Owl's Edge

When private equity enters a franchise system, the gap between investor expectations and frontline reality can break a business. So, how do you ensure big-money backing actually fuels sustainable growth instead of squeezing the life out of your local operations?  Kristi Mailloux bridges that exact gap, pulling back the curtain on how owners can successfully navigate PE ownership and maximize their...

What happens when you combine the pioneering spirit of a dedicated leader with the strategic power of institutional capital? You unlock a framework for sustainable business growth that prioritizes trust, team alignment, and incredible pathways of opportunity. In this episode of The Owl’s Edge, host Susan Black-Beth sits down with her close friend Omar Simmons, the founder and managing partner of E...

What happens when a rapid expansion leads to a $100,000 loss in your first year? For Todd Recknagel, that was the moment he truly became a franchisee. Instead of selling a struggling business, he leaned into the "operational trenches," fixed the foundation, and turned a setback into a springboard for a massive career as both a brand leader and investor.  In this episode of The Owl’s Edge...

The franchisors who scale sustainably aren't the ones who sell the most units. They're the ones who adjust pace when systems and processes are starting to break. In this episode, Susan sits down with James Young, one of franchising's most quietly remarkable operators, for a conversation that pulls no punches on what actually builds an enduring franchise system and what happens when lea...

What happens when you combine the discipline of a CFO with the people-first reality of franchise operations? You get a leadership style that uses data as a tool for clarity, alignment, and real profitability. In this episode, host Susan Black-Beth sits down with Stellar Service Brands CEO Jessica Wescott to talk about what it really looks like to step into the visionary seat while staying grounded...

How can leaning into the human element of franchising actually lead to more disciplined growth and better investment returns? Host Susan Black-Beth welcomes her pal Christina Russell, a leader who has navigated nearly every corner of the franchise world - from multi-unit franchisee to CEO of some of the industry's most influential service brands.  Christina shares how her journey through brand...

How can a franchisee maintain the same level of quality and connection when scaling from a single location to being a multi-unit, multi-brand operator (MUMBO)?  In this episode of Owl’s Edge podcast, host Susan Black-Beth sits down with Mitch Cohen, a franchise veteran who has lived the journey from the inside for nearly forty years. From his start as a Baskin Robbins franchisee to scaling into mu...

Do you want a practical competitive advantage for your franchise system? This is a mini masterclass from host Susan Black-Beth who shares actionable steps for anyone working in the franchise world to gain that edge. After interviewing industry leaders Doc Cohen, Liberty Bernal, Greg Nathan, and Mike Isakson, Susan identified four recurring themes that transcend different backgrounds and roles.  Wh...

How can Private Equity investors move past the spreadsheet and better understand the real-life stakes of their franchise partners? In this episode of Owl’s Edge Podcast, host Susan Black-Beth sits down with industry veteran Michael Isakson, the former President and COO of ServiceMaster Franchise Services Group. Having led a system of 5,000 units across 34 countries, Mike explains why the most succ...

How can understanding human psychology transform your franchise into a high-growth, high-trust partnership?  In this episode of Owl’s Edge Podcast, host Susan Black-Beth sits down with world-renowned business psychologist and author Greg Nathan to pull back the curtain on the human side of the franchise business model.  Drawing from Greg’s decades of research and Susan’s 30 years of lived experien...

In this episode, host Susan Black-Beth sits down with franchise executive and operator Liberty Bernal to examine what happens when private equity ownership intersects with franchise culture. Drawing from Liberty’s experience selling her brand to PE, they unpack the emotional, operational, and leadership consequences of rapid change inside franchise systems. Key themes include: The human cost behin...

How do you build a franchise system that stands the test of time?  It starts with strong and active communication.  In this premiere episode, we sit down with the legend who opened the very first Great American Cookies franchise, Doc Cohen, to uncover the secret to creating a thriving franchise system. This podcast will help you bridge the gap between being smart and being wise. Doc shares a truth...

Have you ever wondered how to turn industry-leading "smart" into the lasting "wisdom" that drives extraordinary growth? The Owl’s Edge Podcast is the definitive space where ambitious franchise operators and private equity investors come together to unlock new levels of success and partnership. Hosted by Susan Black-Beth, founder and managing partner of Auspicious Owl Group, this podcast is her mis...