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 attrac…

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 …

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 en…

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…

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 im…

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 t…

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 …

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 …

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.…

Dive into my latest episode! Join me for a recap of my first eight 2023 interviews, featuring exclusive snippets from these insightful conversations. Whether you're a loyal listener of "Demystifying Franchise Ownership" or discovering it for the first time, this episode is the perfect guide to navigate through the 2023 highlights. Identify the must…

Missed some episodes or looking to revisit your favorites? This recap is your go-to guide to the best moments and key takeaways from my 2023 solo podcasts. Tune in for a journey through the highlights and discover the solo episodes that resonate with YOU! Let's make catching up a breeze. Get in touch with Kristine at: LinkedIn https://kristinegiven…

Welcome back, listeners, to the second installment of my captivating conversation with Dave Hands, the powerhouse Great Clips franchisee! In part one, we delved into their phenomenal journey, spanning 17 years and an impressive expansion from a humble three-pack to an astounding 37 locations. Now, in this much-anticipated continuation, we talk more…

Listen to what a Great Clips franchisee has to say. My listeners adore hearing from franchisees, and this podcast is a gem! I’m thrilled to welcome an experienced Great Clips franchisee as my special guest. With 17 years under their belt, Dave Hands, and his wife, Tanja, grew their business from a three-pack to an astonishing 37 locations across So…

In this week’s episode, I chat with Adam Povlitz, CEO of Anago Cleaning. Adam talks about how the company has transformed over their 34 years of operation, the 3-tier franchise model, what makes them stand-out in the commercial cleaning industry, and much more. In our discussion, Adam's transparency about the franchise industry, and dedication to s…

In this episode, Paula Kircher, a former franchisee in a Tex-Mex concept, spills the beans on the highs and lows of running a restaurant. The first year was so fun, exciting, and a huge success – fantastic food, booked every night, and an incredible vibe! But then, the competition heated up, and things got challenging. The crowded landscape made it…

Just wrapped up a fantastic podcast interview with Turp Ricketts, the VP of Franchise Development for Horsepower Brands! In this must-listen episode, Turp shares his extensive business and franchise knowledge, how he got started in the industry, and why he decided to join Horsepower Brands – their capital, their vision and their ability to execute.…

Part two of my interview with Rob Miller, a seasoned entrepreneur and educator. In this episode, Rob stresses why it’s critical to fall in love with the problem not the solution. He talks about the importance of identifying the pain point and validating whether an idea is desirable, viable and feasible. Where do you start if you have a business ide…

In my most recent episode, I had the privilege of hosting Rob Miller, an entrepreneur deeply passionate about leadership development. Beyond his work with startups, Rob currently holds the role of President at Mentora, a global leadership development and organizational transformation group headquartered in New York. During our conversation, Rob des…

Just had an illuminating conversation with Lori Mercaldi, founder of Tally Financial and a Certified Profit First Professional. Lori opened my eyes to the Profit First Model. What is Profit First, you say? It's an innovative financial management system that helps you prioritize PROFIT from day one! Lori doesn't just talk about the Profit First Mode…

Did you listen to episode 20 of Demystifying Franchise Ownership where Mark Schnurman helps us understand why the franchise industry is so confusing? In this week's episode, I’m excited to welcome back one of America's Top Franchise Consultants, who talks about the art of navigating and conquering the complexities of the franchise world. Tune in fo…

Are you confused by the complex world of franchising? I had some “aha moments” when I interviewed Mark Schnurman, the founder and Managing Partner of The Perfect Franchise. In this episode, Mark shares his vast knowledge about franchising and sheds light on why franchisees are often confused. From the myriad of choices and unique nature of franchis…

Can you have honest conversations with yourself? When it comes to franchise ownership, the spotlight is on YOU, the prospective franchisee. Is franchise ownership the right fit for you? In my latest podcast episode, I’m thrilled to have Kirsten back for her second appearance on "Demystifying Franchise Ownership." Kirsten is an expert in emotional i…

Curious about the world of franchising and the art of matchmaking between franchisees and franchise brands? Join me for an informative interview with Meg Schmitz as she shares her wealth of knowledge, experience, and success stories. In our conversation, Meg pulls back the curtain on how she helps match prospective franchisees with the perfect fran…

If you're interested in business ownership, you’ve probably considered whether you should build a business from the ground up or buy a business, one option being buying a franchise. In this episode, I give you a framework to solve the build vs buy conundrum. Plus, I give you 4 steps you should take to analyze the build vs buy quandary. What do I co…

In this special episode, I sit down with someone very close to my heart - my daughter! 💕 We explore what she liked and disliked about me being a franchise owner and the impact it's had on her life choices thus far. We discuss what I could have done differently to help her understand my career change, and she shares her perspective on witnessing the…

In this episode of Demystifying Franchise Ownership, I cover the expansive topic of SBA financing. Here are the topics I tackle in this episode. ✅ General overview and facts about SBA financing. ✅ The factors lenders consider when reviewing loan applications. ✅ The SBA loan programs, and which ones are most applicable to prospective franchisees. ✅ …

I'm so fortunate to have Dawn Hershik, an experienced franchisee in Supporting Strategies, to appear on this episode. Join me as Dawn takes us on a fascinating journey through her experiences as a successful franchise owner. From the steps she took before beginning her franchise journey to the lessons learned and valuable insights she gained during…

Curious about the world of franchising and the big question on every aspiring franchisee’s mind: "Are franchise fees worth the investment?" Join me in this episode of "Demystifying Franchise Ownership" as I tackle the topic of franchise fees, including an overview of the various types of franchisee fees and how to evaluate whether they're worth the…

Funding Your Franchise: Expert Insights Revealed! Ready to take charge of your entrepreneurial destiny? This is packed with invaluable information on how to fund your franchise purchase! In this episode, I layout the ways in which you can fund a franchise purchase, arming you with the knowledge to start exploring the funding option which fits your …

Evaluating your personal finances is the foundation upon which your franchise ownership journey will be built. It's essential to have a clear understanding of your financial situation before taking the leap into franchise ownership because you don't want to waste time looking at franchise systems for which you don't qualify. In this episode, I outl…

Evaluating any investment before committing funds is crucial as it allows for informed decision-making, mitigates risks, and maximizes the potential for long-term financial growth. The due diligence process is equally important for franchise investments as it helps ensure the compatibility of the franchise opportunity with one's goals, assesses the…

If you've always dreamt of being your own boss and exploring the world of franchise ownership, but find yourself unsure of where to begin, look no further! In this episode, I'll get you started on the right path. Join me as I unveil an overview of the initial steps that will kickstart your franchise journey. I talk about assessing your skills, educ…

In this week’s podcast, I continue my conversation with Laura Liss regarding the franchise disclosure document. One of the items we cover in this episode, is Item 19, also known as Financial Performance Representations. Item 19 of a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) holds significant importance as it provides crucial financial performance represe…

Do you know what goes into a successful franchisor/franchisee relationship? In this week’s podcast episode, I take a deep dive into what makes a successful franchisee/franchisor relationship. A strong and collaborative partnership not only leads to financial success but also fosters growth, innovation, and a sense of shared purpose. Join me as I ex…

In this week’s podcast, I continue my discussion with Laura Liss, a franchise legal expert, about the franchise disclosure document. Laura shares her extensive knowledge and practical experience with the listeners. In Part 2 of this three-part series, we talk about items 8-17 of the franchise disclosure document, covering supplier restrictions, fin…

The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is a critical document for prospective franchisees, providing a detailed overview of what to expect when investing in a franchise. It covers everything from the company's background and financial performance to fees, obligations, and even potential risks. Take a listen to this podcast where I interview Laura …

Join us as we dive deep into the world of franchise ownership, exploring the latest industry trends and equipping franchisees with invaluable insights and strategies to conquer the challenges they face. On today’s episode, I invited Andrew Bleiman, an attorney who focuses on everything franchise-related, to share his take on industry trends and get…

Are you considering franchise ownership? Do you have the necessary hard skills to be a successful franchisee? In this episode, I talk about the essential hard skills and why they're so important to a franchisee's success. I also outline the strategies which can be employed to close any skill gaps one might have. The skills covered in this episode i…

S1:E1 In this first episode, I share my top "aha moments” after becoming a franchise owner. The courting process with a franchisor is similar to a first date. The franchisor puts its best foot forward and presents a prospective franchisee with all the great things about owning its franchise. The cons may be glossed over or even omitted entirely. So…

S1:E2 How much do you know about emotional intelligence? In this episode, I interview my friend and colleague, Kirsten Ramos. Kirsten is the founder of Elevate Performance Solutions, a learning and development consultancy focused on creating customized, leadership training solutions for small to mid-sized, post start-up organizations. She also coac…