Franchise Today

"...what we saw in the 80's and early 90's was a lot of specialty shops. And that did one thing that was very interesting that we saw, and part of the reason why we created these co-branding opportunities is because the customer was put at a disadvantage. With specialty shops it appeared on the surface to be a convenience factor for the customer. But what the customer lost was the relationship that theyhad. Years ago you used to go to the neighborhood gas station and you knew the operator, and you had a relationship and you trusted him, right?" - Pete Baldine, President, Moran Family of Brands

As Franchise Today launches its seventh season on the air, co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome long-time franchise professional, Pete Baldine as their guest. Baldine is president at Moran Family of Brands, franchisor to multiple automotive franchise brands including Mr. Transmission, Milex Complete Auto Repair and AltaMere Toys for Cars. 

In an industry that has long been perceived as not having any glitz or appeal, co-branding has enabled Moran's brands to build and strengthen relationships with both customers and franchisees alike. For customers, it offers a one-stop shop of convenient quality service. For franchisees, it offers an efficient business model that builds loyalty and repeat business while minimizing overhead. To these points, show discussion will focus on the efficiencies of co-branding and how Moran Family of Brands has addressed technology challenges with today's vehicles, necessity of a higher skill level for technicians and issues that both franchises and independent business alike are facing today.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

When asked in a recent interview, What do you love most about being CEO, Catherine Monson, CEO & president of FastSigns responded, "I am going to start with what I love about franchising, as that is the basis of what I love about being CEO of Fastsigns International. I grew up in a small family business, and I am passionate about small business and its positive impact on the economy and our country. Franchising is the most effective business model to help people get into business for themselves: they benefit from being part of a brand with systems and procedures to help them succeed, thus being in business for themselves but not by themselves."

In light of recent attacks on the franchise model, it's appropriate and timely Catherine Monson join co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto on Franchise Today to discuss issues affecting what Catherine refers to as the most effective business model to help people get into business for themselves - franchising. Catherine shares her perspective on two key issues - NLRB joint employer ruling and $15/hr minimum-wage and the ripple effect both have or will have on franchise growth for products and services brands. As FastSigns is experiencing significant growth in international markets, Catherine also shares her insight on [similar] issues facing franchisors abroad. 

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"Minimum-Wage Issue Exerts Maximum Impact On Restaurant Industry" was a recent headline on Forbes.com and is the concern of many restaurant industry professionals including those of franchise brands with tens, hundreds and thousands of locations nationwide. Rising wages will force price increases across the menu. Brands have already begun to push their prices up as their labor costs have risen, either from mandated or expected hikes to the minimum wage or from costs associated with health care coverage. In addition, several national brands have already begun to roll out self-order kiosks to reduce labor.

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto welcome long-time franchise and restaurant industry professional, Lynette McKee. With over two decades experience at Dunkin Brands, Burger King, Dennys, Checkers and Metromedia Restaurant Group, Lynette shares her perspective from the inside out of a labor-intensive industry that has already seen rising costs and declining profits. With a wealth of experience and time committed to education and leadership programs, Lynette also shares her insight on creating opportunities for minorities and women in food service and franchising.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"Today, I pay it forward by offering my perspective, experience, advice, and connections to select franchisees, franchisors, and suppliers so that they can “see what they don’t see” and achieve their highest levels of success." - John "Johnny Franchise" Francis

This week on Franchise Today, John Francis, aka Johnny Franchise joins co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto to discuss his perspective on issues threatening franchising as we know it today. As a Board Member and advisor to a number of prominent franchise organizations and a wealth of experience as a former franchisee and franchisor, John shares his point of view from both the executive suite and front line. Having grown up in the franchise industry, John focuses on "franchising done right" and today helps franchise organizations see what they don't see. He will do the same on Franchise Today, helping industry professionals (show listeners) see what they don't [or might not be able to] see.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"Begin your discovery and become a student of franchising while you are following the path to launching and growing your franchis system." These powerful words by Shelly Sun from her book, Grow Smart Risk Less are much more than advice for others. They're words Sun continues to live by as she has truly become a student of franchising (and teacher and advocate) and the success of her brand, BrightStar Care is evidence of her commitment to sustainable and sensible franchising.

This week on Franchise Today, co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto discuss with Shelly Sun the trials and tribulations of becoming a world-class franchisor. In addition to improving unit-economics and growing BrightStar beyond US borders, Shelly also focuses on issues affecting franchising such as recent NLRB ruling on 3rd party employers and $15 per hour minimum wage, and the reasons behind her generosity of both time and resources to causes and industry events alike. As 2009 IFA Entrepreneur of the Year, Shelly also shares her thoughts on entrepreneurship, a timely subject as this week's show airs during Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

NFL veteran Michael Stone and Franchise Today co-host/franchise industry veteran Stan Friedman, co-founders of (PAFI) The Professional Athlete Franchise Initiative, now in it's 7th year, will talk with Franchise Today co-host, Paul Segreto about recent athlete/franchisee successes and what’s on the horizon at PAFI. 

Join us as we discuss how franchisors, athletes and suppliers have all come together to successfully advance the business model of pro athletes in franchising.  Tune in as we discuss how up and coming, twilight year and even retired veterans of the court or field can trade in their play books for Ops. Manuals and keep producing wealth and legacy through franchising.  FRANCHISING: the ONLY game these athletes play, that NEVER GOES OUT OF SEASON!  In addition, Mike and Stan will preview some new ideas on the horizon that PAFI is exploring with Expos like those produced by MFV, Franchise Update’s Multi-Unit Conference and of course, PAFI’s own 7th Annual Franchise Summit during the spring of 2016, in Atlanta.  

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"How to get everything you want without waiting a lifetime" is the tag line for the New York Times best-seller, Secrets of the Young and Successful, co-authored by Jennifer Kushell. It's also the underlying message this week's guest on Franchise Today shares with young entrepreneurs everywhere... and we do mean, everywhere.

Jennifer Kushell, founder and CEO of Young & Successful Media and YSN.com joins co-hosts Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto, discussing the cause of economic empowerment among young adults and entrepreneurs and how franchising contributes to the same. The competitive program tied to franchising, is NextGen - A New Generation in Franchising, of which Jennifer is a driving force, working hand-in-hand with the International Franchise Association in this the second year of the global competition.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

Helping to change the basic way decisions are made through data and analysis that are timely, objective and helpful. FRANdata has a big vision: To positively impact decisions at all levels of the franchise industry.

This week on Franchise Today, Ron Feldman, Chief Development Officer of FRANdata shares his perspective on the future of franchising. Discussing the various challenges facing franchising including escalating minimum wages and joint employer decisions, Feldman focuses on how these challenges may adversely affect franchise organizations of all sizes. He also shares his thoughts on unit-economics and its effect on franchise finance.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

With 22 years of business ownership and management experience and work in the medical industry, two aspiring entrepreneurs decided to open a pizza franchise in Fort Worth, Texas. The husband and wife team knew that in order to turn their aspirations into a reality they would need to secure financing. “We have been open for business for about two months now, and it would not have been possible without the financing we secured through BoeFly,” said a partner. “The process was clear and extremely efficient, and it allowed us to establish a relationship with a nearby bank that is funding our loan.” 

This week's special guest on Franchise Today is Mike Rozman, CEO and Founder of BoeFly. Mike discusses how BoeFly puts small businesses in control of their financial future via a step-by-step approach that helps business owners complete an effective loan request and match their business to the right lenders. Rozman also shares his insight on current state of business finance and how business owners can best position themselves ahead of needing capital for startup, acquisition or expansion.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.

"If only we could attract the right candidates to our franchise opportunity." This is a very familiar statement made by many franchise professionals. Truly, they couldn't be more spot-on, or could they? This week on Franchise Today co-hosts, Stan Friedman and Paul Segreto are joined by Rebecca Monet, President and Chief Scientist at Zoracle Profiles.Rebecca discusses how Zoracle provides science-based and market-validated profiling tools, including its Spot-on! Profile for the franchise marketplace. Further, she will discuss how Zoracle does not use personality tests and explains how its meta-analysis approach uses 5 complementary sciences within a single tool thus providing greater accuracy and predictability.

Rebecca Monet has been in the franchise consulting and psychometric assessment business since 1993. Much like her mentor Dr. Douglas Jackson of Sigma Assessment Systems, Monet is known for her uncanny ability to draw performance correlations. She is fascinated with neurology and human performance as it relates to business success. The Zoracle Profiling System is Monet’s most comprehensive and predictive work to date. Prior to joining Zoracle Profiles, Rebecca had founded Proven Match.

Franchise Today airs LIVE Wednesdays at 11AM CT / 12PM ET with on-demand access on iTunes.