FranchiseU!

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Erik Helgesen and Stephen R. Preuss from PayMore Group. They grew their one store to a franchised business model with 120 planned units. Listen to how and why they chose to maximize their opportunities through the power of franchising.

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Bennett Maxwell from Dirty Dough Cookies. Maxwell’s stories about the founding of Dirty Dough Cookies are full of examples the opportunities that present themselves when you ‘Zig’ rather than ‘Zag’. From when he chose to buy the business to when he chose to buy billboards, you can learn from him. With his many accomplishments, make sure to listen to the end to hear what makes him the most proud.

An experienced salesman, Bennett Maxwell has been making use of this skill since his days of selling candy bars in elementary school. Sharing his sales and business expertise, Maxwell is a member of the Forbes Business Council and Apex Executives. He’s also traded in his elementary school candy bar business for something slightly bigger — Maxwell is currently lowering business barriers and raising mental health awareness through his cookie-selling franchise, Dirty Dough. He stands for authenticity and self acceptance, encouraging others to come as they are. You might even say that from a business perspective, He is one tough cookie.

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Brave Williams from Workout Anytime. Williams shares her amazing background that lead her to her ambitious plans with Workout Anytime. This enjoyable episode will provide insights and excitement about what is going on in the franchising world. Enjoy!

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Williams defies expectations as she transitions from music to the fitness industry. Her journey has always been guided by her passion to inspire and uplift others. From signing her first record deal and opening for Beyonce to landing leading roles in Netflix's Love Dot Com and BET's The Christmas Lottery, Williams consistently challenges conventions to embody what it means to Be Brave. Even before franchising, Williams had a strong foothold in the fitness world. With her small business, Brave Williams Fitness Club, she transformed over 1,000 clients and served as the lead bootcamp trainer for the nonprofits of Steve and Marjorie Harvey. However, her desire to amplify her mission led her to the world of franchising. Williams's search for a brand that resonated with her vision ended with a chance encounter with Workout Anytime. The brand's supportive, family-like environment and robust business model impressed her, solidifying her decision to embark on a new adventure. As a young black woman in a male-dominated field, Williams has faced underestimation, but it hasn't hindered her ambitions. She is slated to open 23 Workout Anytime locations, seeing them as more than fitness centers. Williams envisions them as transformative spaces where physical, mental, and spiritual growth intersect. Her goal is to create an environment filled with hope and positive energy, enabling individuals to evolve in all aspects of their lives. Williams takes pride in executing her own dream, whether it's being on stage with a microphone, in front of a camera, or building a gym that inspires people to live stronger, healthier lives. It all stems from her powerful foundation—the desire to make people feel good.

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Charlie Jebran from Jebran & Abraham, PC. Jebran shares insights from both his years of owning two franchise units as well as his years as an accountant servicing franchisors and franchisees. During the interview, Jebran shares details about his new book titled, “Franchise Fortune”.

After graduating from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Jebran started his accounting career with Coopers and Lybrand, now PWC. There, he gained valuable experience working with major companies in a variety of areas. However, he was always interested in working with smaller entrepreneurial companies and left his first job to work with two smaller CPA firms to further his knowledge of closely held companies. During this time, Jebran researched many franchises by talking to franchises, attending conventions and reading books and magazines. In 2003, Jebran started his own accounting firm and along with a partner signed an agreement with Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins to become a franchisee. After working through all the details and construction, the first store opened in 2005 with the second store following in 2007. As a multi-unit operator, he learned every facet of successfully running two high traffic stores while still running a growing accounting firm. The stores were subsequently sold in 2012. Having gained so much knowledge by running his two stores, Jebran began to provide advisory and tax services to operators of a variety of franchises. He currently provides a variety of services to over 100 stores in the nation.

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. 

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Turp Ricketts from Horsepower Brands. Ricketts shares the principles behind Horsepower Brands rapid sustainable growth. Ricketts’ deep wisdom and personal style allows the business knowledge and anecdotes shared to be easily applied in the real world.

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Mike Kulp from KBP Brands. Kulp shares the details of his business history as KBP Brands grew to become one of the largest franchisees in the world. Kulp also shares business principles embraced by KBP Brands. Principles that are both inspirational and instructional.

For more than 20 years, Kulp’s passion for creating a great place to work, a great place to eat and a great place to own has created a unique culture at KBP. Through his leadership, the company has realized exceptional growth and ensured that key employees can become equity partners, reaping the benefits of their own hard work. His vision for growth has catapulted the company from $7 million to over $1 billion in annual sales.

Today, KBP exists in more than 25 states and employs more than 15,000 employees. He serves on the KFC® U.S. National Advertising Cooperative Board of Directors and is the sole U.S. member of the Yum! Global Franchise Council. Kulp also serves as the chair of the KFC National Operations Committee, and is one of two U.S. representatives on the Brand Committee. He has long been a supporter of the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City and is an active member of the Board. Kulp resides in Overland Park, Kan. with his wife and three children, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from the University of Colorado Mesa.

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Erin Fletter from Sticky Fingers Cooking. Fletter shares the details of how Sticky Fingers Cooking grew from her kitchen table to becoming a national franchise opportunity. Fletter’s story highlights how both vision and quality control help in building a brand.

Fletter is a serial entrepreneur and cookbook author with a 30-year history in the food and wine industry. In 2011, She founded the national children’s cooking school, Sticky Fingers Cooking, and in 2022, its fruitful and growing franchise brand. She also co-owns the renowned Barolo Grill in Denver with her dashing husband. A dedicated mom, Fletter ensures her children and others appreciate diverse foods. Sticky Fingers Cooking teaches thousands of kids weekly in various cities, covering over 125,000+ students. The classes combine fresh ingredients, global flavors, education, and delicious fun. Known for her terrible food jokes, Fetter's passion for food brings people together, one groan-inducing pun at a time.

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Rocco Fiorentino from Benetrends Financial. Fiorentino shares Benetrends unique funding model for Entrepreneurs (specifically those seeking franchises). Listen to the end to find out about the least expensive way to access business capital.

With an accomplished three-decade career in franchising, Rocco Fiorentino, CFE, stands as a leader and influencer. Fiorentino’s roles span prominent organizations like The Multi-Unit Franchise Conference, Atlantic University's Titus Center for Franchising, and Locate AI. Rocco's insights fuel growth and innovation, backed by a Master’s in Management and a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) designation. Fiorentino’s strategic contributions to IFA, as a Board member and Committee Chair, guide the industry. As a speaker, author, and expert, Fiorentino's theoretical foundation, real-world experience, and CFE credentials distinguish him. Fiorentino’s legacy shapes franchising’s future and inspires the next generation of professionals.

Go to https://business.louisville.edu/learnmore/franchiseu/ to learn more!!!

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Gigi Schweikert from Lightbridge Academy. Schweikert shares details from her amazing career that have impacted how she, as CEO, leads this unique childcare franchise and ensures the satisfaction of Lightbridge Academy’s many customers.

Ms. Gigi Schweikert is an international thought leader in early childhood education and supervision. With 35 years of experience and 18 published books, in three languages, she has appeared on CBS, NBC, Fox, and the Wall Street Journal Lunch Hour News. Schweikert has been quoted in The New Times, Entrepreneur, and Forbes. Schweikert has spoken in all but eleven of our 50 states and internationally in Malaysia, New Zealand, and China, for her largest audience of 5000 at their preschool association. Schweikert was the former Director of the United Nations Child Care Centre. She developed and managed on-site employer-sponsored child care programs for Fortune 500 companies including, Johnson & Johnson, Bank of America, and SC Johnson Wax. Schweikert was the host of the TV show, “Today’s Family,” but her greatest accomplishment is being the mother of her four children.

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Trevor Rappleye from Franchise Filming. Rappleye shares how important video can be to franchisors trying to tell their stories and shares a special technique that make Franchise Filming’s work so impactful.

Trevor Rappleye is the founder and CEO of Franchise Filming, a leading, full-service video production provider.

Background and History

Trevor is a serial entrepreneur and master storyteller in the video and broadcast medium. Since founding Franchise Filming in 2019, he’s experienced an astonishing 3,200% growth, onboarding a roster of enviable franchising industry clients. Examples include parent companies such as Propelled Brands, United Franchise Group, and Neighborly, supplier-based organizations such as Franconnect and VTECH, and A-list consumer franchise brands including FASTSIGNS and Batteries Plus. He credits the organization’s success to the development of a disruptive VIP National Subscription Model. Clients can sign up for the company’s turnkey video production services and receive high quality, fully edited videos in just 5-10 business days. Clients are not required to commit internal resources, scripts, and are never charged for U.S.-based travel and logistics.

Areas of Expertise

Trevor Rappleye can provide expert level insight and information in the following subject areas:

•   Franchising Industry   

•   Marketing Campaigns/Content Development

•   Messaging/Branding/Social Proof

•   Video Production/Client Testimonials

•   Client/Customer Service

In the News

Trevor Rappleye is a regular contributor to Entrepreneur Magazine and has been featured in numerous high-profile media outlets:

Entrepreneur – 4 Critical Business Lessons I’ve Learned as CEO

Authority Magazine – Meet the Disruptors: Trevor Rappleye of Franchise Filming

SHRM.com – 7 Books Your CEO is Reading

The Franchise Founders Podcast – How Trevor Rappleye Shares Franchisee Success Stories

Studio Sherpas – Why Being Unique Will Lead to More Success, With Trevor Rappleye

FranchiseWire – How to Create Impactful Franchise Development Videos

Global Franchise Magazine – Harness the Emotional Power of Video With Franchise Filming