FranchiseU!

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 o...

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 e...

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...

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...

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 fulfilli...

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, Bas...

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 p...

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 l...

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 gr...

In this episode of  FranchiseU! , Kathy sits down with Del Salinas , Director of Franchise Development at the Caring Senior Service . Kathy and Del discuss the unique principles that make up Caring Senior Service and specifically talk about how they use AI to improve their customer service.   Salinas is responsible for expanding the Caring brand into new territories. Salinas was recruited to work...

In this episode of  FranchiseU! , Kathy sits down with Doug Smith , Senior Vice-President of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group .   In this episode of  FranchiseU! , Kathy sits down with Doug Smith , Senior Vice-President of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group .   During the interview Smith stresses the importance of setting realistic expectations and the dedication needed...

In this episode of  FranchiseU! , Kathy sits down with Randy Shacka , President of Two Men and a Truck . Shacka shares the companies history from a one-location small business, to being a franchisor, to being acquired by an internationally-known company. Shacka specifically discusses Two Men and a Truck’s corporate values which has remained the same through all stages of their development.

In this episode of  FranchiseU! , Kathy sits down with Pete First , Chief Development Officer with BrightStar Care . First discusses the business of In-home and Facility Personal Care. Then, First shares how well franchising serves this industry and how offering complimentary brands provide amazing opportunities to franchisees.   First joined BrightStar Care in 2018 as the Vice President of Franch...

In this special edition of FranchiseU!, Kathy welcomes back Monica Rothgery to dive deeper into her book, "Lessons from the Drive Thru."   Kathy and Monica discuss such pivotal lessons as the importance of saying yes to opportunities and creating memorable first impressions for new team members. They delve into challenges faced by modern managers, such as, navigating social media dynamics, address...

In today’s episode of  FranchiseU! , Kathy sits down with Brian Belmont , CEO of FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers . Belmont discusses the benefits of franchising services that are not traditionally organized as franchises. Belmont shares his career history, a reminder of the multiple opportunities provided by franchising a business.

In this bonus episode of  FranchiseU! , Kathy speaks with Michael Gray about the recent ruling by the Federal Trade Commission that bans non-compete contracts and the potential impact on franchises and employees.   Mr. Gray serves as a Commercial Litigation attorney at Lathrop GPM . His 38 years' experience representing franchisors throughout the United States provides him a unique understanding o...

In today’s episode of  FranchiseU! , Kathy sits down with Jim Holthouser , CEO of GoTo Foods . Jim Holthouser shares his career history as well as his thoughts on Leadership. Here is your opportunity to learn from a true success story in the Franchise Industry.

In today’s episode of  FranchiseU! , Kathy sits down with Monica Rothgery , former COO of KFC in the United States and Author. This is truly a special episode that shares an open conversation between two friends about lessons they have learned during their careers. Luckily, we are able to read about some of them in the book, Lessons From The Drive Thru .   Monica Rothgery’s Bio:   Thirty years ago...

In today’s episode of  FranchiseU! , Kathy sits down with Gregg Majewski From Craveworthy Brands . Craveworthy Brands is an excellent representation of a platform brand. Listen to hear concrete examples of the opportunities that platform brands offer to franchisees.

In today’s episode of  FranchiseU! , Kathy sits down with George Tinsley from GWTinsley Consulting . George shares valuable life lessons from his early career, how he grew his business, and his thoughtful succession plans. Make sure to get Mr. Tinsley’s books to learn more from his amazing life!

In today’s episode of  FranchiseU! , Kathy sits down with Jeremy Morgan from WellBiz Brands . During the discussion they share an interesting perspective on the benefits of franchising complimentary brands. Near the end of the episode they explore how Drybar® went international.   Jeremy Morgan is the Chief Executive Officer for WellBiz Brands, Inc, the nation’s premiere franchisor of five beauty...

In today’s episode of  FranchiseU! , Kathy sits down with Carl Udler from Hughes . During the conversation they cover two interesting topics. The first is about the potential uses of technology in a brick-and-mortar franchise to improve efficiency. The second is how Hughes is an excellent example of the opportunities offered to suppliers of a franchise.   Carl Udler possesses a rare blend of techn...

In today’s episode of  FranchiseU! , Kathy sits down with Erik Helgesen and Stephen R. Preuss from PayMore Group . They grew their one store to a franchised business model with 120 planned units. Listen to how and why they chose to maximize their opportunities through the power of franchising.

In today’s episode of  FranchiseU! , Kathy sits down with Bennett Maxwell from Dirty Dough Cookies . Maxwell’s stories about the founding of Dirty Dough Cookies are full of examples the opportunities that present themselves when you ‘Zig’ rather than ‘Zag’. From when he chose to buy the business to when he chose to buy billboards, you can learn from him. With his many accomplishments, make sure to...