How to Build a Profitable Franchise Brand w/ Kevin Wilson

What separates good franchisors from great ones? This episode unpacks the lessons behind building, scaling, and selling franchise brands that thrive long term.

 Kevin Wilson has spent his career at the intersection of strategy and franchising, turning ideas into nationally recognized brands and scaling businesses others thought couldn’t be scaled. From growing Mosquito Joe into a 350-unit system before selling to Neighborly, to acquiring and expanding British Swim School from 60 to 360+ locations, his track record of franchise growth speaks for itself.

In this conversation, Kevin shares what it really takes to grow a franchise brand. He explains how strong unit economics forms the foundation for success, why data and analytics transformed support for franchisees, and how brand positioning and marketing can set a concept apart in crowded industries. He also shares the critical factors franchisors should consider when deciding when to scale, when to exit, and how to prepare for the next wave of shifts such as AI, technology, and rising customer expectations.

Kevin is the Chairman and CEO of Buzz Franchise Brands, a multi-brand franchising company that includes Pool Scouts (pool cleaning), Home Clean Heroes (residential home cleaning), The British Swim School (swimming lessons), Wonderly Lights (holiday lighting), and the former owner of Mosquito Joe, a 350-unit system before selling to Neighborly in 2018. Prior to this, he co-founded Volaris, a low-cost airline and now the largest airline in Mexico, spent several years in Private Equity and oversaw $160M in capital, was an Executive with South African Airways, and prior to this was a Consultant with Bain and Company in the Dallas Office. 

Whether you’re an emerging franchisor or leading a multi-brand system, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you scale smarter and build a franchise brand that lasts.

Connect with Kevin Wilson

Buzz Franchise Brands - https://buzzfranchisebrands.com/

Email - [e-mail]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwilsonbfb/

Episode Highlights:

• Kevin’s journey from Bain and Company to bagels to Buzz Franchise Brands
• Lessons learned building and selling Mosquito Joe
• How positioning and marketing transformed franchise growth
• How data and real-time analytics transformed franchisee support
• How Kevin timed his Mosquito Joe exit by watching franchise valuations
• Acquiring British Swim School and scaling it from 60 to 360+ locations
• The role of purpose and mission in franchise growth
• What franchisors must prepare for next: AI, technology, and rising customer expectations

Connect with Tracy

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/

Email: [e-mail]

Connect with Shannon

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

Website - https://shineexecutivecoaching.com/

Email - [e-mail]