Franchise Everything

Sushi Sushi is one of Australia’s most recognized food franchise brands, with over 25 years of heritage in delivering fresh, authentic Japanese cuisine.

In this wide-ranging discussion, Stephen Anders, CEO of Sushi Sushi, shares his journey from global corporate leadership roles in finance, M&A, and marketing including time at Foster’s Group and Treasury Wine Estates to leading one of the country’s most successful QSR franchises.

Stephen reflects on his transition from the corporate world to franchising, the lessons learned through major global acquisitions, and how his early exposure to Japan shaped his appreciation for sushi culture and business innovation.

The conversation dives deep into Sushi Sushi’s post-COVID transformation, covering its renewed focus on technology-driven operations, multi-format retailing, customer loyalty programs, and franchise growth strategy. He also discusses the company’s evolving “RICE” values — respect, innovation, collaboration, and execution as a foundation for cultural and operational excellence.

0:00 Introduction

0:49 How Stephen Anders started in business

2:27 Why financial rigor is the common thread among franchise leaders

4:19 What corporate life was really like at Arthur Andersen 

7:03 Stephen’s journey from strategy manager to global wine executive at Foster’s

9:32 How billion-dollar mergers and acquisitions actually come together

11:58 Working across Asia during the currency crisis and discovering Japan’s business culture

16:37 First impressions of franchising after years in global corporate roles

19:17 The moment Sushi Sushi came calling and why Stephen said yes

22:21 What it’s like stepping into a private equity–backed franchise business

24:50 Resetting Sushi Sushi’s strategy after COVID

29:12 Inside a day in the life of Sushi Sushi’s CEO and what Stephen focuses on most 

32:58 Sushi Sushi’s sale process and how it impacts future expansion plans

34:43 What’s next for Sushi Sushi and its CEO over the next 3–5 years

35:23 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

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Bedshed is a long-established bedroom furniture and mattress retailer with over 45 years in business and a growing national franchise network across Australia.

In this episode, Greg Prussia, National Business Development Manager, explains how the brand has achieved a major breakthrough in reducing store build costs saving up to 75% on key joinery components for new stores.

By leveraging their long-term overseas furniture manufacturing partners to produce in-store joinery, Bedshed has managed to lower franchise entry costs without compromising quality, aesthetics, or design standards.

The new strategy was first rolled out in the brand’s Caringbah, New South Wales store, its smallest footprint yet proving that cost efficiency and premium presentation can go hand in hand. With reduced fit-out and lighting costs, the model now makes franchise ownership more accessible while boosting multi-store growth opportunities nationwide.

0:00 Introduction

1:25 Introducing Bedshed’s newest store and a major cost-saving innovation

4:57 Managing longer lead times as part of Bedshed’s cost-saving strategy

5:52 Applying the 75% cost-saving strategy to Bedshed’s smallest store

8:19 Why this Bedshed franchisee waited two years for the right opportunity

10:38 The financial impact of Bedshed’s new cost-saving strategy

12:06 Rolling out the new cost-saving strategy across future Bedshed stores

13:02 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/uvJgW22FzV0

Roll'd is a fast-casual Vietnamese food franchise serving fresh, authentic recipes inspired by Mama Hoang’s home cooking. Founded in Melbourne 13 years ago, the brand has grown to more than 100 locations across Australia and recently expanded into New Zealand.

In this episode, Jarrod Montigue, CEO of Roll'd, shares how the brand continues to innovate and support its franchise partners through five distinct revenue channels from traditional in-store sales and catering, to FMCG retail products, home delivery, and the newly launched Roll'd at Schools program.

Jarrod also highlights how the brand’s flexible business model, focus on healthy meal solutions, and strong operational support team are helping franchisees thrive and adapt in a changing food service landscape.

0:00 Introduction

0:31 What's Roll'd?

1:54 Introducing the five income channels that drive Rolld’s franchise growth 

2:44 How fresh, allergen-friendly catering became their secret growth engine 

4:34 How FMCG products help franchise partners boost in-store sales

5:31 Expanding home delivery partnerships and growing nighttime trade

7:34 Launching the Roll'd at Schools program to promote healthy eating and new revenue streams

10:46 Strengthening the Roll'd at Schools rollout with central support and B2B systems

13:14 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

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Dr Callum Floyd is Managing Director of Franchize Consultants and a long-term contributor to the Franchise Association of New Zealand.

Based in Auckland, Callum supports both emerging and established franchise brands with feasibility studies, system structure, performance reviews and CFE-accredited training to help franchisees and field teams thrive.

In this episode, he shares a clear picture of franchising in New Zealand today: a resilient and mature market with over 500 franchise systems and 25,000 franchisees across just 4.5 million people. Despite tough economic conditions, the sector remains strong powered by innovation, digital transformation, and a multicultural franchisee base.

Callum also breaks down key challenges like workforce shifts, access to capital, and ensuring franchisees stay profitable while explaining why franchising is uniquely powerful in New Zealand, especially in regional areas where national brands may not reach without franchise partners.

For Australian brands eyeing international expansion, Callum provides practical advice on entering the NZ market successfully: start small, validate the model locally, and never underestimate the nuances of Kiwi culture and expectations.

0:00 Introduction

1:00 Overview of Franchise Consultants NZ

2:27 Why NZ is the most franchised country per capita, 500+ systems thriving across a 4.5M population

4:25 Quality over quantity: growth in franchising should focus on better brands, not more brands

6:15 Key trends in NZ franchising right now: technology, economy and workforce challenges 

8:36 Top challenges NZ franchisors face today

10:28 Advice for Australian franchisors expanding into New Zealand

12:37 Interest from Australian franchisors entering New Zealand remains steady despite tougher economic conditions

13:17 Common pitfalls for Australian franchisors entering NZ

14:45 Why niche, specialised service concepts are finding the strongest opportunities in New Zealand’s franchise market

16:10 Brand origin isn’t a deal-breaker in NZ: quality and delivery matter more than being “Kiwi-owned"

17:17 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by: www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/KhWSuMF9Fec

Stephen Giles – Leading Australia Through a New Era of Franchise Regulation

Stephen Giles is one of Australia’s most respected voices in franchising — a senior partner at Norton Rose Fulbright and a long-time industry leader who has shaped franchising policy for more than two decades.

Having served 27 years on the Franchise Council of Australia board, Stephen has drafted countless submissions to government, worked closely with regulatory bodies, and guided franchisors through major legislative shifts.

In this episode, Stephen unpacks the latest and most significant change to the Franchising Code — the requirement for franchisors to ensure franchisees have a reasonable opportunity for a return on investment. He explains the intention behind the law, how it may reshape the franchise market, and why responsible business modelling and due diligence matter more than ever.

Stephen also discusses broader challenges facing the sector: rising compliance costs, media misconceptions, regulatory overreach, and the growing influence of auto dealer politics. Drawing from recent discussions in the United States, he highlights the stark contrast between Australia’s heavy regulatory environment and more balanced global approaches.

0:00 Introduction

0:59 The Franchising Code update: ROI obligations and what it means for franchise system

4:35 Prospective buyers now have easier access to online information and feedback from existing franchisees 

6:39 Why assumptions about “big brands” can mislead buyers

9:02  Why franchising often ends up in the media spotlight for the wrong reasons

12:28 Rising compliance costs forcing franchisors to choose legal fees over support

13:33 ROI provisions expected to evolve through court cases, not industry panic

16:26 The push to separate auto from franchising regulations — and the political roadblocks

17:41 What U.S. franchising reveals about regulation and shared responsibility

21:20 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

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Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/482a2yfd

Jay Westbury, CEO of the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA), joins Glenn to reflect on a pivotal 13 months leading the organisation through transformation and renewed momentum.

When Jay stepped into the role, his focus was clear — stabilise the FCA, rebuild confidence, and get franchising’s “mojo” back. In this episode, he walks through how he turned a $1.5 million loss into a $264,000 profit by returning to basics, focusing on core events like the Franchise Industry Awards and the National Franchise Convention (NFC), and fostering collaboration across the industry.

Jay also shares insights on leadership, financial discipline, and the power of keeping things simple. With the next NFC announced for Canberra, and plans to strengthen the FCA’s national engagement, this episode captures a moment of optimism and strategic focus for the franchising community in Australia.

0:00 Introduction

1:34 Reflecting on his first 13 months leading the FCA and the strategy to stabilise the organisation 

3:22 The small core team that helped rebuild the organisation 

6:08 Lessons from past leadership mistakes and the importance of balancing revenue with growth

7:59 Setting the stage for the next NFC and why Canberra is the perfect location 

10:50 Highlighting the FCA’s key events for 2025, including the FIA, NFC, and state Christmas parties

13:30 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

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How a Mobile Tools Business Works (Snap-on Tools)

Adam Wright is the Marketing Manager at Snap-on Tools Australia, a global leader in professional tools and equipment with over 105 years of innovation.

In this episode, recorded at the Snap-on Tools headquarters in Sydney, Adam joins Glenn to unpack how a mobile tool business really operates, from stocking thousands of products to managing customer relationships, marketing campaigns, and franchise support systems.

With over a century of experience, Snap-on Tools has perfected the art of delivering premium tools directly to workshops through its network of mobile franchisees. Adam walks us through what a typical day looks like on the road, the importance of customer trust, and the brand’s commitment to quality, training, and engagement from motorsport partnerships to reward trips like Tiwi Islands.

Offering a rare behind-the-scenes look, this episode highlights the strategy, culture, and hands-on effort that keep Snap-on thriving in a competitive franchise landscape proving that even in a 100-year-old business, innovation and relationships are what drive success.

0:00 Introduction

0:46 How a mobile tool franchise business actually works

3:00 How franchisees stock up and manage Snap-on’s Hot Tools program

4:37 How Snap-on franchisees demo and showcase tools to customers on the truck

6:29 Managing customer payments, credit terms, and revolving accounts in the Snap-on model  

9:00 What a typical day running a mobile tool business looks like

12:00 Driving franchise engagement through events and partnerships 

14:49 How Snap-on franchisees handle large equipment and tool storage sales

16:12 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by: www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au 

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/e3uXrCwd_QA

Andrew Walker is the Chief Franchise Development Officer for Poolwerx across Australia and New Zealand. With years of experience driving franchise growth and training systems, Andrew plays a central role in preparing new franchise owners and their teams for success.

At the heart of Poolwerx is Pool School a structured four-week program blending online learning with intensive hands-on training at the brand’s Brisbane training center. Beyond this, franchise owners benefit from ongoing support, peer-to-peer learning, supplier-led sessions, and state-based workshops during the “development season.”

Andrew emphasises the importance of technical excellence, retail and mobile integration, and building a strong culture of franchisees helping one another. With this framework, Poolwerx ensures that every new business owner feels confident stepping into their role while laying the foundation for long-term success.

0:00 Introduction

0:37 Overview of the Poolwerx franchise training methodology

2:35 Retail & technical excellence training programs for staff

3:19 How Poolwerx uses winter for franchise development 

3:58 How Poolwerx builds training topics from franchisee feedback

4:58 Training pathway from mobile operator to retail franchise owner

7:06 Why Poolwerx training and store openings rarely align

8:09 In-field training and support after Poolwerx Pool School

9:26 Peer-to-peer franchise support and collaboration

11:58 How suppliers strengthen franchise training at Poolwerx

13:36 Common fears new franchise owners face at Pool School 

15:36 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by: www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au 

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James Lethborg is the franchise owner of Hog’s Breath Café Launceston.

Starting in 2013 as head chef for the Launceston restaurant, he played a key role in its early success. Five years later, through a rare succession plan, James transitioned into franchise ownership.

The move from kitchen to ownership brought new challenges in finance, people management, and leadership, but also the chance to shape a culture built on what Hog’s Breath calls “HogsPitality.”

James now balances operations between the kitchen and front of house, while mentoring his team and ensuring customers feel the brand’s trademark energy. With nearly a decade as a franchise owner, he’s now setting his sights on multi-location growth, driven by systems, trust, and a commitment to hospitality at the core.

0:00 Introduction

0:43 Where James’ business journey began

3:33 The hardest part of being a chef

5:32 How Hogs Breath first came on the horizon 

7:53 Knowing the opportunity to become a franchise owner at Hogs Breath 

9:09 The transition from head chef to franchise owner with full support

11:38 Challenges in stepping up from chef to franchise owner

12:58 Finding balance between kitchen and operations

14:05 What a typical day looks like as a franchise owner

17:13 The critical success factors in running a Hogs Breath franchise

19:07 Finding the right personality during staff interviews

19:49 Future plans for Hogs Breath Launceston 

22:31 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

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Joel Kleber is the Chief Marketing Officer of Jim’s Group, Australia’s largest franchise network. Since 2019, Joel has led the brand’s content-driven growth strategy, transforming dormant social accounts into a powerful media engine.

With a background in content and marketing, Joel built a team that consistently produces authentic video across YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok — from franchisee stories to founder-led Q&As. This approach has doubled network growth in just five years, positioning Jim’s Group as a standout in franchise marketing.

Passionate about the power of storytelling, Joel champions founder branding and long-form content as the new trust engine for franchisors. His work demonstrates how consistency, transparency, and a willingness to embrace new media can fuel both recruitment and brand equity.

0:00 Introduction

1:13 Starting point in 2019 — the content base Jim’s Group began with

2:33 Creating a content plan across multiple divisions

4:15 When the content strategy began showing measurable impact 

7:01 Leveraging the founder’s story to drive franchise growth

9:24 Breaking the stigma around self-promotion with authentic content

11:12 Posting frequency and consistency in content strategy

12:35 Why personal profiles outperform company pages on LinkedIn

14:12 Overcoming content struggles – finding topics for consistent posting 

17:25 Turning negative comments into trust-building opportunities

20:50 Advice for franchisors on content production and launching a strategy

23:03 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

Listen or Watch on;

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/1oKNZromSQo