FranchiseU!
FranchiseU! provides education and inspiration to those in, or considering careers within, franchising. This podcast is produced by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville. The Center’s vision is to empower communities to create and sustain generational wealth using the franchising business model.
Episodes
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Mike Esposito, Founder of Franchise Equity Partners. Listen and learn why franchisees are good investments!
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Stephanie Schon, MBA, PMP, CSP, President at The Bar Method.
As President of The Bar Method, Stephanie Schon leads operations and growth for the low-impact barre fitness studio chain, with approximately 80 studios in the United States and Canada. The Bar Method was acquired in 2019 by Self-Esteem Brands, which also owns Anytime Fitness, Basecamp Fitness, Waxing the City, and Stro...
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Heather McLeod, MBA, CFE, Chief Growth Officer at Authority Brands. McLeod oversees the key growth drivers for the premier home service franchisor in North America. She is also a franchisee with Woofie's Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers & Mobile Pet Groomers. This special episode offers you sage wisdom from both a franchisor’s and franchisee’s perspective.
Heather McLeod’s focus at A...
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Alicia Miller, Author of Big Money in Franchising: Scaling Your Enterprise in the Era of Private Equity. The marriage of private equity and franchising may be a mystery to you, but one thing is certain. The influx of Private Equity capital in franchising has accelerated the growth of many franchisors and multi-unit franchisees. Make sure to listen as Miller provides valuab...
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Dennis Weese, Chairman of the Board of West Point Optical. During their lively conversation they discuss Weese's career journey (which emphasizes the importance of collaborative relationships between franchisors and franchisees), the support and training provided by Pearl Vision, as well as West Point Optical's infrastructure and plans for growth. Weese offers valuable advice tha...
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Del Salinas, Director of Franchise Development at the Caring Senior Service. Kathy and Del discuss the unique principles that make up Caring Senior Service and specifically talk about how they use AI to improve their customer service.
Salinas is responsible for expanding the Caring brand into new territories. Salinas was recruited to work with Caring from his previous roles in re...
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Doug Smith, Senior Vice-President of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group.
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Doug Smith, Senior Vice-President of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group.
During the interview Smith stresses the importance of setting realistic expectations and the dedication needed for success. Smith also shares the evolution o...
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Randy Shacka, President of Two Men and a Truck. Shacka shares the companies history from a one-location small business, to being a franchisor, to being acquired by an internationally-known company. Shacka specifically discusses Two Men and a Truck’s corporate values which has remained the same through all stages of their development.
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Pete First, Chief Development Officer with BrightStar Care. First discusses the business of In-home and Facility Personal Care. Then, First shares how well franchising serves this industry and how offering complimentary brands provide amazing opportunities to franchisees.
First joined BrightStar Care in 2018 as the Vice President of Franchise Development and has served as the Chi...
In this special edition of FranchiseU!, Kathy welcomes back Monica Rothgery to dive deeper into her book, "Lessons from the Drive Thru."
Kathy and Monica discuss such pivotal lessons as the importance of saying yes to opportunities and creating memorable first impressions for new team members. They delve into challenges faced by modern managers, such as, navigating social media dynamics, addressing wage increases, and competing in ...
In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Brian Belmont, CEO of FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers. Belmont discusses the benefits of franchising services that are not traditionally organized as franchises. Belmont shares his career history, a reminder of the multiple opportunities provided by franchising a business.
In this bonus episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy speaks with Michael Gray about the recent ruling by the Federal Trade Commission that bans non-compete contracts and the potential impact on franchises and employees.
Mr. Gray serves as a Commercial Litigation attorney at Lathrop GPM. His 38 years' experience representing franchisors throughout the United States provides him a unique understanding of the new FTC rule.
In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Jim Holthouser, CEO of GoTo Foods. Jim Holthouser shares his career history as well as his thoughts on Leadership. Here is your opportunity to learn from a true success story in the Franchise Industry.
In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Monica Rothgery, former COO of KFC in the United States and Author. This is truly a special episode that shares an open conversation between two friends about lessons they have learned during their careers. Luckily, we are able to read about some of them in the book, Lessons From The Drive Thru.
Monica Rothgery’s Bio:
Thirty years ago, Monica was a Restaurant General Manager f...
In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Gregg Majewski From Craveworthy Brands. Craveworthy Brands is an excellent representation of a platform brand. Listen to hear concrete examples of the opportunities that platform brands offer to franchisees.
In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with George Tinsley from GWTinsley Consulting. George shares valuable life lessons from his early career, how he grew his business, and his thoughtful succession plans. Make sure to get Mr. Tinsley’s books to learn more from his amazing life!
In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Jeremy Morgan from WellBiz Brands. During the discussion they share an interesting perspective on the benefits of franchising complimentary brands. Near the end of the episode they explore how Drybar® went international.
Jeremy Morgan is the Chief Executive Officer for WellBiz Brands, Inc, the nation’s premiere franchisor of five beauty and wellness franchise brands: Drybar®, ...
In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Carl Udler from Hughes. During the conversation they cover two interesting topics. The first is about the potential uses of technology in a brick-and-mortar franchise to improve efficiency. The second is how Hughes is an excellent example of the opportunities offered to suppliers of a franchise.
Carl Udler possesses a rare blend of technology expertise combined with Certified ...
In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Erik Helgesen and Stephen R. Preuss from PayMore Group. They grew their one store to a franchised business model with 120 planned units. Listen to how and why they chose to maximize their opportunities through the power of franchising.
In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Bennett Maxwell from Dirty Dough Cookies. Maxwell’s stories about the founding of Dirty Dough Cookies are full of examples the opportunities that present themselves when you ‘Zig’ rather than ‘Zag’. From when he chose to buy the business to when he chose to buy billboards, you can learn from him. With his many accomplishments, make sure to listen to the end to hear what makes ...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.
If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people.
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.
Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.