Episodes

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Bennett Maxwell from Dirty Dough Cookies. Maxwell’s stories about the founding of Dirty Dough Cookies are full of examples the opportunities that present themselves when you ‘Zig’ rather than ‘Zag’. From when he chose to buy the business to when he chose to buy billboards, you can learn from him. With his many accomplishments, make sure to listen to the end to hear what makes him the most proud. An experienced salesman, Bennett Maxwell has...

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Brave Williams from Workout Anytime. Williams shares her amazing background that lead her to her ambitious plans with Workout Anytime. This enjoyable episode will provide insights and excitement about what is going on in the franchising world. Enjoy! Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Williams defies expectations as she transitions from music to the fitness industry. Her journey has always been guided by her passion to inspire and uplift others....

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Charlie Jebran from Jebran & Abraham, PC. Jebran shares insights from both his years of owning two franchise units as well as his years as an accountant servicing franchisors and franchisees. During the interview, Jebran shares details about his new book titled, “Franchise Fortune”. After graduating from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Jebran started his accounting career with Coopers and Lybrand, now PWC. There, he gained valuabl...

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Turp Ricketts from Horsepower Brands. Ricketts shares the principles behind Horsepower Brands rapid sustainable growth. Ricketts’ deep wisdom and personal style allows the business knowledge and anecdotes shared to be easily applied in the real world.

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Mike Kulp from KBP Brands. Kulp shares the details of his business history as KBP Brands grew to become one of the largest franchisees in the world. Kulp also shares business principles embraced by KBP Brands. Principles that are both inspirational and instructional. For more than 20 years, Kulp’s passion for creating a great place to work, a great place to eat and a great place to own has created a unique culture at KBP. Through his leade...

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Erin Fletter from Sticky Fingers Cooking. Fletter shares the details of how Sticky Fingers Cooking grew from her kitchen table to becoming a national franchise opportunity. Fletter’s story highlights how both vision and quality control help in building a brand. Fletter is a serial entrepreneur and cookbook author with a 30-year history in the food and wine industry. In 2011, She founded the national children’s cooking school, Sticky Finger...

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Rocco Fiorentino from Benetrends Financial. Fiorentino shares Benetrends unique funding model for Entrepreneurs (specifically those seeking franchises). Listen to the end to find out about the least expensive way to access business capital. With an accomplished three-decade career in franchising, Rocco Fiorentino, CFE, stands as a leader and influencer. Fiorentino’s roles span prominent organizations like The Multi-Unit Franchise Conferenc...

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Gigi Schweikert from Lightbridge Academy. Schweikert shares details from her amazing career that have impacted how she, as CEO, leads this unique childcare franchise and ensures the satisfaction of Lightbridge Academy’s many customers. Ms. Gigi Schweikert is an international thought leader in early childhood education and supervision. With 35 years of experience and 18 published books, in three languages, she has appeared on CBS, NBC, Fox,...

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Trevor Rappleye from Franchise Filming. Rappleye shares how important video can be to franchisors trying to tell their stories and shares a special technique that make Franchise Filming’s work so impactful. Trevor Rappleye is the founder and CEO of Franchise Filming, a leading, full-service video production provider. Background and History Trevor is a serial entrepreneur and master storyteller in the video and broadcast medium. Since fou...

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Joe Thornton from Scooter’s Coffee. Thornton shares Scooter’s Coffee unique franchise concept based on their deep, organization-wide values. Thornton further shares how Scooters Coffee uses technology and loyalty programs to build community. Joe Robert Thornton is an experienced senior executive with more than 39 years of experience in large-scale operations, human resources, and strategic leadership. In his current role, Joe serves as Pr...

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Damien Dwin from Lafayette Square. Dwin shares his research-based perspective on capital investment and how non-traditional investment can make Capitalism work better for every US citizen. Damien Dwin is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lafayette Square, a national investment platform. Founded in November 2020, Lafayette Square aims to create investment opportunities in overlooked places and underserved markets. Lafayette Square ...

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Tara Riley from Fresh Coat Painters. Riley shares how having a specific niche and a proven method for acquiring new customers make for a replicable, reliable process to see success in business. With over 35 years of executive management and operations experience in franchising, Riley’s greatest success lies in creating profitable growth for franchise owners. Taking over as President of Fresh Coat in 2014, Riley has helped to triple franchis...

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Dom Rubino from Profit Tool Belt Podcast. Rubino shares amazing tips and tricks from his experience as a franchisee, franchisor, business coach, and successful podcaster. Rubino is a serial entrepreneur and business coach specializing in the construction and trades business. He has built and sold multiple companies, including 2 multi-million and international companies. He was also the previous Global Master Franchisor for a professional se...

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Eli Bensignor from Lathrop GPM. Bensignor responses to questions about the different aspects of franchise law that impact both franchisor and franchisee operations. Bensignor dedicates his practice to franchise, distribution, and licensing matters. He counsels emerging and seasoned franchisors across the U.S. on day-to-day matters, including analyzing and drafting agreements and commercial contracts, advising on regulatory compliance, and f...

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Morgan Merrill and Sarah Shanks with SRS Real Estate Partners. Merrill and Shanks talk about options that franchisees can leverage to create capitol to expand their businesses. Merrill is a licensed CPA, a KY real estate broker and an University of Louisville College of Business graduate. Merrill currently specializes in restaurant investment sales nationwide and is a Finance Officer on the Board of Directors for Friends School of Louisvill...

In today’s episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy sits down with Christopher Seman with Strategic Franchising. Seman’s successful career demonstrates how staying focused on a franchisee’s desires benefits everyone, regardless of brand. Before Seman’s success leading Strategic Franchising he previously served in various senior executive positions, including President of Caring Transitions, and Vice President with Mr. Handyman International. Seman is a firm believer in franchising and the franchise model, ...

In today’s episode of Franchise U!, Kathy sits down with Julie Canseco with Main Squeeze Juice Bar. Canseco’s career history demonstrates her passion for health. Canseco currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Main Squeeze Juice Co., previously serving as the Vice President of Operations and In-House Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist. Canseco brings nutrition and operations experience from her previous position of Nutritionist and Marketing/Operations Dietitian with Eat Fit Nola, a n...

In today’s episode of Franchise U!, Kathy sits down with Colette Bell with Ace Handyman Services. Bell’s career history demonstrates how franchising a successful business can offer amazing opportunities for both the franchisor and the franchisee. Listen and hear Bell’s success story which includes being a 24-year entrepreneur who co-founded Handyman Matters with her husband. They franchised the business in 2001 and sold to Ace Hardware in 2019.

In today’s episode of Franchise U!, Kathy sits down with Eric Maas with Complete Weddings + Events. Maas career demonstrates how franchising facilitates the creation of intergenerational wealth. Listen and hear how you can spend your entire career serving others on one of the most memorial days of their lives. Following in the footsteps of his father, Maas has done it all at Complete. From DJ, owning his own franchise, operations director at the corporate support office, and now CEO. It’s been M...

In today’s episode of Franchise U!, Kathy sits down with Scott Oaks with Scoop Soldiers. Oaks franchising career demonstrates his belief in the franchising model and its potential financial impact on a family. Listen and hear the thread that runs throughout Oaks’s entire career. Scott Oaks is a senior level franchise development professional with over 20 years of experience working within all segments of franchising with a proven track record of success in franchise sales. Oaks has developed fra...

In today’s episode of Franchise U!, Kathy sits down with Terri Harof with Workout Anytime. Mrs. Harof shares how her passion for fitness and her business experience prepared her for her career in Franchising. Listen and hear which accomplishment gives Mrs. Harof the most pride. Terri Harof’s mantra is, “Attitude is everything and hard work always pays off.” She is an inspiring leader with 30 years of senior level expertise in hospitality, sales & marketing and business development. As Global Dir...

In today’s episode of Franchise U!, Kathy sits down with Blas Escarcega with Pollo Campero. Mr. Escarcega shares how his work history in accounting prepared him for his career in franchising. Listen and hear what Mr. Escarcega thinks is so unique about Pollo Campero. Blas Escarcega serves as the Director of Franchise Development for Pollo Campero, the world's largest Central American chicken chain. Escarcega, a Dallas-based restaurant financial executive, spent the bulk of his career guiding tho...

In today’s episode of Franchise U!, Kathy sits down with Brianna Keefe with Toastique. Ms. Keefe shares how her unique idea for a low-cost healthy restaurant became a true franchising opportunity. She further explains how Toastique maintains a tight-knit, close franchisor/franchisee environment. Click below to listen to the episode and make sure to subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you enjoy your favorite podcasts.

In today’s episode of Franchise U!, Kathy sits down with Bryan Park with Footprints Floors. Mr. Park shares how his career in franchising began by accident. He further talks about how he built his franchise into a Franchise Magazine Top 500 Company. Brian Park’s Biographical Information Upon Mr. Park’s return to Littleton, Colorado, after serving in the U.S. Air Force, he noticed that Denver’s flooring industry lacked a higher level of customer service and sophistication. So, in 2008, he founded...