Hi everyone, and welcome to a special edition of Franchise Interviews. Over the last few weeks, we’ve been diving deep into the world of social media marketing for franchisors and franchisees.

Today, we’re joined by Sophie Nguyen, the CEO of So Gold Marketing. Sophie’s journey began in 2013 at Purdue University, where she spent three years building their online presence through real-time community engagement. Seeking a faster pace, she moved to Silicon Valley to launch her own agency, So Gold Marketing.

At its core, So Gold is about human connection. Their clients often say it best: Sophie and her team have a genuine interest in growing your business, believing that their success is entirely dependent on yours.

Stay tuned for the interview, and stick around for Part Two, where we’ll share a featured clip from our Great Quotes in Franchising series. Sophie, welcome to the show!

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2/13/2020

This Deep Dive Podcast explores the concept that innovation is often unnecessary because established paths to achievement already exist. By examining the Rock Star MBA framework, the author illustrates how professionals can mirror the proven strategies of music icons and successful corporations to avoid common failures. The sources emphasize that following a "map"—whether through franchising, mentorship, or revitalizing classic ideas—allows individuals to reach their goals more efficiently. Marketing tactics, such as the Marlboro Strategy, further demonstrate how adopting an existing archetype can drastically pivot a brand's trajectory. Ultimately, the text argues that studying historical mistakes and mimicking the "recipes" of predecessors provides a reliable shortcut to personal and professional growth. This approach suggests that true progress comes from refining and applying lessons that have already been validated by others.

Class is in session - www.rockstarmba.com

NYC Recording - Untapped Lessons on Entrepreneurship 

Rock Star MBA - 77 Untapped Lessons on Life, Business, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, & Leadership from Rock Stars

The "Future of Work" Focus

Title: Revolutionizing IT Support in the Hybrid Era with Rick Porter

In this episode of Franchise Interviews, we sit down with Rick Porter, President and Founder of Cinch I.T. The workplace has changed forever. With remote and hybrid models now the standard for millions, the demand for "anywhere, anytime" tech support has skyrocketed. Cinch I.T. is meeting this moment by offering businesses a smarter alternative to expensive in-house departments.

What we discuss:

The Scalability of Managed IT: How Cinch I.T. provides enterprise-level support to businesses of all sizes.

The Remote Reality: Why 45% of the workforce staying remote creates a massive opportunity for franchisees.

Built-in Reliability: Ensuring confidence in cloud computing when there is "no room for error."

Bonus Segment: Stick around for Part Two, where we share a highlight from our Great Quotes in Franchising series!

Enterprise Power, Local Heart: Scaling CMIT Solutions with Jeff Connally

How do you provide enterprise-level IT to small businesses without losing the personal touch? In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Connally, President and CEO of CMIT Solutions, to discuss how they’ve built a powerhouse network of over several hundred locations across North America.

We dive into the "secret sauce" that has kept CMIT at the top of Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list for six years running and how they serve as a bridge between big tech and the SMB market. Plus, stay tuned for Part 2, where we revisit a classic segment from our Great Quotes in Franchising archives!

Today, we’re revisiting a true pioneer in our archives. Joining us is Ron McArthur, President of WSI—a company that holds a special place in our history as our second-ever guest on World Talk Radio. WSI has been at the forefront of digital transformation since 1995. As businesses navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape, they seek more than service providers - they need strategic advisors who can guide them through digital evolution and AI adoption. WSI has built the world's largest network of digital and AI consultants to meet this need. 

Join us for an insightful conversation with Charles Furlough, President and CEO of Pillar To Post—North America’s leading home inspection franchise with a network of over 550 locations. At its core, Pillar To Post believes every homebuyer deserves a clear understanding of their future home’s story. Their comprehensive inspections cover everything from the roof to the foundation, providing clients with the clarity and confidence needed for a successful purchase.

Discussion Highlights:

The Tech Revolution: With over two decades of experience, Charles examines how technology has fundamentally transformed the accuracy and efficiency of home inspections.

Adaptive Leadership: Insights into leading through market volatility and the essential skills required to stay ahead in an evolving landscape.

Proven Resilience: Strategic lessons on navigating economic downturns and converting market challenges into growth opportunities.

Scaling the Model: A look at the culture of innovation and support that has fueled Pillar To Post’s expansive franchise growth.

Stay tuned for Part Two, featuring a highlighted segment from the "Great Quotes in Franchising Podcast" (August 2024).

Franchising is often promoted as a safer path to entrepreneurship—but is it the right fit for everyone? Drawing from a recent talk at the New York Public Library and insights from a conversation with the former CEO of School of Rock, this episode explores the franchise model as one entrepreneurial path among many. We unpack why mission fit, passion, community, and long-term commitment matter more than brand recognition alone—and why due diligence is non-negotiable before signing on the dotted line.

Why it works:

Speaks directly to aspiring entrepreneurs

Positions you as a guide, not a promoter

Ties music, education, and business together naturally

What if the secrets to life and business success weren't found just in boardrooms, textbooks, and journal articles, but on backstage passes and stages? Rock Star MBA shares the untapped knowledge and wisdom acquired by rock stars and artists. While the book primarily focuses on stars from the hard rock genre, it also features a diverse range of artists, including actors, painters, and musicians from other genres. After decades of pursuing their craft, Dr. McDermott noticed that many performers had become wise individuals with interesting perspectives on life, business, marketing, entrepreneurship, and leadership that could and should be shared in the classroom. Reading this book will allow you to apply their wisdom, success strategies, best practices, and unique viewpoints. This book challenges you to see the world differently— where art and business are not opposites, but complementary ways of understanding creativity, value, and human connection. 

Class is now in session!

www.RockStarMBA.com

Welcome back to Franchise Interviews. Today, we're talking with Greg Haskett of HomeTeam Inspection Service about their incredible franchise opportunity. Now, here's the secret to HomeTeam's success: They've carved out a fantastic niche in pre-sale inspections—that's inspecting the home before it's even listed! Think about it: A buyer's inspection can reveal a costly problem and cause the entire sale to collapse. HomeTeam helps sellers get ahead of that. They inspect it early, so the necessary repairs can be made or the price adjusted before a buyer ever walks through the door. This keeps the sale attractive and on track. Home inspection is a booming business—almost 90% of all homes sold are inspected today, and more mortgage companies are requiring them. 

The provided content introduces and explains the premise of the book, "Rock Star MBA," which argues that success lessons for business, life, and leadership can be found by examining the careers of rock stars and other artists. Written by Dr. Martin J. McDermott, a business professor with a doctorate in marketing, the book attempts to bridge the gap between art and commerce by showing how rock bands operate like entrepreneurial ventures concerning branding, finance, legal issues, and human resources. Dr. McDermott details his lifelong obsession with rock music and his belief that performers gain valuable, applicable wisdom through their journeys, emphasizing that even the performing arts, like theater, teach essential business skills such as punctuality, teamwork, and customer focus. The source material aims to provide readers with unique strategies and perspectives on avoiding common pitfalls, drawn from decades of observing successful and unsuccessful bands.

www.rockstarmba.com