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We are meeting with Lee Braun, the CEO and co-founder of Perspire Sauna Studio.  The hottest new franchise is here (literally 150°). Perspire has developed, formulated and tested the most superior infrared sauna studio model and is the first national brand to bring this transformational health and wellness service to the masses.

We are meeting with CEO of ION Franchising, Lance Graulich. Lance is the founder & CEO of ION Franchising, an industry leading franchise consulting and development group, that represents over 500 franchise brands & business opportunities within 90 categories. Lance helps prospective entrepreneurs find their perfect franchise for FREE. He also assists independent business owners in creating a franchise system. Every business has a story Lance started out in the family business on Wall Street after receiving an economics degree. He then joined a TGI Fridays franchise in Phoenix, AZ as a key executive and was vital to the rapid growth of this $225,000,000 organization. Mr Graulich was a multi-unit, multi-state franchisee of Wingstop and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. He has created countless start up brands and has become the industry leading donut expert. He is the founder of a donut chain called Pinkbox in Las Vegas. His latest start up bakery project is with a Food Network star. As a business start-up expert with more than 25 years of experience, he has served as President of various franchise advisory councils and boards advising emerging franchise brands. He has helped a multitude of companies grow efficiently & effectively.  In part two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.   

Happy New Year!  Many years ago, we created a spin off of our podcast Franchise Interviews.  We called the podcast Great Quotes in Franchising.   Great Quotes in Franchising features great quotes from our show over the last 14 years.  What surprised and pleased us is the number of listeners to the podcast.  For example, one Great Quotes in Franchising podcast has received over 52,000 views to date.  http://www.franchiseinterviews.podcastpeople.com/posts/63495 Today’s Great Quote in Franchising comes from Peter Baldine, the President of Moran Industries.  Peter discusses some of the several advantages of franchising compared to non-franchise businesses like support, guidance and instantaneous relationships. 

The Perfect Seasonal Business Many years ago, Don and I got to interview Blake Smith from The Decor Group (Christmas Decor, Nite Time Decor. At the Décor Group...Franchising is their business. Since that interview, the organization has grown significantly.  Christmas decorating offers individuals and businesses the ability to generate significant revenues during a time that is traditionally slow for many seasonal businesses. The Christmas Decor franchise opportunity provides seasonal businesses the ability to offset their fixed overhead costs and maintain their key employees all year around. The majority of their almost 300 franchisees nationally were operating a seasonal business when they came to Christmas Decor. They had no prior decorating experience, but they understood what it means to work hard to grow a successful business. Each one found that Christmas Decor was the perfect seasonal business to expand their revenues.

We are meeting with Richard Huffman, founder and CEO of Celebree School.  Founded in 1994, Celebree School is a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs. With a mission to Grow People Big and Small™, Celebree School believes success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and connection. Each school employs a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children and follows applicable state guidelines. In 2019, Celebree School launched its franchise offering. With a Celebree School franchise, entrepreneurs can invest in their financial future and their community by leveraging our proven business model. In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.

We are meeting with Joe Soltis…Joe is the Founder and CEO of ChoiceLocal, a digital marketing firm that serves franchise systems where the average client partner of ChoiceLocal gains $15.51 for every $1.00 in invested in marketing.  ChoiceLocal is a local marketing firm specializing in marketing franchise systems. Their average client generates in excess of $15.54 in new revenue for every $1 invested in marketing. They deliver superior business results to any local marketing firm they have been compared to. Their clients experience, on average, 363% faster revenue growth working with us compared to working with other agencies. Joe oversees ChoiceLocal which in turn funds the Benjamin Isaac Foundation out of its profits. The Benjamin Isaac Foundation is a non-profit focused on helping kids in need. Every business has a story ChoiceLocal's missionis  to help others. ChoiceLocal was founded as a 1-person company and today just a few years later is 65+ people, is bringing on 2-3 new people per month, is a 2X winner of NorthCoast99’s best place to work award, and boasts an annualized client retention rate of 94% and a net promoter score higher than great performing companies such as Apple, Amazon, & Trader Joe’s. In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast. 

Last week we met with Scott Greenberg, author of The Wealthy Franchisee…Game-Changing Steps to Becoming a Thriving Franchise Superstar.  Fueled with over 10 years’ experience as a multi-unit, award-winning franchise owner (Edible Arrangements) whose operation won international recognition: “Best Customer Service” and “Manager of the Year.  Today we are going to play our interview we did many years ago with Tariq Farid, founder of Edible Arrangements.  Since having Tariq on our show, Edible Arrangements has grown by leaps and bounds.  Nevertheless, the show is a timeless interview with this amazing entrepreneur and franchise.  Hot of the Press Edible Arrangements is expanding into the #music category because they have seen how successful it's been when paired with their gift and treat options. And this new category brings Edible Arrangements one step closer to becoming a one-stop-shop gifting experience for their customers. Edible Arrangements is kicking off Edible Music with a partnership with Grammy and Tony Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. and his new #holiday album. Customers can now purchase his album, or one of the four other holiday albums, through edible.com.   Learn more about Edible Music, via QSR magazine: https://lnkd.in/d9bYY73  

We have a great show today. We are meeting with Reena Bhatia of BidExecs franchising.  BidExecs offers a unique franchise model that allows you the opportunity to own a branded business in the multi-trillion dollar contracting industry. This is great for independent consultants, veterans, military officers, retired government employees who are ready to take control of their future and grow a significant business. Leverage your know-how, expertise and local influence to build a network of contract management professionals to serve key clients in your area.  In part two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.  

We have a great show today. We are meeting with Dennis Mulgannon, and today we are going to talk about the WaveMAX franchise opportunity,- a high-tech laundromat, optimized with contact-less service, etc.   Background The industry is made up of Mom and Pop operators who are taken advantage of by the washer and dryer Distributors whose sole purpose is to sell equipment to these non-business savvy operators. The industry has no brand, no business sophistication and massive turnover from operator to operator. Just drive around your city and tour the laundromats in your area. Generally they are not staffed, dirty and run down…we call them Zombie Mats! WaveMAX® Was Created To Address This Situation! Since 2012 WaveMAX® Coin Laundry based in Jacksonville FL has focused its business model on developing the prototypical market & store that can scale and sustain a national chain of coin only laundromats. The Franchise Development is being led by Dennis Mulgannon who successfully built Home Care Assistance, Junk King & The Flying Locksmiths into National Franchise Brands. In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast. 

We have a great show today. We are meeting with Joni Brownstein of the Art Recovery Technologies franchise opportunity.  Art Recovery Technologies can quickly assess, recover and return your artwork and collectibles to pre-loss condition. They specialize in the recovery of many types of art including antiques, photographs, family heirlooms, keepsakes, paintings, mosaics, taxidermy and much more.  In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising Podcast.  

We have a great show today. We are meeting with  Christo Demetriades, the COO of LunchboxWax, a boutique speed-waxing concept that combines refined techniques and the highest quality products. What makes LunchboxWax unique is their waxologists are trained to know how to wax every body and make the LGBTQ+ community especially the transgender community feel comfortable walking in and getting waxed. This inclusivity is present in all fronts of the business and each employee is put through a course of “culture classes” to ensure everyone is fully aware of the brand’s mission.The brand has 48 salons open and recently signed 2 multi-unit deals in brand new markets throughout the Midwest.  In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.  

We are meeting with Kelsey Stuart, CEO of Bloomin’ Blinds. Bloomin Blinds FYI: Family-owned and operated since 2001, Bloomin’ Blinds is a leading window treatment franchise serving 55 territories nationwide.Only window treatment franchises to offer product, installation, repair and cleaning. Bloomin’ Blinds franchises are typically run by husband and wife or small teams, so customers are often dealing with the same people over the course of several interactions, helping to build trust and longstanding client relationships. Combined, the leadership team has over 60 years of hands-on industry experience, bringing a personalized approach to training and a tight-knit family feel to the culture. Innovative tech allows franchisees to run their business efficiently and provide quotes to customers almost instantly, helping franchisees to close-in on more contracts. Franchisees are provided in-depth training at the home office with elaborate simulations to fully prepare each franchisee for the field. After training, franchisees head home and usually receive their first client inquiry within the first 12 hours of operation. The young leadership, fresh vision and technology is appealing to the growing population of millennial home owners. With more than 40 locations across the country, Bloomin’ Blinds is rapidly growing and plans to have 100 franchises open by 2022. In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast. 

An Evening with Franchise Teacher Chris Simnick With over 40 years of experience as an independent businessman, franchisee, and franchiser, including fifteen years of international experience in launching and assisting franchise systems in Europe and the Pacific Rim, Chris Simnick knows the ins and outs of franchising, and how to establish and fine tune operations to ensure a profitable business at start-up, stability, or maturity - when a refresh or expansion to a new concept is desired. Chris has accomplished this by creating the Synergy Franchise Group Network consisting of the Synergy Franchis Group LLC and FranchiseTeacher.com. Through these organizations, Chris and his team has  guided clients through the process of identifying and purchasing the right franchise based on their interests, personality, and skill level; and assisted others on the opposite end of the spectrum determine if their concept was suitable for franchising, how to recruit and develop franchisees, and how to set up the infrastructure and processes necessary to operate the system effectively and profitably. They provide consulting to both franchisers and franchisees, in all industries and in all sizes, on specific issues ranging from the development of growth strategies to conducting operational reviews and profit & loss analyses to setting up lead generation and tracking programs. They also offer personalized one-on-one coaching to meet any need. In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.  This clip also features Chris Simnick from the first time we had him on our podcast.

Last weekend I was doing some cleaning in preparation for fall.  As a business professor, I have thousands of books in plastic tubs.  One of the books that distracted me from cleaning was the Franchise Times Guide to Selecting, Buying and Owning a Franchise.  I was reminded of the interview Don and I did with Julie Bennett, author of the Franchise Times Guide to Selecting, Buying and Owning a Franchise.  The book, which has been updated, is filled with practical advice from real-life individuals who made the jump into franchising.  Some of Julie’s quotes made it into our Great Quotes in Franchising. We had fun on this interview.  In part two, we will play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.

We are meeting with Mike Cline VP of franchise development for Alliance Franchise Brands.  Alliance Franchise Brands serves the multi-billion dollar market for marketing, print, sign and graphics communications services. Alliance Franchise Brands is considered a leader in franchise training, technology and implementation. In its Marketing & Print Division, the company supports six brands: Allegra, American Speedy Printing and Insty-Prints in the United States and Allegra, KKP, and Speedy Printing in Canada. In its Sign & Graphics Division, the company supports three brands in North America and the United Kingdom: Image360, Signs by Tomorrow and Signs Now. In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast. 

We are meeting Scott Talley, CEO and founder of Network in Action. Network In Action Franchise (NIA) applies innovative principles to an industry that has long needed an update! There are an estimated 28 million small business in the United States and every one of them needs some type of marketing plan. According to their research if a business just has the funds for one marketing effort, networking provides the greatest return on investment!  Network In Action, a Houston-based networking franchise that has revolutionized the industry with its innovative use of technology, has created a Try Before You Buy program. The initiative gives entrepreneurs the option to go through a day in the life of a being a Network In Action group leader/franchisee, try the business model out by going through a five day training, recruit members, host their own meeting and then decide if they want to be a part of Network In Action within 48 hours. There is no fee associated with this initiative.  The average business owner does not have 100 plus hours annually to attend weekly business networking meetings. NIA’s monthly meetings opens up an entire new market of business owners who wish to network. Additionally, by offering monthly meetings NIA groups tend to enjoy more owners as members than a group that meets weekly.      

We are meeting Scott Talley, CEO and founder of Network in Action. Network In Action Franchise (NIA) applies innovative principles to an industry that has long needed an update! There are an estimated 28 million small business in the United States and every one of them needs some type of marketing plan. According to their research if a business just has the funds for one marketing effort, networking provides the greatest return on investment!  Network In Action, a Houston-based networking franchise that has revolutionized the industry with its innovative use of technology, has created a Try Before You Buy program. The initiative gives entrepreneurs the option to go through a day in the life of a being a Network In Action group leader/franchisee, try the business model out by going through a five day training, recruit members, host their own meeting and then decide if they want to be a part of Network In Action within 48 hours. There is no fee associated with this initiative.  The average business owner does not have 100 plus hours annually to attend weekly business networking meetings. NIA’s monthly meetings opens up an entire new market of business owners who wish to network. Additionally, by offering monthly meetings NIA groups tend to enjoy more owners as members than a group that meets weekly.      

We are meeting with Brynson Smith. Brynson is a sales and franchise consultant with a strong background in helping entrepreneurs break into the world of franchising, as well as helping established franchise owners diversify their portfolio. Brynson is the Director of Franchise Sales for uBreakiFix, an electronic device repair franchise.  uBreakiFix is obsessed with gadgets and gizmos. They are the folks standing in line on launch day waiting for the latest smartphone or gaming console. They love all things tech and they are experts at what they do.  uBreakiFix fixes electronic devices (it’s in our name after all). From the classic phone drop in the parking lot to the tablet in the toilet. They have seen it all. They understand how traumatic it is when you break your favorite devices and they want you to feel better the moment you walk in. In Part Two, we will play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast. 

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 has achieved notoriety in the dry cleaning industry, co-authoring Entrepreneurial Insanity in the Dry Cleaning Business. To date, more than 10,000 copies have been sold and it’s become the definitive book on succeeding in the industry. Kevin is a former winner of the New England Franchise Association’s Franchisor of the Year award.