Demystifying Franchise Ownership

Missed some episodes or looking to revisit your favorites?  This recap is your go-to guide to the best moments and key takeaways from my 2023 solo podcasts.

Tune in for a journey through the highlights and discover the solo episodes that resonate with YOU!  Let's make catching up a breeze.

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

Welcome back, listeners, to the second installment of my captivating conversation with Dave Hands, the powerhouse Great Clips franchisee!  In part one, we delved into their phenomenal journey, spanning 17 years and an impressive expansion from a humble three-pack to an astounding 37 locations.

 Now, in this much-anticipated continuation, we talk more about the nitty-gritty of their success story.  Get ready to uncover the secrets behind their biggest achievements and challenges over the 17 years.  We also explore whether franchise ownership met Dave's initial expectations and how the industry has changed over the years.  Expect insights, anecdotes, and invaluable wisdom that shed light on the nuances of successful franchise ownership.

 So, whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned franchisee, this episode is your treasure trove of insights and advice from an experienced franchisee.  Tune in now and join us for another enlightening conversation that's bound to leave you motivated and informed!

You can find Dave on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hands-498ab14/.

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

Listen to what a Great Clips franchisee has to say.

My listeners adore hearing from franchisees, and this podcast is a gem!  I’m thrilled to welcome an experienced Great Clips franchisee as my special guest.  With 17 years under their belt, Dave Hands, and his wife, Tanja, grew their business from a three-pack to an astonishing 37 locations across Southern Illinois and Eastern Iowa!

In this episode, we cover their biggest achievements and challenges over the 17 years and to what they attribute their longevity and success.  Dave also shares whether franchise ownership was what he expected going into it.

Tune in now!  This episode is packed with inspiration, wisdom, and revelations about the value hair salon industry and franchise ownership in general. 

You can find Dave on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hands-498ab14/.

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

In this week’s episode, I chat with Adam Povlitz, CEO of Anago Cleaning.  Adam talks about how the company has transformed over their 34 years of operation, the 3-tier franchise model, what makes them stand-out in the commercial cleaning industry, and much more. 

 In our discussion, Adam's transparency about the franchise industry, and dedication to supporting his franchisees are clear.  Tune into this episode for the inside perspective from a CEO.  

Adam is the CEO & President of Anago Cleaning Systems, an internationally franchised commercial cleaning brand headquartered in South Florida. 

 He joined Anago in September 2009 and served as President since April 2015.  He was appointed CEO in May 2018.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apovlitz/

Website: www.anagocleaning.com

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

In this episode, Paula Kircher, a former franchisee in a Tex-Mex concept, spills the beans on the highs and lows of running a restaurant.

The first year was so fun, exciting, and a huge success – fantastic food, booked every night, and an incredible vibe!

But then, the competition heated up, and things got challenging.  The crowded landscape made it tough to stand out, and here's the kicker – the franchise had incredibly high standards when it came to the ingredients in their food - not a bad thing. However, it was difficult, if not impossible, to reduce their cost of ingredients due to required vendors and the franchisor's high standards. 

Ever wondered what challenges a restaurant franchisee encounters?  This interview sheds light on the reality behind the scenes!

Stay tuned for the full interview and get ready to peek into the world of franchise ownership - the good, the bad, and the unexpected.

Paula is a business consultant in the tech industry, and co-host of The Savvy Session.  You can find Paula on LinkedIn at LinkedIn-Paula-Kircher.

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

Just wrapped up a fantastic podcast interview with Turp Ricketts, the VP of Franchise Development for Horsepower Brands! In this must-listen episode, Turp shares his extensive business and franchise knowledge, how he got started in the industry, and why he decided to join Horsepower Brands – their capital, their vision and their ability to execute. 

Turp also outlines what Horsepower looks for when they’re evaluating brands they want to bring under their umbrella and how they assist their franchisee community with supporting verticals. 

But it's not all business talk – Turp is not only a wealth of knowledge but also a blast to be around! His energy and enthusiasm are infectious, making this interview full of laughs as well as insights and knowledge.

Don't miss out – tune in now and hear what Turp has to say.

Turp's email is [email protected].  You can also find Turp on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/turp-ricketts-060810101/.

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

Part two of my interview with Rob Miller, a seasoned entrepreneur and educator.

In this episode, Rob stresses why it’s critical to fall in love with the problem not the solution.  He talks about the importance of identifying the pain point and validating whether an idea is desirable, viable and feasible. 

Where do you start if you have a business idea, you say?  Rob uses a Lean Canvas, an efficient one-page business plan.  Rob explains how to use the Lean Canvas, using real-life examples to underscore the various blocks. 

If you have a business idea, don’t change your life until you’ve gone through the discipline of completing the Lean Canvas.  Rob even uses the Lean Canvas when evaluating new product lines in an existing business.  It’s such a valuable business tool. 

This episode is filled with phenomenal content.  One key take-away:  replace the long and quickly outdated business plan with the Lean Canvas.  Save time.  Be intentional.  Focus on the problem.  And validate your solution using the Lean Canvas. 

Tune in now to learn why the Lean Canvas is a must have if you have a business idea.   

You can contact Rob on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-miller-mentora/.

Link to Lean Canvas Template

Link to Business Model Canvas Template

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

In my most recent episode, I had the privilege of hosting Rob Miller, an entrepreneur deeply passionate about leadership development.  Beyond his work with startups, Rob currently holds the role of President at Mentora, a global leadership development and organizational transformation group headquartered in New York.  During our conversation, Rob describes Mentora's groundbreaking approach to self-discovery, inner growth, and outer impact. Now that’s powerful!

My interview with Rob was so rich with insights that I’ve split it into two captivating episodes. In part two, Rob and I explore the fascinating world of the Lean Startup Approach. Don't miss it!  Rob outlines how to craft a Lean Canvas, an efficient one-page business plan that's a game-changer if you have a business idea.  You must validate before you plow time and money into a business idea.

Tune in now to discover Rob’s insights on leadership development and how Mentora is unlocking leadership excellence and making a lasting impact on our leaders and organizations.

Rob is a seasoned entrepreneur with four startups and three co-founded ventures under his belt.  One of his exits was a “unicorn” valuation.   Rob is also an active angel investor helping startups realize their growth potential.

You can find Rob on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-miller-mentora/.

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

Just had an illuminating conversation with Lori Mercaldi, founder of Tally Financial and a Certified Profit First Professional.  Lori opened my eyes to the Profit First Model.  

What is Profit First, you say?   It's an innovative financial management system that helps you prioritize PROFIT from day one! 

Lori doesn't just talk about the Profit First Model; she LIVES it and implements this method with her clients.  

But that's not all we talk about in this episode!  We explored a wide range of topics, and here are some key takeaways:

• Starting a New Business: Lori's advice is golden for aspiring entrepreneurs.  She guides them through the process, helping them set up their financial foundations for success. 
• Financial Fluency: We discussed how much financial fluency a business owner really needs.  Lori's expertise revealed the importance of understanding your numbers, even if you're not a financial guru.  
• The Makings of a Successful Business Owner: What qualities make a business owner successful?  Lori shared her thoughts on the characteristics and mindset that set the great apart from the good.

This interview is a must-listen for anyone looking to take their business to new heights, whether you own a franchise or a stand-alone business.  Lori’s insights are a game-changer!

Lori Mercaldi is a Profit Strategist & Certified Profit First Professional who helps service-based business owners and entrepreneurs achieve a profitable and financially healthy business that sustains the lifestyle they deserve. 

As a strategic business partner and expert in Profit First Implementation, Lori is committed to helping her clients manage their cash flow and grow their profit margin. "It's not just about crunching numbers but building a financially strong and prosperous future for yourself and your business".

You can find Lori on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorimercaldi/.

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com

Did you listen to episode 20 of Demystifying Franchise Ownership where Mark Schnurman helps us understand why the franchise industry is so confusing?

In this week's episode, I’m excited to welcome back one of America's Top Franchise Consultants, who talks about the art of navigating and conquering the complexities of the franchise world.  Tune in for an insightful conversation covering self-education, self-awareness, and the vital role of an experienced franchise consultant in your journey.

Tune in this week. Together, we'll equip you with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions and create a path to success in the franchise industry.

With over 30+ years of professional experiences, Mark is recognized as one of America’s Top Franchise Consultants.  He has a true passion for business ownership and helping others achieve it.  His entrepreneurial drive has resulted in the launch of several businesses.  You can contact Mark at [email protected] or find him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/markschnurman/.

Get in touch with Kristine at:

• LinkedIn
• https://kristinegivens.com