In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Curt Skallerup, founder and CEO of Larks Entertainment, about his journey from Corporate America to entrepreneurship. 

Curt shares insights on scaling franchises, the importance of volume in business, and building a strong internal culture. He discusses the innovative modular franchising model of Larks Entertainment, which allows for flexibility in investment and offerings. 

Curt also reflects on his previous success with Altitude Trampoline Park and the lessons learned that contributed to his approach with Larks. Additionally, he hints at his upcoming book, which aims to simplify the business landscape for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Takeaways

Curt Skallerup transitioned from Corporate America to entrepreneurship to fulfill his desire to lead.
Altitude Trampoline Park grew to 100 locations by focusing on customer volume and franchisee relationships.
Curt's daughter plays a key role as COO in Larks Entertainment, leveraging their experience in the industry.
Larks Entertainment aims to create a modular franchise model to accommodate varying investment levels.
Volume is prioritized over margin in franchise operations for maximizing profitability.
A strong internal culture is essential for franchise success, with a focus on relationships and communication.
Franchising in a box provides comprehensive support to franchise owners from the start.
Modular franchising allows for flexibility in offerings based on regional preferences and financial capabilities.
Curt's previous experience with Altitude helped shape the structure for a successful private equity exit.
Curt's upcoming book emphasizes that business is more about math than complexity, aiming to simplify the entrepreneurial journey.

https://larksentertainment.com/

Free Resource for Franchise QB Listeners:

The Franchise QB Playbook will guide you through the process of finding your perfect franchise fit.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XlbD8oyl3uyeiqaM73poH67BX1jRRyCGR7l7qB-3Nz0/edit?usp=sharing. Also, you can view the Franchise QB podcast at www.youtube.com/@franchiseqb.

Contact me and my team with any questions along the way. www.calendly.com/franchiseguy
Mike Halpern, CAFC
[email protected]

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern and guest Sean Oatney discuss the journey and vision of Fat Patty's, a restaurant franchise known for its unique burger offerings and community involvement. 

The conversation covers the brand's origins, franchising strategy, support for franchisees, and the importance of company culture. Oatney emphasizes the significance of franchisee engagement and the brand's commitment to providing a fun dining experience. The episode concludes with insights on market expansion opportunities and the qualities sought in potential franchise owners.

Takeaways

Fat Patty's originated in 2007 in West Virginia.
The brand began franchising in 2022 after refining its model.
Fat Patty's offers 18 unique burger options.
The restaurant aims to create a casual, family-friendly environment.
Franchise support includes extensive training and marketing assistance.
Site selection is a collaborative process with franchise owners.
The company culture emphasizes fun and community involvement.
Ideal franchisees should have a passion for the business and community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
00:55 The Story of Fat Patty's
04:14 Franchising Journey and Vision
08:25 Unique Selling Points of Fat Patty's
12:14 Franchise Support and Training
15:31 Site Selection and Market Expansion
22:34 Company Culture and Core Values
26:18 Franchisee Success Stories
30:05 Future Growth and Market Opportunities
32:24 Qualities of Ideal Franchisees
35:09 Financial Considerations and Item 7
38:27 Performance Metrics and Sustainability
40:22 Conclusion

FatPattys.com/Franchise

Free Resource for Franchise QB Listeners:

The Franchise QB Playbook will guide you through the process of finding your perfect franchise fit.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XlbD8oyl3uyeiqaM73poH67BX1jRRyCGR7l7qB-3Nz0/edit?usp=sharing. Also, you can view the Franchise QB podcast at www.youtube.com/@franchiseqb.

Contact me and my team with any questions along the way. www.calendly.com/franchiseguy
Mike Halpern, CAFC
[email protected]

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern interviews Charles Bonfiglio, founder and CEO of Tint World. 

Charles shares his entrepreneurial journey from Brooklyn to Florida, his transition into franchising with Meineke and the founding of Tint World. He discusses the importance of support systems for franchise owners, adapting to industry changes, and identifying ideal franchisees. 

The conversation also covers financial aspects of opening a Tint World franchise and performance metrics that contribute to success.

Takeaways

✅Charles moved to Florida with a dream to open a car accessory shop.
✅Franchising provided a roadmap and support for his business.
✅Tint World was founded to fill a gap in the automotive aftermarket.
✅Support systems are crucial for franchise owners' success.
✅Technology plays a key role in franchise operations and customer interaction.
✅The automotive industry is evolving with electric vehicles and new technologies.
✅Franchise owners need to be committed and build their own teams.
✅The investment range for opening a Tint World franchise is between $240,000 to $450,000.
✅Performance metrics are essential for tracking success in franchising.
✅A collaborative franchise culture fosters growth and learning among owners.

https://www.tintworld.com/franchise-opportunities/

Free Resource for Franchise QB Listeners:

The Franchise QB Playbook will guide you through the process of finding your perfect franchise fit.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XlbD8oyl3uyeiqaM73poH67BX1jRRyCGR7l7qB-3Nz0/edit?usp=sharing. Also, you can view the Franchise QB podcast at www.youtube.com/@franchiseqb.

Contact me and my team with any questions along the way. www.calendly.com/franchiseguy
Mike Halpern, CAFC
[email protected]

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Amber Gaige, an international bestselling author and Chief Marketing Advisor at Far Beyond Marketing. 

They discuss Amber's entrepreneurial journey, the importance of effective marketing for entrepreneurs, and the four C's of marketing: clear communication, consistent branding, customer demographics, and channel management. 

The conversation also covers common marketing mistakes entrepreneurs make and actionable steps to improve marketing strategies, especially within the franchise model.

Takeaways

Amber Gaige shares her lifelong lessons in entrepreneurship.
Franchising offers stability and consistency for business owners.
Marketing for entrepreneurs focuses heavily on return on investment.
Clear communication is essential for effective marketing.
Consistent branding helps build recognition and trust.
Understanding your ideal customer is crucial for targeted marketing.
Channel management is key for customer retention and upselling.
Many entrepreneurs fall victim to ineffective marketing strategies.
It's important to have control over your marketing assets.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
00:48 Amber Gaige's Entrepreneurial Journey
04:10 The Importance of Marketing for Entrepreneurs
07:01 The Four C's of Effective Marketing
12:13 Common Marketing Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make
16:02 Navigating Franchise Marketing Challenges
19:00 Conclusion

https://farbeyondmarketing.com/

https://a.co/d/5TVgkh9

Free Resource for Franchise QB Listeners:

The Franchise QB Playbook will guide you through the process of finding your perfect franchise fit.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XlbD8oyl3uyeiqaM73poH67BX1jRRyCGR7l7qB-3Nz0/edit?usp=sharing. Also, you can view the Franchise QB podcast at www.youtube.com/@franchiseqb.

Contact me and my team with any questions along the way. www.calendly.com/franchiseguy
Mike Halpern, CAFC
[email protected]

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Glen Whaley, Certified Franchise Consultant, about the vital role of franchise coaches in guiding entrepreneurs through the franchising landscape. 

They discuss Glen's journey into franchising, the characteristics of ideal candidates, financial considerations, and the importance of engagement in the franchise search process. 

Glen shares insights on how his background has shaped his approach to coaching and emphasizes the significance of work ethic in business ownership. 

Takeaways

Franchise coaches play a vital role in the franchising ecosystem.
Glen Whaley has a diverse business background that informs his coaching.
Engagement is key for candidates in the franchise search process.
Financial considerations are crucial when exploring franchise opportunities.
Franchise coaches assist with both startups and resale acquisitions.
The process of finding the right franchise involves many questions and active listening.
Candidates should utilize the expertise of franchise consultants.
Work ethic is an essential trait for successful franchise ownership.
Franchising can change lives and should not be procrastinated.
Reaching out to a consultant can help clarify the path to ownership.

https://whaleyinvestments.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
01:16 Glen Whaley's Journey into Franchising
02:42 The Role of Franchise Coaches
03:40 Candidate Engagement and Characteristics
05:57 Financial Considerations in Franchise Ownership
07:22 Exploring Franchise Opportunities
08:45 Determining Fit for Franchising
09:40 Personal Insights and Work Ethic
11:06 Conclusion

Free Resource for Franchise QB Listeners:

The Franchise QB Playbook will guide you through the process of finding your perfect franchise fit.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XlbD8oyl3uyeiqaM73poH67BX1jRRyCGR7l7qB-3Nz0/edit?usp=sharing. Also, you can view the Franchise QB podcast at www.youtube.com/@franchiseqb.

Contact me and my team with any questions along the way. www.calendly.com/franchiseguy
Mike Halpern, CAFC
[email protected]

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Jeremy Ames, CEO of Guidant Financial, about the journey of entrepreneurship, the diverse opportunities in franchising, and the importance of overcoming barriers to business ownership. 

They discuss the Rollover for Business Startups (ROBS) financing option, share client success stories, and explore the shift towards entrepreneurship in midlife. Jeremy emphasizes the need for individuals to take actionable steps towards their entrepreneurial dreams and the value of experience in business ownership.

Takeaways

✅Jeremy Ames has helped launch over 30,000 small businesses.
✅Franchising offers diverse opportunities beyond traditional QSRs.
✅Many people want to be their own boss but don't take action.
✅Entrepreneurship is often a midlife journey with greater success rates.
✅ROBS allows individuals to use retirement funds for business investment.
✅Successful entrepreneurs leverage their networks and experiences.
✅The fear of losing everything can hold back potential entrepreneurs.
✅Many misconceptions exist about age and entrepreneurship.
✅Business ownership can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
✅Taking small steps can lead to significant progress in entrepreneurship.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:36 Jeremy Ames' Entrepreneurial Journey
05:56 Diverse Franchise Opportunities
09:31 Overcoming Barriers to Entrepreneurship
12:49 The Myth of Young Entrepreneurs
14:44 Understanding ROBS Financing
18:57 Client Success Stories with ROBS
24:45 The Shift Towards Entrepreneurship
27:54 Conclusion

https://www.guidantfinancial.com/
https://x.com/Guidant
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyamesentrepreneur/
https://www.instagram.com/guidant.financial/

Free Resource for Franchise QB Listeners:

The Franchise QB Playbook will guide you through the process of finding your perfect franchise fit.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XlbD8oyl3uyeiqaM73poH67BX1jRRyCGR7l7qB-3Nz0/edit?usp=sharing. Also, you can view the Franchise QB podcast at www.youtube.com/@franchiseqb.

Contact me and my team with any questions along the way. www.calendly.com/franchiseguy
Mike Halpern, CAFC
[email protected]

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Roman Maliszewski, the founder and CEO of Tapster, a self-pour tasting room franchise. They discuss Roman's journey from advertising to creating a unique bar experience that emphasizes community and connection. 

Tapster's innovative approach allows customers to pour their own drinks while enjoying a variety of beverages in a welcoming environment. Roman shares insights on franchising, the importance of local flavor, and the qualities that make a great franchise partner. The conversation highlights the growth potential of Tapster and its focus on creating a lifestyle brand rather than just a bar.

Takeaways

Roman transitioned from advertising to the bar industry after finding inspiration in a unique bar experience.
The name 'Tapster' is derived from an old term for bartender, emphasizing the self-pour concept.
Tapster offers a variety of beverages, including beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options.
The focus of Tapster is on creating a community hub rather than just a bar.
The BYOF (Bring Your Own Food) concept allows guests to enjoy food from local restaurants.
Franchising Tapster began after customers expressed interest in the concept.
Roman emphasizes the importance of local flavor and flexibility in franchise locations.
The ideal franchise partner is community-oriented, social, and passionate about their local area.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
00:50 The Birth of Tapster: A Unique Concept
07:52 Creating a Community Hub: The Tapster Experience
12:24 Franchising Tapster: The Journey Begins
15:43 The Anti-Franchise Franchise: Local Flavor and Flexibility
18:55 Finding the Right Franchise Partner
19:25 Market Insights: Learning from Diverse Locations
23:07 Target Markets and Future Growth
25:59 Conclusion

https://www.tapsterfranchise.com/

Free Resource for Franchise QB Listeners:

The Franchise QB Playbook will guide you through the process of finding your perfect franchise fit.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XlbD8oyl3uyeiqaM73poH67BX1jRRyCGR7l7qB-3Nz0/edit?usp=sharing. Also, you can view the Franchise QB podcast at www.youtube.com/@franchiseqb.

Contact me and my team with any questions along the way. www.calendly.com/franchiseguy
Mike Halpern, CAFC
[email protected]

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Wade Brannon, President and CEO of Pigtails & Crewcuts. They discuss Wade's extensive background in franchising, his acquisition of Pigtails & Crewcuts, and the growth strategies that have led to the brand's expansion. 

Wade shares insights on the children's haircut market, the importance of creating a welcoming environment for children, and the support provided to franchise owners. The conversation also touches on community engagement and future growth plans for the franchise.

Takeaways

-Wade Brannon has over 40 years of experience in franchising.
-Pigtails & Crewcuts focuses on creating a positive experience for children during haircuts.
-The children's haircut market is a significant segment of the $60 billion hair industry.
-Franchise growth has been organic, focusing on the right fit for franchisees.
-Community engagement is a core value for Pigtails & Crewcuts franchisees.
-Franchise owners often start as owner-operators before transitioning to absentee models.
-Building a strong team is essential for franchise success.
-Franchise support includes training, ongoing communication, and operational assistance.
-The brand is adapting to a more appointment-based model post-pandemic.
-Wade emphasizes the importance of people skills in potential franchise owners.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
00:45 Wade Brannon's Journey and Background
03:32 Acquisition of Pigtails and Crew Cuts
06:47 Growth Strategy and Franchise Model
09:34 Understanding the Children's Haircut Market
11:32 Franchisee Involvement and Staffing Models
12:47 Building a Strong Franchise Team
13:44 Creating a Welcoming Environment for Children
16:31 Lessons from Heavenly Ham Experience
19:24 Franchise Support and Training
22:46 Community Engagement and Impact
25:45 Future Initiatives and Growth Plans
29:03 Conclusion

https://www.pigtailsandcrewcutsfranchise.com/

Free Resource for Franchise QB Listeners:

The Franchise QB Playbook will guide you through the process of finding your perfect franchise fit.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XlbD8oyl3uyeiqaM73poH67BX1jRRyCGR7l7qB-3Nz0/edit?usp=sharing. Also, you can view the Franchise QB podcast at www.youtube.com/@franchiseqb.

Contact me and my team with any questions along the way. www.calendly.com/franchiseguy
Mike Halpern, CAFC
[email protected]

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Denise Tran, founder and CEO of Bun Mee, a Vietnamese fast casual restaurant. 

Denise shares her inspiring journey from practicing attorney to entrepreneur, driven by personal loss and a passion for Vietnamese street food. The conversation explores the unique aspects of Bun Mee, including its branding, menu design, and operational efficiency. 

Denise discusses the importance of franchising for growth, the support provided to franchisees, and the ideal profile for potential franchise owners. The episode concludes with insights into the financial metrics and future growth plans for Bun Mee.

Takeaways

Denise Tran transitioned from law to entrepreneurship after a personal loss.
Bun Mee is inspired by Vietnamese street food culture.
The brand name Bun Mee is a pun and educational tool.
Bun Mee offers a unique Vietnamese sandwich experience in fast-casual dining.
The brand has a cheeky and fun personality that resonates with customers.
Catering and third-party apps are significant revenue streams for Bun Mee.
Bun Mee's real estate strategy includes flexible location options.
Franchising was launched after ensuring a proven business model.
Franchisees receive comprehensive training and ongoing support.
The fast-casual market has room for diverse ethnic cuisines like Bun Mee.

https://bunmee.co/franchise

Free Resource for Franchise QB Listeners:

The Franchise QB Playbook will guide you through the process of finding your perfect franchise fit.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XlbD8oyl3uyeiqaM73poH67BX1jRRyCGR7l7qB-3Nz0/edit?usp=sharing. Also, you can view the Franchise QB podcast at www.youtube.com/@franchiseqb.

Contact me and my team with any questions along the way. www.calendly.com/franchiseguy
Mike Halpern, CAFC
[email protected]

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with David Craghead, Chief Franchise Expansion Officer at Franserve.

They discuss David's extensive background in franchising, the role of Franserve in connecting entrepreneurs with franchise opportunities, and the growth of the franchise industry beyond traditional quick-service restaurants. 

The conversation also highlights the importance of integrity and teamwork in franchising, insights from Franserve's annual convention, and the future prospects for Franserve and its franchise brands.

Takeaways

Franchising is a proven method for developing generational wealth.
Franserve connects entrepreneurs to franchise opportunities at no cost.
The franchise industry has evolved beyond just food concepts.
Service sector franchises are experiencing significant growth.
Franserve has nearly 2,000 members in the franchise consulting community.
Integrity and teamwork are among the core values at Franserve.
Franserve's annual convention is a key networking opportunity.
The franchise industry is adding hundreds of new concepts annually.
Franserve is recognized in the Inc. 5000 for its growth and influence.
The future of Franserve is bright with ongoing expansion and new brands.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
01:48 David Craghead's Journey in Franchising
06:06 Understanding Franserve's Role in Franchising
09:53 Insights from Franserve's Annual Convention
11:47 Evaluating Franchise Brands for Franserve
15:55 Franserve's Growth and Industry Recognition
18:50 Conclusion

https://franserve.com/

Free Resource for Franchise QB Listeners:

The Franchise QB Playbook will guide you through the process of finding your perfect franchise fit.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XlbD8oyl3uyeiqaM73poH67BX1jRRyCGR7l7qB-3Nz0/edit?usp=sharing. Also, you can view the Franchise QB podcast at www.youtube.com/@franchiseqb.

Contact me and my team with any questions along the way. www.calendly.com/franchiseguy
Mike Halpern, CAFC
[email protected]