Episodes

In today’s episode of Franchise U!, Kathy sits down with University of Louisville College of Business students Caroline Thomas and Nima Agsari about their experience at the recent International Franchise Association’s 2023 Convention. Caroline Thomas is a junior at the University of Louisville majoring in Marketing and minoring in Political Science. She has previously taken MGMT 409: Franchise Human Resources & Leading Teams and is currently taking MGMT 413: Franchise Growth & Support. She is fr...

In this episode of Franchise U!, Kathy sits down with Main Line Brands CEO Chris Buitron to discuss his passion for Franchising and the unique services and businesses managed by Main Line Brands. Chris Buitron joins Main Line Brands as CEO, bringing decades of experience in various franchise industries from gasoline/convenience store franchising to Big Five consulting to home health care services marketing. His background includes Chief Marketing Officer for Senior Helpers, Vice President of Mar...

Jillyan Morris has been in the franchising world for over a decade. As a licensed cosmetologist and esthetician, she started out at Massage Envy and worked as an operating partner at PROSE Nails. Now venturing in the fitness world, she acts as the liaison between the franchisees and our corporate office. In her role she is responsible for supporting franchisees and helping to increase unit-level profitability and efficiency. Enjoy the episode and make sure to subscribe to the podcast on Spotify,...

Michael is a Senior Healthcare Franchising Executive with over 20 years of experience executing on organic and acquisition growth strategies in a Private Equity environment. Multi-disciplined leader who drives change through influence at all levels of an organization. • Experience as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer in an international home care franchise company • 5 Years of Business Unit Leadership (strategy and full P&L responsibility) • Demonstrated success in both organic...

Adam is the President of HomeTeam. He has been with HomeTeam for over 15 years and has an extensive technology and marketing background. Adam is a results-oriented leader that implements the strategic vision for HomeTeam. He is committed to the growth of the company and focuses his efforts on developing new opportunities and strengthening relationships with regional and national partners. Click below to listen to the episode and make sure to subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, iTunes, or wherev...

Michele is a marketing industry veteran with over 25 years of experience building brands and driving enterprise-wide transformational growth. With experience across health care, consumer products and retail F&B, she has demonstrated success building consumer affinity for iconic brands in the US and Asia. Throughout her career, Michele has actively sought career opportunities across a range of industries, channels and geographies. These diverse experiences have contributed to her success in drivi...

“Whether it's business ownership, management or sports, a coach's main job is helping individuals and the team reach their full potential.“ Joe Delatte has spent his entire career building and sharpening skills in business management, leadership, strategic marketing, sales, product development, process improvement and creative thinking. Along the way he has held key marketing positions for several large communications players, including Landmark and Cox Communications. He has also owned and oper...

Tim Swackhammer is a hardworking family man. Married for years and has three children - two boys and a girl. In addition to being a loving father, Tim is also a serial entrepreneur with interests in several businesses, including Mold Medics. This spirit can really be traced back to his father and his experiences in franchising. His father was able to be extremely successful with franchising, and wanted to give that ambition & accomplishment to others. Seeing how many people were trapped in homes...

Bob Moore has a wealth of experience ranting from being a single-unit franchisee to serving as a Regional Director for a franchisor for over a decade. Moore shares highlights with Dr. Kathy Gosser on this episode of Franchise U!. Bob's franchise career spans 30 years as both a franchisee and working on support staffs of franchisor. Bob started with Domino's Pizza - spending 6 years in various roles and the last 7 years as a multi-unit franchisee. Bob also was a Regional Director for ServiceMaste...

Frank Toral shares his journey from being an attorney to an educational franchisor. Torel tells Dr. Kathy Gosser why he wants Neighborhood Kids to be nationwide in the near future on this episode of Franchise U!. Co-founder Frank Toral is the President and has been since our inception. Since October 2019, he has presided over our Wellington, Florida–based Neighborhood Kids Preschool, Inc. and its affiliates. Before and during the early years of Neighborhood Kids, from June 2016 through March 202...

DeNita Carani shares her history with multiple businesses and unique perspective on franchising and the animal care industry with Dr. Kathy Gosser on this week's episode of Franchise U!. Ms DeNita Carani is versatile, high impact operations executive who evaluates processes, technology and operations, uncovering opportunities and creating strategies that drive optimal profitability, growth, and business success. Her passion is leading successful change. Throughout her career, she has delivered t...

Marcus Tom shares the philosophy and practices that lead to growth at ServiceMaster Clean and Merry Maids with Dr. Kathy Gosser on this week's episode of FranchiseU!.

Amy and Josh Arnold share how they help others spread joy with Card My Yard during this week's conversation with Dr. Kathy Gosser on FranchiseU!.

Larry Hughes shares innovations developed by the 7-Eleven, Inc. as well as his own unique perspective on business leadership with Dr. Kathy Gosser on this week’s episode of FranchiseU!. Here is a short biography of Mr. Hughes: Larry Hughes is the Vice President, Corporate Human Resources and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at 7-Eleven, Inc. In this capacity, he is the lead human resource business partner for all functions reporting in to the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, ...

Lauren Fernandez shares her journey from being an in-house attorney to CEO with Dr. Kathy Gosser on this episode of Franchise U!. Lauren Fernandez is the CEO and Founder of Full Course, a restaurant development and investment firm which incubates and accelerates emerging fast casual restaurant brands. Full Course guides restaurant owners through a process of optimization, strategic growth planning and development, and supports investment for rapid expansion. Ms. Fernandez has been both a multi-u...

Joe Malmuth is the Chief Franchising Officer of Batteries Plus and joins Dr. Kathy Gosser on today’s episode of Franchise U! After more than 15 years of business experience, Malmuth began working with Batteries Plus in 2020 leading a corporate-defining project. On today’s episode Malmuth shares franchising tips and insights as well as a discussion of the benefits of the franchising model of Batteries Plus. Click below to listen to the episode and make sure to subscribe to the podcast on Spotify,...

Ashley Mitchell has spent her entire career in marketing and communication roles. She has held several positions in which she was responsible for creating and driving marketing strategy, overseeing the growth of business through all aspects of consumer marketing and communication, contributing to overall strategic planning as part of company leadership teams and executing high-profile events, including roles with The Walt Disney Company and child service-focused franchises. Based on her experien...

Scott Greenberg is an international speaker, writer, and franchise performance expert who helps business owners think, lead and serve effectively. Scott is a contributing writer for Entrepreneur and Nation’s Restaurant News, and the author of the book, The Wealthy Franchisee.

Ramzi Daklouche is VP of franchise sales for Edible®, the world’s largest franchisor of stores offering fresh fruit snacks, dipped treats, and fruit arrangements with over 900 locations worldwide. Since its founding in 1999, the company has been recognized as an industry leader, ranking first in its category in Entrepreneur magazine’s annual “Franchise 500,” Entrepreneur’s Top 40 of “Fastest Growing Franchises,” and “America’s Top Global Franchises” as well as being included among the “Inc. 5000...

A global marketer for iconic brands such as Dove, KFC, and Taco Bell, Greg Creed is the founder of Creed UnCo and co-author of R.E.D. Marketing. Most recently, he retired as the CEO of Yum brands following his success as the COO of Yum and the President and CEO of Taco Bell. Known for his culture-driven leadership and collaborative style with franchisees, partners, and team members to bring the best out of brands and people.

On today’s episode, we speak with Wild Birds Unlimited Chief Development Officer-EVP of Franchising, Paul Pickett. His career with Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU)has perfectly combined his love of birds, nature, and people. Paul joined the WBU team as the first full-time employee in 1989, shortly after graduating with his Master’s Degree in Biology/Ornithology from the University of North Dakota. He has over 30 years of experience in working with potential franchisees as they join the WBU team and ma...

In today's FranchiseU! Kathy talks with Jackie Bondanza, CEO of Hounds Town USA — a doggie daycare franchise with 60+ locations in development across 11 states and growing. Founded in 2001 by former commanding officer of the Nassau County canine unit Michael Gould, Hounds Town USA offers fully interactive doggie daycare, overnight boarding, and full-service grooming in an adorable town made for dogs.

This week, Kathy talks social media and franchising with Entrepreneur Media's Liane Caruso. Launching her career in franchising with her marketing agency, Liane has worked in franchise marketing for over ten years. Since its acquisition, she has served on both the franchisor and agency sides, so she understands all facets of franchise marketing challenges. In 2021, Liane took on the Sr. Vice President of Franchising at Entrepreneur Media. In a significant initiative to make a bigger impact in fr...

This week, Kathy talks franchising south of the border with Sergio Carvallo. He is the president of Boston´s Pizza Mexico, Canada’s number one casual dining restaurant. Since 2015 he has been responsible for developing the brand in Mexico through the franchising model, providing support to BP franchisees across the country. From business development, supply chain, marketing and operations to training, he guarantees consistency and the best customer experience to Boston’s Pizza fans. Sergio holds...