DESCRIPTION:

The Franchise Hot Seat Podcast features an interview with Palm Beach Atlantic University students Leanna Carlson and Ethan Stayte, who are studying franchising at the university's Titus Center. Leanna, an international business, entrepreneurship, and franchising student, was inspired by her father's State Farm agency model and her aspiration to merge faith with business. Her focus is on international franchising, driven by her travel experiences and the potential of the global market. Ethan, a marketing major nearing graduation, chose PBA for its Christian community and franchising program. He has had several franchising-related marketing internships with companies like Grills, Bear Naked Kitchen, Retro Fitness, and United Franchise Group. His career goal is to work in franchise development or sales and eventually become a multi-unit franchisee. The host highlights the benefits of PBA’s franchising concentration, the high demand in the industry, access to franchising leaders, and the upcoming IFA convention. They discuss the reasons why more students don't pursue franchising, primarily due to lack of awareness and misconceptions that it only involves working at brands like McDonald’s. They propose better promotion of the program and the new entrepreneurship and franchising major. The discussion also touches on franchise affordability, financing options such as SBA loans, service-brand franchising, multi-unit/multi-brand growth, and franchising as a means to long-term and generational wealth. - With Leanna Carlson and Ethan Stayte.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Meet the Student Guests

00:40 Leanna Finds Franchising

01:40 Ethan Transfers for the Program

02:40 Why PBA Titus Center Stands Out

06:16 International Franchising Dreams

10:51 Ethan’s Career Path and Internships

13:39 Networking and Mentorship Wins

22:39 Growing the Program Awareness

30:43 Franchise Ownership Myths and Wrap-Up

LINKS:

WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

DESCRIPTION:

John Hayes, host of the Franchise Hot Seat Podcast, interviews Martha Flynn, the new director of the Titus Center. Flynn shares her journey into franchising, which began unexpectedly at Burger King and evolved into various roles at Dunkin' and Panera. The discussion touches on the scarcity of formal franchising education and how Flynn mastered franchise law and operations. The importance of internships for students is also discussed. The conversation also explores the changing role of women in franchising, the advantages of an academic focus in franchising, and the unique opportunities this provides for students at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Both Flynn and Hayes underscore the vital role of practical internships and hands-on experience in equipping students for successful careers in franchising.

- With Martha Flynn.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro

00:37 How did Martha start franchising?

01:58 What was learned at Burger King?

06:17 Why move to Dunkin' and Inspire?

08:52 What challenges did Panera present?

09:44 Why transition to academia?

12:20 How does franchising education impact students?

16:47 What opportunities exist for students?

22:07 What is the future of franchising internships?

LINKS:

WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

DESCRIPTION:

John Hayes, host of the Franchise Hot Seat Podcast, converses with Keith Gerson, a member of the Titus Center Advisory Board and a veteran in the franchising industry. Keith shares his franchising journey, beginning with McDonald's, then owning a Mrs. Fields Cookies franchise, and finally becoming a franchise coach and executive. They delve into the challenges and opportunities in franchise development, the surprising deficiency in franchising education, and the urgent need to advocate for the franchise model. Keith stresses the significance of comprehending franchise disclosure documents, particularly financial representations in item 19, and effective lead generation tactics. The discussion also covers the function of franchise brokers and the growing application of AI in franchising operations, emphasizing its ability to boost decision-making and enhance transparency. The dialogue highlights franchising as a feasible career choice and discusses ways franchisors can more effectively attract both single-unit and multi-unit operators.

- With Keith Gerson.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro

00:29 How did Keith Gerson start franchising?

04:45 What are common franchising misconceptions?

09:00 How is franchise development changing in 2025?

11:57 Why is Item 19 important?

17:52 How do you attract multi-unit operators?

22:41 What are real franchise failure rates?

24:33 Why are Franchise Disclosure Documents crucial?

34:52 What are effective trade show strategies?

41:39 What are current franchise development challenges?

LINKS:

WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

DESCRIPTION:

John Hayes hosts Haley Arruda and Sam Vander Heide, Palm Beach Atlantic

University students, on the Franchise Hot Seat Podcast, where they discuss their

studies in franchising at the Titus Center for Franchising. They explain their reasons

for choosing PBA and their academic paths, including their discovery of franchising.

Both students emphasize the significant role internships have played in shaping

their career goals, with plans to continue in the franchising field. They discuss the

difficulty of drawing more students to franchising programs and the crucial role of

word-of-mouth in expanding the Titus Center's influence. Additionally, they share

their valuable experiences attending industry conferences and networking with

franchise professionals.

- With Haley Arruda and Sam Vander Heide.

TIMESTAMPS (Use ChatGPT on Transcript):

01:00 Who are the students, Haley and Sam?

02:26 How did you first discover franchising?

03:54 What is the main appeal of franchising?

05:00 What career opportunities does franchising offer?

11:04 What were the key internship experiences?

15:09 What are your future career plans?

20:55 How do franchising events and networking help?

28:19 What are the biggest challenges and opportunities?

33:19 What is your final advice and conclusion?

LINKS:

WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

DESCRIPTION:

In this episode, we dig into the growing question a lot of people are asking: is a

traditional college degree still worth it? The conversation explores the gap between

classroom theory and the real-world skills employers actually need, and why more

students are looking for alternative paths as tuition rises and frustration grows.

Dr. John P. Hayes shares how the Titus Center for Franchising at Palm Beach Atlantic

University is tackling this problem head-on. Founded through a gift from Ray Titus,

the program blends strong academics with hands-on internships to prepare

students for real careers in franchising. We also hear the success story of graduate

Victoria Magaldi, showing what’s possible when education is tied to purpose and

opportunity.

This episode is all about what meaningful education should look like

—

and how it

can truly open doors.

-With Dr John P. Hayes

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro

01:10 What is the disconnect between education and employment?

02:49 How does franchising connect to higher education?

04:00 What led to the Titus Center's creation?

06:24 What is a key success story?

08:13 What makes the Titus Center's approach unique?

09:19 How does it connect knowledge to purpose?

LINKS:

WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

DESCRIPTION:
John Hayes interviews Natalya Hummer from FinaTech Accounting and Advisors, who also owns three Crumble Cookie franchises, in this episode of the Franchise Hot Seat Podcast. Natalya shares her experience as a CPA and her transition into the franchising world, highlighting the essential elements for franchisee success. They delve into the importance of comprehending business metrics, such as KPIs, and the difficulties new franchisees encounter when shifting from corporate roles. Natalya underscores the importance of recruiting the right team, being financially literate, and implementing a robust training system. She provides valuable insights on effectively controlling labor and costs, and ways for franchisors to enhance their support for franchisees. The discussion also explores the importance of branding, franchisor training, and how advisory and accounting firms assist franchisees in understanding their financial status. Natalya expresses gratitude for her involvement with the Titus Center Advisory Board and briefly discusses the student internship program.

- With Natalya Hummer

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
00:40 Why know your numbers in business?
02:39 Biggest franchising challenge and strategy?
07:14 How to hire the right people?
14:01 How did you discover franchising?
23:00 How important is brand recognition?
24:57 Key benefits and costs of franchising?
26:56 Why specialize in franchise accounting?
29:24 Key success factor for franchisees?
34:03 Insight from running multiple stores?

LINKS:

WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

DESCRIPTION:

John Hayes interviews Deean Ferrone on the Franchise Hot Seat, discussing her journey from being a teacher to becoming a successful franchisee of Pigtails & Crewcuts, a children's hair salon chain. Ferrone's transition to business ownership was sparked by the difficulties of virtual teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. She and her husband conducted thorough research and due to fortunate circumstances, they were able to acquire three salons in just half a year. Ferrone emphasizes the value of her teaching skills in managing her business, the necessity of effective staffing and marketing, and the assistance she receives from her franchisor. They also discuss the ongoing issue of hiring stylists and the possibility of future growth, highlighting the advantages of franchising for those wary of starting a business from the ground up.

- With Deean Ferrone.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro

00:36 How did Deanne get into franchising?

03:26 Biggest franchising challenge and opportunity?

07:34 Why are franchise systems so valuable?

18:04 How did teaching prepare for franchising?

25:26 How to manage a diverse team?

26:13 Connecting with clients and parents?

27:10 Daily life of a franchisee?

27:58 Why use DISC in franchising?

34:46 Unique challenge of children's hair salon?

LINKS:

WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

DESCRIPTION:

John Hayes, host of Franchise Hot Seat, interviews Shelly Sun Berkowitz, founder of

BrightStar Care, a leading healthcare franchising company with over 400 units.

Shelly discusses her transition from accounting to healthcare franchising, and her

strategic partnership with Peack Rock Capital. She stresses the importance of

choosing the right private equity partners and the value of supportive relationships

within the franchising community. Shelly introduces her advisory initiative, Founder

to Founder, designed to assist founders in scaling their businesses and navigating

sales processes. The discussion also covers the common misconceptions about

franchising, the necessity of robust franchisee support systems, and the importance

of ethical practices. Shelly shares her efforts to mentor female entrepreneurs and her

dedication to promoting equal access to franchising education. - With Shelly Sun

Berkowitz.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro

00:20 What is Shelly's Brightstar Care journey?

01:44 Why is franchising education so important?

05:58 Early franchising challenges and lessons?

11:02 Best mentorship advice for new franchisors?

16:44 How does the franchising economic model work?

24:36 How to hire the right talent?

27:23 How is private equity changing franchising?

37:47 Biggest challenge in selecting franchisees?

43:54 How to empower women in franchising?

LINKS:

WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast