In this episode of Franchise Fuel: Smarter Growth, host Vern Nicholson, Vice President of Strategy and Growth at Vetro Media, author, veteran, and 20-year digital marketing professional, breaks down Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2025 Top Global Franchises list and reveals what rising franchise brands can learn from the world’s most iconic systems. From Taco Bell to Papa John's, we explore what makes these brands global powerhouses, why they scale faster than the competition, and how franchisors at any stage can apply the same principles to their own development strategy.

Vern shares insights from two decades of working alongside leading franchise organizations. He explains why 2026 will bring the biggest growth leap yet for brands ready to embrace AI-powered marketing, predictive targeting, and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). This episode blends practical strategy with real-world examples to help franchisors elevate brand visibility, improve lead quality, and build a stronger pipeline.

Whether you are a new franchisor, an emerging brand, or a franchise development leader searching for your next breakthrough, this episode provides a blueprint inspired by the world’s best. Like, share, and join the conversation. Your next stage of growth starts here