Episodes

In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Shawn Brady, the HR Director of Harman Management Corporation, the first franchisee of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). Brady shares his 51-year career journey, from starting as a shy 15-year-old to becoming a key figure in the corporation’s human resources and training services. He discusses the deep-rooted culture of the brand, the importance of treating employees well, and how Harman Management has maintained its values over the decades. Brady...

In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Ryan Sawchuk, Founder of ReUp Companies. Sawchuk shares his background, from earning degrees in finance and economics to shifting his career focus from investment banking to sales, and eventually venturing into entrepreneurship. He discusses the inspiration behind starting ReUp in 2022 and franchising it by 2023. Ryan delves into his career experiences at companies like Zora, CrowdStrike, and Tessian as well as his switch to real estate, drive...

In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Aicha Bascaro, Founder of American Franchise Academy. Bascaro’s amazing career began when a Domino’s Pizza delivery driver drove by at the exact right time. After many years working in franchising nationally and internationally, she now educates others on how to manage businesses and themselves. Bascaro is a 35+ year veteran in the franchise industry who grew through the ranks of global brands like Domino’s Pizza, Popeyes and Olive Garden. Sh...

In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Gary Liskovich, Co-Founder & CEO at Harmonyze. Harmonyze is an AI-driven company that aims to enhance franchise operations through the use of cutting-edge technology. With a strong foundation in engineering, Liskovich holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His early career led him through roles at Deloitte and several high-growth startups, where he developed expertise in AI and its application to solve c...

In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Samantha Gorman, Franchisee with Fitness Premier Clubs. Samantha’s personal and professional history offers inspiration and insight for those interested in making money with a franchise while not abandoning personal strengths and aspirations. Samantha Gorman has always believed that it is our birthright to live a healthy, happy and fulfilling life. It has been her purpose to educate and empower clients to transform their health, life and spir...

In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Mike Esposito, Founder of Franchise Equity Partners. Listen and learn why franchisees are good investments!

In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Stephanie Schon, MBA, PMP, CSP, President at The Bar Method. As President of The Bar Method, Stephanie Schon leads operations and growth for the low-impact barre fitness studio chain, with approximately 80 studios in the United States and Canada. The Bar Method was acquired in 2019 by Self-Esteem Brands, which also owns Anytime Fitness, Basecamp Fitness, Waxing the City, and Stronger U. Schon leads the strategy development, builds the capabil...

In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Heather McLeod, MBA, CFE, Chief Growth Officer at Authority Brands. McLeod oversees the key growth drivers for the premier home service franchisor in North America. She is also a franchisee with Woofie's Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers & Mobile Pet Groomers. This special episode offers you sage wisdom from both a franchisor’s and franchisee’s perspective. Heather McLeod’s focus at Authority Brands is on increasing same-store sales for existing franc...

In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Alicia Miller, Author of Big Money in Franchising: Scaling Your Enterprise in the Era of Private Equity. The marriage of private equity and franchising may be a mystery to you, but one thing is certain. The influx of Private Equity capital in franchising has accelerated the growth of many franchisors and multi-unit franchisees. Make sure to listen as Miller provides valuable insights into the impact that Private Equity has made on the franchis...

In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Dennis Weese, Chairman of the Board of West Point Optical. During their lively conversation they discuss Weese's career journey (which emphasizes the importance of collaborative relationships between franchisors and franchisees), the support and training provided by Pearl Vision, as well as West Point Optical's infrastructure and plans for growth. Weese offers valuable advice that stresses the significance of collaboration and active listening...

In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Del Salinas, Director of Franchise Development at the Caring Senior Service. Kathy and Del discuss the unique principles that make up Caring Senior Service and specifically talk about how they use AI to improve their customer service. Salinas is responsible for expanding the Caring brand into new territories. Salinas was recruited to work with Caring from his previous roles in restaurant and service leadership that spanned over 20 years worki...

In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Doug Smith, Senior Vice-President of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group. In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Doug Smith, Senior Vice-President of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group. During the interview Smith stresses the importance of setting realistic expectations and the dedication needed for success. Smith also shares the evolution of BELFOR to their current 14 home service brands. Doug Smith b...

In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Randy Shacka, President of Two Men and a Truck. Shacka shares the companies history from a one-location small business, to being a franchisor, to being acquired by an internationally-known company. Shacka specifically discusses Two Men and a Truck’s corporate values which has remained the same through all stages of their development.

In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Pete First, Chief Development Officer with BrightStar Care. First discusses the business of In-home and Facility Personal Care. Then, First shares how well franchising serves this industry and how offering complimentary brands provide amazing opportunities to franchisees. First joined BrightStar Care in 2018 as the Vice President of Franchise Development and has served as the Chief Development Officer since 2022. In his current role, he is re...

In this special edition of FranchiseU!, Kathy welcomes back Monica Rothgery to dive deeper into her book, "Lessons from the Drive Thru." Kathy and Monica discuss such pivotal lessons as the importance of saying yes to opportunities and creating memorable first impressions for new team members. They delve into challenges faced by modern managers, such as, navigating social media dynamics, addressing wage increases, and competing in a rapidly evolving market. Join Dr. Kathy Gosser and Monica Rot...

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Brian Belmont, CEO of FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers. Belmont discusses the benefits of franchising services that are not traditionally organized as franchises. Belmont shares his career history, a reminder of the multiple opportunities provided by franchising a business.

In this bonus episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy speaks with Michael Gray about the recent ruling by the Federal Trade Commission that bans non-compete contracts and the potential impact on franchises and employees. Mr. Gray serves as a Commercial Litigation attorney at Lathrop GPM. His 38 years' experience representing franchisors throughout the United States provides him a unique understanding of the new FTC rule.

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Jim Holthouser, CEO of GoTo Foods. Jim Holthouser shares his career history as well as his thoughts on Leadership. Here is your opportunity to learn from a true success story in the Franchise Industry.

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Monica Rothgery, former COO of KFC in the United States and Author. This is truly a special episode that shares an open conversation between two friends about lessons they have learned during their careers. Luckily, we are able to read about some of them in the book, Lessons From The Drive Thru. Monica Rothgery’s Bio: Thirty years ago, Monica was a Restaurant General Manager for a Taco Bell outside of Chicago where she struggled to unders...

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Gregg Majewski From Craveworthy Brands. Craveworthy Brands is an excellent representation of a platform brand. Listen to hear concrete examples of the opportunities that platform brands offer to franchisees.

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with George Tinsley from GWTinsley Consulting. George shares valuable life lessons from his early career, how he grew his business, and his thoughtful succession plans. Make sure to get Mr. Tinsley’s books to learn more from his amazing life!

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Jeremy Morgan from WellBiz Brands. During the discussion they share an interesting perspective on the benefits of franchising complimentary brands. Near the end of the episode they explore how Drybar® went international. Jeremy Morgan is the Chief Executive Officer for WellBiz Brands, Inc, the nation’s premiere franchisor of five beauty and wellness franchise brands: Drybar®, Amazing Lash Studio®, Radiant Waxing™, Elements Massage® and Fit...

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Carl Udler from Hughes. During the conversation they cover two interesting topics. The first is about the potential uses of technology in a brick-and-mortar franchise to improve efficiency. The second is how Hughes is an excellent example of the opportunities offered to suppliers of a franchise. Carl Udler possesses a rare blend of technology expertise combined with Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and Certified Foodservice Technology P...

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Erik Helgesen and Stephen R. Preuss from PayMore Group. They grew their one store to a franchised business model with 120 planned units. Listen to how and why they chose to maximize their opportunities through the power of franchising.