Franchise Advisory Board | Expert Franchising Advice for Franchise Leaders

In the latest episode of The Advisory Board Podcast, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of mass media advertising, exploring what’s changing, what's working, and how to navigate the vast options available to marketers today. First and foremost, we want to extend our gratitude to ClientTether for sponsoring this insightful episode, their support is immensely appreciated.

Our guest, Brian Bush, brings over 30 years of experience in the media business to the table. As the CEO and Founder of Elite Media Team, based in Columbus, Ohio, Brian has seen firsthand the shifts and turns in the advertising world. Elite Media Team, celebrating its 14th year, boasts a national presence with a local touch in almost every market in the US. Brian, a self-proclaimed die-hard Cleveland sports fan, has the unique perspective of both a seasoned professional and a family man, with over 30 years of marriage, two adult children, a grandchild, and a history of coaching baseball from T-ball through college.

The episode kicks off with a quote from Jeff Bezos, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what works in advertising rather than being caught up in the whirlwind of change. Brian points out that blindly flailing at marketing strategies can lead to disaster. He shares insights on the efficacy of connected TV advertising, noting its superior impression rate per 1000 views compared to standard TV, especially for targeted campaigns. However, he also acknowledges the value of traditional TV advertising for broader coverage.

Discussing strategies that currently work in mass media advertising, Brian highlights the accessibility of pricing, which can start as low as $1000 a week, scaling up to five figures, making it an adaptable option for various business sizes. He delves into the differences in lead quality, emphasizing the distinction between transactional customers, who focus on price, and relational customers, who value the connection.

A common pitfall Brian addresses is the dismissal of strategies based on past failures without understanding the underlying reasons. He stresses the importance of proper attribution and measurement to gauge success accurately. From macro attribution, like topline sales, to more granular metrics like search terms driving PPC or SEO, and the use of digital properties like QR codes and Flow Codes for creative measurement, Brian underscores the necessity of benchmarking and connecting various data points for a comprehensive view.

On the duration of mass media campaigns, Brian advises a minimum of six months to truly measure success, highlighting the initial 90 days as a period of building awareness. He shares intriguing insights from eCommerce research, which shows that consumers need an average of 23 exposures to a brand over four to six weeks before making a purchase, depending on the price point.

Brian concludes with invaluable advice for those looking to start mass media campaigns: get your messaging right. It’s crucial to focus on the customer rather than your own story. If your messaging could easily apply to your competitor with a simple logo swap, it’s not targeted enough.

This episode of The Advisory Board Podcast, sponsored by ClientTether, not only sheds light on the current state of mass media advertising but also provides listeners with actionable insights from one of the industry's veterans. Brian Bush’s expertise and the strategic nuggets he shares make this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of advertising in today's market.

Thanks for listening to the Franchise Advisory Board Podcast, where we explore the ideas, strategies, and people shaping the future of franchising.

If you found today’s episode valuable, please subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow franchise leader. To learn more, connect with us on LinkedIn and Youtube.

Until next time, stay curious, stay strategic, and keep building stronger franchise systems!

Welcome back to The Advisory Board Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of franchising and business growth with the leading minds in the franchising industry. Today's episode is powered by our fantastic sponsor, ClientTether – helping you tether your clients to your brand with unmatched sales automation and customer care.

In this episode, we had the pleasure of chatting with the dynamic Madeleine Zook, the Chief Marketing Officer at Premium Service Brands. Juggling the roles of marketing guru, wife, and parent to three energetic kids, Madeleine is like a pro-baller scoring a thousand points in the game of multitasking. Her passion? Taking care of franchisees and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing.

We kicked off the discussion by dissecting the current digital marketing scene for Zors and Zees. Madeleine candidly shared her insights, highlighting the pitfalls of relying solely on digital agencies and the importance of asking the right questions. From direct mailers to the enigmatic realm of digital ROI, she emphasized the need for double-digit impressions to truly engage with your audience.

But what's the silver bullet for FranDev, you ask? According to Madeleine, it's a bit like spotting the quiet, wealthy, and unassuming guy at the end of the bar – easy to miss but essential for success. FranDev, she explains, thrives on a unique blend of tradition and innovation, with culture reigning supreme. As she eloquently put it, there's no universal playbook; it's all about nurturing a community ready to embrace growth.

Next up, we delved into the nitty-gritty of budgeting for FranDev marketing. Madeleine broke it down with precision, revealing the numbers behind successful campaigns. Whether you're investing in consultants or flying solo, she stressed the importance of allocating sufficient resources and never settling for second best.

But how do you measure success in FranDev marketing? Madeleine's answer was clear – it's all about optimization and never resting on prior achievements. From dedicated teams to expert guidance, she emphasized the need for a tailored approach to ensure growth and sustainability.
Wrapping up, Madeleine left us with some crucial questions to ponder. Do you have the right team in place? Are you ready to embrace the ever-changing landscape of FranDev marketing? As we bid adieu to Madeleine, her insights lingered, reminding us that in the world of franchising, adaptability is key, and with the right strategy, success is within reach.

Thanks again to our sponsor, ClientTether, for making this episode possible. And until next time, keep innovating, keep growing, and keep listening to The Advisory Board Podcast.

Thanks for listening to the Franchise Advisory Board Podcast, where we explore the ideas, strategies, and people shaping the future of franchising.

If you found today’s episode valuable, please subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow franchise leader. To learn more, connect with us on LinkedIn and Youtube.

Until next time, stay curious, stay strategic, and keep building stronger franchise systems!

Welcome back to another episode of The Advisory Board Podcast, where we dive deep into the strategies that shape success in business and innovation. This episode is a riveting journey through the evolution of digital marketing, made even more special thanks to our wonderful sponsor, ClientTether—your go-to solution for enhancing client engagement and automating communication. A huge thank you to them for supporting our exploration into the future of marketing!

Today, we're thrilled to host Russell Burnett, the visionary Founder and CEO of Online Image. Celebrating 15 years since he launched his groundbreaking company, Russell has positioned himself as a titan in the realm of high-tech marketing, specializing in SEO/PPC, with his ventures including OIX—a comprehensive business operations platform, Leashed.ai, and a focus on ADA compliance. Beyond his professional accolades, Russell is a proud Kansas City Chiefs super fan, adding a dash of spirited fandom to his impressive resume.

Russell’s journey into leveraging AI in marketing since 2011 provides us with a unique perspective on how the marketing landscape is undergoing its current transformative wave. He shares invaluable insights into the pivotal areas where savvy marketers should harness AI's power, emphasizing content development's critical role. According to Russell, the balance between human engagement and AI is not just a goal but a necessity in today's digital marketing space. Key takeaways from our conversation include:

• Generating Ideas Rapidly: How AI can be used for brainstorming in both personal and professional settings, offering a speed that human creativity can't always match.
• Content Creation: The importance of contextualized and personalized content, and how AI tools are revolutionizing this process, making it more efficient and targeted.
• Comparative Analysis of SEO Ranking Factors: Russell sheds light on using AI for a comparative analysis to optimize performance, ensuring that marketing efforts are not just seen but also impactful.
• Appointment Scheduling and Predictive Behavior Analysis: He highlights how AI can streamline appointment scheduling and predict consumer behavior, making businesses more proactive and responsive to their audience's needs.

As we explore how the marketing landscape is changing, Russell emphasizes the importance of staying ahead by integrating AI into marketing strategies. From rapid idea generation to predictive analytics, the potential for AI to enhance marketing efforts is boundless.

So, whether you're a marketing maven looking to sharpen your toolkit or a business owner curious about the future of digital engagement, this episode with Russell Burnett offers a treasure trove of insights, strategies, and foresight into leveraging AI to elevate your marketing game.

Remember, the key to thriving in this ever-evolving landscape is finding the perfect harmony between technological advancements and the irreplaceable human touch. Thank you for tuning in, and a special thanks again to ClientTether for making this insightful conversation possible. Stay innovative, and see you in the next episode of The Advisory Board Podcast!

Thanks for listening to the Franchise Advisory Board Podcast, where we explore the ideas, strategies, and people shaping the future of franchising.

If you found today’s episode valuable, please subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow franchise leader. To learn more, connect with us on LinkedIn and Youtube.

Until next time, stay curious, stay strategic, and keep building stronger franchise systems!

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Advisory Board Podcast, where we bring you invaluable insights from industry experts! In this episode, our guest is none other than Jesse Keyser, co-founder of Keyser Enterprises and a highly successful multi-unit franchise owner.

Jesse's journey began while attending college at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where he joined a small technology start-up. From there, he ventured into the world of entrepreneurship and opened multiple Little Caesars Pizza locations, eventually selling them all. He also became a Valpak franchisee and later opened Sport Clips Haircuts, currently owning 27 locations across five states. Additionally, Jesse and his partners operate Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning territories and are in the process of opening Ideal Image locations nationwide.


During our conversation, Jesse shared some invaluable key takeaways. He highlighted the importance of looking for mature franchises with aging owners nearing retirement as lucrative acquisition opportunities. Jesse emphasized that franchisors should have corporate stores to test concepts before franchising, reducing the R&D burden on franchisees. He also stressed the immense value of participating in mastermind groups to gain shared insights and attending the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference for networking and continuous learning.

We delved into various topics, including finding the right franchise brand. Jesse advised seeking brands with a clear target customer and employee profile that aligns with the concept. He also emphasized targeting a 36-month ROI timeline and exit multiples above build cost. Jesse mentioned that mature, established brands (20+ years) provide more acquisition opportunities as owners retire, while emerging brands offer the advantage of cherry-picking prime locations if you get in early.

We also discussed operating multi-unit franchises. Jesse stressed the importance of deeply understanding your financials and having robust systems in place. He highlighted the need to develop leadership skills to effectively manage diverse personalities and leadership styles. Regular benchmarking through peer mastermind groups and franchise conferences was another key aspect he emphasized.

When it comes to franchisor considerations, Jesse shared valuable insights. He explained the significance of requiring corporate stores to test concepts before franchising to avoid burdening franchisees with R&D expenses. He also emphasized the balance between implementing franchisee feedback and maintaining brand standards. Above all, Jesse emphasized that prioritizing strong franchisee relationships should be the number one focus for franchisors.

For aspiring multi-unit owners, Jesse had some valuable advice. He recommended attending the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference, an incredible platform for networking and learning from top operators. Jesse emphasized the importance of targeting average performance levels, rather than just focusing on the top 10%. He stressed the need for franchises with clear unit economics and strong franchisee profitability.

Thank you, Jesse Keyser, for sharing your wealth of knowledge and insights with us!
To learn more about the fascinating world of franchising and to discover how ClientTether can help streamline your franchise operations, check out www.clienttether.com, our proud sponsor for this episode!

Stay tuned for more exciting episodes of the Advisory Board Podcast, where we continue to bring you thought-provoking discussions with industry leaders.

Thanks for listening to the Franchise Advisory Board Podcast, where we explore the ideas, strategies, and people shaping the future of franchising.

If you found today’s episode valuable, please subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow franchise leader. To learn more, connect with us on LinkedIn and Youtube.

Until next time, stay curious, stay strategic, and keep building stronger franchise systems!

Welcome to The Advisory Board Podcast, proudly sponsored by ClientTether.

In this episode, we dive deep with Jam Hashmi, a seasoned player in the world of franchising for almost 23 years. He owns and operates a Digital Marketing Agency that works with the Franchise Industry, ClickTecs, a Google Adwords Certified Partner specializing in Search Engine and Social Media Marketing as well as Website design and development for multi-location franchise businesses. He is also the co-founder and CEO of FranchiseSoft, a franchise management software company with modules for Franchisee Management, Onboarding, Franchisee Training through a Learning Management System, Franchisee Support and Financial Royalty Reporting.

Jam kicks things off by emphasizing the critical nature of a well-defined system for emerging franchisors. Having a prototype is one thing, but without a structured blueprint for mass production, challenges arise. The key? Knowing every task from signing the franchise agreement to opening the doors, ensuring revenue flows.

Moving to established franchisors, Jam uncovers a common challenge - inconsistent communication. This misalignment between head office support teams and franchisees leads to operational inefficiencies. Mixed messages and lost cycles become the unfortunate result.

In the era of remote work, Jam sheds light on the e-learning revolution. Online platforms for standardized training not only save HR costs but also ensure a consistent message. Franchisors are now extending this to training not just their employees but franchisees and their staff, creating a harmonious network.

Jam discusses the heartbeat of franchisors - ongoing fees. While some are stuck in manual processes with spreadsheets and rubber bands, the advanced ones have embraced automation. Imagine a system that pulls revenue data, does complex calculations, generates invoices, and even runs an ACH debit. Cool, right?

A huge shoutout to our sponsor, ClientTether. Join us in the next episode as we unravel more secrets from the minds shaping the future of franchising. Until then, stay curious and stay ahead! #AdvisoryBoardPodcast #FranchisingInsights #BusinessGrowth #FranDev

Thanks for listening to the Franchise Advisory Board Podcast, where we explore the ideas, strategies, and people shaping the future of franchising.

If you found today’s episode valuable, please subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow franchise leader. To learn more, connect with us on LinkedIn and Youtube.

Until next time, stay curious, stay strategic, and keep building stronger franchise systems!

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Advisory Board Podcast, proudly sponsored by ClientTether. In today's episode, we sit down with Brandon Clifford, the dynamic COO of Business Alliance Inc (BAI), a seasoned entrepreneur who dove into the business world right after college, opening three successful restaurants.

With eight years as a BAI consultant and four years as the franchisor FranDev for Homewell Care Services, Brandon brings a wealth of experience to the table. Beyond the boardroom, he's a family man with four kids, and his love for the outdoors is evident in his non-profit board involvement.BAI, a thriving entity for 30 years, is at the forefront of franchise sales, and Brandon shares insights into the evolving landscape.

He emphasizes the importance of fit when incorporating brokers into your strategy and advocates for a diversified lead flow. Brokers, he notes, are more than just lead generators; they are valuable networking relationships that require time and effort investment.Brandon delves into franchise recruitment processes, stressing the significance of not solely focusing on closing deals. Instead, he encourages brands to work with multiple networks, provided there's a diverse lead flow.

Brokers should be part of a holistic strategy, not standalone.To engage brokers effectively, Brandon suggests hosting webinars, offering incentives, and sharing dead leads still interested in franchising.

Understanding the mindset of brokers is crucial, and consistent communication, avoiding spam, and educating them about the perfect fit are key strategies.Curious about when your brand is ready to work with brokers?

Brandon provides valuable advice, emphasizing the 20-50 location range, good brand history, and ample territory availability. For early-stage brands, he recommends modeling after the founder, focusing on customer and employee validation, and knowing your avatar.

Tune in for this insightful conversation with Brandon Clifford, where we unravel the intricacies of franchise sales, broker relationships, and the dynamic world of BAI. A big thank you to our sponsor, ClientTether, for making this episode possible. Remember, success in franchising is not just about deals; it's about building lasting relationships. Happy listening!

Thanks for listening to the Franchise Advisory Board Podcast, where we explore the ideas, strategies, and people shaping the future of franchising.

If you found today’s episode valuable, please subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow franchise leader. To learn more, connect with us on LinkedIn and Youtube.

Until next time, stay curious, stay strategic, and keep building stronger franchise systems!

In this inspiring episode of The Advisory Board Podcast, CEO and founder of Griffin Motivation, Jeff Griffin, takes listeners on his journey from being 6'1'' to 4'7'' and shares profound life lessons about gaining resilience.

Jeff's incredible resilience is evident as he discusses overcoming challenges and reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth. He emphasizes the importance of mindset management, recounting how he entered a "sauna of self-pity" but ultimately flipped the switch to focus on solutions rather than problems.

Facing the adversity of being told he couldn't walk, Jeff shifted his mindset and found joy in mental exercises and envisioning himself walking.

In this episode, listeners are treated to Jeff's transformative strategies, including the power of "I AM language" to affirm strength and capability. The "daily dime" routine, five minutes in the morning and five at night, becomes a tool for changing life trajectories.

Jeff encourages reframing each day, celebrating small victories, and embracing failure as a stepping stone to success.

He also introduces the three-step process to success, represented by KFC:
Know what you want,
Finish what you start,
and Celebrate the process.

His wisdom extends to the "law of the harvest," highlighting the importance of what we consume in shaping our outcomes.

For those seeking inspiration and practical tools for personal and professional growth, Jeff Griffin's episode is a beacon of hope and motivation. To learn more about Jeff's insights and motivational strategies, visit griffinmotivation.com and embark on your own journey of triumph and transformation.

Thanks for listening to the Franchise Advisory Board Podcast, where we explore the ideas, strategies, and people shaping the future of franchising.

If you found today’s episode valuable, please subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow franchise leader. To learn more, connect with us on LinkedIn and Youtube.

Until next time, stay curious, stay strategic, and keep building stronger franchise systems!

Welcome to another thrilling episode of The Advisory Board Podcast, brought to you by our episode sponsor, ClientTether!

Get ready for some actionable advice from the real franchising experts. In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting the incredible Zach Beutler, Founding Partner of Horsepower Brands, who's a total rockstar when it comes to franchise development. With over 15 brands and close to 5000 territories under his belt, Zach is here to drop some serious knowledge bombs.

Territory strategy is absolutely crucial when it comes to building a successful franchise, and Zach dives headfirst into this topic. But hey, let's get one thing straight - territories don't automatically equal moolah. It's all about the placements, baby! Zach spills the beans on how to build up those metro markets with more owners and optimize truck density per metro. Oh, and did we mention that Horsepower Brands averages just over 3 territories per placement? They're all about growing the brand and individual territories, giving the franchis owner more earning potential!

Now, let's talk about one of the biggest mistakes in franchising - giving away too much territory. It's like having a big ol' pizza and only taking a tiny bite, ya feel?

According to Zach, many businesses make this mistake, building territories that are way too big. But profitable concepts are all about density, baby! Zach spills the tea on how to optimize that Geographical Business Plan (GBP) and operate within a 2.5 mile radius for optimal results. Oh, and he even gives a rad example of splitting Dallas along the George Bush Turnpike border.

Talk about mapping like a boss!But wait, there's more! Zach breaks down the key steps to building an optimal mapping strategy. Pre-mapping the country is a must, but don't forget to pay attention to those county rules, my friend.

Permitting and licensing laws can be a total buzzkill, so make sure you're in the know. And hey, understanding true demographic behavior is a game-changer.

Different income levels require different marketing approaches, so don't sleep on those lower-income sectors. They could be your ticket to some serious revenue!

Oh, and let's not forget about multi-packs, baby! Zach spills the beans on how to determine how many to sell. It's all about finding that sweet spot, my friend. And hey, don't go giving away your territory like it's Halloween candy.

Territory is a limited commodity, so hold onto it tight.

If you need some expert guidance or professional services to nail that mapping strategy, don't hesitate to reach out.Get ready to level up your franchise game with Zach's amazing insights. Trust us, this episode is pure gold.

Tune in now and get ready to dominate the franchising world! And huge shoutout to our sponsor, ClientTether, for making this episode possible.

Thanks for listening to the Franchise Advisory Board Podcast, where we explore the ideas, strategies, and people shaping the future of franchising.

If you found today’s episode valuable, please subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow franchise leader. To learn more, connect with us on LinkedIn and Youtube.

Until next time, stay curious, stay strategic, and keep building stronger franchise systems!

In this episode of The Advisory Board Podcast, we sit down with Adam Povlitz, the dynamic CEO of Anago Cleaning Systems.

A second-generation leader, Adam gives us an insider's view of the journey from a childhood surrounded by the family business to steering Anago Cleaning Systems to new heights.Anago Cleaning Systems, established in 1989, boasts 1800 unit franchises and has secured its place at #36 on Entrepreneur 500. Adam, a second-degree Blackbelt in Tae Kwan Do, introduces us to the three-tier franchise system comprising the Corporate office, Master Franchise, and Unit franchise.

We explore Adam's unconventional path to the CEO role, starting at the bottom in 2009 after leaving a high-flying finance job. Adam's experience, including emptying diaper pails in a daycare, was a humbling journey that allowed him to understand the business from every angle.Succession planning was always on the horizon, and Adam shares his father's sage advice: gain experience outside the family business and earn your stripes in corporate America.

The transition to leadership came in 2015 when Adam became the CEO, bringing both challenges and growth opportunities.During the challenging times of COVID, Anago Cleaning Systems pivoted from a bottom-line expense to an essential service. Adam details the decision-making process, the importance of team collaboration, and the realization that he was wearing all the C-Suite hats simultaneously.

The hardest part of this transformative journey, according to Adam, was realizing that he couldn't do it all.

Transitioning from a lifestyle business to a true enterprise brought unique challenges, especially in navigating technology and time constraints.However, the results speak volumes.

In just 18 months, Adam hired six executives and successfully reached a $100 million goal. Now, with eyes set on the future, the plan is to hit $300 million by 2028.

Adam leaves us with words of wisdom: Build everything to scale, as if you're aiming to be a big enterprise.

This episode is a goldmine for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs, offering insights into leadership, growth strategies, and the power of scaling for success.Tune in to learn from Adam Povlitz's journey and discover the keys to transforming a business into a true enterprise!

#LeadershipJourney #BusinessTransformation #ScalingForSuccess

Thanks for listening to the Franchise Advisory Board Podcast, where we explore the ideas, strategies, and people shaping the future of franchising.

If you found today’s episode valuable, please subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow franchise leader. To learn more, connect with us on LinkedIn and Youtube.

Until next time, stay curious, stay strategic, and keep building stronger franchise systems!

In this insightful episode of The Advisory Board Podcast, we welcome Drew Chalfant, Chief Operating Officer of FranDevCo, who shares his unique journey from being a recovering franchise attorney to a seasoned franchise expert. Drew's diverse background, including a stint in a rock band and working alongside a bartender reminiscent of Tom Cruise in "Cocktail," brings a refreshing perspective to responsible franchise growth.

Drew delves into the essence of the modern franchise development model, emphasizing the importance of fostering a team where staff are true participants and leaders in the franchising journey. He raises the pivotal question of what responsible growth truly entails and discusses the critical need to recognize when it's time to throttle down franchise development.

A central theme of the episode revolves around the quote that guides Drew: "You spent so much time trying to figure out how you could that you never tried to figure out if you should."

Drew emphasizes the need to prioritize essential aspects such as proper operations support, efficient supply chain management, real estate considerations, and digital marketing strategies to maintain a balanced growth trajectory.

Drew further highlights the legal ramifications of irresponsible growth in the franchise industry, cautioning against it and shedding light on potential lawsuits, especially in franchise sales. He emphasizes that franchisees seeking recourse from franchisors are not uncommon.

A key insight Drew offers is that the true heroes of the franchise story are the franchisees. To grow a franchise brand responsibly, he advises having the right capital to invest in infrastructure, addressing franchisees' needs comprehensively, and measuring the true cost of supporting franchisees as an investment in their future success

Drew's mantra, "Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast," underscores the importance of proving the franchise model before rapid expansion. He stresses the significance of having people with high emotional intelligence to support franchisees and recruit the right individuals to join your franchise.Finally,

Drew recommends regular quarterly reviews of the organization's health, using tools like EOS/Traction to ensure alignment and progress. This episode is a valuable resource for anyone in the franchise industry, providing actionable insights and a roadmap to responsible franchise growth.Tune in to gain wisdom from Drew Chalfant on the Four Rules for Responsible Franchise Growth and discover how to navigate the dynamic world of franchising successfully.

Thanks for listening to the Franchise Advisory Board Podcast, where we explore the ideas, strategies, and people shaping the future of franchising.

If you found today’s episode valuable, please subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow franchise leader. To learn more, connect with us on LinkedIn and Youtube.

Until next time, stay curious, stay strategic, and keep building stronger franchise systems!