Welcome to the latest episode of Empire Builders! Today, Tommy Yionoulis is thrilled to introduce our guest, Thomas Belongia, also known as Tommy B. Tommy B, an area developer and Franchise Owner for Biggby Coffee, who shares his intriguing journey from France to Wisconsin and offers deep insights into the world of franchise operations.

Key Points Discussed:

Introduction to Tommy B:

• Tommy B's unique name story and why he goes by Tommy B.
• His family's adventurous history.

Tommy B's Professional Journey:

• Transitioning from a self-employed entrepreneur to opening his first Biggby Coffee shop in Wisconsin.
• The role and responsibilities of an area developer for Biggby Coffee.

Importance of Finding the Right Franchisee:

• Tommy B emphasizes the critical nature of identifying franchisees who align with Biggby's culture and values.
• The process of onboarding a new franchisee, from finding real estate to training staff.

Creating a Positive Work Environment:

• The impact of a happy and engaged staff on customer experience.
• Strategies for franchise owners to build community relationships and generate loyal customers.

Why Biggby Coffee?

• Tommy B and his wife's decision-making process in choosing Biggby Coffee after extensive research.
• The personal touch and alignment with values that drew them to the brand.

Marketing Strategies:

• Differentiating between paid and guerrilla marketing.
• Effective guerrilla marketing techniques like "drink drops" and engaging local businesses.

Community Engagement:

• The importance of building relationships within the local community.
• Examples of community involvement, such as supporting local causes and creative marketing initiatives.

Overcoming Challenges and Building Brand Awareness:

• Strategies for introducing a coffee brand to new markets.
• The significance of having a strong, supportive team and robust systems in place.

Personal Story of Resilience:

• Tommy B's experience overcoming a severe brain injury and the importance of well-established business systems.
• Advocating for owners to focus on strategic planning and growth, ensuring long-term business success.

Conclusion:

Tommy and Tommy B conclude the episode with reflections on the entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of resilience, community engagement, and strategic marketing. Tommy B's story highlights the dedication required to succeed in the competitive world of franchise operations. Whether you're interested in the coffee industry or entrepreneurial stories, this episode provides valuable insights and inspiration.

Tune in for an engaging discussion on franchise development, creating positive work environments, and achieving business success with Tommy B.

Links And Resources:

• BIGGBY COFFEE
• Thomas Belongia (Tommy B) on LinkedIn

• Tommy Yionoulis on Linkedin
• OpsAnalitica

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Welcome to the latest episode of Empire Builders! Today, Tommy Yionoulis is thrilled to introduce our guest, Orhan Veli, a franchisee of SaladWorks, a quick-service restaurant specializing in healthy eating, primarily salads. Orhan shares his journey from finance to managing multiple SaladWorks locations, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of the food industry.

Key Points Discussed:

Introduction to Orhan Veli:

• Orhan's background as an immigrant from Azerbaijan and his journey to the United States.
• Transition from a finance career at Morgan Stanley to joining the family business in the restaurant industry.
• The successful management of eleven SaladWorks locations and supplying salads to 28 Giant supermarket locations.

Challenges in the Food Industry:

• Logistical challenges of maintaining freshness and managing labor in a restaurant.
• The importance of efficient operations and adaptability in the food industry.
• Comparisons between running a restaurant with perishable products and other food operations.

Orhan's Entrepreneurial Journey:

• Starting with a Charlie's Subs franchise in Philadelphia, a competitive market.
• Observing the operational ease of SaladWorks compared to the labor-intensive sub shop.
• Transitioning to SaladWorks in 2011, guided by the largest franchisee at the time.

Managing a Restaurant with Perishable Products:

• The importance of having a skilled team and efficient processes to handle unpredictability.
• Customer service and employee retention as critical factors for success.
• The need for passion and enjoyment in the business to achieve long-term success.

Impact of Third-Party Delivery Services:

• The profound effect of delivery services on profitability.
• Strategies to balance the shift in customer behavior, including menu pricing and unique in-store experiences.
• Exploring automation and tech partnerships to streamline processes while maintaining quality.

Navigating Rising Labor Costs:

• Challenges in hiring qualified individuals for prep work.
• Potential automation options to manage labor costs and improve efficiency.

Commitment to Customers:

• Decision not to raise prices in 2023 out of concern for loyal customers.
• Plans for navigating the fine line between profitability and customer satisfaction.

Conclusion:

Tommy and Orhan conclude the episode with reflections on the entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of passion, efficient operations, and customer service in the food industry. Orhan's story highlights the resilience and adaptability required to succeed in a competitive market. Whether you're interested in the food industry or entrepreneurial stories, this episode provides valuable insights and inspiration.

Tune in for an engaging discussion on overcoming challenges, managing a restaurant with perishable products, and achieving success in the food industry with Orhan Veli.

Links And Resources:

• Saladworks
• Orhan Veli on LinkedIn

• Tommy Yionoulis on Linkedin
• OpsAnalitica

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Welcome to the latest episode of Empire Builders! Today, Tommy Yionoulis is thrilled to introduce our guest, Mark Schnurman, the "Franchise Career Coach & President" of The Perfect Franchise. Mark shares his journey from franchise consultant to establishing a successful business helping individuals determine if owning a franchise is right for them.

Key Points Discussed:

Introduction to Mark Schnurman:

• Mark's role as the founder of The Perfect Franchise.
• Growth of his team to over 50 contractors.
• The Perfect Franchise helps individuals determine if owning a franchise is right for them by generating leads, training consultants, and building strong relationships with franchise brands.

Critical Need for Personal Responsibility Among Franchisees:

• Franchisees must not solely rely on franchisors but take ownership of their businesses, including marketing efforts and financial management.
• Success in franchising requires significant commitment, a willingness to adapt, and an ability to pivot based on market feedback.
• Importance of flexibility and readiness to adjust plans as needed.

Insights on Risk Management in Franchising:

• Many clients initially seek franchises out of necessity, such as job loss, but motivation often evolves into building large-scale enterprises.
• Guiding clients through the process, helping them understand the nuances and risks of franchising to make informed decisions.

Importance of Self-Awareness in Business:

• Many people lack self-awareness, especially regarding their level of commitment.
• Discrepancy between perceived and actual commitment is a common challenge in franchising.
• Importance of honest self-assessment before diving into franchise ownership.

Approach to Building a Franchise Empire:

• Start small and gradually expand, ensuring manageability and success at each stage.
• Importance of not overextending oneself and maintaining sufficient cash flow.
• Avoid tying up too much capital in initial investments.

Support from Franchisors for Franchisees' Success:

• Lead generation, supply chain management, and staffing assistance are crucial for franchisee success.
• Franchisors should provide robust lead generation through digital marketing and other means.
• Effective support structures enable franchisees to focus on running their businesses efficiently.

Utilizing Franchisor Resources and Connecting with Fellow Franchisees:

• Franchisees often pay significant fees for ongoing support and expertise, which they should fully leverage.
• Seeking advice from the franchisor and experienced franchisees within the system.
• Active engagement with the franchise network provides valuable insights and solutions.

Conclusion:

Tommy and Mark conclude the episode with reflections on the entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility, flexibility, and utilizing available resources. Whether you're contemplating franchising or interested in entrepreneurial stories, this episode provides valuable insights and inspiration.

Tune in for an engaging discussion on navigating the complexities of franchising, achieving success, and the entrepreneurial spirit with Mark Schnurman.

Links And Resources:

• The Perfect Franchise
• P3 Cost Analysts
• Mark Schnurman on