Franchise Today

This week I welcome Erin Fletter, the passionate founder and CEO of Sticky Fingers Cooking. Discover how Erin's humble beginnings at her kitchen table led to the creation of a thriving children's cooking school franchise. Learn about her inspiring journey, the challenges she faced, and the innovative systems she implemented to begin successfully scaling her business across the United States.

Erin shares her experiences and insights on the importance of giving back to the community, the critical role of technology in managing operations, and the unique international recipes that set Sticky Fingers Cooking apart. Get inspired by Erin's dedication to empowering women and minorities through franchising, and her commitment to building a supportive and inclusive business environment.

Don't miss this insightful conversation that highlights the core values of franchising, the power of mentorship, and the impact of community-driven business models. Erin's passion and perseverance have earned our Rising Star for Q2, 2024.  StickyFingersCookingSchool.

In this episode of Franchise Today, I sit down with Tom Krause, CEO of Donato's Pizza, for a compelling conversation about the storied history and exciting future of the beloved pizza brand.

Tom shares his unique journey into the franchising world, starting with his early days at McDonalds and Wendy's and eventually leading him to Donato's. He discusses the transformative milestones that have shaped his career and the company, including McDonald's acquisition and subsequent buy-back of Donato's, the challenges and triumphs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the strategic partnership with Red Robin Gourmet Burgers that has enabled national expansion.

You will also hear about Tom's personal milestones, such as his marriage to the founder's daughter, Jane Grote Abell, and their combined efforts in fostering a strong company culture and commitment to community service through the Donato's Foundation.

As Tom prepares to retire, he introduces his successor, Kevin King, and shares his optimistic vision for the future of Donato's and the pizza industry at large. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in franchising, business growth, and the power of strong leadership and culture.

This week I sit down with Tim Murphy, a company turnaround specialist, with a storied career in the restaurant, entertainment and franchising worlds. Tim shares his journey from working at Denny's Corporate to becoming a mentee of the late Applebee's International Founder and CEO, Abe Gustin Jr.  Now, Tim has taken the helm at Boomers Parks a rising chain of Family Entertainment Centers. Learn about Tim's strategies for revitalizing struggling companies, the importance of core values, and the innovative steps he's taking to bring Boomers Parks into the franchising world.

Tim also discusses the significance of taking care of both team members and guests, the challenges faced during COVID-19, and the exciting future of Boomers Parks. No matter your current point on the franchise compass, Tim's insights provide valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the power of a strong company culture.

Welcome to another exciting episode of Franchise Today. This week,I welcome Keith Gerson, a trusted friend, respected peer, and an erstwhile frenemy. Keith delves into his early days in franchising, starting from his hippie rock-and-roll days to his first serious job responding to an ad in the Portland Oregonian. He recounts his journey from being a multi-unit supervisor at McDonald's to significant roles in Jack in the Box and Mrs. Fields Cookies, sharing invaluable lessons on systems, processes, and leadership.

The conversation highlights Keith's strategic moves during the Great Recession, emphasizing the importance of doubling down on marketing when others pulled back. Keith shares his experience working for private equity and his transition to FranConnect, where he honed his skills in scaling franchise businesses.

As the discussion progresses, Keith introduces his latest venture, Gerson Advisory Services, aimed at helping franchisors sell more franchises, drive top-line revenues, improve operational performance, and increase franchisee engagement. He emphasizes the importance of personal branding and the unique value his extensive experience brings to the table.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone involved in the franchising world, illustrating the importance of continuous learning, strategic decision-making, and authentic leadership. Tune in to learn from one of the industry's most seasoned professionals.

Since 1989, Anago has been making the dream of business ownership a reality. As CEO & President, Adam is deeply passionate about fostering entrepreneurship and the financial freedom that comes with it. He firmly believe that entrepreneurship is the cornerstone of economic progress.

At Anago, they provide aspiring business owners with turnkey solutions, enabling them to confidently navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Fueled by over 30 years of expertise, Anago is disrupting the commercial cleaning industry.

Their business is about helping entrepreneurs create their own businesses to provide jobs while building ties in their communities. Offering the possibility of financial and time freedom is what they're all about. Witnessing families reach that success through their franchise business is Adam's ultimate reward.

Brian Shunia is the President and Co-Founder of The Wing Snob™ brand and as such, he is dedicated to serving the very best, fresh, never frozen, mouthwatering, hormone-free chicken wings anywhere, topped by a variety of delectable signature sauces and flavorful dry rubs.  Wing Snob™ operates as a modern, quick-service, fast casual style restaurant with some 50 units open and operating, or under construction, with many more under commitment and he’s here to tell us all about it.      

You put a lot at rish when you self-identify as a SNOB.  You literally have to be the best veresion of yourself at all times, to even earn the privilege.

As Vice President of Franchise Development at Right at Home, Jen Chaney is responsible for the company's growth and development by awarding incredible franchise opportunities to interested and eligible candidates.  Jen has direct oversight of new, prospective franchisees, as well as growth by expansion of existing franchisees. Jen is a strategic thought leader, but also oversees franchise legal documentation, lead generation, department budget & forecasting, as well as mergers & acquisitions, leading a team of outstanding sales and development professionals. Being a caregiver to her own mother in the last stages of her life, set Jen on a personal mission to help others become entrepreneurs in a business that is rewarding in so many ways.

Gary Prenevost, has served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Franchise Association for some 15 years, and has been a FranNet Rock Star for some 21 years.  Now, he adds the titlea of best-selling author and sought-after Platform Speaker to his resume, as his recently released book the Unstoppable Franchisee, soars on USA Today’s List of Top 10 Best Sellers.  This week Gary is right here, to tell us all about it!

RICKY KALMON is a growth mindset expert, a motivational speaker and are you ready for this, a celebrity hypnotist.  Ricky delivers high-energy and mindset motivational keynote programs and corporate entertainment. His programs are inspirational and offer compelling, applicable tools, that anyone can use for both their personal and professional development.

Ricky Kalmon reveals how our mindset can be the greatest tool in achieving new heights, reducing stress, and increasing productivity and potential.  He has made numerous special guest appearances on several leading cable networks, including ESPN, HLN, Disney, Hallmark and Fox.  Ricky has worked his magic for businesses large and small, for franchisors and franchisees at their annual conventions and for teams of pro athletes, the like of the NY Yankees and Cincinnati Bengals.  This week, the author of Leverage Your Mindset-Overcome Limiting Beliefs and Amplify Your Life, talks with us.

This week on Franchise Today, we delve into the world of business acceleration and artificial intelligence (AI) in franchising, with our esteemed guest, Ford Saeks. An acclaimed business growth accelerator and early AI adapter, Ford brings refreshing insights to the table, shedding light on how AI is revolutionizing workflows across industries.  

Featuring expert inputs on implementing AI in business, avoid common mistakes with AI, and crafting frictionless user experiences, this episode serves as a valuable resource for all franchisors, franchisees, and multi-unit owners. Ford's exceptional understanding of customer touchpoints adds authenticity and transparency to any business model for sustainable growth and sensible franchising.

Additionally, our conversation navigates through the shifting dynamics and emerging trends in the franchise world, including the rise of multi-unit operators and impact of socio-economic changes. Ford's emphasis on mindset, strategies and tactics in the business journey shares the essentials for success in the franchising world.

Join us in this insightful dialogue and learn about utilizing AI for a smoother customer journey and leveraging changes for your business's advantage. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an industry veteran, this episode is a must-listen!