FranchiseU!

This week, Kathy sits down with Aylwin Lewis. Mr. Lewis served as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Potbelly Corporation, a franchisor of quick-service restaurants, from June 2008 until his retirement in November 2017. From September 2005 to February 2008, Mr. Lewis was President and Chief Executive Officer of Sears Holdings Corporation, a nationwide retailer. Prior to that, Mr. Lewis had been President and Chief Executive Officer of KMart since October 2004. Mr. Lewis was Chief Multi-Branding and Operating Officer of YUM! Brands, Inc. from 2003 until October 2004, Chief Operating Officer of YUM! Brands from 2000 until 2003 and Chief Operating Officer of Pizza Hut from 1996 to 1997. After retiring in 2017, Aylwin and his wife of 35 years, Noveline, moved back to the Houston area in August 2018. He is enjoying his retirement by pursuing interests in movies, sports, working out, traveling, and learning.

In today's episode, Kathy sits down with Jody Luihn to discuss his experiences as a YUM! Brands franchisee. Jody started as a restaurant manager in the Luihn family business in 1983 and remains in the business as a partner, president, and CEO after the recapitalization into LVE Partners in 2019. He has been the FRANMAC President for Taco Bell for three terms and serves on numerous YUM! Brand committees. Jody is consistently recognized by YUM! Brands for his contributions to the franchise system. He is a 2005 recipient of the Glen Bell Award and a recipient of the “The Think Outside The Bun” award.

On this week’s FranchiseU! Kathy talks with Sophia Swemba, VP and franchise advocate for Marriott. A graduate in finance from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Sophia has held numerous positions in finance with Marriott. She began her career with Marriott in late 2007, working in the field as an assistant controller. Over ten years, she served in various financial leadership roles in various brands and operations at the property level. Sophia also serves as a board member for the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence.

Kathy talks about investment management with Exaltare Capital Partners CEO Omar Simmons in today's episode. He shares his experiences with franchise partners, including a tenure as CEO of ECP Planet Fitness.

On this week's FranchiseU! Kathy talks with Signarama franchisee Maggie Payette Harlow. Learn how she translated her experience running the family car dealership into a successful enterprise. Maggie also discusses her commitment to community service in Louisville, including her work with the National Association of Women Business Owners, the Happy Birthday Park, and Metro United Way.

In today's episode, Kathy sits down with Biscuit Belly's Director of Franchise Development, Lauren Coulter, to discuss her and her husband Chad's entrepreneurial journey. From their start with Louisville's first "paint and sip" business to Biscuit Belly, learn about their path to the world of fast-casual franchise development.

This week Kathy meets with FranNet CEO Jania Bailey and her journey in franchise development.

This week Kathy talks the power of education with Gene and Yolanda Camarena. Learn how higher education played a transformative role in the Camarena's lives as it fueled their entrepreneurial endeavors which include banking, real estate, and franchises like Marriott and Pizza Hut. Both have advanced degrees from Harvard University and are active in generously supporting Hispanic students in their educational pursuits. The Camarenas were recently inducted into the Wichita Business Hall of Fame for all they have done to help the community and students.

Kathy is joined this week by Luis Veras, president of ITL Management, Inc. and a Pizza Hut franchisee. Listen to Luis's journey from the corporate world to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

This week, Matt Haller and Rikki Amos join Kathy to discuss the International Franchise Association(IFA). As the world's largest membership organization for franchisors, franchisees and franchise suppliers, the IFA provides events, advocacy, education, and growth opportunities to the franchise community.