“If you can sell, you can build. And if you can build, you can lead.”

In this special episode, we welcome Alex DiPietro, Babson alum, former hockey player, and the first undergraduate Babson grad featured on Stars of Franchising. Alex brings a dynamic mix of tech sales grit, deep family legacy, and second-generation franchise leadership to the table.

As a multi-unit Dunkin’ operator and second-gen franchisee in one of the most iconic family-run Dunkin’ operations in the Northeast, Alex shares how his background in sales, sports, and entrepreneurship shaped his approach to franchising — and how he’s forging his own path while honoring a powerful legacy.

🎙️ In this episode:

• How tech sales gave him the entrepreneurial backbone for franchising
• Lessons learned from legendary operator Carlos Andrade
• The myth of absentee ownership — and why leadership starts in the store
• Why he earned his general contractor license to lead remodels himself
• The value of “healthy tension” between ‘Zors and ‘Zees
• Using collaboration and shared infrastructure to drive growth and efficiency
• What keeps him up at night: defining his legacy

From legacy to innovation, Alex’s story is a blueprint in leading from the front.

"We’ve been lucky to grow up in a playground of entrepreneurship — churros just happen to be the medium."

In this energizing episode of Stars of Franchising, we sit down with Mateo and Tadeo Acosta-Rubio, Venezuelan-American brothers and second-generation leaders of the beloved global franchise Churromania. From childhood shifts behind the register to launching tech startups while studying at Babson College, their story is about more than just churros — it’s about turning family legacy into innovation.

As co-founders of Clave, a franchise analytics startup, and former founders of Stuvie, the “Airbnb for music studios,” Mateo and Tadeo are blending deep-rooted franchise experience with a Gen Z lens for scale, data, and social impact.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Growing up “smelling like churros” — and turning that into a career
• Why franchising is a goldmine for problem-solvers and innovators
• The creation of Clave, an AI-powered co-pilot for franchise operators
• How social impact and family values fuel their leadership
• Advice from their parents that still guides them daily
• How they’re redefining what it means to be young franchise leaders in a multigenerational business

Whether you're a next-gen franchisee, tech-enabled entrepreneur, or someone building legacy with purpose — this one’s for you.

"Franchising is not just a business model. It’s an ecosystem of shared success."

As the founder of GNF Worldwide, Fernando López de Castilla Elías has helped shape the franchise landscape across more than 10 countries. From consulting and sales outsourcing to franchise-focused investment banking, Fernando’s firm has completed over 10,000 deals — making him one of the most influential figures in international franchising today.

In this episode of Stars of Franchising, Fernando joins Ab and Vini to share what it takes to build franchise systems that scale responsibly and sustainably around the globe. With deep expertise in Latin America and a sharp perspective on what it means to “professionalize” franchising, Fernando brings the kind of global insight that franchise leaders at every stage need to hear.

In this episode, Fernando discusses:

• Why most Latin American franchisors fail when they try to scale too soon
• What franchising maturity looks like — and how to know if you're ready to go global
• How his legal and finance background shaped GNF’s investment discipline
• The biggest gaps between U.S. and emerging market franchising approaches
• Why long-term partnerships, not transactions, are the future of the franchise model
• How GNF Worldwide is helping create a new generation of global franchise leaders

This episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about international growth, emerging markets, or how to turn a franchise system into a long-term asset.

"If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re probably on the menu."

Rob Branca is more than just a multi-unit Dunkin’ operator — he’s a legal mind, real estate investor, second-generation franchisee, and one of franchising’s most active advocates on Capitol Hill. Rob sits down with Ab and Vini to unpack his journey from law school to leadership, and the critical role franchisees play in shaping the future of the industry.

With a deep belief in ownership as a tool for economic mobility, Rob shares powerful insights about scaling with control, staying engaged in policy, and building businesses that give back to the communities they serve.

☕️ In this episode, Rob discusses:
-Why owning real estate is one of a franchisee’s greatest advantages
-The laws and politics shaping the future of franchising — and why your voice matters
-The “death zone” in franchising: the real challenges of scaling from 3 to 10 units
-How franchising creates generational wealth and opportunity, especially for immigrants and underserved communities
-The importance of over-communicating and collaborative leadership between ‘Zors and ‘Zees
-Why every franchisee should understand their franchisor’s incentives — and vice versa

PLUS: Why Rob believes franchising is America’s best-kept economic secret, and what modern operators must do to both thrive and protect the system.

"Our business is about helping people feel better — whether that’s in body, in mindset, or through entrepreneurship."

Lindsey McFadden didn’t just join the wellness franchising movement — she’s helping shape the future of it. As Chief Marketing Officer at Stretch Zone, Lindsey brings her sharp eye for strategy and a people-first approach to one of the fastest-growing brands in the health and wellness space. Under her leadership, Stretch Zone has opened 250+ units in just three years — with a perfect record of zero studio closures.

In this energizing episode, Lindsey joins Ab and Vini to share how the brand is scaling responsibly, marketing a category-defining service, and empowering franchisees through community-driven leadership.

🎧 In this episode, Lindsey discusses:
🌿 Why she left the consultant world to lead from within
📈 The strategy behind Stretch Zone’s hyper-growth
📍 The challenge of educating consumers in a new wellness category
📣 How storytelling and visuals are driving awareness and demand
🤝 What great franchisor-franchisee communication really looks like
👩‍💼 Why 43% of their franchisees are women — and how she sees that number growing

PLUS: Stretch Zone’s next frontier — international expansion, a custom app, and how they’re making national membership access seamless for customers across the U.S.

This one is a masterclass in leading with clarity, collaboration, and impact. Don’t miss it.

"You don’t need to be an expert in everything — you just need vision, leadership, and great people."

Victor Berny grew up in his family’s hardware store business in Mexico. Today, he’s the visionary behind one of the region’s fastest-scaling franchise portfolios — including Little Caesars, Wingstop, and Dunkin’ — with dozens of units across the Yucatán and beyond.

In this powerhouse episode of Stars of Franchising, Victor joins Ab and Vini to discuss his journey from modest beginnings to multi-brand franchise leadership — and the mindset shifts that helped him unlock bold growth.

Listen in as Victor shares:

• Why Little Caesars was a turning point — and how the family pivoted into franchising
• How U.S. trends influence brand strategy in Mexico
• The real art behind choosing the right brands and the right locations
• The pros and cons of launching 20 stores at once
• How to build a talent pipeline that scales as fast as your business
• Why “horchata lattes” and local innovation are key to winning hearts

PLUS: What the best franchisors do to earn trust, stay engaged, and treat their franchisees like true partners — especially across borders.

Victor also reflects on how his Babson experience reignited his confidence — and helped him dream even bigger.

"It's about creating a lasting culture while embracing growth for the next generation."

Somia Farid Silber grew up with entrepreneurship in her DNA — starting at the age of nine working at Edible Arrangements, the iconic brand founded by her father, Tariq Farid. Now, after years of learning every aspect of the company, Somia steps into her own spotlight as the new CEO of Edible Brands, just in time for the brand’s 25th anniversary.

In this inspiring conversation back on the Babson College campus, Somia joins Ab and Vini to talk about:

· How starting young builds a lifelong passion for franchising.

· The leadership principles she's bringing into her new role.

· Why culture-building is her top priority as Edible evolves for the next generation of customers.

· How Babson’s problem-solving, entrepreneurial mindset shaped her approach.

· The importance of scaling smartly without losing the heart of the brand.

· What it’s like leading a beloved family-founded franchise into a new era.

PLUS: How Edible is positioning itself to connect with a new generation —

Somia’s fresh vision for a brand with deep roots and bold future growth plans.

Ready to hear how the next generation is redefining franchising leadership? Dive in!

“It’s a beautiful form of entrepreneurship to be a franchisee, because you have so much stability and support but you still are the maven of your own market.”

Debra Strougo worked for the New York City mayor’s office in brand development for “the greatest brand in the world.” But over time her unquenchable passion for fitness beckoned and in 2017 with her husband she launched Row House — now with more than 300 North American locations. Today she’s an investor and advisor — a “founder co-pilot” — for numerous fitness-related brands, helping them as they scale through franchising and manage decision fatigue, and address franchisor/franchisee issues.

In this lively conversation with Ab and Vini, Debra discusses:

• Why the best ‘zees are the ones who “get on the bus.”
• Her holistic approach for potential ‘zees to make sure franchising is the right move for them.
• Franchisor enforcement options, and why ‘zees need to know them by heart.
• Her seismic shift in business model mindset: from expecting to scale Row House to embracing the franchisor model.
• The ways that fitness franchises are in fact communities.
• Why ‘zees need to map out doomsday scenarios while they plan for runaway success.
• Her mid-career realization that franchising IS entrepreneurship.