Franchise Empires

Drew Gressett’s sitting down with the Wolf to discuss his personal journey in the restaurant industry—from his journey founding Hat Creek Burger Company to owning 60+ Zaxby’s. Hear Hat Creek Burger Company’s humble origin story—from starting as a food truck in 2008 to now having 26 brick-and-mortar locations, Drew shares the challenges and triumphs of scaling his business. He shares how building a strong restaurant management team and securing financing helped fuel his exponential growth. What are the unique dynamics of running both independent restaurants and franchise locations? And does Drew have plans to expand into other franchise brands or industries in the future? Tune in now to find out! 00:00:23 - From Food Truck to Restaurant Success 00:07:13 - Lessons Learned from Hat Creek's Expansion 00:08:10 - Growing Hat Creek to 26 Locations 00:15:12 - Expanding the Zaxby's Franchise Portfolio 00:18:23 - Scaling Hat Creek 00:20:37 - Building a Strong Restaurant Management Team 00:24:36 - Leveraging Seller Financing for Growth 00:28:56 - Franchise Friction: Running Own vs. Franchise 00:33:03 - Exploring New Franchise Opportunities and Industries 00:34:37 - New Builds vs. Acquisitions: Pros and Cons Learn More About Zaxby’s: Website: https://www.zaxbys.com/franchise Learn More About Hat Creek Burger Company: Website: https://hatcreekburgers.com/who-we-are Follow Drew: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-gressett-96891621a/ Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

You’ll never be able to operate 90+ franchises if your first franchise isn’t golden to begin with. Take it from Adam Saxton, operator of over 90+ McAlister’s Delis and co-CEO/Owner of the Saxton Group. With territories in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, Adam chats with the Wolf about his unusual philosophy for franchise expansion, including a unique organic unit model development approach entailing zero acquisitions. With over 20 years in the fast-casual space, Adam reveals why he remains optimistic about the ROI potential in this industry and explains how his family's background in restaurant franchising influenced his decision to join McAlister's Deli. How has he managed to maintain slow and steady growth since his first bought unit in 1999? Discover the importance of building a strong culture and brand within your organization, and how investing in internal development leads to long-term success. Adam discusses the growth opportunities that come with expanding your franchise and the value of promoting from within. Plus, what are Adam’s perspectives on investment levels and the potential return on capital for first-time franchisees? Tune in now to find out! 00:00:00 - Locations in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas 00:00:30 - Adam Joins Family Restaurant Business 00:08:17 - Organic Growth Strategy of the Saxton Group 00:11:46 - Community Outreach Boosts McAlister's Brand 00:13:34 - Fostering Growth and Opportunity at McAlister’s 00:17:13 - Franchisees Expand with New Brands 00:18:45 - Saxton Group Acquires Jaggers 00:22:29 - Staying Optimistic in the Fast Casual Industry 00:26:49 - Investment Returns for New Franchisees 00:32:54 - Room to Grow for McAlister’s Follow Adam: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamgsaxton/ Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Buckle up because the Wolf is taking another stab at your best Twitter questions in this solo question-and-answer pod. Should you be able to negotiate a franchise agreement? If so, how much of an agreement is negotiable, or are most franchise agreements a take-it-or-leave-it proposition? Then the Wolf uncovers his #1 recommendation for back-office franchisee solutions (hint: it’s a software that’s near and dear to his heart), before dissecting the differences between chains and franchises. Plus, who will win the Nashville Chicken Wars? Or do all chicken franchises come out the loser if the market has hit its peak saturation point? Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

The Wolf chats with french fry master, Lucas Mitchell, a successful entrepreneur and franchisee of Five Guys, to discuss the ins and outs of scaling a franchise business. From building strong relationships with franchisees to managing shiny object syndrome, Lucas shares valuable insights and lessons learned along his journey. How did Lucas go from owning five stores to over 20? What were the challenges and rewards that came with his rapid growth? He details his unique strategies for managing debt covenants and explains how he leveraged specific relationships to fuel his franchise’s expansion. Hear how Lucas has kept his composure and avoided the temptation of shiny object syndrome to maintain a consistent relationship with Five Guys. He reveals his philosophy for scaling a sustainable organization and tells the Wolf how he managed to escape with his sanity intact while growing Five Guys. Lucas also explores why continuous learning and evolution were essential to his role as a leader. Find out how he has leveled up his leadership skills and implemented guidelines to run his business effectively. Plus, get a glimpse into Lucas's future plans for growth, including the potential for expanding into other brands. Paylocity offers the only modern HR and payroll solution that makes real-time recommendations to drive better business outcomes. Paylocity is the modern, all-in-one platform that makes HR and payroll easier — so you can focus on your employees. We’ll make onboarding faster, recruiting smarter, and compliance simpler. To learn more visit https://paylocity.com/restaurants. 00:06:13 - Leveraging Relationships to Buy Locations 00:12:12 - Investment Strategy: Equity vs. Debt 00:16:04 - Navigating Debt Covenants in Restaurant Ownership 00:18:43 - Understanding Debt Covenants in Franchising 00:23:25 - Combining Five Guys with Another Brand 00:25:40 - Managing Shiny Object Syndrome as an Entrepreneur 00:31:18 - Avoid Entrepreneurial Mistakes: Focus First 00:34:57 - Building Relationships Key to Franchise Success 00:41:37 - Evolving Leadership Skills in Business Follow Lucas: Twitter: https://twitter.com/lmitchellhq?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmitchellhq/ Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Loosen up. Literally. StretchLab is the Austin-based company helping others to increase performance and decrease joint pain. The Wolf chats with owner Steve Hitzemann about the fast-growing franchise’s rapid ascent to success. How did Steve dare to dream of a business model based on nothing more than stretching? Hear how Steve made the impossible possible, and how he’s making a two-membership franchise financially sustainable. Is the stretching franchise just another fad? And if so, how has Steve prepared to compete in a potentially soon-to-be oversaturated market? From its customized one-on-one sessions to a unique approach to customized service with expertly trained flexologists, discover how StretchLab is revolutionizing the wellness industry with its approach to flexibility and overall well-being. With six locations open, and more on the way, you won’t wanna miss hearing Steve’s insights on the value of simplicity, staffing, and scalability. Paylocity offers the only modern HR and payroll solution that makes real-time recommendations to drive better business outcomes. Paylocity is the modern, all-in-one platform that makes HR and payroll easier — so you can focus on your employees. We’ll make onboarding faster, recruiting smarter, and compliance simpler. To learn more visit paylocity.com/restaurants.’ 00:00:50 - Stretch Lab: Revolutionizing Personalized Stretching 00:03:42 - Training and Connection Key for Flexologists 00:09:05 - StretchLab’s Services 00:13:08 - Creating a Scalable Fitness Program 00:17:05 - Staffing That’s Driven by Membership Base Strategy 00:26:49 - Expanding from One Studio to Six Stretch Labs 00:31:25 - Scaling a Growing Organization with Multiple Locations 00:40:38 - Market Saturation Concerns for Assisted Stretching Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

The Wolf’s taking a break from his normal podcasting format to break down the latest in franchising news this week. Is Orange Theory’s acquisition by Self Esteem Brands a good thing or a sign of impending doom? With Orange Theory’s numbers diminishing since the initial insanity of their boom, could this spell disaster or is it a shrewd business move? The Wolf also tackles Domino’s latest earnings announcement before trying his hardest not to become a total Crumbl apologist. He’s taking a hard look at the announcement of the franchise savant’s diminishing sales numbers and diving into whether or not a dessert franchise can ever truly be sustainable. Will Crumbl find their steady state and buck the trend to become more than just another fledgling fad? Or is this the beginning of the end? Paylocity offers the only modern HR and payroll solution that makes real-time recommendations to drive better business outcomes. Paylocity is the modern, all-in-one platform that makes HR and payroll easier — so you can focus on your employees. We’ll make onboarding faster, recruiting smarter, and compliance simpler. To learn more visit paylocity.com/restaurants. Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

The Wolf is breaking it down solo for this special Q&A session, where he’s answering your most burning questions about the world of franchising. What are the different strategies and considerations involved in owning one to two locations versus four to five locations? Are home services and non-brick-and-mortar franchises the place to hedge your franchising bets? From the costs of hiring a fast food general manager to the best value propositions for aspiring entrepreneurs, The Wolf provides his most valuable insights and advice from his years of experience. The Wolf also addresses the excitement around pet-related franchises in 2024 and the importance of speaking to franchisees to get an accurate picture of the business. Plus, find out his best thoughts about industry red flags and how to avoid “snake oil” franchises. 00:00:00 - Investing in Profitable Franchises for Returns 00:01:48 – The Hype Around Home Service Brands 00:05:18 - Top Franchise Choices for Investment 00:06:37 - Overhead Comparison for Owning Multiple Locations 00:07:57 - Outsourcing and Hiring for Growth 00:11:36 - American Fast Food Franchise Saturation Concerns 00:18:33 - Exciting Pet Franchises in 2024 00:23:51 - Key Attributes for Successful Franchise 00:25:10 - Franchising Red Flags Paylocity offers the only modern HR and payroll solution that makes real-time recommendations to drive better business outcomes. Paylocity is the modern, all-in-one platform that makes HR and payroll easier — so you can focus on your employees. We’ll make onboarding faster, recruiting smarter, and compliance simpler. To learn more visit paylocity.com/restaurants. Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Eric Danver is the man who’s owned 100+ franchise locations over the course of his impressive career, including 58 Hand and Stone locations and 53 Philadelphia-based Papa John’s. He chats with the Wolf about his storied franchise career and the new challenges and opportunities the business presents in an ever-changing landscape. From his humble beginnings in the pizza industry to building a successful portfolio of Papa John's and Hand and Stone franchises, Eric shares his insights on what it takes to thrive in the competitive food industry. Learn about the strategies and operational excellence that propelled his success and how he navigated the complexities of mergers and acquisitions. And later, he and the Wolf also talk about the ever-growing industry of pickleball and the new and unique franchise opportunities it presents. Is it possible Ace Pickleball is onto a future goldmine? Tune in to find out Eric’s true thoughts on the matter, and much, much more! Paylocity offers the only modern HR and payroll solution that makes real-time recommendations to drive better business outcomes. Paylocity is the modern, all-in-one platform that makes HR and payroll easier — so you can focus on your employees. We’ll make onboarding faster, recruiting smarter, and compliance simpler. To learn more visit paylocity.com/restaurants. 00:00:00 - From Domino's to Papa John's 00:02:21 - Papa John's Dominates Philadelphia Pizza 00:05:12 - The Secrets to Successful Operations 00:09:34 - The Cost of Building a Papa John's Location 00:14:13 - From Food to Spas: Hand and Stone 00:22:28 - Building a Big Company: Roles and Responsibilities 00:23:40 - Maintaining Stability in Margins and Talent Acquisition 00:28:35 - Networking Tips for New Franchisees 00:34:23 - The Future of Ace Pickleball 00:39:42 - Ace Pickleball Expanding with New Locations 00:42:24 - The Benefits of a Membership Find Out More About Hand and Stone: Website: https://www.fggspallc.com Follow Eric: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdanver/ Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Everyone wants to be the next Crumbl. But let’s face it—not every new and hot franchise can be the next Crumbl. Fads aren't always bad. But sometimes they can spell failure. So how can you protect yourself against becoming the next franchise fad failure? The Wolf chats with friend of the podcast and franchise consultant, Dru Carpenito about the franchise hype cycle and how to avoid the pitfalls of investing in oversaturated franchise markets. What are the risks and rewards of investing in trending franchise brands? Is it worth the gamble or are the growing pains too much to overcome? Dru explains why finding the right operator is crucial and dissects the impact that copycat franchises can have on your business. And later, the Wolf and Dru delve into the role of private equity in franchising, discussing the growing prominence of brokers and franchise sales organizations. Learn why paying due diligence when evaluating franchise opportunities is key, and how to spot companies who may not be forthright with their financial disclosures. 00:00:00 - The Franchise Hype Cycle: Oversaturation 00:02:33 - The Risk of Copycats in Franchising 00:09:57 - Navigating the Risks of Franchising 00:20:40 - Franchisees Need More Capital for Success 00:22:54 - Understanding Franchise Metrics: Key Takeaways 00:25:31 - The Rise of Franchise Fee Inflation 00:29:38 - The Reality of Franchising: No Passive Investment 00:35:20 - Finding Success in Home Service Franchises 00:42:03 - The Math Behind Home Services 00:47:21 - Culver's: A Responsible Approach to Franchising Paylocity offers the only modern HR and payroll solution that makes real-time recommendations to drive better business outcomes. Paylocity is the modern, all-in-one platform that makes HR and payroll easier — so you can focus on your employees. We’ll make onboarding faster, recruiting smarter, and compliance simpler. To learn more visit paylocity.com/restaurants. Follow Dru: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drucarpenito/ Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. If you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

It’s time for the listeners to “Ask Me Anything”! When does a franchise restaurant become a viable investment? The answer may vary depending on factors such as the number of units and states involved, as well as an individual's risk appetite. Discover the key considerations that can help determine the right time to invest in a franchise. In this episode, The Wolf also shares his thoughts on the future of franchising, highlighting the food and beverage category as a major player. Find out which franchise category he is most bullish on. If you're interested in buying an emerging brand, dive in and learn what factors to consider to increase your chances of success. 00:00:02 - Key Factors to Evaluate Emerging Brands 00:01:57 - Building a Scalable Brand with Replica Operations 00:02:54 - Assessing the Financial Health of Franchise Brands 00:05:15 - Top Franchise Categories to Watch 00:08:36 - When Does a Franchise Restaurant Become a Viable Investment? 00:11:48 - The Relevance of Franchises in the Age of Information 00:12:59 - Defining and Protecting Territories for Franchise Concepts 00:18:53 - Identifying the Franchise with Highest Failure Rate Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Join The Wolf as he sits down with John Valluzzo and his sons, Michael and Nick, to explore their reign of owning over 80+ McDonald's locations as they dive deep into the fascinating world of the iconic fast-food franchise. The Valluzzos share their family's deep-rooted connection to McDonald's and explain their incredible journey to owning such a vast portfolio of locations. Discover the secrets behind McDonald's renowned training programs, including the prestigious Hamburger University, and hear how they ensure consistent quality and service across their restaurants. Nick also discusses the challenges and rewards of being a franchisee, from navigating acquisitions and high barrier-to-entry costs to maintaining profitability in a rapidly changing industry. Plus, what’s the real truth about that infamous ice cream machine that never works? Hear about McDonald’s innovative use of technology and data management to streamline operations and drive success. Whether you're a fan of McDonald's or interested in the world of franchising, you won’t want to miss these incredible insights into the inner workings of one of the most iconic brands in the world. 00:03:16 - The McDonald's Legacy: Continuing the Family Business 00:11:28 - Massive Growth Through Strategic Acquisitions 00:19:04 - Breaking into McDonald's: Is it Achievable? 00:22:52 - Inside the Training Program at McDonald's 00:29:52 - McDonald's Tech: Proprietary vs. Third Party 00:34:38 - McDonald's CEO Talks Rising Costs 00:39:38 - Success Stories of Former Employees 00:47:32 - The Truth About McDonald's Ice Cream Machines 00:51:51 - Efficient Maintenance Team Keeps Operations Running Smoothly 00:59:33 - Challenges of Passing on Family Businesses 01:06:02 - Early Riser Trio's Morning Routine Learn More About Valluzzo Companies: Website: https://valluzzocompanies.com Follow the Valluzzo Brothers: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valluzzo.brothers/ Nick’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-valluzzo/ Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelvalluzzo/ John’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-valluzzo-47a989b/ Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

As 2023 draws to a close, we’re taking a step back to take a look at some of the best moments we’ve had here on Franchise Empires. Over the last two years, the Wolf has had the chance to interview some incredible franchise players, and we’ve compiled some of the best, most impactful moments over the course of his entire run for this year-end retrospective. From capturing demand in the marketplace to thinking about how to invest in franchise unit models, these next six experts are a goldmine of wisdom that's bound to enrich your franchising journey as 2023 draws to a close. Get ready to glean from their expertise and elevate your understanding of the franchising landscape. Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Meet Zach Beutler, the mastermind behind Horsepower Brands, a dynamo company dominating the home services franchise industry. With a portfolio of eight successful franchises, Zach shares his personal journey as a third-generation entrepreneur and the many valuable lessons he's learned along the way. How does Horsepower Brands combine incubation and acquisition strategies to transform underperforming concepts into thriving businesses? Zach reveals how Horsepower courts potential brands and sets them apart from the competition through the unique shared services model they offer, including call centers, marketing agencies, accounting firms, and data analytics. Zach also discusses the importance of finding great people and shares how Horsepower invested in its own recruiting company to ensure the success of its franchisees. And stay tuned as later, he and the Wolf commiserate over the first-year lifecycle of a franchisee, with Zach breaking down exactly how effective business management can lead to long-term success. 00:00:00 - Entrepreneur Shares Story of Franchise Success 00:01:19 - From Livestock Auction to Beefy Commerce: The Horsepower Story 00:04:40 - From Bankruptcy to Franchise Success 00:09:09 - Avoid Costly Mistakes When Signing Leases 00:12:52 - Horsepower Acquires Successful Home Services Franchise 00:16:56 - The Benefits of Horsepower's Shared Services Model 00:23:20 - Identifying Industries for Incubation and Acquisition 00:29:03 - Building Wealth Through Strategic Acquisitions 00:30:50 - Setting Expectations for Franchisees Success 00:33:58 - Navigating the First Year as a Franchisee 00:36:09 - Achieving Business Goals with EOS 00:39:00 - Discover the Buzz Franchise Brands Learn More About Horsepower Brands: Website: https://horsepowerbrands.com/#Sponsors Follow Zach: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachery-beutler/ Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

In this week’s ep, the Wolf’s chatting with Dan Giacomazzi and Artem Lopatchenko, two business partners in one of America’s fastest-growing home services franchises, Ace Handyman Services, about the benefits of having a franchising partner. Discover Dan and Artem’s journey in expanding their franchise territory and learn about their favorite strategies for attracting new customers. How do they divide and conquer tasks to maximize efficiency? From marketing tactics to building trust with clients, Dan and Artem share valuable insights for growing a home services franchise. Plus, hear why beefing with your competition doesn’t always pay off—is it possible that your enemy may actually be your biggest ally? 00:01:04 - The Genesis of a Business Partnership 00:06:18 - Finding Complementary Ventures 00:12:27 - From Four to Five Territories: How Marketing Led to Expansion 00:13:54 - Building Trust for Local Home Services Brands 00:17:32 - The Connection Between Physical Stores and Online Business 00:24:01 - The Benefits of Having a Business Partner 00:26:32 - Starting a Venture: Partner or Solo? 00:33:17 - The Truth About Franchise Ownership 00:36:15 - Are You at Capacity? 00:37:40 - Expanding Home Services Business Vertically 00:45:00 - Residential vs. Commercial Business Split 00:45:52 - Starting and Scaling a Home Service Franchise with Ace Handyman Services Follow Dan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgiacomazzi/ Follow Artem: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artemlopatchenko/ Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Magen Bynum, the founder of Magnolia Soap and Bath, drops by to chat with the Wolf about how she turned a plant-based alternative for sensitive skin into a franchise empire. Discover the inspiring story behind Magen’s creation of Magnolia Soap and how her daughter’s desire for a chemical-free solution led to her franchising journey. With plans to open 50+ locations in 2024, Magnolia’s rapid expansion makes it a formidable appointment in the plant-based alternative space. From eliminating harmful chemicals to using natural ingredients like mica for coloring, Magen describes why Magnolia Soap prioritizes the well-being of its customers from head to toe and how she turned a one-time passion project into franchise gold. Plus, how does Magnolia Soap balance its direct-to-consumer efforts with franchisee success? And how does its unique experiential marketing approach set it up for long-term franchise growth? Tune in to find out more! 00:00:07 - Creating a Plant-Based Alternative Soap 00:05:49 - Eliminating Red Dyes for Allergies 00:07:50 - From Local Retail to Nationwide E-commerce 00:11:17 - The Strategy Behind Magnolia Soap's Corporate Stores 00:14:54 - The Journey of Franchising Success 00:17:18 - Magnolia's Grassroots Marketing and Handmade Products 00:23:25 - Balancing Direct-to-Consumer and Franchising 00:28:36 - Franchise Store Count Doubles in a Year 00:32:04 - Magnolia Plans 50 New Locations in 2024 00:34:30 - Online Presence of Magnolia Soap Learn More About Magnolia Soap and Bath: Website: https://www.magnoliasoapandbath.com/pages/franchise LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/magnolia-soap-and-bath-company/ Follow Magen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magenbynummagnoliasoap/ Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Join The Wolf as he sits down with Aaron Harper, the CEO of Rolling Suds, one of the fastest-growing power-washing franchises in the country. Aaron reveals how Rolling Suds scaled to 59 units in 16 states since February of this year, and explains the game-changing strategies and systems that contributed to Rolling Suds’ overwhelming success. From their comprehensive training program to their early focus on customer satisfaction, learn about the key factors that have set Rolling Suds apart in the power washing industry. Aaron also shares his insights on how to create responsible franchise growth, explains why aligning sales and operations is vital to franchise success, and details the unique opportunities the service franchise industry presents to entrepreneurs. To learn how franchisors can create a better environment to support the growth of their franchisees, this is one episode you won’t want to miss! 00:02:59 - Uncovering Commonalities Among Successful Franchisees 00:03:45 - Scaling Secrets: Operations and Sales 00:07:35 - Aligning Expectations for New Franchisees 00:10:15 - Supporting Franchisees: When to Hire 00:13:14 - Franchise Success: Opening and Selling Units 00:18:35 - The Fastest Growing Power Washing Franchise 00:23:51 - The Risks of Buying Franchises 00:25:20 - Scaling Franchisees: Overcoming Employee Challenges 00:33:50 - Managing Expectations for Franchisees 00:38:52 - The Rise of Profitable Service Franchises 00:43:37 - Building the Biggest Franchise Power Washing Company 00:51:23 – Why Franchise Growth Requires High Capital 00:54:21 - The Core Tenets of Responsible Franchising Learn More About Rolling Suds: Website: https://rollingsudsfranchise.com Follow Aaron: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-harper-998140125/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RollingSudsCEO Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Meet the first person to mass-market a factory-finished painting solution at the convenience of your home. Join The Wolf as he sits down with Carmelo Marsala, Founder and CEO of Spray-Net, to discuss the ins and outs of franchising and scaling a business. Carmelo shares his experiences and insights on the challenges of scaling a territory model, onboarding new franchisees, and the realities of making a franchise profitable. Carmelo explains how his Quebec-based business prepared for territory expansion in the United States and how Canadian franchise ownership differs from Stateside operations. Then, he breaks down how Spray-Net has managed to gain lasting traction by differentiating itself in the painting industry through its unique approach and proprietary software. And stay tuned as the Wolf and Carmelo also discuss the benefits of partnering with franchise sales organizations and the importance of data in unlocking new possibilities for franchisees. 00:00:34 - From Soccer to Painting: The Transition and Motivation 00:02:03 - From Student Painting to Revolutionary Spray-Net 00:06:42 - Creating a Franchise with Patented Technology 00:14:32 - Expanding Franchise Opportunities in the US 00:18:04 - From Operations to Franchising 00:23:05 - Creating Custom Software for Home Services 00:27:12 - Outsourcing Digital Marketing for Franchisees 00:30:18 - Challenges of Scaling Franchise Territories 00:31:23 - Unlocking Franchisee Growth with Real-Time Data 00:40:39 - SprayNet Aims for 100 Million Dollars in 5 Years Learn More About Spray-Net: Franchise Website: https://www.spraynetfranchise.com/launch-a-franchise Website: https://www.spray-net.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spray-net-inc/ Follow Carmelo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmelomarsala/ Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Join The Wolf as he sits down with Dave Wood, the mastermind behind Mahana Fresh, a healthy bowl concept that’s taken the restaurant industry by storm. Discover the challenges and triumphs of opening three restaurants during the midst of a global pandemic, and how Mahana Fresh has adapted and thrived in the face of adversity. Dave discusses his journey from being a student at the University of North Carolina to managing a local Domino's store and how his experiences in the pizza industry shaped his approach to building Mahana Fresh. From the origins of the name Mahana Fresh to the brand's online presence and celebrity endorsement with NBA star Kyle Kuzma, Dave shares insights into the vision and values that drive his business. Tune in to learn why restaurants are a great opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs, and how Dave's experience as a Domino's franchisee prepared him for success. 00:00:29 - From Pizza Delivery to Franchise Success 00:08:57 - From Manager to Owner: The Path to Franchise Success 00:15:08 - Domino's Expansion: Managing Employee Headcount 00:19:06 - The Story Behind Domino's Rolex 00:23:25 - Healthy Bowl Concept Thrives Amidst Pandemic 00:30:24 - NBA Star Balances Basketball and Business 00:36:40 - The Growing Opportunity in Restaurants 00:43:57 - Where to Find Mahana Fresh Online Learn More About Mahana Fresh: Website: https://www.mahanafresh.com/franchise Follow Dave: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-wood-9975a38/ Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Join The Wolf as he sits down with Erik van Horn, host of "The Franchise Secrets Podcast," for a special crossover episode. In this lively conversation, they dish out some hot takes on the franchise industry and discuss the importance of transparency and financial literacy for franchisees. From the value of item 19s to the power of content marketing, Erick and The Wolf share their insights and experiences in the world of franchising. Discover why building a strong brand and providing valuable resources to franchisees are crucial for success. Plus, get a glimpse into Erik's journey as a media entrepreneur, and find out how he has grown his Twitter audience and newsletter following. Learn why content creation is addictive and how it can help elevate your franchise brand. 00:01:20 - Franchise Growth Through Media Strategies 00:09:08 - The Power of Partnering with Work Week 00:15:58 - Are Franchises Worth the Investment? 00:17:43 - The Value of Research in Content Creation 00:21:21 - Why Brands Hide Franchise Information 00:24:02 - The Importance of Profitability in Franchising 00:28:02 - Franchisors Use Regulation as Excuse 00:33:42 - How to Evaluate a Franchise Brand 00:38:47 - Finding Outliers in Your First Year 00:44:51 - Franchisors Neglecting Financial Education for Franchisees 00:51:02 - Where to Focus Your Energy in Social Media Follow Erik’s Pod, “The Franchise Secrets Podcast” here. Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Join The Wolf as he sits down with Rich Moyer, the mastermind behind Hoppin’ Franchise Group, to discuss Hoppin’s unique self-serve taproom concept that aims to revolutionize the bar and restaurant industry. Discover how Hoppin’ eliminates the headaches typically associated with owning a bar to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for customers…because honestly, who likes waiting for a bartender to pour their beer? Rich shares insights into the financials of running a bar or restaurant, including typical profit margins and cost of goods. Plus, learn why Rich and his team are seeking ideal candidates who are willing to take a leap of faith and join their franchise family. From their innovative technology to their focus on community partnerships, the Wolf is unraveling exactly how Hoppin’ is changing the game in the hospitality industry. Tune in for this valuable glimpse into what it takes to own a bar-based franchise. 00:00:54 - Hoppin’: The Ultimate Bar Owner's Solution 00:09:27 - From Construction to Ice Cream: The Profitable Journey 00:11:05 - The Benefits of Franchising a Business 00:13:18 - The Challenges of Franchising During COVID 00:16:38 - Exploring Growth Avenues in Franchising 00:19:20 - Impressive Revenue Growth for Construction Company 00:23:50 - Finding the Ideal Candidate for Emerging Franchises 00:26:18 - Building a Community with Local Partners 00:28:25 - Profit Margins in the Restaurant Industry 00:30:11 - Find the Hoppin’ Franchise Online Learn More About Hoppin’: Website: https://Hoppin’brandsfranchising.com Follow Rich: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-m-02019551/ Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!