In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Bryant and Hampden Keil, multi-unit franchise owners of Potbelly. They discuss the journey of Potbelly from its founding to its current status as a leading fast-casual sandwich brand. 

The conversation covers the unique aspects of the Potbelly concept, the importance of customer experience, the supportive leadership team, and the benefits of being a franchisee. They also delve into the qualities sought in potential franchise owners and the investment required to open a new location, highlighting the brand's growth and future potential.

Takeaways
-Potbelly has a strong foundation for franchising.
-The brand focuses on great food and customer experience.
-Leadership at Potbelly is supportive and experienced.
-Franchisees benefit from a well-structured support system.
-Diverse backgrounds can lead to successful franchise ownership.
-Potbelly's culture emphasizes treating customers well.
-Expansion plans are robust with many new locations.
-Investment costs vary based on location and build.
-The Potbelly franchise model is designed for profitability and growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
01:40 The Potbelly Journey: From Founding to Franchising
04:32 Understanding the Potbelly Concept and Menu
07:47 The Potbelly Experience: Customer Engagement and Culture
10:11 Leadership and Support in the Potbelly Franchise
12:35 Expansion and Development of Potbelly Stores
15:22 Franchisee Benefits and Support Systems
17:45 Qualities of a Successful Potbelly Franchise Owner
19:11 Investment and Costs of Opening a Potbelly
21:56 Conclusion

https://franchising.potbelly.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 Josh Wise, CEO of Grassroots Turf, about his journey in the lawn care industry and the innovative franchising model he has developed. 

They discuss the importance of customer relationships, the growth of the lawn care market, and how Grassroots Turf differentiates itself through technology and service. Josh shares insights on the competitive landscape, the support provided to franchisees, and the financial aspects of starting a Grassroots Turf franchise.

Takeaways

• Josh Wise founded Grassroots Turf at 22 years old.
• Grassroots Turf focuses on customer-centric service.
• The lawn care industry is valued at approximately $106 billion.
• Grassroots Turf offers an all-inclusive subscription service.
• Body cameras enhance transparency and trust with customers.
• Franchisees benefit from a collaborative culture.
• Training for franchisees is flexible and ongoing.
• Residential services are the primary focus for new franchisees.
• Startup costs for a Grassroots Turf franchise range from $200,000 to $250,000.
• The company is expanding into new markets, including Texas.

https://grassrootsturf.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 speaks with Matt Forbush, founder and CEO of Zignyl, about his journey in franchising and the innovative solutions his company provides to enhance business operations. 

They discuss the challenges faced by franchise owners, the importance of employee engagement, and how Zignyl's AI-driven platform helps streamline decision-making and improve business outcomes. 

The conversation also touches on the future of Zignyl and its commitment to evolving with technology to better serve the franchise community.

Takeaways

-Zignyl was created to address the chaos in labor management
-Employee engagement is crucial for driving business success
-AI technology can enhance operational efficiency in franchises
-Setting clear expectations helps employees perform better
-Incentive structures can significantly boost sales
-Zignyl aggregates data to provide actionable insights
-The platform is designed to be user-friendly and easy to implement
-Future innovations will focus on employee benefits and operational support
-Zignyl aims to expand beyond the QSR segment to other industries

https://zignyl.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 interviews Dennis Schooley, founder of Schooley Mitchell, discussing the franchise model and its benefits. 

Dennis shares his journey from accounting to founding Schooley Mitchell, a company that helps businesses reduce costs across various expense categories. 

The conversation covers the support provided to franchisees, the flexibility of ownership models, the unique aspects of the Schooley Mitchell business model, and the collaborative culture within the franchise system. 

Takeaways

-Schooley Mitchell helps businesses save on various expenses
-Franchisees do not need to be experts in cost categories
-The business model shares savings with clients for three years
-Franchisees focus on client relationships and business development
-Schooley Mitchell offers flexible ownership options for franchisees
-The franchise has no territorial restrictions, allowing broad client acquisition
-The royalty abatement program supports new franchise owners financially
-Top performers in the franchise are proactive and dedicated

https://www.schooleymitchell.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 interviews Mike Aiello, Director of Franchise Development at Homefront Brands and Top Rail Fence. 

They discuss the journey of Homefront Brands from its inception to becoming a leading property services company, the various services offered by Top Rail Fence, and the characteristics of successful franchise owners. 

The conversation also covers the operational structure of franchise ownership, investment requirements, and the financial performance of franchisees, highlighting the potential for success in the home services industry.

Takeaways

-Homefront Brands has rapidly expanded in the property services sector
-Top Rail Fence offers diverse fencing solutions and services
-Franchisees benefit from a low overhead business model
-Successful franchise owners often come from sales backgrounds
-The importance of building relationships in the B2B space
-Franchisees can achieve significant sales in commercial projects
-Operational efficiency is key to franchise success
-Consistent effort and determination are crucial for franchise owners
-The home services industry has seen tremendous growth since 2020

https://homefrontbrands.com/

https://toprailfence.com/franchising/

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 Eric OConnor, VP of Franchise Development at PickleRage. They discuss Eric's extensive background in franchising, the unique business model of PickleRage, and the explosive growth of pickleball as a sport. 

Eric shares insights on the operational aspects of running a franchise, including revenue streams, site selection, and the importance of community engagement. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring franchise owners looking to enter the industry.

Takeaways

-PickleRage is a membership-based indoor pickleball facility
-The pickleball industry has seen explosive growth in recent years
-Understanding the demographics of a location is crucial for success
-Franchise owners should focus on community engagement and marketing
-A typical pickleball player visits the facility at least twice a week
-The business model includes various revenue streams such as memberships and events
-Site selection is critical and should be backed by thorough market analysis
-Franchise owners need to follow the established systems for success
-Patience and active involvement in the business are key to thriving in franchising

https://pickleragefranchise.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 Nancy Baio, Director of Development, at The Designery. They discuss Nancy's journey into franchising, the unique offerings of The Designery, and the advantages for franchise owners. 

The conversation covers the importance of customer experience, marketing strategies, and the role of technology in enhancing service delivery. Nancy also shares insights on training, ideal franchise owner characteristics, and the financial aspects of launching a franchise.

Takeaways

-The Designery provides a comprehensive service for home improvement
-Franchise owners benefit from centralized support and technology
-B2B relationships can drive significant revenue for franchise owners
-Marketing strategies are crucial for client acquisition
-Showrooms enhance customer experience and decision-making
-Technology like virtual reality aids in project visualization
-Training and onboarding are essential for franchise success
-Ideal franchise owners should be networkers and relationship builders
-Investment costs vary based on location and setup requirements

https://thedesigneryfranchising.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 Keenan Fisher, managing partner of Tommy Guns Original Barbershop. 

They discuss Keenan's journey in the franchising industry, the unique customer experience offered by Tommy Guns, and the strategies behind modernizing the barbershop experience. Keenan shares insights on transitioning from an independent model to a franchise system, maintaining quality across multiple locations, and the importance of a customer-centric approach. The conversation also covers the qualities sought in franchise owners and the company's future growth plans.

Takeaways

-Keenan Fisher grew up in a family business, shaping his entrepreneurial mindset
-Tommy Guns focuses on providing a unique barbershop experience
-The brand emphasizes convenience and quality for customers
-Modernizing the barbershop experience involves technology and customer service
-Franchising requires a strong support system for franchisees
-Creating a customer-centric approach is key to success in franchising
-Investing in employee training and development is crucial for quality service
-The company has over 100 locations and is expanding internationally
-Franchise owners should have a competitive spirit and community focus
-The initial investment for a Tommy Guns franchise ranges from $450,000 to $500,000.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
01:13 Keenan Fisher's Journey in Franchising
03:12 The Tommy Guns Experience
05:56 Modernizing the Barbershop Experience
08:50 Customer-Centric Approach in Franchising
12:13 Transitioning to a Franchise Model
15:07 Maintaining Quality Across Locations
17:54 Enhancing the Guest Experience
21:13 Franchise Owner Qualities and Costs
23:51 Future Growth and Expansion Plans

https://us.tommyguns.com/pages/franchise-tommy-guns

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 Frank and Kacie Radochonski of Pop's Beef, a family-owned fast-casual franchise. 

They discuss the origins of Pop's Beef, the transition from a licensing model to franchising, and the importance of community involvement. The conversation also covers the diverse menu offerings, the competitive landscape of fast-casual dining, and the qualities sought in successful franchise owners. 

The episode concludes with insights on the investment required to open a Pop's Beef franchise and the dedication needed to succeed in the restaurant industry.

Takeaways

-The importance of hard work and customer relationships
-Family values are central to the business culture
-Transitioning from licensing to franchising was necessary
-Community involvement is a key aspect of their brand
-Pop's Beef offers a diverse menu for all customers
-Flexibility in business models helps them stay competitive
-Successful franchise owners must be hands-on and committed
-Investment costs vary widely based on location and model
-Running a restaurant requires significant time and sacrifice

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
01:13 The Origins of Pop's Beef
03:06 Family Dynamics in Business
05:47 Transition from Licensing to Franchising
08:53 Community Engagement and Values
12:10 Menu Diversity and Customer Experience
17:08 Competitive Edge in Fast-Casual Dining
18:03 Qualities of Successful Franchise Owners
19:53 Investment and Financial Considerations
24:00 Conclusion

https://popsbeef.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 Julie Cartwright, President of Pvolve, about her journey in the fitness industry and the unique approach of Pvolve. 

They discuss the importance of franchising for growth, maintaining brand integrity, and the impact of clinical studies on the business. Julie shares insights on the qualities sought in franchise owners and the multi-revenue stream model that supports franchisee success. 

The conversation also highlights the partnership with Jennifer Aniston and the significance of doing what you love in entrepreneurship.

Takeaways

-Julie Cartwright's diverse background in fitness and media shaped her leadership at Pvolve
-Pvolve's method combines functional movement with resistance training for optimal results
-The company has achieved significant milestones since its inception in 2017
-Franchising has been a crucial strategy for Pvolve's growth and community building
-Clinical studies provide a competitive edge and validate Pvolve's effectiveness
-Jennifer Aniston's partnership has significantly boosted Pvolve's visibility and credibility
-Successful franchise owners need passion, business acumen, and community involvement

https://pvolvefranchise.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]