A night full of energy, big ideas, and bold entrepreneurs. Each team presented exciting ideas to the judges and audience, creating an atmosphere of collaboration, mutual support, and inspiration from founders across diverse industries.Congratulations to Fresh Front, this year’s winner, and Spin Zone, the runner-up. Both teams demonstrated remarkable potential and vision for driving the next level of growth.A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, team, and judges who made this event possible, as well as everyone who came to support emerging entrepreneurs. This event reflected a strong commitment to helping businesses grow and strengthening the franchise and retail community.Huge thanks to our judging panel Kate Save, Jon Sully, Michael Sutherland, Amie Larter, Marcel Lal CFE, and our incredible sponsors: BDC Law, Fordham Group, Associated Projects, BDC Property, Benjamin & Benjamin Insurance Group, FranConnect, GapMaps, Little Giant Finance, Octomedia, Be Fit Food, Books365, and Judo Bank.Thank you to everyone who made the evening so special we’re excited for what’s next.More BDC Services;Retail Property - https://bdcpartners.com.au/retail-pro...Franchise strategy - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Franchise Law - https://bdcpartners.com.au/lawyers/Performance and Talent Acquisition - https://bdcpartners.com.au/human-reso...Franchise Recruitment - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Franchise Satisfaction surveys - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchisee...Franchise lead generation - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Follow our Social Channels;LinkedIn -   / bdc-partners  Facebook -   / bdcpartners  

In Episode 61 Brooke Rodger joins Bruce MacFarlane and John Sully to unpack a career built across retail, media and international expansion — from early PR and TV roles through to high-growth retail brands. Brooke shares practical lessons on building trust with franchisees, measuring marketing ROI, localising global brands, and what it takes to turn a marketing function into a revenue driver.Sponsor / AdvertThis episode is part of the Emerging Giants initiative by BDC Partners — an investment & mentorship program for Australia’s next retail and franchise success stories. Apply to pitch for up to $250,000 and mentoring:Apply / find out more: https://bdcpartners.com.au/emerging-giants-workshop/More BDC Services;Retail Property - https://bdcpartners.com.au/retail-property-specialists/Franchise strategy - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-strategy/Franchise Law - https://bdcpartners.com.au/lawyers/Performance and Talent Acquisition - https://bdcpartners.com.au/human-resources-management/Franchise Recruitment - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-recruitment/Franchise Satisfaction surveys - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchisee-satisfaction-survey/Franchise lead generation - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-lead-generation/Follow our Social Channels;LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/bdc-partnersFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/bdcpartners

Tell Us Your F’ing Story: Gary Harley on Building Kieser Australia and the Realities of FranchisingIn this episode, Bruce MacFarlane and John Sully sit down with Gary Harley, founder of Kieser Australia, to talk about how he brought a Swiss physiotherapy and strength-training concept to Australia and turned it into a nationwide network.Gary shares his journey from discovering Kieser in Europe to scaling it locally, the challenges of working with medical professionals, and why not every business should be franchised. From learning the limits of a model to adapting it for success, his story is a candid look at innovation, growth and risk in the fitness and healthcare industries.Sponsor / AdvertThis episode supported by Associated Projects, Australia’s trusted leader in retail fitouts and commercial construction.Emerging Giants PitchfestBDC Partners is hosting Emerging Giants, a pitch night to uncover Australia’s next retail and franchise success stories.📋 Learn more and apply: https://bdcpartners.com.au/emerging-giants-and-pitch-night/

Bruce McFarlane and Jon Sully talk with Linda Sultmann, General Manager of SIGNWAVE Australia (FASTSIGNS), a former L’Oréal and Estée Lauder executive turned business owner and franchise leader. Linda shares her journey from corporate life to café owner, business consultant, and now head of one of Australia’s leading visual communications franchises.She talks about the lessons learned from failure, why systems matter, and what every franchisor should know about supporting their network. From buying Ferraris and driving them like Toyotas, to finding purpose after starting over — this episode dives deep into what it really takes to grow in business.We’re also proud to be involved in Emerging Giants, the new pitch fest to fast-track Australia’s next retail and franchise success stories. Five shortlisted brands will pitch for up to $250,000 in equity plus mentoring. Read more in Inside Retail: https://insideretail.com.au/business/...Full program details and the application form: https://bdcpartners.com.au/emerging-g...

In episode 58, Bruce talks with Anya Haywood and Adrian Warner about the power of listening, the value in winning corporate accounts, and how buying small businesses and reinvesting can compound into big returns. Highlights include why a listening tour matters for franchise culture, how corporate accounts create a competitive moat, and why stability beats flashy growth. Practical, no-nonsense discussion for founders, franchise owners and investors.

Sponsor / Advert

This episode is brought to you by Associated Projects, Australia’s trusted leader in retail fit-outs, commercial construction, fixtures, and project management, with 60 years of expertise. They deliver seamless end-to-end solutions for retail and commercial spaces nationwide.

We’re also proud to be involved in Emerging Giants, the new pitchfest to fast-track Australia’s next retail and franchise success stories.

Five shortlisted brands will pitch for up to $250,000 in equity plus mentoring. Read more in Inside Retail: https://insideretail.com.au/business/...

Full program details and the application form: https://bdcpartners.com.au/emerging-g...

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Performance and Talent Acquisition - https://bdcpartners.com.au/human-reso...

Franchise Recruitment - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...

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Franchise lead generation - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...

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In episode 57 of the Tell Us Your F’ing Story podcast by BDC Partners, Jane Garber Rosenzweig discusses franchise resales and the responsibilities of franchisors when a franchisee wants to exit. She emphasises that franchisors should tightly manage the resale process. Allowing franchisees to handle the sale themselves can lead to delays and negatively impact the overall franchise network. Selecting the right buyer is crucial, as selling to someone unsuitable can harm brand reputation and service quality.Jane highlights the importance of transparent accounting and proper documentation to ensure the business’s value and return on investment (ROI) are clear. New franchise laws also require franchisors to provide franchisees a reasonable opportunity to achieve ROI, making the process more accountable.She also addresses the ethical and legal implications of the “right of first refusal” clause. Misusing this clause for example, holding back approval to buy at a lower price can create unfair situations. Jane recommends that both franchisors and franchisees establish clear systems and guidelines from the start, ensuring transparency, discipline, and support. A structured approach makes resales smoother, helps preserve the brand, and ensures fair outcomes for all parties involved.Looking to revitalise your franchise network? Contact the BDC team to see how we can help.Learn more about BDC Partners: https://bdcpartners.com.auMore BDC Services;Retail Property - https://bdcpartners.com.au/retail-pro...Franchise strategy - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Franchise Law - https://bdcpartners.com.au/lawyers/Performance and Talent Acquisition - https://bdcpartners.com.au/human-reso...Franchise Recruitment - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Franchise Satisfaction surveys - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchisee...Franchise lead generation - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Follow our Social Channels;LinkedIn - / bdc-partners Facebook - / bdcpartners

In episode 56 of the Tell Us Your F’ing Story podcast by BDC Partners, Hilarie Legg, Franchise Operations Manager at World Gym Australia, shares her journey from a sport-loving kid in New Zealand to a leader in the global fitness franchising sector.

Growing up in a family business, Hilarie developed a strong work ethic that carried into her early career as a personal trainer and gym manager, before venturing into entrepreneurship with her own juice bar. She later moved into multi-site fitness management and franchise leadership roles, including at Body Fit Training (BFT), where she supported franchisees across Queensland and New South Wales.

Now at World Gym, one of the most iconic fitness brands, Hilarie is focused on strengthening systems, supporting franchisees, and driving long-term success through consistent processes, open communication, and data-driven decision making. She highlights the importance of growing carefully, investing in staff development, and fostering strong franchisor–franchisee partnerships.Her story underscores the value of resilience, teamwork, and strategic leadership in building thriving franchise networks.

Learn more about World Gym: https://www.worldgym.com/

Looking to revitalise your franchise network? Contact the BDC team to see how we can help.

Learn more about BDC Partners: https://bdcpartners.com.auMore BDC Services;Retail Property - https://bdcpartners.com.au/retail-pro...Franchise strategy - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Franchise Law - https://bdcpartners.com.au/lawyers/Performance and Talent Acquisition - https://bdcpartners.com.au/human-reso...Franchise Recruitment - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Franchise Satisfaction surveys - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchisee...Franchise lead generation - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...

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In episode 55 of the Tell Us Your F’ing Story podcast by BDC Partners, Tom Elliott, CEO of Hog’s Breath Cafe, shares his career journey from a football-loving kid in South London to a leader in the Australian franchising space. After moving to Queensland at age 12, Tom’s early experience in hospitality and marketing led him into franchising, where he held key roles at Retail Food Group (RFG) across brands like Donut King and Gloria Jeans.

He eventually oversaw company stores nationwide, doubling the portfolio in a year and leading major campaigns like National Donut Day. Now at Hog’s Breath Cafe, Tom is steering a brand turnaround—rebuilding franchisee relationships, modernising operations, and preparing for sustainable growth with smaller, tech-enabled store formats.

He emphasises transparency, strategic planning, and strong partnerships as core to franchise success in today’s climate.

Learn more about Hog’s Breath Cafe here: https://www.hogsbreath.com.au/

Looking to revitalise your franchise network?

Contact the BDC team to see how we can help.Learn more about BDC Partners: https://bdcpartners.com.au

More BDC Services;Retail Property - https://bdcpartners.com.au/retail-pro...Franchise strategy - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Franchise Law - https://bdcpartners.com.au/lawyers/Performance and Talent Acquisition - https://bdcpartners.com.au/human-reso...Franchise Recruitment - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Franchise Satisfaction surveys - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchisee...Franchise lead generation - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Follow our Social Channels;LinkedIn - / bdc-partners Facebook - / bdcpartners

In episode 54 of the Tell Us Your F’ing Story podcast by BDC Partners, Peter Bailey shares his extensive franchising journey, starting from his upbringing in Hobart, Tasmania. With a background in commerce and early experience in accounting, Peter progressed to leadership roles in various franchise businesses. He led Banjo’s bakery franchise, managing both company-owned and franchised stores, and helped evolve the business through legal and operational improvements.

Later, at Luxottica, he oversaw franchising and acquisitions in the optical sector, addressing supply challenges and guiding global leadership on franchise value. Peter then expanded into the pool manufacturing industry in North America, contributing to the growth of a NASDAQ-listed company with multiple production plants.

Across these diverse industries, he learned the importance of selecting the right franchisees, balancing rapid growth with sustainability, and supporting franchisees through data-driven metrics.

Now, Peter focuses on a portfolio career involving board roles and mentoring, emphasising agile strategic planning to navigate the complexities of today’s economic and technological landscape.

Looking to grow your business but feeling stuck? Contact the BDC team today to see how we can help you move forward.

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Retail Property - https://bdcpartners.com.au/retail-pro...Franchise strategy - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Franchise Law - https://bdcpartners.com.au/lawyers/Performance and Talent Acquisition - https://bdcpartners.com.au/human-reso...Franchise Recruitment - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Franchise Satisfaction surveys - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchisee...Franchise lead generation - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...

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In episode 53 of the Tell Us Your F’ing Story podcast by BDC Partners, Richard Thame, experienced franchise leader and Chairman of the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA), shares his multifaceted career journey and insights into the evolving franchising landscape.

Richard's story begins in conservative suburban Sydney, where his strong work ethic was shaped by his family upbringing. He launched his career in accounting and auditing, quickly discovering a passion for understanding how businesses function. This led him into marketing and sales, including a formative role at McDonald’s during its explosive growth in the 1990s—an experience that grounded his deep understanding of franchise systems.

From there, Richard's career expanded across diverse industries including cinema advertising, car rental, and travel technology. These roles broadened his perspective on customer-centricity and industry disruption, and ultimately led him into senior franchising roles where he navigated the complexities of balancing stakeholders, systems, and scale.

Now, as Chairman of the FCA, Richard is focused on the future of franchising in Australia. He addresses current challenges such as regulatory pressure, evolving franchisee expectations, and competition from gig economy platforms like Uber. He stresses the need for systems to evolve, embracing technology, collaboration, and flexible engagement models to meet the demands of a modern franchisee.

Richard also highlights key trends, including the rise of multi-unit and multi-brand franchisees and the growing presence of private equity in the sector. He urges emerging franchisors to seek mentorship, build advisory networks, and stay open to continuous learning. With optimism, he calls for a united industry voice, driven by the FCA, to advocate for franchising and support its long-term success.

Looking to grow your business but feeling stuck?

Contact the BDC team today to see how we can help you move forward.

More BDC Services;Retail Property - https://bdcpartners.com.au/retail-property-specialists/Franchise strategy - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-strategy/Franchise Law - https://bdcpartners.com.au/lawyers/Performance and Talent Acquisition - https://bdcpartners.com.au/human-resources-management/Franchise Recruitment - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-recruitment/Franchise Satisfaction surveys - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchisee-satisfaction-survey/Franchise lead generation - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-lead-generation/Follow our Social Channels;LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/bdc-partnersFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/bdcpartners