Franchise Today

In this Encore Presentation on Franchise Today, Host, Paul Segreto welcomed Catherine Monson, CEO at Fastsigns International. Based upon recent experience leading Fastsigns into Puerto Rico, Catherine discussed the benefits of expansion via international franchising, preparation necessary in exploring and entering international markets, and establishing important international connections from square one. In addition, Catherine provided a glimpse into her then upcoming appearance on CBS Undercover Boss.

The Summer Replay Series continues on Franchise Today with an Encore Presentation with Dina Dwyer-Owens, Chairwoman & CEO of The Dwyer Group. As you may recall Dina appeared on CBSs hit reality show "Undercover Boss" on Jan. 22 (and recently replayed in August) for a journey that today has connected her to her companys service brands on a whole new level. Dina joined host, Paul Segreto, to share her personal experience that showcased her as a woman in a man's world, riding a lawnmower, unloading a water heater, installing commercial exit signs and repairing a stove among the many highlights. In light of the then upcoming International Franchise Association Annual Convention, Dina and Paul also tapped into Dina's experience as the former Chairperson at the IFA in 2009 to provide some insight into the important annual event. In addition, the future of franchising and challenges created by tightened credit and economic uncertainty was also discussed.

In this Encore Presentation of a Special Edition of Franchise Today, host, Paul Segreto was joined LIVE by Susan BlackBeth, Chief Operating Officer at Super Wash and Founder and Chair of the upcoming Dealmakers Summit, scheduled to take place in Chicago, August 28-29.

Paul and Susan discussed specifics about the Summit and two days of opportunities, connections, information and deals, including:

Pre-qualified and screened attendees ensure the best opportunities for meaningful connections

Secure Online Deal Rooms, powered by Boefly, to expedite the exchange of confidential information after the meeting

Pre-Summit Webinar to prepare you to make the best statement in your presentations and maximize your results

One-on-one meetings in private, secure spaces conducive to sharing confidential and sensitive information

Network, exchange business ideas, meet new contacts and connect with event attendees in the Networking Lounge

Chicago is “our kind of town” and Hotel Sofitel Executive Chef Greg Biggers and Pastry Chef Patrick Fahy will prove it with their one-of-a-kind evening reception and dinner experience.

This week on Franchise Today, the Summer Replay Series, Host, Paul Segreto was joined by BrightStar Co-founder & CEO, Shelly Sun. Paul and Shelly discussed her new book, Grow Smart, Risk Less, and her then recent appearance on the popular reality TV show, Undercover Boss.

The Summer Replay Series on Franchise Today continues... In this week's Encore Presentation Mary Ann O'Connell, CEO at FranWise joined host, Paul Segreto, to discuss the importance of operations manuals within franchise systems. In addition, Paul and Mary Ann discussed the proper development of franchise operations manuals and how poorly developed ones can leave a lasting impression... albeit a negative one.

As the Summer Replay Series continues this week on Franchise Today, Host, Paul Segreto and Co-producer, Joe Caruso welcomed as their guest Ron Feldman, CEO at Siegel Financial Group and Franchise America Finance. Ron Feldman is one of the foremost experts on franchise financing and in particular SBA 7A and 504 lending programs. He has been leading the charge in Washington DC to open up access to credit for franchise business owners and discussed the same in this encore presentation of Franchise Today.

This week on a Special Edition of Franchise Today, host, Paul Segreto is joined LIVE by Susan BlackBeth, Chief Operating Officer at Super Wash and Founder and Chair of the upcoming Dealmaker's Summit.

Paul and Susan will discuss specifics about the Summit and two days of opportunities, connections, information and deals, including:

Pre-qualified and screened attendees ensure the best opportunities for meaningful connections Secure Online Deal Rooms, powered by Boefly, to expedite the exchange of confidential information after the meeting Pre-Summit Webinar to prepare you to make the best statement in your presentations and maximize your results One-on-one meetings in private, secure spaces conducive to sharing confidential and sensitive information Network, exchange business ideas, meet new contacts and connect with event attendees in the Networking Lounge Chicago is “our kind of town” and Hotel Sofitel Executive Chef Greg Biggers and Pastry Chef Patrick Fahy will prove it with their one-of-a-kind evening reception and dinner experience.

This week on Franchise Today the Summer Replay Series continues. In this encore presentation, host, Paul Segreto was joined by labor law attorney Mark Fijman of Phelps Dunbar LLP. Mark represents and advises employers regarding federal and state employment laws dealing with race, age, disability, gender, national origin and religious discrimination and in administrative proceedings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Mark specializes in employment issues relating to the restaurant and hospitality industry. Mark and Paul discussed the convergence of evolving technologies, generational changes and employment issues facing franchisors and franchisees.

This week, the Franchise Today Summer Replay Series takes a look at how professional athletes are transitioning from the sports ranks and investing in franchise opportunities. In this Encore Presentation, Host Paul Segreto was joined by his guest, Michael Stone, a former NFL player and founder of Allied Athlete Group, the premier private membership organization for professional athletes. Michael is also the Founder of Professional Athlete Franchise Initiative (PAFI). Paul and Michael focused on how franchising is often a consideration in life after sports. They discuss the benefits of franchising as well as the potential pitfalls former athletes may face as they make the transition off the field, court or ice to business ownership.

This week on Franchise Today the Summer Replay Series continues. In this week's session, host, Paul Segreto, and co-producer, Joe Caruso was joined by Ben Litalien, a 20-year veteran of franchising, adjunct professor at Georgetown University and University of Maryland and franchising visionary. A developer of several franchise concepts and the former U.S. Franchise Manager for ExxonMobils "On the Run" convenience store franchise, he has a broad range of franchise experience. Through his franchise management program at Georgetown University, Ben interacts with numerous franchisors across the country and around the world.