What does it take to build an unstoppable franchise and lift others up along the way?

Today’s guest, Robin Gagnon, shares the transformative impact of having others believe in her talent before she believed in herself. And this personal insight is why she believes that belief is foundational to success.

Robin’s leadership philosophy revolves around learning, and lifting and leading others, which she credits for building multi-generational wealth and empowering franchisees to realize their own dreams. Robin shares how her adoption of EOS and her focus on core values helped scale We Sell Restaurants to 45 states. She also digs into resale strategies and exit planning, urging franchisors to embrace succession planning as an integral part of brand growth. And shares her advocacy for women and emerging franchisors seeking a seat at the table.

Robin Gagnon is the Co-Founder and CEO of We Sell Restaurants, the nation's leading—and only—business broker franchise specializing in restaurant sales. Under her leadership, the brand has expanded nationwide, dominating the restaurant-for-sale marketplace and franchise resales while delivering on its bold vision: Sell More Restaurants Than Anyone Else.

Robin is a recognized leader in franchising and business brokerage, Robin serves on the Executive Board of Directors of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and is the Chair of the IFA Franchisor Forum. She previously chaired the Women’s Franchise Committee and holds multiple prestigious credentials, including an MBA, Certified Franchise Executive (CFE), and Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) from the International Business Brokers Association.

So, if you are ready to discover how belief, generosity and powerful systems can transform your business and your leadership then today’s episode is for you!

Connect with Robin

LinkedIn - @robingagnonrestaurantbroker

Website - https://www.wesellrestaurants.com/

Email - [email protected]

Episode Highlights:

• The power of belief and supporting others

• The founding and growth of We Sell Restaurants

• Robin’s discovery of franchising as the ideal business model for limitless growth

• Challenges faced when niching down

• How the We Sell Restaurants franchise model operates

• Milestones and scaling the business

Franchise Directory - https://www.sba.gov/document/support-sba-franchise-directory

Franchise Registry - https://www.franchiseregistry.com/

Current SBA SOP - https://www.sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-lender-development-company-loan-programs

Connect with Tracy

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Shannon

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

What does it really take to build a franchise brand rooted in excellence, innovation, and world-class customer experience?

Clarissa Bradstock, CEO of Any Lab Test Now, shares a combination of strategies to really grow a franchise.

It starts with placing franchisees within 1 of 4 quadrants which helps you understand where they are in their business and their mindset. As well as listening to feedback, even when it’s tough to hear. And why true franchise success hinges on fostering close relationships, genuine engagement, and encouraging continual improvement through meaningful recognition rather than monetary rewards.

Clarissa has served as a Vice President of Client Services, COO, Vice President of Operations and CEO of both private and publicly held organizations. She has extensive experience with healthcare related organizations focused on physicians, insurance carriers, nursing professionals and dental practices.   

Clarissa served as COO for Any Test Franchising from 2007 to 2014 and was appointed to the position of CEO in April 2014.  In August 2024 she became a CRESSO Brands board member, the parent company of Any Test Franchising.  Clarissa is involved in the franchise community as Chair Emeritus for the Southeast Franchise Forum, and on the Leadership Committee for the IFA Women Franchise Network, Atlanta Chapter.  In 2021 Clarissa was awarded the Crystal Compass Award for Leadership by the IFA Women’s Franchise Committee.

So, if you are ready to discover how Clarissa prioritizes customer experience, authentic relationships and meaningful engagement to build franchises then this episode is for you!

Connect with Clarissa

Email - [email protected]

Resources

Navigating Change and Growth in Franchising with Mary Kennedy Thompson - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369319/episodes/15380562-navigating-change-and-growth-in-franchising-with-mary-kennedy-thompson


Building Franchise Success Through a Growth Mindset with Jerry Akers - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369319/episodes/17039440-building-franchise-success-through-a-growth-mindset-with-jerry-akers

Episode Highlights:

• Differences between traditional vendor-client relationships and franchisor-franchisee relationships
• The importance of building long-term, partnership-based relationships with franchisees
• Building Effective Franchisor-Franchisee Relationships
• Characteristics of Top-Performing Franchisees
• Managing Franchisee Requests and Implementing Change
• Measuring Franchisee and Employee Satisfactio

Franchise Directory - https://www.sba.gov/document/support-sba-franchise-directory

Franchise Registry - https://www.franchiseregistry.com/

Current SBA SOP - https://www.sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-lender-development-company-loan-programs

Connect with Tracy

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Shannon

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

Are you confused about the difference between the SBA franchise directory and the franchise registry and what recent changes mean for your brand's growth and funding? 

We are diving deep into urgent changes in franchise funding, specifically around the SBA Franchise Directory, a topic you can’t afford to overlook.

We are joined by Edith Wiseman, President of FRANdata. Edith is breaking down everything from what FRANdata actually does, think deep dives into franchisors and franchisees, and how this information is used by lenders, suppliers, and franchisors.

And most importantly, Edith is sharing the critical difference between the Franchise Registry and the SBA Franchise Directory. If you’ve ever mixed these two up this episode will bring you clarity. And we are digging into why the SBA disappeared and why it’s back with a June 1, 2025 deadline.

Edith Wiseman is the President of FRANdata, a leading franchise market research and advisory firm. With over 24 years in the industry, she transforms complex data into strategies that drive franchise growth and innovation. A trusted advisor to franchisors, lenders, and Fortune 500 companies, one franchisor said, “We couldn’t have grown to 1,000 stores and beyond without her and her team.”

Recognized by Entrepreneur and 1851 as a top woman in franchising, Edith has held key leadership roles within the International Franchise Association, including Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Chair of the Supplier Forum. She continues to support industry advancement through initiatives focused on emerging brands and equitable growth, including the Ascension Initiative and the IFA Education Foundation.

So, if you are confused by the upcoming SBA Franchise Directory changes and what you need to know then this episode is for you!

Resources

Franchise Directory - https://www.sba.gov/document/support-sba-franchise-directory

Franchise Registry - https://www.franchiseregistry.com/

Current SBA SOP - https://www.sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-lender-development-company-loan-programs

Blog updates with summary of SOP changes - https://frandata.com/blog/

Connect with Edith

Email - [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edith-wiseman-281b6b/

Call FRANdata - 800-485-9570

Website - https://frandata.com/

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding FRANdata
• Distinguishing the Franchise Registry and SBA Franchise Directory
• SBA franchise directory changes
• Eligibility and certification process for SBA Franchise Directory
• Guidance for existing and emerging franchisors and the SBA Directory
• Key recent SBA and lending changes

Connect with Tracy

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Shannon

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

How does a “farm boy from Iowa” grow one struggling salon into a thriving empire of 33 locations?

Today on the podcast, we have Jerry Akers who is diving deep into the realities and opportunities within the franchise industry, and he’s getting straight to the point when it comes to the grit and growth mindset that is required to excel. Jerry is sharing how he took a single Great Clips location and expanded to 33 locations, and how hands-on leadership, calculated risk, and a do-it-yourself attitude fueled his exponential growth. 

And Jerry digs into what it is like to buy struggling franchises and learning the hard lessons that come from entering new industries and his passion for supporting and coaching other franchisees.

Jerry Akers is an author, Speaker, Mentor, Franchisee at Great Clips, and Regional Developer and Franchisee at The Joint Chiropractic. IFA Board Member and former Chairman of the IFA Franchisee Forum. In 2006, Jerry ventured into franchising by purchasing his first Great Clips, which has since expanded to 34 locations across two states. He later added The Joint Chiropractic to his portfolio as a regional developer and franchisee. Jerry's hands-on experience and expertise culminated in co-authoring the bestselling book “Live it 2 Own It,” providing practical guidance for aspiring franchise owners. He also founded ZDynamix, leading a team of franchise coaches who are experts in training, operations, marketing, and leadership. At ZDynamix, Jerry works with franchisees and franchisors aiming for the next level of success. His story is a testament to his adaptability, leadership, and commitment to helping others succeed in the franchise world.

So, if you are wondering how to scale fast, build a winning team and become a powerhouse in franchising and dive into what it takes to not just survive but thrive as a franchisee then this episode is for you!

Connect with Jerry

Email - [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-akers-39599688/

Episode Highlights:

• Jerry’s journey into franchising

• Acquiring Great Clips and turning it around

• Growth and expansion in franchising  

• Strategies for accelerating growth after acquiring the first unit

• Scaling from 1 to 33 salons

• Importance of a growth mindset

• Building a team ready for expansion o

Franchise Directory - https://www.sba.gov/document/support-sba-franchise-directory

Franchise Registry - https://www.franchiseregistry.com/

Current SBA SOP - https://www.sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-lender-development-company-loan-programs

Connect with Tracy

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Shannon

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

What’s the secret sauce that propels franchising success and transforms entrepreneurs into industry leaders?

Today, we are joined by industry expert Steve Beagelman. Steve shares his early fascination with franchising that set him on a path to innovate and establish his own franchise, Black Tie Express, which predated companies like Uber Eats and Grubhub. And he’s diving into crucial insights for aspiring franchisors, emphasizing the importance of understanding that franchising demands commitment, hard work and a willingness to adapt to an ever-changing business landscape.

Steve stresses that success in franchising depends on strong relationships, both with franchisees and within the industry network as well. 

Steve Beagelman is a leader in the franchise industry, with over 35 years of experience holding various positions from entrepreneur to senior level executive, giving him a unique insight and perspective in growing, operating, and building brands. In 2009, Steve established SMB Franchise Advisors, a franchise consulting company specializing in advising franchise start-ups and existing franchise concepts of ways to drive business growth. Now 15+ years later, the company has helped over 500 brands launch and grow through the franchising model. Steve specializes in private equity transactions and in helping SMB clients expand their brands. 

So, if you are ready to hear Steve’s story of inspiration, and how the balance of growth, sustainability, and brand integrity offer a valuable framework for businesses aiming to scale in today’s competitive marketplace then this episode is for you!

Connect with Steve

Website - https://smbfranchising.com/

Email - [email protected]

Episode Highlights:

• Steve’s background and journey into franchising

• Development of Black Tie Express

• Establishment of SMB Franchise Advisors

• Importance of relationships and culture in franchising

• Unique aspects of successful franchise brands

• Identifying readiness and commitment in potential franchisors

• Importance of strong operational and support systems

• Trends and challenges in franchising industry

Franchise Directory - https://www.sba.gov/document/support-sba-franchise-directory

Franchise Registry - https://www.franchiseregistry.com/

Current SBA SOP - https://www.sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-lender-development-company-loan-programs

Connect with Tracy

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Shannon

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

Are you a franchise leader feeling stuck and overwhelmed, searching for a system to help align your team and propel your business forward? 

In today's episode, Justin Mink, is diving deep into the world of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).

He is covering all things EOS - a strategic tool designed to streamline your business and increase your success. If you've ever wondered what the heck EOS actually is, Justin is going to break down this magical framework into bite-sized pieces, emphasizing its simplicity and how it can transform your leadership game. 

Justin shares his journey to discovering EOS, highlighting its impact on his life and career, especially in regaining a work-life balance. He is sharing some solid advice for all you dreamers and doers out there: let go of the vine! Stop blocking your own success, trust your team, and watch the magic happen.

And if you are a franchise leader thinking about using EOS, Justin offers insights on why it's a game changer for both franchisors and franchisees. Plus, we get a sneak peek into his new venture, Outgrow, which promises to increase your revenue with style.

Justin Mink is on a crusade to help leaders get what they want from their business. The ventures he’s been a part of have grown from 0-1000s of employees, raised millions, and been valued at over $1B. But his dreams of entrepreneurial success were crushed by chronic illness. Experience taught him that leadership meant sacrificing physical and mental, relationships, and other passions. Then the Entrepreneurial Operating System changed his life. It showed him that leadership doesn’t have to mean chaos and stress. His first EOS experience drove in a nearly 2x increase in revenue velocity for his company within just 6 months of his first EOS session while empowering a 40/hour work week company work cap. The experience inspired him to dedicate his career to helping leadership teams achieve the same freedom from frustration that EOS provided for him and his teams.

So, if you are ready to explore how EOS can take your franchise to the next level and learn how simplicity scales and growth is all about letting go and leveling up with your team then today’s episode is for you.

Connect with Justin Mink

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinmink/

EOS Website - https://www.eosworldwide.com/justin-mink

Outgrow Website - https://runoutgrow.com/advisor/justin-mink/

Episode Highlights:

• What is EOS (En

Franchise Directory - https://www.sba.gov/document/support-sba-franchise-directory

Franchise Registry - https://www.franchiseregistry.com/

Current SBA SOP - https://www.sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-lender-development-company-loan-programs

Connect with Tracy

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Shannon

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

How can the intersection of franchise growth, impact and love create a powerful force for good?

Today’s guest, Paul Blavin, is sharing his journey from a conventional money-minded career into a mission-driven path focused on love, service and his venture into the franchising space. Paul shares his realization that business success is not just about money but about the character and passion of the people at the helm. Because at the end of the day it’s the grit, heart and a servant mindset who truly wins the day.

Paul also shares about his work with the Blavin Scholars where he helps change the lives of youth who’ve aged out of the foster care system, and then dives into Beloved Brands where his goal is to break down barriers to franchising and have business leaders who are not defined by their bank account but by their quest to make a difference.

Paul Blavin is a serial social venture entrepreneur. Most recently, he is the co-founder and Vice Chairman of Mercy BioAnalytics. He began his career in 1986 as an investment banker with Citibank and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. He then served as the President of First Mercury Financial Corporation, a publicly traded insurance company. He also co-founded and managed a private investment partnership – PWB Value Partners, L.P. – which began in 1995 with three investors and $3.2 million under management. Over 14 years, the business grew to more than 80 investors and approximately $2.0 billion, consistently outperforming the S&P 500 Index, net of all fees and expenses.

Paul’s primary philanthropic focus is youth life transformation for those who need it the most and are least able to help themselves. Paul and Amy, his wife of 32+ years, have immersed themselves in the following programs: Blavin Scholars; Transformational Prison Project; Freehab; Thrive Scholars; Anti-Recidivism Coalition; and Mully Children’s Family.

So, if you are ready to discover how Paul is changing lives one franchise at a time, fostering a legacy of love, support and service and answering the question of what happens when love becomes the cornerstone of driving impact and success then this episode is for you!

Connect with Paul

Text at - (480 - 540 - 5566)

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-blavin-18833814/

Website - https://belovedbrands.com/

Episode Highlights:

• Paul Blavin's experience and philosophy

• Paul’s belief that character, dedication and service are key traits for successful entrepreneurs

Franchise Directory - https://www.sba.gov/document/support-sba-franchise-directory

Franchise Registry - https://www.franchiseregistry.com/

Current SBA SOP - https://www.sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-lender-development-company-loan-programs

Connect with Tracy

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Shannon

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

How can mastering your mindset, implementing proven systems and elevating others through your business end up transforming your franchise journey?

Today's guest, Scott Greenberg, author of The Wealthy Franchisee and Stop the Shift Show, is sharing what sets successful franchisees apart from the rest. And it’s all about mindset, sticking to a proven system and using your business to elevate those around you. 

Scott also shares his concept of the “mental heckler”  and how to deal with it through fact vs feeling as well as making sure businesses thrive by empowering those who make it happen and that is the employees!

Scott Greenberg is a speaker, writer, and performance coach who helps franchisees improve their leadership skills and grow their business. Scott specializes in the human elements of franchise operations that include franchisee mindset and brand culture, employee management and coaching, and customer experience and retention. For ten years Scott was a multi-unit franchisee with Edible Arrangements. In addition to building a top-ranked flagship location in Los Angeles, Scott acquired a second struggling location and made it profitable within the first year. His operation won the Edible Arrangements “Best Customer Service” and “Manager of the Year” awards out of more than 1000 locations worldwide.

So, if you are ready to conquer your inner “mental heckler” and elevate your leadership game then this episode is for you!

Connect with Scott Greenberg

Website: https://scottgreenberg.com/

LinkendIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-greenberg-1b17539/

Hourly Employee Management System: https://hemsworldwide.com

Episode Highlights:

• Meet author Scott Greenberg

• Scott’s journey into franchising

• Scott’s motivation behind writing The Wealthy Franchisee

• Exploration of how mindset impacts franchisee success

• Differences between successful and underperforming franchisees

• Exploration of the mental heckler and strategies for managing self-doubt

• Distinguishing between facts and feelings in decision-making

• Scott’s motivation behind writing Stop The Shift Show

• Importance of creating a supportive work culture and meaningful employee engagement

• The importance of balancing franchisor guidance without cros

Franchise Directory - https://www.sba.gov/document/support-sba-franchise-directory

Franchise Registry - https://www.franchiseregistry.com/

Current SBA SOP - https://www.sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-lender-development-company-loan-programs

Connect with Tracy

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Shannon

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

Are franchise brokers a secret weapon to successful business ownership, or are they an unnecessary middleman?

When Sabrina Wall entered the franchise space and worked with a franchise broker she had a lackluster experience which she turned into an opportunity to create a better franchise broker system for everyone.

Today, we dive deep into what exactly a franchise broker does, the importance of maintaining ethics and educating clients, and how the Franchise Brokers Association came to be and spoiler alert it involves some serious networking and a big vision for reducing duplication and creating a community.

Sabrina Wall is the CEO of the Franchise Broker’s Association and the Franchise Training Institute. Sabrina leads a team of nearly 1,000 franchise professional members who support ethical, long-term franchising by focusing on education and research tools to assess franchise brands for the person seeking to join the system.

So, if you are ready for Sabrina’s insights on what separate a good franchise from great ones, the importance of choosing your partners wisely, and you are curious on how brokers and franchisors collaborate than today’s episode is for you!

Connect with Sabrina Wall

• The Franchise Broker’s Association - https://www.franchiseba.com/

Episode Highlights:

• Meet Sabrina Wall and learn about her professional background

• Sabrina’s journey into franchising

• What is the role and function of a franchise broker?

• The creation and evolution of the Franchise Brokers Association

• Franchise Broker and franchisor relationship dynamics

• Sabrina’s ethical and educational approach to franchises

• Challenges and insights in franchising

• Navigating the cyclical nature of business and franchise systems

Franchise Directory - https://www.sba.gov/document/support-sba-franchise-directory

Franchise Registry - https://www.franchiseregistry.com/

Current SBA SOP - https://www.sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-lender-development-company-loan-programs

Connect with Tracy

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Shannon

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

How do you turn a passion into a business empire?

Today's guest, Frank Fiume, took his love of adult men’s softball and evolved it into a groundbreaking youth sports franchise. 

Frank discusses the importance of focusing on a niche market and the pivotal moment he decided to pivot his franchising business. He shares some hard truths about why so many franchisors struggle to hit that 100-unit mark and he dives into the challenges and strategies he employed to ensure success and stability for i9 sports. And you won’t want to miss the golden nugget he shares when Tracy asks him one tip he could share with you that would help propel your franchise business forward.

Frank Fiume is a pioneer and authority in the franchise industry. He is best known for founding i9 sports from its inception and building it into a powerhouse with over 1,000 locations. His exceptional leadership and vision led to the successful exit of the company three times, demonstrating his acumen in creating, scaling, and strategically exiting a franchise business.

So, if you are ready to discover the pivotal moments that propelled i9 sports to over $400 million in revenue and hear his insights on navigating the challenges of franchising then today’s episode is for you!

Connect with Frank:

Website: https://emergingfranchisebrands.com/

Email: [email protected]

Episode Highlights:

• Meet Frank Fiume

• Frank’s journey into franchising

• Frank’s failure in replicating franchise success and how he pivoted into a successful franchise

• Early challenges in scaling and necessary hires for franchising

• Frank talks about ESOP (Employee stock ownership plan)

• Frank’s exit strategy from i9 sports

• The importance of having a CEO mindset

• Origination and concept behind Emerging Franchise Brands podcast

• Why many franchise brands fail to reach 100 units

• Importance of executing well, focusing on franchise success and listening to franchisees

Franchise Directory - https://www.sba.gov/document/support-sba-franchise-directory

Franchise Registry - https://www.franchiseregistry.com/

Current SBA SOP - https://www.sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-lender-development-company-loan-programs

Connect with Tracy

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Shannon

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale