Modrn Business

Modrn Business

Co-hosted by the dynamic duo Ryan Hicks & Zack Fishman, Modrn Business is an award-winning, interview-style podcast that spotlights franchising's brightest executives. Follow along each week as we uncover franchising's top technology trends, the hottest franchise industries to invest in, ways to improve your own franchise business and how to potentially become a franchisee.

Episodes

April 24, 2025 48 mins
In this MB episode, Zack checks in with franchising’s resident brainiacs, Edith Wiseman and Alicia Miller from FranData. We discuss how the perception of resales are changing, standardizing credit fund scoring to decrease risk for franchisees, how franchisors are using technology to become more “asset-light”, is the “low-investment” rush here to stay and much more!
Mark as Played
In this episode, Zack chats with Kaleidoscope Growth Advisors’ Ali McElroy about all things operations. We discuss pitfalls in growing a brand early, her recommended first hire for a young franchisor, the industries she believes give highest likelihood of “sustainable growth” and her methodology to building enterprise value.
Mark as Played
In this episode Zack Fishman and Ryan Hicks break down a list of their top thoughts and six topics here in the month of April: 1) The Top Learnings From UnConference:
Game-Changing Insights on Value Creation & Growth. Featuring David Barr (Franchise Investor, Chairman of PMTD Restaurants, and former IFA Chairman) and Chris Dull (CEO of Freddy's Frozen Custard). 2) Sneak Peak: YoungCon Agenda Is Here! A quick thumbnail on what the...
Mark as Played
Join Ryan Hicks and Zack Fishman as they host Jamie Adams, Chief Revenue Officer of Scorpion, and Ryan Combe, Managing Partner of Cornerstone Franchise Partners. In this episode we dive into the latest chatter from the IFA convention and share behind‑the‑scenes insights on franchising trends, technology decisions, and the power of networking. From debating whether to build or buy tech to discussing economic forecasts and mentorshi...
Mark as Played
In this Modrn Business episode, Zack chats with one of franchising’s foremost experts on early-stage franchisors, Brian Luciani of SMB Franchise Advisors & Stadium Ventures. We talk about venture capital’s increased prominence with franchisors, start-up category trends from 2024, what we’ll be seeing in 2025 and how the new Trump administration will dictate the types of brands we see start franchising in the years to come.
Mark as Played
In this MB conversation, Ryan hosts the co-founders of Sales Chatz, a franchise development advertising technology that has disrupted the way franchisors use Meta advertising to attract franchise candidates.
Mark as Played
In this episode, Zack sits down with CEO & Founder of Fransmart, Dan Rowe, to talk all things franchise sales. We get into his humble beginnings, what industries within franchising he has historically gravitated to, his opinions on how to build enterprise value through franchise sales, his secrets to sourcing MUMBOs leads (hint, it’s not easy to replicate) and his outlook on how franchise sales will change in this decade.
Mark as Played
In this episode, Ryan Hicks and Zack Fishman bring on guests Jamie Adams, (Chief Revenue Officer of Scorpion) and Ryan Combe (Managing Partner of Cornerstone Franchise Partners) to reflect on key winners and trends in the franchise landscape in 2024, and make predictions for 2025. We also explore significant leadership changes, lessons learned in 2024, and contrarian beliefs for the future of franchising, emphasizing the importan...
Mark as Played
In MB’s first episode of 2025, Zack is joined by Serviceminder’s new CEO, Berkley Simmons and their Founder & CTO, John Keene, to talk all things PE within home service. We discuss how technology plays a role in reaching your next stage of growth, predictions for how franchise technology will play a role in this second phase of PE investment, the right time to roll out a robust technology such as Serviceminder and the importance of...
Mark as Played
December 17, 2024 45 mins
In this episode, Zack explores the new industry of smart home automation with the franchisor to market, Daisy CEO & Founder, Hagan Kappler. We discuss her decision to go the venture capital route, her “grow by acquisition” strategy, her plans for starting franchise development and the future of the smart home automation industry.
Mark as Played
In the Modrn Business episode Ran chats with Gary Liskovich, Founder & CEO of Harmonyze.
Mark as Played
December 5, 2024 32 mins
In this episode, Zack chats with a local IL franchisor, Joe Tota, CEO & Founder of Tapville, about one of his favorite categories within franchising, bars. We talk through their differentiators, their model innovations, their ideal customer profile, the types of franchisees they attract, where they see the bar industry within franchising going and how data helps all of their franchisees win.
Mark as Played
In this episode, Zack revisits one of his favorite categories within franchising, pet services, to talk with Scenthound Co-Founders Tim & Jessica Vogel. We get an update on the brand’s progress since my last conversation with Tim, get into the inner-workings of the brand positioning with Jessica, learn how the brand’s ideal candidate profile has evolved with their recent professionalization and about emerging services they believe ...
Mark as Played
After 1 year, a lot has changed for Protein Bar & Kitchen. Several new franchisees in the pipeline, non-traditional locations sprouting up across the country and suburban locations humming. What is inside this first-time franchisor rapid rise? Tune into this episode to hear from the sources, CEO Jeff Drake and VP of Franchise Development Jimmy McFeeters, on exactly how!
Mark as Played
In this episode, Zack chats with the founder of the automotive franchise space’s most exciting brand, Tint World. We delve deep into his meteoric rise, how his heritage of a multi-unit franchisee has helped his growth with fellow MUMBOs, how technology has played a role, why automotive after-market is the surest bet in the industry today and exciting news for 2025.
Mark as Played
Modrn Business welcomes franchise technologist and CEO of Serviceminder, John Keene, onto the show discuss all facets of the franchise technology world. Between PE in franchising, AI, point solutions vs. all-in-one and everything in between, this episode covers all of the major topics franchise brands grapple with when it comes to tech!
Mark as Played
In this Supplier Wire Series episode of Modrn Business Podcast, Ryan Hicks chats with Kyle McEuen, SVP of ProfitKeeper. ProfitKeeper is the ultimate franchise analytics platform that empowers every franchisor and franchisee to achieve more. Ryan & Kyle discuss how ProfitKeeper turns financial and operational franchise data into actionable insights, and why ProfitKeeper is trusted by some of the largest franchise brands. Connect w...
Mark as Played
The Incredible Story of Stephen Shields: The multi-unit Express Employment Professionals Franchisee put everything on the line at 26 years old. He moved to Joplin MO (where he knew nobody) and built the American Dream. Listen to this episode to hear his playbook. Share it with someone you know! This story needs to be told. Episode Summary: In this special edition of Modrn Business Podcast, Ryan Hicks sits down in person with Ste...
Mark as Played
In this episode, Zack hops on with Bun Mee’s CEO & Founder, Denise Tran. We discuss her founding story, how she went about educating consumers on Vietnamese cuisine, where she believes her best opportunities for growth are, where she sees the brand in 3-5 years and how she’s creating franchising’s first Vietnamese food powerhouse.
Mark as Played
In this episode, Zack dives into all things “eatertainment” with one of franchising’s foremost investigate journalists, Laura Michaels, Editor-In-Chief of Franchise Times. We discuss the industry’s viability, which modulars will emerge, the international influences of the category, the types of franchisees these brands should target and the pitfalls we’ve already seen.
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.