Mike Halpern

Franchise QB

Business EN ↓ 129 episodes

Welcome to the Franchise QB podcast where we empower entrepreneurs to WIN BIG in franchising.  Hosted by Mike Halpern, a 20-year franchising veteran and entrepreneur, we huddle up weekly to educate our audience about the most successful small business model ever created: Franchising.  Our mission is for listeners to achieve their American Dreams as new franchise owners.  Let’s get started! 

Author

Mike Halpern

Category

Business

Podcast website

franchiseqb.buzzsprout.com

Latest episode

Jul 8, 2026

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Episodes

Episode 79: Greg Macchia- Owner, Franchising First 28.05.2025

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Greg Macchia, a franchise consultant and owner of Franchising First. They discuss the vital role of franchise coaches in guiding entrepreneurs through the franchising landscape, Greg's personal journey into franchising, and the importance of due diligence in franchise ownership.  The conversation also covers the franch...

Episode 78: Corey Criss- Franchise Training Director, The Dog Stop 21.05.2025

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Corey Criss, Director of Franchise Training at The Dog Stop. They discuss the unique services offered by The Dog Stop, Corey's journey with the company, and the innovative approaches to franchise growth and customer experience.  The conversation also covers the importance of training and support for franchise owners, m...

Episode 77: Lance Ingram and Tim Lovett- Co-Founders of Waterloo Turf 14.05.2025

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Lance Ingram and Tim Lovett, founders of Waterloo Turf, about their journey into the artificial turf business and the franchising model they have developed.  They discuss the core values that drive their company, the growth potential of the artificial turf industry, and the support systems in place for franchise owners. The...

Episode 76: Scott Breimhorst, VP of Franchise Development- Discover Strength 07.05.2025

In this episode of the Franchise QB podcast hosted Mike Halpern, Scott Breimhorst, VP of Franchise Development at Discover Strength, shares insights into the unique business model of Discover Strength, a personal training franchise that focuses on delivering efficient and effective strength training workouts. He discusses the company's growth strategy, the support provided to franchise owners...

Episode 75: Bryant and Hampden Keil- Multi-Unit Franchisees w/ Potbelly 30.04.2025

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Bryant and Hampden Keil, multi-unit franchise owners of Potbelly. They discuss the journey of Potbelly from its founding to its current status as a leading fast-casual sandwich brand.  The conversation covers the unique aspects of the Potbelly concept, the importance of customer experience, the supportive leadership team, a...

Episode 74: Josh Wise- CEO, Grassroots Turf 09.04.2025

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Josh Wise, CEO of Grassroots Turf, about his journey in the lawn care industry and the innovative franchising model he has developed.  They discuss the importance of customer relationships, the growth of the lawn care market, and how Grassroots Turf differentiates itself through technology and service. Josh shares insights...

Episode 73: Matt Forbush- Founder and CEO, Zignyl 26.03.2025

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Matt Forbush, founder and CEO of Zignyl, about his journey in franchising and the innovative solutions his company provides to enhance business operations.  They discuss the challenges faced by franchise owners, the importance of employee engagement, and how Zignyl's AI-driven platform helps streamline decision-making...

Episode 72: Dennis Schooley- Founder, Schooley Mitchell 19.03.2025

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern interviews Dennis Schooley, founder of Schooley Mitchell, discussing the franchise model and its benefits.  Dennis shares his journey from accounting to founding Schooley Mitchell, a company that helps businesses reduce costs across various expense categories.  The conversation covers the support provided to franchisees, the flexibilit...

Episode 71: Mike Aiello- Director of Franchise Development, Top Rail Fence 05.03.2025

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern interviews Mike Aiello, Director of Franchise Development at Homefront Brands and Top Rail Fence.  They discuss the journey of Homefront Brands from its inception to becoming a leading property services company, the various services offered by Top Rail Fence, and the characteristics of successful franchise owners.  The conversation als...

Episode 70: Eric OConnor- VP of Franchise Development, PickleRage 26.02.2025

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Eric OConnor, VP of Franchise Development at PickleRage. They discuss Eric's extensive background in franchising, the unique business model of PickleRage, and the explosive growth of pickleball as a sport.  Eric shares insights on the operational aspects of running a franchise, including revenue streams, site selection...

Episode 69: Nancy Baio, Director of Development- The Designery 19.02.2025

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Nancy Baio, Director of Development, at The Designery. They discuss Nancy's journey into franchising, the unique offerings of The Designery, and the advantages for franchise owners.  The conversation covers the importance of customer experience, marketing strategies, and the role of technology in enhancing service deli...

Episode 68: Keenan Fisher, Managing Partner- Tommy Guns Original Barbershop 12.02.2025

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Keenan Fisher, managing partner of Tommy Guns Original Barbershop.  They discuss Keenan's journey in the franchising industry, the unique customer experience offered by Tommy Guns, and the strategies behind modernizing the barbershop experience. Keenan shares insights on transitioning from an independent model to a fra...

Episode 67: Frank and Kacie Radochonski- Pop's Beef 05.02.2025

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Frank and Kacie Radochonski of Pop's Beef, a family-owned fast-casual franchise.  They discuss the origins of Pop's Beef, the transition from a licensing model to franchising, and the importance of community involvement. The conversation also covers the diverse menu offerings, the competitive landscape of fast-cas...

Episode 66: Julie Cartwright- President, Pvolve 30.01.2025

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Julie Cartwright, President of Pvolve, about her journey in the fitness industry and the unique approach of Pvolve.  They discuss the importance of franchising for growth, maintaining brand integrity, and the impact of clinical studies on the business. Julie shares insights on the qualities sought in franchise owners and th...

Episode 65: Mike Bahun- Founder, Fundraising University 22.01.2025

Summary In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Mike Bahun, founder of Fundraising University. They discuss Bahun's extensive coaching background, the unique fundraising model of his company, and the significant impact it has on schools and youth programs.  The conversation highlights the challenges of school funding, the growth of Fundraising University, an...

Episode 64: Shane Evans- Co-Founder and CEO- Heights Wellness Retreat 15.01.2025

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Shane Evans, co-founder and CEO of Heights Wellness Retreat. They discuss Shane's extensive experience in franchising, the evolution of Massage Heights into Heights Wellness Retreat, and the innovative services being offered.  The conversation highlights the growing wellness market, the company's vision for the fu...

Episode 63: Cory Lyons, Brand President, and Pete Trexler, Franchise Development, Koala Insulation 08.01.2025

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Cory Lyons, Brand President of Koala Insulation, and Pete Trexler, Director of Franchise Development at Empower Brands.  They discuss the growth and support structure of Koala Insulation, the benefits of being part of Empower Brands, and the current trends in the insulation industry.  The conversation highlights the importa...

Episode 62: Chad Coulter, Founder and CEO- Biscuit Belly 02.01.2025

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Chad Coulter, Founder and CEO of Biscuit Belly, about his journey from pharmacy to the restaurant industry and the unique fast-casual breakfast concept he has developed. The conversation covers Biscuit Belly's growth strategy, franchise model, operational efficiency, marketing strategies, and the ideal profile for pote...

Episode 61: Tony Wind, Director of Franchise Development- Anytime Fitness 24.12.2024

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Tony Wind, Director of Franchise Development at Purpose Brands and Anytime Fitness. They discuss the evolution of Purpose Brands, the success of Anytime Fitness as a global leader in the fitness industry, and the unique franchise model that supports franchisees. The conversation covers various aspects of franchise ownership...

Episode 60: Ilona Kirzhner, Multi-Unit Franchise Owner and Area Rep- Hammer & Nails Men's Grooming 18.12.2024

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Ilona Kirzhner, a multi-unit franchise owner and area representative at Hammer & Nails Grooming for Guys.  They discuss Ilona's impressive background, her journey into the men's grooming industry, and the unique concept of Hammer & Nails, which combines high-end grooming services with a contemporary enviro...

Episode 59: Larry Amos- Brand President, Doody Calls 11.12.2024

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Larry Amos, Brand President and COO of Doody Calls, a pet waste management franchise.  They discuss Larry's journey into the franchise world, the unique services offered by Doody Calls, and the importance of pet waste management for both residential and commercial clients. The conversation also covers the support and t...

Episode 58: Jessi Brelsford-Founder and Chief Bud, Taste Buds Kitchen 04.12.2024

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Jessi Brelsford, Founder of Taste Buds Kitchen, about her journey from Wall Street to entrepreneurship in the culinary entertainment industry.  Jessi shares insights into her unique business model, the importance of creating memorable experiences for customers, and the growth of her franchise. The conversation covers variou...

Episode 57: Dustin Miller- Founder and CEO, The Swing Bays 27.11.2024

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern interviews Dustin Miller, founder of The Swing Bays, a unique indoor golf facility.  Dustin shares his journey from being a PGA professional to creating a community-focused golf instruction business.  The conversation explores the innovative aspects of The Swing Bays, including its technology, community-building efforts, and plans for...

Episode 56: Brigham Dallas- Owner and CEO, Hello Sugar 20.11.2024

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern speaks with Brigham Dallas, CEO of Hello Sugar, about his journey from media to the waxing and sugar business.  Brigham shares insights on funding, scaling, and franchising his business, as well as innovative strategies like AI integration and unique customer retention methods. He discusses the importance of maintaining brand standards...

Episode 55: Stephen Smith- CEO, HOTWORX 13.11.2024

In this episode of the Franchise QB Podcast, host Mike Halpern interviews Stephen Smith, CEO at HOTWORX. They discuss Stephen's journey from bodybuilding and arena football to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the fitness industry. Stephen shares insights on the evolution of his business from Planet Beach to HOTWORX, highlighting the unique aspects of infrared technology and the benefits...

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