Franchise Interviews

We are meeting with Inger Nicolaisen the founder of Nikita Hair…an international hair salon chain with 150+ locations across Europe and recent franchise expansion to the United States. Inger is a prominent figure in Norway, most known from the Norwegian television series The Candidate in 2004, which was the Norwegian version of the American series, The Apprentice. Nikita Hair supports the foundation, A Hand to Children. This organization provides help and assistance to children. The involvement of this foundation is to give children a chance at a better life, and hope for the future. All projects within the scope of this foundation aim to provide support to those most in need by providing food and clothing. For every haircut, Nikita Hair will donate a portion of the proceeds to support this organization. In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.    

We have a great show today. We are meeting Rob and Lisa Cannon - Founders of Thrillz, the world’s first high-flying adventure park.  The Cannons recognized the growing demand for indoor family entertainment as a great business opportunity. After successful careers in finance and 3 years as franchisees of an indoor trampoline park, they pulled together a world-class team to create the next generation of adventure parks. In August of 2018, Thrillz opened its doors in Danbury, CT.    

We are meeting with Brandon Cullen, Chief Concept Officer of MADabolic (strength and conditioning gym for athletes) … MADabolic Inc. delivers unparalleled Strength and Conditioning to an oversaturated cardio-focused market. Backed by science and years of athletic experience, Protocol M.A.D.’s signature combination of fat-torching intervals will enable you to carve a lean, athletic physique.  Their distinctive interval system, Protocol M.A.D., is crafted entirely around work-to-rest ratios. This presents a challenging yet accessible environment unique to each client. Rooted in science, MADabolic’s exclusive interpretation of pace and intensity is unrivaled in our market. In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.  

We are meeting with Joseph Berger - President of You’ve Got Maids, Joseph has a unique perspective on the franchise industry as the residential cleaning concept was founded by his parents, Frank and Cynthia Berger. Joseph will discuss the You Got Maids franchise, the benefits of working in a family run business and his best advice for maintaining a healthy professional and personal relationship with those you work with. In part two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.  

We are meeting with Angel Aguayo Director of Operations at Sushi Sake.  Sushi Sake, a Miami-based neighborhood sushi bar with 14-units is now franchising and already has two signed franchise agreements in Florida. Known for an expansive menu, dramatic longue inspired atmosphere and late-night hours, the founders Angel Aguayo and James Aguayo are now ready to take their fusion-inspired creation nationwide. Founded in 2009, the Aguayo brothers were ready to step out in the $12.8 billion market size of sushi restaurants. Growing up in restaurants and frequently dining at Benihana, Angel felt the industry was struck in the ‘traditional setting,’ and wanted to bring fusion offerings to the table. Another industry void they are alleviating is many good sushi restaurants aren’t able to provide that same quality on their hibachi side. Sushi Saki is known for offering the best of both worlds and creates an interactive dining experience. It is today’s Japanese Sushi restaurant with the perfect blend of a Teppanya

Tonight, we discuss franchising the moving industry.  We start the show with our latest podcast from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast from hall of fame speaker Warren Greshes. In Part Two, you will hear our interview with Dustin Black, Founder and CEO of Black Tie Moving.  Dustin is no stranger to the moving industry. From the time he was a child, Black worked for his father’s moving company, learning the ins and outs of the industry while also getting a behind the curtain view of exactly who homeowners were trusting their belongings.  With eight locations open and 24 new franchise territories under development, Black Tie Moving is rapidly expanding across the nation. In Part Three, you will hear our interview with Nick Friedman, the founder of College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving franchise opportunity. College Hunks Hauling Junk and moving is the fastest-growing junk hauling and moving franchise in America. College Hunks Hauling Junk has been named one the fastest growing companies in Ameri

We have a great show today. We are meeting with Lee DeJonge, COO of Shine, a window care and holiday lighting franchise with 40 locations in 10 states. Lee is also a franchisee and just opened his sixth Shine location. But while window cleaning is Shine’s business, the mission is to make the world brighter by building successful businesses and creating opportunities for individuals to become leaders.  In part two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.    

Last time we had House Doctors on the show was over a decade ago.  Known as the trusted home improvement service, House Doctors offers a myriad of services from drywall and gutter repair to kitchen and bathroom remodeling. The House Doctors team of insured, bonded and uniformed handymen have a wide array of skillsets to tackle even the longest list of to-dos. With a one-year guarantee, prompt and precise service and a team of qualified craftsman and technicians, House Doctors is not only a home improvement service, but a trusted advisor among the customers it serves. Founded in 1995, House Doctors is located across the country and has targeted several growth markets for the next few years.  We are meeting with Jim Hunter, CEO of House Doctors. As the home renovation sector is expected to grow over the next several years, House Doctors plans to increase its presence through strategic franchise growth in key markets across the country to accommodate the increasing consumer demand for home renovations, a $350

The Planet Smoothie franchise began in Atlanta during the mid-1990s, when smoothies were first beginning to be seen as a food offering on their own rather than part of an extended menu. Up until then smoothies were almost completely associated with hardcore health fanatics — people who spent a lot of time at the gym and were fanatical about counting calories  More Americans were looking to slim down and become healthier, a trend which continues through today, and smoothies became seen as a way to enhance a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing taste or convenience.As more people discovered smoothies, the market exploded, and Planet Smoothie quickly spread throughout the Southeast, becoming a dominant brand across the Southeastern and Northeastern United States. The opportunity to rapidly expand Planet Smoothie excited a team of veteran franchise executives at Kahala Brands, which acquired Planet Smoothie in 2015. Under their leadership, Planet Smoothie has developed the capabilities and resources, such as imp

Sometimes life throws you a curveball, but it's how you react to that moment that can shape the rest of your life. For entrepreneur Tom Hough that moment came following his 33-year-old brother's death due to heart failure. After tragedy struck, Tom realized the importance of not taking any day for granted. While working in security, Tom had always thought about becoming a personal trainer and with the help of his wife, he took a leap of faith and quit his job and on the anniversary of his brother's passing he officially became an owner of a Fit Body Boot Camp franchise. Now, Tom spends his days honoring his brother's legacy and working with clients to help them lead healthier and happier lives. In addition to knowing the first-hand benefits of the services he provides; the Hough's are also finding similarities between what it takes to find fulfilment in life and owning and running a small business.  In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast. 

Today we have a three part show.  In part one, we meet with Mitchell Levy. Mitchell Levy is the AHA Guy of AHAthat.com and CEO and Thought Leader Architect at THiNKaha.com. He and his team make it easy for corporations to easily create compelling content that help turn their experts into recognized thought leaders. Mitchell is an Amazon bestselling author with fifty-six business books, contributor at Entrepreneur Magazine, has provided strategic consulting to over one hundred companies. Mitchell has written social media enabled eBooks he offers for free. Mitchell discusses why more franchisors and franchisees should consider writing a book! In Part Two, we meet with Michael Peterson, author of How and Why to Franchise Your Business.  This book was written to be the go-to for a new or would-be franchisor. It was written with someone from outside our industry in mind. It dives deeply into such topics as preparing to become a franchisor, the legal repercussions of franchising, how to recruit the right candida

We are meeting with Jeff Melnick, the President of BOSTON’S PIZZA Restaurant and Sports Bar.  Boston's is both a family-friendly casual dining restaurant and an energetic sports bar, all under one roof. For over 50 years, Boston's has specialized in providing a relaxing atmosphere and food from scratch to parties of all sizes. With Boston's brand promise, "We'll make you a fan," and 80+ menu items, primarily made in-house, they deliver on having something for every occasion and taste. Boston's is recognized by Entrepreneur magazine as one of the top three full-service restaurant brands. The company is also currently ranked No. 464 on Entrepreneur magazine's 2018 Franchise 500 list. Additionally, the brand is ranked No. 89 on the 2018 Franchise Times Top 200 (Plus 300) list. With sales exceeding $1 Billion in system-wide gross sales, Boston's grows through franchising and is currently looking to expand around the US and Mexico. For more information, visit www.ownabostons.com today.

We have a great show today. We are meeting with Chris Pena (CMO) as well as Crystal Lizama (the new COO) for Body20. Body20 is leading the Technology Driven fitness revolution and offering franchise opportunities to entrepreneurs in one of the fastest growing industries within the franchising sector. Body 20 offers a low-staffing business model, with fast breakevens and impressive returns.   Body20 was created when founder, Bert Albertse sought out entrepreneurial endeavors and eventually dropped out of college to open a supplements company. Then, in 2014, while in Dubai for a fitness conference, Bert was introduced to the stat-of-the-art Electro Muscular Stimulation (EMS equipment). Amazed by its ability to deliver a whole week's worth of strength training in only 20 minutes, Bert took a soon-to-be father's biggest risk and spent his whole life savings, plus a loan from a friend, to buy a full body stimulation suit.   From there, Body20 was born and within the boutique fitness hotspot's first year

Today we are discussing business plans and guerrilla marketing.  First, we are meeting with Cheree Warrick, author of Creating Business Plans that Actually Get Financed.  In part two we are meeting with Todd Woods, CEO of Guerrilla Marketing Strategies, Inc and Eddie Leonard, Chief Operating Guerilla to discuss the Book: Guerrilla Marketing for The Franchisee. Topics: Six (6) parts to an invest-able business plan. Biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when writing their business plans. Why banks and angel investors say NO to great business ideas. How to give an irresistible 60 second pitch that'll have investors pulling out their calendars to schedule time with you. Why non-tech companies (or companies outside of the technology field) have better changes of receiving financing from angels. The secret to receiving financing offers from multiple sources. Guerrilla Marketing defines marketing as "every bit of contact you or anyone in your company has with any part of the public. With millions of books sold

This week we are discussing two must read books before Labor Day.  We begin the show with Danny Lyon, author of  The Colour of My Underwear is Blue.  With over 60 marathons and 20 years of business experience,Danny Lyon shares why people create such varying levels of business and personal success. Lyon reveals the secrets of the success "high-flyers", the "turnaround artists", the "comfort zone dwellers", and the "give-ups". No matter where you are in your life right now, Lyon sheds light on how you may be holding yourself back and what it takes to get out of your own way.  Next, we meet with Steve Barnett, author of Gumption - Taking Bubba Gump from Movie to Restaurant.  Written in a cinematic style, this book is about the creation, growth, and sale of the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. The concept began when Paramount Pictures reached out to see if there was interest in creating a restaurant based on the movie Forrest Gump. It is also the personal story of the author’s growth as a CEO and creator of restaurant

We had the School of Rock franchise on our show many years ago.  Since that time, the organization has had tremendous growth.  We are meeting with Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock.  School of Rock provides students of all ages an exciting and engaged music lesson experience, which includes guitar, drums, piano and singing lessons. Drawing from all styles of rock and roll, School of Rock students learn theory and techniques via songs from legendary artists such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Frank Zappa. Thanks to the school’s performance-based approach, students around the world have gained superior musical proficiency, with some moving to record deals and larger platforms such as American Idol, The Voice and Broadway.  The rapid-growing international franchise currently operates more than 230 schools in 10 global markets, and since 2009, School of Rock has grown student count from 4,000 to more than 33,000.  In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.  

We are meeting with the CEO of Pigtails & Crewcuts, Wade Brannon. Pigtails & Crewcuts is a children’s salon franchise that understands the need for a memorable, stress-free haircutting experience for the entire family.  From your child’s first haircut to “Mom! The whole football team is getting mohawks, I want one too”, as a parent, you want your children’s locks in good hands. When veteran franchisor, Wade Brandon, came into the original salon with his two daughters as a customer, he immediately saw great potential to replicate and grow the Pigtails concept. After purchasing the single unit, he initiated the franchise offering to meet the increasing demand for services that cater to families with young children in the $58 billion haircut industry. Since launching the franchise opportunity in 2005, Pigtails & Crewcuts has grown to 61 open units across the nation with 57 in development.  In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.  

We are meeting with Peter Roberts and James Jakobsen, the founders of the ManageMowed franchise opportunity.  ManageMowed - founders Peter & James just launched franchising for their sub-contracting commercial landscape concept. Based out of Edmonds, Washington, they have been in business for over 20 years and we a speaking about their dynamic biz journey… going from residential real estate to commercial, why they got into the sub-contracting business. ManageMowed’s corporate locations now count marquee clients like Safeway, Jack in the Box, and Public Storage on their roster. These founders are interesting and entertaining, and their story is captivating.  In part two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast. 

We have a great show today. We are meeting with Jason Anderson, President of the fastest growing coworking franchise, Venture X.  Venture X strives to provide high quality, flexible, collaborative spaces to business professionals allowing their members to grow their companies and exceed their business goals. They hope to provide a unique set of amenities and benefits that support business growth and professional development. Their vision is to provide upscale, flexible workspaces in every major city in the US and in some overseas markets. As the coworking space industry grows, a number of key trends are emerging. Owners and operators of coworking spaces likely find that attention to these trends will help them to attract and retain new business. One important trend is the central role technology plays in the formation of a coworking space. Some coworking spaces owners who operate on their own invest only in the bare minimum when it comes to technology. As their business grows, they find it hard to keep

Nancy is president & founder of Telephone Doctor Customer Service Training. When Oprah, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, Good Morning America, Good Morning Canada and Great Britain, CNN, Fox News, Wall Street Journal, USA Today and other well respected radio, TV and publications need a customer service expert, they call on Nancy Friedman. You should, too!  LinkedIn for Entrepreneurs - Franchise Interviews Meets with Nancy Friedman. In Part Two, we discuss LinkedIn for Entrepreneurs with Nancy Friedman.  LinkedIn is one of the most powerful networking business tools for professionals and entrepreneurs. Not long ago, Nancy Friedman was interviewed in a magazine article by Forbes. The article was called 10 New LinkedIn Tips to Propel Your PR. In this interview, Nancy and I discuss tips learned over the years on how to effectively use this social media tool.