Varun Ashok is the founder of Mobile Experts, one of Australia’s fastest-growing mobile repair and accessory retailers.

Growing up in India, he spent his teenage years working in the family business before moving to Australia in 2007 to pursue a Masters in International Business. His early days saw him balancing studies with jobs at Pizza Hut and Vodafone, with no set plan beyond working hard and embracing new opportunities.

In 2013, Varun opened his first store in Wetherill Park, overcoming challenges with landlords and fit-outs to establish a strong customer base. His focus on providing the right product at the right price with genuine customer service set him apart and led to early profitability.

From a single store, Varun quickly scaled to 12 locations in Sydney, and over the years, expanded to more than 60 stores nationwide. Along the way, he shifted from instinctive, ‘seat-of-the-pants’ decision-making to building systems, training teams, and developing a long-term vision for growth.

Today, Mobile Experts continues to expand under his leadership, built on a foundation of innovation, people management, and customer focus with Varun shaping not only the business, but also the future of franchising in the mobile services industry.

0:00 Introduction

0:41 What Mobile Experts does

1:38 Varun’s personal background and life back in India

3:37 Varun’s family business in India

7:25 Transition after school and progression in the family business before moving to Australia

14:35 Arrival in Australia and first job experience

16:25 Early plans in Australia, studies, first jobs, and future expectations 

19:07 Progression from early jobs to discovering entrepreneurial drive

27:29 Overcoming landlord challenges during kiosk fit-out

28:45 Opening the Wetherill Park kiosk and differences in trading between India and Australia

31:36 Standing out early and achieving profitability faster than expected

33:03 Expanding beyond the first store and the vision for adding more locations

40:20 Scaling from 12 stores in Sydney to 60+ nationwide through strong team management

41:55 Growing to 25 stores without a set plan and continuing expansion after partnership changes

45:27 Decision-making process on future growth and long-term planning

51:56 Wrap Up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

Listen or Watch on;

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Phil Cronin and Darren Schultz co-founded Stellarossa in 2009, starting as a small espresso bar in Brisbane City before growing it into a well-recognised cafe brand across Queensland. Today, Stellarossa operates with three main models — kiosks, traditional cafes, and drive-throughs each adapted to suit local communities.

With a focus on flexibility, the brand’s menu system combines core items with elective options, allowing franchisees to tailor their offerings to regional tastes while maintaining consistency. Their franchise model features competitive fees, strong supplier partnerships, and encouragement of local sourcing to strengthen community connections.

Phil and Darren also emphasise the importance of store design innovation, giving each cafe its own identity while keeping the Stellarossa brand thread intact. A standout growth strategy is their concept of “Stellarizing” rebranding existing independent cafes into the Stellarossa system to lower entry costs and accelerate expansion.

Built on innovation, operational support, and a people-first approach, Stellarossa continues to evolve its franchise business model, creating opportunities for both franchise partners and local communities.

0:00 Introduction

1:03 Overview of the Stellarossa brand

2:47 The three main store models in Stellarossa

3:58 Managing menu variations across different Stellarossa store models

5:45 Coordinating menu rollouts with franchisees through core items and elective choices

8:26 Managing costs, margins, and franchise fee structure across menu items 

10:14: Relationships with shopping centres and support for local stores

11:41 Typical menu size per store and elective menu options

13:04 Head office supply of coffee products and contracted bulk suppliers through PFD

15:23 Store design and innovation

18:07 The concept of “Stellarize” and its role in innovation

22:42 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by: www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/k23eu2w8

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/mwk2wzmz

YouTube: https://youtu.be/gzfssbsIDGQ

Tom Elliott, CEO, and Alison Ossendryver, COO, are steering Hogs Breath Café through a period of renewal after challenging years for the industry. With Tom just four months into the role, the brand is seeing green shoots of recovery, including double-digit same-store sales growth, and is focused on capturing market share through strategic planning into FY26.

Leveraging a new centralised data dashboard, they’re enabling franchisees to benchmark performance, identify trends, and collaborate on solutions that lift profitability across the network. 

Alison, with over two decades in the business, highlights the evolution of training programs, operational efficiencies, and technology adoption all while keeping the signature prime rib at the heart of the menu.

Hog's Breath offers a flexible ownership model, welcoming both hands-on operators and investors, supported by tailored franchise and manager training programs. Looking ahead, the brand is investing in tech integration, kitchen and roster management tools, and a bar-led revival to boost beverage sales and enhance the customer experience, positioning itself for sustainable growth in a competitive market.

0:00 Introduction

0:27 Hog's Breath challenges in recent years

1:42 Rolling out growth plans with a focus on unit economics and top-line sales performance

3:50 Using system-wide data and rankings to drive collaboration, problem-solving, and improved franchise profitability

6:22 Evolving menu and preparation methods while maintaining prime rib as the brand’s signature offering 

8:32 Flexible training programs tailored to prior experience, ensuring franchise partners start strong

10:40 Overview of franchise entry costs and ongoing fee structure

14:35 Free six-week manager training program combining hands-on, online learning, and ongoing support

15:37 Consistent communication approach with both investors and owner-operators, focusing on the people-first principle

17:08 Future vision for Hog’s Breath with tech integration and a bar-led revival to boost beverage sales

19:32 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

Listen or Watch on;

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/cpv6cpzv

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/mu28sxm8

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/4p835hed

YouTube: https://youtu.be/27PkOWiSU8M

Shirley Chan is the first-ever franchise owner of HIIT Pilates, launching her studio in Surry Hills while still working full-time as a chartered accountant.

With a background in finance and international experience in Toronto and London, Shirley never imagined she’d find herself in the fitness industry, let alone owning a Pilates studio. But a long-standing connection with HIIT Pilates founder Carla Sconce, and a personal decision to try something new, set her on a very different path.

After completing the HIIT Pilates Academy training, Shirley began teaching on weekends while juggling her demanding career. What started as a side interest soon evolved into a serious conversation about franchising. Over the course of a year, she and Carla worked through the details, location, setup, support and eventually launched the first HIIT Pilates franchise in early January 2025.

In this episode, Shirley shares the full journey from training and startup challenges to marketing her studio, building community, and learning on the fly. She talks openly about time management, the benefits of a franchise model, and her long-term vision to grow into multiple studios with a strong team around her.

This is a real and relatable story about starting something new, backed by belief, structure, and plenty of late nights.

0:00 Introduction

1:14 What is HIIT Pilates

2:43 How Shirley discovered Pilates and met Carla Sconce, the founder

5:37 Studying commerce, becoming a chartered accountant, and moving abroad to Toronto and London

8:32 Discovering the HIIT Pilates Academy on Facebook and signing up to become an instructor while working full-time

11:12 Becoming an instructor without a set plan and how Carla’s support built her teaching confidence

13:51 Sharing her dream of owning a studio on day one of training and balancing teaching with a full-time career

16:36 No franchising background, learning the ropes, and a year-long conversation with Carla before opening her studio

18:30 Balancing full-time work with running a business and the importance of support from Carla and family

20:08 Benefits of franchising versus starting from scratch and the journey to finding the right studio location

24:25 Finding a creative outlet through marketing and building community in the studio

26:10 Shirley's vision for the future, growing to multiple studios and building a strong team

27:12 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by: www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

Listen or Watch on;

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2rwu2sb4

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2ks9e8hv

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/y52428k4

YouTube: https://youtu.be/ifboXH9QUCI

Chey Simpson is a franchise partner of Urban Clean in North Brisbane.

Over time, exposure to the business and encouragement from her husband sparked the belief that she could do it. In 2020, Chey took on her own Urban Clean franchise, starting with no cleaning experience and just a few contracts. She handled most of the work herself in the early stages, gradually building confidence through direct customer interaction and learning from her mistakes.

Today, Chey manages a growing commercial cleaning business with over $20,000 in monthly contracts and a reliable team of cleaners. She plays an active role in operations, customer service, and quality control, while also managing additional income through supply logistics.

Looking ahead, Chey aims to double or triple the size of her business, expand her team, and eventually step back from the day-to-day operations. Her story is one of determination, steady growth, and belief in following the systems that support franchise success.

0:00 Introduction

2:35 Chey's first impression in Australia

3:54 Speaking English was the hardest part of Chey when moving to Australia

5:18 Worked in an embroidery business before starting with Urban Clean

7:42 Started the business with doubts, no cleaning experience, and only a few clients

8:34 The hardest adjustment when starting the Urban Clean franchise and learning the business

9:48 The key elements to success in an urban cleaning franchise

10:44 Transitioning from doing the cleaning to managing a team and gaining more time off

11:58 What Chey’s day looks like with a growing team and over $20,000 in contracts

13:46 Chey’s growth plans for Urban Clean, and when to bring in more staff as contract volume increases

15:40 Typical workday hours in an Urban Clean commercial franchise

17:52 Advice on what it takes to be successful in an Urban Clean commercial cleaning franchise

19:23 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

Listen or Watch on;

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4cz3y3t9

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/vj4xrwab

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/4eaz3zb6

YouTube: https://youtu.be/VKTDqNyD6-M

Shirley Chan is the first-ever franchise owner of HIIT Pilates, launching her studio in Surry Hills while still working full-time as a chartered accountant.

With a background in finance and international experience in Toronto and London, Shirley never imagined she’d find herself in the fitness industry, let alone owning a Pilates studio. But a long-standing connection with HIIT Pilates founder Carla Sconce, and a personal decision to try something new, set her on a very different path.

After completing the HIIT Pilates Academy training, Shirley began teaching on weekends while juggling her demanding career. What started as a side interest soon evolved into a serious conversation about franchising. Over the course of a year, she and Carla worked through the details, location, setup, support and eventually launched the first HIIT Pilates franchise in early January 2025.

In this episode, Shirley shares the full journey from training and startup challenges to marketing her studio, building community, and learning on the fly. She talks openly about time management, the benefits of a franchise model, and her long-term vision to grow into multiple studios with a strong team around her.

This is a real and relatable story about starting something new, backed by belief, structure, and plenty of late nights.

0:00 Introduction

1:14 What is HIIT Pilates

2:43  How Shirley discovered Pilates and met Carla Sconce, the founder

5:37 Studying commerce, becoming a chartered accountant, and moving abroad to Toronto and London

8:32 Discovering the HIIT Pilates Academy on Facebook and signing up to become an instructor while working full-time

11:12 Becoming an instructor without a set plan and how Carla’s support built her teaching confidence

13:51 Sharing her dream of owning a studio on day one of training and balancing teaching with a full-time career

16:36 No franchising background, learning the ropes, and a year-long conversation with Carla before opening her studio

18:30 Balancing full-time work with running a business and the importance of support from Carla and family

20:08 Benefits of franchising versus starting from scratch and the journey to finding the right studio location

24:25 Finding a creative outlet through marketing and building community in the studio

26:10 Shirley's vision for the future, growing to multiple studios and building a strong team

27:12 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

Listen or Watch on;

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2rwu2sb4

Apple Podcasts: 

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/y52428k4

YouTube: https://youtu.be/ifboXH9QUCI

Greg Nathan is the founder of the Franchise Relationships Institute and author of the influential book Profitable Partnerships, a cornerstone resource for franchisors and franchisees around the world.

Originally trained as a psychologist, Greg entered the franchising world as both a franchisee and later a franchisor executive, where he saw firsthand the emotional and relational challenges within franchise networks. These experiences led him to write Profitable Partnerships in 1999, a book that has since sold over 250,000 copies globally and remains a go-to guide for building strong franchise relationships.

In this episode, he shares how franchise companies still use it in training and induction, and how his approach to delivering workshops both in person and online has evolved with the times.

From the psychology of stress and change to the importance of down-to-earth communication, Greg’s work continues to shape how franchise brands foster trust, empathy, and collaboration across their networks.

With his trademark clarity and care, Greg reminds us that great franchise systems are built not just on operations but on relationships.

📘 Profitable Partnerships is available here:

🌐 franchiserelationships.com

Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/mse4k6zb

0:00 Introduction

1:03 When the Profitable Partnership book was written

2:52 The broad themes of Profitable Partnerships book and why they resonate in franchising

3:56 Challenging the old view of stress as a strength in franchising

5:45 Helping franchise partners manage rapid change and technology shifts

7:00 Why Profitable Partnerships book still resonates with franchisors and franchisees

8:27 How Profitable Partnerships is used 25 years after it was written

9:39 Teaching franchisees practical tools for stress and relationship management in franchising

10:44 How technology changed the way Profitable Partnerships training is delivered 

12:10 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

Listen or Watch on;

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2ajdu5r5

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/5xbe7jm9

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ykwje9cj

YouTube: https://youtu.be/wPntzl7zTh4

Tom Elliott, CEO of Hog’s Breath, joins us to share how he’s leading the transformation of one of Australia’s most nostalgic restaurant brands. With years of experience in franchising and hospitality, Tom stepped into the role to reignite growth and future-proof the business.

In this episode, Tom talks about repositioning the brand from rethinking restaurant formats and refreshing the Hog’s Breath identity, to implementing next-gen tech and launching aggressive franchise incentives. 

He highlights how listening to long-time franchise partners and customers has shaped their strategic direction.

As the business focuses on sustainable expansion across Southeast Queensland, WA, and international markets like New Zealand, Tom offers an honest look at what it takes to rebuild momentum and create long-term value for both partners and customers.

0:00 Introduction

1:11 When the Hog's Breath brand started

4:26 The future of Hog's Breath with pink blood culture, restaurant of the future, and unit economics

6:01 How new tech and smaller spaces are changing the future of Hog's Breath

7:47 Upgrading POS systems and tech to future-proof the brand

8:49 Refreshing the Hog’s Breath brand to connect with a new generation

10:35 Turning ideas into action by listening at the coalface

12:48 Keeping costs competitive through smarter restaurant design and lower entry barriers

14:45 Lower fees and bigger support are opening the door for new Hog’s Breath franchisees

17:01 Long-term partnerships and serious growth plans are back at Hog’s Breath

18:09 Growth plans across Southeast Queensland, WA, South Australia and New Zealand

19:39 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

Listen or Watch on;

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Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bddda27c

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/53uaevye

YouTube: https://youtu.be/CDebhD_mWGw

Brendan Brown is the multi-site franchise owner of Poolwerx Shailer Park and Redland Bay in Southeast Queensland.

With over two decades of experience in civil engineering and construction materials including major infrastructure and precast concrete projects, Brendan reached a turning point in his corporate career and decided it was time to pursue something of his own.

Motivated by a desire to return to hands-on, technical work, he explored various industries before the pool industry caught his attention. After months of research, secret shopping, and conversations with the Poolwerx team, Brendan took the plunge and acquired the Shailer Park store in mid-2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. A second opportunity soon followed with Redland Bay, expanding his territory without requiring additional financing.

Brendan now leads a growing team of retail staff and mobile service technicians, balancing store operations with on-site problem solving. From digital marketing and real estate partnerships to exceptional customer service, he’s focused on building trust in a competitive market.

Looking ahead, Brendan plans to expand further with more service vans and a third retail outlet, driven by a clear vision and the autonomy that comes with business ownership.

0:00 Introduction

0:37 Brendan's career journey from civil engineering to Poolwerx franchise ownership

2:18 Two decades in engineering and the shift from technical work to leadership

4:20 Transition from engineering to logistics through industry connections and opportunity

5:23 Managing factory relocation projects and the search for personal ownership and control

7:08 Crossroads moment and choosing the pool industry for its technical and growth potential

8:35 Attracted to the pool industry for its technical challenge and stable demand in Queensland

9:38 From due diligence to multi-site ownership with Poolwerx during the pandemic

11:20 Acquiring established Poolwerx franchises and expanding territory with minimal risk

12:59 Culture shock of becoming a business owner and managing cash flow firsthand

14:55 Building customer trust as the biggest challenge in taking over an existing store

16:22 Balancing store management and field work across two Poolwerx franchise locations

17:57 Generating sales through digital marketing, real estate networks, and local outreach

19:01 Expanding in a growing market while maintaining service excellence in established areas

20:37 Planning for growth with more service vans and a potential third retail store

22:38 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

Listen or Watch on;

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yzcmwht6

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yh3tkwa8

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/5d2p24vv

YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZggRIjCDxt4

Greg Prussia is the National Business Development Manager at Bedshed, one of Australia’s longest-standing franchise brands, with over four decades of experience in retail franchising.

With a franchise model built on trust, collaboration, and consistent performance, Bedshed has created a network where many franchisees have stayed for decades, some since the 1980s and even passed their businesses on to the next generation.

Greg shares how the business supports both new and long-term franchise owners through open communication and shared decision-making. From participating in overseas product sourcing tours to influencing what appears on showroom floors, franchisees play a direct role in shaping the business.

The Bedshed model thrives on high transaction values, strong margins, and immediate product availability, allowing stores to succeed with fewer customers and lower overhead. With furniture making up 35–40% of revenue and next-day delivery often possible, franchisees gain a competitive edge in a space where timing and trust matter.

Greg’s insights highlight why Bedshed isn’t focused on rapid expansion, but on sustainable, and profitable growth.

0:00 Introduction

0:29 What is Bedshed

2:45 Support for franchise owners with 40 years of experience 

3:31 Bedshed franchise performance and entry costs

5:05 Breaking down the entry costs of Bedshed's franchise business

6:33 High transaction value and repeat customers drive bedshed's steady revenue

7:51 Average spend makes bedshed profitable with fewer transactions

9:12 Bedshed stores focus on relationship-based and high value selling to build trust in every sale

11:04 Direct involvement in product development leads to better margins for franchisees

13:27 Giving franchisees a voice to create a stronger sales environment

14:21 In-store stock control of furnitures or matresses helps bedshed avoid long delivery delays

15:45 Immediate stock availability set bedshed apart from traditional furniture retailers

17:22 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/283m6p87

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/y7zwvfej

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/33s5rkcj

YouTube: https://youtu.be/scL0tYpviKs