While down in Miami Beach for vacation, Zack got to have lunch with an expert in international franchise development: Marc Mushkin, VP of International Sales & Development for CKE Restaurants (Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, for those who aren’t good with acronyms). In this discussion, Marc goes through his best practices for international development, which countries he has his eye on for extreme growth and some pitfalls you can avoid when trying to take your brand abroad. NOTE: the restaurant noi...
Dec 02, 2019•32 min
In this exclusive episode, Zack Fishman chats with Manager Director of O2E Brands, James Alisch. In this episode, we talk through some exciting ways that the portfolio companies under O2E differentiates themselves, how they plan to deal with the Amazon problem and some big things ahead for the portfolio companies in 2020 and beyond. Follow Us On Facebook and LinkedIn: @MODRNbusiness @RyanThomasHicks (insta too) @Zjfishman (insta too)
Nov 26, 2019•29 min
In his 9th guest hosted episode while we were on tour, IFPG President catches up with Justin Livingston of One Cannabis.
Nov 19, 2019•35 min
In his 8th guest hosted episode while we were on tour, IFPG President catches up with Jeff Odo of City Wide Franchising.
Nov 18, 2019•27 min
In this special interview with one of the F.com sponsors, Valyant AI’s CEO Rob Carpenter, we bring you one of the aspects of franchising this host definitely didn’t know much about: artificial intelligence. Rob provides insight on how AI is being used in franchising currently, how he believes it will evolve our space in the future and how franchisors/franchisees can be prepared for these drastic changes in technology. SPONSORS: SCORPION INTERNET MARKETING www.Scorpion.co/mb Named the #1 franchis...
Nov 17, 2019•36 min
In his 7th guest hosted episode while we were on tour, IFPG President catches up with Aaron Stahl from P3 Cost analysts to explore the business opportunity.
Nov 17, 2019•17 min
In our final in-person discussion of the tour, the boys make a pitstop in Overland Park, Kansas for an interview with the three founders of Scissors & Scotch: Erik Anderson, Sean Finley and Tanner Wiles. In this chat (over drinks, of course), we discuss the founding story, how S&S differentiates from their competitors and their growth plans for 2020. SPONSORS: SCORPION INTERNET MARKETING www.Scorpion.co/mb Named the #1 franchise marketing company in America by Entrepreneur Magazine, Scor...
Nov 16, 2019•44 min
On the very last stop of the tour, the team visits TITLE Boxing HQ to meet with three three of their dynamic leaders: President Susan Boresow, Josh Lyon, VP of Franchise Operations and James Lloyd, Franchise Development Manager. During this conversation we touched on many topics including: local store marketing, mobile app integration, their new on-demand class and much more. SPONSORS: SCORPION INTERNET MARKETING www.Scorpion.co/mb Named the #1 franchise marketing company in America by Entrepren...
Nov 16, 2019•40 min
In his 6th guest hosted episode while we were on tour, IFPG President catches up with Jacob Grady from Surface Experts to discuss the founding story, the business opportunity, and more.
Nov 15, 2019•20 min
Due to time constraints, we unfortunately didn’t have time to interview Denny’s Chief Global Development Officer, Steve Dunn, when we went to visit their HQ. Luckily, Steve was gracious enough to hop back on the phone with us! In this interview, co-host Zack Fishman leads a discussion on how Denny’s is positioning itself for quick growth overseas, what markets they have seen success in thus far and tips/tricks for brands looking to expand internationally. SPONSORS: SCORPION INTERNET MARKETING ww...
Nov 15, 2019•32 min
In his 5th guest hosted episode while we were on tour, IFPG President catches up with CHHJ’s very own Dana Hansen to review their business opportunity in more detail.
Nov 14, 2019•26 min
In the home stretch of the 7 week long summer tour, the team navigates to the magnificent SE Brands Headquarters to meet with Co-Founder & President Dave Mortensen, VP of Operations Jennifer Yiangou, and President of newly acquired Basecamp Fitness for a dynamic group chat. We discuss the founding story, some advice on how to sustain a healthy zor/zee relationship and some exciting initiatives on the horizon for Self Esteem Brands. SPONSORS: SCORPION INTERNET MARKETING www.Scorpion.co/mb Nam...
Nov 14, 2019•41 min
After the long trip from Chicago to Minneapolis, the F.com team head over to the offices of FranchiseTimes to turn the tables and interview Editor Laura Michaels. In this podcast, we walk through what goes into the FranchiseTimes Top 200+, some trends Laura is seeing in the franchise space and about some of their awesome conferences they host every year! SPONSORS: SCORPION INTERNET MARKETING www.Scorpion.co/mb Named the #1 franchise marketing company in America by Entrepreneur Magazine, Scorpion...
Nov 13, 2019•32 min
After a great discussion with Susan Beth and an awesome lunch at Portillo’s (thanks again Barb) we sit down with dynamic mother/daughter duo, Moran Family of Brands CEO Barb Moran and Director of Marketing Amanda Ploger. In this chat, we talk about what’s like to work in a family business, being powerful women in a male-dominated automotive space and the tools Moran Family of Brands provides for their franchisees to make them successful. SPONSORS: SCORPION INTERNET MARKETING www.Scorpion.co/mb N...
Nov 13, 2019•51 min
Fresh off of sleeping in real beds at the Fishman house, the boys head out to the offices of Moran Family of Brands. Along the way, we convinced our good friend and NRD Capital COO Susan Beth to come join us for a quick interview! In this discussion, we start by talking about Susan’s lifelong journey in franchising at her family’s business, Sparkle Wash. Then, we dig into Susan’s decision to leave for NRD Capital, some of the portfolio companies they represent and some exciting new initiatives f...
Nov 12, 2019•36 min
Another stop in Detroit Michigan takes us to the offices of Clarity Voice, a supplier sponsor who does business with a number of great brands that we’ve met along the way. In this interview, Ryan Hicks sits with Clarity Voice CEO Gary Goerke to discuss everything from personal stories of impact to how VOIP services and two way SMS technology can help businesses gain an edge by communicating with customers via text message. SPONSORS: www.Scorpion.co/mb Named the #1 franchise marketing company in ...
Nov 12, 2019•12 min
Before their trip to the Windy City, the boys stop by Zoup HQ to chat with Partner Richard Simtob and Zoup’s Director of Franchise Development, Richard Zimmer. In this discussion, we talk about some of the new technological advancements on the horizon, delicious new menu items primed to help Zoup differentiate and what a typical franchise candidate looks like for Zoup. SPONSORS: SCORPION INTERNET MARKETING www.Scorpion.co/mb Named the #1 franchise marketing company in America by Entrepreneur Mag...
Nov 11, 2019•23 min
The boys make their way to the shadows of the University of Michigan’s Big House to chat with FranWorth CEO John Rotche and President Dave Keil. In this discussion, we go through some exciting new investments FranWorth has made, their strategies for keeping their franchisees profitable and the cultural traditions that have followed Rotche throughout his career. Plus, don’t miss John Rotche’s new book as well: https://www.amazon.com/REACH-Reach-Out-High-Back-ebook/dp/B07VBPLZRD SPONSORS: SCORPION...
Nov 11, 2019•57 min
In this quick riff between co-hosts Ryan Hicks and Zack Fishman, we reflect on some of our awesome sponsors we had along the tour. 7 sponsors were in the Entrepreneur Top Supplier List, 6 of which were #1. Congrats to all of our sponsors and thank you for all of your support!
Nov 08, 2019•15 min
With a desire to change people’s lives in a positive way, Heather Hudson and her husband Shannon Hudson set out to create a unique fitness concept that was unlike anything the world had seen before: a 9-circuit, 30-minute kickboxing fitness concept. After opening their first 9Round location in 2008, during a time of financial crisis, the impressive duo worked relentlessly to build a successful brand. By 2012 they had grown to 100 locations opened and currently sit at 800 locations in 19 countrie...
Nov 08, 2019•25 min
Due to major demand in the great State of Michigan, co-host Zack Fishman jets to Pet Supplies HQ to chat with COO Miles Tedder (and of course, Phoebe the cockatoo). In this episode, we talk about some amazing programs that PSP provides for their franchisees, how they are using technology to gain an edge and where Miles sees room for innovation in the pet services space in the years to come. SPONSORS: SCORPION INTERNET MARKETING www.Scorpion.co/mb Named the #1 franchise marketing company in Ameri...
Nov 08, 2019•27 min
The guys make a much anticipated visit to Goldfish Swim School’s HQ to hang out close friend and co-founder/COO, Andrew McCuiston. In this chat, we talk about the origin story of Goldfish, some awesome new programs/partnerships they have recently established and strategies behind their rapid growth! SPONSORS: SCORPION INTERNET MARKETING www.Scorpion.co/mb Named the #1 franchise marketing company in America by Entrepreneur Magazine, Scorpion delivers all-in-one solutions for franchise brands look...
Nov 07, 2019•39 min
Finishing out a long day of travel, the gang sits down for a great interview with Ziebart Director of Marketing, Larisa Walega and their Senior Franchise Development Manager, Amanda House. In this interview, we talk through some new initiatives on the horizon for the brand, their plans for continued growth domestically/internationally and their “ideal franchise candidate” profile! SPONSORS: SCORPION INTERNET MARKETING www.Scorpion.co/mb Named the #1 franchise marketing company in America by Entr...
Nov 07, 2019•47 min
The F.com crew continues their way North to Toledo, Ohio to sit down with Marco’s President & COO, Tony Libardi. In this episode, we talk about how Marco’s sets themselves apart from the other “big” pizza franchisors, how they are adjusting to the consumer’s changing dining habits and some major milestones the brand has reached in the past year. SPONSORS: SCORPION INTERNET MARKETING www.Scorpion.co/mb Named the #1 franchise marketing company in America by Entrepreneur Magazine, Scorpion deli...
Nov 06, 2019•30 min
After a very long trip from the East Coast, we kick off our Midwest swing in Cleveland with Quaker Steak & Lube VP of Operations and Franchise Services, Bruce Lane. In this segment, we discuss QSL’s approach to operational excellence, their methodology behind finding the right franchisee and some exciting initiatives on the horizon made possible by being part of a large holding company like TravelCenters of America. SPONSORS: SCORPION INTERNET MARKETING: www.Scorpion.co/mb Named the #1 franc...
Oct 30, 2019•30 min
Continuing his adventure as a young man in a big city, co-host Zack Fishman makes his way into Midtown Manhattan to catch-up with one of his favorite people (who was coincidentally in town for the weekend), Just Between Friends CEO Shannon Wilburn. In this chat, we talk about mentors who have been impactful in her brand, methods to establish a bond with her franchisees and some of the unique grassroots marketing tactics JBF uses. NOTE: please excuse the noise folks, we tried to find a quiet spot...
Oct 30, 2019•34 min
While the rest of the F.com crew visited with some local franchisees in New Jersey, co-host Zack Fishman made his way towards the biggest city in the world, New York City. At a quick pit stop at aptly named bar called Zack’s in Hoboken, NJ (even the spelling is right) he sits down with close friend and CEO of Franchise Growth Solutions, Gary Ochiogrosso. In this discussion, Gary talks about his philosophy behind brands that interest him as a franchise sales organization, attributes that make pri...
Oct 29, 2019•37 min
In an episode that sees co-host Zack Fishman fangirl on a least multiple occasions (his order is the #8 Mike’s Way, btw) we sit down with Jersey Mike’s COO Michael Manzo at JM’s HQ on the Jersey Shore. We discuss their creative approach to operational efficiency, their secrets to a fantastic franchisor/franchisee relationship and some new initiatives/technology being rolled out in the next 12-24 months. SPONSORS: SCORPION INTERNET MARKETING: www.Scorpion.co/mb Named the #1 franchise marketing co...
Oct 29, 2019•26 min
Continuing our Philly franchise adventures (mainly fueled by one of our major tour sponsors, Lane Fisher of Fisher Zucker, the F.com Summer Tour team has a dessert-filled day with Rita’s CEO, Linda Chadwick and her amazing team (shout-out to Lori Shaffron, Rita’s VP of Franchise Development, for setting this up). In this discussion, Ryan and Linda talk about the facelift she has given to the brand, some of their new (and delicious) product lines and plans for the future. SPONSORS: SCORPION INTER...
Oct 28, 2019•27 min
On our ride to the Nation’s Capital, co-host Zack Fishman jumps on the host with the brand CMO that has HOSTED us throughout the tour, KOA CMO Whitney Hepp. Aside from going through our favorite RV parks, we discuss methods behind choosing a location, their unique marketing strategy and how they are catering to their target franchisee. Special shout-out to Joshua Schure of Dispatch for setting this up! SPONSORS: SCORPION INTERNET MARKETING: www.Scorpion.co/mb Named the #1 franchise marketing com...
Oct 28, 2019•27 min
