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.

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