From 13 Franchises to Freedom: Kristie Shifflette on Scaling & Exiting with Success

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome Kristie Shifflette, who shares her inspiring journey from corporate America to becoming a successful franchisee with Orange Theory Fitness.

Kristie dives into the challenges and triumphs of scaling her business to 13 locations, her experience navigating private equity, and the critical role of sales and team development in driving success. She also opens up about her post-exit chapter—new ventures in health and wellness, lessons learned, and how she’s redefining success after building and selling a thriving business.

This episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, franchise operators, and anyone considering private equity partnerships or planning for an eventual exit.

 

Key Takeaways

· It doesn’t really matter where you start; it’s how you finish.

· Sales and people development are crucial for business success.

· Pre-sales strategies can lead to profitability from day one.

· Having control over an area can provide a competitive advantage.

· Building a strong team structure is essential for scaling.

· Private equity can provide opportunities for growth and expansion.

· Understanding your numbers is key to executing a successful business strategy.

· Self-awareness is important in recognizing when to pivot or step back.

· Creating systems and processes can make a business more attractive to buyers.

· Empowering consumers with knowledge can lead to better health outcomes.

 

Connect with Kristie Schifflette

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristie-shifflette-0761353/

 

M&A Launchpad Conference

The M&A Launchpad Conference is where acquisition entrepreneurs, investors, and operators come together for a full day of deal-making, networking, and insights from industry leaders.

📍 Chicago, IL 📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025 🎟️ Tickets & Info: https://www.malaunchpad.com 💸 Use code LAUNCH for $200 off

 

Additional Resources

Watch our archive of video interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malaunchpad Contact the hosts: [e-mail] Learn more: https://equity-launchpad.com

 

About The M&A Launchpad: The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community. Connect with M&A Launchpad: 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m-a-launchpad/id1740382586 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/