This episode covers franchisor training programs, an important topic, because franchisee training can make or break a franchise. I recently saw this firsthand at a Pilates studio with outstanding instructor training. It was evident from the start that the instructors benefited from a well-executed training program—they were clear, concise, and cons…

In this episode, I’m exploring the importance of listening to franchisees. I’m including an excerpt from my interview with Jeff Johnson, Founder and CEO of The Franchise Research Institute. Jeff explains how their comprehensive surveys and data analysis help franchisors gain valuable insights into franchisee satisfaction, and why listening to your …

In this episode, I revisit my interview with Aaron Cash, founder and President of Garage Living Franchise Systems, as he shares invaluable insights on their journey into franchising. Aaron discusses Garage Living's decision to franchise their business and the crucial steps they took to ensure success. From navigating legal compliance to securing fr…

Part two of my interview with Larry Stout is now live! In this episode, we continue our conversation, exploring the origins of his current venture, Optimal teleHealth, LLC. Larry shares the story behind his company, which offers an alternative to traditional health insurance. As a franchisee, Larry, like me, struggled with the high costs of offerin…

Tune into my latest episode! I had an illuminating conversation with Larry Stout, founder and CEO of Optimal teleHealth, LLC. Larry, a former Massage Envy franchisee, achieved significant financial success and earned numerous accolades. However, he also opens up about a franchise venture that didn't go as planned, sharing valuable insights into the…

Your email inbox shouldn't be a storage unit! Think of it like your mailbox at the end of your driveway: you don’t leave everything there! This week, I interview Shawn Lemon, founder of The Digital Organizer. Don’t miss this episode because it’s packed with invaluable tips and insights from Shawn, who coaches his clients, including franchisors, to …

This episode is an interesting sit-down with Chris Long, the visionary founder and CEO behind Longyards Storage. We explored Chris' journey – from his background in the construction industry to the driving force that led him to establish Longyards. His personal experience unveiled a gap in the market, igniting his passion to fill that gap. We talke…

Join me for an enlightening conversation with Christina Fugate, partner at Ice Miller, as we delve into the latest trends in franchising. Christina shares her expert insights on why we're seeing these trends and what they mean for the future of the industry. From the booming sectors of personal services and QSRs to the evolving consumer demands and…

Part 2 of my interview with Jeff Johnson is here, and it's packed with invaluable insights into the franchise industry! Once again, we get real about franchise ownership, discussing the players you can rely on and those you should approach with caution. Jeff shares his expertise on navigating this landscape, empowering franchisees to make informed …

This episode features my interview with Jeff Johnson, Founder & CEO of The Franchise Research Institute. With years of hands-on experience in the franchise industry, including his time as a Schlotzkey’s franchisee, Jeff offers invaluable insights into the franchise world. We delve into his journey, uncovering the expertise he’s amassed over four de…

This podcast episode features an informative conversation with David Sauers, one of the founders of Royal Restrooms. In 2004, David and his partner identified a gap in the marketplace for executive-style mobile restrooms suitable for all kinds of venues and turned their vision into a thriving business. In this episode, we talk about David's unexpec…

In this episode, I'm exploring an aspect of franchise ownership that sometimes gets overlooked: the franchisor's internal organizational structure. Huge thanks to my recent podcast guest, Aaron Cash, for inspiring this topic. When I was exploring the world of franchise concepts, understanding the ins and outs of the franchisor's organizational stru…

Exciting news! Another episode of Demystifying Franchise Ownership is available today. In our conversation, Aaron Cash, the President of Garage Living Systems, talks about the characteristics of some of his most successful franchise partners. You may be surprised to find out that Aaron doesn’t necessarily use revenues as a measure of success. Aaron…

Don't miss out on Part 2 of my conservation with Karen Abrams! In this episode, we explore the pricing of commercial property, lease negotiation tactics, and the alignment between lease terms and franchise agreements. Karen and I also discuss why it's critical to have legal counsel review your lease agreement. Karen's expertise shines through once …

Ready to explore the world of commercial leasing? Join me as I explore this topic with my latest guest, Karen Abrams! Karen is an attorney and head of the commercial leasing practice at Paris Ackerman, LLP. Karen generously shares her legal knowledge as well as her firsthand experience as a franchisee, her views on the semi-absentee model, and the …

Calling all aspiring franchisees and business owners! In my latest podcast episode, I’m exploring the world of leasing brick-and-mortar spaces for your business. In this episode, I'm sharing my firsthand lessons learned, covering essential considerations before you embark on property hunting, key factors to evaluate once you've identified potential…

Step into the latest episode of "Demystifying Franchise Ownership," where I continue my conversation with Bennett Maxwell, Chairman of Dirty Dough Cookies! In this episode, we talk about the way in which Bennett grew his personal brand on his social media platforms including LinkedIn. Thanks to Bennett's extensive social media presence, he’s attrac…

This is Part 1 of my interview with Bennett Maxwell, the Chairman of Dirty Dough. Bennett shares Dirty Dough’s story including one of their missions: "finding joy and fulfillment despite life's messiness.” Bennett's perspective on navigating life’s challenges while still embracing joy is truly motivating. Bennett and I also explore how Dirty Dough …

What do you know about franchise sectors and how do you determine which sector is the right fit for you? Tune into this episode where I talk about some of the most common franchise sectors and arm you with knowledge which will help you identify the best sector for you. Choosing the right franchise sector is akin to finding your niche in the vast en…

Introducing the latest episode of "Demystifying Franchise Ownership"! Join me as I cover the topic of grit – a trait essential for success in the franchise world. Inspired by insights from previous guests like Kirsten Ramos and Nora Farhat, I explore what grit truly means and how it impacts your journey as a franchisee. So why is grit necessary for…

Part two of my interview with the amazing Nora Farhat is now live! We dove deeper into why being a franchise owner is a game-changer for women and why Nora advocates for owning multiple franchise brands. Nora shares invaluable insights on being an entrepreneur and franchise owner. Plus, she sprinkles the conversation with gems of wisdom like the im…

I had the most inspiring chat with Nora Farhat, co-owner of not one, not two, but FIVE franchise brands! From climbing the corporate ladder to blazing their own trail in entrepreneurship, Nora and her husband's journey is a testament to the power of grit. In part one of our conversation, Nora shares the inside scoop on how they navigated the path t…

In this episode I tackle a common predicament among prospective franchisees: deciphering whether a franchise system truly offers a "semi-absentee" model. Ever found yourself drawn to the idea of semi-absentee ownership, yet unsure if it's truly feasible? I dive into this quandary, sharing insights gleaned from my own journey and conversations with …

Is the allure of franchise ownership calling your name? Before you take the plunge, listen to my latest episode where I explore the franchise sales process, and its impact on your initial investment. In this episode, I talk about why the process lacks transparency and can be confusing to prospective franchisees. But fear not! I've got some tips to …

Make sure you catch Part 2 of the 2023 interview recap! This episode brings you even more interview snippets and nuggets of wisdom from five more of my 2023 guests. These guests, hailing from diverse backgrounds and experiences, collectively bring an abundance of knowledge about business and specifically the franchise industry to you, the listener.…

Dive into my latest episode! Join me for a recap of my first eight 2023 interviews, featuring exclusive snippets from these insightful conversations. Whether you're a loyal listener of "Demystifying Franchise Ownership" or discovering it for the first time, this episode is the perfect guide to navigate through the 2023 highlights. Identify the must…

Missed some episodes or looking to revisit your favorites? This recap is your go-to guide to the best moments and key takeaways from my 2023 solo podcasts. Tune in for a journey through the highlights and discover the solo episodes that resonate with YOU! Let's make catching up a breeze. Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedIn https://kristinegiven…

Welcome back, listeners, to the second installment of my captivating conversation with Dave Hands, the powerhouse Great Clips franchisee! In part one, we delved into their phenomenal journey, spanning 17 years and an impressive expansion from a humble three-pack to an astounding 37 locations. Now, in this much-anticipated continuation, we talk more…

Listen to what a Great Clips franchisee has to say. My listeners adore hearing from franchisees, and this podcast is a gem! I’m thrilled to welcome an experienced Great Clips franchisee as my special guest. With 17 years under their belt, Dave Hands, and his wife, Tanja, grew their business from a three-pack to an astonishing 37 locations across So…

In this week’s episode, I chat with Adam Povlitz, CEO of Anago Cleaning. Adam talks about how the company has transformed over their 34 years of operation, the 3-tier franchise model, what makes them stand-out in the commercial cleaning industry, and much more. In our discussion, Adam's transparency about the franchise industry, and dedication to s…

In this episode, Paula Kircher, a former franchisee in a Tex-Mex concept, spills the beans on the highs and lows of running a restaurant. The first year was so fun, exciting, and a huge success – fantastic food, booked every night, and an incredible vibe! But then, the competition heated up, and things got challenging. The crowded landscape made it…

Just wrapped up a fantastic podcast interview with Turp Ricketts, the VP of Franchise Development for Horsepower Brands! In this must-listen episode, Turp shares his extensive business and franchise knowledge, how he got started in the industry, and why he decided to join Horsepower Brands – their capital, their vision and their ability to execute.…

Part two of my interview with Rob Miller, a seasoned entrepreneur and educator. In this episode, Rob stresses why it’s critical to fall in love with the problem not the solution. He talks about the importance of identifying the pain point and validating whether an idea is desirable, viable and feasible. Where do you start if you have a business ide…

In my most recent episode, I had the privilege of hosting Rob Miller, an entrepreneur deeply passionate about leadership development. Beyond his work with startups, Rob currently holds the role of President at Mentora, a global leadership development and organizational transformation group headquartered in New York. During our conversation, Rob des…

Just had an illuminating conversation with Lori Mercaldi, founder of Tally Financial and a Certified Profit First Professional. Lori opened my eyes to the Profit First Model. What is Profit First, you say? It's an innovative financial management system that helps you prioritize PROFIT from day one! Lori doesn't just talk about the Profit First Mode…

Did you listen to episode 20 of Demystifying Franchise Ownership where Mark Schnurman helps us understand why the franchise industry is so confusing? In this week's episode, I’m excited to welcome back one of America's Top Franchise Consultants, who talks about the art of navigating and conquering the complexities of the franchise world. Tune in fo…

Are you confused by the complex world of franchising? I had some “aha moments” when I interviewed Mark Schnurman, the founder and Managing Partner of The Perfect Franchise. In this episode, Mark shares his vast knowledge about franchising and sheds light on why franchisees are often confused. From the myriad of choices and unique nature of franchis…

Can you have honest conversations with yourself? When it comes to franchise ownership, the spotlight is on YOU, the prospective franchisee. Is franchise ownership the right fit for you? In my latest podcast episode, I’m thrilled to have Kirsten back for her second appearance on "Demystifying Franchise Ownership." Kirsten is an expert in emotional i…

Curious about the world of franchising and the art of matchmaking between franchisees and franchise brands? Join me for an informative interview with Meg Schmitz as she shares her wealth of knowledge, experience, and success stories. In our conversation, Meg pulls back the curtain on how she helps match prospective franchisees with the perfect fran…

If you're interested in business ownership, you’ve probably considered whether you should build a business from the ground up or buy a business, one option being buying a franchise. In this episode, I give you a framework to solve the build vs buy conundrum. Plus, I give you 4 steps you should take to analyze the build vs buy quandary. What do I co…

In this special episode, I sit down with someone very close to my heart - my daughter! 💕 We explore what she liked and disliked about me being a franchise owner and the impact it's had on her life choices thus far. We discuss what I could have done differently to help her understand my career change, and she shares her perspective on witnessing the…

In this episode of Demystifying Franchise Ownership, I cover the expansive topic of SBA financing. Here are the topics I tackle in this episode. ✅ General overview and facts about SBA financing. ✅ The factors lenders consider when reviewing loan applications. ✅ The SBA loan programs, and which ones are most applicable to prospective franchisees. ✅ …

I'm so fortunate to have Dawn Hershik, an experienced franchisee in Supporting Strategies, to appear on this episode. Join me as Dawn takes us on a fascinating journey through her experiences as a successful franchise owner. From the steps she took before beginning her franchise journey to the lessons learned and valuable insights she gained during…

Curious about the world of franchising and the big question on every aspiring franchisee’s mind: "Are franchise fees worth the investment?" Join me in this episode of "Demystifying Franchise Ownership" as I tackle the topic of franchise fees, including an overview of the various types of franchisee fees and how to evaluate whether they're worth the…

Funding Your Franchise: Expert Insights Revealed! Ready to take charge of your entrepreneurial destiny? This is packed with invaluable information on how to fund your franchise purchase! In this episode, I layout the ways in which you can fund a franchise purchase, arming you with the knowledge to start exploring the funding option which fits your …

Evaluating your personal finances is the foundation upon which your franchise ownership journey will be built. It's essential to have a clear understanding of your financial situation before taking the leap into franchise ownership because you don't want to waste time looking at franchise systems for which you don't qualify. In this episode, I outl…

Evaluating any investment before committing funds is crucial as it allows for informed decision-making, mitigates risks, and maximizes the potential for long-term financial growth. The due diligence process is equally important for franchise investments as it helps ensure the compatibility of the franchise opportunity with one's goals, assesses the…

If you've always dreamt of being your own boss and exploring the world of franchise ownership, but find yourself unsure of where to begin, look no further! In this episode, I'll get you started on the right path. Join me as I unveil an overview of the initial steps that will kickstart your franchise journey. I talk about assessing your skills, educ…

In this week’s podcast, I continue my conversation with Laura Liss regarding the franchise disclosure document. One of the items we cover in this episode, is Item 19, also known as Financial Performance Representations. Item 19 of a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) holds significant importance as it provides crucial financial performance represe…

Do you know what goes into a successful franchisor/franchisee relationship? In this week’s podcast episode, I take a deep dive into what makes a successful franchisee/franchisor relationship. A strong and collaborative partnership not only leads to financial success but also fosters growth, innovation, and a sense of shared purpose. Join me as I ex…