Merry Christmas Week to you and your loved ones. As we bring another year to a close it is time to reflect and look back on the year. As the year is winding down, I always like to take a moment to look back and reflect on the year. Think about the highs and lows and everything in between. For our podcast this year, we had 16 franchise focused podcasts and we decided to highlight the top franchise podcasts of 2025. There are 9 franchisors in this episode. You may remember some of our guests including the leaders of Coldwell Banker, Club Pilates, and Caring Transitions. By the way, these 9 guests represented more than 5,000 locations around the world! You have to stay to the end to see what they have to say.

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

• Schedule your free franchise consultation with Big Sky Franchise Team: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/.
• Attend our Franchise Sales Training Workshop:
• https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/franchisesalestraining/
• 1. 251 – Ray Fabik CEO with Caring Transitions
  https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/franchise-support/
  
  2. 262. Mike Andes Founder and CEO of Augusta Landscape
  https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/5-year-anniversary-special-what-if-everything-you-know-about-franchising-is-wrong-mike-andes/
  
  3. 288. Redirect Health – David Berg
  https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/288-how-doctors-do-healthcare-differently-than-you-david-berg-ceo-redirecthealth/
  
  4. 270 – Robin Gagnon – We Sell Restaurants
  https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/selling-more-restaurants-than-anyone-else-robin-gagnon/
  
  5. 272 – Tommy Gun’s Barbershop – Keenan Fisher – 100
  https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/272-global-franchising-success-keenan-fisher-managing-partner-tommy-guns-original-barbershop/
  
  6. 275. Tierra Encantada – Kristen Denzerhttps://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/275-how-this-franchisor-is-standing-out-in-the-competitive-childcare-industry-kristen-denzer-ceo-tierra-encantada/
  7. 286. Uptown Cheapskate and Kid to Kid franchises – co-CEOs – Zach Gordon and Tyler Gordon
  b. https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/286-scaling-thrift-retail-into-a-global-franchise-tyler-and-zach-gordon-co-ceos-uptown-cheapskate-and-kid-to-kid285-giving-thanks

The information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any business decisions. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Big Sky Franchise Team, or our affiliates. Additionally, this podcast may feature sponsors or advertisers, but any mention of products or services does not constitute an endorsement. Please do your own research before making any purchasing or business decisions.

Have you ever wondered how doctors do their own healthcare? Or how they talk to their friends about healthcare in their living room? Our guest today is David Berg, who shares with us how he saw a difference between how he and his wife did healthcare in their living room versus in their office. He shares his journey about how he decided to do something about it in our episode today.

TODAY'S WIN-WIN:
Starting with a different question can lead to finding different solutions.

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

• Schedule your free franchise consultation with Big Sky Franchise Team: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/.
• You can visit our guest's website at: www.redirecthealth.com
• Attend our Franchise Sales Training Workshop:
• https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/franchisesalestraining/
• Connect with our guests on social:
  • David.berg@redirecthealth.com
  • Get a copy of our guest's book: CLICK HERE.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:
David Berg is the CEO and Co-Founder of Redirect Health a digital health platform that manages employers' health plans and lowers costs. Finalist for 3 best-in-class awards at the World Health Care Congress in Washington, DC. Winner of the Phoenix Business Journal's Health Care Innovator Award. Author of "Business Owner’s Guide to ENDING THE FIGHT WITH HEALTHCARE."

ABOUT BIG SKY FRANCHISE TEAM:
This episode is powered by Big Sky Franchise Team. If you are ready to talk about franchising your business you can schedule your free, no-obligation, franchise consultation online at: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/.

The information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any business decisions. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Big Sky Franchise Team, or our affiliates. Additionally, this podcast may feature sponsors or advertisers, but any mention of products or services does not constitute an endorsement. Please do your own research before making any purchasing or business decisions.

How do you communicate with your customers, employees, vendors? Do you have a cohesive strategy for unified communications? Our guest today is Joshua Altman, who shares with us what a chief communications officer is and why you might need one.

TODAY'S WIN-WIN:
Perception is making sure your name is out in a positive way and building trust is done through positive experiences.

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

• Schedule your free franchise consultation with Big Sky Franchise Team: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/.
• You can visit our guest's website at: https://beltway.media/
• Attend our Franchise Sales Training Workshop:
• https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/franchisesalestraining/
• Connect with our guests on social:
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaialtman

ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Joshua is an experienced storyteller and strategist with more than two decades of experience shaping how people see, hear and connect with big ideas. Today, he leads beltway.media, a D.C.-based communications firm that helps brands and organizations cut through the noise. Before founding the firm, Joshua was a multimedia journalist at The Hill, diving deep into federal policy and covering high-stakes election cycles right from the front lines. Now he works with everyone from startups to federal agencies, helping them refine their message, elevate their brand and truly connect with their audience, whether that’s customers, investors or the public at large. From reimagining agency websites to crafting magnetic stories, Joshua’s work has one goal: to make communications clear, compelling, and impossible to ignore.

ABOUT BIG SKY FRANCHISE TEAM:
This episode is powered by Big Sky Franchise Team. If you are ready to talk about franchising your business you can schedule your free, no-obligation, franchise consultation online at: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/.

The information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any business decisions. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Big Sky Franchise Team, or our affiliates. Additionally, this podcast may feature sponsors or advertisers, but any mention of products or services does not constitute an endorsement. Please do your own research before making any purchasing or business decisions.

How well do you know your target customer? What kind of clarity do you have on it? Our guests today are Zach and Tyler Gordon, co-CEOs of Basecamp Franchising, which includes: two brands with more than 200 combined locations, who share with us how they are growing their franchise system in the second hand industry by having clarity and precision around their target customers.

TODAY'S WIN-WIN:
The success of your franchisee should be your north star.

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

• Schedule your free franchise consultation with Big Sky Franchise Team: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/.
• You can visit our guest's website at:
  • https://uptowncheapskatefranchise.com/
  • https://kidtokid.com/
• Attend our Franchise Sales Training Workshop:
• https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/franchisesalestraining/
• Connect with our guests on social:
  • https://www.linkedin.com/company/basecamp-franchising/
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-gordon-08894746
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-gordon-3b38191b/
  • https://www.instagram.com/uptowncheapskate/?hl=en
  • https://www.instagram.com/kidtokid/?hl=en

ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Tyler and Zach Gordon are co-CEOs of Basecamp Franchising—parent company of resale leaders Uptown Cheapskate and Kid to Kid. With deep roots in private equity and global franchising (previously Restaurant Brands International), these brothers bring a uniquely analytical yet people-first approach to growing what they call “thrift, reimagined.” Under their leadership, Basecamp is redefining resale retail by focusing not just on expansion, but on elevating the franchisee and customer experience. Their partnership is yielding results: 90% franchisee attendance at national conferences, record satisfaction scores, and bold ambitions to lead the secondhand apparel category both in the U.S. and abroad.

ABOUT BIG SKY FRANCHISE TEAM:
This episode is powered by Big Sky Franchise Team. If you are ready to talk about franchising your business you can schedule your free, no-obligation, franchise consultation online at: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/.

The information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any business decisions. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Big Sky Franchise Team, or our affiliates. Additionally, this podcast may feature sponsors or advertisers, but any mention of products or services does not constitute an endorsement. Please do your own research before making any purchasing or business decisions.

Have you found yourself in dire circumstances and wondered what might come out of it? Our guest today is Michelle Campbell, who shares how her resilience and perseverance can forge a new direction to help others through similar challenges.

TODAY'S WIN-WIN:
It is never too late to choose a better path.

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

• Schedule your free franchise consultation with Big Sky Franchise Team: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/.
• Attend our Franchise Sales Training Workshop:
  https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/franchisesalestraining/
• You can visit our guest's website at:
  • https://bymichellecampbell.com/
• Connect with our guest on social:
  • https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561259970143
  • https://www.instagram.com/bluebirdmemoir/
  • https://www.tiktok.com/@taxshell
  • https://x.com/tax_shell
  • https://www.youtube.com/@taxshell6072
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-c-1a697b318

ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Michelle Campbell was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and began her educational journey in South Dakota before relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, to continue her studies. During her academic pursuits, she launched a real estate investment firm, marking the beginning of her entrepreneurial path. Over the years, Michelle expanded her ventures into various industries, including horticulture, where she founded an interiorscape company, and logistics, where she established a commercial trucking business. Drawing on the insights and expertise gained across these diverse fields, she transitioned into a career in the financial services industry. Michelle is also the author of Bluebird, a memoir that candidly explores themes of trauma, heartbreak, and the resilience found in life’s struggles.

ABOUT BIG SKY FRANCHISE TEAM:
This episode is powered by Big Sky Franchise Team. If you are ready to talk about franchising your business you can schedule your free, no-obligation, franchise consultation online at: https://

The information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any business decisions. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Big Sky Franchise Team, or our affiliates. Additionally, this podcast may feature sponsors or advertisers, but any mention of products or services does not constitute an endorsement. Please do your own research before making any purchasing or business decisions.

Do you view your closeness or proximity to your customers as a strategic advantage? Or said differently, have you thought about that before? Our guest today is Mr. Sri Kaza, who shares with us his Underdog formula that he has found in small businesses.

TODAY'S WIN-WIN:
What makes your business unique?

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

• Schedule your free franchise consultation with Big Sky Franchise Team: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/.
• Attend our Franchise Sales Training Workshop:
  https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/franchisesalestraining/
• You can visit our guest's website at:
  • https://www.sri-kaza.com/
• Connect with our guest on social:
  • https://linkedin.com/in/srikaza

ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Sri Kaza is a business leader and small business advocate with a career spanning corporate strategy, entrepreneurial ventures, and dedicated support for small businesses. After earning degrees from the University of Michigan and Northwestern University, he began his career at McKinsey & Co., advising Fortune 500 companies. This was followed by executive roles focused on supporting small businesses, including serving as CEO of ForwardLine Financial, where he helped tens of thousands of small businesses achieve their goals. Through his extensive experience working with both large corporations and small businesses, Sri developed the Underdog Principles — a framework that helps small businesses leverage their inherent advantages to compete and thrive in any market.

ABOUT BIG SKY FRANCHISE TEAM:
This episode is powered by Big Sky Franchise Team. If you are ready to talk about franchising your business you can schedule your free, no-obligation, franchise consultation online at: https://

The information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any business decisions. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Big Sky Franchise Team, or our affiliates. Additionally, this podcast may feature sponsors or advertisers, but any mention of products or services does not constitute an endorsement. Please do your own research before making any purchasing or business decisions.

Are you aware of how your attitude impacts the room you walk into? Positively or negatively? Our guest today is Lisa Even, who talks about how your attitudes and behaviors as the leader of your company create a ripple effect throughout your team.

TODAY'S WIN-WIN:
What does joy look like?

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

• Schedule your free franchise consultation with Big Sky Franchise Team: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/.
• You can visit our guest's website at:
  • https://lisaeven.com/
• Attend our Franchise Sales Training Workshop:
• https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/franchisesalestraining/
• Connect with our guest on social:

ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Lisa Even (ee-ven) is a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and leadership coach who helps teams create what she calls a 'Good Ripple Effect. With a background in healthcare operations and team leadership, she now works with companies like ESPN, SHRM, and Disney to teach leaders how to show up with presence, build trust fast, and shape stronger cultures. She’s also the host of the Have Good Ripple Effect podcast.

ABOUT BIG SKY FRANCHISE TEAM:
This episode is powered by Big Sky Franchise Team. If you are ready to talk about franchising your business you can schedule your free, no-obligation, franchise consultation online at: https://

The information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any business decisions. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Big Sky Franchise Team, or our affiliates. Additionally, this podcast may feature sponsors or advertisers, but any mention of products or services does not constitute an endorsement. Please do your own research before making any purchasing or business decisions.

Have you ever thought about building an international brand around the world? Or, wondered what it might be like in leading a company through national and international growth? Our guest today is Tianna Strateman, who is the brand president of Club Pilates, and she shares with us her insights and lessons learned on growing from 200 franchises to more than 1,400 around the world.

TODAY'S WIN-WIN:
Community doesn’t just happen when you open the doors. A lot of work has to go into creating it.

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

• Schedule your free franchise consultation with Big Sky Franchise Team: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/.
• You can visit our guest's website at:
  • https://www.clubpilates.com/
• Attend our Franchise Sales Training Workshop:
• https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/franchisesalestraining/
• Connect with our guest on social:
  • https://www.facebook.com/clubpilates/
  • https://www.instagram.com/clubpilates/?hl=en
  • https://www.linkedin.com/company/club-pilates-san-diego/

ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Tianna Strateman discovered Pilates at just 12 years old as a way to support her training as a dancer, sparking a lifelong passion for the practice. While studying Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Nutrition and Health at the University of Southern California, she also became a certified Pilates instructor. Today, Tianna combines her business expertise and love for Pilates as President of Club Pilates, the largest premium Pilates brand in the world with more than 1,000 studios globally.

ABOUT BIG SKY FRANCHISE TEAM:
This episode is powered by Big Sky Franchise Team. If you are ready to talk about franchising your business you can schedule your free, no-obligation, franchise consultation online at: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/.

The information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any business decisions. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Big Sky Franchise Team, or our affiliates. Additionally, this podcast may feature sponsors or advertisers, but any mention of products or services does not constitute an endorsement. Please do your own research before making any purchasing or business decisions.