I have an opportunity, in my line of work, to talk to a lot of franchisees and a lot of franchisors. It's always enlightening, but it's very rare to be able to talk to someone who has been a franchisee of multiple brands and continues to give back even now with consulting. So join me in this episode of FranchiseU! when I talk with Ron Taylor. Ron has been a very successful franchisee of Edible Brands, and now is a franchisee of Nothing But Cakes and SweatHouz and has his own consulting business. He has some wonderful insights to share with us.

Taylor is the founder of Franchise Authentic, a brand rooted in real-world franchise experience and proven results. With a background as a top-performing franchisee and operator, he helps align aspiring entrepreneurs with the right franchise brand.

Topics discussed include:

• Introduction and Guest Overview
• Ron Taylor's Franchise Journey Begins
• Scaling Edible Arrangements
• The SweatHouz Experience
• Insights on Franchising
• Evaluating Franchisors
• Advice for Multi-Brand and Multi-Unit Owners
• Misconceptions About Franchising
• The Importance of Creativity and Following Rules
• Advice for Aspiring Franchisees

Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!:

Website: FranchiseU!

Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast

Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast

Twitter: @franchiseupod

TikTok: @franchiseupod

Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser via LinkedIn.

This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.

• Bobbie Lloyd's Culinary Journey
• Jason Mattes' Franchise Development Story
• Magnolia Bakery's Global Expansion
• The Hub and Spoke Model: Flagship and No-Bake Stores
• Qualities of a Successful Franchisee
• Training and Support for Franchisees
• Choosing Franchise Locations and Partners
• Advice for Aspiring Franchisees

Website: FranchiseU!

Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast

Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast

Twitter: @franchiseupod

TikTok: @franchiseupod

Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser via LinkedIn.

This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.

The International Franchise Association does so much to protect, enhance, and support the franchise model. It's really pretty incredible the amount of work they do, but sometimes people don't know exactly what do they do. So join me in this episode of FranchiseU! where I have the privilege of sitting down with Matt Hower, the CEO of the IFA and Jennifer branding the COO of the IFA, or they talk about not only their journeys to franchising, but all the things that the IFA offers and has done to ensure this model stays alive and helps millions of people who work with and thrive within it.

In this episode of FranchiseU!, host Dr. Kathy Gosser sits down with Matt Haller, the CEO, and Jennifer Brandeen, the COO, of the International Franchise Association (IFA). They discuss the extensive efforts of the IFA in protecting, enhancing, and promoting the franchise model.

Topics discussed include:

· Introduction to the IFA

· Matt Haller's Journey to the IFA

· Jennifer Brandeen's Path to Franchising

· Mission and Role of the IFA

· Misconceptions About Franchising

· Franchising's Economic Impact

· IFA Events and Education

· Franchise Update Media Acquisition

· Educational Initiatives and Digital Ecosystem

· Franchise Ascension Initiative

· Future of Franchising

Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!:

Website: FranchiseU!

Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast

Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast

Twitter: @franchiseupod

TikTok: @franchiseupod

Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser via LinkedIn.

This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.

Agape Capitalism. What is that and why would I be talking about that on a franchising podcast? Well join me in this episode of FranchiseU! as I talk with Jane Abell and Tony Capuano of Donatos Pizza. Jane is the chairwoman of the board, and Tony is her son, who is also the Senior Vice President of Franchise Operations and Training.

They take us along the journey of Donatos when it was created by her father who started in 1963. They sold to McDonald's and then bought it back from McDonald's. They also talk about how they have woven the whole theory of combining love and capitalism into a very successful enterprise.

Topics discussed include:

· Meet Jane Abell and Tony Capuano

· Jane Abell's Journey with Donatos

· Tony Capuano's Career Path

· The Donatos Story: From Creation to McDonald's to Independence

· Donatos Current Growth and Future Plans

· Agape Capitalism: Leading with Love

· Navigating Family Business Challenges

· The Rewards of Family Business

Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!:

Website: FranchiseU!

Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast

Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast

Twitter: @franchiseupod

TikTok: @franchiseupod

Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser via LinkedIn.

This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.

One thing that almost all of us have in common is the desire to live a healthy, long life. There is now a franchise to help with proactively taking control of your health. Join me in this episode of FranchiseU! as I talk with Scott Svilich, the COO of Next Health. The only large scale franchise providing medically backed healthcare services with a proactive approach to prioritizing health and fitness.

Topics discussed include:

· Meet Scott Svilich: From Trainer to COO

· Scott's Journey in the Fitness Industry

· Transition to Exponential Fitness

· Innovative Services at Next Health

· Membership Model and Franchising

· Franchising Strategy and Growth

· Financials and Profit Margins

· Ideal Franchise Partners

Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!:

Website: FranchiseU!

Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast

Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast

Twitter: @franchiseupod

TikTok: @franchiseupod

Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser via LinkedIn.

This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.

Dr. Kathy Gosser interviews Amy Leclerc, co-founder of Sit Still Kids Salon franchise. The discussion covers Leclerc’s journey from advertising to leading a kids' hair salon franchise.

Highlights Include:

• Tips from a successful professional path
• Benefits of intuition and risk-taking
• Sage advice for potential franchisees
• A case study in growth and expansion plans
• Qualities of an ideal franchisee
• Marketing strategies for franchisees

Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!:

Website:

FranchiseU!

Instagram:

@franchiseu_podcast

Facebook:

@FranchiseU Podcast

Twitter:

@franchiseupod

TikTok:

@franchiseupod

Reach

out directly to Dr.

Kathy Gosser via LinkedIn.

This

episode proudly brought to you by the Center

for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.

Dr. Kathy Gosser interviews James Hilovsky, a dedicated franchise broker and the CEO of FranDream. Hilovsky shares his journey from spending 25 years at Del Taco to transitioning to franchise brokering.

Highlights Include:

• Hilovsky's Early Career at Del Taco
• Piology Pizza and Franchise Operations
• Differences Between Corporate and Franchise Sides
• Evaluating Franchise Opportunities and Client Profiles
• Exploring Franchise Opportunities
• Negotiating Franchise Terms
• Success Stories in Franchising

Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!:

Website: FranchiseU!

Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast

Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast

Twitter: @franchiseupod

TikTok: @franchiseupod

Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser via LinkedIn.

This episode proudly brought to you by the Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.

You should learn something new every day. Those words come from a new Potbelly franchisee, Hampden Keil, who started a multi-unit franchise with his father, Bryant Keil, the founder of Potbelly. Join me in this episode of FranchiseU! as we hear Hampden talk about his experience and how he and his dad are creating a Potbelly dynasty, starting with 13 restaurants with plans to add 15 more.

In this episode of FranchiseU!, I interview Hampden Keil, COO of the Keil Group, LLC, to discuss his journey into the restaurant industry and his experience in building a Potbelly Sandwich Works multi-unit franchise business alongside, Bryant Keil, his father. Keil talks about his background in journalism, his extensive experience in the restaurant industry, and the valuable lessons he learned working at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. The conversation delves into the Keil Group's ambitious plans to expand their footprint by adding new Potbelly units to their existing 13, the importance of operational systems, and the evolving dynamics of family-run businesses. Keil also offers insights into the challenges of hiring and training staff, the significance of having a strong support system, and the advantages of being a Potbelly franchisee.

Topics discussed include:

1. Keil’s Early Career & Education

A. Experiences as a Journalist

B. Experiences at Lettuce Entertain You

C. Experiences at Joe's Brewery

D. Experiences at the Keil Group

2. The Potbelly Brand & Legacy

A. Founding and Evolution of Potbelly

B. Unique Franchising Model and Operations

C. Benefits of Checklists and Operational Standards

D. Advantages of becoming a Potbelly Franchisee

3. Working with Family

A. Definite division of roles: Hampden handles operations; Bryant focuses on

growth and development.

B. Benefits of complementary working styles (realistic vs. creative).

C. Benefits of daily catch-up calls that blend business and personal

conversation.

4. Advantages of Becoming a Franchisee

A. Quality product and brand identity.

B. Strong corporate support and operational guidance.

C. Opportunity for personal and professional support.

5. Advice for Aspiring Franchisees and Students

A. Be prepared for the shift from floor operations to oversight.

B. Confidence grows with experience.

C. Constant learning and listening to experienced team members are key.

Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!:

Website: FranchiseU!

Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast

Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast

Twitter: @franchiseupod

TikTok: @franchiseupod

Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser via LinkedIn.

This episode proudly brought to you by the Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.