Demystifying Franchise Ownership

Your email inbox shouldn't be a storage unit! Think of it like your mailbox at the end of your driveway: you don’t leave everything there! This week, I interview Shawn Lemon, founder of The Digital Organizer. Don’t miss this episode because it’s packed with invaluable tips and insights from Shawn, who coaches his clients, including franchisors, to overcome chaos in the digital environment to enhance communication, project management, and file storage. The bottom line is streamlined digital organization translates into more efficient business operations. Shawn is the founder of The Digital Organizer and has spent the last 17 years helping individuals and businesses get better at using their technology. A teacher at heart, Shawn believes the biggest reason people struggle with their tech is because of a lack of understanding of the tools, which isn't surprising because they're constantly changing as technology advances. When not helping businesses operate more efficiently, Shawn loves making pottery, riding motorcycles, and spending time with his wife, Madeline and their 2 year old son, Nico. You will find Shawn on LinkedIn and find out more about The Digital Organizer on their website. You can access Shawn's free File Organization Guide here. Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedInhttps://kristinegivens.com

This episode is an interesting sit-down with Chris Long, the visionary founder and CEO behind Longyards Storage. We explored Chris' journey – from his background in the construction industry to the driving force that led him to establish Longyards. His personal experience unveiled a gap in the market, igniting his passion to fill that gap. We talked about the core of Longyards' business model – simple in concept yet not easy to execute. Chris shared his experience with the process of franchising his innovative idea, shedding light on the hurdles he's conquered along the way. Chris’ story is a testament to resilience and vision. It's not just about overcoming obstacles; it's about thriving amidst challenges, turning them into steppingstones for growth. Stay tuned as we uncover more from this entrepreneur's journey! Chris' LinkedIn Longyard's Website Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedInhttps://kristinegivens.com

Join me for an enlightening conversation with Christina Fugate, partner at Ice Miller, as we delve into the latest trends in franchising. Christina shares her expert insights on why we're seeing these trends and what they mean for the future of the industry. From the booming sectors of personal services and QSRs to the evolving consumer demands and economic factors driving these changes, this episode is packed with valuable information for anyone interested in the franchising world. In this episode, we also tackle the proposed joint employer rule and its status. Christina breaks down what this rule entails, its potential impact on franchisors and franchisees, and what we can expect moving forward. We also discuss trends in Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) and franchise agreements, highlighting how some of these trends are directly related to the proposed joint employer rule. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion! Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the franchising landscape and get ahead of the curve. You can find Christina on LinkedIn and on Ice Miller's website. Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedInhttps://kristinegivens.com

Part 2 of my interview with Jeff Johnson is here, and it's packed with invaluable insights into the franchise industry! Once again, we get real about franchise ownership, discussing the players you can rely on and those you should approach with caution. Jeff shares his expertise on navigating this landscape, empowering franchisees to make informed decisions with confidence. One of the key highlights of our conversation is the delicate balance franchise developers must strike between transparency and the desire to sell franchise units. Additionally, we explore the concept of royalty sufficiency and the crucial role franchisors play in treating franchisees as important stakeholders. Jeff's insights underscore the significance of fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between franchisors and franchisees, ultimately contributing to the long-term success and sustainability of franchises. There's a wealth of information in this episode—make sure you catch it! Tune in now and get the real story on the franchise landscape! Jeff Johnson has been immersed in franchising for over 40 years. His entrepreneurship began after leaving a Fortune 500 company to invest in a franchise at the age of 29. Jeff was Schlotzsky’s New Franchisee of the Year in 1985; then as a multi-unit owner, he made the National Top 20 ranking regularly. With 17 years of franchisee and Area Developer experience, Jeff learned that franchisees often do not share important insights with franchisor executives for fear of retribution. Without open & honest communication, franchise executives are left having to rely on gut instinct with many questions and no actual data, which can prevent a franchise network from attaining its true potential. In 2002, Jeff founded the Franchise Research Institute (FRI) to confidentially survey franchisees for network optimization. FRI’s mission is to provide their franchise clients with high-quality, franchisee opinion research using scientific, yet easily understood data to be used in system- wide benchmarking, strategic planning, and validation. Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedInhttps://kristinegivens.com

This episode features my interview with Jeff Johnson, Founder & CEO of The Franchise Research Institute. With years of hands-on experience in the franchise industry, including his time as a Schlotzkey’s franchisee, Jeff offers invaluable insights into the franchise world. We delve into his journey, uncovering the expertise he’s amassed over four decades in the franchise industry and the lessons he’s learned along the way. We had so much content that I split my interview into two parts. In part 1, Jeff discusses why he founded The Franchise Research Institute, the importance of having a strong leadership team within the franchisor, the critical need for open communication with franchisees, and much more. Jeff Johnson has been immersed in franchising for over 40 years. His entrepreneurship began after leaving a Fortune 500 company to invest in a franchise at the age of 29. Jeff was Schlotzsky’s New Franchisee of the Year in 1985; then as a multi-unit owner, he made the National Top 20 ranking regularly. With 17 years of franchisee and Area Developer experience, Jeff learned that franchisees often do not share important insights with franchisor executives for fear of retribution. Without open & honest communication, franchise executives are left having to rely on gut instinct with many questions and no actual data, which can prevent a franchise network from attaining its true potential. In 2002, Jeff founded the Franchise Research Institute (FRI) to confidentially survey franchisees for network optimization. FRI’s mission is to provide their franchise clients with high-quality, franchisee opinion research using scientific, yet easily understood data to be used in system- wide benchmarking, strategic planning, and validation. Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedInhttps://kristinegivens.com

This podcast episode features an informative conversation with David Sauers, one of the founders of Royal Restrooms. In 2004, David and his partner identified a gap in the marketplace for executive-style mobile restrooms suitable for all kinds of venues and turned their vision into a thriving business. In this episode, we talk about David's unexpected journey into the world of franchising. Believe it or not, becoming a franchisor wasn't an aspiration. We also unpack: 🔹 The essential characteristics and skills needed for franchisee success 🔹 The organizational structure that keeps Royal Restrooms running smoothly 🔹 Their biggest achievements and the challenges they've overcome along the way David is the co-founder of Royal Restrooms Nationwide and Director of Nationwide Franchise Sales. Always drawing in a little black notebook, he was constantly trying to come up with his next great idea before his entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Royal Restrooms in 2004. David also is proud to put his extensive knowledge of restroom design and function into ensuring Royal Restrooms continues to be innovative for its guests and customers. Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedInhttps://kristinegivens.com

In this episode, I'm exploring an aspect of franchise ownership that sometimes gets overlooked: the franchisor's internal organizational structure. Huge thanks to my recent podcast guest, Aaron Cash, for inspiring this topic. When I was exploring the world of franchise concepts, understanding the ins and outs of the franchisor's organizational structure wasn't on my radar. But looking back, I realize it should have been right up there on my list of priorities. Why? Because the franchisor's internal structure has a massive impact on how they serve and support their franchisees. It's not just about the product or service; it's about the backbone of the entire franchise system. So, if you're considering franchise ownership (or already in the game), this episode is a must-listen. Tune into this episode which also includes a new clip from my interview with Aaron Cash. ➡️ Listen to this episode: https://www.kristinegivens.com/podcast/45 #FranchiseOwnership #PodcastWisdom #OrganizationalInsights Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedInhttps://kristinegivens.com

Exciting news! Another episode of Demystifying Franchise Ownership is available today. In our conversation, Aaron Cash, the President of Garage Living Systems, talks about the characteristics of some of his most successful franchise partners. You may be surprised to find out that Aaron doesn’t necessarily use revenues as a measure of success. Aaron outlines the importance of self-awareness, humility, and the willingness to ask for guidance in addition to several other characteristics. We also explore the utilization of experienced consultants during their transition into franchising, strategic planning with their franchisees, and Aaron's perspective on the feasibility of a passive or semi-absentee model. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in franchising, whether you're already a franchisee, considering becoming one, or operating as a franchisor. There's valuable insight for everyone! Aaron Cash is a founder and President of Garage Living Systems. While working toward an undergraduate business degree, Cash interned in the marketing departments of multiple Fortune 500 companies. However, rather than working for a large corporation after graduation, he used what he learned to forge his own path. He wanted to take the entrepreneurial route. Aaron partnered with a couple of classmates, one of whom had an uncle with a sizable metal fabrication business in Chicago. They launched their company as a direct-to-consumer distributor of custom cabinetry designed for garages. They operated as an independent business for 10 years and started franchising in 2015, originally as a one-man show with a single franchise in the U.S. and another in Canada. Today, they have a head office staff of 30, and just passed the 50-franchise mark. Go to https://garageliving-franchises.com/ to get more information about the company. Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedInhttps://kristinegivens.com

Don't miss out on Part 2 of my conservation with Karen Abrams! In this episode, we explore the pricing of commercial property, lease negotiation tactics, and the alignment between lease terms and franchise agreements. Karen and I also discuss why it's critical to have legal counsel review your lease agreement. Karen's expertise shines through once again as she provides practical advice and industry insights that can make all the difference in your leasing journey. This episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you make informed decisions when entering a commercial lease. Listen now and level up your understanding of commercial real estate leasing! Karen Abrams is a partner with Paris Ackerman, LLP and has been with the firm since 2013. Karen heads the firm’s Commercial Real Estate Leasing practice and devotes her time to handling a broad array of commercial matters including commercial lease negotiations, business and franchise sales and acquisitions, entity formation, partnership agreements, loan closings, asset sales and acquisitions, and real estate sales, acquisitions and financing. You'll find Karen on LinkedIn. You can reach her (973) 868-6333 and kabrams@parisackerman.com. Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedInhttps://kristinegivens.com

Ready to explore the world of commercial leasing? Join me as I explore this topic with my latest guest, Karen Abrams! Karen is an attorney and head of the commercial leasing practice at Paris Ackerman, LLP. Karen generously shares her legal knowledge as well as her firsthand experience as a franchisee, her views on the semi-absentee model, and the lowdown on personal guarantees. From rookie leasers to seasoned pros, Karen's insights are invaluable. Plus, her unique viewpoint as a former franchisee brings an additional dimension of understanding. She’s walked the walk. Don't miss out on this episode – tune in now! Karen Abrams is a partner with Paris Ackerman, LLP and has been with the firm since 2013. Karen heads the firm’s Commercial Real Estate Leasing practice and devotes her time to handling a broad array of commercial matters including commercial lease negotiations, business and franchise sales and acquisitions, entity formation, partnership agreements, loan closings, asset sales and acquisitions, and real estate sales, acquisitions and financing. You'll find Karen on LinkedIn. You can reach her (973) 868-6333 and kabrams@parisackerman.com. Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedInhttps://kristinegivens.com

Calling all aspiring franchisees and business owners! In my latest podcast episode, I’m exploring the world of leasing brick-and-mortar spaces for your business. In this episode, I'm sharing my firsthand lessons learned, covering essential considerations before you embark on property hunting, key factors to evaluate once you've identified potential properties, and actionable steps to take once you've secured a lease. Although I had prior experience leasing property for my accounting firm, searching for a commercial space with specific criteria such as optimal foot traffic, proximity to the target market, and ease of access presented an entirely new challenge. As a result, I encountered a steep learning curve despite my previous experience in commercial leasing. This episode offers valuable insights that even seasoned commercial property lessees can benefit from. So, whether you're a leasing novice or have some experience under your belt, there's plenty to learn from this episode. Don't miss out—tune in now! Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedInhttps://kristinegivens.com

Step into the latest episode of "Demystifying Franchise Ownership," where I continue my conversation with Bennett Maxwell, Chairman of Dirty Dough Cookies! In this episode, we talk about the way in which Bennett grew his personal brand on his social media platforms including LinkedIn. Thanks to Bennett's extensive social media presence, he’s attracted franchisees directly through his network rather than relying on franchise brokers and consultants. But that's not all! Discover the social media support that Dirty Dough offers its franchisees, paving the way for success in the digital age. Bennett shares how they guide their franchisees when it comes to marketing. And naturally, I'm delving into the nitty-gritty as well! Bennett reveals the major hurdles encountered by Dirty Dough and their approach to overcoming challenges and obstacles. One thing they do is listen to franchisees. But it doesn't stop there – Dirty Dough genuinely values franchisee feedback, incorporating it into their decision-making processes. They're eager to learn what marketing strategies are yielding success in different regions, with a commitment to sharing these insights across the franchise network. It's all about fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within Dirty Dough. Tune in to discover how they're navigating challenges and driving growth! Bennett hosts his own podcast, "Deeper than Dough" which is built around the idea that true joy comes from knowing yourself and how you find real fulfillment. You can email Bennett at bennett@dirtydough.com. You'll find him on LinkedIn and Facebook under Bennett Maxwell and BennettMaxwell35 on Instagram. Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedInhttps://kristinegivens.com

This is Part 1 of my interview with Bennett Maxwell, the Chairman of Dirty Dough. Bennett shares Dirty Dough’s story including one of their missions: "finding joy and fulfillment despite life's messiness.” Bennett's perspective on navigating life’s challenges while still embracing joy is truly motivating. Bennett and I also explore how Dirty Dough is reducing the barriers of entry for its franchisees by centralizing operations, creating more simplified business processes. Lowering those barriers opens doors for many individuals who might not otherwise consider franchise ownership. And let's not forget Bennett’s perspective on what millennials are seeking in franchise ownership. Spoiler alert: It's not just about profit; it's about a simplified business model, community, and making a difference! Bennett hosts his own podcast, "Deeper than Dough" which is built around the idea that true joy comes from knowing yourself and how you find real fulfillment. You can email Bennett at bennett@dirtydough.com. You'll find him on LinkedIn and Facebook under Bennett Maxwell and BennettMaxwell35 on Instagram. Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedInhttps://kristinegivens.com

What do you know about franchise sectors and how do you determine which sector is the right fit for you? Tune into this episode where I talk about some of the most common franchise sectors and arm you with knowledge which will help you identify the best sector for you. Choosing the right franchise sector is akin to finding your niche in the vast entrepreneurial landscape. It's not just about the profitability or popularity of a sector but also about aligning with your passions and long-term goals. In this episode, I dig into essential factors such as market trends, financial considerations, and passions. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur seeking new ventures or a budding business owner embarking on your first franchise journey, this episode provides you with the foundation to start evaluating which sector aligns with your situation. Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedInhttps://kristinegivens.com

Introducing the latest episode of "Demystifying Franchise Ownership"! Join me as I cover the topic of grit – a trait essential for success in the franchise world. Inspired by insights from previous guests like Kirsten Ramos and Nora Farhat, I explore what grit truly means and how it impacts your journey as a franchisee. So why is grit necessary for franchisees? While franchising offers a proven business model, success isn't guaranteed. In this episode, I outline why grit is crucial for navigating the ups and downs of franchise ownership, and how you can cultivate it within yourself. Don't miss out on actionable tips to fuel your journey to franchise success! Tune in now! Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedInhttps://kristinegivens.com

Part two of my interview with the amazing Nora Farhat is now live! We dove deeper into why being a franchise owner is a game-changer for women and why Nora advocates for owning multiple franchise brands. Nora shares invaluable insights on being an entrepreneur and franchise owner. Plus, she sprinkles the conversation with gems of wisdom like the importance of engaging with people in a way they truly deserve. Tune in now to catch all the inspiration and knowledge Nora shares in this episode! Her passion is contagious. Nora Farhat and her husband own five franchise brands in the Detroit area. Their brands include: Nora also hosts her own podcast titled "Upside Down Entrepreneurship." Go to https://www.upsidedownentrepreneurship.com to access her podcast. You can also find her on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Instagram: @Nora.Farhat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nora.farhatrassas?mibextid=LQQJ4d Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedInhttps://kristinegivens.com

I had the most inspiring chat with Nora Farhat, co-owner of not one, not two, but FIVE franchise brands! From climbing the corporate ladder to blazing their own trail in entrepreneurship, Nora and her husband's journey is a testament to the power of grit. In part one of our conversation, Nora shares the inside scoop on how they navigated the path to owning multiple franchise brands and the secret sauce behind their success. Nora also describes how she analyzes each of their businesses, identifying opportunities for automation, determining the necessity for comprehensive training manuals, and implementing streamlined processes and procedures. Her corporate background in the automotive industry helped prepare her for franchise ownership. Stay tuned for the full story on their entrepreneurial adventure and the insights they've gained along the way! Nora Farhat and her husband own five franchise brands in the Detroit area. Their brands include: Nora also hosts her own podcast titled "Upside Down Entrepreneurship." Go to https://www.upsidedownentrepreneurship.com to access her podcast. You can also find her on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Instagram: @Nora.Farhat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nora.farhatrassas?mibextid=LQQJ4d Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedInhttps://kristinegivens.com

In this episode I tackle a common predicament among prospective franchisees: deciphering whether a franchise system truly offers a "semi-absentee" model. Ever found yourself drawn to the idea of semi-absentee ownership, yet unsure if it's truly feasible? I dive into this quandary, sharing insights gleaned from my own journey and conversations with other franchisees and industry experts. Join me as I explore practical strategies for evaluating franchise opportunities, especially when it comes to balancing the desire for semi-absentee ownership with the reality on the ground. Tune in now for tips on navigating this crucial decision and setting yourself up for success in the franchising world! Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedInhttps://kristinegivens.com

Is the allure of franchise ownership calling your name? Before you take the plunge, listen to my latest episode where I explore the franchise sales process, and its impact on your initial investment. In this episode, I talk about why the process lacks transparency and can be confusing to prospective franchisees. But fear not! I've got some tips to help you navigate this complex landscape. Remember, you should feel confident and informed before investing your hard-earned money. Tune in to learn more about the sales process and the potential impact on your financial investment. Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedInhttps://kristinegivens.com

Make sure you catch Part 2 of the 2023 interview recap! This episode brings you even more interview snippets and nuggets of wisdom from five more of my 2023 guests. These guests, hailing from diverse backgrounds and experiences, collectively bring an abundance of knowledge about business and specifically the franchise industry to you, the listener. Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedInhttps://kristinegivens.com