Smart Franchising with Fransmart

As a law student working shifts in a restaurant, Ray Harrigill couldn’t have guessed that would become a launchpad for his franchising journey. Fast-forward 25 years, and Ray has built a thriving multi-unit business, bringing powerhouse brands like Massage Envy, My Salon Suite, and Palm Beach Tan into smaller markets with big returns.

In this episode, Ray opens up about the lessons learned from these decisions, why he sees small markets as hidden gems for profitability, and how investing in team culture has helped him build a sustainable, growth-oriented company.

In this conversation, Ray shares:

- The unexpected benefits of operating in small markets, from lower costs to stronger community ties.

- His approach to nurturing talent, creating a workplace where people want to stay and grow.

- Insights into the power of owning real estate and the patience required to see these investments pay off.

- Why continuously adapting is essential to succeed in a dynamic franchise landscape.

Ray’s advice for aspiring franchisees is clear: choose a business that fuels your passion, prioritize your customers, and embrace the commitment needed to thrive. From understanding your organization’s perception to fine-tuning processes, Ray’s journey is a reminder that small steps—paired with patience and purpose—can lead to big success.

Fransmart is the global leader in franchise development.

Ross Weisman grew a single Massage Envy location into a 250+ unit empire across eight states. In this episode, he shares key insights from his success as an area representative for Massage Envy and European WaxCenter.

Now, as co-founder of Epic Managers, Ross helps franchisees find and keep top talent. His experience shows that great managers are worth the investment - they reduce turnover, improve customer service, and boost profits.

This episode offers practical tips on hiring, compensating, and supporting managers to build successful franchise operations, perfect for anyone looking to grow their franchise business through better leadership.

In this episode, Dan Rowe sits down with John Hamburger, President of Franchise Times and Restaurant Finance Monitor, to discuss the secrets of success in the franchising industry. With a wealth of experience in finance and franchising, John shares his insights on industry growth, the challenges faced by restaurant brands, and what makes a strong franchise model. They explore key topics like unit economics, franchisee profitability, and the rising importance of non-food franchises. John also dives into the challenges of access to capital and the ongoing shakeout in the restaurant industry, offering valuable advice for anyone considering franchising. This episode is packed with real-world insights from a true expert in the field.

Join Dan Rowe as he sits down with Irfaan Lalani, co-founder and CEO of Vibe Restaurants, who went from starting with one Little Caesars location to now running over 125+ restaurants across multiple brands, including Little Caesars, Wingstop, and Whataburger. Irfaan talks about the challenges of scaling in small markets, the importance of people in franchising, and the "vibification" process that sets his restaurants apart. He offers an honest look at turning around struggling locations, emphasizing that strong leadership and letting managers take ownership are key to thriving. For anyone serious about growing a franchise, Lalani's journey offers real-world lessons you can’t afford to miss.

Starting with just a dream and sheer determination, Andrew Feghali has carved out a remarkable empire in the franchising world.

Andrew Feghali, a self-made multi-unit franchisee, shares his journey from working in his family's Little Caesars at 13 to owning over 60 locations across three major brands.

In this episode, he reveals the keys to his success, including the importance of operational excellence, investing in people, and building strong partnerships with franchisors.

Andrew discusses his approach to growth, the challenges of operating in California, and the value of networking in the franchise industry. He also offers advice for aspiring franchisees, emphasizing the need to hire for future growth and the benefits of joining peer groups.

With candid insights on franchise finance, leadership, and scaling operations, this conversation provides a roadmap for success in the competitive world of franchise ownership.

From humble beginnings as a Ukrainian immigrant to becoming a titan in the franchising world, Paul Kushnir shares his remarkable success story on this episode of Smart Franchising with Fransmart.His story is a powerful example of the American dream in action. Paul shares his incredible journey from starting with a single mobile accessory business to becoming the largest franchisee of Sprint stores. Discover how he grew his operations to over 230 stores through smart cash management and strategic growth, all while keeping a firm eye on customer satisfaction and employee engagement.Tune in to learn from Paul's experience and get inspired to take your ownbusiness to new heights!

Peter Holt, CEO of The Joint Chiropractic, brings an impressive 38-year legacy in franchising to today’s episode.

From his accidental entry into the franchise industry to spearheading a revolution in chiropractic accessibility, Peter shares his journey and the growth of The Joint Chiropractic to nearly 1,000 locations.

Discover how simple yet innovative location strategy and delivery changes can transform a traditional medical service into a mainstream wellness option. We also discuss the importance of systems in franchising, the evolution of the industry, and the key traits that make successful franchisees.

Tune in to gain unique insights from a seasoned leader on how understanding and executing franchising methodology can lead to monumental success.

Fransmart is the global leader in franchise development.

In this episode of Smart Franchising with Fransmart, we sit down with Jay Sonner from North Point, a leading expert in mergers and acquisitions. With extensive experience in the restaurant and franchising industries, Jay shares his valuable insights on crafting a franchise that not only attracts buyers but also commands top dollar.

In this episode, Dan Rowe interviews Ewell Smith, a franchise broker, about his background and experience in the franchising industry. Ewell shares his extensive experience in running trade associations and dealing with crises, which has shaped his approach to helping entrepreneurs find the right franchise opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of genuine interest and a certain skill set in franchise ownership. Ewell also discusses the role of franchise brokers and the value they bring to the franchising process. He highlights the need for effective communication and building relationships between franchisors and consultants. Ewell provides advice for prospective business owners and offers insights into the franchise assessment process and finding financing.

Tune in as Aicha Bascaro, with over 35 years in the franchising industry, shares her expert insights on the challenges and strategies of running a successful franchise.

Aicha, who founded the American Franchise Academy, shares her insights on the gap between what franchisors teach and what franchisees need to succeed. Learn the importance of building effective systems for managing multiple franchise units, the role of leadership in franchise success, and how franchisees can prepare to scale their operations effectively.

This episode is packed with practical advice from her extensive experience with global brands. It is essential for anyone involved in franchising, whether you’re starting out or looking to grow your business. Listen now to gain valuable insights from a seasoned franchising pro.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Background

07:49 The Gap Between Franchisor Training and Franchisee Success

14:01 Challenges of Scaling from One to Multiple Units

20:42 Key Attributes of Successful Franchisees

22:45 What Franchisors Should Teach

27:12 Addressing Financial Challenges

35:58 Helping Franchisees Get Back on Track

40:46 The Importance of Systems and Processes

42:39 Learning from Successful Franchisees

43:07 Lessons from 'Multi-Unit Franchise Mastery'

43:08 Scaling the Organization

44:35 The Journey of Growth

45:08 The Role of Franchisees

46:05 Supporting Franchisors