Franchise Interviews

iSold It was founded so that everyone-from individuals, to businesses, to fundraising organizations-would have an easy way to sell merchandise on eBay. Like many service stores personalized attention, reliability, and expert skills is what is important at iSold It.   Their business formula rests on the idea that busy people and small businesses want exceptional service to help manage their affairs. We are meeting with William Fikhman of the franchise iSold it on Ebay.  William is one of the youngest franchisees for Isold it on Ebay as well as the country.

Did you miss our interview with Lori Karpman? Lori founded the wildly successful “Zyng Noodlery” franchise for which she garnered several prestigious marketing & branding awards including the pinnacle award from the Ontario Advertising Assn & the Canadian Franchise Association for “Outstanding Overall Corporate Image”. Lori Karpman is a seasoned, multi- award-winning management consultant (and former attorney) specializing in multi-unit business development and professional coaching and training.  She is currently CEO of Lori Karpman & Company, a full-service firm providing all the services a growing brand needs. She is also Head Coach at Coach Lori an executive coaching firm  

We are meeting with Kevin Dubois, Chief Executive Officer, Lapels Dry Cleaning.  As the CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning, Kevin Dubois has more than 25 years in the franchise industry, the last 15 with Lapels. Over that time, Lapels Dry Cleaning has pioneered an eco-friendly dry-cleaning experience through a partnership agreement with GreenEarth®, the dry cleaning industry’s only non-toxic cleaning alternative. By utilizing the latest technology in equipment and GreenEarth solutions, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners able to boast that there is no hazardous waste in their process. Under Kevin’s leadership, Lapels Dry Cleaning has repeatedly ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list for the country’s top Franchise Systems—including the 2020 list. Lapels Dry Cleaning has also been named to Franchise Times Top 200+ on multiple occasions. It’s annual clothing drive to benefit Big Brother Big Sister has raised thousands of dollars in donations that resold at BBBS outlets. On an individual basis, Kevin

One of the hot topics in many towns across America is education.  Some states have gone to all online learning while others are using a hybrid approach.   This trend has resulted in a need for supplemental education services.  Education franchises typically have high margins and are in high demand.  Today you are going to hear two interviews from franchises in the education industry.  First, we will play our interview with the Code Ninjas franchise opportunity.  Code Ninjas® is the world’s largest and fastest-growing kids coding franchise, with hundreds of locations in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  From the mind of educator Dori Roberts, Engineering For Kids is an engineering enrichment program for Pre-K through 8th grade youth. Engineering for Kids have developed unique, exciting programs that invite children to have fun while using their knowledge of engineering and science to design, create, and improve solutions to engineering problems.  We end the show with a clip from our popular G

We are meeting with Paula Hope, the President of Booked Solid.  Paula helps business professionals, and their teams, create the revenue they deserve.  Through the strategic development of a referral/personal marketing plan which includes online activities, Booked Solid business professionals learn to create, manage and leverage their social capital (their personal good will) into a system that will grow their revenue for themselves and their firms.Paula consults and develops referral partner programs within progressive corporations who really want to get serious about creating high quality referrals for their organization. Paula is the author of Stop The Saboteurs: Conquer Negative Thoughts that Hurt Your Revenue and Your Brand.  In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast

We are meeting with Mike Wootton, the VP of Franchise Development for My EyeLab. My EyeLab is a state-of-the-art optical lab franchise best known for their high-tech approach to keep costs low for customers and franchisees alike.  My EyeLab is the fastest growing optical retailer in the country and they have performed over 800,000 telehealth exams using their revolutionary telehealth technology. 

Some recent studies show cleaning service franchises see COVID-19 spike in business.  Several franchises such as 360Clean have created a specialized program to help their customers return to work with a Peace of Mind as it relates to COVID-19 and the safety of their employees and customers.  360 Clean will thoroughly disinfect your office and the Touch Surfaces. These surfaces are the key pathway for the spread of germs in any facility and include, but are not limited to: Door Handles, desks, switches, telephones, dispensers, handles and toilets.  Our podcast today will feature interviews with two cleaning franchises.  First, we will play our interview with Barry Bodiford, CEO of 360clean, a specialized janitorial franchise. Next, we will play our interview with Todd Hopkins, Founder/CEO/President of The Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services franchise.  Office Pride is a fast-growing franchise in the $78 billion commercial cleaning industry. Their franchisees provide top-quality janitorial services and

Bonchon created their signature sauce in Korea back in 2002, and have kept their original recipe ever since.  Every piece of Bonchon chicken is double-fried, then hand brushed with their signature sauce. Bonchon was created to satisfy a craving. A craving for nostalgia and familiarity. A craving for the indulgent taste of authentic, flavorful, crunchy, Korean fried chicken accompanied with a variety of unique pan Asian comfort foods. In the beginning, there were few places to satisfy this craving in the United States. Their founder, Mr. Seo, introduced premium, flavorful sauces and cooking techniques served in a globally inspired, modern and sleek environment. And for the next generation of diners, a new way to experience fried chicken was born. Bonchon was recognized by Business Insider in 2019 as “the gold standard for fried chicken” beating out five major restaurant chains as “best chicken wings”. We are meeting with Flynn Dekker, CEO of Bonchon. In Part Two we play a clip from our popular Great Q

We start today's show with a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast. In Part Two, we will play our interview with the Poolwerx franchise opportunity.  I was recently asked by one of my business students what industries have seen an increase in demand in 2020.  One of those industries are pools with more people staying home and less people heading to the beach.  Founded in 1992, Poolwerx is one of the world’s largest pool and hot tub / spa maintenance providers. You will hear our interview with the CEO and founder of Poolwerx, John O' Brien. 

We are meeting with Gregg Rozeboom, the CEO and founder of Fruitive.  Fruitive is a whole food, plant-based restaurant franchise that’s actually in the middle of some pretty exciting expansions.  Your health and happiness are what matters to Fruitive. At Fruitive, they strive to be better for you. No matter where you are on your health journey, their wholesome ingredients support taking you to the next level. "My goal with Fruitive was to create something good for my family, for our community and for the world,” said Gregg Rozeboom, In part two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast. 

We are welcoming back Peter Holt of The Joint Chiropractic franchise. The Joint Chiropractic revolutionized the $15 billion chiropractic industry by making chiropractic care more accessible, convenient and affordable than ever before. Founded in 1999, The Joint has grown to more than 460 locations throughout the country, helping millions of people in the process find relief from neck and back pain. The rapid success of The Joint, now the fastest growing chiropractic franchise in the nation, is due to the straightforward business model that is easy to understand, quick to scale and meets a real need in the communities we serve. As a result, entrepreneurs with zero experience in the chiropractic industry, as well as chiropractors with significant experience, are choosing to franchise with The Joint. In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.

Silverback Self Defense is a professional self defense company that specializes in group, corporate, and individual training classes. Founded and owned by Robert Webre, Silverback Self Defense is passionate about helping people learn how to protect themselves and save lives. With solid leadership at our back and proven operational practices propelling us forward, Silverback Self Defense is eager to introduce the rest of the States to our customizable training programs through franchisement.  In part two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast. 

If you want to be part of a healthcare brand that has built its success by putting patients first, explore the Pearle Vision franchise opportunity.Pearle Vision is one of the largest optical retailers in North America, with more than 500 EyeCare Centers across the United States and Canada, many owned and operated locally by franchise owners. The brand has more than 30 years’ experience in franchising, and although Pearle Vision is a healthcare franchise, you do not need a medical background to own a franchise. We are meeting with Alex Wilkes of Pearle Vision.  In 1981, Pearle Vision began offering franchises to optometrists, opticians and investors who were interested in using Pearle’s business model, brand and marketing muscle to build their own businesses. Today, the Pearle Vision franchise continues to grow by helping professionals profitably deliver quality eye care.

In part 1, we are meeting with entrepreneur and the founder of the BBQ Cleaner Jeffrey Krentzman. Jeff discusses the following: What are some of the pros and cons you encounter as your own boss? What is the hardest part of starting your own business? In your own business, what are some of things you feel you have done right that can be applied to someone else looking to start a business? What advice would you give to someone whose looking at being their own boss? Where should they even start? In part 2, you will hear a clip from out Great Quotes in Franchising podcast with the great Warren Greshes.

There are two key elements you receive when buying a franchise: They include a system and a brand.  Today we have the honor of speaking with award winning marketing professional, lecturer and teacher, Dr. John Tantillo.  Dr. Tantillo (aka The Marketing Doctor) is a trained applied research psychologist who is internationally known for his expertise at diagnosing the factors that impact target markets. The Marketing Dr. wants to share his knowledge with individuals and businesses so they will benefit from his modern marketing principles. Dr. Tantillo is also the author of the popular book, “People Buy Brands Not Companies,” and Udemy on-line Course: “Go Brand Yourself with Dr. John Tantillo: The secrets of branding for personal and professional success!”  Dr. John Tantillo created the brand name, “O’Reilly Factor” and is currently a contributor for Newsmax TV (link to JT’s Newsmax Clips needs to be created) where he is seen each week on the popular Newsmax Now segment, Brand Power, https://www.newsmaxtv.

  This week we are discussing two must read books before Memorial  or Labor Day.  We begin the show with Danny Lyon, author of  The Colour of My Underwear is Blue.  With over 60 marathons and 20 years of business experience,Danny Lyon shares why people create such varying levels of business and personal success. Lyon reveals the secrets of the success "high-flyers", the "turnaround artists", the "comfort zone dwellers", and the "give-ups". No matter where you are in your life right now, Lyon sheds light on how you may be holding yourself back and what it takes to get out of your own way.  Next, we meet with Steve Barnett, author of Gumption - Taking Bubba Gump from Movie to Restaurant.  Written in a cinematic style, this book is about the creation, growth, and sale of the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. The concept began when Paramount Pictures reached out to see if there was interest in creating a restaurant based on the movie Forrest Gump. It is also the personal story of the author’s growth as a CEO and c

Today’s podcast features a roundtable session with three franchise experts.  You will hear from franchise expert Jim Coen. Jim suggested most people know what they like but they don’t necessarily know what would be a good franchise opportunity for themselves. He explains why.  In addition, we have franchise expert and veteran Craig Slavin. Craig has 5 decades of experience in all aspects of the franchising. Craig suggests, “Just because you can afford the airplane doesn't mean you should be the pilot." He eloquently explains how this pertains to buying a franchise.  We also have Gary Ochiogrosso who answers a common question that we have been asked hundreds of times and that is, “What is the best franchise?” Gary also talks about the three-legged stool of a successful franchise.

Swimming with the Sharks Today we are going to play clips from two franchises that appeared on one of our favorite shows…Shark Tank.  When Michael and Babz Barnett saw a tweet from ABC scouting contestants for new TV show, Shark Tank, six years ago, they had no idea what they’d be walking into. In fact, they saw the premier episode in their hotel room the night before their own taping. But despite the lack of familiarity with the sharks entrepreneurs have today, they presented their concept, Romp n’ Roll – a modernized kids gym perfecting the intersection of entertainment and education for kids ages 3 months to 5 years, and were offered a deal. Which they declined. Next, we meet with Jerry Hancock, the founder of Sub Zero Ice Cream and former guest on Shark Tank.  Sub Zero Ice Cream uses negative 321-degree liquid nitrogen to freeze and hand mix each customized order with a unique patented process. Besides its unique and highly visual freezing method, Sub Zero Ice Cream caters to a variety of dietary needs.

One of the most frequent questions I get is what is our most popular podcast to date. Interestingly, it came from our Great Quotes in Franchising podcast with Tony Lutfi…over 44,000 views to date. His advice to our listeners was priceless.  We are going to play our whole interview with Tony Lutfi who achieved the American dream through franchising. 

Several years ago, I was inspired to conduct a study on women in franchising based on my interview with Gigi Butler.  The study was titled, “Women Entrepreneurs and the Influence of Gender on Successful Franchising".  The study was published in the Global Journal of Entrepreneurship.  This study explores the influence of gender on franchise business ownership.  Here is a link to the study.  https://www.igbr.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/GJE_Vol_2_No_1_2018.pdf Today you will hear our interview with Gigi Butler.  Gigi Butler, is the founder of Gigi's Cupcakes. People across the country know Gigi from her appearance on "Undercover Boss" on CBS, and her journey is the American Dream come true. Soon after opening, Gigi's Cupcakes became a Nashville delicacy dessert of choice and now, nine years later, it has expanded across the country...making Gigi's the largest cupcake franchise in the country!