success.

Listeners will hear:

• How Ari went from a “jack of all trades” litigator to a nationally focused franchise dispute attorney.
• Why many franchise disputes stem from miscommunication — and how to prevent them before they start.
• The real risks of using AI to draft franchise agreements without proper legal oversight.
• How to use AI for business responsibly without creating compliance or disclosure issues.
• Why dispute-resolution clauses can be a brand’s best long-term insurance policy.
• What franchisees should look for in an FDD — and when “no deal” is the best deal.
• How franchisors should communicate after a dispute without damaging trust or reputation.

🎧 A must-listen for franchisors, franchisees, and operators who want to scale smart, stay compliant, and understand the evolving role of AI in modern franchise systems.

#BehindTheFranchise #FoxRothschildLLP #FranchiseGrowth #FranchiseMarketing #FranchiseLaw #FranchiseAI #Entrepreneurship

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger welcomes back Adam Contos for his second appearance on Behind the Franchise. Former CEO of RE/MAX and current partner at Area 15 Ventures, Adam brings a seasoned perspective on private equity, leadership, and what it really takes to scale franchise brands without losing the soul of the business.

Building on their first conversation around AI and leadership, Paul and Adam dive into how private equity and family offices are reshaping franchising today, what emerging franchisors need to understand before taking outside capital, and why staying in your lane matters more than ever. Adam shares candid insights from both sides of the table, including red flags investors look for, how culture starts at the top, and why disciplined execution beats flashy initiatives every time.

Listeners will hear:

• How private equity’s role in franchising has evolved and why it’s not going away
• What franchisors should look for in the right capital partner
• Why strong leadership and financial literacy matter before scaling
• How to evaluate your business like an investor using AI automation tools
• Lessons from legacy brands navigating growth, rebrands, and generational change
• Adam’s vision for helping franchise systems grow smarter and stronger

🎧 A must-listen for franchise leaders, investors, and operators focused on Franchise growth, Franchise marketing, and how to use AI for business without losing focus on fundamentals.

#BehindTheFranchise #Area15Ventures #REMAX #FranchiseGrowth #FranchiseMarketing #Leadership #PrivateEquity #Franchising

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Brian Britton, CEO of Kilwins, to unpack what it really takes to lead an 80-year-old legacy brand into its next era of growth. From private equity transition to modern marketing, Brian shares how Kilwins is scaling thoughtfully without losing the magic that made the brand iconic in the first place.

From franchise marketing strategy to embracing modern tools and data, Brian explains how Kilwins is laying the foundation for long-term expansion while staying rooted in mission, storytelling, and culture. The conversation explores how leaders can blend heritage with innovation — a mindset that mirrors how many brands are approaching Franchise AI and smarter decision-making today.

Listeners will hear:

• How Brian stepped into the CEO role after a private equity acquisition — and earned trust inside a legacy brand.
• Why Kilwins has grown for decades without advertising, and what changed when modern franchise marketing was turned on.
• How storytelling, culture, and “retail theater” create emotional brand loyalty at scale.
• What it takes to prepare teams for faster growth without breaking what already works.
• How data, technology, and how to use AI for business thinking are shaping better marketing and operational decisions.
• Why compassionate tenacity is Brian’s leadership philosophy during rapid expansion.
• The realities of real estate, franchise support, and building infrastructure for sustainable franchise growth.

🎧 A must-listen for franchise leaders navigating modernization, growth, and culture — and for anyone curious how thoughtful strategy and AI for marketing strategy mindsets are influencing the next generation of legacy brands.

#BehindTheFranchise #Kilwins #FranchiseGrowth #FranchiseMarketing #LegacyBrands #Leadership #FranchiseAI #BusinessStrategy

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Del Salinas, VP of Franchise Development at Caring Senior Service. Del shares how a 34-year-old brand has grown intentionally and why culture, systems, and people-first leadership have fueled long-term success.

From building a robust internal support team to developing proprietary technology, Del explains how Caring Senior Service balances high-tech tools with high-touch relationships. He walks through how they evaluate franchise candidates for cultural fit, and how thoughtful Franchise AI guidelines are helping owners stay ahead of the future of AI in business without losing trust or accuracy.

Listeners will hear:

• How Caring Senior Service focuses on intentional Franchise growth rather than rapid expansion
• Why culture and servant leadership are their biggest competitive advantages
• How proprietary technology supports caregivers, clients, and owners in one connected system
• What franchise candidates must embrace to succeed inside proven systems and processes
• How AI is being used responsibly to support Franchise marketing and operations — not replace human judgment
• Why senior care is one of the most meaningful and resilient franchise opportunities today

🎧 A must-listen for anyone interested in franchising with purpose, building systems that scale, and preparing for the future while staying grounded in human connection.

#BehindTheFranchise #SeniorCareFranchise #FranchiseGrowth #FranchiseMarketing #FranchiseAI #PurposeDrivenBusiness #FutureOfAIInBusiness

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Alex Gilleland, Brand Manager at Dryer Vent Superheroes. Alex shares how growing up in franchising shaped his data-driven mindset and why ROI-first thinking, localization, and trust-building content outperform flashy campaigns every time.

From running ads for major brands like Sport Clips and Cold Stone to leading marketing for a fast-growing home services franchise, Alex breaks down what actually works for emerging brands competing against massive budgets. The conversation dives into evergreen content, testing discipline, franchisee transparency, and why sometimes going less polished delivers better results.

Listeners will hear:

• How Alex’s early career on the supplier side shaped his approach to Franchise marketing.
• Why localized “owner-style” ads outperform overly polished creative.
• How Dryer Vent Superheroes focuses on ROI, franchisee data, and evergreen content.
• Why education-based marketing builds trust and drives higher performance.
• How to balance control vs. automation in platforms increasingly driven by Franchise AI.
• What emerging brands should prioritize when competing with national players.
• Why meeting customers where they are matters more than chasing every new AI automation tools trend.

🎧 A must-listen for franchise marketers who want smarter testing, stronger trust, and real Franchise growth without wasting ad dollars.

#BehindTheFranchise #DryerVentSuperheros #FranchiseMarketing #FranchiseGrowth #AIForMarketingStrategy #HowToUseAIForBusiness #AIWorkflowOptimization #HomeServicesMarketing #DataDrivenMarketing #FlamelAI

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Sherif Mityas, CEO of BRIX Holdings, to unpack a career that spans aerospace engineering, big-box retail, Hollywood Video, TGI Fridays, and now an eight-brand restaurant portfolio with more than 300 locations. Sherif shares how cross-brand insights, consumer occasion mapping, and franchisee passion shape BRIX’s growth playbook — and why understanding the ‘bones of a brand’ matters more today than ever.

Listeners will hear:

• How Sherif’s engineering-to-retail-to-restaurants journey shaped his approach to building resilient, multi-brand systems.
• Why operating eight brands gives BRIX a unique view of consumer behavior across daily “occasions.”
• How BRIX evaluates new categories — from chicken to Mediterranean to “better-for-you” — and what makes a trend a flash-in-the-pan vs. a lasting brand.
• The story behind BRIX’s newest ownership shift — and how a 15-year-old server became one of the most influential operators in the portfolio.
• Why economic pressure is reshaping the definition of value and affordability in QSR and fast casual.
• How BRIX integrates new brands “below the skin” without breaking what makes them special.

Sherif’s perspective on growth: why platforms must expand or risk falling behind, and how to scale without losing brand soul.

🎧 A must-listen if you’re curious how multi-brand operators evaluate opportunities, protect brand equity, and scale sustainably in a changing market.

#BehindTheFranchise #BRIXHoldings #FranchiseGrowth #ScalingSmart #FranchiseSuccess #Entrepreneurship #FranchiseAI #AIMarketingStrategy