Franchise Interviews

We are meeting Giuseppe Grammatico.  Giuseppe is a franchise veteran who simplifies the process of franchising and excels at guiding his candidates to the model that best suits them. His greatest joy is helping people realize the American dream and sharing the freedom that comes from franchising. Franchising has allowed Giuseppe to enjoy the freedom so many hope for. Sharing his expertise with his candidates, learning about their goals and their lives, and guiding them towards their dreams are what lights him up the most.

Guiseppe is also the author of Franchise Freedom.

Junkluggers was started by CEO Josh Cohen right after college with the use of his mother's SUV. The brand achieved its goal of adding franchisees to the system in 2013 and enjoyed nearly 25 percent system-wide growth last year.  Cohen provides tips, insight, best practices, and what mistakes to avoid for other young business owners looking to take their business to the next level in 2014.

Junkluggers got started in 2004, after Cohen returned to the U.S from studying abroad, he immediately hit the streets handing out homemade flyers all around town to promote his new business idea. After the phone began to ring, Cohen quickly realized there was a demand for a reliable, professional and eco-focused removal service. Armed with only his mom's SUV and a love for the environment, Cohen launched Junkluggers and has revolutionized the hauling and removal industry by focusing on environmentally-friendly and community-oriented furniture and junk removal practices.

We have a great show today. We are meeting Jeff McClain, the founder of Patriot Pipeline Inc. This is an amazing story on entrepreneurship.  Patriot Pipeline, Inc. specializes in underground utilities from mid to large scale commercial projects as well as residential tract projects. Patriot is a Class A General Engineering Contractor located in Wildomar, California, and has been serving Southern California since 2003.

The Interview

Where are you calling from today?Maybe we can go back to the beginning and tell the story about how and why you became an entrepreneur?Can you tell us about the history of Patriot Pipeline?Can you describe the services provided by Patriot Pipeline?What separates Patriot Pipeline from others in the industry?What has been the most interesting thing that has happened to you since launching Patriot Pipeline? Ex. Current projects or past projectsHow has technology played a role in your business?How big is your industry?What are some areas of importance for your customers when looking at someone in your industry?What is your vision for Patriot Pipeline?What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?What is the best way to get more information on Patriot Pipeline?

We have a great show today. We are meeting Tim Conn, founder of the Image One franchise opportunity.  From their customer communication and environmentally-friendly methods to their in-depth training and ongoing support, Image One has created an opportunity that calls for prospective franchise owners who are looking for a career, not just a job. Investing in an Image One franchise affords franchisees confidence in their industry, and the support needed for longevity and success. Their tools and training will not only help build your new business, but will also help you find the proper work-life balance necessary for your happiness.

We are meeting with Yianni Kosmides, founder of Apola Greek Grill.  Apola is the most Authentic Greek Gyro you can get without buying a plane ticket! Fresh ingredients, gluten free, vegan, halal and veg friendly.  Yianni Kosmides and his family business, Apola, a Greek restaurant franchise that brings the best of Greek street food culture, to USA. Yianni's business adventure has been featured in Yahoo Finance, Fast Casual, NBC and other publications!

Every business has a story.

The Kosmides Family has been in the restaurant business since 1977 when Dimitri (the father) got his first job working as a fry cook and then purchasing his first Italian restaurant. Having grown up in a farming village in Greece, Dimitri knew the value of hard work, and quickly saw the value in owning your own business in the United States. Find out what happened next by listening to the interview with Yianni Kosmides.  

In part two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.

We are meeting with the VP of franchise development Marc Kiekenapp.  There's simply no comparison between traditional tanning salons and the Sunset Tan experience. Their Southern California locations attract the biggest celebrities and our brand is the focus of its own hit reality TV show, which has propelled the brand to worldwide recognition! Marc will discuss the highlights and benefits of joining us and owning your own Sunset Tan franchise.

We have a great show today. We are meeting Steve Willis, managing director for milliCare.  milliCare’s history can be traced all the way back to 1865!  milliCare provides total care for your carpets, floors & textiles. 

When you choose milliCare for commercial floor cleaning services for your business or property, you’ll see why they are a leader in the industry. Their formally trained experts craft programs to meet your facility’s individual needs and extend the usable life of your carpets and floor surfaces. They know that no two facilities function in exactly the same way, so they pride themselves on their sustainable, realistic solutions.

In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quote in Franchising podcast with franchise expert Karol Mercurio.

We are meeting with Lee Braun, the CEO and co-founder of Perspire Sauna Studio.  The hottest new franchise is here (literally 150°). Perspire has developed, formulated and tested the most superior infrared sauna studio model and is the first national brand to bring this transformational health and wellness service to the masses.

We are meeting with CEO of ION Franchising, Lance Graulich. Lance is the founder & CEO of ION Franchising, an industry leading franchise consulting and development group, that represents over 500 franchise brands & business opportunities within 90 categories. Lance helps prospective entrepreneurs find their perfect franchise for FREE. He also assists independent business owners in creating a franchise system.

Every business has a story

Lance started out in the family business on Wall Street after receiving an economics degree. He then joined a TGI Fridays franchise in Phoenix, AZ as a key executive and was vital to the rapid growth of this $225,000,000 organization. Mr Graulich was a multi-unit, multi-state franchisee of Wingstop and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. He has created countless start up brands and has become the industry leading donut expert. He is the founder of a donut chain called Pinkbox in Las Vegas. His latest start up bakery project is with a Food Network star. As a business start-up expert with more than 25 years of experience, he has served as President of various franchise advisory councils and boards advising emerging franchise brands. He has helped a multitude of companies grow efficiently & effectively. 

In part two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.

As a Franchise Consultant for 23 years, a member of IFPG for 10 years, and a member of the IFPG Ethics Committee, I believe IFPG holds its Consultants accountable to a higher standard compared to other consulting organizations. Our Consultants receive high-level training and certification programs to enhance their skills and knowledge. They are trained to be a consultant/guide through the due diligence process to ensure candidates are making a decision that benefits them and their families.

I take great pride in placing my candidate first with the goal of finding a franchise that meets their skills, interests, priorities, budget, and income expectations. I am very selective with the brands I present. They must be companies my candidates can embrace, with a business model that meets their criteria. I never look at the commission when selecting brands. For me, if I don’t make the right match, I am not going to be paid for my services. The candidate always comes first.