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

From humble beginnings in food distribution to becoming a franchise king

Join Mike Axiotis, a seasoned Red Robin and Wingstop franchisee, as heshares his incredible journey in the restaurant industry. Starting as an 11-year-old busboy in his uncle's diner, Mike quickly climbed the ladder tobecome a prominent figure in franchising.

In this episode, he discusses the lessons learned from his early businessventures and the strategies that led to his success. Mike emphasizes theimportance of investing in people, maintaining robust systems, andengaging with the community. He also explores the challenges andvictories that have shaped his career and provides insights into the futureof the restaurant business.

With years of experience, he provides deep insights into building andsustaining a thriving franchise. This episode is filled with helpful advice and inspiring stories, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in thedynamics of franchise management and entrepreneurial success.

Chapters

06:04 Joining a Franchise and Learning the Ropes

12:32 Transitioning to a New Company

18:15 Keys to Success in the Restaurant Industry

23:46 Building a Strong Company Culture

27:53 Managing Multiple Brands and Cultures

30:43 Advice for Prospective Franchisees

38:26 Building a Sellable Franchise

42:48 Franchisor-Franchisee Relationship

47:41 Building Stores Quickly

52:17 Benefits of National Restaurant Association (NRA)

59:21 Considerations for Adding New Brands

In this episode, Dan has an engaging chat with Patrick Galleher, the managing partner of Boxwood Partners.

Patrick shares insights from his extensive experience in helping franchisees and franchisors navigate the complexities of buying, selling, and raising capital.

The conversation covers the importance of being well-prepared for sale, the process of engaging with potential buyers, and the strategic benefits of having a quality exit plan.

They also discuss the critical aspect of franchisee validation and economics, the role of private equity in franchise deals, and the potential of a "second bite of the apple" for sellers.

Patrick offers practical advice for both buyers and sellers in the franchise industry, highlighting the significance of professional guidance in achieving successful outcomes.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the franchise business, providing valuable tips and strategies for maximizing value and ensuring a smooth transaction process.

Scott Redler, the co-founder of Freddy's, joins us on this episode to share his incredible story, from starting out at 15 in the food industry to opening the 500th Freddy's location.

In this insightful episode, Marc Magerman takes center stage to share his wealth of experience and knowledge in the franchising industry.

Starting a business in a tough spot didn't stop Shawn Walchef from making a name for himself in the competitive world of restaurants. 

In this episode, Shawn, owner of Cali BBQ and Cali BBQ Media, talks about turning challenges into opportunities. He discusses the critical role of digital tools in expanding his restaurant's reach and efficiency, providing invaluable insights for those looking to elevate their operations and customer engagement. 

Shawn's journey from a local BBQ spot to a digital powerhouse offers a roadmap for franchises seeking to adapt and grow in today's tech-driven market.

From mastering social media to optimizing operations with tech tools, Shawn shares practical advice for any business owner looking to improve their game. Tune in to learn how you can apply these insights to your own venture!

In this podcast episode, we meet Rick Fisher, a former software executive who made a big change to become a successful franchise owner.

Tune in and be inspired.

From his early days scrubbing dishes to directing a billion-dollar brand, Don Fox's extraordinary journey to the top of Firehouse Subs is a testament to where ambition and grit can take you.

 With a deep dive into his decision-making process, Don shares how adapting to change, course-correcting, and always putting the brand first were crucial to

With 50 years of industry experience, Don dives into the challenges and triumphs of building a franchise empire, the importance of investing in people, and the strategic decisions that propelled Firehouse Subs to over 1200 locations.

 This episode isn't just a story about making it