Artificial intelligence is reshaping franchising by turning data into real-time insights that improve performance and strengthen relationships. In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser speaks with Mike Skitzki, COO of Goldfish Swim School, and Gary Liskovich, CEO of Harmonize, about how AI is transforming franchise coaching.
They discuss how systems are moving beyond dashboards to analyze both structured data and call notes, allowing franchise business coaches to focus less on spreadsheets and more on supporting franchisees. The conversation highlights how AI uncovers patterns across locations, improves conversion and retention, and enhances collaboration without replacing the human element central to franchising.
Mike Skitzki is a franchise operator known for scaling multi-unit systems through disciplined execution and strong unit economics. As COO, he oversees operations, technology, and performance across 200+ locations and more than 200,000 weekly lessons. His background includes leadership roles with Franworth, TITLE Boxing Club, and Belfor Franchise Group.
Gary Liskovich, an engineering graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, previously worked at Deloitte and Evolution IQ, where he built AI-driven solutions. He co-founded Harmonize to help franchise systems unlock unstructured data, reduce administrative burden, and enable more effective, human-centered decision-making.
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This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.
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