The Franchise Academy Podcast

In this episode of The Franchise Academy Podcast, host Tom Scarda sits down with franchise veteran Jordan Levine, Chief Operating Officer of Stretch Zone, to explore what makes this wellness franchise a standout in the industry.

With 25 years of experience in top franchise brands like Cold Stone Creamery, Massage Envy, and Sola Salons, Jordan shares the key ingredients that make Stretch Zone not just another fitness concept—but a strategic business opportunity. From its recurring income model to corporate-trained staff, Stretch Zone is built for franchisees looking for scalable growth and ongoing support.

This episode also busts common myths about franchising—like the belief that you’re either on your own or that the franchisor will do everything for you. Jordan emphasizes that while Stretch Zone provides the structure, systems, and training, you still have to wear your entrepreneur hat and drive success.

👉 Listen now to learn:

What makes Stretch Zone’s business model unique

Why recurring revenue is a game-changer in franchising

The level of training and support you can expect

The truth about what it really takes to succeed as a franchisee

🎧 Click the link below to tune in and discover if Stretch Zone is the right fit for your entrepreneurial journey.
Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms:

Everything Aspiring Franchisees Need to Know Before Signing the Dotted Line

On this insightful episode of The Franchise Academy Podcast, host Tom Scarda welcomes Michael Iannuzzi, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Franchise Executive, and Co-Leader of Citrin Cooperman’s Franchising Practice. Together, they demystify one of the most critical documents in the franchise world—the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Whether you're a first-time franchise buyer or looking to expand your portfolio, this episode will give you a clearer understanding of:

What audited financial statements in the FDD really mean

The right questions to ask when your target market isn’t included in Item 19

Whether unverified information in the FDD holds any value

How to contact current and former franchisees using the list at the back of the FDD

Why you should read the FDD multiple times and take notes before making a decision

How to get Tom’s exclusive FDD Cheat Sheet with over 30 essential questions for franchisees

Michael shares powerful industry insights gained from years of experience working with top franchisors and multi-unit franchisees. You’ll learn how to approach the FDD with confidence, spot red flags, and perform due diligence like a pro.

🎧 Click the link below to listen to the full episode and arm yourself with the knowledge you need to make smart franchise decisions.
Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms

About Michael Iannuzzi
Michael is a CPA and Certified Franchise Executive with deep experience in franchise auditing, performance reporting, and financial disclosure. He’s an active voice in the franchising community, frequently speaking at IFA events, educational podcasts, and industry webinars. As Co-Leader of the Franchising Practice at Citrin Cooperman, he advises franchisors and franchisees across multiple sectors.

In this episode of The Franchise Academy Podcast, I sit down with Dave Lorenzo, co-founder of Exit Success Lab, to explore how CEOs and business owners can build companies that run smoothly without their constant involvement.

Known as The Godfather of Growth, Dave shares how he helps business leaders put contingency plans in place to ensure their businesses continue to thrive—even in their absence. He breaks down a powerful case study of an attorney who outsourced 80% of her workload, allowing her to focus on client acquisition while her firm grew exponentially.

Dave also reveals how a simple shift in language can reshape a CEO’s mindset, making it easier to step back, trust the team, and scale effectively.

If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or CEO looking to achieve growth without burnout, this episode is packed with insights to help you transition from operator to visionary leader.

Meet Dave Lorenzo

Dave Lorenzo is an entrepreneur, podcast host, and business growth strategist who specializes in helping business owners transform their companies from main street businesses into high-value investments.

🔹 Co-founder of Exit Success Lab, a consulting firm that helps CEOs grow, scale, and plan their exits strategically.
🔹 Host of The Inside BS Show, where he shares actionable insights on leadership, sales, productivity, and exit strategies.
🔹 Founder of The Giving Group, a Florida-based business networking organization that supports local charities.

With his strategic mindset, dynamic storytelling, and deep expertise, Dave is a sought-after advisor for business owners looking to maximize their success while gaining more freedom and flexibility.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

✔️ Why every CEO needs a contingency plan – Preparing your business to run without you
✔️ How one attorney scaled her firm by outsourcing 80% of her work
✔️ The language shift that changes how leaders think about growth
✔️ How to go from daily operations to high-level strategy
✔️ The secret to long-term business success and exit readiness.

Listen & Subscribe:

🔗 Listen to the full episode here

In this insightful episode of The Franchise Academy Podcast, host Tom Scarda sits down with Cindi Filer and her son Matt Filer, the dynamic team behind Innovative Outsourcing. Together, they explore the evolving world of HR, where companies must rethink their strategies to attract and retain top talent—especially in a world moving back to on-site work.

Cindi shares her journey of building a pioneering staffing company that connects businesses with top-tier part-time professionals. The Filers reveal how companies can create "commute-worthy" roles, develop powerful HR policies, and leverage storytelling to make job offers irresistible. They also discuss the secrets to retaining great employees and maintaining a healthy work culture.

Whether you’re a CEO, a franchise owner, or an HR enthusiast, this episode offers practical insights and proven strategies to build a thriving workforce in 2025.

Key Takeaways:

✅ How to make job roles "commute-worthy" for on-site work.
✅ The power of storytelling in getting candidates to accept offers.
✅ Proven strategies for recruiting and retaining top part-time talent.
✅ Why strong HR policies are essential for a successful team.

Tune in and transform your approach to hiring and HR! 🚀

On this episode of The Franchise Academy Podcast, host Tom Scarda welcomes Cathy Miron, CEO of eSilo and a cybersecurity expert with over 15 years of experience in IT and audit. As cyberattacks grow more frequent and sophisticated, Cathy shares the essential knowledge every business owner needs to protect their data and financial systems.

Whether you're a seasoned franchise operator or just starting out, this episode reveals:

What ransomware is (and how it could shut down your entire operation)

The shocking simplicity of modern email scams

How attackers manipulate ongoing conversations to steal your money

Why passwords are no longer enough, and how Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is your first line of defense

The role of password managers in securing sensitive business accounts

From phishing to wire fraud, Cathy shares real stories, practical tools, and clear action steps you can take right now to secure your systems—without needing to be a tech expert.

This is Cybersecurity 101 for every modern business. Don’t wait for a wake-up call—learn how to protect your company before it's too late.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now and take the first step toward securing your business:

Want help implementing these strategies in your business? Learn more about Cathy Miron and her work at eSilo.com

Hosted by Tom Scarda – Author, Franchise Consultant, and Podcast Host of The Franchise Academy.

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms:

In this episode of The Franchise Academy Podcast, host Tom Scarda sits down with Colt Florence, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development at Five Star Franchising, to discuss how Five Star Franchising is redefining success in the franchise industry.

Colt shares how Five Star Franchising provides a powerful, recession-resistant business model with unmatched support systems—including sales, marketing, and operational tools—designed to help franchisees succeed, no matter their background or experience. He also dives into how private equity backing fuels growth, allowing franchise owners to maximize revenue and scale faster.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How Five Star Franchising’s proven system sets franchisees up for success

Why their franchise model is recession-resistant and built for long-term growth

The truth behind common franchise myths

How Five Star Franchising’s comprehensive support system helps owners thrive

The role of private equity in driving franchisee success

About Five Star Franchising:
Five Star Franchising is a leading platform of high-performing home service brands, including Five Star Bath Solutions, Gotcha Covered, Bio-One, 1-800-Packouts, Card My Yard, and Mosquito Shield. With a strong track record of success and a unique approach to franchisee support, Five Star Franchising helps entrepreneurs build sustainable, profitable businesses in growing industries.

If you're looking for a franchise opportunity with expert guidance, built-in systems, and a proven path to success, this episode is a must-listen!

Join host Tom Scarda as he sits down with Stefan Figley, President of 1-800-Packouts, a leading name in contents and personal property restoration franchising since 2016. As part of the Five Star Franchising family, 1-800-Packouts has earned the trust of property owners and top insurance carriers across North America.

In this episode, Stefan shares what makes this business so rewarding, the key qualities of a successful franchisee, and the unique advantages of joining this fast-growing franchise. He also breaks down the franchisee process, offering insights into what it takes to thrive in this industry.

With nearly 30 years of experience in franchising and marketing, Stefan has held leadership roles at major brands like Terminix, Steamatic, Merry Maids, and Jani-King International. His expertise in brand growth and franchise development makes this a must-listen for anyone passionate about home service brands and considering franchising.

Thinking about stepping into the franchise world? Tune in for an insightful conversation that could help shape your journey!