FranchiseU!
FranchiseU! is your inside track to the franchise world—whether you’re a franchisee, franchisor, investor, entrepreneur, corporate exec, or just franchise-curious. Hosted by Dr. Kathy Gosser, a leading voice in franchise education, the podcast features insightful interviews with industry pros and rising stars, from franchise owners to C-suite leaders, support specialists, scholars, and students. Each episode dives into real stories, lessons learned, and strategies that shape the franchise industry. Dr. Gosser brings her expertise and energy to every conversation, unpacking key takeaways and offering personal insights that connect the dots between theory and practice. It’s part conversation, part classroom, and all about helping you understand and thrive in franchising.
Episodes
I'm not the techiest person around. And so when I was approached to talk to a couple of folks about geofencing, I thought, geo what? So I had to take a look, find out what it was, but then it fascinated me, and it is a way for a small franchise to really maximize their foot traffic. So in this episode of FranchiseU!, I talk with Ernesto Cullari and Barbara Wardell, who've come up with an incredible concept.
In this episode of Franc...
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser and Dr. Isabel Botero joined by Bonny and Marcus Shelton, who share their incredible journey as multi-generational KFC franchisees. The Sheltons recount the inspiring history of Bacon Enterprises, Inc., starting with Bonnie's father in the 1960s, through their significant contributions to the KFC community, and culminating in the successful exit from their family business. They discu...
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser speaks with Jamie Krasnov, CEO of Apex Leadership Company, about his journey from finance to philanthropy-driven entrepreneurship. Krasnov discusses his background in private equity, his passion for franchising, and the innovative fundraising solutions provided by Apex Leadership. Apex conducts fun runs and other events at schools to raise funds significantly while teaching leadershi...
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser has a speaks with Erika Wasser,
co-founder and CEO of Prospr, a groundbreaking app designed to streamline communication, shift management, and culture building in multi-unit operations. They delve into the challenges of effective communication within franchises, especially with hourly team members. Wasser shares her journey from TV hosting to entrepreneurial ventures, highlighting the...
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser speaks with Michael Seaman,
co-founder and CEO of Swipesum, a comprehensive payment processing and merchant services consultancy delivering innovative auditing solutions to businesses nationwide. Seaman founded Swipesum in 2016 with his brother, Stephen, to serve as Chief Payments Officer for businesses nationwide, combining industry knowledge, AI and proprietary software to create a ...
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser speaks with
Will Cantrell, a seasoned employment and franchise attorney, regarding the intricacies of franchise law.
Cantrell, Founding Partner of Cantrell Schuette, P.A. is a nationally recognized leading attorney in handling complex disputes, litigation, and trials. Apart from his background in general commercial litigation, he specializes the areas of employment law, partnership an...
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser and Co-Host with Dr. Isabel Botero speaks with Aaron Engler, President of Border Foods, a large family-owned Taco Bell franchisee, and Mollie Sommer, Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist. Engler and Sommer share their backgrounds, professional journeys, and the roles they have undertaken in the family business which operates over 250 Taco Bell restaurants with 7,000 employees...
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser speaks with Kenny Rose the Founder and CEO of FranShares. After Rose shares his experience on the TV game show, The Price Is Right, Gosser and Rose discuss how franchises represent amazing investment opportunities and uniquely benefit investors, operators, and local communities.
FranShares is an innovative investment platform democratizing access to franchise ownership. With over a d...
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy speaks with Onyi Odunukwe. The discuss Odunukwe’s unique journey from studying nursing to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the tanning salon industry as CEO of Glo Tanning.
Despite initial family disapproval and an industry marred by bad press, Odunukwe’s perseverance led him to build over 100 salons that offer a range of services beyond tanning, including red light therapy. Odunukwe’s emp...
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy discusses the critical role of family-owned businesses in the global economy with Dr. Isabel Botero, an expert in family business and a professor at the University of Louisville. Dr. Botero shares her insights on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by family-owned franchises, emphasizing the importance of early preparation, effective communication, and strategic planning for generatio...
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Shawn Brady, the HR Director of Harman Management Corporation, the first franchisee of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). Brady shares his 51-year career journey, from starting as a shy 15-year-old to becoming a key figure in the corporation’s human resources and training services. He discusses the deep-rooted culture of the brand, the importance of treating employees well, and how Ha...
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Ryan Sawchuk, Founder of ReUp Companies. Sawchuk shares his background, from earning degrees in finance and economics to shifting his career focus from investment banking to sales, and eventually venturing into entrepreneurship. He discusses the inspiration behind starting ReUp in 2022 and franchising it by 2023. Ryan delves into his career experiences at companies like Zora, Cro...
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Aicha Bascaro, Founder of American Franchise Academy. Bascaro’s amazing career began when a Domino’s Pizza delivery driver drove by at the exact right time. After many years working in franchising nationally and internationally, she now educates others on how to manage businesses and themselves.
Bascaro is a 35+ year veteran in the franchise industry who grew through the ranks of...
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Gary Liskovich, Co-Founder & CEO at Harmonyze. Harmonyze is an AI-driven company that aims to enhance franchise operations through the use of cutting-edge technology.
With a strong foundation in engineering, Liskovich holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His early career led him through roles at Deloitte and several high-growth startup...
In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Samantha Gorman, Franchisee with Fitness Premier Clubs. Samantha’s personal and professional history offers inspiration and insight for those interested in making money with a franchise while not abandoning personal strengths and aspirations.
Samantha Gorman has always believed that it is our birthright to live a healthy, happy and fulfilling life. It has been her purpose to educ...
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...
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