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Website: FranchiseU!
Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast
Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast
Twitter: @franchiseupod
TikTok: @franchiseupod
Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser via LinkedIn.
This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.
The International Franchise Association does so much to protect, enhance, and support the franchise model. It's really pretty incredible the amount of work they do, but sometimes people don't know exactly what do they do. So join me in this episode of FranchiseU! where I have the privilege of sitting down with Matt Hower, the CEO of the IFA and Jennifer branding the COO of the IFA, or they talk about not only their journeys to franchising, but all the things that the IFA offers and has done to ensure this model stays alive and helps millions of people who work with and thrive within it.
In this episode of FranchiseU!, host Dr. Kathy Gosser sits down with Matt Haller, the CEO, and Jennifer Brandeen, the COO, of the International Franchise Association (IFA). They discuss the extensive efforts of the IFA in protecting, enhancing, and promoting the franchise model.
Topics discussed include:
· Introduction to the IFA
· Matt Haller's Journey to the IFA
· Jennifer Brandeen's Path to Franchising
· Mission and Role of the IFA
· Misconceptions About Franchising
· Franchising's Economic Impact
· IFA Events and Education
· Franchise Update Media Acquisition
· Educational Initiatives and Digital Ecosystem
· Franchise Ascension Initiative
· Future of Franchising
Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!:
Website: FranchiseU!
Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast
Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast
Twitter: @franchiseupod
TikTok: @franchiseupod
Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser via LinkedIn.
This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.
Agape Capitalism. What is that and why would I be talking about that on a franchising podcast? Well join me in this episode of FranchiseU! as I talk with Jane Abell and Tony Capuano of Donatos Pizza. Jane is the chairwoman of the board, and Tony is her son, who is also the Senior Vice President of Franchise Operations and Training.
They take us along the journey of Donatos when it was created by her father who started in 1963. They sold to McDonald's and then bought it back from McDonald's. They also talk about how they have woven the whole theory of combining love and capitalism into a very successful enterprise.
Topics discussed include:
· Meet Jane Abell and Tony Capuano
· Jane Abell's Journey with Donatos
· Tony Capuano's Career Path
· The Donatos Story: From Creation to McDonald's to Independence
· Donatos Current Growth and Future Plans
· Agape Capitalism: Leading with Love
· Navigating Family Business Challenges
· The Rewards of Family Business
Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!:
Website: FranchiseU!
Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast
Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast
Twitter: @franchiseupod
TikTok: @franchiseupod
Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser via LinkedIn.
This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.
One thing that almost all of us have in common is the desire to live a healthy, long life. There is now a franchise to help with proactively taking control of your health. Join me in this episode of FranchiseU! as I talk with Scott Svilich, the COO of Next Health. The only large scale franchise providing medically backed healthcare services with a proactive approach to prioritizing health and fitness.
Topics discussed include:
· Meet Scott Svilich: From Trainer to COO
· Scott's Journey in the Fitness Industry
· Transition to Exponential Fitness
· Innovative Services at Next Health
· Membership Model and Franchising
· Franchising Strategy and Growth
· Financials and Profit Margins
· Ideal Franchise Partners
Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!:
Website: FranchiseU!
Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast
Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast
Twitter: @franchiseupod
TikTok: @franchiseupod
Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser via LinkedIn.
This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.
Dr. Kathy Gosser interviews Amy Leclerc, co-founder of Sit Still Kids Salon franchise. The discussion covers Leclerc’s journey from advertising to leading a kids' hair salon franchise.
Highlights Include:
Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!:
Website:
FranchiseU!
Instagram:
@franchiseu_podcast
Facebook:
@FranchiseU Podcast
Twitter:
@franchiseupod
TikTok:
@franchiseupod
Reach
out directly to Dr.
Kathy Gosser via LinkedIn.
This
episode proudly brought to you by the Center
for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.
Dr. Kathy Gosser interviews James Hilovsky, a dedicated franchise broker and the CEO of FranDream. Hilovsky shares his journey from spending 25 years at Del Taco to transitioning to franchise brokering.
Highlights Include:
Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!:
Website: FranchiseU!
Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast
Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast
Twitter: @franchiseupod
TikTok: @franchiseupod
Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser via LinkedIn.
This episode proudly brought to you by the Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.
You should learn something new every day. Those words come from a new Potbelly franchisee, Hampden Keil, who started a multi-unit franchise with his father, Bryant Keil, the founder of Potbelly. Join me in this episode of FranchiseU! as we hear Hampden talk about his experience and how he and his dad are creating a Potbelly dynasty, starting with 13 restaurants with plans to add 15 more.
In this episode of FranchiseU!, I interview Hampden Keil, COO of the Keil Group, LLC, to discuss his journey into the restaurant industry and his experience in building a Potbelly Sandwich Works multi-unit franchise business alongside, Bryant Keil, his father. Keil talks about his background in journalism, his extensive experience in the restaurant industry, and the valuable lessons he learned working at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. The conversation delves into the Keil Group's ambitious plans to expand their footprint by adding new Potbelly units to their existing 13, the importance of operational systems, and the evolving dynamics of family-run businesses. Keil also offers insights into the challenges of hiring and training staff, the significance of having a strong support system, and the advantages of being a Potbelly franchisee.
Topics discussed include:
1. Keil’s Early Career & Education
A. Experiences as a Journalist
B. Experiences at Lettuce Entertain You
C. Experiences at Joe's Brewery
D. Experiences at the Keil Group
2. The Potbelly Brand & Legacy
A. Founding and Evolution of Potbelly
B. Unique Franchising Model and Operations
C. Benefits of Checklists and Operational Standards
D. Advantages of becoming a Potbelly Franchisee
3. Working with Family
A. Definite division of roles: Hampden handles operations; Bryant focuses on
growth and development.
B. Benefits of complementary working styles (realistic vs. creative).
C. Benefits of daily catch-up calls that blend business and personal
conversation.
4. Advantages of Becoming a Franchisee
A. Quality product and brand identity.
B. Strong corporate support and operational guidance.
C. Opportunity for personal and professional support.
5. Advice for Aspiring Franchisees and Students
A. Be prepared for the shift from floor operations to oversight.
B. Confidence grows with experience.
C. Constant learning and listening to experienced team members are key.
Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!:
Website: FranchiseU!
Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast
Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast
Twitter: @franchiseupod
TikTok: @franchiseupod
Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser via LinkedIn.
This episode proudly brought to you by the Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.
I'm not the techiest person around. And so when I was approached to talk to a couple of folks about geofencing, I thought, geo what? So I had to take a look, find out what it was, but then it fascinated me, and it is a way for a small franchise to really maximize their foot traffic. So in this episode of FranchiseU!, I talk with Ernesto Cullari and Barbara Wardell, who've come up with an incredible concept.
In this episode of FranchiseU!, I ask Ernesto and Barbara to share their initial curiosity and subsequent fascination with geofencing. They discuss how this technology can help small franchises increase their foot traffic and more. This conversation has some very innovative uses of the geofencing concept.
Topics discussed include:
1. Understanding Geofencing
2. Benefits of Geofencing include:
3. How to embrace Geofencing
4. Learn more at the Cullari and Wardell Ad Agency Website
Ernesto Cullari is a multifaceted creative professional writer, commercial photographer, director, and Co-founder and CMO; renowned for pioneering GPS-based, location-based advertising. With expertise in content creation, digital advertising, and marketing strategy, he has worked with a wide range of high-profile brands and personalities. He was a regular on-air contributor and producer for The Financial Quarterback™ and has an extensive background in the music industry, having led artist development for Grammy-winning KNS Productions. A published songwriter and columnist, Cullari’s writing has appeared on Fox News and in triCityNews. In 2012, he ran for U.S. Congress as a GOP candidate in Monmouth County. Follow Ernesto Cullari on LinkedIn
Barbara Wardell is a seasoned marketing and ad professional who left behind a very successful career in the specialty medicine world to become a disruptor on behalf of small businesses. She has a focused and competitive mindset she uses to guide, Cullari & Wardell, a geofencing ad agency. Wardell focuses on what makes her clients strong and their competition weak. She then uses GPS location data to match would-be customers to her client’s strengths, thereby best positioning her clients for success. The measurable results in terms of increased foot traffic and online conversations are game-changing. Beyond her professional pursuits, Wardell is a proud mother of two outstanding young men, balancing her role as a dedicated businesswoman with a passion for enjoying life to the fullest and spending quality time with family and friends. Follow Barbara Wardell on Instagram.
Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!:
Website: FranchiseU!
Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast
Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast
Twitter: @franchiseupod
TikTok: @franchiseupod
Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser via LinkedIn.
This episode proudly brought to you by the Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser and Dr. Isabel Botero joined by Bonny and Marcus Shelton, who share their incredible journey as multi-generational KFC franchisees. The Sheltons recount the inspiring history of Bacon Enterprises, Inc., starting with Bonnie's father in the 1960s, through their significant contributions to the KFC community, and culminating in the successful exit from their family business. They discuss the keys to their success, including family unity, clear communication, and strong ethical values. The Sheltons also share their strategies for managing a family-owned business, the importance of transparent operating agreements, and their comprehensive approach to ensuring the well-being of their employees during the sale. This episode provides valuable insights into maintaining family harmony while achieving business success.
Time Topic
00:00 Introduction and Co-Host Welcome
00:20 Meet the Shelton Family: Multi-Generational KFC Franchisees
01:27 Bonnie's Story: The Early Days of Bacon Enterprises
04:10 A Family Business: Challenges and Triumphs
07:14 Marcus's Journey: From Childhood Memories to Business Leader
12:10 The Next Generation: Roles of the Shelton Daughters
15:27 Growth and Leadership: Expanding the Franchise
18:25 Working Together: Family Dynamics in Business
22:46 Balancing Family and Business
23:12 Leadership and Conflict Resolution
27:35 Values and Principles in Family Business
28:34 Decision to Sell the Business
31:20 Navigating the Sale Process
37:36 Celebrating and Reflecting on Success
40:03 Advice for Family Businesses
42:58 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser speaks with Jamie Krasnov, CEO of Apex Leadership Company, about his journey from finance to philanthropy-driven entrepreneurship. Krasnov discusses his background in private equity, his passion for franchising, and the innovative fundraising solutions provided by Apex Leadership. Apex conducts fun runs and other events at schools to raise funds significantly while teaching leadership, fitness, and wellness. Krasnov explains the franchise model, emphasizing its low entry cost and the support provided to franchisees. Apex aims to serve thousands of schools, driven by a mission to build future leaders and support underprivileged communities.
Jamie Krasnov is a dedicated business leader who currently holds the position of CEO at Apex Leadership Company. In this role, Krasnov has been instrumental in steering the company's strategy and execution to increase value to the Apex franchisees and Apex schools across the nation. His determination to elevate the company’s led to the brand seeing an outstanding 200% revenue increase since he took stepped into the role as CEO in 2021. Before his tenure at Apex, Krasnov founded Heritage Operating Partners, a private equity firm supported by other operators concentrated on fast-growing franchisors. Prior to Heritage, Krasnov served in various investing roles across private equity, public equity, and investment banking for a decade. He graduated with honors from the University of Texas. Krasnov resides in Houston, Texas, where he enjoys spending time with family and his two dogs.
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