Franchise Euphoria

Michele Waits, a coffee industry veteran with over 15 years of experience, discusses being announced as Biggby Coffee's new CMO. Waits, who has worked with brands such as Gerber and illycaffè and worked as a VP for Starbucks for over 12 years, shares how her insights will empower the marketing team to connect with Biggby customers in a more individualized way, streamlining and modernizing the concept's efforts. Waits plans to leverage personalized digital marketing and a social media presence in her new role which will allow the brand to be able to connect with its customers how and where they prefer and can discuss how her experience working with household names internationally will help fuel Biggby’s growth even further. 

[1:58] - Michelle shares her background in marketing and the 20 years of experience she has.

[3:07] - After working for Starbucks for 12 years, Michelle confirms that Starbucks is not a franchise. Michelle’s transition to Biggby is a learning curve since it is a franchise.

[4:52] - Franchise licensing can be confusing and it is regulated in different ways.

[5:45] - A franchise owner is a small business owner.

[7:29] - How did the misconception grow that a franchise isn’t a small business?

[9:56] - Franchising allows you to go into business for yourself but not by yourself.

[10:59] - As a franchise owner you have a lot of control but you also have a great deal of support.

[14:01] - Michelle describes the things that the franchisor provides to franchisees.

[16:13] - Marketing tactics are taught to franchisees to get the demand started even before their location is open.

[18:58] - Biggby is proud of their coffee but isn’t in the coffee business. They are in the mood-uplifting business.

[21:29] - It isn’t just about providing a product. It’s about providing an experience.

[22:36] - There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to a company’s footprint.

[24:13] - Who is the ideal franchisee for Biggby Coffee?

[26:30] - How does Biggby keep the brand consistent across multiple locations?

[28:27] - When you’ve got a strong brand, it will emanate out across locations.

Biggby Coffee Home Page

Biggby Coffee Franchise Site

Michelle Waits on LinkedIn

The definition of health and wellness has changed. We all have realized that we need to be more proactive towards our own health and wellbeing. By being more proactive we can live an active life for as long as possible, and isn’t that the point of living a longer life anyways? The Covery Wellness Spa provides non-invasive therapies designed to enhance and optimize the health journeys of their clients. Through their customized wellness journey, clients are provided with the tools and the education that is needed to reach their overall wellness goals.

Today’s guest is Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) Edward “EK” Navan. EK Navan is also the co-founder and member of The Covery since its formation in August 2020. From June 2017 to present, EK has served as co-founder and member of R-WELLNESS in Baton Rouge, LA. From 2016 to 2018, he also served as a national account manager and consultant for Fitness Ventures International in Charleston, South Carolina. From 2015 to 2016, he served as Northeastern Regional Manager for TRX, Inc. in Atlanta, as well as the CEO of Redzone Fitness from 2015-2017. His experience in the wellness and fitness industry is extensive and has helped lead to the success of The Covery.

[2:04] - The wellness industry has grown exponentially in recent years.

[5:27] - Covid-19 shut the doors on a lot of wellness locations, but EK says it gave them the opportunity to take a step back and put together a better program.

[8:08] - EK shares some of the therapies and services that The Covery Wellness Spa offers. They are unique.

[9:16] - The focus is the outcome.

[12:03] - EK explains one of the ways they are working on health without prescriptions.

[14:21] - What are some of the reasons clients come to The Covery Wellness Spa?

[17:03] - The first location was opened in 2021 which was a challenging time to start a business, but the opportunity was there.

[19:16] - EK’s opinion is that traditional franchising is broken. Their system is a little different.

[20:53] - There are right ways and wrong ways to run a franchise.

[24:42] - What role does the economy play in building a business like this?

[27:14] - Josh admits that he is not a fan of the broker network early on in the process.

[28:56] - Sometimes growing the smart way is by growing slowly.

[30:42] - With a system like this, you can find the right people.

[32:01] - Who is the right franchisee for The Covery Wellness Spa?

The Covery Wellness Spa Home Page

Facebook  |  Instagram  |  LinkedIn

The Covery Wellness Spa Franchise Site

With a refined focus on clean eating, a literal approach to menu transparency, authenticity, and a digital-first approach, Balance Grille has been turning heads throughout the fast-casual industry since 2010, solving for nearly every issue facing the restaurant arena today and instead turning them into key differentiators for the brand. 

Prakash Karamchandani (PK) is the co-founder of Balance Grille. Since its founding in 2010, Balance Grille has successfully reinvented the fast-casual concept, Asian Fusion cuisine, and the franchise business model. It currently has 5 locations, which PK owns and operates along with his buddy-turned-business-partner, HoChan Jang (CJ). PK’s focus is on refining kitchen efficiencies, customer experience, and business operations.

[2:34] - PK shares the experience of meeting HoChan and deciding to team up to create Balance Grille.

[4:40] - During the economic downturn at the time, PK and CJ were turned down time and time again.

[6:38] - It’s not as easy as it seems to go to the bank and get the funding needed to begin.

[8:50] - PK and CJ continue to work together and split the responsibilities to maintain the success of the business.

[10:27] - They did everything themselves in starting the business.

[12:19] - The goal was to create happiness and they did it through food.

[13:47] - The restaurant industry is hard to break into due to tons of competition.

[15:33] - There’s nothing wrong with making a profit, but there’s more to it than that.

[16:58] - From the start, the goal was to create a business that was scaleable.

[18:05] - Franchising is new for Balance Grille as they have only been franchising for one year.

[20:55] - Staying local is a great goal, but consistency is lacking.

[22:54] - PK and CJ have partnered with another company to help scale the business.

[27:12] - They have a very clear vision of how they’d like the franchise structured.

[29:00] - What are you doing right now to set yourself up for success?

[32:31] - The business is growing and thriving right now at a fast pace.

[34:31] - Balance Grille is actively seeking franchisees.

Balance Grille Website

Balance Grille Franchise Site

After 15 years of working his way up through the competitive ranks of NYC’s financial sector, Andrew Pudalov made a conscientious decision to leave his most recent position as Global Head of Fixed Income Derivative Trading at National Australia Bank to pursue an interest he felt was a virtue of higher importance. While he worked his entire adult life for a number of prestigious financial institutions to achieve an expertise in institutional fixed income derivative trading, he simply felt it time to gratify another more altruistic ambition he had always held.

Andrew founded Boulder’s University Hill District’s first all-natural bowl/smoothie bar in the fall of 2004, providing a healthy alternative to the common “Hill” fare. After enormous success, Andrew launched a line of frozen grab-n-go bowls soon to meet the ever-mounting demand. Today, he operates Rush Bowls retail, wholesaling, and franchising with over 100 stores in various stages of development throughout the US.

Rush Bowls continues to receive both regional and national acclaim. Andrew maintains a commitment to spreading the joys of pure, honest nutrition and making Rush Bowls the best possible company it can be.

[2:39] - Andrew shares his background before founding Rush Bowls.

[5:24] - He went head first into the idea in 2004 and decided on smoothie bowls.

[7:57] - Rush Bowls experienced slow and steady growth in the early years.

[10:01] - Andrew explains the adjustment he made as he transitioned to the ownership of a business.

[12:53] - Andrew has experienced a lot of opportunities to do things his way.

[15:18] - A lot of franchises charge the franchisee for the product. But Rush Bowls does not.

[17:08] - It is tough to build a business from scratch. Franchising is a great way to own a business with an already established structure and system.

[18:33] - It was recommended by many for Andrew to franchise Rush Bowls, but he wanted to test it in multiple locations first.

[20:55] - Education is important and a strength of Rush Bowls.

[21:53] - Rush Bowls has locations in 21 states and has created great national networks.

[23:53] - Everything at Rush Bowls is made to order.

[25:37] - Too much space is a detriment to many franchisees.

[27:18] - Who is the ideal franchisee for Rush Bowls?

Rush Bowls Home Page

Rush Bowls Franchise Site

Lisa Druxman is a mom on a mission. She is the founder of FIT4MOM, the country's largest fitness program for moms, a noted speaker, author, podcaster and powerhouse of energy. A self proclaimed idea monkey and #momboss, Lisa is passionate about helping women get out of overwhelm and in to a life of health and happiness. A well-published author, Druxman has written on business for Entrepreneur and on motherhood for magazines such as Fit Pregnancy, Shape and more. Recognizing her entrepreneurship, Druxman has also been nominated for and received numerous honors from organizations such as the National Association of Women Business Owners for her unique and successful business.

FIT4MOM offers pre and postnatal health, wellness, and fitness programs for every stage of motherhood. All of their programs were created by moms for moms to provide Strength in Motherhood®. FIT4MOM is the world’s largest fitness program for moms with 2600+ locations, 1500 locations, and 310 franchise owners nationwide.

[2:22] - Lisa never had any intention of starting a business but shares how she has found herself as the CEO and founder of FIT4MOM.

[3:30] - Don’t name your company based on one thing, because you might grow and branch out for more.

[4:32] - FIT4MOM is more than just a fitness program. The community of mothers is what sets the business apart.

[5:58] - Lisa wanted other moms to have the opportunity to build their own business with her model and have an impact in their own community.

[8:01] - Lisa describes some of the classes FIT4MOM offers and how they are unique to each community and franchise location.

[10:12] - What does FIT4MOM help their franchisees get started and continue building their own business?

[12:07] - Originally, Lisa’s target franchisee was a fitness professional and mom. But that was far from the case.

[14:21] - They have created franchise cohorts based on the goals and the stage of each franchise.

[15:58] - The curriculum and course materials are all online and offer certifications to each franchisee to be able to teach their classes.

[17:21] - Lisa has been able to build this business and become an author because she has built an incredible team.

[18:53] - FIT4MOM is constantly evolving and Lisa does not foresee the future of becoming stale.

[20:23] - The San Diego location has remained a corporation location and Lisa tests new things before sending them out to franchisees.

[22:03] - Lisa shares special discounts for Franchise Euphoria listeners!

    FIT4MOM Home Page

    FIT4MOM Franchising Site

Today’s guest is Pete DiFilippo, a principal at C Squared Advisors, a leading investment bank and advisory firm that helps multi-unit franchisees in the restaurant and retail industries maximize the value of their businesses by presenting comprehensive solutions and executing complex transactions. Prior to joining C Squared, DiFilippo served in franchise finance leadership roles for well-known national banking institutions.

With more than 100 years of collective experience, C Squared has helped sell, purchase, re-franchise, and recapitalize more than 10,000 franchised locations. Services include mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, valuations, private financing and recapitalization, restructuring, and ongoing financial advisory services.

[2:46] - Pete shares his background and experience in business and franchising.

[4:20] - Covid-19 changed so many things and caused a lot of turmoil in the industry.

[6:23] - Some franchisees may get to a point where they want or need to sell.

[8:29] - Pete describes how C Squared helps franchisees and franchisors with their business and their specific needs.

[10:21] - C Squared doesn’t focus on specific types of clients and customers. They customize their service to work with every type of franchise.

[11:20] - What sets C Squared apart from the other advisory companies?

[13:30] - Pete shares his advice for business owners to be prepared for the time they want to sell their business. They need to have everything in order.

[17:41] - Surround yourself and your business with the right people.

[18:54] - C Squared looks closely at a lot of different factors to make sure businesses are appealing to potential buyers.

[20:54] - Focus on the things you can control. There’s always going to be noise and issues, but continue to stay focused.

[21:27] - This industry is very resilient.

C Square Advisors, LLC Home Page

Brian Kelley has served as the President and CEO of Phenix Salon Suites for just under four years, leading the brand toward exponential growth and success across more than 340 locations in 34 states through the U.S. and now internationally. He has over 25 years of financing, owning, operating, and developing franchise businesses all across the United States in both the salon and restaurant industries. Mr. Kelley currently leads the charge as the salon suite concept continues expanding its global and national footprint.

Phenix is a salon suite rental concept that offers an opportunity for salon and lifestyle professionals to operate their own business in a private salon suite within a larger, well-located salon. The brand licenses individualized suites so professionals can service their clients in a safe and secure environment. Founded in 2007 by beauty expert and celebrity hairstylist Gina Rivera, the Phenix suites concept has reinvented the salon industry. The company began franchising in 2012 and today has more than 340 salons across 33 states with continued plans to expand internationally. The brand sets itself apart through its semi-absentee opportunities and recession resistant model. Phenix ended 2022 with 70 franchise agreements, creating a strong pipeline for 2023 with 60-plus locations currently under construction. The brand is also the #1 salon suite concept and has been recognized by Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 for the past decade. 

[2:19] - During and after Covid-19, Phenix grew as a direct result of their salon suite model to keep people safe.

[3:16] - Brian’s background began in the restaurant industry and he shares why he made the change.

[4:51] - There are so many businesses out there in the health and beauty industry, but Phenix is unique.

[6:18] - Brian explains the business model that makes Phenix stand out.

[8:39] - The stylists work their own businesses and Phenix makes the space available. It is a semi-absentee model.

[9:53] - Originally there was a front desk component but they’ve gone away with it as it really just wasn’t needed.

[12:01] - Stylists take care of their own suites including day to day cleaning.

[13:40] - Once a facility is open, it’s all about getting people in the suites and maintenance.

[15:12] - There’s not a lot of opportunity to build more value after a stylist has a suite as the stylist is maintaining their own business and the franchisee is absent.

[17:08] - Brian describes the app that franchisees use to help manage the site.

[18:32] - The founder of Phenix is still very much involved and is the face of the brand.

[19:53] - Gina, the founder, has a really interesting story that led to the creation of Phenix Salons.

[21:41] - Gina was also on an episode of Undercover Boss that highlighted the strengths of the business.

[23:30] - Stylists can build quite a client base through the use of social media.

[26:12] - The hardest growth is going from 1 to 2 locations. 

[28:42] - Look forward as far as you can, but look at your current growth first.

Phenix Salon Suites Franchising Site

Chris Prefontaine is the four-time best-selling author of Real Estate on Your Terms, The New Rules of Real Estate Investing, and Sell With Authority for Real Estate Investors. He’s also the founder of the Wicked Smart companies and host of the Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast.

With over 31 years experience in real estate, Chris’s expertise ranges from constructing new homes and owning a Realty Executive Franchise to running his own investments and coaching clients throughout North America.

Most of the time, franchising involves real estate. In our conversation today, Chris explains the difference between real estate strategies for franchisors and franchisees when thinking about locations and growth. Chris offers a lot of great resources for franchisees to learn about creative real estate and offers a wide range of real estate topics on his own podcast.

[2:35] - Chris shares his background and how his extensive experience in real estate has had an impact on franchising.

[4:15] - After the crash of 2008, Chris had to completely reinvent his business.

[5:25] - Chris describes the rules and methods used since 2008 and why these are important.

[7:31] - Lease purchase is another strategy and is great for franchisees.

[8:47] - What is Subject to Existing Financing?

[10:40] - Chris’s trainings and master classes are great for those who are looking to franchise.

[13:24] - Chris shares his experience as a real estate franchisee.

[15:01] - Who is the ideal client for Smart Real Estate Coach?

[17:30] - Banks are tightening up so commercial and residential lends itself well to creative real estate.

[18:28] - Chris is the host of the Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast that is great for a variety of listeners.

Free Book for Franchise Euphoria Listeners!

Master’s Class

15-Minute Strategy Call

Chris Prefontaine on LinkedIn

Smart Real Estate Coach Website

Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast

From franchisee to franchisor, Sharon Arthofer knows exactly what a franchisee needs. Sharon began her career in retail and made a shift 30 years ago as the first franchisee of Wetzel’s Pretzels. She was instrumental in growing the company from one location to malls across the country. But now, she has become the franchisor of a new and emerging concept.

Sharon Arthofer is the Founder and CEO of Sip Fresh, a mall-based beverage stop for customers with a big twist. The hand-crafted concept puts Sip Fresh on the map as having a one of a kind product and the growth has been very steady for the company. 

Today’s episode is all about Sip Fresh’s start and Sharon’s perspective as a franchisee and now a franchisor. She’s seen how it works first hand and can be the driving force behind Sip Fresh’s success for current and new franchisees.

[2:50] - Sharon was the first franchisee of Wetzel’s Pretzels.

[3:55] - After 30 years with Wetzel’s, Sharon saw a void she thought she could fill and went down the road of creating Sip Fresh.

[5:10] - As a franchisee, it is important to represent the brand.

[6:15] - Where did the idea of Sip Fresh come from?

[7:24] - Sharon describes what it is like to walk into a Sip Fresh and the memorable visual experience.

[8:30] - You see it, you sample it, you sip it.

[10:05] - Engagement is a key component in the unique experience at Sip Fresh.

[12:11] - Sharon describes some of the products they offer, including blended drinks and juices.

[15:03] - Even with her 30 years of franchisee experience, it is different becoming a franchisor. The biggest challenge was Covid-19.

[17:30] - Sharon is passionate about building a partnership and trust with franchisees. 

[19:48] - The ideal franchisee is a strong entrepreneur committed to a multi-unit model.

[22:43] - The goal for Sip Fresh is to follow Sharon’s five year plan and become a regional brand and move across the country.

Sip Fresh Website

Sip Fresh Franchising

With an extensive background of 30+ years in franchising, today’s guest shares his perspective on the franchise business model and his shift from food service to restoration. Bob Moore is the Vice President of Franchise Operations for United Water Restoration Group. United Water Restoration Group (UWR) has provided water restoration services and reconstruction for the last 15 years and looks forward to future growth as it is currently about to cross the 100 unit mark for franchise locations. 

United Water Restoration is a full service restoration company available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for water, flood, fire, storm, sewage, and mold emergencies. The organization has served the state of Florida for many years but has evolved into a national franchise bringing the same level of professionalism, family values, and personal attention.

[2:08] - Bob shares his 30 year background in franchising.

[3:40] - United Water Restoration Group serves residential and commercial customers after various types of damage.

[5:16] - After Covid-19, United Water Restoration also cleaned and sanitized businesses for customers so they could meet requirements to reopen.

[7:02] - Who is the ideal franchisee for United Water Restoration Group? 

[8:18] - The main focus for guiding franchisees getting started is hiring a solid team.

[10:10] - The overall culture of the organization is what differentiates UWR from other restoration companies.

[12:25] - There needs to be a very clear value proposition at the beginning and a clear progression moving forward.

[13:14] - The most successful business owner is one that is good at solving problems.

[14:55] - UWR focuses greatly on the franchisee.

[17:32] - When it comes to systems, Bob shares the challenges faced in recent years by UWR.

[19:04] - The goals for UWR over the next couple of years is to ensure that the current franchise units are continuing to grow and new units are established.

United Water Restoration Group Website

UWR Franchise Website