In the kick-off episode of Season 2 of the Get Up and Scale podcast, hosts Brett Ridenour, Justin Buzzi, and Kai Kaapro discuss their experiences and growth over the past year. They highlight the challenges and successes they faced, particularly during the busy conference season. The hosts delve into the new systems they've implemented, including an innovative customer relationship management (CRM) system designed to enhance the customer journey before and after bookings. They also provide a preview of exciting projects for 2025, including creating a comprehensive back-office solution for their franchisees that covers marketing, customer service, and bookkeeping. The episode is filled with enthusiasm and anticipation for the upcoming year, underlining the core values of working hard, scaling businesses, and continuous improvement.

In this episode of Get Up and Scale, we’re joined by Pete Kootsikas, an entrepreneur who has built a multi-faceted tour and activity empire. From launching one of the first party bike businesses in Nashville to branching into boats, retail, and even transitional housing, Pete’s story is one of diversification, persistence, and innovation.

Recorded live at the Arival Conference, Pete shares the highs and lows of scaling his businesses, including how he navigated unexpected challenges like a bankrupt pontoon supplier and the Nashville tourism boom. He also dives into lessons learned, such as the importance of respecting employees, adapting to market needs, and just trying new ideas—even if they fail.

Whether you’re an established operator or just starting out, Pete’s journey is filled with actionable insights and inspiring anecdotes for anyone looking to scale their business.

In this special live episode from the Arival Conference, we chat with Travis Vaughan, co-founder and CEO of TourBase. Travis shares how his company empowers tour operators and entrepreneurs to build their own online travel agencies (OTAs) with a localized, personal touch. We dive into the journey of TourBase, from its origins in Alaska to expanding franchises across the U.S. and Caribbean, and discuss the challenges and opportunities in scaling a travel-tech business.

Discover how TourBase is reshaping the travel industry by supporting operators with cutting-edge tech, streamlined marketing strategies, and a franchise model that emphasizes local expertise. Whether you’re a tour operator, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about innovative travel solutions, this episode is packed with insights.

Learn more about TourBase at TourBase.com and join us in exploring the future of curated travel experiences!

In this episode, Justin and Brett dive deep into the world of social media advertising, revealing why boosting posts is only scratching the surface. They discuss the power of the Meta Ads Manager, how to properly target customers, and strategies to boost your return on ad spend. Whether you’re just starting with paid ads or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers insights you won’t want to miss!

Hosts: Justin Buzzi (CEO of Get Up and Go Kayaking) & Brett Ridenour (Director of Technology & Marketing at TourScale) 

• Key Topics Discussed:
  • Why boosting posts isn’t enough for effective social media advertising.
  • Breaking down Meta’s Ads Manager for Facebook and Instagram ads.
  • Essential targeting strategies: who, what, when, and where of ads.
  • The difference between prospecting and retargeting campaigns.
  • How to leverage customer data for better ad performance.
  • Setting up conversion tracking for maximum ROI.
  • Practical tips for improving creative content in ads.
  • Managing ad budgets and understanding important metrics.

Join us for an engaging episode with Spencer Finch, founder of Mad Moose Rentals & Tours and a partner at RISE Executive Partners. Spencer discusses the challenges and triumphs of scaling an adventure tourism business, transitioning from hands-on operations to strategic growth, and the innovative methods he uses to optimize sales and manage seasonal fluctuations. Get insights on creating impactful sales teams, leveraging reviews for marketing, and using creative strategies to stay ahead. Perfect for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to scale and succeed. Don’t miss out!

Spencer Finch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-finch-36a3445b/

Rise Executive Partners on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@riseexecutivepartners/

How do you currently manage your time, and are you truly making the most of your day?

In this episode of the Get Up and Scale podcast, hosts Kai Kaapro, Justin Buzzi, and Brett Ridenour dive deep into one of the most crucial aspects of running a business: time management. They share their personal experiences, favorite tools, and practical tips for managing tasks effectively. Whether you’re a solopreneur juggling multiple roles or a leader looking to optimize your team’s efficiency, this episode is packed with insights to help you get things done and grow your business. Tune in to discover how to turn your to-do list into a powerful tool for success.

In this episode of Get Up and Scale, hosts Kai Kaapro, Justin Buzzi, and Brett Ridenour dive into two pressing issues facing business operators today: weather-related challenges and the complexities of marketing funds. The team discusses how unpredictable weather, particularly heavy rains in the Midwest, impacts boating businesses, sharing insights from a small boating shop in Oshkosh and their own franchisees. They also tackle the ongoing legal battle between Bojangles and its franchisees over the transparency of their marketing fund. Tune in to hear expert advice on weatherproofing your business and managing marketing funds effectively.

WE DO NOT OWN ANY CONTENT IN THIS VIDEO. THIS VIDEO ONLY EXPRESSES OUR OPINIONS.

SOURCES:

https://spectrumnews1.com/wi/milwaukee/news/2024/05/23/boat-rental-challenges

 https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/franchisees-sue-bojangles-over-marketing

Welcome to the Get Up and Scale Podcast with hosts Kai Kaapro and Justin Buzzi. In this episode, we dive into the latest news in the tourism industry, with a primary focus on private equity's growing interest in franchising. We examine why franchising is less prevalent in tourism, discuss the potential for replication in various types of tours, and consider both the challenges and advantages of converting existing businesses into franchises. The hosts also analyze successful strategies from leading franchises like Crumbl Cookies and discuss the impact of technology on making franchising more efficient. Finally, they explore the opportunities for high-margin bolt-ons and the importance of networking within the industry for growth.

• 00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Catch-Up
• 01:02 4th of July Plans and Traditions
• 02:07 Private Equity in the Franchise Industry
• 03:36 Challenges and Opportunities in Tourism Franchising
• 09:14 Fastest Growing Franchises
• 13:10 Conversion Franchising and Bolt-On Concepts
• 17:14 Conclusion and Networking Insights

In this episode, we dive into the story of Zoom Room, a dog training franchise that faced significant challenges early on. We explore their initial mistakes, such as picking wrong franchisees and growing without a plan, which led to a two-year moratorium on sales. With a new CEO, strategic improvements, and a focus on unit economics, the franchise rebounded, expanding from 10 to 45 locations.

Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/these-5-brands-are-conquering-the-franchise-industry-at/467126

We also discuss the six stages of the franchisee-franchisor relationship, addressing common struggles and the importance of financial performance and support systems in nurturing a successful and happy franchisee ecosystem.

Source: https://www.franchise-chat.com/resources/the_e_factor.htm

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Zoom Room's Franchise Journey
• 00:20 Challenges and Initial Struggles
• 00:39 Turning Point: New Leadership and Strategy
• 01:30 The Importance of Happy Franchisees
• 01:59 Understanding Franchisee Satisfaction
• 02:39 The Six Stages of Franchisee-Franchisor Relationship
• 04:22 Detailed Breakdown of the Six Stages
• 08:57 Final Thoughts on Franchisee Relationships

In this episode of Get Up and Scale, hosts Kai Kaapro, Justin Buzzi, and Brett Ridenour sit down with Jonathan Breines, the business owner of Damn Good Beer Bus, to delve into the world of franchising.

Jonathan, ready to franchise his thriving beer tour business, asks insightful questions about franchising strategies, market potential, and the importance of robust systems and processes.

 Kai and Justin share their experiences and advice on how to scale effectively, the significance of knowing your market, and the challenges and rewards of the franchising journey.

Tune in to gain valuable insights from industry leaders and learn whether franchising is the right path for your business.