エピソード

  • Franchise Broker Regulation Updates | What Brokers, FSOs, and Brands Should Know

    Franchise Broker Regulation Updates | What Brokers, FSOs, and Brands Should Know
    2025/12/16
    In this episode of The Franchise Advisory Board Podcast, we’re joined by the one-and-only Alesia Visconti, CEO of FranServe, seven-time Top 100 Influencer in Franchising, and author of The Pink Tsunami: The Rise of Women in Franchising. If franchising had a power source, Alesia would be plugged directly into it.

    First, a big thank you to our episode sponsor, ClientTether, for supporting the show and helping franchise brands build stronger, more connected relationships through smart automation.

    Alesia shares her journey from a long career in career services to accidentally-on-purpose falling into franchising, becoming a FranServe consultant, and then buying the company just 18 months later. Since then, she’s led FranServe’s growth into the largest franchise broker network in the world, all while anchoring the organization around one non-negotiable value: integrity is everything.

    The heart of the conversation digs into one of the most talked-about (and misunderstood) topics in franchising today: proposed changes around third-party franchise sales disclosures. Alesia breaks down what’s actually happening, why it’s happening, and why the fear swirling around it doesn’t match reality. Rather than heavy-handed regulation, the current direction focuses on simple, transparent disclosures that protect consumers, elevate ethical brokers and FSOs, and help weed out bad actors who give the industry a bad name.

    We also explore how these changes could strengthen trust in franchising overall, reduce headline-grabbing scandals, and make the industry more approachable for future franchise owners. Alesia explains why transparency around compensation, experience, brand representation, and potential conflicts of interest isn’t a threat—it’s a long-term win for brokers, brands, and candidates alike.
    Finally, Alesia shares her perspective on timing, why staying engaged now matters more than waiting for laws to drop, and how having franchising leaders at the table helps shape practical, realistic standards instead of reactive regulation.

    This episode is equal parts insight, candor, and clarity—plus a reminder that sunlight, integrity, and open dialogue are still the best tools we have to build an industry that lasts.
    #franchising #franchiseleadership #transparency #franchiseconsulting #womeninfranchising
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    39 分
  • Reinventing Your Franchise Brand: Fast-Lane Strategies for Rapid Turnarounds

    Reinventing Your Franchise Brand: Fast-Lane Strategies for Rapid Turnarounds
    2025/12/09
    Episode Summary – The Franchise Advisory Board Podcast

    Buckle up, folks! In this episode of the Franchise Advisory Board, we’re hitting the road with Brad Coleman—a former NASCAR driver turned franchise founder—who’s redefining what it means to teach safe driving. Sponsored by ClientTether, the industry’s leading franchise CRM, we dive into Brad’s unique journey from the racetrack to revitalizing and franchising SafeWay Driving, Texas’ premier driver education brand.

    Brad shares how his racing background gave him a front-row seat to precision, situational awareness, and safety—skills he’s now translating into one of the safest driver education programs in the state. From modernizing classrooms and cars to redesigning curriculum and instructor training, Brad and his team have turned SafeWay Driving into a brand where graduates are almost half as likely to get into accidents as students from other programs.

    We explore the full lifecycle of building, selling, and buying back a franchise brand. Brad opens up about why he sold SafeWay, the lessons learned working with investors, and what motivated him to reacquire the brand to refocus on franchisee success and safety. Plus, we get into the strategic moves that have turned franchisees from frustrated to fired-up advocates, including putting one of their own in a leadership role, upgrading online tools, and prioritizing a culture rooted in purpose over profit.

    If you’re curious about how to grow a franchise with heart, navigate the complexities of selling, or simply want to hear stories of NASCAR thrills meeting franchising expertise, this episode is a must-listen.

    A huge thanks to ClientTether, our sponsor, for powering franchise growth with the leading CRM platform designed to streamline development and operations.
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    31 分
  • AI & Automation: The Secret to Zee Franchise Success

    AI & Automation: The Secret to Zee Franchise Success
    2025/12/02
    Episode Summary –The Franchise Advisory Board Podcast

    Welcome back to another insightful episode of The Franchise Advisory Board Podcast, where we bring in franchise industry experts to share actionable strategies for building thriving, memorable brands. This episode is packed with lessons for franchisors looking to scale, innovate, and deliver unparalleled value to their franchise owners.

    Our guest is the one and only Brigham Dallas, founder and CEO of Hello Sugar, the fastest-growing beauty salon franchise in the U.S., now boasting 210 locations in just five years. Brigham is a serial entrepreneur whose ventures span from earthworms to waxing and skincare—yes, you read that right, earthworms! Today, he’s sharing the story behind Hello Sugar’s explosive growth and the launch of its sister brand, Hello Skin.In this episode, Brigham dives deep into:
    • The low-cost flagship strategy that fueled rapid expansion from one suite to a nationwide brand.

    • How technology and AI are revolutionizing customer service, including a 70% AI-managed reception system that improves booking and reduces overhead.

    • The importance of aligning incentives in franchise operations, from media buying to appointment completions.

    • Building a proprietary app that drives customer engagement and loyalty while increasing value for franchisees.

    • Revenue capture rate, a metric Brigham uses to ensure franchisees thrive while the franchisor captures meaningful revenue through economies of scale.

    • Radical transparency and trust, ensuring franchisees always know the real costs, margins, and opportunities in the system.

    Brigham also shares practical tips for franchisors looking to leverage technology, optimize operational systems, and create multiple revenue streams—all while keeping the franchisees’ success at the center of the strategy. From AI receptionists to proprietary apps, in-house marketing teams, and strategic supply chain management, this episode is a masterclass in scaling a franchise with efficiency, transparency, and profitability.

    A huge thank you to ClientTether, our episode sponsor, for supporting The Franchise Advisory Board Podcast. If you’re a franchisor looking to simplify operations and provide maximum value to your franchisees, ClientTether is a partner worth exploring.Whether you’re an established franchise or just getting started, this episode is full of practical insights, tech-forward strategies, and innovative ideas to help your brand grow faster and smarter. Tune in and learn how Brigham and Hello Sugar are setting the gold standard for franchise growth and franchisee success.
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    41 分
  • Franchise Leadership as a Strategy: Transforming Franchisees into Leaders

    Franchise Leadership as a Strategy: Transforming Franchisees into Leaders
    2025/11/18
    Episode Summary: Building Leadership, Trust, and Connection in Franchising with Stephane Breault In this episode of The Advisory Board Podcast, we sit down with Stephane Breault, a 40-year veteran of Canadian franchising and the founder of Imagine Franchise Consulting, to unpack the real keys to franchise leadership.

    Stephane dives into the fundamentals of building a successful franchise system: competence, connection, and trust. We explore why the best franchisors take 100% responsibility for their franchisees’ results, the importance of human connection over relying solely on technology, and how rituals—like alignment meetings—can strengthen trust and culture across a franchise network. Stephane also shares practical advice for field coaching, creating executive alignment, and avoiding the costly mistake of surrounding yourself with the wrong team.


    Whether you’re a franchisor scaling your brand or a franchise leader looking to build stronger relationships, this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to create leaders at every level of your system. A big thank you to our episode sponsor, ClientTether, for supporting the podcast and helping franchise leaders streamline their operations and engagement with franchisees.
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    41 分
  • How to Harness the power of influencer Marketing

    How to Harness the power of influencer Marketing
    2025/11/11
    Big ideas + real-world hustle this week on The Franchise Advisory Board. Dave chats with Angela Olea — serial founder, franchise veteran, tech tinkerer, and the founder & CEO behind Sweet Influencers — about how franchisors and franchisees can use influencer marketing the smart way (hint: think local, not celebrity stunts). Angela walks us through the why, the how, and the landmines — from nano & micro influencers who actually move customers in a 15–25 mile radius, to measurement, contracts, FTC rules, and realistic budgets. You’ll hear practical pilot stories (an estate-sale client quadrupled traffic), concrete ROI thinking, and why franchisors should build guardrails instead of blocking social media altogether.Special thanks to our episode sponsor — ClientTether — for supporting conversations that help franchisors grow smarter.What you’ll learn
    • Why nano and micro influencers (1k–10k followers, local reach) often outperform flashy celebrity spends for franchise-level impact.

    • How to find authentic creators, vet for fake followers, and avoid legal/brand pitfalls (FTC disclosures, music licensing, usage rights).

    • Practical measurement: establish baseline KPIs, use coupon/QR/discount codes to track conversions, and calculate ROI based on average ticket and lifetime value.

    • Typical local pilot budgets and structure: expect to test with modest mixes (a healthy starter program around ~$2,000) and iterate using human + AI workflows.

    • How franchisors can control narrative while empowering franchisees — build guardrails, provide training, and reuse creator content for long-term value.

    Notable moments
    • Angela’s origin story: meeting her muse on a plane and building Sweet Influencers from that spark.

    • Estate-sale pilot that opened new demo markets (younger thrifters) and produced dramatic short-term lift.

    • The laundry list of contract and compliance issues brands routinely miss — from FTC hashtags to music licensing and content reuse.

    Resources & next steps
    • Want a consult? Angela mentioned Sweet Influencers: sweetinfluencers.ai and connecting on LinkedIn for a free consultation and brand fit assessment.

    • Start simple: map your ideal client profile, establish baseline run rates, and pilot a 3–4 month program to gather real data.

    Thanks again to our sponsor, ClientTether — helping franchise leaders focus on growth (and letting us bring you guests like Angela).If this episode sparked ideas, share it with your marketing team, bookmark the ROI checklist, and — yes — consider dipping a toe into local influencer pilots for next year’s budget
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    42 分
  • More Data, Less Guesswork: The New Rules of Franchise Brokerage

    More Data, Less Guesswork: The New Rules of Franchise Brokerage
    2025/10/28
    Thank you to ClientTether for sponsoring this episode of The Advisory Board Podcast.

    In this episode, Dave Hansen sits down with Jania Bailey, CEO of FranNet, to unpack the changing role of brokers and consultants in franchising. Jania opens with FranNet’s backstory — 38 years in the business, built as a franchise model rather than a typical membership organization — and explains how their centralized Marketing, IT, and Support teams free consultants to focus on what matters most: qualifying high-quality candidates and matching them to the right brands. That operational difference, she says, is why FranNet consistently delivers strong fits for both candidates and franchisors.

    The conversation moves into regulation, where Jania argues that the push for disclosure and registration is long overdue. California is leading the charge with new rules that require broker disclosures, brand lists, and placement data; other registration states in the NASAA group are likely to follow. Jania believes transparency will weed out bad actors and elevate the entire industry. She compares the current state of franchise brokering — where almost anyone can hang out a shingle — to industries that require licensing, and says consumers deserve that same level of protection when their life savings are on the line.

    Dave and Jania also dig into the practical implications. Candidates could face a flood of disclosures and multiple brands to evaluate, so brokers will need to guide them through what to prioritize rather than overwhelm them with paperwork. For broker firms, the new requirements could be a heavy lift for smaller operations; larger franchised groups like FranNet can centralize filings and streamline compliance for their consultants. Jania expects some consolidation and exits — she’s not shy about saying a few operators should probably leave the industry — but she views that as a healthy cleansing that will build trust.

    For franchisors, Jania urges honesty and preparedness. Brands that want broker support should make sure their house is in order: validated unit economics, happy franchisees, adequate capitalization, and systems that let the business run without the founder’s constant involvement. Sharing placement data and success metrics with broker partners will not only help compliance but also become a powerful marketing differentiator. On economics, Jania suggests realistic expectations: Working with brokers usually implies meaningful broker fees — entry-level economics start around $25K, with many opportunities sitting in the $30–35K range — and brands must ensure total investment supports those fees without undermining franchisee success.

    Throughout the episode, Jania’s insistence on transparency and consumer-first thinking is steady and unapologetic. She believes clearer disclosures and higher standards will protect prospective franchisees, lift the reputation of good brokers, and ultimately strengthen the ecosystem. If you’d like to follow up with Jania, visit FranNet.com or email JBailey@FranNet.com.

    Thanks again to ClientTether for making this episode possible. Tune in for more conversations aimed at helping you build lasting brands.
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    43 分
  • Human Connection in a Digital World: Why Phone Calls Still Build Trust

    Human Connection in a Digital World: Why Phone Calls Still Build Trust
    2025/10/07
    Episode Summary: The Human Edge in a Bot-Driven World

    This week on The Advisory Board Podcast, host Dave Hansen is joined by the ever-iconic Karen Booze—yes, the one with the unmistakable blue hair and a résumé as colorful as her story. From playing the oboe on the White House lawn with the Beach Boys to sharing a high school band room with Kurt Cobain, Karen’s life is as fascinating as her decades-long expertise in answering services.

    As Director of Business Growth & Partnerships at AnswerConnect and AnswerForce, Karen has seen firsthand how answering the phone—well, and properly—can make or break a business. She and Dave dig into why human connection still outperforms bots (despite the hype), how generational preferences shape communication, and why not having a phone number on your website might be quietly draining your revenue.

    Karen also shares battle-tested best practices—from scripting empathetic greetings to boosting “speed-to-lead”—and warns of the very real cost of inaction for franchise brands and small businesses. Whether you’re managing after-hours calls, figuring out AI’s role in customer service, or just looking for ways to create a more human experience for customers, this episode delivers insights worth answering the call for.

    A big thank-you to our episode sponsor, ClientTether, for making these conversations possible and for empowering franchise brands to connect with leads faster and more effectively.

    Tune in for stories, stats, and a little rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia as Karen proves that in the world of business growth, human connection never goes out of style.
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    41 分
  • Channels Are Shifting, Behaviors Are Too: The New Rules of LeadGen & Lead Engagement

    Channels Are Shifting, Behaviors Are Too: The New Rules of LeadGen & Lead Engagement
    2025/09/30
    A big thank you to ClientTether for sponsoring this episode of The Advisory Board Podcast. Their balance of automation and human touch is exactly what today’s discussion is all about.

    This week, host Dave Hansen sits down with Bryan Shankman, co-founder & CEO of LeadTruffle, an AI-enabled sales follow-up platform built for speed-to-lead. Bryan’s path runs from early-stage rocket ships (Frame.io → acquired by Adobe) and time at TikTok to TinySeed alum—plus a background in rugby that explains his bias for quick, clean hits over slow, sloppy drives.

    Bryan breaks down where leads really come from today—third-party aggregators, out-of-home, your website, and the phone—with the 80/20 action living on website + phone. He makes the case that Reddit is a sleeper channel: it ranks on page one, fuels LLM training data, and hosts hyper-local “who should I hire in Austin?” threads. TikTok, meanwhile, is getting more local (location tags, city-flavored feeds), which means a single time-lapse job video can spark real, no-cost leads.

    The big theme: AI + humans > AI or humans alone. Automation shines for instant engagement, intake, spam filtering, qualification, and booking—especially when your team can’t call back in 10 seconds. But complex, high-trust moments still deserve a thoughtful human who can reassure, advise, and close. Post-service, AI can nudge reviews, trigger owner callbacks on negative sentiment, and identify smart cross-sell windows—gold for lean “couple-person” franchise units.
    On future-proofing without a Frankenstack: keep it stupid simple. Prioritize responsiveness (pick up the phone—or let AI do it), do excellent work, and nail the unsexy fundamentals: a clear website, a healthy Google Business Profile, and steady reviews. Then add automation exactly where tedium kills consistency. Measure what matters, iterate, and don’t be afraid to partner—platforms and clean APIs beat duct-taped zaps every time.

    Want to connect with Bryan? Visit leadtruffle.com or ping him at bryan@leadtruffle.com—true to form, he’ll get back fast.
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    27 分