Dynamic Disruption

The CEO of Home Services at Phoenix Franchise Brands, Kevin Longe, joined us for this episode of Dynamic Disruption. We unpacked how in-house development, 10-year franchise contracts, and strong franchisee relationships have fueled rapid growth. We also dive into how AI and smart marketing strategies are giving home service brands a serious competitive edge. A must-listen for entrepreneurs and bus...

In this episode of  Dynamic Disruption , we sat down with Chad Palmer, CMO of United Franchise Group (UFG), one of the world's largest franchise development organizations. Chad pulls back the curtain on how UFG is harnessing AI and digital transformation not just to market franchises — but to fundamentally reimagine how they support franchisees, create brand synergy across 40+ diverse concepts...

In this episode, Marc Torres, CEO of Cheba Hut, shares his journey from frontline worker to CEO, emphasizing the importance of authentic culture, local community engagement, and strategic growth. Discover how staying true to core values and fostering pride among staff can drive brand success.

In this episode, we sit down with Emily Hazard, Retail Network Development Marketing Director at Fortidia, the company behind global franchise brands including AlphaGraphics, PostNet, and World Options. With more than 3,200 locations worldwide, Emily shares how Fortidia grows franchise networks while maintaining a strong culture and local community connection. We discuss the importance of selectin...

In this conversation, Mallory Pruitt, the Executive Director of Ellianos Coffee, shares her inspiring journey from a barista to a leader in the coffee industry. She discusses her diverse career path, the strategic growth of Ellianos over the years, and the importance of networking and persistence in achieving career goals.

Don Champion, SVP of Sales and Development for Penn Station East Coast Subs, joins us this episode to explore the major shifts in the fast-casual dining industry and how brands are adapting to changing customer expectations. We dive into strategies for growth, maintaining brand identity, and the critical role of franchise owners in delivering value and engagement.

In this episode, Mary Wehrer, VP of Marketing and Merchandising for Floyd's 99 Barbershop, shares how her team thoughtfully blends digital channels with traditional tactics to drive growth and stay connected to diverse customer groups. She breaks down why community engagement, grassroots partnerships, and continuous innovation remain core to their strategy.

This episode features Chad Offerdahl, President and Co-CEO of Big Biscuit, who shares his philosophy on building an enduring brand through people-first leadership. He explains that excellent customer experience is directly fueled by employee satisfaction and talks about Big Biscuit's commitment to sustainable growth, which means prioritizing a "small company mindset" and the right fr...

In this episode of Dynamic Disruption , host Mary Hanula welcomes Matt Labuda, Vice President of Marketing at LINE-X , to discuss how the company has grown from a truck bed protection provider into a comprehensive vehicle customization brand. Matt shares how LINE-X adapted during economic challenges, embraced digital transformation, and built a loyal customer base through authenticity and quality....

Discover the unique approach that sets Aroma Joe's apart in the competitive QSR space, focusing on authentic customer connections and community engagement. Carrie McAleese Riley, CMO of Aroma Joe's, shares insights on leadership, advocating for oneself in male-dominated industries, and maintaining work-life balance.

Amita Balla, VP of Brand Excellence for Crunch Fitness, came on the show to share what she's learned from her 35-year journey in the fitness industry. Gain insights on the importance of leadership and mentorship in personal and professional growth, learn how to curate a culture of authenticity, and hear why feedback and recognition are crucial for a great work environment.

BaseCamp Franchising, consisting of Uptown Cheapskate and Kid to Kid, is run by a dynamic sibling duo, Co-CEOs Tyler and Zach Gordon. The two are revolutionizing the thrift store model by prioritizing franchisee success, integrating customer feedback, and leveraging proprietary software for enhanced operations. Hear about their mission of sustainability and community impact and how they challenge...

This episode features Michelin-starred Chef Anthony Amoroso, Vice President of Innovation and Growth for Maggiano's Little Italy, who discusses his role and the brand's exciting culinary evolution. He shares how Maggiano's elevates the dining experience through exceptional ingredients, quality, and service. Discover Maggiano's future growth plans, including restaurant refreshes and...

Welcome Anna Khayet, CMO of Padgett Advisors and Founder of Mastermind HQ as she discusses her journey, along with the complexities of marketing for accounting firms and the role of technology in the industry. Learn about the industry's dynamic new concept — Mastermind HQ, a platform aimed at bridging the gap in technology adoption among accountants and gain valuable advice on marketing strate...

Today's guest is Rick Mayo, CEO of Alloy Personal Training. This episode unpacks the brand model's distinctive strategy in the fitness world, how they reach their target demographic, their marketing journey evolution, and how they've fostered a thriving and inclusive community. We'll also highlight the critical role empathy plays in their customer care, revealing best practices and...

What does it take to build a fiercely loyal customer base in the competitive casual dining world? Newton Hoang, VP, Head of Marketing for Kura Sushi, pulls back the curtain on their winning formula. In this episode, explore Kura Sushi's deep-rooted commitment to its customers, delivering a unique and interactive dining experience unlike any other. Learn how understanding customer demographics...

What's better than turning your passion into a career? Amber Martinez, Brand President and Operating Partner of JEM Wellness Brands, shares her authentic journey in the fitness industry, emphasizing the importance of resilience, self-belief, and how to empower yourself while empowering others.

Great marketing starts with great storytelling. Hear how Andrew Nelson, Director of Marketing Strategy at HorsePower Brands, empowers his team to build trust through consultative marketing, positioning the customer as the hero of their own story. Learn how to create authentic connections with your consumer, and gain best practices for brand loyalty.

In this episode of Dynamic Disruption, we dive deep into the world of marketing and branding with Elaine Patel, Vice President of Guest Experience and Local Store Marketing for FAT Brands. Elaine emphasizes the importance of community engagement and guest experience in the fast-food industry. Notably, she highlights the innovative Brand Ambassador Program, which empowers frontline employees to get...

We sat down with Jules Pierre-Louis, Senior Manager of Growth Marketing for Cruise Planners. Jules gave insights on the evolution from early internet marketing to the current landscape dominated by AI. This is a must listen for entrepreneurs and marketing gurus wanting insights on how to understand your audience through data-driven strategies and the significance of self-awareness in pursuing busi...

Mike Andes, founder and CEO of Augusta Lawn Care, joined us to talk about the innovative franchise model he has developed, focusing on lead generation strategies, the importance of a command center for operations, and the shift from traditional to direct response marketing. We address the challenges of seasonality in the home services industry and shares insights on future trends, including AI int...

Stretch Zone CMO, Lindsey McFadden, talked about her journey from being a marketing partner of Stretch Zone to now being a full-time member of their leadership team. Lindsey shared more on finding her passion, the ongoing evolution of marketing strategies, and the unique client experience offered by Stretch Zone. Learn how to leverage tech and AI in business operations, empower franchisees for loc...

In this episode, Brad Wahl, Chief Brand Officer for The Learning Experience, talks about the brand reaching the 400 location mark, their commitment to creating joyful learning environments, fostering social-emotional development, and implementing innovative programs like STEM and STEAM. We also discuss TLE’s philanthropic efforts and their strategic approach to balancing digital marketing with com...

In this episode of Dynamic Disruption, Lynette McKee, SVP of Franchising at Potbelly, discusses the brand's aggressive expansion plans, focusing on franchisee recruitment, digital innovation, and maintaining quality across locations. She emphasizes the importance of a hands-on approach to support and innovation while fostering a family-like relationship with its franchisees.

Dive into the importance of customer experience and the key principles of a successful franchise model, shared by John T. Hewitt, Founder & CEO of Loyalty Brands. Learn insightful risks of entrepreneurship and personal experiences of mistakes and learning, and why brands should always advocate for a top tier experience for both the franchisee and customer. As a pioneer in the tax industry, Joh...