Why I Left Finance For This: Insights and Opportunities - With Fred Fry

DESCRIPTION:

In this episode of the Franchise Hot Seat, host John Hayes interviews Fred Fry, Vice 

President of Franchise Development for 16 Handles. Fred shares his career journey 

from banking and finance to the franchise industry, highlighting how he discovered 

franchising through a friend at church after relocating to Texas. He previously 

worked with HTO and Shipley Donuts, where he played key roles in their significant 

growth. The episode dives into the appeal of franchising, the opportunities for 

financial and personal growth it offers, and the challenges and benefits of different 

franchise concepts. Fred emphasizes the importance of community involvement, 

systems, and strong management in ensuring franchisee success. The conversation 

also touches on financing options for franchisees, including SBA loans. Fred 

discusses the strategic decisions that new leadership at 16 Handles has made, 

including community engagement, technology stack improvements, and leveraging 

social media, to ensure the brand's growth and success.

- With Fred Frey

TIMESTAMPS (Use ChatGPT on Transcript):

00:00 Intro

00:28 How did Fred start franchising?

01:57 What drove transition to franchising?

03:32 Why franchise in Texas? Costs?

05:29 Biggest franchise development challenges/rewards?

07:31 How to finance franchise investments?

10:20 Best ownership style for engagement?

16:48 Why is franchisor support crucial?

21:04 What killed frozen yogurt's boom?

30:23 Why are franchise systems important?

LINKS:

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