Using Data to Drive Growth for a Successful Franchise w/ Sam Ballas

What does it really take to build a franchise brand where record sales, loyalty, and work-life balance all go hand-in-hand?

Today’s guest, Sam Ballas, is a serious numbers guy (his license plate literally says EBITDA!). And he is diving into his trademarked philosophy “driven by unit level economics”. Sam shares why focusing on the numbers at each location beats chasing super-sized national growth, and how regional relationships and relentless data tracking keeps his brands profitable and tight-knit. He also shares the importance of the quality of life (and ballet recitals!) even before expansion and how he stops franchise sales entirely when the time isn’t right.

Sam G. Ballas is the visionary Founder and Managing Partner of ZorAbility, Inc., as well as the President and Chief Executive Officer of East Coast Wings + Grill (ECW+G), Co-Founder of Sammy’s Sliders, Co-Founder/Investor of Dine Growth Group (DGG) and Vice Chair of the International Franchise Association (IFA). With over 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry and 31 years in financial markets and retail real estate development, Sam has cultivated a deep understanding of building successful franchise models. His leadership is grounded in blending traditional methods with innovative, proprietary strategies to create enduring brands.

So, if you want honest, battle-tested advice on franchising, balancing growth and happiness, and building teams that actually love what they do then this episode is for you!

Connect with Sam

Email - [e-mail]

Email - [e-mail]

Episode Highlights:

• Sam Ballas’ background and brand philosophy

• Building franchise brands and expansion strategy

• What are FSO’s and how do they function

• Data-driven strategies and supporting franchisees

• Leadership decisions during market challenges

• Vetting ideal franchise owners

• The realities and challenges of restaurant franchising

• Life-work balance and organizational culture

• Team structure and leadership model

• Validation and franchise system growth

• Franchisee support and operational consistency

Franchise Directory - https://www.sba.gov/document/support-sba-franchise-directory

Franchise Registry - https://www.franchiseregistry.com/

Current SBA SOP - https://www.sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-lender-development-company-loan-programs

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]