Behind the Franchise

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Stefan Figley, President of 1-800-Packouts. Stefan shares his journey from global marketing analytics to leading franchise systems and how his experience across marketing, operations, and leadership shaped his approach to scaling service brands. From running analytics across 25 international markets to helping thousands of franchisees grow their b...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Charles Bonfiglio, founder and CEO of Tint World Automotive Styling Centers. Charles shares his journey from growing up in Brooklyn to building one of the most recognizable brands in automotive aftermarket services. From opening his first shop in Florida to acquiring and transforming a small six-location tinting business into a rapidly expanding f...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Stacey Ryan, President of School of Rock, to explore leadership, culture, and franchise growth in a global education brand. Stacey shares her journey from consultant to president, leading a mission-driven organization that impacts tens of thousands of students worldwide. They discuss maintaining intentional culture, scaling franchises internationa...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Sebastien Lagree, founder of the globally recognized Lagree Fitness method. Sebastien shares his journey from aspiring action movie star to building one of the most innovative fitness brands in the world. What began as a necessity-driven pivot into Pilates evolved into a revolutionary workout system — complete with patented machines, international...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Scott Redler, restaurant industry veteran, Co-Founder of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and President of Mokas Coffee & Eatery. Scott shares his 50-year journey from a hotel and restaurant management grad to scaling one of the most recognizable fast-casual brands in the country, and now helping lead Mokas Coffee & Eatery into i...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Gina Schaefer, founder and CEO of Logan Hardware and a trailblazer in the Ace Hardware cooperative system. Gina shares her unlikely journey from the tech industry to opening a hardware store in Washington, DC and how curiosity, grit, and community helped her build a thriving multi-location business. From navigating a male-dominated industry to ser...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with David Smith, Vice President of Digital Marketing at Go Mini’s Franchising, to explore how modern franchise brands are evolving through data, systems, and franchise AI. From shifts in consumer behavior to building a proprietary operating system, David shares what it really takes to modernize franchise marketing without losing trust at the local lev...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Genevieve Coulson, Director of Social Media at Goldfish Swim School. Genevieve shares her decade-plus journey in social media marketing and what it really takes to build authentic, high-performing franchise social strategies in an era shaped by Franchise AI. From balancing national brand consistency with local storytelling to navigating how AI wor...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with franchise attorney Ari Stern, partner of Fox Rothschild LLP, for a deep, practical conversation at the intersection of franchising, dispute resolution, and franchise AI. As the first lawyer to appear on the show, Ari shares how he unexpectedly found his niche in franchise law and why proactive legal strategy matters more than ever as brands adopt...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger welcomes back Adam Contos for his second appearance on Behind the Franchise. Former CEO of RE/MAX and current partner at Area 15 Ventures, Adam brings a seasoned perspective on private equity, leadership, and what it really takes to scale franchise brands without losing the soul of the business. Building on their first conversation around AI and leadership, Paul...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Brian Britton, CEO of Kilwins, to unpack what it really takes to lead an 80-year-old legacy brand into its next era of growth. From private equity transition to modern marketing, Brian shares how Kilwins is scaling thoughtfully without losing the magic that made the brand iconic in the first place. From franchise marketing strategy to embracing mo...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Del Salinas, VP of Franchise Development at Caring Senior Service. Del shares how a 34-year-old brand has grown intentionally and why culture, systems, and people-first leadership have fueled long-term success. From building a robust internal support team to developing proprietary technology, Del explains how Caring Senior Service balances high-te...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Alex Gilleland, Brand Manager at Dryer Vent Superheroes. Alex shares how growing up in franchising shaped his data-driven mindset and why ROI-first thinking, localization, and trust-building content outperform flashy campaigns every time. From running ads for major brands like Sport Clips and Cold Stone to leading marketing for a fast-growing home...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Sherif Mityas, CEO of BRIX Holdings, to unpack a career that spans aerospace engineering, big-box retail, Hollywood Video, TGI Fridays, and now an eight-brand restaurant portfolio with more than 300 locations. Sherif shares how cross-brand insights, consumer occasion mapping, and franchisee passion shape BRIX’s growth playbook — and why understand...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Heather Ripley, founder and CEO of Ripley PR. Heather shares her journey from early copywriting days to becoming one of franchising’s top PR voices — including how she landed a home-service brand on Celebrity Apprentice and helped founders sell their companies by mastering media momentum. From overcoming repeated ‘no’s’ from TV producers to buildi...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Gavin Lantzy, Head of Franchise Sales at Daisy. Gavin shares his journey from college-age multi-unit franchisee to helping build the largest smart-home installation brand in the country. From acquiring 17 companies in 18 months to building a national support infrastructure with 41 full-time experts, he pulls back the curtain on what it really take...

In this episode, Paul Ehlinger sits down with Evan Hackel of Ingage Consulting to explore the nuances of franchise leadership, growth, and organizational purpose. Evan shares insights from his 40-year career in franchising, including and launching businesses, rescuing a bankrupt franchise, and building purpose-driven organizations. He emphasizes the importance of vision, collaboration, and engagin...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Jami Stigliano, founder and CEO of DivaDance. Jami shares her journey from coaching dance teams in Austin to creating a national dance franchise built around confidence and community. She opens up about rebuilding her system, embracing EOS, and learning to delegate as her company scales — all while balancing motherhood, marriage, and massive brand...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Brittney Lincoln, VP of Franchise Growth at Limitless Franchise Growth and founder of Females in Franchising. Brittney shares her journey from selling franchises to scaling major brands like Club Pilates and StretchLab, revealing the strategies — and lessons learned — behind growing a franchise network from 10 to 500+ units. Listeners will hear: H...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with James Luy, co-founder of The Franchise Dept. and partner at Bin Blasters. James shares his journey scaling innovative franchise concepts and how technology, including AI automation tools, is transforming the way franchisors grow, operate, and support their franchisees. From cleaning garbage bins to creating scalable, profitable home service system...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Dan Sher of AlphaGraphics for the past 18 years. Dan shares his journey from a PR agency director to a seasoned franchisee, explaining how his marketing and technology background helped him thrive in the world of print and marketing communications. From leveraging peer networks to adopting emerging technologies like AI, Dan reveals the strategies...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Beth Toenies, Vice President of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group. Beth shares her journey from a journalism graduate to becoming president of a company at just 26, and now leading growth across 15 powerhouse brands in restoration and home services. From navigating male-dominated industries to embracing AI in franchising, Beth’s stor...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Rick Peroe, a franchise veteran with decades of experience in system support, training, and franchise development. Rick shares his journey from a short-term seasonal role to leading franchise expansion at Heart to Home Meals, and reveals the insights that have shaped his approach to franchising. Listeners will hear: How Rick “fell into franchising...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Derick Jaros, owner of Customboxes.io and former executive at Home Depot, Yext, and other Fortune 500 companies. Derick shares how his career journey — from corporate strategy and e-commerce leadership to launching his own digital services firm — shaped his philosophy on growth, local marketing, and creating meaningful customer experiences. Listen...

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Leah Pinkes, Franchise Marketing Coordinator at Oh Deer, an all-natural deer tick and mosquito control service franchise. Leah shares her journey from intern to full-time marketing lead and dives into the strategies behind building an authentic, community-focused social media presence across multiple franchise locations. From viral content to loca...