I know it’s been a little while since I last published an episode so I wanted to take a moment to connect with you all.  In this episode, I revisit why I started the podcast in the first place and why I’ve decided to hit pause for now.  When I first launched the show, my goal was to provide valuable insights and guidance about the franchise industry.   But as life evolves, so do priorities.  One of the big reasons I’m putting the podcast on hold is that I’m focusing on finishing a book.  The book is all about helping franchisors and franchisees lay the foundations for a successful franchise marriage—starting with determining if franchising is the right path, selecting compatible partners, and nurturing a thriving, long-term relationship.  Check out this quick episode to hear more!

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

I had the pleasure of talking with Onyi Odunukwe, the CEO of Glo Tanning, on this episode.  Onyi's journey into the world of tanning began with his entrepreneurial spirit, from a supplement store franchise to building a successful tanning brand that now spans across 16 states.  Onyi shares how Glo Tanning stands out in a competitive market, offering not only UV and spray tanning but also innovative automated spa services that are transforming the customer experience.  He also talks about how they’ve centralized operations in a way that allows franchisees to focus on growth—from real estate support to customer service.  

In addition to discussing Glo’s expansion to nearly 100 locations, Onyi outlines his innovative "Own Your Future" program, which empowers employees to become franchise owners.  This program bridges the gap between those with operational experience but lacking capital and investors seeking hands-off opportunities.  

 Make sure to download this episode to learn more about how Onyi and Glo Tanning are reshaping the tanning industry. 

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

Join me this week as I chat with Ron Holt, the two-time franchisor who is bringing a fresh, fun approach to moving through his brand, Pink Zebra Moving, after his success with Two Maids and A Mop.  

Ron shares how he’s disrupting the moving industry by creating not just a service, but a culture—"Happy Moving”!  He explains how his mother-in-law's terrible moving experience became the inspiration for this new approach, and how he’s turning what is traditionally one of the most stressful events into something fun and memorable for customers.

Ron dives deep into his journey of franchising, including lessons learned from his time with Two Maids and A Mop to the growth strategy behind Pink Zebra Moving.  Ron talks about the importance of selecting sufficiently capitalized franchisees who will follow the model and believe in the mission as well as maintaining transparency within the franchisee community.  Through Pink Zebra Moving, Ron is setting new standards in the home services industry and helping franchisees grow alongside him.

If you're considering franchising or want to hear more about Ron's unique approach to growing a brand, this episode is for you.  Tune in to hear how Ron is making moving fun, one happy customer at a time! 

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

In this episode of “Demystifying Franchise Ownership”, I talk to Lowell Mora, a fractional CFO with over 30 years of experience.  As the founder of Impact CFO, Lowell offers strategic financial support to businesses that aren’t ready to hire a full-time CFO or don’t have a need for a full-time CFO.  We explore how fractional CFO services can benefit businesses, including franchisors and franchisees, providing high-level financial expertise without the cost of a full-time executive.

Lowell explains how a fractional CFO can help businesses with strategic analysis, cost optimization, and growth.  We also discuss how this role is crucial for family-owned businesses preparing for transitions or exits.  Lowell’s approach helps businesses improve financial clarity, reduce costs, and make smarter, forward-thinking decisions.

If you're wondering how a fractional CFO can elevate your business, this episode is a must-listen.  Tune in to learn how the right financial expertise can drive growth, manage risks, and prepare for the future. 

Make sure to access Lowell's free 13-week cash flow analysis and other helpful resources on his website (impactcfo.net).  You can also find Lowell on LinkedIn.

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

This episode covers franchisor training programs, an important topic, because franchisee training can make or break a franchise. 

I recently saw this firsthand at a Pilates studio with outstanding instructor training.   It was evident from the start that the instructors benefited from a well-executed training program—they were clear, concise, and consistent.

 Are you a franchisor noticing gaps within your franchise network?  It might be time to overhaul your training program. 

 Effective training ensures that methods are communicated clearly and consistently across all locations, fostering a uniform customer experience and supporting franchisees.  Remember, frustrated franchisees aren’t beneficial for the system.

 Tune in to this episode to learn how to identify when your training program needs an update and why it’s crucial for your franchise’s success.

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

In this episode, I’m exploring the importance of listening to franchisees.  I’m including an excerpt from my interview with Jeff Johnson, Founder and CEO of The Franchise Research Institute.  Jeff explains how their comprehensive surveys and data analysis help franchisors gain valuable insights into franchisee satisfaction, and why listening to your franchisees is critical to long-term success.

Listening to your franchisees goes beyond simply hearing their words—it's about grasping the deeper meaning behind their feedback.  By recognizing common patterns, franchisors can pinpoint what’s most important to their network.  This valuable input becomes the cornerstone for aligning strategies with your goals, ensuring that initiatives are prioritized based on their potential impact and alignment with your overall vision.

If you want to know how to take your franchise to the next level through smart, proactive communication, you won’t want to miss this episode! 

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

In this episode, I revisit my interview with Aaron Cash, founder and President of Garage Living Franchise Systems, as he shares invaluable insights on their journey into franchising.

 Aaron discusses Garage Living's decision to franchise their business and the crucial steps they took to ensure success.  From navigating legal compliance to securing franchisees and developing robust support systems, every aspect was meticulously planned.

 If you’re considering franchising your business, this episode offers advice on laying a solid foundation from someone who has already done it. 

 Listen now to gain expert tips and hear Aaron's firsthand experiences in expanding through franchising. 

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

Part two of my interview with Larry Stout is now live!  In this episode, we continue our conversation, exploring the origins of his current venture, Optimal teleHealth, LLC.  Larry shares the story behind his company, which offers an alternative to traditional health insurance.

As a franchisee, Larry, like me, struggled with the high costs of offering competitive employee benefits like health insurance.   This challenge ultimately led him to create Optimal teleHealth, which offers virtual healthcare service bundles for a monthly membership fee and financial protection for major medical events.

Tune in now to learn more about the health insurance industry and how Optimal's business model works.

Larry, an entrepreneur with a highly successful 25 year corporate sales and marketing background in big ticket data processing products and services, transitioned to small business development in 2004 with a multi-unit investment in Massage Envy franchising, opening clinic #39 in the nation and eventually building five clinics over a seven year period.  Massage Envy grew to be one of the most successful franchise brands in America over the last two decades.  You'll find Larry on LinkedIn.

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

Tune into my latest episode!  I had an illuminating conversation with Larry Stout, founder and CEO of Optimal teleHealth, LLC.  Larry, a former Massage Envy franchisee, achieved significant financial success and earned numerous accolades. However, he also opens up about a franchise venture that didn't go as planned, sharing valuable insights into the realities of franchise ownership.

 We cover a lot in this episode!  Larry offers his expertise on recruiting and retaining employees, outlines the essential skills every franchisee should have, and highlights the red flags to watch for when evaluating potential franchisors.  Whether you're exploring franchise opportunities or aiming to enhance your current operations, this episode provides valuable advice and firsthand experiences.

 Join us now to hear Larry's expert guidance on thriving in the franchise industry.

Larry, an entrepreneur with a highly successful 25 year corporate sales and marketing background in big ticket data processing products and services, transitioned to small business development in 2004 with a multi-unit investment in Massage Envy franchising, opening clinic #39 in the nation and eventually building five clinics over a seven year period.  Massage Envy grew to be one of the most successful franchise brands in America over the last two decades.  You'll find Larry on LinkedIn.

Larry's passion is to develop companies with the ability to serve others, so he founded Optimal teleHealth, LLC.

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

Your email inbox shouldn't be a storage unit!  Think of it like your mailbox at the end of your driveway: you don’t leave everything there!  This week, I interview Shawn Lemon, founder of The Digital Organizer.

Don’t miss this episode because it’s packed with invaluable tips
and insights from Shawn, who coaches his clients, including franchisors, to
overcome chaos in the digital environment to enhance communication, project
management, and file storage.  The bottom line is streamlined digital
organization translates into more efficient business operations.

Shawn is the founder of The Digital Organizer and has spent the last 17 years helping individuals and businesses get better at using their technology. A teacher at heart, Shawn believes the biggest reason people struggle with their tech is because of a lack of understanding of the tools, which isn't surprising because they're constantly changing as technology advances. When not helping businesses operate more efficiently, Shawn loves making pottery, riding motorcycles, and spending time with his wife, Madeline and their 2 year old son, Nico.

You will find Shawn on LinkedIn and find out more about The Digital Organizer on their website.

You can access Shawn's free File Organization Guide here.  

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com