Stars of Franchising

Building a business isn’t just about revenue—it’s about creating lasting value, empowering your team, and preparing for what’s next. Whether you’re scaling, planning your exit, or simply striving for balance, this mindset transforms your journey.  #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Franchising #BusinessGrowth #Inspiration  In this episode of Stars of Franchising, hosts Ab Igram and Vini Onyemah sit do...

In this episode of Stars of Franchising , Stacy Bahrenfuss—founder of Soul Charge—shares a powerful perspective on leadership, growth, and sustainability in franchising and entrepreneurship. Drawing from her journey from real estate success to inner transformation, Stacy challenges traditional definitions of success and highlights the unseen emotional and mental costs of scaling.  This conversatio...

“You have to choose your hard—and then embrace it.”  On the latest episode of Stars of Franchising , we sit down with Jamie Lavigne—franchise development leader at Ever Smith Brands—to dig into what separates great franchisors from the rest.  With nearly two decades of experience across legacy and emerging brands, Jamie shares candid insights into the franchising journey—from how the best franchis...

 How can franchise systems leverage artificial intelligence to enhance operational consistency while improving financial performance? In this episode, David Owasi offers a systems-oriented perspective on AI adoption in franchising, emphasizing the importance of structured processes and rapid lead engagement. The conversation explores how AI-driven tools can reinforce established playbooks, reduce...

“Everything I do, personally and professionally, is to enhance the lives of my family.”  – Aaron Harper In this episode, Aaron Harper shares a deeply personal and practical perspective on franchising, scaling, and leadership. Grounded in family, purpose, and discipline, Aaron walks through what it really takes to build a fast‑growing franchise system—financially, emotionally, and structurally. Fro...

Elyse (Elysium Marketing Group) shares how she built and scaled a franchise-focused marketing agency—why she chose franchising, what franchise development marketing requires, and how she leads a high-trust team while using AI as an efficiency tool (not a substitute for judgment).  “Entrepreneurship is not a straight line… everything in this journey is just a phase. So you’ve gotta push through tha...

This week, we sit down with Colleen Upham , co‑founder of Oh Deer , the all‑natural deer, tick, and mosquito control franchise redefining eco‑friendly home services across the country.  Colleen’s story is a powerful blend of mission, resilience, and heart. From mixing formulas in a basement while raising newborn twins to building a franchise system rooted in community and care, she shares what it...

“Your role is to build the business… You can have any conversation with a franchisee if you have a solid relationship. That’s the foundation of everything I’ve learned in the franchise business.” — Patrick Cunningham   In this episode of Stars of Franchising , hosts Ab Igram and Vinnie Onyemah sit down with veteran franchise executive Patrick Cunningham , whose nearly 30‑year career spans Domino’s...

Learn how successful franchise owners build wealth, protect their financial future, and scale with confidence in this powerful episode of Stars of Franchising. Ab sits down with financial strategist and franchise‑focused advisor Ruzanna Queenan to explore the essential financial habits every franchisee needs—whether you're opening your first unit or running a fast‑growing multi‑unit operation...

“Great franchisees aren’t born — they’re built. And it always starts with how they think, not just what they do.”  In this standout episode, we sit down with Scott Greenberg — international speaker, best-selling author of The Wealthy Franchisee , and one of the most respected voices in franchise performance. With 10 years of firsthand experience as a multi-unit franchisee and two decades of coachi...

“If you can sell, you can build. And if you can build, you can lead.”   In this special episode, we welcome Alex DiPietro , Babson alum, former hockey player, and the first undergraduate Babson grad featured on Stars of Franchising . Alex brings a dynamic mix of tech sales grit, deep family legacy, and second-generation franchise leadership to the table.  As a multi-unit Dunkin’ operator and secon...

"We’ve been lucky to grow up in a playground of entrepreneurship — churros just happen to be the medium."   In this energizing episode of Stars of Franchising , we sit down with Mateo and Tadeo Acosta-Rubio, Venezuelan-American brothers and second-generation leaders of the beloved global franchise Churromania. From childhood shifts behind the register to launching tech startups while stu...

"Franchising is not just a business model. It’s an ecosystem of shared success."   As the founder of GNF Worldwide, Fernando López de Castilla Elías has helped shape the franchise landscape across more than 10 countries. From consulting and sales outsourcing to franchise-focused investment banking, Fernando’s firm has completed over 10,000 deals — making him one of the most influential f...

"If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re probably on the menu."   Rob Branca is more than just a multi-unit Dunkin’ operator — he’s a legal mind, real estate investor, second-generation franchisee, and one of franchising’s most active advocates on Capitol Hill. Rob sits down with Ab and Vini to unpack his journey from law school to leadership, and the critical role franchisees play...

"Our business is about helping people feel better — whether that’s in body, in mindset, or through entrepreneurship."   Lindsey McFadden didn’t just join the wellness franchising movement — she’s helping shape the future of it.  As Chief Marketing Officer at Stretch Zone, Lindsey brings her sharp eye for strategy and a people-first approach to one of the fastest-growing brands in the hea...

"You don’t need to be an expert in everything — you just need vision, leadership, and great people."   Victor Berny grew up in his family’s hardware store business in Mexico. Today, he’s the visionary behind one of the region’s fastest-scaling franchise portfolios — including Little Caesars, Wingstop, and Dunkin’ — with dozens of units across the Yucatán and beyond.  In this powerhouse e...

"It's about creating a lasting culture while embracing growth for the next generation."  Somia Farid Silber grew up with entrepreneurship in her DNA — starting at the age of nine working at Edible Arrangements, the iconic brand founded by her father, Tariq Farid. Now, after years of learning every aspect of the company, Somia steps into her own spotlight as the new CEO of Edible Bra...

“It’s a beautiful form of entrepreneurship to be a franchisee, because you have so much stability and support but you still are the maven of your own market.” Debra Strougo worked for the New York City mayor’s office in brand development for “the greatest brand in the world.” But over time her unquenchable passion for fitness beckoned and in 2017 with her husband she launched Row House — now with...

“If a franchisee invents a practice that is serving them really well, we want them to let us know so we can package it up and share it in the system.” The beauty market is one of the hottest in franchising, and with more than 100 locations in the US and Canada, Blo Blow Dry Bar is one of the hottest beauty franchises. CEO and partner Vanessa Yakobson joins Ab & Vini to share her journey, her l...

“When you’re protecting an emerging brand, you’re protecting the stakes of all the people who’d invested in the brand.” From taking care of her own back pain to taking care of the owners of more than 100 Massage Heights locations, Shane (a member of the IFA board of directors) has priceless insights on building an emerging brand BIG while still keeping it all about the people -- ‘zees and customer...

“Let’s not be copycats. Create a new demand for new products. Don’t be afraid. Go for it. And if you fail, just get up and do it again.” Our most in-depth look at international franchising yet! Based in Honduras, Justin and Monica have made their mark not only by importing multiple North American and European franchise brands to Central America, but also by expanding their footprints to Eastern Eu...

“There are a lot of things people misunderstand about franchising. People tend to think that if they buy a franchise, their success is going to be guaranteed.” It took Mark Kushinsky a year and a half as a department store manager to realize he didn’t want to be an employee. He started his own residential cleaning business, then "ran into” franchising and founded MaidPro, which he grew to mor...

“The better and more diverse backgrounds of the people in your system, the better your brand’s going to be.” A must-listen for current ‘zees, ‘zees of tomorrow, and anyone else contemplating a startup business venture. As the guy with the final say on who gets a FYZICAL Therapy & Balance franchise, Scott Wendrych is an undisputed authority on what makes a successful franchisee. (Spoiler: It’s...

“The franchisee/franchisee relationships are critical for the success of our system. Annie Tselikis said, “You’re crazy” when her brother Jim and cousin Sabin Lomac hatched the idea of a food truck in Los Angeles serving Maine lobster rolls. But when they tapped into her deep fisheries expertise to shape their business model, Cousins Maine Lobster was under way!  Today Cousins delivers an inimitab...

“If you just come in as a franchisee and expect to be employed by the franchisor, and just wait for the franchisor to give you direction, that’s a sure way to fail.” Five years as a franchisee for 4 US retail brands taught Ramzi Daklouche a lesson that informs his work today at Edible: It’s always all about the local markets. We’re thrilled to welcome Ramzi to the podcast, especially as Edible is...