Franchise Empires (The Wolf, A Workweek Friend)

How do you elevate breakfast food in a novel way that no other franchise is doing? By taking biscuits to a whole ‘nother level.  Biscuit Belly is a fast-casual franchise taking the boring out of breakfast and making Instagram-worthy foods all across the Southeast.   Owners Chuck Schnatter and Chad Coulter sit down with the Wolf to discuss how they distinguished themselves from franchises like IHOP, Denny’s, and Snooze and what qualities they believe are key to any dining franchise.  Plus, find out how they managed to thrive and survive while opening multiple locations during the pandemic!    0:00 Background  3:22 What Makes a Successful Franchise? 7:15 Why Biscuits? 13:00 Making Food Instagrammable 15:00 Franchising Process 24:32 Takeaways 30:00 Future Plans   Find out more about Biscuit Belly: https://biscuitbellyfranchise.com https://biscuitbelly.com   Follow Chad: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-coulter-4663465b Built by hospitality for hospitality. Empower your employee experience by using Harri to build, manage, engage, and retain your team.   Don’t you think it’s time to utilize a platform designed to elevate your greatest asset— your employees? Visit Harri.com to learn more.   If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast.   Thank you so much!   Check out The Wolf’s newsletter and YouTube channel.    Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

It’s time for the listeners to “Ask Me Anything”! When does a franchise restaurant become a viable investment? The answer may vary depending on factors such as the number of units and states involved, as well as an individual's risk appetite. Discover the key considerations that can help determine the right time to invest in a franchise. In this episode, The Wolf also shares his thoughts on the future of franchising, highlighting the food and beverage category as a major player. Find out which franchise category he is most bullish on. If you're interested in buying an emerging brand, dive in and learn what factors to consider to increase your chances of success.  00:00:02 - Key Factors to Evaluate Emerging Brands 00:01:57 - Building a Scalable Brand with Replica Operations 00:02:54 - Assessing the Financial Health of Franchise Brands 00:05:15 - Top Franchise Categories to Watch 00:08:36 - When Does a Franchise Restaurant Become a Viable Investment? 00:11:48 - The Relevance of Franchises in the Age of Information 00:12:59 - Defining and Protecting Territories for Franchise Concepts 00:18:53 - Identifying the Franchise with Highest Failure Rate Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

When you’re not ready to join the family business, franchises are a solid alternative. Usman Chaudrhy is now the owner of 6 locations and scaling fast. Usman has made the transition from corporate worker to multi-unit owner, but not before he learnt all the lessons that have made him a success. Now with 6 Dunkin’ Donuts stores under his belt and 3 more under construction, he has his eyes set on growth, The Wolf and Usman discuss what it’s like growing up the son of entrepreneurs, why doing in-depth research is the foundation to building a successful business and how to assess lenders based on specificity, rather than emotional response. You’ll hear why Usman is fine with paying royalties, how to tackle banks who may not want to lend to you and the advantages of opening a franchise near a college campus. Deep thinking and research are Usman’s superpowers and this dedication to detail is something he shares with show sponsor FranShares, who are making it easier to build, manage and grow your franchise empire from as little as $500. Find out more at: franshares.com Follow Usman on: Twitter:  twitter.com/UsmanJazab Check out The Wolf’s newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Physically burnt out in his early 30s, Gregory Breitbart found a solution so effective, he knew he wanted to run it as a business. Greg is CEO of BODY20, the fitness franchise utilizing whole body Electro-muscle stimulation to condense 2 hours in the gym down to 20 minutes. The Wolf and Greg discuss Greg’s enduring business partnership with his father, how a ‘weekend warrior’ lifestyle caused more problems than it solved, and Greg’s ambitious plans to have at least 100 BODY20 franchises open by the end of 2023. Follow Gregory: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregbreitbart/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregbreitbart If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

There’s no one way to get into franchising, but plenty of pitfalls. Dru Capenito is the Founder of Franchise Investment Systems, helping potential owners evaluate high-quality non-food franchises. The Wolf and Dru talk through how getting the right foundation in place will stop you making terrible business decisions, why you need a business model that fits your life, and why the world of franchise brokership can be like the Wild, Wild, West. Plus you’ll also hear Dru’s inside track on the info you need to identify a good business opportunity. Follow Dru: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drucarpenito/ If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Who doesn’t love a cookie, or a pretzel…or ice cream? CJ Adams is the multi-brand franchise owner growing his sweet treat empire. Find out how. CJ is the Owner of Nashville-based Cookies And Cream, the multi-brand franchise of Great American Cookies, Maggie Moo's, Marble Slab Creamery, and Pretzelmaker. The Wolf and CJ get into the logistics of cross training employees to work across all brands, how to find the right opportunities, and why, at the end of the day, CJ’s a cookie guy. And great customer experience starts with great employee experience. Create business success with Harri, the platform to build, manage, engage and retain your team. Care for your people, and they will care for your customers. Visit www.harri.com today Follow CJ: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcjadams/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/seejayadams If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

How does a fintech professional end up owning multiple pizza units? Having a soft spot for the brand definitely helps. Meet Shwetabh Gautam, the NYC-based pro who took a risk on franchise ownership with four friends he grew up with, and who now own 6 Donatos Pizza units in Cleveland. The Wolf and Shwetabh get into why loving the brand played a big part in jumping on board, how they were offered five more locations even as they built their initial three, and why Donatos sits at the intersection of family pizzeria and massive franchise. You’ll also hear how to effectively manage your local teams remotely and why incentivizing success is a key management tool. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Follow Shwetabh: Twitter: @therealshwetabh  Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf The Wolf is a friend of Workweek, working together to produce amazing podcasts. Find out more, visit: www.workweek.com

It seems like anyone and their mom is ready to give you advice about franchising. But why not take advice from franchising’s greatest who successfully scaled from the bottom to the top of the industry? This week, we’re mixing it up and compiling some of the best bits of advice and wisdom from franchising’s finest minds. I’ve hand-picked some of my favorite, most impactful highlights from the past year that every entrepreneur needs to hear. From scaling over 90+ McAlister’s Delis to owning 60+ Zaxby’s and becoming the Gaz Biz King of Twitter, these next few guests are some of the biggest industry experts that you simply can’t afford *not* to listen to. Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Ben Eberdt is the successful musician turned franchise owner. He and dad, Jess, are taking over the dog daycare space. Find out how. GoDog is the daycare and boarding service that offers pet parents state-of-the-art, fun and hygienic care for their family members. The Wolf gets into conversation with Co-founder and President Ben, who talks about treating your band like a business, embedding customers into the GoDog ecosystem, and why finding the right investment partners is well worth holding out for. If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

From a commodities trader to licensee of 14 Zaxby’s units. How did Ben Little do it? He just said ‘yes’.  From helping to run 8 units with his father and his business partner, Ben has grown their empire to 14 units, including the no. 1 and no. 3 best performing stores in the country. But he had to start at the bottom. The Wolf and Ben get straight into it, discussing how Ben had to learn the brand by working on the shop floor, how a long-term mindset helps grow business, and the best real estate strategy to employ. You’ll also hear Ben’s thoughtful takes on incentivizing employees and his plans for the future. And If you work in franchises, your most precious resource is time. BELAY exists to help you regain control of your time and your focus. They will match you with highly-qualified US-based virtual assistant, accounting, social media, and website contractors. In fact, only about 3% of those who apply to support roles with BELAY are actually accepted. Text WOLF to 55123 to get started. If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Follow Ben: Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/ben-little-46204923 Twitter: twitter.com/TRUmav Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf The Wolf is a friend of Workweek, working together to produce amazing podcasts. Find out more, visit: www.workweek.com

The secret ingredient to creating your own cookie franchise? People. Adam August opens the playbook to his fast-growing cookie empire. Adam is the Co-founder of Blueprint Cookies, the business he set up with Nick Hicks in 2019. The company has grown from one to three stores in three years and has ambitious plans to scale. The Wolf and Adam get into why investing in your employees is the best choice you’ll make, how Adam gets shit done, and some expert advice for anyone looking to start a franchise. Follow Adam: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamaugust/ If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Greg Flynn didn’t follow in the footsteps of his Stanford classmates. But with approx. 2,400 Applebee’s, Taco Bells, Paneras, Arby’s, Pizza Huts and Wendy’s - he’s done ok. The Wolf gets into conversation with the largest franchisee operator in the world. Greg Flynn is Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Flynn Restaurant Group and Flynn Properties, generating $4 billion in sales and employing 73,000 people across 44 states. In this very special episode Greg shares why he’ll always be a restaurant operator first, how to run a truly collaborative business, and why the franchising business model allows you to focus on the things that really matter. If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

From pro snowboarder to CEO, find out how Brent Dowling grows promising young franchises - including his own brewery pub brand. Brent is Co-founder and CEO of Raintree, the company packed full of seasoned professionals, dedicated to growing promising young franchises into industry giants.   The Wolf and Brent discuss why it was time for Brent to put his money where his mouth is and get in on the franchise ground floor, how the average American feels about franchise ownership, plus how Raintree goes about branding its products. You know how hard it is to hire at scale. That’s why successful franchise owners use Wizehire. Shift to a new way of hiring and learn more at wizehire.com/pod. Follow Brent: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-dowling-/ If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

From college drop out to multi-unit franchisee, the path of entrepreneurship isn’t always a straight one. Find out how Lucas Mitchell discovered his gift for restaurant management. An entrepreneur from the start, Lucas made the decision early on to quit college and focus on building a web design business. To cover the bills, Lucas worked at his local Five Guys and his experience working at his parents’ restaurant quickly shone through. The Wolf and Lucas discuss how the business of food and hospitality is in Lucas’ blood and why working for someone else was never going to be his dream Lucas recalls his rapid rise from Location Manager to Territory Manager of 8 locations and the moment he realized it was time to put aside his web design business and pursue a career as a franchisee. You’ll hear how he grew from one Five Guys location to 13 and why he’s still hungry for success. When you’re looking to scale like Lucas, you need a team on your side to smooth the path. FranShares makes it easy to build, manage and grow your portfolio from as little as $500. Find out more: franshares.com Follow Lucas: Twitter: @LMitchellHQ Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Scott Marr is behind Koala Insulation, a franchise brand on the rise. But it’s not his first business success story. Discover how Scott built his highly successful empire. Mobile businesses are Scott’s area of expertise. Before founding Koala Insulation, he created First Clean USA, acquired by a private equity firm in 2018. The Wolf and Scott discuss the process of selling 350+ Koala territories, and what it takes to convert a small business into a successful franchise. If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Follow Scott: Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/scmarr Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

How do you take an established pet franchise and move it to the next level? CEO Bob Crawford reveals the secret sauce to how he’s scaling Central Bark. Central Bark is the daycare facility that specializes in science-backed enrichment and socialization for your best friend. This 25-year-old franchise has 35 locations in 12 states and ambitious plans for growth. The Wolf and Bob discuss why franchise founders need a partner who’s philosophically and professionally aligned to their growth goals, why Bob believes there’s plenty of the pet franchise business to go around, and how he plans to introduce a multi-unit focus with operators. Follow Bob: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertwcrawford3/ If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Why take advice from just anyone when you can hear it from the best in the biz? From the master of locations, Dinesh Goswami, to the mad genius behind the cult sensation, Dave’s Hot Chicken, we’ve had so many master-level franchisors on the podcast this year, that I just had to share some of their hottest insights. So, I compiled the best advice and insights into one special episode. Whether you're new to franchising or a seasoned pro, these clips are packed with valuable lessons that anyone in the industry needs to hear.   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Meet the founders of Cali Coffee, the franchise not afraid to take on the likes of Starbucks and Dunkin’. Craig Avera and Rose White are the couple behind Cali Coffee, founded in LA in 2018. Currently with three locations up and running, there are five more planned for opening later this year. The Wolf, Craig and Rose dive into why it was the right time to get out of the fitness industry, why they don’t believe in speaker boxes outside their units, and why getting rid of coffee jargon makes their product way more accessible. You’ll also hear why nothing can prepare you for land development in Hollywood and why that experience paved the way for their next franchise openings. Follow Craig: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-avera-a624557b/ Follow Rose: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calicoffee/ If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Join The Wolf as he sits down with Joe Sexton, President of Ace Pickleball Club, to discuss the booming popularity of pickleball and the exciting opportunities it presents for franchise owners. Discover why pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America and how it brings people of all ages together. Joe shares insights into the real estate aspect of pickleball clubs and the strategic partnerships that can drive success and talks to Wolf about the unique challenges and rewards of starting a franchise from scratch and how Ace Pickleball Club has positioned itself for rapid growth. From the importance of community to the potential for NCAA scholarships, Joe explores why pickleball is here to stay and why it's more than just a trend. If you're interested in the world of franchising or the future of sports, this episode is a must-listen.   00:00:00 - Franchise Financial Aggregator with QuickBooks 00:05:11 - New Franchisees Acquire NJ.com 00:12:39 - Rapid Growth in Development Pipeline 00:20:55 - The Risks of Big Franchise Deals 00:24:41 - Ace Pickleball Club's Acquisition Journey 00:33:09 - Challenges of Developing an Emerging Franchise 00:36:33 - The Growing Popularity of Pickleball 00:49:47 - The Power of Pickleball Community 00:54:18 – Pickleball and NCAA Scholarships 01:00:50 - Discover Ace Pickleball Club Online 01:02:10 - Check Out Ace's Growth!   Learn More About Ace Pickleball:  Website: https://www.acepickleballclub.com   Follow Joe:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sextonjoe/   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

How do resale employees determine how much that five-year-old Lululemon shirt is actually worth?   The Wolf sits down with BaseCamp Franchising owners Zach and Tyler Gordon to discover exactly how Uptown Cheapskate and Kid to Kid streamlined resell value subjectivity and turned it into a finely-tuned, fully systematic, operational process across over 200 different locations.   Plus, how are Zach and Tyler inverting the stigma of used clothing and turning it into their personal franchise goldmine in the face of online reselling giants? And why is value one of the biggest motivators of consumer behavior?    Tune in to find out!   00:00 Franchising Kid to Kid and Uptown Cheapskate 9:45 Exploring the Tailwinds of the Resale Market 16:14 A New Way to Shop and Sell Clothing 22:08 Operational Challenges in Resale Businesses 35:10 The Future of Thrift Shopping 43:28 Exploring the Benefits of Resale Franchise Ownership  47:09 The Resale Clothing Industry 50:32 Contact Us   Built by hospitality for hospitality. Empower your employee experience by using Harri to build, manage, engage, and retain your team.    Don’t you think it’s time to utilize a platform designed to elevate your greatest asset— your employees?   Visit Harri.com to learn more.   Follow BaseCamp Franchises:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/basecamp-franchising/ https://kidtokidfranchise.com/ https://uptowncheapskatefranchise.com/   If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast.    Thank you so much!   Check out The Wolf’s newsletter   Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

It may have started as a joke, but after scaling to over 200+ locations with nearly 3000 employees nationwide, College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving is no laughing matter now.    From its early beginnings as a college startup to owner and co-founder Nick Friedman’s hard lessons in franchising, the Wolf’s gathering all the details on exactly how the business became one of the largest moving and hauling companies in the United States.    Then, Nick gets frank about the eye-opening reality that nothing about franchising is easy and explains exactly how College H.U.N.K.S.’s initial efforts to scale gave them the momentum it needed to hit the $300 million revenue mark.    0:00 Intro/Background 4:25 Scaling and Franchising 13:00 Thing I Wish I Knew 17:15 Long-Term Goals 22:29 Franchising Outlook 27:16 Multi-Location Management 33:00 Growth & Momentum   Learn More About College Hunks Hauling Junk:  https://www.collegehunkshaulingjunk.com   Follow Nick:  Website: https://www.nickfriedman.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collegehunkshaulingjunk/ Buzz Franchise Brands is a multi-brand franchising company currently operating four service brands: Pool Scouts pool cleaning franchise, Home Clean Heroes residential cleaning franchise, British Swim School swim instruction franchise and Grand Illuminations outdoor lighting franchise. Our mission is to enable people to realize their dreams; we encourage you to learn more about us and our brands at BuzzFranchiseBrands.com. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast.    Thank you so much!   Check out The Wolf’s newsletter and YouTube channel.   Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf  

With almost two decades together as franchise partners, Joshua Coba and Douglas Payne know franchising inside and out.  They join The Wolf to talk about owning more than 1,000 European Wax Center units, why the start of a business is the most exciting moment, and how they’ve carved out a niche in a traditionally overcrowded franchising industry. Follow Douglas: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/douglas-payne-b15959114 If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Erik Van Horn has owned 6 franchise brands, built 43 locations and made some great sales. Now he works 3 days a week on things he loves. Find out his secret on this season premier. As a veteran in the world of franchising, Erik knows how important it is to prioritize your time on things you enjoy doing, even more than making money. But he’s done both and is ready to share the secret sauce. The Wolf dives into conversation with Erik about the process of building multiple Liberty Tax franchises across Austin, how he built, grew and sold Sola Salon studios in California, and why 15-20 hours a week is the work/life balance he loves. You’ll also hear how Erik got into business through a gardening job and the realities of being a multi-brand owner. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Follow Erik: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evanhorn Check out Erik's podcast, community, and more here: https://www.franchisesecrets.com Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf The Wolf is a friend of Workweek, working together to produce amazing podcasts. Find out more, visit: www.workweek.com

Almost all startups are doomed to fail. But there’s another path to entrepreneurship that gets overlooked, one that’s far less risky than starting your own company. One that gets you healthy profits and a healthier lifestyle too: And that’s Franchises. I’m The Wolf. Welcome to The Franchise Empires. As you’re listening to this, there are thousands of franchise owners creating financial freedom through franchises. But how exactly can you take your first step to get in on the action? The answer is why I started The Franchise Playbook - to give aspiring entrepreneurs access to the people who have grown their franchises from one location to 10, 20, to even thousands. If you’re interested in franchises, we’re breaking down the exact playbook you need to get started. To get a taste for what franchises can be like, I want to tell you a quick story about Guillermo Perales. Guillermo is the founder of Sun Holdings. He didn’t have a special start. When he arrived in the States from Mexico in the 90s, Guillermo was an ordinary guy, just like you and me. His journey all started with just a single Small Business Administration loan, something that many Americans can tap into and take advantage of. Today Guillermo owns more than 1,200 franchises, employing 22,000 people and generating over 1 billion dollars in revenue every single year. But you don’t need that many franchises to see huge returns, you don’t even need 10. A handful of well run franchises can create the wealth you’re seeking, and on this show I'll teach you exactly how. To take your first step onto the franchise ladder, tune in on March 3rd for our season premiere, with new episodes every Tuesday. Make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

How does being an area representative differ from being a franchise owner?   Everbowl’s area rep, Alex Yeater, chats with the Wolf about the ins and out of working for a franchisor and the life cycle of opening stores as an area rep.  He and Wolf also discuss the lessons he’s learned from opening multiple Everbowl locations and how investing in excellent systems and operations is one of the best things you can do to ensure franchise success.   Plus, don’t miss out on hearing what working with Drew Brees is actually like!   0:00 Early Beginnings 3:40 Working at VerizonONE 7:37 Defining an Area Representative 12:20 Building vs. Operating 14:56 Lessons Learned 17:49 Exploring Other Opportunities 25:44 Learn More About Everbowl   Learn More About Everbowl:  https://www.everbowl.com/acai-bowl-franchise https://www.everbowl.com   Follow Alex: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexyeater/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yeater.alex/ Built by hospitality for hospitality. Empower your employee experience by using Harri to build, manage, engage, and retain your team.    Don’t you think it’s time to utilize a platform designed to elevate your greatest asset— your employees?   Visit Harri.com to learn more.   If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast.    Thank you so much!   Check out The Wolf’s newsletter.   Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Can you name the ingredients in a McDonalds French fry? We’ll give you a hint— there’s over 15 of them. And if that doesn’t give you pause for thought, we don’t know what will.  Meet the franchise creator who doesn’t think fast food should be an excuse to skimp out on health or ethics— and he’s doing everything within his power to build a better fast food system from the top down.  Jesse Konig, the co-founder of DC’s best burger joint, Swizzler, and the brainchild behind the French fry brand, Spudz, talks to Wolf about the importance of knowing where your food is coming from, the shaky and fragile nature our own food systems due to centralized corporations and meat manufacturers, and all of dirty secrets behind the beef, potato, and seed oil industries that you’re dying to hear..  Learn how Swizzler and Spudz are going to back to the basics through encouraging local, regenerative farming practices and simple, better ingredients.    0:00:00 Intro/Background 0:25:51 The Food Supplier Chain 0:34:23 Ethical Beef 0:57:57 Creating the Perfect French Fry 1:17:00 Spudz Fries 1:32:00 Contact Us   Check Out Swizzler Foods:  https://www.swizzlerfoods.com   Follow Jesse:  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jesse_konig Email: jesse@spudzfries.com   Buzz Franchise Brands is a multi-brand franchising company currently operating four service brands: Pool Scouts pool cleaning franchise, Home Clean Heroes residential cleaning franchise, British Swim School swim instruction franchise and Grand Illuminations outdoor lighting franchise. Our mission is to enable people to realize their dreams; we encourage you to learn more about us and our brands at BuzzFranchiseBrands.com. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast.    Thank you so much!   Check out The Wolf’s newsletter and YouTube channel.   Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

You’ll never be able to operate 90+ franchises if your first franchise isn’t golden to begin with. Take it from Adam Saxton, operator of over 90+ McAlister’s Delis and co-CEO/Owner of the Saxton Group. With territories in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, Adam chats with the Wolf about his unusual philosophy for franchise expansion, including a unique organic unit model development approach entailing zero acquisitions. With over 20 years in the fast-casual space, Adam reveals why he remains optimistic about the ROI potential in this industry and explains how his family's background in restaurant franchising influenced his decision to join McAlister's Deli. How has he managed to maintain slow and steady growth since his first bought unit in 1999? Discover the importance of building a strong culture and brand within your organization, and how investing in internal development leads to long-term success. Adam discusses the growth opportunities that come with expanding your franchise and the value of promoting from within. Plus, what are Adam’s perspectives on investment levels and the potential return on capital for first-time franchisees? Tune in now to find out!    00:00:00 - Locations in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas 00:00:30 - Adam Joins Family Restaurant Business 00:08:17 - Organic Growth Strategy of the Saxton Group 00:11:46 - Community Outreach Boosts McAlister's Brand 00:13:34 - Fostering Growth and Opportunity at McAlister’s 00:17:13 - Franchisees Expand with New Brands 00:18:45 - Saxton Group Acquires Jaggers 00:22:29 - Staying Optimistic in the Fast Casual Industry 00:26:49 - Investment Returns for New Franchisees 00:32:54 - Room to Grow for McAlister’s   Follow Adam:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamgsaxton/   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Drew Gressett’s sitting down with the Wolf to discuss his personal journey in the restaurant industry—from his journey founding Hat Creek Burger Company to owning 60+ Zaxby’s. Hear Hat Creek Burger Company’s humble origin story—from starting as a food truck in 2008 to now having 26 brick-and-mortar locations, Drew shares the challenges and triumphs of scaling his business. He shares how building a strong restaurant management team and securing financing helped fuel his exponential growth. What are the unique dynamics of running both independent restaurants and franchise locations? And does Drew have plans to expand into other franchise brands or industries in the future? Tune in now to find out!   00:00:23 - From Food Truck to Restaurant Success 00:07:13 - Lessons Learned from Hat Creek's Expansion 00:08:10 - Growing Hat Creek to 26 Locations 00:15:12 - Expanding the Zaxby's Franchise Portfolio 00:18:23 - Scaling Hat Creek  00:20:37 - Building a Strong Restaurant Management Team 00:24:36 - Leveraging Seller Financing for Growth 00:28:56 - Franchise Friction: Running Own vs. Franchise 00:33:03 - Exploring New Franchise Opportunities and Industries 00:34:37 - New Builds vs. Acquisitions: Pros and Cons   Learn More About Zaxby’s: Website: https://www.zaxbys.com/franchise   Learn More About Hat Creek Burger Company: Website: https://hatcreekburgers.com/who-we-are   Follow Drew:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-gressett-96891621a/   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

What’s the latest Twitter beef with an army of minions going to war for Gas Biz Guy? Is it a joke or is there legitimate beef behind the brawl?   Join The Wolf as he sits down with viral Twitter personality Gas Biz Guy (aka Chris Hellgeth), a self-made entrepreneur who turned a ten-cent cigarette sale into a $100 million-a-year gas distribution business. They break down the secrets to success in the gas station industry, including the importance of value, experience, and building a strong brand. Discover how the Gas Biz Guy built his business from the ground up, overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities along the way. From cashing checks to gas station ownership, he shares his entrepreneurial journey and offers valuable insights for aspiring business owners. The Gas Biz Guy also peels back the curtain on the little-known gas and convenience store industry, unpacking the unique synergy between quick-serve restaurants and gas stations and exploring the opportunities they can provide potential investors.   And later, he and the Wolf dive into the evolving trends in the convenience store industry, from the rise of novelty energy drinks to the increasing focus on customer experience. Find out how higher-margin locations are expanding their margins by providing a clean environment and excellent customer service.     00:00:00 - Gas Station Enthusiast Dominates Twitter 00:04:14 - From a 10 Cent Cigarette Sale to a $100 Million Success 00:08:26 - Solving the Unbankable Population Issue 00:12:14 - Gas Stations: Profit from Convenience, Not Gas 00:15:22 - Gas Station Industry's Value Proposition 00:20:15 - Buying from Distributors: Convenience Store Margins 00:24:32 - Cooler Products Dominate Market Growth 00:25:47 - Synergy Between Gas Stations and Restaurants   Follow Gas Biz Guy: Twitter: https://twitter.com/gas_biz   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!  

How did a West Point flight school graduate become the founder of 79 optical stores across the US? Bill Noble, Pearle Vision’s largest multi-unit franchise owner, joins the pod to chat with the Wolf about his fascinating journey from sitting in the cockpit to building a nationwide franchise empire.   From his early days at Harrah's Entertainment to his transition into the retail industry, Bill shares valuable insights on leadership, partnership, and the challenges of growing a franchise business. Discover how his military background and experience in the gaming industry shaped his approach to leadership and motivated him to start his own franchise. Bill discusses the importance of maintaining a true partnership between franchisors and franchisees and reveals how honest feedback and open communication contribute to the growth and success of a franchise organization. He and the Wolf dissect the strategies and considerations involved in acquisitions and growth and uncover how market conditions and lending criteria can impact a franchise's expansion plans. Whether you're a seasoned franchise owner or considering starting your own business, gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics and intricacies of building a successful franchise empire.   00:00:23 - Military Veteran's Journey to Retail 00:03:27 - First Leadership Role Outside Military 00:05:42 - Transitioning Leadership Skills from Gaming 00:08:11 - From Lenscrafters Employee to Franchise Owner 00:15:12 - Navigating Pressure as a CEO 00:18:31 - Converting Corporate Locations to Pearle Visions 00:21:21 - Transitioning from Corporate CEO to Franchise Leader 00:24:37 - Navigating Growth in Changing Markets 00:29:38 - Approaching Leadership as a Franchise Owner 00:38:07 - Balancing Personal Identity in Competitive Organizations 00:45:27 - Franchise Concept Evolves into Partnership   Follow Bill:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamnoble1/   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Deb Merrill had no idea she was destined for franchise management until her brother-in-law asked if she’d be interested in running a Jimmy John’s. Realizing that stage management wasn’t the dream job she had hoped it would be, Deb left her theater career behind for the food service industry. In this candid conversation with the Wolf, Deb opens up about her rise from the bottom of the food chain to the top of the Jimmy John’s game. How did she take the dive into franchising with zero experience in the industry and eventually open 12 different locations? And what was it really like working with family?   Deb also shares her wisdom into the daily rewards and challenges of running a Jimmy John’s franchise from the physical demands of the job to the importance of finding the right team members. What should the structure and setup of a fair franchise agreement look like? And what’s the importance of maintaining positive relationships with franchisees? Plus, learn about the early days of Jimmy John's, including the impact of the economic crash in 2008 and the struggles of balancing construction schedules and employee training. What kinds of unique opportunities does Jimmy John’s provide for franchise owners? Tune in now to find out!   Workstream is the all in one tool for restaurants to run their HR, hiring, and payroll operations. Trusted by over 25,000 restaurant locations, Workstream is the people management tool built for managing hourly workers. Visit http://www.workstream.us/thewolf to learn more! 00:00:00 - Transitioning from Theater to Fast Food Franchise 00:03:06 - Navigating Responsibility and Control in Business 00:04:35 - Balancing Construction and Opening Schedules 00:07:03 - Corporate Training at Jimmy John's 00:08:47 - Opening Two Stores in Six Months 00:14:41 - Arranging Fair Structures for Collaborations 00:15:48 - Navigating Family Business Dynamics Successfully 00:18:59 - 16 Years of Steady Store Growth 00:21:57 - Expanding Store Locations: A Timeline   Workstream is the all-in-one tool for restaurants to run their HR, hiring, and payroll operations. Trusted by over 25,000 restaurant locations, Workstream is the people management tool built for managing hourly workers. Visit http://www.workstream.us/thewolf to learn more!     Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!  

Did you know when it comes to where your franchise is situated, there’s a breakfast side and a dinner side of the street?  Dinesh Goswami certainly does, and with 125+ franchise locations open, including Pizza Hut, Popeye’s, , Taco Bell, and Checker’s, he knows why understanding your location is the #1 thing you can do to ensure the longevity of your franchise.  Dinesh talks with the Wolf about his diversified portfolio and the valuable lessons he’s learned from his extensive franchising career about staying resilient and consistent in the face of economic fluctuations. How have specialized franchise lenders and SBA loans helped Dinesh to scale? Plus, discover his unique approach to acquiring talent and fostering a people-centric business. From understanding the importance of location selection to leveraging organic growth opportunities, Dinesh provides his incredible insights into the challenges of franchising at a high-level scale.    00:00:48 - From Banker to Popeyes Owner 00:02:12 - Corporate Dropout Opens Successful Franchise 00:05:03 - Considerations for Choosing Restaurant Locations 00:12:39 - Avoid Costly Mistakes When Opening a Restaurant 00:14:03 - How to Convince Someone to Switch Jobs 00:18:41 - Capital Strategy for Business Expansion: SBA Loans or Profit Funneling? 00:21:06 - Specialized Lenders for Franchise Industry 00:29:25 - Diversifying Brands for Steady Growth 00:36:04 - Understand Your Strengths Before Marketing   Follow Dinesh: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinesh-goswami-463547130/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dineshvgoswami/   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!  

How does the co-founder of beem Light Sauna think about scaling a thriving health and wellness franchise? The Wolf talks with Cynthia May, CEO and Co-Founder of beem Light Sauna, to discover her secret to scaling from 0 to 65 locations in a little over four years. Cynthia reveals her biggest challenges and successes in scaling a franchise brand, unraveling how she and her team developed systems that allowed their franchisees to truly thrive. How did culture and values fundamentally shape the nature of her franchise? Cynthia also shares her insights into the unique benefits of light therapy— from mental health to weight loss and detoxification, she explains why customers are drawn to their private individual suites and rooms and how their membership-based business model sets the stage for success. Plus, what’s in store for beem Light Sauna? And how has partnering with prelaunch partners and vendors upped their marketing game? Tune in now to find out!   Join the fastest-growing VR franchise in the world and be among the first to bring premium immersive VR experiences to your community. Invest in the future of entertainment by visiting franchise.sandboxvr.com.   00:01:30 - Scaling a Franchise Brand Successfully 00:05:43 - Finding the Right Location for Brands 00:08:46 - Partnering for Membership Sales Success 00:15:16 - Customizable Infrared and Red Light Therapy 00:21:25 - Top 3 Reasons for Wellness Retreats 00:25:29 - Transitioning from Founder to CEO 00:34:18 - Establishing Culture and Values for Business Success 00:40:50 - Goals for beem Light Sauna Beyond Units Learn More About beem Light Sauna: Website: https://franchise.beemlightsauna.com/   Follow Cynthia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiamay/   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Before it became a media franchise sensation, Dave’s Hot Chicken was a pop-up shop in East Los Angeles creating a line as long as the eye could see. Now it has a national cult following with investors like Drake and Usher invested in the Nashville-style chicken chain. The Wolf sits down to chat with founding franchisees, Andrew Feghali and Lawrence Kourie about the challenges and triumphs of starting a franchise in a new market and the excitement of becoming part of a rapidly growing brand.  Hear how Dave's Hot Chicken has gained attention not only for its mouth-watering menu but also for its celebrity investors. How do its chef-inspired offerings set it apart from the competition? And how has Dave’s made the art of the simple menu work in their favor? Can Dave’s Hot Chicken compete with In-N-Out? Lawrence and Andrew explain how focusing on the people behind the brand and creating room for growth has led to a fantastic working culture and a high degree of scalability. Plus, don’t miss out on an exclusive sneak peek into the future of Dave's Hot Chicken, including plans for expansion and international growth. Sandbox VR is the world’s most advanced virtual reality experience. With more than 45 locations across 7 countries, this full-body gaming provides unprecedented realism and complete immersion that’s not possible anywhere else. Groups of up to six can roam the VR space together, exploring exclusive virtual worlds and relying on each other to succeed while surviving a zombie apocalypse, battling a mighty dragon, hunting for lost treasure, and more. Visit Franchise.SandboxVR.com to learn more. 00:00:00 - Franchisees Share Dave's Hot Chicken Story 00:03:53 - Dodgers Game Meeting Leads to Successful Store Opening 00:06:06 - Opening a Franchise in San Diego 00:12:55 - Balancing Speed and Patience in Expansion 00:18:52 - Simplicity Key to Dave's Success 00:22:14 - Celebrity Investors Back Dave's Hot Chicken 00:26:18 - Third-Party Delivery: A Big Model   Follow Lawrence: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencekourie/   Follow Andrew: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-feghali-6728197a/   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Who can forget being shuffled around to soccer games in the back seat of mom’s minivan, eagerly waiting to find out what post-game snacks awaited you at the end of your little league matchup? What if there was a franchise that could capture that same magic? The Wolf talks to Adam Geisler and John Erlandson, the co-founders of Youth Athletes United, which represents brands like Soccer Stars and Amazing Athletes, about the plan behind their youth sports immersion platform. With over 130 locations and 76 owners, they share their unique insights on scaling the business and the potential of selling more franchises. The Wolf also chats with Kevin and Chelsea Meyer, two owners of the Soccer Stars franchise, about the challenges they faced in converting businesses into successful franchises. What was the importance of hiring a GM? And how has the growth of soccer in the US contributed to the astounding success of Soccer Stars? Tune in to find out John, Adam, Kevin, and Chelsea’s insights into what just might be the most fun franchise in America to own! Soccer Stars is one of the nation's leading youth educational soccer programs in the country. We are a mobile-based franchise focused on teaching the fundamentals of soccer while having fun. Our programs are class and game-based activities focusing on kids starting at 1 and up to 14+ years of age. You can learn more about us at soccerstarsfranchise.com. 00:00:50 - Youth Sports Platform Expands Franchise 00:06:26 - Discovering Soccer Stars Brand Journey 00:10:35 - Balancing Full-Time Jobs with Franchise 00:16:16 - The Power of People in Business 00:18:26 - Hiring a GM for Scaling Success 00:22:32 - Adapting to Franchisee Growth Challenges 00:29:14 - Developing Long-Term Goals for Soccer 00:30:54 - Lionel Messi Joins MLS, World Cup 2026 in America 00:36:10 - Connecting with MLS Franchise Opportunities 00:38:46 - Challenges of Starting a Franchise 00:40:57 - Franchise Challenges: Staffing and Retention Follow Adam: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-geisler-1442697/   Follow John: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-erlandson-62409b4/   Follow Kevin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-meyer-4168632a4/   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Join The Wolf as he sits down with Bron Launsby, the mastermind behind Slick City, a thriving franchise in the recreation center space. Learn the secrets behind their success, from innovative performance slides to exceptional customer experiences. Bron shares ambitious expansion plans, aiming to open up to 40 new locations by 2025, with a vision of reaching 500 across the U.S. Find out how Slick City’s unique business model emphasizes attractions that encourage parent participation—appealing to everyone from toddlers to grandparents. In a business where children are the target audience, how did Slick City manage to make 20% of their patrons adults, significantly higher than any other family entertainment center? Bron explains how his focus on inclusive, family-oriented fun helps keep everyone (even people usually glued to their phones) engaged and active. Tune in to explore the growth opportunities within the franchise, including investments in slide manufacturing and various concept expansions. Don’t miss this in-depth discussion on building a successful franchise empire with Slick City. Join the fastest-growing VR franchise in the world and be among the first to bring premium immersive VR experiences to your community. Invest in the future of entertainment by visiting franchise.sandboxvr.com. 00:00:28 - Transitioning into Franchise Recreation Centers 00:01:15 - The Transition from Corporate Retail to Trampoline Parks 00:05:37 - A Big Part of Success Being a Trampoline Park Operator 00:09:01 - The Science Behind Testing Slides 00:13:36 - What Was The Thought Process Behind Investing in a Slide Manufacturer? 00:18:23 - Slick City’s Revenue Breakdown Revealed 00:23:37 - The Biggest Chunks of Revenue  00:28:27 - Who is the Ideal Franchisee for Slick City? 00:31:48 - Building a Franchise With Previous Experience 00:36:26 - Bron’s Ambitious Expansion Plan for Slick City Follow Bron Launsby: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bron-launsby-7637b6250/  Learn more about Slick City: https://slickcityfranchise.com/ Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!  

Nothing will change after the baby comes… right? Err— not exactly, folks. But what if there was a class out there that could explain everything new moms should expect after the expecting period ends? From teething to nursing to working remotely and everything in between (why do baby heads always smell so good anyway?), discover how New Mom School has grown from a local mom group into a successful franchise with over eleven locations and counting. Founder Alexandra Spitz talks with the Wolf about New Mom School’s mission and discusses how her passion for helping women blossomed into a successful franchise opportunity. Plus, how does New Mom School stand out from the competition? Alexandra reveals the roles and responsibilities of franchisees at New Mom School and explains how the program offers flexibility for moms to balance work and family life. Imagine owning a business that genuinely transforms lives—sounds fulfilling, doesn’t it? That's what you get with F45 Training, FS8, and VAURA Pilates.  If you’ve ever wanted to lead a movement towards healthier living in your area, this is your chance. Visit https://www.F45training.com/invest to learn more!    00:00:51 - Expanding to Eleven Locations Successfully 00:01:16 - Postnatal Education Company Founded Quickly 00:13:35 - Emotional Support for Couples in Childbirth 00:19:27 - Creating a New Mom School 00:25:50 - Franchise World: Opportunities for Women 00:30:44 - Franchisees Don't Need to Be Moms 00:32:28 - New Mom School Empowers Entrepreneurs 00:39:36 - Follow Our Journey on Socials   Learn More About New Mom School: Website: https://newmomschool.com/franchise-opportunity/   Follow Alexandra: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandraspitz/   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

The Wolf’s reaching into the listener mailbag and answering some of your most pressing franchise questions for this special edition episode. What are the top three franchises he’s keeping his eye on this year? NGL but… the answers might shock you (no hype cycle or fad brands in this list)! And speaking of hype cycles, what are some major red flags to avoid in potential franchises? The Wolf tackles some of the most common traps new franchisees fall for before diving into the importance of due diligence and speaking to your franchisees. Join the fastest-growing VR franchise in the world and be among the first to bring premium immersive VR experiences to your community. Invest in the future of entertainment by visiting franchise.sandboxvr.com. 00:00:00 - Franchise World Mailbag: Answering Questions 00:04:18 - The Top 3 Most Interesting Franchises of 2024 00:09:11 - Avoiding Franchise Sales Traps: Tips 00:14:14 - Franchisee Feedback Key in Due Diligence   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Who’s the brains behind one of the world’s most cutting-edge VR franchises? Step into the immersive world of Sandbox VR with The Wolf and its Founder/CEO, Steve Zhao. Steve explains how Sandbox VR revolutionized the entertainment industry by combining technology, community, and an incredible VR experience. From their state-of-the-art AI and computer vision technology to their commitment to removing barriers and fostering innovation, Steve shares the secrets behind Sandbox VR's success. Learn how they’re creating a seamless and immersive experience for customers by utilizing both internal software tools and third-party vendors to drive franchise development. Plus, Steve breaks down Sandbox VR’s future potential for a membership-based model and reveals how its community-driven environment has paved the way for it to become a major player in the franchise industry.   Join the fastest-growing VR franchise in the world and be among the first to bring premium immersive VR experiences to your community. Invest in the future of entertainment by visiting franchise.sandboxvr.com. 00:01:09 - Bootstrapped Mobile Gaming Company Founder Explores VR 00:03:49 - Revolutionizing Gaming with Sandbox VR 00:06:03 - Company's Evolution: From Licensing to Ownership 00:07:20 - Franchising Plans Pre and Post-COVID 00:11:02 - Comparing Corporate and Franchise Stores 00:16:47 - Exploring Revenue Models in Business 00:23:08 - Franchise Management Software: Build or Outsource? 00:25:05 - Future Plans for Immersive VR 00:26:45 - Learn About Sandbox VR Online   Follow Steve: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhaosaurus/   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!  

The Wolf’s bringing it back to another solo episode, and this time he’s got all of Twitter wondering why he’s been MIA for so long. He explains where he’s been all this time, and how his game-changing franchising platform, Krokit has been keeping him busy these past few months. Plus, remember how the Wolf called out Nothing Bundt Cakes as an important franchise to keep your eye on? Well, this week, he’s got another franchise to pay attention to and it’s *definitely* one you’re not expecting. And later, with Games Day Men’s Health testosterone clinics claiming they’ve sold over 700+ units, what exactly does it mean if they’ve only managed to open 100 units thus far? The Wolf breaks down some of the most common franchise marketing tactics brands use to lure prospective franchisees into the system before going over the basics incentive structure of the franchisor/franchisee relationship.   00:00 Milkshake Factory 06:00 Krokit 08:21 Game Day Men’s Health   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Ever wondered what it takes to stand out in a saturated niche like health and fitness? Tune in as The Wolf chats with Tom Dowd and Janina Czado, the dynamic duo behind F45 Training's exciting transformation and the birth of their new brands, FS8 and VAURA.  They're shaking up the fitness world with a clever hub and spoke model but not without the hiccup of naming their latest venture.  Tom and Janina dive into how they're enhancing the sensory experience in their Pilates studios and setting bold visions for F45 Training, FS8 and VAURA. They also share how they're standing out in a crowded market by delivering impactful content that truly empowers their community. Discover their groundbreaking reciprocity program by F45 Training, which opens doors for members across studios, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the robust support system uniting their brands. 00:01:20 - Bringing Pilates to Mainstream Market 00:05:44 - How Janina Became Involved With F45 Training 00:7:18 - When was F45 Training launched in the US? 00:08:40 - Differentiating Fitness Concepts in Pilates 00:14:05 - Brand Differences in VAURA, FS8 and F45 Training 00:19:01 - Breaking Down Financial Metrics 00:22:32 - How Are the Three Brands Structured? 00:24:50 - Restructuring All the Brands Into a Single Platform Follow Tom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-dowd-9092981/ Follow Janina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janinaczado/ Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! 

Ever wonder how a franchise can keep growing without a ceiling in sight?  Cory Lyons, the CEO of Koala Insulation and a 20-year veteran in the franchise world, will give us his insights. In this episode, Cory reveals what drew him to Koala Insulation, how they’ve managed explosive growth since franchising in 2020, and why they’re only scratching the surface of their potential.  We dive into the key systems that impressed him, how he balances franchisee and franchisor support, and the KPIs driving Koala's success.  Plus, Cory shares why the unknown future of the brand keeps him excited every day. 00:01:41 - The Journey to Becoming the CEO of Koala Insulation 00:04:30 - What Systems Did Koala Insulation Have that Impressed Cory? 00:07:30 - The Trajectory of Koala Insulation Since Cory Joined 00:12:39 - Balancing Support Between Franchisees and Franchisors 00:17:05 - What Services do Koala Insulation Actually Provide? 00:24:17 - An Insight Into Koala Insulation’s 4 Big KPIs 00:26:57 - The Future and Potential of Koala Insulation’s Growth Trajectory Follow Cory: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-lyons-6a9ab919/ Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.  And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Peter Taunton is proud of the work he’s done— and he’s here to boast about his accomplishments, including how he took Snap Fitness from less than 20 locations to 2400+ and how he’s revolutionizing the acai bowl industry with his latest venture, Nautical Bowls.  Peter chats with Wolf about his plans for building the largest acai bowl franchise in the world and why his implicit understanding of consumer behavior within the health and wellness space led to the success of opening over 52 Nautical Bowls locations nationwide.  Plus, find out why Peter believes that experience matters more than anything when it comes to franchise success.    0:00 Intro/Background 6:05 The Snap Fitness Model 12:00 Growing Pains 16:34 Exploring the Food Industry 23:22 Marketing Acai Bowls 28:00 Growing Global   Find Out More About Nautical Bowls: https://www.nauticalbowls.com   Follow Peter:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peter_taunton   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast.    Thank you so much!   Check out The Wolf’s newsletter and YouTube channel.   Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf   Buzz Franchise Brands is a multi-brand franchising company currently operating four service brands: Pool Scouts pool cleaning franchise, Home Clean Heroes residential cleaning franchise, British Swim School swim instruction franchise, and Grand Illuminations outdoor lighting franchise.    Our mission is to enable people to realize their dreams; we encourage you to learn more about us and our brands at BuzzFranchiseBrands.com.

Salad shouldn’t scale.  So how did Sweetgreen defy those odds, creating a health food franchise fixated on quality, sustainability, and healthy eating?  Now, with nearly 1,000 locations across the US, Sweetgreen co-founder and CEO Jonathan Neman is finally divulging his franchise playbook to the Wolf. Tune in to hear why Sweetgreen grew to the success it did and how Jonathan utilized technology, scrappy fundraising tactics, and festival marketing to scale a small, DC-based health food restaurant into a franchise that sacrificed none of its quality along the way as it grew into multi-million dollar chain.    0:00 Intro/Background 3:42 Multi-Unit Growth Path 9:00 The Sweet Life Festival 18:50 Expansion and Franchising 28:11 Fundraising 32:51 The Infinite Kitchen 39:20 Building In-House Software   Check Out Sweet Green:  https://www.sweetgreen.com   Follow Jonathan: Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jonnynemo   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast.    Thank you so much!   Check out The Wolf’s newsletter and YouTube channel.   Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf   Buzz Franchise Brands is a multi-brand franchising company currently operating four service brands: Pool Scouts pool cleaning franchise, Home Clean Heroes residential cleaning franchise, British Swim School swim instruction franchise, and Grand Illuminations outdoor lighting franchise.    Our mission is to enable people to realize their dreams; we encourage you to learn more about us and our brands at BuzzFranchiseBrands.com. 

Tim Vogel’s fascination with dogs began at a young age. Perplexed and compelled by his four-legged friend's behavior, Tim knew that the pet industry was the place where he could create a business that left the world a better place than how he found it.   Enter Scenthound, the world’s first membership-based grooming business. On a mission to help people connect with their pets by removing barriers to clean, healthy dogs, Scenthound provides an easy, affordable way for pet owners to maintain their pet's well-being,  Tune in to find out Tim’s incredible advice to others embarking on their own franchise journey, why he and Wolf both feel like entrepreneurship can be an especially lonely process, and why Tim believes franchising feels like starting a new business because it is starting a new business.    Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast.    Thank you so much!   Check out The Wolf’s newsletter and YouTube channel.   Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf   Buzz Franchise Brands is a multi-brand franchising company currently operating four service brands: Pool Scouts pool cleaning franchise, Home Clean Heroes residential cleaning franchise, British Swim School swim instruction franchise, and Grand Illuminations outdoor lighting franchise.    Our mission is to enable people to realize their dreams; we encourage you to learn more about us and our brands at BuzzFranchiseBrands.com.  

This week, the Wolf’s flying solo, and he’s walking you through the best tool in the industry to use for developing your future franchise.  Looking for a versatile tool with all of the dirty franchise details you need to know before investing? Wolf's divulging why Krokit is the perfect platform for any aspiring franchisee or owner looking to make their mark in the franchise game.  With over 2100 franchise profiles, Krokit has scraped the web for the most up-to-date FDDs and data dating all the way back to 2019, including lesser-known franchise brands that haven’t been widely accessible until now.  Plus, Krokit’s not just for potential franchisees or franchisors—tune in to find out who else can benefit from using the platform.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast.    Thank you so much!   Check out The Wolf’s newsletter and YouTube channel.   Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf   Buzz Franchise Brands is a multi-brand franchising company currently operating four service brands: Pool Scouts pool cleaning franchise, Home Clean Heroes residential cleaning franchise, British Swim School swim instruction franchise, and Grand Illuminations outdoor lighting franchise.    Our mission is to enable people to realize their dreams; we encourage you to learn more about us and our brands at BuzzFranchiseBrands.com.

The Wolf welcomes entrepreneurial dynamo Jeff Dudan, as they dive deep into the captivating story behind Advanta Clean, which rapidly scaled to 250 locations across 40 states.  From being on the frontlines during Hurricane Katrina to gaining a holistic perspective on disaster scenes, Jeff's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Listen in as Jeff candidly discusses the pivotal decision to sell Advanta Clean and his pursuits beyond it.  How do you respond to underperforming franchisees? How can you overcome fear and self-limiting beliefs? Jeff shares valuable insights into the humanity behind franchising and explores why leading with empathy is a genuine asset in building a franchise empire. Plus, find out Jeff’s remarkable journey of creating Homefront Brands—and how he surpassed 15 years' worth of work at Advanta Clean in 12 short months of creating his new brand.    0:00 Intro/Advanta Clean Background 12:30 Transitioning Away From Advanta Clean 17:20 Selling Advanta Clean & Mindset Shifts 30:26 The Human Aspect of Franchising 36:00 Homefront and Thrive More 43:12 Acquiring Other Brands   Buy Jeff’s Book Discernment here.   Follow Home Front Brands:  Website: https://www.homefrontbrands.com Podcast: On the Home Front   Follow Jeff:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdudan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffdudan   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast.    Thank you so much!   Check out The Wolf’s newsletter and YouTube channel.   Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf   Buzz Franchise Brands is a multi-brand franchising company currently operating four service brands: Pool Scouts pool cleaning franchise, Home Clean Heroes residential cleaning franchise, British Swim School swim instruction franchise, and Grand Illuminations outdoor lighting franchise.    Our mission is to enable people to realize their dreams; we encourage you to learn more about us and our brands at BuzzFranchiseBrands.com.

Discover the sweet success story of the Milkshake Factory, a beloved Pittsburgh-based franchise that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of locals and celebrities alike. Join The Wolf as he chats with Dan Reese, the business mastermind behind the franchise, as they discuss the key ingredients to their success, their unique partnership with Costco, and the challenges and rewards of growing a franchise. From their homemade vanilla base to their commitment to quality and operational efficiency, The Milkshake Factory has become a community favorite for chocolate lovers. Learn how their family legacy and dedication to excellence have propelled them to franchise success. But it's not just about milkshakes. Discover how The Milkshake Factory expanded their offerings to include pet treats, partnering with Costco to reach a wider audience. Find out why their collaboration with the retail giant was a game-changer for their business. If you're considering franchising or growing your own business, Dan shares valuable insights on the process, including the importance of being well-capitalized and finding the right partners. Hear about their unique approach to franchise development and how they've navigated the challenges along the way. Join The Wolf and Dan Reese as they take you behind the scenes of The Milkshake Factory, and share the stories that have made this franchise a true success. 00:00:00 - Milkshake Factory: Fourth Generation Chocolatier's Story 00:06:45 - Co-Created: The Milkshake Factory at Costco 00:11:12 - Costco's Pet Treats 00:15:09 - Costco's approach to CPG 00:17:00 - Adam Levine on The Milkshake Factory 00:23:18 - McDonald's on Warren Buffett and Kraft Heinz 00:24:22 - The Milkshake Factory: Why They're So Successful 00:28:32 - Tom Hanks Meets The Milkshake Factory 00:35:23 - Penguins Ice Cream Shop: The Secret to Success 00:38:28 - Grow Your Franchise: The Process, Do's and Don't 00:39:35 - Philip Franworth on Partnering With Repham 00:46:24 - Milkshake Factory Franchise Discovery Day Follow Milkshake Factory:  Website: https://www.milkshakefactory.com Follow Dan:  Twitter: @danreese21 Follow The Wolf on Twitter: @thewolfoffranchises   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast.    Thank you so much!   Check out The Wolf’s newsletter and YouTube channel.   Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf   Buzz Franchise Brands is a multi-brand franchising company currently operating four service brands: Pool Scouts pool cleaning franchise, Home Clean Heroes residential cleaning franchise, British Swim School swim instruction franchise, and Grand Illuminations outdoor lighting franchise.    Our mission is to enable people to realize their dreams; we encourage you to learn more about us and our brands at BuzzFranchiseBrands.com.

Tune in as The Wolf sits down with Todd Bingham, the visionary CEO of Homefront Brands, to take a deep dive into the intricacies of franchising America’s fastest-growing fence rail company.  Todd explains how Homefront Brands has cracked the code in commercial fencing with a scalable model that's both ingenious and strategic as he reveals why fostering franchisee success is paramount to your overall bottom line. With a unique approach to warehousing and resources, he also unveils why setting franchisees up for success without an overwhelming overhead is key in the fencing industry.  Plus, take a sneak peek into the playbook of Top Rail's game-changing franchise model as Todd uncovers his roadmap for growth, brand expansion, and creating a legacy of excellence by emphasizing the magic of sustainable success over mere numbers.   0:00 Intro/Background 1:45 The Essence of Franchising 5:34 The Journey to Franchising Top Rail 9:53 Being a Part of Home Front Brands 14:00 How Top Rail Operates 21:50 The Installation Process 25:06 Short and Long Term Goals 29:00 Connect With Us   Learn More About Top Rail:  Website: https://toprailfranchising.com   Follow Todd:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddbingham/ Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast.    Thank you so much!   Check out The Wolf’s newsletter and YouTube channel.   Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf   Buzz Franchise Brands is a multi-brand franchising company currently operating four service brands: Pool Scouts pool cleaning franchise, Home Clean Heroes residential cleaning franchise, British Swim School swim instruction franchise, and Grand Illuminations outdoor lighting franchise.    Our mission is to enable people to realize their dreams; we encourage you to learn more about us and our brands at BuzzFranchiseBrands.com.

Can your movers put on a dance show? Didn’t think so  Join The Wolf as he delves into the world of moving franchises with guest Ron Holt, owner of Pink Zebra Moving.  Discover Ron's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a franchise guru. Starting with a strong marketing strategy, he built his empire, one unit at a time, with the intent to disrupt the moving industry.   Ron explains how his vision for Pink Zebra Moving changed the industry by creating a whole new category of” happy movers”. With their signature pink vans and commitment to making moving fun, Pink Zebra Moving stands out from the rest with their unique showmanship and penchant for flair.  He and Wolf dive into the challenges of hiring franchisees who share the passion for the fun moving cause, and how Ron’s on a mission to expand and make a mark across the country.    0:00 Intro/Background 3:40 Building Two Maids and a Mop 5:20 Early Franchising Lessons 9:50 Standardizing Processes 12:30 Selling Two Maids and a Mop 17:07 Seeing Opportunity in Moving 22:40 What’s in a Name?  26:43 Hiring Franchisees 32:12 Future Pink Zebra Plans   Learn More About Pink Zebra:  Website: https://www.pinkzebramovingfranchise.com Follow Ron:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronholtfranchise/ Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!   Buzz Franchise Brands is a multi-brand franchising company currently operating four service brands: Pool Scouts pool cleaning franchise, Home Clean Heroes residential cleaning franchise, British Swim School swim instruction franchise, and Grand Illuminations outdoor lighting franchise.    Our mission is to enable people to realize their dreams; we encourage you to learn more about us and our brands at BuzzFranchiseBrands.com.

Have you been curious about what it takes to spin your side hustle into your own full-time business? If so, make sure to tune in for this episode! Join The Wolf this week as he sits down with Lauren Rampello Becotte, the founder of Pure Glow Tanning, to discuss her journey from side hustle to opening her first Pure Glow location. Discover the benefits of airbrush tanning and just why it has taken so long for innovation in this cosmetic space to happen. Lauren shares her passion for providing a safe and organic alternative to traditional tanning methods, and explains the importance of using high-quality ingredients in the process. Learn about the customization and expertise that goes into each airbrush tan and why it provides longer-lasting and more natural-looking results. From navigating the challenges of finding the perfect location in Boston to self-teaching branding and marketing, join us as Lauren shares her entrepreneurial journey and the lessons she's learned along the way. 00:00 - Intro 02:19 - The Start of the Journey  05:01 - Beauty and Wellness Trends in Southern California  10:08 - Lessons Learned 12:31 - Bootstrapping Success 16:21 - Pure Glow's Client-Centric Approach  18:15 - When to Hire Your First Employee  18:57 - Alternative Tanning Demand 25:15 - The Science Behind Orange Spray Tans  26:49 - Get a Safe and Organic Airbrush Tan  29:30 - Benefits of Airbrush Tanning  32:13 - The Slow Innovation in Cosmetics Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www/linkedin.com/in/laurenrampello Follow The Wolf on Twitter: @thewolfoffranchises Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Buzz Franchise Brands is a multi-brand franchising company currently operating four service brands: Pool Scouts pool cleaning franchise, Home Clean Heroes residential cleaning franchise, British Swim School swim instruction franchise, and Grand Illuminations outdoor lighting franchise.  Our mission is to enable people to realize their dreams; we encourage you to learn more about us and our brands at BuzzFranchiseBrands.com.

Meet Jamie Weeks, owner of more than 100 Orangetheory franchises and about to launch his own brand. The secret to his success? Risk taking.  Jamie is a big personality and a phenomenal success. With 140 Orangetheory boutique fitness studios in his portfolio, and in the process of building 60 Dogtopia franchises, he’s also launching his own, Sweathouz. The Wolf and Jamie talk about building an incredible culture despite having hundreds of businesses, how a private equity deal launched him from 12 to 140 locations, and why taking risks is at the heart of his approach to building a vastly successful business. As well as hearing the wisdom behind owning multi-unit franchises, there’ll be a lot of laughs and you’ll get to listen to Jamie putting The Wolf through his patented interview process. This is one you won’t want to miss. Follow Jamie: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamie-weeks-712543221 Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Jamie Weeks loves life, he also loves business. Being a franchisor has allowed him to have it all and he’s ready to share how. He is Executive Chairman and Founder of Honors Holdings, the largest franchisee for OrangeTheory Fitness studios across the globe, Executive Chairman and Founder of Legacy Franchise Concepts, a Dogtopia Franchisee and Franchisor for SweatHouz Infrared Sauna Studios.   The Wolf and Jamie get into why he was the perfect age to get into franchising, why he works for his team (not the other way around), and why it’s harder to scale from 3 to 12, than 12 to 48. Follow Jamie: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamie-weeks-712543221 If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

With a lifelong passion for nutrition and food, founding her own gourmet empire was always on the cards. Find out how Brianna found her feet in catering and created Toastique. Toastique is the gourmet toast and juice franchise, offering healthy, responsibly sourced food all day long. The Wolf and Brianna talk decision-making at the 11th hour, working with friends and family, and expanding the Toastique brand across the US. If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Follow Brianna: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brianna-keefe-4a735087 Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Wanting to become a franchisee is one thing, knowing which business model to invest in, quite another. Meet Brian Knuth, VP of Franchise Development at Raintree. Brian educates potential franchise partners, identifying which franchise partnerships might work out best. But Brian is also a franchise owner of Footprint Floors, which he runs as a semi-absentee owner. The Wolf and Brian get into conversation about representing emerging franchise brands, how Covid rocked his business and some of the struggles you face juggling your day job with your franchise business. You’ll also hear why Brian knew he had to dive into Footprint Floors, and why he feels privileged to help people break away from the corporate grind and pursue a career they’re truly passionate about. Twitter: linkedin.com/in/brian-knuth-06101654 Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

The inventor of the chicken sandwich has humble beginnings. Discover how Chick-Fil-A became a nation’s favorite, despite never opening on Sundays. In this 10-minute run through, The Wolf breaks down the restaurant’s humble beginnings, how a chance opportunity to buy up cheap chicken turned into a money spinning idea, and how founder S. Truett Cathy developed the 2-part franchise strategy that dominated the company’s growth for decades. No one knows franchising like The Wolf and his unique takes and thoughtful analysis make this a not-to-be-missed episode. If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf The Wolf is a friend of Workweek, working together to produce amazing podcasts. Find out more, visit: www.workweek.com

Join The Wolf as he dives into the fascinating world of franchising with a data-driven episode.  In this episode, The Wolf shares ten intriguing statistics about the franchise industry, providing valuable insights for both aspiring entrepreneurs and established franchise owners alike. He’s breaking down the vital stats any aspiring or current franchisor should know, like the average number of units signed but not opened for a franchise, the median unit growth per franchise per year, and the challenges of franchise expansion.  Plus, what’s the average failure rate of brands? How about the average number of franchise territories and locations operating in the US? For the answers to that, and more interesting facts, tune in to find out!   00:00:00 - 10 Fascinating Franchise Industry Facts 00:01:35 - The Truth About Franchises in America 00:05:00 - The Truth About Franchise Numbers 00:06:53 - The Challenges of Franchise Expansion 00:08:03 - Challenges of Franchise Location Growth 00:09:24 - Franchise Success Rates and Trends 00:12:49 - Franchises Lack Transparency in Financials 00:17:12 - Challenges of Opening Franchise Units   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Join The Wolf as he sits down with Jim Kodman, a pharmacist and franchise owner of Vital Care, an acute and chronic infusion service franchise, as he reveals how Vital Care became the fastest-growing infusion franchise company in the nation, with over 60+ locations.  Jim shares his journey of becoming a franchise owner and unpacks exactly how Vital Care conquered the market in the home and specialty infusion service industry.  Jim also explains the importance of working with IV medications and the impact it has on patients' lives, later discussing his growth goals for Vital Care and the contracting opportunities that come with expanding the franchise.  Plus, tune in to find out how margins in the pharmaceutical industry vary from other sectors, and the unique qualifications anyone interested in franchising a home infusion franchise should possess.   00:01:12 - Specialized Home Infusion for Neurologic Conditions 00:05:07 - Vital Care: Treating Severe Conditions 00:08:53 - The Scale of Franchise Growth 00:12:16 - The Cost of Medication Coverage 00:17:55 - Pharmacist Diversifies with Vital Care Franchises 00:21:31 - Franchise Your Pharmacy for Success 00:23:59 - Owning a Pharmacy Without Being a Pharmacist 00:26:34 - Understanding Pharmacy Margins: A Range Analysis 00:29:28 - Expansion Goals for Vital Care   Learn More About Vital Care:  Website: https://www.vitalcare.com   Learn More About Advance Care Pharmacy: Website: https://www.advancecarepharm.com   Follow Jim:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-kodman-rph-485333124/   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Join The Wolf as he sits down with Rich Moyer, the mastermind behind Hoppin’ Franchise Group, to discuss Hoppin’s unique self-serve taproom concept that aims to revolutionize the bar and restaurant industry.   Discover how Hoppin’ eliminates the headaches typically associated with owning a bar to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for customers…because honestly, who likes waiting for a bartender to pour their beer? Rich shares insights into the financials of running a bar or restaurant, including typical profit margins and cost of goods. Plus, learn why Rich and his team are seeking ideal candidates who are willing to take a leap of faith and join their franchise family. From their innovative technology to their focus on community partnerships, the Wolf is unraveling exactly how Hoppin’ is changing the game in the hospitality industry. Tune in for this valuable glimpse into what it takes to own a bar-based franchise.     00:00:54 - Hoppin’: The Ultimate Bar Owner's Solution 00:09:27 - From Construction to Ice Cream: The Profitable Journey 00:11:05 - The Benefits of Franchising a Business 00:13:18 - The Challenges of Franchising During COVID 00:16:38 - Exploring Growth Avenues in Franchising 00:19:20 - Impressive Revenue Growth for Construction Company 00:23:50 - Finding the Ideal Candidate for Emerging Franchises 00:26:18 - Building a Community with Local Partners 00:28:25 - Profit Margins in the Restaurant Industry 00:30:11 - Find the Hoppin’ Franchise Online   Learn More About Hoppin’:  Website: https://Hoppin’brandsfranchising.com   Follow Rich:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-m-02019551/   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!  

Join The Wolf as he sits down with Erik van Horn, host of "The Franchise Secrets Podcast," for a special crossover episode. In this lively conversation, they dish out some hot takes on the franchise industry and discuss the importance of transparency and financial literacy for franchisees. From the value of item 19s to the power of content marketing, Erick and The Wolf share their insights and experiences in the world of franchising. Discover why building a strong brand and providing valuable resources to franchisees are crucial for success. Plus, get a glimpse into Erik's journey as a media entrepreneur, and find out how he has grown his Twitter audience and newsletter following. Learn why content creation is addictive and how it can help elevate your franchise brand.   00:01:20 - Franchise Growth Through Media Strategies 00:09:08 - The Power of Partnering with Work Week 00:15:58 - Are Franchises Worth the Investment? 00:17:43 - The Value of Research in Content Creation 00:21:21 - Why Brands Hide Franchise Information 00:24:02 - The Importance of Profitability in Franchising 00:28:02 - Franchisors Use Regulation as Excuse 00:33:42 - How to Evaluate a Franchise Brand 00:38:47 - Finding Outliers in Your First Year 00:44:51 - Franchisors Neglecting Financial Education for Franchisees 00:51:02 - Where to Focus Your Energy in Social Media   Follow Erik’s Pod, “The Franchise Secrets Podcast” here.   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Join The Wolf as he sits down with Dave Wood, the mastermind behind Mahana Fresh, a healthy bowl concept that’s taken the restaurant industry by storm. Discover the challenges and triumphs of opening three restaurants during the midst of a global pandemic, and how Mahana Fresh has adapted and thrived in the face of adversity. Dave discusses his journey from being a student at the University of North Carolina to managing a local Domino's store and how his experiences in the pizza industry shaped his approach to building Mahana Fresh. From the origins of the name Mahana Fresh to the brand's online presence and celebrity endorsement with NBA star Kyle Kuzma, Dave shares insights into the vision and values that drive his business. Tune in to learn why restaurants are a great opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs, and how Dave's experience as a Domino's franchisee prepared him for success.    00:00:29 - From Pizza Delivery to Franchise Success 00:08:57 - From Manager to Owner: The Path to Franchise Success 00:15:08 - Domino's Expansion: Managing Employee Headcount 00:19:06 - The Story Behind Domino's Rolex 00:23:25 - Healthy Bowl Concept Thrives Amidst Pandemic 00:30:24 - NBA Star Balances Basketball and Business 00:36:40 - The Growing Opportunity in Restaurants 00:43:57 - Where to Find Mahana Fresh Online   Learn More About Mahana Fresh:  Website: https://www.mahanafresh.com/franchise   Follow Dave: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-wood-9975a38/   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Meet the first person to mass-market a factory-finished painting solution at the convenience of your home. Join The Wolf as he sits down with Carmelo Marsala, Founder and CEO of Spray-Net, to discuss the ins and outs of franchising and scaling a business. Carmelo shares his experiences and insights on the challenges of scaling a territory model, onboarding new franchisees, and the realities of making a franchise profitable. Carmelo explains how his Quebec-based business prepared for territory expansion in the United States and how Canadian franchise ownership differs from Stateside operations. Then, he breaks down how Spray-Net has managed to gain lasting traction by differentiating itself in the painting industry through its unique approach and proprietary software.  And stay tuned as the Wolf and Carmelo also discuss the benefits of partnering with franchise sales organizations and the importance of data in unlocking new possibilities for franchisees.   00:00:34 - From Soccer to Painting: The Transition and Motivation 00:02:03 - From Student Painting to Revolutionary Spray-Net 00:06:42 - Creating a Franchise with Patented Technology 00:14:32 - Expanding Franchise Opportunities in the US 00:18:04 - From Operations to Franchising 00:23:05 - Creating Custom Software for Home Services 00:27:12 - Outsourcing Digital Marketing for Franchisees 00:30:18 - Challenges of Scaling Franchise Territories 00:31:23 - Unlocking Franchisee Growth with Real-Time Data 00:40:39 - SprayNet Aims for 100 Million Dollars in 5 Years   Learn More About Spray-Net: Franchise Website: https://www.spraynetfranchise.com/launch-a-franchise Website: https://www.spray-net.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spray-net-inc/   Follow Carmelo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmelomarsala/   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!  

Join The Wolf as he sits down with Aaron Harper, the CEO of Rolling Suds, one of the fastest-growing power-washing franchises in the country.  Aaron reveals how Rolling Suds scaled to 59 units in 16 states since February of this year, and explains the game-changing strategies and systems that contributed to Rolling Suds’ overwhelming success. From their comprehensive training program to their early focus on customer satisfaction, learn about the key factors that have set Rolling Suds apart in the power washing industry. Aaron also shares his insights on how to create responsible franchise growth, explains why aligning sales and operations is vital to franchise success, and details the unique opportunities the service franchise industry presents to entrepreneurs. To learn how franchisors can create a better environment to support the growth of their franchisees, this is one episode you won’t want to miss!   00:02:59 - Uncovering Commonalities Among Successful Franchisees 00:03:45 - Scaling Secrets: Operations and Sales 00:07:35 - Aligning Expectations for New Franchisees 00:10:15 - Supporting Franchisees: When to Hire 00:13:14 - Franchise Success: Opening and Selling Units 00:18:35 - The Fastest Growing Power Washing Franchise 00:23:51 - The Risks of Buying Franchises 00:25:20 - Scaling Franchisees: Overcoming Employee Challenges 00:33:50 - Managing Expectations for Franchisees 00:38:52 - The Rise of Profitable Service Franchises 00:43:37 - Building the Biggest Franchise Power Washing Company 00:51:23 – Why Franchise Growth Requires High Capital 00:54:21 - The Core Tenets of Responsible Franchising   Learn More About Rolling Suds: Website: https://rollingsudsfranchise.com Follow Aaron:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-harper-998140125/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RollingSudsCEO   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises    Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf   Website: https://www.krokit.com     Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Magen Bynum, the founder of Magnolia Soap and Bath, drops by to chat with the Wolf about how she turned a plant-based alternative for sensitive skin into a franchise empire. Discover the inspiring story behind Magen’s creation of Magnolia Soap and how her daughter’s desire for a chemical-free solution led to her franchising journey.  With plans to open 50+ locations in 2024, Magnolia’s rapid expansion makes it a formidable appointment in the plant-based alternative space. From eliminating harmful chemicals to using natural ingredients like mica for coloring, Magen describes why Magnolia Soap prioritizes the well-being of its customers from head to toe and how she turned a one-time passion project into franchise gold.  Plus, how does Magnolia Soap balance its direct-to-consumer efforts with franchisee success? And how does its unique experiential marketing approach set it up for long-term franchise growth? Tune in to find out more!   00:00:07 - Creating a Plant-Based Alternative Soap 00:05:49 - Eliminating Red Dyes for Allergies 00:07:50 - From Local Retail to Nationwide E-commerce 00:11:17 - The Strategy Behind Magnolia Soap's Corporate Stores 00:14:54 - The Journey of Franchising Success 00:17:18 - Magnolia's Grassroots Marketing and Handmade Products 00:23:25 - Balancing Direct-to-Consumer and Franchising 00:28:36 - Franchise Store Count Doubles in a Year 00:32:04 - Magnolia Plans 50 New Locations in 2024 00:34:30 - Online Presence of Magnolia Soap   Learn More About Magnolia Soap and Bath: Website: https://www.magnoliasoapandbath.com/pages/franchise LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/magnolia-soap-and-bath-company/   Follow Magen:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magenbynummagnoliasoap/   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

In this week’s ep, the Wolf’s chatting with Dan Giacomazzi and Artem Lopatchenko, two business partners in one of America’s fastest-growing home services franchises, Ace Handyman Services, about the benefits of having a franchising partner.  Discover Dan and Artem’s journey in expanding their franchise territory and learn about their favorite strategies for attracting new customers. How do they divide and conquer tasks to maximize efficiency? From marketing tactics to building trust with clients, Dan and Artem share valuable insights for growing a home services franchise. Plus, hear why beefing with your competition doesn’t always pay off—is it possible that your enemy may actually be your biggest ally?   00:01:04 - The Genesis of a Business Partnership 00:06:18 - Finding Complementary Ventures  00:12:27 - From Four to Five Territories: How Marketing Led to Expansion 00:13:54 - Building Trust for Local Home Services Brands 00:17:32 - The Connection Between Physical Stores and Online Business 00:24:01 - The Benefits of Having a Business Partner 00:26:32 - Starting a Venture: Partner or Solo? 00:33:17 - The Truth About Franchise Ownership 00:36:15 - Are You at Capacity? 00:37:40 - Expanding Home Services Business Vertically 00:45:00 - Residential vs. Commercial Business Split 00:45:52 - Starting and Scaling a Home Service Franchise with Ace Handyman Services   Follow Dan:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgiacomazzi/   Follow Artem:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artemlopatchenko/   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Meet Zach Beutler, the mastermind behind Horsepower Brands, a dynamo company dominating the home services franchise industry. With a portfolio of eight successful franchises, Zach shares his personal journey as a third-generation entrepreneur and the many valuable lessons he's learned along the way. How does Horsepower Brands combine incubation and acquisition strategies to transform underperforming concepts into thriving businesses? Zach reveals how Horsepower courts potential brands and sets them apart from the competition through the unique shared services model they offer, including call centers, marketing agencies, accounting firms, and data analytics. Zach also discusses the importance of finding great people and shares how Horsepower invested in its own recruiting company to ensure the success of its franchisees.  And stay tuned as later, he and the Wolf commiserate over the first-year lifecycle of a franchisee, with Zach breaking down exactly how effective business management can lead to long-term success.   00:00:00 - Entrepreneur Shares Story of Franchise Success 00:01:19 - From Livestock Auction to Beefy Commerce: The Horsepower Story 00:04:40 - From Bankruptcy to Franchise Success 00:09:09 - Avoid Costly Mistakes When Signing Leases 00:12:52 - Horsepower Acquires Successful Home Services Franchise 00:16:56 - The Benefits of Horsepower's Shared Services Model 00:23:20 - Identifying Industries for Incubation and Acquisition 00:29:03 - Building Wealth Through Strategic Acquisitions 00:30:50 - Setting Expectations for Franchisees Success 00:33:58 - Navigating the First Year as a Franchisee 00:36:09 - Achieving Business Goals with EOS 00:39:00 - Discover the Buzz Franchise Brands Learn More About Horsepower Brands:  Website: https://horsepowerbrands.com/#Sponsors   Follow Zach:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachery-beutler/   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

As 2023 draws to a close, we’re taking a step back to take a look at some of the best moments we’ve had here on Franchise Empires.  Over the last two years, the Wolf has had the chance to interview some incredible franchise players, and we’ve compiled some of the best, most impactful moments over the course of his entire run for this year-end retrospective. From capturing demand in the marketplace to thinking about how to invest in franchise unit models, these next six experts are a goldmine of wisdom that's bound to enrich your franchising journey as 2023 draws to a close. Get ready to glean from their expertise and elevate your understanding of the franchising landscape.  Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

How do you launch your own franchise empire from scratch? Meet Matt Stapleford, the entrepreneur one year into building his niche business with Go Mini Storage. The Wolf and Matt get straight into it, discussing how his background as a numbers guy persuaded him towards franchise ownership, why he loves the autonomy and freedom franchises offer, and his ambitious plans to expand across Pittsburgh. You’ll also hear why getting the right franchise is essential, how to crunch the numbers for due diligence, and why Matt’s priority is always family first. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Follow Matt: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthew-stapleford-831688ba Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf The Wolf is a friend of Workweek, working together to produce amazing podcasts. Find out more, visit: www.workweek.com

Brian Scudamore is the CEO behind O2E, the banner company for heavyweight brands like 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and Shack Shine. Not bad for a boy who didn’t graduate high school. Now he’s the founder of a customer service empire worth hundreds of millions and loving every moment of it.  The Wolf and Brian get into Brian’s secret sauce, AKA the beer and barbecue test, why watching people grow brings him such joy, and his books aimed at helping potential franchise owners buy and scale a business. If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Follow Brian: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scudamore Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianScudamore Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

What’s one of the few franchise markets that continues to grow year after year in customer spend? Hint: it’s furry, and it has four legs. Over 90% of people view their pets as family— meet the one franchise looking to make a splash in the pet health and wellness space.  Jacob Lee, franchisee to Scenthound, chats with the Wolf about why he chose to pursue the pet grooming business and how Scenthound’s membership-based model is redefining the way we think about the traditional pet grooming payment structure.  Then, he and Wolf discuss why franchise location is one of the most critical aspects of franchising and how to narrow down the best sites for your franchise.   0:00 Intro/Background 6:11 Considering Career Paths 10:35 Narrowing Down the Search 15:16 Dogtopia vs. Scent Hound 20:33 Competition  22:48 The Scent Hound Model 29:00 Franchising Lessons   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   Follow Scenthound: https://franchise.scenthound.com   Follow Jacob:  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Jacoblee295 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-lee-9803a480/ Email: jlee@scenthound.com   Built by hospitality for hospitality. Empower your employee experience by using Harri to build, manage, engage, and retain your team.    Don’t you think it’s time to utilize a platform designed to elevate your greatest asset— your employees?   Visit Harri.com to learn more.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast.    Thank you so much!   Check out The Wolf’s newsletter and YouTube channel.   Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf  

Everyone wants to be the next Crumbl. But let’s face it—not every new and hot franchise can be the next Crumbl. Fads aren't always bad. But sometimes they can spell failure. So how can you protect yourself against becoming the next franchise fad failure? The Wolf chats with friend of the podcast and franchise consultant, Dru Carpenito about the franchise hype cycle and how to avoid the pitfalls of investing in oversaturated franchise markets.  What are the risks and rewards of investing in trending franchise brands? Is it worth the gamble or are the growing pains too much to overcome? Dru explains why finding the right operator is crucial and dissects the impact that copycat franchises can have on your business.  And later, the Wolf and Dru delve into the role of private equity in franchising, discussing the growing prominence of brokers and franchise sales organizations. Learn why paying due diligence when evaluating franchise opportunities is key, and how to spot companies who may not be forthright with their financial disclosures.  00:00:00 - The Franchise Hype Cycle: Oversaturation 00:02:33 - The Risk of Copycats in Franchising 00:09:57 - Navigating the Risks of Franchising 00:20:40 - Franchisees Need More Capital for Success 00:22:54 - Understanding Franchise Metrics: Key Takeaways 00:25:31 - The Rise of Franchise Fee Inflation 00:29:38 - The Reality of Franchising: No Passive Investment 00:35:20 - Finding Success in Home Service Franchises 00:42:03 - The Math Behind Home Services 00:47:21 - Culver's: A Responsible Approach to Franchising Paylocity offers the only modern HR and payroll solution that makes real-time recommendations to drive better business outcomes. Paylocity is the modern, all-in-one platform that makes HR and payroll easier — so you can focus on your employees. We’ll make onboarding faster, recruiting smarter, and compliance simpler. To learn more visit paylocity.com/restaurants. Follow Dru:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drucarpenito/ Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Eric Danver is the man who’s owned 100+ franchise locations over the course of his impressive career, including 58 Hand and Stone locations and 53 Philadelphia-based Papa John’s. He chats with the Wolf about his storied franchise career and the new challenges and opportunities the business presents in an ever-changing landscape.   From his humble beginnings in the pizza industry to building a successful portfolio of Papa John's and Hand and Stone franchises, Eric shares his insights on what it takes to thrive in the competitive food industry. Learn about the strategies and operational excellence that propelled his success and how he navigated the complexities of mergers and acquisitions. And later, he and the Wolf also talk about the ever-growing industry of pickleball and the new and unique franchise opportunities it presents. Is it possible Ace Pickleball is onto a future goldmine? Tune in to find out Eric’s true thoughts on the matter, and much, much more! Paylocity offers the only modern HR and payroll solution that makes real-time recommendations to drive better business outcomes.   Paylocity is the modern, all-in-one platform that makes HR and payroll easier — so you can focus on your employees. We’ll make onboarding faster, recruiting smarter, and compliance simpler. To learn more visit paylocity.com/restaurants.   00:00:00 - From Domino's to Papa John's 00:02:21 - Papa John's Dominates Philadelphia Pizza 00:05:12 - The Secrets to Successful Operations 00:09:34 - The Cost of Building a Papa John's Location 00:14:13 - From Food to Spas: Hand and Stone 00:22:28 - Building a Big Company: Roles and Responsibilities 00:23:40 - Maintaining Stability in Margins and Talent Acquisition 00:28:35 - Networking Tips for New Franchisees 00:34:23 - The Future of Ace Pickleball 00:39:42 - Ace Pickleball Expanding with New Locations 00:42:24 - The Benefits of a Membership   Find Out More About Hand and Stone: Website: https://www.fggspallc.com   Follow Eric:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdanver/   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

The Wolf is breaking it down solo for this special Q&A session, where he’s answering your most burning questions about the world of franchising.  What are the different strategies and considerations involved in owning one to two locations versus four to five locations? Are home services and non-brick-and-mortar franchises the place to hedge your franchising bets?  From the costs of hiring a fast food general manager to the best value propositions for aspiring entrepreneurs, The Wolf provides his most valuable insights and advice from his years of experience. The Wolf also addresses the excitement around pet-related franchises in 2024 and the importance of speaking to franchisees to get an accurate picture of the business. Plus, find out his best thoughts about industry red flags and how to avoid “snake oil” franchises. 00:00:00 - Investing in Profitable Franchises for Returns 00:01:48 – The Hype Around Home Service Brands 00:05:18 - Top Franchise Choices for Investment 00:06:37 - Overhead Comparison for Owning Multiple Locations 00:07:57 - Outsourcing and Hiring for Growth 00:11:36 - American Fast Food Franchise Saturation Concerns 00:18:33 - Exciting Pet Franchises in 2024 00:23:51 - Key Attributes for Successful Franchise 00:25:10 - Franchising Red Flags Paylocity offers the only modern HR and payroll solution that makes real-time recommendations to drive better business outcomes. Paylocity is the modern, all-in-one platform that makes HR and payroll easier — so you can focus on your employees. We’ll make onboarding faster, recruiting smarter, and compliance simpler. To learn more visit paylocity.com/restaurants. Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

The Wolf’s taking a break from his normal podcasting format to break down the latest in franchising news this week. Is Orange Theory’s acquisition by Self Esteem Brands a good thing or a sign of impending doom? With Orange Theory’s numbers diminishing since the initial insanity of their boom, could this spell disaster or is it a shrewd business move? The Wolf also tackles Domino’s latest earnings announcement before trying his hardest not to become a total Crumbl apologist. He’s taking a hard look at the announcement of the franchise savant’s diminishing sales numbers and diving into whether or not a dessert franchise can ever truly be sustainable.  Will Crumbl find their steady state and buck the trend to become more than just another fledgling fad? Or is this the beginning of the end?   Paylocity offers the only modern HR and payroll solution that makes real-time recommendations to drive better business outcomes.   Paylocity is the modern, all-in-one platform that makes HR and payroll easier — so you can focus on your employees. We’ll make onboarding faster, recruiting smarter, and compliance simpler. To learn more visit paylocity.com/restaurants.   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!  

Loosen up. Literally. StretchLab is the Austin-based company helping others to increase performance and decrease joint pain. The Wolf chats with owner Steve Hitzemann about the fast-growing franchise’s rapid ascent to success. How did Steve dare to dream of a business model based on nothing more than stretching? Hear how Steve made the impossible possible, and how he’s making a two-membership franchise financially sustainable.  Is the stretching franchise just another fad? And if so, how has Steve prepared to compete in a potentially soon-to-be oversaturated market? From its customized one-on-one sessions to a unique approach to customized service with expertly trained flexologists, discover how StretchLab is revolutionizing the wellness industry with its approach to flexibility and overall well-being.  With six locations open, and more on the way, you won’t wanna miss hearing Steve’s insights on the value of simplicity, staffing, and scalability.     Paylocity offers the only modern HR and payroll solution that makes real-time recommendations to drive better business outcomes. Paylocity is the modern, all-in-one platform that makes HR and payroll easier — so you can focus on your employees. We’ll make onboarding faster, recruiting smarter, and compliance simpler. To learn more visit paylocity.com/restaurants.’ 00:00:50 - Stretch Lab: Revolutionizing Personalized Stretching 00:03:42 - Training and Connection Key for Flexologists 00:09:05 - StretchLab’s Services 00:13:08 - Creating a Scalable Fitness Program 00:17:05 - Staffing That’s Driven by Membership Base Strategy 00:26:49 - Expanding from One Studio to Six Stretch Labs 00:31:25 - Scaling a Growing Organization with Multiple Locations 00:40:38 - Market Saturation Concerns for Assisted Stretching   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

The Wolf chats with french fry master, Lucas Mitchell, a successful entrepreneur and franchisee of Five Guys, to discuss the ins and outs of scaling a franchise business. From building strong relationships with franchisees to managing shiny object syndrome, Lucas shares valuable insights and lessons learned along his journey. How did Lucas go from owning five stores to over 20? What were the challenges and rewards that came with his rapid growth? He details his unique strategies for managing debt covenants and explains how he leveraged specific relationships to fuel his franchise’s expansion. Hear how Lucas has kept his composure and avoided the temptation of shiny object syndrome to maintain a consistent relationship with Five Guys. He reveals his philosophy for scaling a sustainable organization and tells the Wolf how he managed to escape with his sanity intact while growing Five Guys.  Lucas also explores why continuous learning and evolution were essential to his role as a leader. Find out how he has leveled up his leadership skills and implemented guidelines to run his business effectively. Plus, get a glimpse into Lucas's future plans for growth, including the potential for expanding into other brands.    Paylocity offers the only modern HR and payroll solution that makes real-time recommendations to drive better business outcomes. Paylocity is the modern, all-in-one platform that makes HR and payroll easier — so you can focus on your employees. We’ll make onboarding faster, recruiting smarter, and compliance simpler. To learn more visit https://paylocity.com/restaurants.   00:06:13 - Leveraging Relationships to Buy Locations 00:12:12 - Investment Strategy: Equity vs. Debt 00:16:04 - Navigating Debt Covenants in Restaurant Ownership 00:18:43 - Understanding Debt Covenants in Franchising 00:23:25 - Combining Five Guys with Another Brand 00:25:40 - Managing Shiny Object Syndrome as an Entrepreneur 00:31:18 - Avoid Entrepreneurial Mistakes: Focus First 00:34:57 - Building Relationships Key to Franchise Success 00:41:37 - Evolving Leadership Skills in Business   Follow Lucas:  Twitter: https://twitter.com/lmitchellhq?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmitchellhq/   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Buckle up because the Wolf is taking another stab at your best Twitter questions in this solo question-and-answer pod. Should you be able to negotiate a franchise agreement? If so, how much of an agreement is negotiable, or are most franchise agreements a take-it-or-leave-it proposition?  Then the Wolf uncovers his #1 recommendation for back-office franchisee solutions (hint: it’s a software that’s near and dear to his heart), before dissecting the differences between chains and franchises.   Plus, who will win the Nashville Chicken Wars? Or do all chicken franchises come out the loser if the market has hit its peak saturation point?    Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

What’s the sweet spot of rapid growth and long-term sustainability? Meet Vanessa Melman Yakobson, the franchise owner with the secret sauce to success. Vanessa is CEO and Partner of Blo, Blow Dry. Bar. This North American franchise has already opened 100 units and is set to open 50 more in the next couple of years. The Wolf and Vanessa get into how growing responsibly means longevity, especially during turbulent economic times, the recipe book that sets franchisees up for success, and how outside backing is helping grow Blo’s sister beauty brands. Follow Vanessa: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-melman-yakobson-34b7343/ If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

When you’re leaving the most important member of your family at daycare, you need to know it’s safe, fun and stimulating. Shaina Denny’s Dogdrop franchise is all this and more. Dogdrop is the dog day care service founded in LA and which has grown to three units. With the health and happiness of each dog at its core, dog parents can be sure they’re leaving their pets in the best possible care. The Wolf and Shaina talk about how living in China lit an entrepreneurial spark, how solving her own dog care problems led to Dogdrop, and the business model that makes most sense to her unique franchise. If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Follow Shaina: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shainadenny Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

When you’re franchise investors and operators, you’re writing the playbook as you go.  Join The Wolf as he talks to two of the best: Scott Thompson, CDO and MD and Dennis Campbell, VP of Franchise Development, both at Level 5 Capital Partners. They get into why buying into the mission is key to scaling, the balance between too many heads and meeting development timescales, and growing a brand for independent success. If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Follow Dennis: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/denniswcampbell Follow Scott: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-thompson-618a91/ Twitter:https://twitter.com/smthompson1979 Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

How does an art class, enjoyed by Pink and Matthew McConaughey, become a franchise? Maya Ratcliff is the Founder of Hawaii Fluid Art - an accessible art class with incredible results. Celebrities love it, but anyone can join in and create a one-off piece they’ll be proud to display on their wall. From one location in Hawaii, founded during the pandemic, to two more in Dallas and Kansas City, Maya has ambitious plans to open 10 more corporate locations by the end of 2023. The Wolf and Maya discuss the resin layer and techniques that make Hawaii Fluid Art unique, why her absentee business model works so well, and how she negotiated down the price of materials. You’ll also hear how these negotiations mean classes run up to a 95% profit margin for every student who walks through the door. You know how hard it is to hire at scale. That’s why successful franchise owners use Wizehire. Shift to a new way of hiring and learn more at wizehire.com/pod. Follow Maya: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-ratcliff-3202941a/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/renohelp If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Think about it— it’s the weekend, and as much as you want to sit down, relax, and pop open an ice-cold bevvie, you’ve got chores to do. And what’s the one thing you hate doing more than anything?  Yep, you guessed it— laundry and the average American spends up to 36 hours a month doing it too. Dan D’Aquisto is the one man trying to change it all through his revolutionary franchise, 2ULaundry, which delivers the world’s first premium laundry/dry-cleaning pickup and delivery service.  That’s right; we’re talking fresh-folded clothes conveniently delivered straight to your door. This week, the Wolf sits down with Dan to learn more about how he and his business partner came up with the concept of 2ULaundry, how they managed to raise 2.5 million dollars and scale across 7 major cities, and how their business led them to create a laundromat franchise business of their own, LaundroLab.   0:00 Intro/2ULaundry 4:39 Finding a Co-Founder 8:41 The Journey So Far 25:50 LaundroLab 32:25 2U Laundry vs. LaundroLab 36:50 Future Strategy   Learn more about 2ULaundry:  https://www.2ulaundry.com   Learn more about LaundroLab: https://www.laundrolabfranchise.com   Follow Dan:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daquisto/   Built by hospitality for hospitality. Empower your employee experience by using Harri to build, manage, engage, and retain your team.  Don’t you think it’s time to utilize a platform designed to elevate your greatest asset— your employees? Visit Harri.com to learn more.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast.    Thank you so much!   Check out The Wolf’s newsletter and YouTube channel.   Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or already building out your franchise empire, finding the information you need can be tough. There’s plenty out there but so often it’s opaque and hard to access. You already know the smart money lies in franchises, you just need to cut through the noise and get the inside scoop on how to choose, own and scale your business. I’m The Wolf, and this is season 2 of Franchise Empires. Whether you’re an aspiring owner or have one or two businesses to your name, you’ll get insight into raising capital, and hot takes on how to choose a business that resonates with your values and goals. Last season I unlocked the playbooks of franchisees from killer brands like Orange Theory, Five Guys, and Dunkin’ Donuts, and this season’s line up is equally as stellar. Every episode you can expect thoughtful takeaways from a successful franchise builder with practical insights like why you don’t need a ton of investment to get started, the secrets to running 100 stores, and why you don’t need to quit your day job straight away. Owning a franchise might not be the most obvious path to entrepreneurship, but if you’re looking to build sustainable wealth using tried and tested models, your journey starts here. With season 2 dropping on June 21, and new shows every Tuesday, tune in for everything you need to build your franchise empire. Make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

David Weis has made one mistake in his franchise journey. He won’t make it again. Find out how the Mayweather Boxing franchise has found its place in LA. After working in the fitness industry for decades as a trainer, David launched his own chain of gyms in the Boston area. Beacon Hill Athletic Club is still hugely successful and David has turned his attention to a franchise with a powerful boxing name attached. Daniel and David launch straight into how David missed out on an Orange Theory franchise opportunity, but jumped straight in as the first owner of Mayweather Boxing in 2018. You’ll hear why boxing training is the workout with long-term stayability, the power of a name, and how customer service is the biggest differentiator. David also shares his plans to build 5 other sites in Los Angeles and his ambitions to expand into Boston, Tokyo, and Tel-Aviv. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Follow David: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/david-ilan-weis-a5009062 The Wolf is a friend of Workweek, working together to produce amazing podcasts. Find out more, visit: www.workweek.com Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

How did former math teacher turned franchise developer Antonio McBroom open 14 Ben and Jerry’s locations across South Carolina by himself?   The answer is equal parts hard work and ingenuity. On this week’s pod, the Wolf finds out how Antonio hustled his way into franchise success by purchasing his own ice cream trailer, opening his stores at 2 am to hungry college kids, and trying just about every other business tactic in between.   Antonio also talks about his latest partnership with Starbucks, in which he’s helping to bring the franchise chain to underserved and diverse communities, empowering minority-owned businesses to contribute to the next phase of his business evolution.  0:00 Background 4:06 Franchise Expansion 8:00 The Catering Hustle 10:30 Partnering with Others 14:55 Starbucks Partnership 22:44 Follow Us   Follow Antonio:  https://www.primopartners.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-mcbroom-43858017/ Built by hospitality for hospitality. Empower your employee experience by using Harri to build, manage, engage, and retain your team.  Don’t you think it’s time to utilize a platform designed to elevate your greatest asset— your employees?  Visit Harri.com to learn more.  If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast.  Thank you so much!  Check out The Wolf’s newsletter and YouTube channel.  Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf  

Dr Grace Huxtable-Mount is a force. She’s also the owner of 5 The Learning Experience franchises, and looking to expand. Tune in for Grace’s extraordinary franchise journey. The Wolf and Grace get straight into Grace’s story, from the Bahamas, via Japan, to US citizenship in 2001. Since then she’s opened up 5 The Learning Experience units, a childcare and early education franchise. You’ll hear Grace’s takes on why education franchises have such high profit margins, how being a franchise owner offers more freedom than you might think, and why you shouldn’t be afraid to ask your landlord to buy their real estate. You’ll also hear why Grace received The Learning Experience Chairman’s Award For Excellence, and how she plans to continue scaling her empire throughout Florida. And If you work in franchises, your most precious resource is time. BELAY exists to help you regain control of your time and your focus. They will match you with highly-qualified US-based virtual assistant, accounting, social media, and website contractors. In fact, only about 3% of those who apply to support roles with BELAY are actually accepted. Click here to get started! If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Follow Grace: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/grace-huxtable-mount-phd-71581813 Instagram: instagram.com/drhuxtable_mount/ Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf The Wolf is a friend of Workweek, working together to produce amazing podcasts. Find out more, visit: www.workweek.com

The Speers are natural entrepreneurs. From owning an auto-motive business to homeschooling, this power couple knows the value of franchising a great education product. After watching one of their daughters struggle to get to grips with mathematics, James and Jennifer Speer sought help with the Mathnasium teaching method. Impressed with the product, they created the first Mathnasium Learning Center franchise in 2011. And they haven’t looked back. The Wolf gets into conversation with Jennifer and James, talking about how they’ve expanded to 10 locations around Texas, why you should burn your ships and go all in, and why buying is easier when you get your first location right. You’ll also hear why you should get to know your business inside and out and how that makes buying easier than building. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Follow James: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/james-speer-78432955 Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf The Wolf is a friend of Workweek, working together to produce amazing podcasts. Find out more, visit: www.workweek.com

What do fitness, skincare and swim schools have in common? Get ready to make a splash with Chris Kenny as he dives into the success of consumer service brands, from Heyday to Orangetheory to Big Blue Swim School. Chris is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Level5 Capital Partners. With over a decade of experience investing and operating in the consumer services sector, Chris has been an instrumental part in making L5 a standout player in the franchise industry. The Wolf and Chris delve into his origins in the business, explore L5’s unique approach to investing in franchises, and talk strategies for accelerating growth and enhancing brand value. And great customer experience starts with great employee experience. Create business success with Harri, the platform to build, manage, engage and retain your team. Care for your people, and they will care for your customers. Visit www.harri.com today Follow Chris: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-kenny-09a4271/  If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Adam Geisler and John Erlandson love sport, but they also love how sports influence children’s lives for the better. That’s why they own 4 sports franchises. Youth Athletes United is the umbrella platform for Adam and John’s 4 franchise brands : Soccer Stars, Amazing Athletes, TGA, and Little Rookies.  The Wolf, Adam and John talk through how a passion for sports can’t be taught, but business can, how they went into partnership after working together in the boxing industry, and why more than 1 million kids are impacted by their brands every year. If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Follow Adam: Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/adam-geisler-1442697 Follow John: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/john-erlandson-62409b4 Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

He’s the unabashed king of franchises. Meet Greg Flynn, the visionary behind Flynn Restaurant Group and Flynn Properties, boasting over 2,400 franchises like Applebee’s, Taco Bell, Panera, and more. His $4 billion empire spans 44 states and employs 73,000 people. In this episode from the archives, Greg unveils the secrets of his success, like why he remains a true restaurant operator, how he views the art of running a franchise like a collaborative business process, and how the franchising model allows you to focus on what truly matters. Yeah—this is an episode you won’t want to miss and maybe want to view twice. It's just. THAT GOOD.   If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!   Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf   Follow Greg:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flynn-restaurant-group/   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!   Buzz Franchise Brands is a multi-brand franchising company currently operating four service brands: Pool Scouts pool cleaning franchise, Home Clean Heroes residential cleaning franchise, British Swim School swim instruction franchise, and Grand Illuminations outdoor lighting franchise.    Our mission is to enable people to realize their dreams; we encourage you to learn more about us and our brands at BuzzFranchiseBrands.com.  

How do you create a 1.7 million dollar franchise beast from a small-scale cleaning company?   According to Voda Cleaning and Restoration franchise owners Dan Clap and Zach Nolte, the secret to scaling lies in franchising a business that naturally lends itself to marketing multiple services.    Dan and Zach chat with the Wolf about how Voda Cleaning and Restoration cornered a large chunk of the home restoration market after discovering that the water damage cleaning business went hand-in-hand with other services like mold remediation, air duct cleaning, and more.    Plus, find out why all future franchisers must have a brand playbook, why franchising is a team sport, and why investing in the right technology is crucial if you ever want to scale.    Built by hospitality for hospitality. Empower your employee experience using Harri to build, manage, engage, and retain your team.  Don’t you think it’s time to utilize a platform designed to elevate your greatest asset— your employees? Visit Harri.com to learn more.   Follow Zach: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/znolte/   Visit Voda: https://myvodafranchise.com/   If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast.    Thank you so much!   Check out The Wolf’s newsletter   Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf 0:00 Intro and Background 2:41 The Perfect Franchise Marriage 6:36 Choosing Restoration 10:24 Building a Business 17:54 Technology and Branding are Key 29:01 The Power of Having Systems in Place  37:35 The Hard Data 47:08 Vision for Voda 49:10 Contact Us

Welcome to season 4 of Franchise Empires. Meet the owner of 29 Wingstops and 79 Little Caesars, following in the family footsteps. Shalin Patel is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Vibe Restaurants, who opened their first restaurant back in 2005. It has since grown to become one of the largest franchisees of Little Caesars and now operates across 11 states. The Wolf and Shalin sit down to talk about the need to scale and not just ‘buy your own job’, why goal setting can and should change, and some of Shalin’s personal and professional highlights as a franchise owner. You’ll also hear how Shalin got into franchising, inspired by his dad’s career. Follow Shalin: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shalin-patel-42a6431a7 If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

How do you grow your franchise business profitably? In this Twitter Spaces, 3 multi-unit franchise owners share the secrets to their success. The Wolf is joined by Zac Pennington, owner of 8 Anytime Fitness locations, Brian Beers, owner of 30 Midas units, and Lucas Mitchell, owner of 13 Five Guys locations. All offering different services or products, but all following the same growth strategies. You’ll hear insider tips on choosing the right territories, building versus buying a store, and how to scale quickly. The panel then gets into questions thrown to them from listeners, including the one thing they wish they’d known before getting into franchising. If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Follow Zac: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/zacari-pennington Twitter: https://twitter.com/zacpennington Follow Brian: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brian-t-beers Twitter: https://twitter.com/brianbeers Follow Lucas: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lmitchellhq Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf The Wolf is a friend of Workweek, working together to produce amazing podcasts. Find out more, visit: www.workweek.com

What’s the best way to drive franchise growth in the senior healthcare industry?    According to Brightstar Care CEO Shelly Sun, it’s paying the best people the best salary possible, encouraging accreditation across all locations to ensure franchise consistency, and aggressive nationwide marketing tactics.     Shelly talks with The Wolf about her top components for a scalable franchise model, the challenges and lessons she’s learned from staying 20% company-owned, and the coming obstacles the home healthcare industry will face as the Baby Boomer generation ages.     Shelly's passion for providing quality care and her strategic mindset for driving brand growth make for an inspiring interview you won’t want to miss.    0:00 Intro 4:28 Brightstar Components 10:40 Stepping Stones to Evolution 19:41 National Accounts Program 22:54 Early Lessons 30:03 Not Selling Out 36:20 Aging Baby Boomers 41:58 Contact Us   Follow Brightstar Care:    https://www.brightstarfranchise.com https://www.brightstarcare.com      Follow Shelly:    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brightstarshellysun/       Built by hospitality for hospitality. Empower your employee experience by using Harri to build, manage, engage, and retain your team.    Don’t you think it’s time to utilize a platform designed to elevate your greatest asset— your employees?   Visit Harri.com to learn more.   If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast.    Thank you so much!   Check out The Wolf’s newsletter.   Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Brittany Driscoll is the marketing exec turned entrepreneur. After getting a taste of working in a fast-growing franchise, she knew she wanted in. Find out how she built her own franchise. The Wolf and Brittany get into conversation about her experience working at beauty franchise, Drybar, which has more than 200 locations across the country. Brittany shares how she and the Drybar founders built Squeeze Massage together and how this franchise is disrupting the industry with its innovative approach, providing a premium experience at an affordable rate and integrating tech through their end-to-end platform. If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Follow Brittany: Twitter: https://twitter.com/britdrisc Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

When McDonald’s CEO Ray Kroc arrived in Tokyo three days before the grand opening of their first international franchise in Japan, he was shocked to see that construction had not yet begun on the restaurant.  Enter Japanese businessman Den Fujita. After buying the rights to bring McDonald’s to the Land of the Rising Sun, and with no existing blueprint for international success with McDonald’s, Den had to invent the playbook for Japan.  Join The Wolf for the incredible story of how Den was able to construct and open the first international McDonald’s within 36 hours, then go on to become the third largest international stage for the McDonald’s franchise.  And If you work in franchises, your most precious resource is time. BELAY exists to help you regain control of your time and your focus. They will match you with highly-qualified US-based virtual assistant, accounting, social media, and website contractors. In fact, only about 3% of those who apply to support roles with BELAY are actually accepted. Click here to get started! And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf The Wolf is a friend of Workweek, working together to produce amazing podcasts. Find out more, visit: www.workweek.com

How does a single, 17-year-old mother find the motivation to build an 83-territory health and wellness empire?    Cynthia May, co-founder of Beem Light Sauna, chats about how becoming a single mother at an early age gave her the strength to find financial stability by taking calculated risks and trusting her gut instincts.    Cynthia explains how she went from owning a high-end salon to transitioning to the health and wellness space after her daughter became ill with Lyme Disease.    Then, she discusses the importance of mentorship in business partnerships, designing a consumer-first experience for customers, building a lean store infrastructure, and how franchising allowed her to help others at a crossroads in their own careers.   Built by hospitality for hospitality. Empower your employee experience by using Harri to build, manage, engage and retain your team.  Don’t you think it’s time to utilize a platform designed to elevate your greatest asset— your employees? Visit Harri.com to learn more.   Follow Cynthia:   On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiamay On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplimay/   If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast.    Thank you so much!   Check out The Wolf’s newsletter.   Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf  

When you’ve got 14-hour long queues out the door, you’re doing something right. But how does a small burger franchise create super fans? Join The Wolf for this commentary episode where he deep dives into how a small fast food chain can create the kind of obsessive fan base larger brands can only dream of. You’ll hear In N Out Burger’s back story, what stands them apart from other burger joints, and why the family owners value traditional values over rapid growth. If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

How did Philz Coffee grow to become synonymous with fueling the likes of tech giants out of Silicon Valley?  Co-founder, Jacob Jaber, explains how the vision of Philz Coffee came to fruition from his father, who simply wanted to create a place where people could hang out and share great drinks together.  Now, with over 75+ locations, this growing franchise still relies on one key ingredient: creating a memorable, personalized experience for each of its customers. Jacob and the Wolf chat about its unique barista model and how the most important aspect of any business is to create a product that you really, really love.  Then, find out which businesses Jacob prefers to invest in.    0:00 Background 3:40 The Turning Point 6:18 Creating a Community 8:40 Building a Consumer-Facing Brand 15:00 Expansion Plans 17:20 The Phil’s Business Model 28:21 Brand Association 31:40 Building a Brand 37:42 Investing in Consumer Companies 46:08 Follow Us Built by hospitality for hospitality. Empower your employee experience by using Harri to build, manage, engage, and retain your team.   Don’t you think it’s time to utilize a platform designed to elevate your greatest asset— your employees?   Visit Harri.com to learn more.   Follow Jacob: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobjaber/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jacobjaber   If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast.    Thank you so much! Check out The Wolf’s newsletter.   Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf

Military veteran Betsy Erb has a vision. And she’s not going to stop until she’s built her pet franchise empire. How is she going about it? By leveraging an established franchise brand, Dog Training Elite, to boost a newer opportunity: PetWellClinic. The Wolf talks to Betsy about how PetWellClinic is solving a massive pain point for the owners of animals in need of urgent care, her short and long term plays, and how she and husband Ed are horizontally integrating in the pet industry. You’ll also hear how Betsy plans to leverage the two brands, what it’s like taking on a multi-unit deal, and her vision as an entrepreneur. Multi-units, multi-franchises - this is a business strategy you’ll want to take note of. Follow Betsy on Instagram:@dogtrainingeliteselouisiana Check out The Wolf’s newsletter Stay up-to-date on all things Franchise Empires by following The Wolf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf