FranchiseU!

Joe Malmuth is the Chief Franchising Officer of Batteries Plus and joins Dr. Kathy Gosser on today’s episode of Franchise U! After more than 15 years of business experience, Malmuth began working with Batteries Plus in 2020 leading a corporate-defining project. On today’s episode Malmuth shares franchising tips and insights as well as a discussion of the benefits of the franchising model of Batteries Plus. Click below to listen to the episode and make sure to subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you enjoy your favorite podcasts.

Ashley Mitchell has spent her entire career in marketing and communication roles. She has held several positions in which she was responsible for creating and driving marketing strategy, overseeing the growth of business through all aspects of consumer marketing and communication, contributing to overall strategic planning as part of company leadership teams and executing high-profile events, including roles with The Walt Disney Company and child service-focused franchises. Based on her experience, she understands the importance of protecting a highly revered brand while simultaneously translating the larger brand message to a regional and local level. In her current role as SVP of Marketing at Streamline Brands, Ashley sits on the executive leadership team and oversees marketing strategy for all lines of the business (consumer, franchise development and mergers & acquisitions) for the industry's largest franchisor and operator of swim schools, operating as SafeSplash, Saf-T-Swim, Swimtastic, SwimLabs and Miller Swim School. Ashley has consistently been recognized as a leader in the franchise industry, most recently as a Top Franchise Influencer in 2022. Learn more about Streamline Brands at https://www.streamlinebrands.com/. Learn more about the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at https://business.louisville.edu/about/learning-at-cob/yumcgfe/.

Scott Greenberg is an international speaker, writer, and franchise performance expert who helps business owners think, lead and serve effectively. Scott is a contributing writer for Entrepreneur and Nation’s Restaurant News, and the author of the book, The Wealthy Franchisee.

Ramzi Daklouche is VP of franchise sales for Edible®, the world’s largest franchisor of stores offering fresh fruit snacks, dipped treats, and fruit arrangements with over 900 locations worldwide. Since its founding in 1999, the company has been recognized as an industry leader, ranking first in its category in Entrepreneur magazine’s annual “Franchise 500,” Entrepreneur’s Top 40 of “Fastest Growing Franchises,” and “America’s Top Global Franchises” as well as being included among the “Inc. 5000” list of the fastest growing privately-held companies. Previously Ramzi serving as Chief Growth Officer at Pieology Pizzeria, Ramzi has a wide-ranging background in growing brands and territories both domestically and globally.

A global marketer for iconic brands such as Dove, KFC, and Taco Bell, Greg Creed is the founder of Creed UnCo and co-author of R.E.D. Marketing. Most recently, he retired as the CEO of Yum brands following his success as the COO of Yum and the President and CEO of Taco Bell. Known for his culture-driven leadership and collaborative style with franchisees, partners, and team members to bring the best out of brands and people.

On today’s episode, we speak with Wild Birds Unlimited Chief Development Officer-EVP of Franchising, Paul Pickett. His career with Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU)has perfectly combined his love of birds, nature, and people. Paul joined the WBU team as the first full-time employee in 1989, shortly after graduating with his Master’s Degree in Biology/Ornithology from the University of North Dakota. He has over 30 years of experience in working with potential franchisees as they join the WBU team and manages all of the real estate and legal responsibilities for the WBU system. Paul is a frequent speaker at franchising conferences and sits on the IFA’s Franchise Relations Committee, Convention Committee, and Franchisor Forum. Additionally, Paul is one of the co-founders of the IFA Pride Council. One of the highlights of his career was chairing the 2018 Franchise Update Leadership and Development conference. In 2020, Paul was honored to receive the IFA Women’s Franchise Committee Crystal Compass Award for his significant contributions to leadership within the franchise community.

In today's FranchiseU! Kathy talks with Jackie Bondanza, CEO of Hounds Town USA — a doggie daycare franchise with 60+ locations in development across 11 states and growing. Founded in 2001 by former commanding officer of the Nassau County canine unit Michael Gould, Hounds Town USA offers fully interactive doggie daycare, overnight boarding, and full-service grooming in an adorable town made for dogs.

This week, Kathy talks social media and franchising with Entrepreneur Media's Liane Caruso. Launching her career in franchising with her marketing agency, Liane has worked in franchise marketing for over ten years. Since its acquisition, she has served on both the franchisor and agency sides, so she understands all facets of franchise marketing challenges. In 2021, Liane took on the Sr. Vice President of Franchising at Entrepreneur Media. In a significant initiative to make a bigger impact in franchising, she provides oversight to the franchise division, marketing and sales, strategic planning, and content development through all forms of media, including articles, video, television, social media, publishing, and education.

This week, Kathy talks franchising south of the border with Sergio Carvallo. He is the president of Boston´s Pizza Mexico, Canada’s number one casual dining restaurant. Since 2015 he has been responsible for developing the brand in Mexico through the franchising model, providing support to BP franchisees across the country. From business development, supply chain, marketing and operations to training, he guarantees consistency and the best customer experience to Boston’s Pizza fans. Sergio holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Universidad Panamericana, a Marketing Executive Degree from ITAM, and an MBA from Georgetown University. He has more than 30 years of experience with Fortune 500 companies including Nestle and 3M. He was also responsible for providing access to highly recognized hospitality programs to Universidad Del Valle de Mexico’s students, part of the Laureate education network. His passion for the restaurant industry and people has led him to hold franchising positions at YUM! managing over 150 KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants as well as Boston’s Pizza. Sergio is married with two daughters and lives in Mexico City.