Franchise Empires

How does the co-founder of beem Light Sauna think about scaling a thriving health and wellness franchise? The Wolf talks with Cynthia May, CEO and Co-Founder of beem Light Sauna, to discover her secret to scaling from 0 to 65 locations in a little over four years.

Cynthia reveals her biggest challenges and successes in scaling a franchise brand, unraveling how she and her team developed systems that allowed their franchisees to truly thrive. How did culture and values fundamentally shape the nature of her franchise?

Cynthia also shares her insights into the unique benefits of light therapy— from mental health to weight loss and detoxification, she explains why customers are drawn to their private individual suites and rooms and how their membership-based business model sets the stage for success.

Plus, what’s in store for beem Light Sauna? And how has partnering with prelaunch partners and vendors upped their marketing game?

Tune in now to find out!

Join the fastest-growing VR franchise in the world and be among the first to bring premium immersive VR experiences to your community.

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00:01:30 - Scaling a Franchise Brand Successfully

00:05:43 - Finding the Right Location for Brands

00:08:46 - Partnering for Membership Sales Success

00:15:16 - Customizable Infrared and Red Light Therapy

00:21:25 - Top 3 Reasons for Wellness Retreats

00:25:29 - Transitioning from Founder to CEO

00:34:18 - Establishing Culture and Values for Business Success

00:40:50 - Goals for beem Light Sauna Beyond Units

Learn More About beem Light Sauna:

Website: https://franchise.beemlightsauna.com/

Follow Cynthia:

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

Follow The Wolf:

Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises

Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Website: https://www.krokit.com

And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.

Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.

And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Before it became a media franchise sensation, Dave’s Hot Chicken was a pop-up shop in East Los Angeles creating a line as long as the eye could see. Now it has a national cult following with investors like Drake and Usher invested in the Nashville-style chicken chain.

The Wolf sits down to chat with founding franchisees, Andrew Feghali and Lawrence Kourie about the challenges and triumphs of starting a franchise in a new market and the excitement of becoming part of a rapidly growing brand. 

Hear how Dave's Hot Chicken has gained attention not only for its mouth-watering menu but also for its celebrity investors. How do its chef-inspired offerings set it apart from the competition? And how has Dave’s made the art of the simple menu work in their favor?

Can Dave’s Hot Chicken compete with In-N-Out? Lawrence and Andrew explain how focusing on the people behind the brand and creating room for growth has led to a fantastic working culture and a high degree of scalability.

Plus, don’t miss out on an exclusive sneak peek into the future of Dave's Hot Chicken, including plans for expansion and international growth.

Sandbox VR is the world’s most advanced virtual reality experience. With more than 45 locations across 7 countries, this full-body gaming provides unprecedented realism and complete immersion that’s not possible anywhere else. Groups of up to six can roam the VR space together, exploring exclusive virtual worlds and relying on each other to succeed while surviving a zombie apocalypse, battling a mighty dragon, hunting for lost treasure, and more.

Visit Franchise.SandboxVR.com to learn more.

00:00:00 - Franchisees Share Dave's Hot Chicken Story

00:03:53 - Dodgers Game Meeting Leads to Successful Store Opening

00:06:06 - Opening a Franchise in San Diego

00:12:55 - Balancing Speed and Patience in Expansion

00:18:52 - Simplicity Key to Dave's Success

00:22:14 - Celebrity Investors Back Dave's Hot Chicken

00:26:18 - Third-Party Delivery: A Big Model

Follow Lawrence:

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

Follow Andrew:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-feghali-6728197a/

Follow The Wolf:

Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises

Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Website: https://www.krokit.com

And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.

Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.

And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Did you know when it comes to where your franchise is situated, there’s a breakfast side and a dinner side of the street? 

Dinesh Goswami certainly does, and with 125+ franchise locations open, including Pizza Hut, Popeye’s, , Taco Bell, and Checker’s, he knows why understanding your location is the #1 thing you can do to ensure the longevity of your franchise. 

Dinesh talks with the Wolf about his diversified portfolio and the valuable lessons he’s learned from his extensive franchising career about staying resilient and consistent in the face of economic fluctuations. How have specialized franchise lenders and SBA loans helped Dinesh to scale? Plus, discover his unique approach to acquiring talent and fostering a people-centric business.

From understanding the importance of location selection to leveraging organic growth opportunities, Dinesh provides his incredible insights into the challenges of franchising at a high-level scale. 

00:00:48 - From Banker to Popeyes Owner

00:02:12 - Corporate Dropout Opens Successful Franchise

00:05:03 - Considerations for Choosing Restaurant Locations

00:12:39 - Avoid Costly Mistakes When Opening a Restaurant

00:14:03 - How to Convince Someone to Switch Jobs

00:18:41 - Capital Strategy for Business Expansion: SBA Loans or Profit Funneling?

00:21:06 - Specialized Lenders for Franchise Industry

00:29:25 - Diversifying Brands for Steady Growth

00:36:04 - Understand Your Strengths Before Marketing

Follow Dinesh:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinesh-goswami-463547130/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dineshvgoswami/

Follow The Wolf: 

Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises

Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Website: https://www.krokit.com

And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.

Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.

And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

What’s the latest Twitter beef with an army of minions going to war for Gas Biz Guy? Is it a joke or is there legitimate beef behind the brawl?  

Join The Wolf as he sits down with viral Twitter personality Gas Biz Guy (aka Chris Hellgeth), a self-made entrepreneur who turned a ten-cent cigarette sale into a $100 million-a-year gas distribution business. They break down the secrets to success in the gas station industry, including the importance of value, experience, and building a strong brand.

Discover how the Gas Biz Guy built his business from the ground up, overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities along the way. From cashing checks to gas station ownership, he shares his entrepreneurial journey and offers valuable insights for aspiring business owners.

The Gas Biz Guy also peels back the curtain on the little-known gas and convenience store industry, unpacking the unique synergy between quick-serve restaurants and gas stations and exploring the opportunities they can provide potential investors.  

And later, he and the Wolf dive into the evolving trends in the convenience store industry, from the rise of novelty energy drinks to the increasing focus on customer experience. Find out how higher-margin locations are expanding their margins by providing a clean environment and excellent customer service.

00:00:00 - Gas Station Enthusiast Dominates Twitter

00:04:14 - From a 10 Cent Cigarette Sale to a $100 Million Success

00:08:26 - Solving the Unbankable Population Issue

00:12:14 - Gas Stations: Profit from Convenience, Not Gas

00:15:22 - Gas Station Industry's Value Proposition

00:20:15 - Buying from Distributors: Convenience Store Margins

00:24:32 - Cooler Products Dominate Market Growth

00:25:47 - Synergy Between Gas Stations and Restaurants

Follow Gas Biz Guy:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gas_biz

Follow The Wolf: 

Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises

Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Website: https://www.krokit.com

And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.

Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.

And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

How did a West Point flight school graduate become the founder of 79 optical stores across the US? Bill Noble, Pearle Vision’s largest multi-unit franchise owner, joins the pod to chat with the Wolf about his fascinating journey from sitting in the cockpit to building a nationwide franchise empire.  

From his early days at Harrah's Entertainment to his transition into the retail industry, Bill shares valuable insights on leadership, partnership, and the challenges of growing a franchise business. Discover how his military background and experience in the gaming industry shaped his approach to leadership and motivated him to start his own franchise.

Bill discusses the importance of maintaining a true partnership between franchisors and franchisees and reveals how honest feedback and open communication contribute to the growth and success of a franchise organization.

He and the Wolf dissect the strategies and considerations involved in acquisitions and growth and uncover how market conditions and lending criteria can impact a franchise's expansion plans.

Whether you're a seasoned franchise owner or considering starting your own business, gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics and intricacies of building a successful franchise empire.

00:00:23 - Military Veteran's Journey to Retail

00:03:27 - First Leadership Role Outside Military

00:05:42 - Transitioning Leadership Skills from Gaming

00:08:11 - From Lenscrafters Employee to Franchise Owner

00:15:12 - Navigating Pressure as a CEO

00:18:31 - Converting Corporate Locations to Pearle Visions

00:21:21 - Transitioning from Corporate CEO to Franchise Leader

00:24:37 - Navigating Growth in Changing Markets

00:29:38 - Approaching Leadership as a Franchise Owner

00:38:07 - Balancing Personal Identity in Competitive Organizations

00:45:27 - Franchise Concept Evolves into Partnership

Follow Bill: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamnoble1/

Follow The Wolf: 

Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises

Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Website: https://www.krokit.com

And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.

Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.

And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Deb Merrill had no idea she was destined for franchise management until her brother-in-law asked if she’d be interested in running a Jimmy John’s. Realizing that stage management wasn’t the dream job she had hoped it would be, Deb left her theater career behind for the food service industry.

In this candid conversation with the Wolf, Deb opens up about her rise from the bottom of the food chain to the top of the Jimmy John’s game. How did she take the dive into franchising with zero experience in the industry and eventually open 12 different locations? And what was it really like working with family?  

Deb also shares her wisdom into the daily rewards and challenges of running a Jimmy John’s franchise from the physical demands of the job to the importance of finding the right team members. What should the structure and setup of a fair franchise agreement look like? And what’s the importance of maintaining positive relationships with franchisees?

Plus, learn about the early days of Jimmy John's, including the impact of the economic crash in 2008 and the struggles of balancing construction schedules and employee training. What kinds of unique opportunities does Jimmy John’s provide for franchise owners?

Tune in now to find out!

Workstream is the all in one tool for restaurants to run their HR, hiring, and payroll operations. Trusted by over 25,000 restaurant locations, Workstream is the people management tool built for managing hourly workers.

Visit http://www.workstream.us/thewolf to learn more!

00:00:00 - Transitioning from Theater to Fast Food Franchise

00:03:06 - Navigating Responsibility and Control in Business

00:04:35 - Balancing Construction and Opening Schedules

00:07:03 - Corporate Training at Jimmy John's

00:08:47 - Opening Two Stores in Six Months

00:14:41 - Arranging Fair Structures for Collaborations

00:15:48 - Navigating Family Business Dynamics Successfully

00:18:59 - 16 Years of Steady Store Growth

00:21:57 - Expanding Store Locations: A Timeline

Workstream is the all-in-one tool for restaurants to run their HR, hiring, and payroll operations. Trusted by over 25,000 restaurant locations, Workstream is the people management tool built for managing hourly workers.

Visit http://www.workstream.us/thewolf to learn more!

Follow The Wolf: 

Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises

Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Website: https://www.krokit.com

And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.

Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.

And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Drew Gressett’s sitting down with the Wolf to discuss his personal journey in the restaurant industry—from his journey founding Hat Creek Burger Company to owning 60+ Zaxby’s.

Hear Hat Creek Burger Company’s humble origin story—from starting as a food truck in 2008 to now having 26 brick-and-mortar locations, Drew shares the challenges and triumphs of scaling his business. He shares how building a strong restaurant management team and securing financing helped fuel his exponential growth.

What are the unique dynamics of running both independent restaurants and franchise locations? And does Drew have plans to expand into other franchise brands or industries in the future?

Tune in now to find out!

00:00:23 - From Food Truck to Restaurant Success

00:07:13 - Lessons Learned from Hat Creek's Expansion

00:08:10 - Growing Hat Creek to 26 Locations

00:15:12 - Expanding the Zaxby's Franchise Portfolio

00:18:23 - Scaling Hat Creek 

00:20:37 - Building a Strong Restaurant Management Team

00:24:36 - Leveraging Seller Financing for Growth

00:28:56 - Franchise Friction: Running Own vs. Franchise

00:33:03 - Exploring New Franchise Opportunities and Industries

00:34:37 - New Builds vs. Acquisitions: Pros and Cons

Learn More About Zaxby’s:

Website: https://www.zaxbys.com/franchise

Learn More About Hat Creek Burger Company:

Website: https://hatcreekburgers.com/who-we-are

Follow Drew: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-gressett-96891621a/

Follow The Wolf: 

Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises

Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Website: https://www.krokit.com

And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.

Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.

And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

You’ll never be able to operate 90+ franchises if your first franchise isn’t golden to begin with. Take it from Adam Saxton, operator of over 90+ McAlister’s Delis and co-CEO/Owner of the Saxton Group. With territories in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, Adam chats with the Wolf about his unusual philosophy for franchise expansion, including a unique organic unit model development approach entailing zero acquisitions.

With over 20 years in the fast-casual space, Adam reveals why he remains optimistic about the ROI potential in this industry and explains how his family's background in restaurant franchising influenced his decision to join McAlister's Deli. How has he managed to maintain slow and steady growth since his first bought unit in 1999?

Discover the importance of building a strong culture and brand within your organization, and how investing in internal development leads to long-term success. Adam discusses the growth opportunities that come with expanding your franchise and the value of promoting from within.

Plus, what are Adam’s perspectives on investment levels and the potential return on capital for first-time franchisees?

Tune in now to find out! 

00:00:00 - Locations in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas

00:00:30 - Adam Joins Family Restaurant Business

00:08:17 - Organic Growth Strategy of the Saxton Group

00:11:46 - Community Outreach Boosts McAlister's Brand

00:13:34 - Fostering Growth and Opportunity at McAlister’s

00:17:13 - Franchisees Expand with New Brands

00:18:45 - Saxton Group Acquires Jaggers

00:22:29 - Staying Optimistic in the Fast Casual Industry

00:26:49 - Investment Returns for New Franchisees

00:32:54 - Room to Grow for McAlister’s

Follow Adam: 

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

Follow The Wolf: 

Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises

Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Website: https://www.krokit.com

And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.

Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.

And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Buckle up because the Wolf is taking another stab at your best Twitter questions in this solo question-and-answer pod.

Should you be able to negotiate a franchise agreement? If so, how much of an agreement is negotiable, or are most franchise agreements a take-it-or-leave-it proposition? 

Then the Wolf uncovers his #1 recommendation for back-office franchisee solutions (hint: it’s a software that’s near and dear to his heart), before dissecting the differences between chains and franchises.  

Plus, who will win the Nashville Chicken Wars? Or do all chicken franchises come out the loser if the market has hit its peak saturation point? 

Follow The Wolf: 

Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises

Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Website: https://www.krokit.com

And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.

Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.

And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

The Wolf chats with french fry master, Lucas Mitchell, a successful entrepreneur and franchisee of Five Guys, to discuss the ins and outs of scaling a franchise business. From building strong relationships with franchisees to managing shiny object syndrome, Lucas shares valuable insights and lessons learned along his journey.

How did Lucas go from owning five stores to over 20? What were the challenges and rewards that came with his rapid growth? He details his unique strategies for managing debt covenants and explains how he leveraged specific relationships to fuel his franchise’s expansion.

Hear how Lucas has kept his composure and avoided the temptation of shiny object syndrome to maintain a consistent relationship with Five Guys. He reveals his philosophy for scaling a sustainable organization and tells the Wolf how he managed to escape with his sanity intact while growing Five Guys. 

Lucas also explores why continuous learning and evolution were essential to his role as a leader. Find out how he has leveled up his leadership skills and implemented guidelines to run his business effectively. Plus, get a glimpse into Lucas's future plans for growth, including the potential for expanding into other brands. 

Paylocity offers the only modern HR and payroll solution that makes real-time recommendations to drive better business outcomes.

Paylocity is the modern, all-in-one platform that makes HR and payroll easier — so you can focus on your employees. We’ll make onboarding faster, recruiting smarter, and compliance simpler. To learn more visit https://paylocity.com/restaurants.

00:06:13 - Leveraging Relationships to Buy Locations

00:12:12 - Investment Strategy: Equity vs. Debt

00:16:04 - Navigating Debt Covenants in Restaurant Ownership

00:18:43 - Understanding Debt Covenants in Franchising

00:23:25 - Combining Five Guys with Another Brand

00:25:40 - Managing Shiny Object Syndrome as an Entrepreneur

00:31:18 - Avoid Entrepreneurial Mistakes: Focus First

00:34:57 - Building Relationships Key to Franchise Success

00:41:37 - Evolving Leadership Skills in Business

Follow Lucas: 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lmitchellhq?lang=en

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

Follow The Wolf: 

Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises

Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Website: https://www.krokit.com

And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.

Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.

And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!