Stars of Franchising

“Franchisee unit-level economics has to be the most important thing a franchisor thinks about. If they don’t, the system doesn’t work.” The energy is AMPED in this episode, and no wonder: Guest Jeff Klein is a go-go ‘zee for Dunkin’, Auntie Anne’s, The Gents Place, and biggest of all, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shops, with 14 locations — #1 in the system. Not to mention his role as president of Capriott...

“There’s no such thing as failure. You just didn’t get there yet.” Alex founded Dr. Dental in 2004 with the vision of retailizing dental care by providing convenient, accessible, quality care via retail dental clinics in convenient neighborhood locations. Now with 57 locations across the northeast, Dr. Dental isn’t a franchise in the strict sense, but a fascinating, franchising-adjacent model for...

“You can’t fire your way into building a better team of people. That’s why culture matters.” Our 25th episode is our hairiest yet! In 2018 they asked themselves, “Why not?” and began extending the “Be Nice” culture of Paul Mitchell Schools (Winn as dean and co-founder, John as a ‘zee) to a new venture, Salty Dawg Pet Salons. Now they’re creating more opportunity for their Paul Mitchell students wh...

“As a franchisor, you’re entrusting your franchisees to continue the growth of your brand, and putting the essence of the brand in their hands.” A proven entrepreneur, visionary and leader, Christo Demetriades has spent 3 decades as a CEO, CFO, and COO for franchising, restaurant, entertainment, and self-care brands. His superpower: Building and nurturing strong, loyal management teams that drive...

“Franchising is like politics: It’s all local.” After a 35-year career as an insurance executive, Gary Raphael found himself “on the short end of a merger” and embarked on a new entrepreneurial journey that has led him to the QSR (quick-service restaurant) franchising model with Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard. How did his high-level business experience prepare him for the pivot? And how did...

“Sometimes, franchising is MORE entrepreneurial, because in the larger franchises all of the great ideas that the customers are experiencing come from the franchisees.” Was Jonathan Epstein born to follow the franchise model to phenomenal success? With a dad who owned 37 Midas Muffler shops, it’s possible! But as he embarked on his own ventures as a young man, he saw in franchising a natural, logi...

“Unit economics is what makes investing in restaurants compelling and exciting.” Dan Bonoff, a partner at Goode Partners, has been a private equity investor with a focus on the consumer sector for nearly 20 years. During his private equity career, he’s participated in platform investments and add-on acquisitions totaling more than $800 million of equity capital. His concentration on multi-unit res...

“As a franchisee, you have to work ON the business as well as IN the business. Heather's career spans 30 years in the franchise, beauty, and wellness industries. She’s held executive positions in multi-billion dollar as well as emerging companies — most notably and recently, Amazing Lash Studios, which she shepherded from 70 locations to more than 200 in just 2 years. Today, as Managing Partn...

“Some people are not meant to franchise. Some people absolutely SHOULD franchise.” Talk about perfect timing: Tim Vogel opened the first Scenthound dog-care shop in 2020, just as pet ownership skyrocketed during the pandemic. Today, Scenthound boasts more than 50 franchises — so you can expect seriously actionable lessons in scaling from this episode! Join Ab and Vini to hear Tim’s take on franchi...

“I did everything you’re not supposed to do in finance to open my first studio.” For Redbird Fitness founder/CEO Elizabeth Roberts, it all started with a pair of “sticky socks” in 2015. Now operating a dozen Pure Barre locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut (scaling from 1 to 5 in her first 5 years), she’s the fitness brand’s top ‘Zee — AND a highly respected voice at the highest levels of cor...

“You always have to be telling your story. If you’re doing good in the world you have to be just as loud and persistent as those who aren’t.” As President/Co-Founder of Arthur Lee Consulting & Advisory (named in honor of his father’s passion for food equity) and former Executive Director of Social Equity Franchising at Everytable, Bryce Fluellen is driven by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King...

“We’ve seen the power of the system.” Required listening for current ‘Zees and wannabes! Seeking to bust out of their careers in tech and radio and do their own thing, Bob & Karen Sommers opened the 12th market for Citywide Facilities Solutions 15 years ago. But there’s a twist to the story: Franchising was NOT in their original entrepreneurship plan! Listen in as the Sommerses share their jou...

“There has to be something that’s bigger than just the product … it has to be about the impact it has on the person on the other side.” With a powerful management and franchising resume (including 19 years at the helm of skoah), Andrea now consults with numerous franchise enterprises on matters ranging from growth and international expansion strategies to the development of operational and brandin...

“You are only as good as the last unit you open.” That single statement speaks volumes about Brian Belmont’s powerful belief in franchisor/franchisee relationships. As CEO of FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers (with more than 500 locations in 46 states) he draws upon his experiences as a Quiznos and Planet Fitness franchisee “to help other people live the dream I got to live.” Join Ab and Vini as...

“What matters is that you’re a good person and you’re passionate about the business.” From operating 27 School of Rock locations, to now owning 2 of them AND simultaneously serving on The Lash Lounge’s leadership team as VP of Operations, Kristin Kidd has lived all sides of the franchising model. And she has a lot to say about what works (and what definitely doesn’t). Kristin joins Ab and Vini to...

“As a franchisee, you’re in the business FOR yourself, but not BY yourself.” As owner of multiple Planet Fitness franchises and Managing Partner at Exaltare Capital Partners, Omar Simmons believes that there are many paths of entrepreneurship. Yet none do more than the franchise model to support the dreams of entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities achieve success. Join Ab and Vini as they...

“Franchising provides the opportunity to tap into entrepreneurial spirit with the guidance of a great play book” Welcome to the intersection of marketing and brand-building! As President of LA’s Konnect Agency Amanda Bialek advises franchisors on national strategies and franchisees on local advertising — a true 360-degree perspective of the market challenges and opportunities for franchises! Amand...

“The best franchisors recognize that franchisees help make the franchisor system stronger.” Big Chicken in space? Someday for sure, if Josh Halpern has his way! Josh joins Ab and Vini to share how he’s leveraging his incredible brand, marketing, and operating experience to guide and lead Shaquille O’Neal’s new restaurant concept. A true entrepreneurial leader with a passion for innovation, Josh ex...

“Time is more valuable than the money we lost. We can recover money, but we can't recover time lost.” Can lobsters and sharks get along? Jim and Sabin, our first Shark Tank -veteran guests, would say “ayuh,” having emerged from the CNBC show with Barbara Corcoran as a 15% equity partner! The real cousins behind Cousins Maine Lobster join Ab and Vini to share how they “jumped ship” from their...

“Franchisees have to work in the business and be ready to do every single task!” 24 years ago Neal literally rolled up his sleeves and began a 5-year stint in the trenches dirtying his hands and learning one of America’s leading franchise powerhouses from the inside out. Now a respected Dunkin Brands multi-unit franchisee, Neal has priceless thoughts on entrepreneurship and leadership for everyone...

“Don't underestimate the amount of work involved in being a franchisee. It’s full of grit, twists, and turns.” Our first guest from the B2B arena! Meet a pioneer in the green “circular economy” space and B2B franchising: Elaine Chow, founder of ChopValue Boston, which boasts a groundbreaking and fascinating value proposition: sustainable wood furnishings and custom architectural features manu...

“Franchises don’t run themselves. There’s no such thing as an semi-absentee owner.” What’s it like to be “first in” on a new, unproven franchise brand? Soosie Lazenby is principal owner and operator of 4 StretchLab franchises (under the XPonential Fitness umbrella) in the Tampa Bay metro area. Not only that, she was among the first to commit to this new, emerging franchise brand.  That kind of lea...

“Innovation comes from the franchisees.” A must-listen not only for franchisee and franchisor owners, but also for other investors and potential investors in franchise brands! Ken Doyle brings an uncommon and valuable perspective to the podcast — as someone who has made successful investments not only in growth franchisors but also in franchisees . Learn why he finds the franchise model — and fran...

“You don't plan for opportunities. Rather, you work hard to be ready to take advantage of opportunities when they come.”  Ab and Vini welcome our first international Star, Dr. Ausanee Mahagitsiri Leonio, founder and President of King Food Group (Thailand), a multi-franchise conglomerate.  It all started with “love at first bite” when she tasted a Krispy Kreme donut. From there, she’s brought...

“Franchising and entrepreneurship are great bedfellows.” With more than 40 years of leadership experience at Dunkin’ Brands, Papa John’s, Blockbuster, and currently Chairman and Co-Owner of London’s Leyton Orient Football Club and Principal at Challenge Consulting, Nigel has steered global organizations through both spectacular success and existential threats. In this lively conversation with Ab a...