Scott Challen is the founder of QHI National Home Improvements and Smartkits Australia, Part of the QHI Group. Leading the charge in tech-driven, automated franchise systems for the home improvement industry. With a background in construction and e-commerce, Scott has built scalable, automation-powered models that help franchisees thrive.

Passionate about technology, efficiency, and cutting through industry red tape, Scott has designed systems that streamline sales, project management, and compliance. His expertise in business automation and franchise operations through technology has positioned QHI National as a true disruptor in the building sector.

Beyond franchising, Scott is a content creator and industry spokesperson, sharing insights on politics, business growth, tech innovation, and regulatory challenges. He does this through radio, podcasts and online news.

To learn more or contact Scott go to QHIGroup.com.au

Jarrad Goulding is the CEO & Founder of The Local Guys group. Previously he had been a franchisee in Boost Juice and a restaurant franchise. Jarrad and his partner Stacey were lucky enough to be part of a great franchise network in Boost Juice & a not-so-great franchise in their restaurant franchise.

With these experiences, they saw the best and worst of franchising, which gave them the knowledge to mould a successful franchise model with The Lucky Guys. They used provisions such as flat fees and easy-to-exit agreements all in non-corporate culture.

They have grown to 78 franchise partners in a little over five years including Covid in the first year. Jarrad's passion is assisting new franchise partners to take the leap of business ownership (maybe for the first time) and help nurture their growth to have happy successful businesses.

The Local Guys have expanded from Electrical Test and Tagging to three, soon to be four divisions and have franchise partners in every state & territory in Australia as well as franchise partners on both the North & South island of New Zealand.

Tiffany English is the founder and driving force behind Access Offshoring, an offshore recruitment company, specialising in bridging the gap between local businesses and exceptional talent in the Philippines.

With an extensive background in business improvement and change management, her career has led her to develop a deep understanding of what it takes to create sustainable growth – which predominantly comes back to the right systems and of course, the right people.

Tiffany also has a profound philanthropic mission that drives her purpose, with an aim to dedicate a substantial part of her time to giving back and making a positive impact on society.

To learn more or contact Tiffany go to https://accessoffshoring.com.au or message Tiffany English at LinkedIn or contact me [email protected] or 1300 960 136.

Luke Hart is a seasoned sales professional with IWS by Deel, where he has focused on serving the franchise sector for over a year. Luke specializes in providing a unique SWAS (Software WITH a Service) solution, offering a comprehensive suite of onboarding, rostering, payroll, bookkeeping, and financial reporting services—all seamlessly delivered through a single portal. His approach ensures both franchisors and franchisees receive hands-on support every step of the way.

Before joining IWS, Luke co-founded and operated Hunter Jacobs, a boutique recruitment business specializing in building senior-level sales teams for mid-sized to large technology firms. With over a decade of experience in software sales recruitment, Luke was deeply involved in the business, helping clients recruit top-tier talent. While Luke transitioned to a new career path, Hunter Jacobs remains under the leadership of his wife.

Prior to Hunter Jacobs, Luke founded and led Harlow Group, a boutique sales recruitment firm that later evolved into LudTec following the sale of his shares. Earlier in his career, Luke honed his expertise at Michael Page in London, where he managed the technology sales recruitment desk for Thames Valley and the Southern Home Counties—the Silicon Valley of Great Britain. He also led teams at a generalist sales recruitment firm, completing a successful 20-year career in recruitment before transitioning to the franchise sector.

Luke is passionate about the franchise industry and enjoys applying his wealth of experience to empower franchise businesses with innovative workforce solutions.

To learn more or contact Luke go to IWSAustralia.com.au or message Luke Hart at LinkedIn or contact me [email protected] or 1300 960 136.

Blendi Muriqi is the Founder & CEO of Delegate.co, where he uses AI to revolutionise remote staffing solutions across various industries. A serial entrepreneur with a knack for innovation, Blendi's journey began in high school when he co-founded his first business to improve processes. This early experience sparked his passion for efficiency and technology.

At Delegate.co, Blendi's mission is to empower businesses to scale and succeed globally with tailored virtual assistant solutions. By leveraging AI, Delegate.co automates tasks, enhances client experience, and boosts bottom lines, allowing businesses to focus on their core activities.

Blendi is also dedicated to creating opportunities for remote professionals, helping them grow both personally and professionally. His leadership is transforming the remote staffing landscape and making a real impact on businesses and virtual assistants around the world.

To learn more or contact Blendi go to delegate.co or contact me at [email protected]

or 61 417 211 366.

Let’s Talk About Franchising

I didn’t hesitate to accept Brooke Robey's invitation on the Connect Podcast to discuss a topic I’m incredibly passionate about: Franchising… I’m delighted to share it with you now—I hope you like it.

Please share it with anyone you think might be interested.

“What is Franchising?

Over the past 30 years, I’ve seen how franchising can transform businesses, enabling owners to scale, build systems, and regain the freedom to focus on what truly matters.

I’ve had the privilege of helping businesses expand by over $9 billion through franchising, and now, I’d like to help you understand how this model can work for you. My own journey began when I opened seven Bedshed stores in just five years. That experience opened my eyes to the potential of franchising, leading me to establish six franchise groups. Since then, through my consultancy, Franchise Simply, I’ve guided dozens of business owners through every step of franchising—whether they’re just starting out or looking to improve their existing setup.

Franchising is more than just growth; it’s about building a system that gives you control, enhances the value of your business, and frees up your time. My team and I have developed a simple process, the Franchise Success Path, to make franchising straightforward and accessible.

On this podcast, Brooke and I will break down what franchising really is and how it can unlock new possibilities for your business. My goal is to give you the clarity and confidence to explore franchising as a potential next step.

So, let’s dive in and discover how franchising can work for you.”

Jeremy Harris has over 25 years’ experience as an accountant and business advisor. He is a director of Grow Group Global which includes Grow CFO, Direct Management and My Plan Plus. Jeremy’s burning desire in business is to support business owners to achieve their impact and aspirations, through education and information. He was Chief Financial Officer for an international company to support its listing on New York Stock Exchange in 2022. Jeremy holds a degree in accounting from Queensland University of Technology and is a Member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

To learn more or contact Jeremy go to growgroup.global or contact me at [email protected]

or 61 417 211 366.

Danessa Itaya is president of Bio-One®, the most trusted crime and trauma scene cleaning franchise in the United States and part of the Five Star Franchising platform of brands.

Danessa has been a nationally recognised pioneer in the franchise industry for nearly 30 years and has more than 10 years of leadership experience with noteworthy franchisors such as Service Brands International, Maid Right, Molly Maid and Property Management Inc.

In addition to her own professional accomplishments, Danessa is a passionate advocate for the franchise industry and women’s leadership, serving on the Women in Franchising Committee of the International Franchise Association. In 2022, Danessa’s achievements in the industry earned her a place on Entrepreneur’s list of Top Influential Women in Franchising.

Danessa is a graduate of San Jose University and the proud parent of an Eagle Scout.

To listen to this episode “It’s a Crime!”- Crime & Trauma Scene Cleaning Franchise with Danessa Itaya

To learn more or contact Danessa go to biooneinc.com or contact me at [email protected]

or 61 417 211 366.

Alan Borges is a leading authority in relational leadership development within the franchising industry, with over two decades of experience across Australia and New Zealand. Alan has become a trusted advisor and mentor to many franchisors and franchisees, transforming operations through a focus on relationship management, emotional intelligence, and executive functions.

Alan's extensive career in franchising spans every level of the industry, from making burgers and opening franchises across Australia to leading national roles.

His hands-on experience has provided him with a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges that franchises face, allowing him to develop innovative strategies that are practical and fast to implement that help them thrive, even in difficult times.

As the author of the forthcoming book, “High Performing Networks: Strong Relationships = Strong Results”, Alan offers invaluable insights and practical guidance for franchise professionals at every stage of their careers.

To learn more or contact Alan go to alanborges.com or contact me at [email protected]

or 61 417 211 366.

David McLean has over 45 years’ experience as a business owner and over 35+ years as a consultant, working with a broad range of clients from larger multi-nationals to small family-owned businesses.

Assignments included performance development and business coaching, training in the area of sales, leadership and communications.

He is accredited in the use of the DISC Profile (1989 the first time) and has developed and presented innovative training and development solutions to a broad range of participants, from long term unemployed to board level of some of Australia’s largest companies including The Shell Company of Australia, Spotless, BOC Gases and many more.

David is an inspiring consultant and trainer, business and community leader and proud Father.