Franchise Euphoria: Franchise Insights | Entrepreneurial Coaching | Business Training | Legal And Financial Strategy

Michele Waits, a coffee industry veteran with over 15 years of experience, discusses being announced as Biggby Coffee's new CMO. Waits, who has worked with brands such as Gerber and illycaffè and worked as a VP for Starbucks for over 12 years, shares how her insights will empower the marketing team to connect with Biggby customers in a more individualized way, streamlining and modernizing the concept's efforts. Waits plans to leverage personalized digital marketing and a social media presence in her new role which will allow the brand to be able to connect with its customers how and where they prefer and can discuss how her experience working with household names internationally will help fuel Biggby’s growth even further.    Key Takeaways: [1:58] - Michelle shares her background in marketing and the 20 years of experience she has. [3:07] - After working for Starbucks for 12 years, Michelle confirms that Starbucks is not a franchise. Michelle’s transition to Biggby is a learning curve since it is a franchise.

The definition of health and wellness has changed. We all have realized that we need to be more proactive towards our own health and wellbeing. By being more proactive we can live an active life for as long as possible, and isn’t that the point of living a longer life anyways? The Covery Wellness Spa provides non-invasive therapies designed to enhance and optimize the health journeys of their clients. Through their customized wellness journey, clients are provided with the tools and the education that is needed to reach their overall wellness goals. Today’s guest is Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) Edward “EK” Navan. EK Navan is also the co-founder and member of The Covery since its formation in August 2020. From June 2017 to present, EK has served as co-founder and member of R-WELLNESS in Baton Rouge, LA. From 2016 to 2018, he also served as a national account manager and consultant for Fitness Ventures International in Charleston, South Carolina. From 2015 to 2016, he served as Northeastern Regional Manager fo

With a refined focus on clean eating, a literal approach to menu transparency, authenticity, and a digital-first approach, Balance Grille has been turning heads throughout the fast-casual industry since 2010, solving for nearly every issue facing the restaurant arena today and instead turning them into key differentiators for the brand.  Prakash Karamchandani (PK) is the co-founder of Balance Grille. Since its founding in 2010, Balance Grille has successfully reinvented the fast-casual concept, Asian Fusion cuisine, and the franchise business model. It currently has 5 locations, which PK owns and operates along with his buddy-turned-business-partner, HoChan Jang (CJ). PK’s focus is on refining kitchen efficiencies, customer experience, and business operations.   Key Takeaways: [2:34] - PK shares the experience of meeting HoChan and deciding to team up to create Balance Grille. [4:40] - During the economic downturn at the time, PK and CJ were turned down time and time again. [6:38] - It’s not as easy as it see

After 15 years of working his way up through the competitive ranks of NYC’s financial sector, Andrew Pudalov made a conscientious decision to leave his most recent position as Global Head of Fixed Income Derivative Trading at National Australia Bank to pursue an interest he felt was a virtue of higher importance. While he worked his entire adult life for a number of prestigious financial institutions to achieve an expertise in institutional fixed income derivative trading, he simply felt it time to gratify another more altruistic ambition he had always held. Andrew founded Boulder’s University Hill District’s first all-natural bowl/smoothie bar in the fall of 2004, providing a healthy alternative to the common “Hill” fare. After enormous success, Andrew launched a line of frozen grab-n-go bowls soon to meet the ever-mounting demand. Today, he operates Rush Bowls retail, wholesaling, and franchising with over 100 stores in various stages of development throughout the US. Rush Bowls continues to receive both re

Lisa Druxman is a mom on a mission. She is the founder of FIT4MOM, the country's largest fitness program for moms, a noted speaker, author, podcaster and powerhouse of energy. A self proclaimed idea monkey and #momboss, Lisa is passionate about helping women get out of overwhelm and in to a life of health and happiness. A well-published author, Druxman has written on business for Entrepreneur and on motherhood for magazines such as Fit Pregnancy, Shape and more. Recognizing her entrepreneurship, Druxman has also been nominated for and received numerous honors from organizations such as the National Association of Women Business Owners for her unique and successful business. FIT4MOM offers pre and postnatal health, wellness, and fitness programs for every stage of motherhood. All of their programs were created by moms for moms to provide Strength in Motherhood®. FIT4MOM is the world’s largest fitness program for moms with 2600+ locations, 1500 locations, and 310 franchise owners nationwide.   Key Takeaways: [2

Today’s guest is Pete DiFilippo, a principal at C Squared Advisors, a leading investment bank and advisory firm that helps multi-unit franchisees in the restaurant and retail industries maximize the value of their businesses by presenting comprehensive solutions and executing complex transactions. Prior to joining C Squared, DiFilippo served in franchise finance leadership roles for well-known national banking institutions. With more than 100 years of collective experience, C Squared has helped sell, purchase, re-franchise, and recapitalize more than 10,000 franchised locations. Services include mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, valuations, private financing and recapitalization, restructuring, and ongoing financial advisory services.   Key Takeaways: [2:46] - Pete shares his background and experience in business and franchising. [4:20] - Covid-19 changed so many things and caused a lot of turmoil in the industry. [6:23] - Some franchisees may get to a point where they want or need to sell. [8:29] - Pet

Brian Kelley has served as the President and CEO of Phenix Salon Suites for just under four years, leading the brand toward exponential growth and success across more than 340 locations in 34 states through the U.S. and now internationally. He has over 25 years of financing, owning, operating, and developing franchise businesses all across the United States in both the salon and restaurant industries. Mr. Kelley currently leads the charge as the salon suite concept continues expanding its global and national footprint. Phenix is a salon suite rental concept that offers an opportunity for salon and lifestyle professionals to operate their own business in a private salon suite within a larger, well-located salon. The brand licenses individualized suites so professionals can service their clients in a safe and secure environment. Founded in 2007 by beauty expert and celebrity hairstylist Gina Rivera, the Phenix suites concept has reinvented the salon industry. The company began franchising in 2012 and today has

Chris Prefontaine is the four-time best-selling author of Real Estate on Your Terms, The New Rules of Real Estate Investing, and Sell With Authority for Real Estate Investors. He’s also the founder of the Wicked Smart companies and host of the Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast. With over 31 years experience in real estate, Chris’s expertise ranges from constructing new homes and owning a Realty Executive Franchise to running his own investments and coaching clients throughout North America. Most of the time, franchising involves real estate. In our conversation today, Chris explains the difference between real estate strategies for franchisors and franchisees when thinking about locations and growth. Chris offers a lot of great resources for franchisees to learn about creative real estate and offers a wide range of real estate topics on his own podcast.   Key Takeaways: [2:35] - Chris shares his background and how his extensive experience in real estate has had an impact on franchising. [4:15] - After the crash

From franchisee to franchisor, Sharon Arthofer knows exactly what a franchisee needs. Sharon began her career in retail and made a shift 30 years ago as the first franchisee of Wetzel’s Pretzels. She was instrumental in growing the company from one location to malls across the country. But now, she has become the franchisor of a new and emerging concept. Sharon Arthofer is the Founder and CEO of Sip Fresh, a mall-based beverage stop for customers with a big twist. The hand-crafted concept puts Sip Fresh on the map as having a one of a kind product and the growth has been very steady for the company.  Today’s episode is all about Sip Fresh’s start and Sharon’s perspective as a franchisee and now a franchisor. She’s seen how it works first hand and can be the driving force behind Sip Fresh’s success for current and new franchisees.   Key Takeaways: [2:50] - Sharon was the first franchisee of Wetzel’s Pretzels. [3:55] - After 30 years with Wetzel’s, Sharon saw a void she thought she could fill and went down the

With an extensive background of 30+ years in franchising, today’s guest shares his perspective on the franchise business model and his shift from food service to restoration. Bob Moore is the Vice President of Franchise Operations for United Water Restoration Group. United Water Restoration Group (UWR) has provided water restoration services and reconstruction for the last 15 years and looks forward to future growth as it is currently about to cross the 100 unit mark for franchise locations.  United Water Restoration is a full service restoration company available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for water, flood, fire, storm, sewage, and mold emergencies. The organization has served the state of Florida for many years but has evolved into a national franchise bringing the same level of professionalism, family values, and personal attention.   Key Takeaways: [2:08] - Bob shares his 30 year background in franchising. [3:40] - United Water Restoration Group serves residential and commercial customers after various

Today’s guest has carved out a unique lane in the food industry offering all the benefits of a typical cold juice bar but with the added micro-cafe toast concept. This puts the brand in a whole different category that reaches a much broader audience and certainly gives them a unique edge in the market. We’re talking about Toastique, with founder and CEO Brianna Keefe. She created the first Toastique storefront just five years ago at the age of 24 with nothing to lose. And the success was immediate. Now with franchising available, the brand is expanding quickly and Brianna’s attention to detail has these new locations ready to give customers an amazing experience.  The brand is healthy, fast casual food which is a rare combination in today’s restaurant industry and it was created around no extreme cooking equipment. This makes overhead, build out, and insurance less costly. Listen to this interview with Brianna Keefe to learn how she has launched a successful and thriving business and developed an unforgettabl

Today’s guest is Michael Slupecki, CEO of Griswold Home Care. He joined Griswold in 2020 as the CEO and is responsible for leading the development, operations, and execution of their short and long-term strategies. His career in home care began in 2004 when he joined a domestic franchise home healthcare, home Hospice, and healthcare staffing company as their controller. Over his tenure, he found himself in the role of the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, transforming the organization into a multinational franchisor of in-home medical and non-medical care, managing three brands across seven countries with a combined network of over 500 franchise locations. With 170 locations in 30 states, Griswold Home Care is one of the country’s top home care companies, delivering compassionate care 24/7 to its clients. Its purpose is to give people the help they need to live in the place they love. Through this purpose, Griswold Home Care helps adults maintain quality of life despite advanced age or onse

With proven success developing 26 franchise brands across multiple industries, Joe Malmuth brings over 15 years of experience, progressive thinking, motivation, and enthusiasm to the world of franchising. Known for his unique ability to seamlessly blend the art and science behind a revenue building franchise development program, Malmuth has been instrumental in the accelerated success of many world-class and innovative brands.  Joe’s expertise in starting new franchises and developing growth in established brands is unmatched. In our conversation today, Joe explains the benefits of a tight niche with a wide net, unique advantages to franchising, and the key to creating successful systems within a business.   Key Takeaways: [2:22] - Joe shares his background and how he started in franchising. [3:52] - Over his career, he has worked with franchises that are just starting and some are established brands. [5:01] - Batteries Plus has been around since 1986 and started out as a local battery shop. [7:00] - All Batt

Let’s talk about the finances of a startup. It can be daunting and a stressful consideration for entrepreneurs. Initially, there is so much spending and the revenue just isn’t there for the first several months to offset it yet. If you’ve been a business owner before, you know that the first few months can be a whirlwind of planning and bringing in funds. And for most of us, we begin with a loan. Grant Ferguson is the CEO of Unsecured Funding Source, and he’s here today to talk about this process and what makes his organization unique. Grant is a growth expert, change agent, and innovative leader. As the CEO of UFS, Grant works with business owners and entrepreneurs to navigate the increasingly complex world of lending and finds the best solutions to meet their capital needs.   Key Takeaways: [2:23] - Grant shares his background in finance and as an entrepreneur. [3:57] - He had the idea of acquiring a business rather than starting from scratch. [5:13] - Unsecured Funding Source provides unsecured loans for b

It is a rare occurrence to have a leader in the franchise space that operates two distinct brands! But today, David Bloom joins me as the Chief Development and Operating Officer of two different franchises: Capriotti’s and Wing Zone. In this episode, David describes the differences and similarities of both franchises, both within the casual dining space. His early career with iconic brands both in the hotel and restaurant industries prepared him for his current role and he was able to learn how to strategically accelerate brand expansion. Now in leadership with two brands, he has been successful in scaling both to new heights with 190 current Capriotti’s locations and 300 more in development. Key Takeaways: [2:24] - It’s not the norm to have someone lead two different brands simultaneously. [3:09] - David shares his background and how he found himself working in casual dining and hotels. [4:26] - Although having worked in different industries, David’s main love is restaurants. [6:46] - There are several b

Eric Casaburi started Retro Fitness in the heart of the 2008 recession. Experiencing unexpected and unprecedented growth during what was otherwise described as “dark” economic times, he eventually grew Retro Fitness to 150+ locations nationwide. Today, Casaburi is in the public spotlight once more as the Founder and CEO of the country's first anti-aging franchise brand, Serotonin Centers, also launched during the roughest of economic times – the heart of the 2020 pandemic. Serotonin Anti-Aging Centers is a first-of-its-kind treatment facility that is expanding nationally in an effort to impact the livelihoods of as many people and communities as possible; ideally helping countless members of the public to enjoy the aging process and lead their fullest lives.   Key Takeaways: [2:47] - There are some things that you simply can’t control, but Eric took the opportunity during challenging times to make the best decisions he could. [4:32] - Eric shares his background and why he was inspired to launch Retro Fitness

Before the trampoline park boom in the family entertainment industry, Launch Entertainment was a really new concept. Rob Arnold, CEO of Launch Entertainment joins me today to talk about the opportunities in the family entertainment industry and how they’ve been able to stay ahead of the trend by building a robust experience for the entire family. The family entertainment industry is expected to reach a whopping $69 billion this year and Rob knows first hand what it is like to tap into that potential. Listen to this episode of Franchise Euphoria to learn about the company, their goals, and how their mom-and-pop trampoline park idea has evolved into more than 30 franchise locations complete with a full restaurant and multiple attractions.   Key Takeaways: [3:42] - Rob and his wife have always been entrepreneurs and he shares how the idea for Launch Entertainment was developed. [6:43] - At the time in 2011, there were only about 150 parks like this in the country. [8:31] - Their personal experience in 2011 took

For many franchises, the goal is to expand. Depending on the business model, ideal locations, and finding the right people, this can be done quickly or it could be a slower process. But the most important thing is that there is a plan for business expansion and tactics in place to see the right results. Chuck Pistor, President and CEO of Miracle Method talks about just that in today’s episode of Franchise Euphoria. Miracle Method is the nation’s largest home improvement franchise and has been around since 1977. Starting out with a few locations in California, now Miracle Method has 165 locations with over 40% of sites breaking a million dollars in sales yearly. In today’s discussion, Chuck explains how Miracle Method works, what they do, who they serve, and how they are implementing growth tactics to reach their expansion goal in 2023.   Key Takeaways: [2:39] - Chuck shares his own background and how he wound up as CEO of Miracle Method. [5:04] - He began as a consumer but eventually bought Miracle Method in

Today’s unique franchise concept comes from husband and wife duo Shiva and James Boecker. Shiva and James are the founders of Rockstar Martial Arts and they founded the brand when they realized there was a hole in the fitness market. They set out to create a luxury concept that fostered discipline and leadership skills in kids through martial arts and a connection with their families and community. What started out as a one location business became a franchise with 6, soon to be 7, locations in Texas and a possibility of expansion into Florida and Georgia. The conversation we have today goes beyond what it is like to walk into a Rockstar Martial Arts location. Shiva and James share the ups and downs of beginning this process and what it is like to be in business with their spouse.   Key Takeaways: [3:03] - Shiva and James are a husband and wife team. They share their background in martial arts and their desire to do more. [4:37] - When she experienced more high end boutique fitness centers in Florida, Shiva r

The way we work has forever been changed as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, people want the option to work remotely or are driven to create their own (often online) business. This has created an interesting opportunity for a new franchise called Success Space. Ted Laatz, President of Success Space, joins the Franchise Euphoria Podcast today to talk about the emerging coworking concept that is a subsidiary of EXP World Holdings. This unique concept allows people to use an office space without paying monthly rent or lease and has amenities that other shared office spaces do not offer, like a cafe and access to a full time Certified Success Coach. Ted also discusses and gives great advice for other brands looking to incorporate technology into their existing model.   Key Takeaways: [3:34] - Welcome to the show, Ted! Ted shares his background in franchising. [5:29] - Ted describes the usual coworking industry and how Success Space is different. The way we work has changed. [7:10] - Success Space is