Franchise Today

By: Franchise Today
  • Summary

  • Welcome to Franchise Today as it celebrates its 15th year in 2024. Join host Stan Friedman, President of FRM Solutions every Wednesday at 12 PM ET / 11 AM CT as he provides full disclosure on what’s going on inside franchising today and serves up discussions with weekly guests, who will talk about best practices for scaling their businesses for sustainable growth, through sensible franchising. Franchising remains an unintentional profession. Most people don't go to school to study about how to become involved in franchising. Rather, some life event causes it to find us. Each episode of the podcast begins with a look back at how franchising found my guest of the week. This is followed by a walk through their career up to and including the present day. It could be either a franchisor, franchisee or a supplier, that provides insights into high-level support services or top-quality products to better enable the franchise community. Each podcast will wrap with a look ahead to upcoming industry events, upcoming guests or important dates on the horizon.
    Copyright Stan Friedman (C/O Blogtalkradio)
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Episodes
  • In Memoriam: Ron Bender, Taken From Us, Entirely Too Soon!
    Oct 15 2024
    Ron Bender was one of the most affable, caring, sharing professionals in all of franchising. We lost him this weekend and he will be sorely missed. I interviewed Ron on Dec. 6, 2023, while he was still at Threshold Brands I re-listened to that episode yesterday, after learning of his death. While most of the conversation was centered around Threshold, all I could really hear was the warm, affable voice of my friend Ron. In his memory, I share that interview again today. This time, minus the usual Franchise Today Intro, Outro and commercials. The franchise world wil forever miss you Ron. Rest in Peace my friend.
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    26 mins
  • Tropical Smoothie CEO Charles Watson: Where We're At and Where We're Heading!
    Oct 9 2024
    Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a leading franchise in the health-focused fast-casual market. With nearly 1,500 locations nationwide, they offer an extensive menu of real-fruit smoothies, wraps, salads, sandwiches and flatbreads. Charles Watson joined Tropical Smoothie Cafes in 2010 as VP of Franchise Development and was elevated to Chief Development Officer in 2015, following his personal responsibility for awarding more than 800 franchises, during his tenure. In 2018 Charles went on to become CEO. A veteran hospitality pro, Charles has worked for several hospitality-related companies, including Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Intercontinental Hotels Group, US Franchise Systems, Inc. and Hospitality Real Estate Counselors. He is a graduate of The Hotel School at Cornell University and also holds a Masters in Business from The Terry School of Business, at The University of Georgia.
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    35 mins
  • Stephanie Johnson: Marketing Leader at AlphaGraphics, PostNet & World Options
    Oct 2 2024
    Stephanie Johnson’s journey began with earning her Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications and gaining experience at a safety association. That path led her relocate to Denver and join AlphaGraphics, where she rapidly ascended from her initial role as Marketing Campaign Manager in 2019, to her present position, VP of Marketing for AlphaGraphics, POSTNET and World Options, All three of these brand flags flying under the umbrella of MBE Global. AlphaGraphics operates approximately 230 franchises across the U.S. focusing on providing printing and marketing solutions for businesses, small and large. Her Marketing team is charged with increasing brand awareness and lead generation through national campaigns while improving internal communications with franchise owners. In response to COVID-19, AlphaGraphics boosted their marketing efforts with a campaign that offered $25,000 brand makeovers to small businesses, served by their franchisees. This was followed by their wildly successful “Bring Your Brand to Life” initiative, emphasizing storytelling via high-quality videos. At PostNet, the emphasis is on micro businesses and smaller print jobs, prioritizing customer relationships through campaigns like “We Love Our Customers” and “First Name Basis.” World Options the third leg of the stool, supports the logistical needs of small and medium-sized businesses with personalized shipping solutions, emphasizing exceptional customer service and flexible carrier options. Stephanie Johnson, VP of Marketing for all three brands, joins us this week to share more about it all, right here on Franchise Today.
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    34 mins

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