What happens when a children's haircut becomes more than just a trim? Stephanie Knepp, CEO of Sit Still Kids Salon, reveals the magic behind transforming what's traditionally a tear-filled ordeal into an experience children actually look forward to.

The concept is brilliantly simple yet revolutionary: create a salon specifically designed for children from their first haircut through their tween years, where every aspect of the experience caters to their comfort and enjoyment. "You come in for the haircuts, but you actually stay a client with us because of the relationship you develop," Knepp explains, highlighting their impressive business model that retains customers for up to a decade.

What truly sets Sit Still apart is their psychological approach to children's comfort. Their stylists don't just cut hair, they're trained in child engagement techniques, offering options like car-shaped chairs with iPads, letting kids choose their cape colors, and explaining every step of the process. Beyond basic cuts, they offer special treatments like chlorine treatments for swimmers, sparkle strands, temporary hair colors, and mohawks that turn a mundane necessity into something magical. Meanwhile, parents enjoy complimentary beverages and can browse their retail boutique.

From a franchise perspective, Sit Still represents a fascinating case study in scaling passion. Currently at 30 locations, Knepp—who joined as CEO rather than being the founder—walks a delicate line between preserving the founder's vision while implementing business systems necessary for national and eventually international growth. Her approach includes weekly communications with franchisees, always explaining the "why" behind business decisions to maintain that crucial balance of passion and profitability.

Ready to discover more about the business that's redefining children's salon experiences? Listen now and learn how creating joyful moments for children translates into exceptional customer retention and business success.

We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Unlock the secrets of turning a family business into a thriving franchise with insights from Kris Stuart of Bloomin' Blinds. Discover how Kris and his family honored their roots while expanding nationally, maintaining a family-first ethos that supports franchisees in balancing both work and personal commitments. Chris shares how their unique onboarding approach and brand integration process transcend the corporate norm, inviting newcomers to feel like family from day one.

Explore the innovative methodologies that are transforming Bloomin' Blinds into a beacon of training excellence. Learn about their revolutionary OSHA-certified training platforms that prioritize functionality over aesthetics, enabling franchisees to master challenging installations with confidence. Hear how the introduction of the Bloomin' Scale operational platform empowers franchisees with tools and resources while valuing their autonomy. Kris also discusses the delicate balance between offering support and respecting individual expertise among franchise owners.

Our conversation takes a deeper turn as we discuss the power of transparency and humility in building robust franchise relationships. Embrace the value of vulnerability and discover how it can elevate credibility and customer connections in today's competitive market. With a focus on fostering community, Kris and I highlight the strategic importance of industry expertise, community engagement, and the benefits of connecting through franchise networks. Hear how they prepare for their Franchise Business Network holiday event, aimed at strengthening relationships and sharing stories that inspire the franchise community.

We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Rob Flanagan, CEO and cultural co-founder of Hounds Town USA, as he shares the secrets behind the brand's unique approach to doggy daycare and boarding. Discover how a former NYC Police Department canine unit member, Mike Gould, crafted a dog management philosophy that views the world through a dog's eyes, revolutionizing franchise operations and capturing the interest of franchisees. This episode promises insights into Houndstown's journey from humble beginnings and Rob's pivotal meeting with co-founder Jackie Bondanza.

Explore the critical components of franchising as Rob sheds light on the importance of financial health and cultural alignment. Whether you're a seasoned franchisee or new to the game, understanding the financial intricacies before diving into the franchise world is crucial. Rob emphasizes the role of a skilled financial team in guiding growth while maintaining cultural integrity, especially when private equity comes into play. This discussion offers a roadmap for refining brand vocabulary and establishing a strong brand standards manual, ensuring new franchisees align with the company's values and vision.

As we look toward the future, Rob shares Hounds Town's strategic growth plans, highlighting the significance of aligning with the right partners and integrating franchise recruitment across departments. The vision of every dog in America having access to Hounds Town services drives infrastructure development and marketing efforts. Gain valuable insights on navigating franchise networking, the importance of setting realistic expectations, and the collaborative spirit within the franchising community. Rob's contributions and the creative team behind "What's your F-ing Business" round out this engaging episode, leaving us inspired for the journey ahead.

We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Attention franchise suppliers! Do you think your role at conventions is just about direct selling? Franchisors, do you thing the roundtables are only a place to one sold?  Think again. This episode sheds light the suppliers' role in creating the vibrant hubs of shared learning and collaboration - the Thought Leadership Roundtables. With insightful contributions from Emily George of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and Marcia Mead, President and founder of M2 Franchise Consulting and Executive team of the Supplier Forum Advisory Board , we highlight the shift from "Business Solution Roundtables", to the more inclusive Thought Leadership Roundtables. These sessions are now driven by supplier facilitators and the input from franchisors, franchisees, and  suppliers, fostering dynamic, participant-led discussions that focus on mutual learning and the exchange of innovative ideas in 7 key responsible franchising pillars.

Marcia and Emily break down the process for achieving critical deadlines for topic ideas and facilitator options for the 2025 IFA convention and, ensuring you are well-prepared for upcoming events. We also discuss the importance of strategic participation for both franchisors and franchisees, ensuring maximum learning and networking opportunities. 

Finally, they share ideas on the essential etiquette for franchise suppliers, emphasizing the power of networking and knowledge-sharing over hard sales tactics. Discover why bringing paper business cards remains a timeless and crucial strategy, and learn how to effectively showcase your expertise. Their tips will guide you in making meaningful connections that go beyond the sales pitch, helping you leave a lasting impression without overwhelming potential clients.

Tune in for an episode rich in practical advice and insights tailored for the franchising community!

We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Unlock the secrets of franchise success and profitability with Jayson Pearl, CEO and founder of ServiceScore, and Mark Jameson, Chief Development Officer of Propelled Brands. Discover how the Franchise Customer Experience Certification Program transforms franchisee satisfaction into consumer delight and, ultimately, business growth. Jason reveals the compelling hypothesis that happy franchisees drive happy customers, establishing a virtuous cycle of profitability. Mark shares firsthand how Propel Brands has been revolutionized by this program, ensuring their franchises not only meet but exceed industry standards.

Fast Signs' remarkable journey to 760 locations across nine countries is just the beginning. Learn about their strategic acquisitions, including Nerds to Go, My Salon Suite, and Camp Bow Wow, pushing their portfolio to around 1,400 locations. The rigorous Franchise Certification Process ensures that franchisees are fully supported and heard, driving both top-line growth and profitability. The importance of external feedback is underscored, demonstrating how franchisees and consumers contribute to the continuous improvement and success of the brands.

Customer experience is paramount, and no detail is too small. From mature, well-established brands to new and emerging ones, we discuss how leveraging insights and implementing best practices early on can forestall future challenges. The role of the Franchise Business Consultant is highlighted, ensuring that data collected is not just stored but actively used to enhance brand performance. Ethical considerations are also addressed, emphasizing the importance of readiness for certification. Stay tuned for exciting collaborations and our ongoing dedication to being a trusted resource in the franchising community.

We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Ever wonder how franchising magic happens across different industries? Prepare to be enlightened as Donnie Carr, the CEO of Christian Brothers Automotive, and James Dwiggins, the innovative CEO of Next Home, pull back the curtain on their successful business models. From the tactile world of automotive repair to the evolving landscape of residential real estate, these titans of industry break down how they support franchisees, ensure customer satisfaction, and cultivate company cultures that thrive, whether brick-and-mortar or virtual.

We're not just talking shop; we're delving into the heart of what makes a franchise tick. Discover the importance of a supportive 'buddy network' for franchisees and how listening—truly listening—to customer feedback can propel a business forward. We dissect the building of bonds in remote operations, the impact of authentic corporate culture, and the power of a problem-solving mindset. And if you've ever wondered how to make transparency in business operations your ace in the hole, this discussion is your playbook.

Wrap up with a masterclass in franchisee training and expectations. It's about quality, not quantity, and finding franchisees who resonate with your brand's core values. We look at the finesse of tailoring education through Learning Management Systems and the impact of strict training adherence on maintaining brand integrity. As the curtain falls, you'll walk away with an understanding of how perceived value can tip the scales in your financial favor—straight from the leaders who have turned this principle into an art form.

We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

When life hands you lemons—or in the case of Dustin de Stefano and Jerod Evanich, personal hardship—you squeeze out an opportunity to change lives. Today, we're honored to share the heartwarming genesis of A Place at Home, where these two visionaries transformed their family challenges into a thriving senior care franchise. They let us in on their transformative journey, from the initial concept to the intricate strategies they've developed for navigating the complex healthcare system and ensuring top-notch care coordination.

Our conversation with Dustin and Jerod takes a deep dive into the art of franchising, revealing how A Place at Home stands out in a competitive market. They emphasize the importance of establishing a family culture within their franchise network, offering coaching and support that goes beyond business basics to truly resonate with franchise owner values. Their passion for empowering others to succeed is matched by their innovative approaches to caregiver recruitment, ensuring that their services remain a beacon of reliability and compassion for seniors and their families.

As we pivot to the realities of operating a home care business amid a pandemic, we find resilience is key. The founders elaborate on the necessity to adapt quickly to a landscape where caregiver shortages are juxtaposed against increased demand. Their nimble strategies for tapping into unexpected labor pools showcase the importance of satisfaction ratings and meticulous service delivery. Listen as we close this episode with an open invitation to fellow entrepreneurs to share their brand stories and wisdom, reminding us all that in the world of business, the journey is just as vital as the destination.

We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Liane Caruso, founder of hello CMO! and Let's Grow! speaks candidly about how much franchisors and their marketing teams need to know to have a coherent fran dev strategy - and why that's important.  And she shares her exciting news about a new learning experience unlike others that is laser focused on development.  It's Let's Grow! Happening in Dallas Feb 4 -6.  Not a bunch of panels, but hands on learning from peers and experts.  It's a Game Changer!  Listen, learn, and sign up today.

We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Most franchises offer a model that appeals to a single skill set and relies on employees to fill in the gaps.  Anago Cleaning Systems runs a master franchise system that creates two opportunities for two very different types of business owners: Master Franchisees address the white collar aspects of a blue collar industry.  They do all the "daytime" aspects of the business such as marketing and customer acquisition.  The unit franchisees do the "evening" aspects – the cleaning.

Listen to President and CEO Adam Povlitz tell how this 39-year old concept has used Master Franchsing to grow and create profitable business ownership opportunities to hundreds of diverse and successful people.

We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!

Brett Larimer, franchise executive and CEO and founder of Compassion Culture Consulting shares her personal story and how it brought her into the world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Learn how a diverse workforce can great improve profitability, innovation, and market dominance.  Are unconscious biases hindering your franchise development goals? Are you missing untapped markets?  Brett effortlessly weaves statistics and case studies into actions that are graceful, compassionate, and empathetic.

We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!