Franchise Today

Erik Van Horn is the total package.  Among other things, he helps  High-Performing Franchisees connect in a community of like-minded Franchise Owners, so they can short-cut their path to scaling with multiple units and/or brands and sell for the highest multiples.  He became a franchisee because he wanted...FREEDOM… the freedom to control where and how he spent his time and effort -and to have a lifestyle business

Whether his lessons were taught or caught, he quickly learned to:

- Hire A-players to run the day-to-day operations. 

- Network in and outside of franchising                                                                                                                          -To learn from the brightest minds in marketing, sales, tax strategy, investing, etc.                                                      --To build his franchises to sell, from day one

Today, this father of three daughters, is a franchise podcaster, runs mastermind groups for successful franchisees, has been an area developer, multi unit owner, consultant, guide and Sherpa to others and is on the brink of becoming a first-time franchisor.  He’s here to tell us  about all that and more.

My interview with Erik Nan Horn is one you will certainly not want to miss, but techncal difficulties delayed post-production.  So, please forgive the delay and return next week... I promise it will be worth the wait. 

Until then, my conversation with Charles Watson, remains in place  My apologies for the issue.

C-ya next week,

Stan

Charles Watson is CEO at Tropical Smoothie Café, a franchise concept that began on the beach at Destin, FL, and has morphed into a 900 plus, location wave.  Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a lifestyle brand for people looking for something a bit better, as alternatives to fast food, serving up great-tasting, nutritious food and smoothies for their customers and incredible franchise opportunities.  For those looking to join a brand who's culture is all about working hard, working together, having fun and making money, this could be the next big.  To talk about all of this and more, CEO Charles Watson is here today, my guest on Franchise Today.

Greg Nathan is Founder of the respected Franchise Relationships Institute (FRI) and recognized as the global thought leader on the psychology of franchising. He is has been a registered psychologist for 35 years and is regularly invited to deliver keynote addresses at franchise sector conferences around the world. Greg's books, such as Profitable Partnerships and the Franchisor's Guide to Improving Field Visits, are regarded as essential reading for anyone who works in the franchising sector. His numerous franchising models such as the Franchise E-Factor and The Franchising Wheels of Excellence are all based on empirical research, and have helped shape the way franchising is conducted around the world.

The Faegre Drinker year-end Franchisor Best Practices and Leadership Summit will feature a collection of franchisors, franchisees and industry thought leaders.  These include: 

Steve Hockett, CEO, Great Clips,Steve Romaniello, Senior Advisor, Roark CapitalSteve White, President, COO, PuroSystemsPaul Pickett, CDO, Wild Birds UnlimitedChristina Russell, CEO, Radiance Holdings (Sola Salons)Mary Thompson, COO, NeighborlySusan Rather, Multi-Unit BrightStar FranchiseeCraig Leonard, Multi-Unit Rally's FranchiseeSaunda Kitchen, Mr. Rooter Franchisee

Franchising since 1996 Christian Bros. has 230 or more franchised auto repair locations nationwide and get this, they have never closed a single location.  No, conversely, they continue to build upon one of the best reputations in the auto service industry, both at the consumer and franchisee level.  Check it out:

JD Powers - #1 in Customer Satisfaction in the automotive aftermarketEntrepreneur Magazine– A Top 200 franchise concept for 10 consecutive yearsForbes - #2 in Americas Best Buys for those buying a franchise. The US Auto Franchise Business Review – A Top 50 Franchise Concept for franchisee satisfaction, for 10 years runningThe United Services Auto Assn.  or as most of us know them, the USAA – Christian Bros. is a Top Franchise Opportunity for Veterans

Brad Fink describes the "secret sauce" behind this thriving brand

The purpose of this podcast is sustainable growth and sensible franchising, Sometimes it is just impossible for our discussion to avoid the clutches of politics.  This is one such moment in time, as explained further below.   

Labor Union Launches Push for Anti-Franchise Legislation, 'Protecting the Right to Organize' Act

The PRO Act passed the House earlier this year on a 224-194 vote. IFA has strongly opposed the legislation as it would codify California' AB 5 law, along with the vague and unlimited standard for joint employment that was adopted in 2015 by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in its Browning-Ferris Industries decision. President-elect Joe Biden has previously voiced support for the PRO Act, but IFA will continue to work with Congress and the Administration to raise the franchise industry's concerns.

David Barr and Ron Feldman articulate specifically, the ramifications to those in franchising, should the Senate be lost by Republicans.  The collateral damage to franchising is an existential threat.  Please listen, learn and share.  See you back here next week.

Happy Thanksgiving one and all.  My interview with Ron Feldman and David Barr, regarding the potential impact that the outcome of two upcoming United States Senate races in Georgia could have on franchising, remains center stage this week. 

Franchise Today returns next week, with a brand new episode. Until then, be safe, masks up, socially separate and enjoy the holiday with your loved ones.

On January 5, 2021, two US Senate seats are up for grabs in State of Georgia run-offs. 

FACT:  The outcomes of these elections could lead to devastating, if not existential threats to franchising, nationwide.      

On Wednesday at Noon ET, David Barr and Ron Feldman join me to discuss how and why.  David Barr is the Immediate Past Chair of the IFA, Franchisor, Franchisee, thought leader and investor.  Ron Feldman is the past chair of the IFA Supplier Forum, Chief Development Officer at Apple Pie Capital, a “reluctant” lobbyist, and current member of the IFA Board. 

Together, we will break this all down into bite size pieces and explain the implications that the results of this momentous election could foist upon us all.  One thing is certain: If the Senate flips blue, all who earn their livings in franchising, stand to be adversely impacted by the consequences.        

In mid-March, I began running a series of Special Editions of Franchise Today, following the onset of the Corona Virus Crisis.  These, then continued with Special Reports on civil unrest, following the George Floyd travesty.  

All these episodes veered from the usual forrmat of interviews with highly successful Zors, about sustainable growth and sensible franchising. 

Each Special Edition was important and timely, but none spoke to issues so potentially consequential, as to be termed existential threats to our business model.  This one does!  Do not miss this interview.

Bruce Mehlman, is the founder and CEO of Washington DC based, bipartisan, government relations firm, Mehlman, Castignetti, Rosen & Thomas and he delivers an encore performance this week.  As you may remember, Bruce's firm helps Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups understand, anticipate and navigate the ever-evolving policy environment and trends likely to impact the global marketplace.  He made some bold predictions back in August.  Let's take a listen to the "tale of the tape" andsee how accurate he was.