Franchising can be a powerful engine for business growth, but what does it truly take to really be successful in this competitive landscape? In this week’s episode, Ford hosts Kathleen Gosser, a prominent figure in the franchising world with an impressive 35-year career. Kathleen's journey began unexpectedly when she answered an ad for a role at Kentucky Fried Chicken, leading to a prolific career that saw her working in various capacities, from franchise advisory councils to leading learning and organizational development at KFC. Her expertise culminated in her current role as the leader of the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville. Throughout the episode, Ford and Kathleen discuss key elements that contribute to franchising success, such as the importance of understanding the franchise business model. While franchisors provide extensive training on operating the business and managing the products, there's often a gap in education regarding the franchise model itself. Kathleen emphasizes the need for franchisees to be well-versed in the obligations and expectations from both the franchisor and the franchisee perspectives. Grasping this business model is vital for running a franchise and avoiding common pitfalls in franchising. Ford and Kathleen discuss the necessity for strong operational skills among franchisees. Kathleen shares her observations from her extensive experience, noting that the best franchisees are those who excel in operating their units efficiently. This includes managing back-of-house operations, ensuring food safety, and leading a team effectively. Operational excellence, they agree, is a cornerstone of franchising success. Ford emphasizes the importance of selecting the right franchise partners who align with the brand's values and are committed to following the established systems. Ford and Kathleen touch on the dangers of prioritizing quantity over quality when it comes to franchise growth. Fast expansion in franchising can lead to selecting unsuitable franchisees who may not have the necessary capital or operational skills, ultimately causing more harm than good to the brand. Kathleen and Ford agree there should be a more measured approach, focusing on finding the right partners and growing steadily to ensure long-term success. Exploring the role of AI in franchising brings an intriguing dimension to the episode. Ford and Kathleen discuss how AI is beginning to impact various aspects of the franchise business, from enhancing customer service to optimizing local marketing efforts. They talk about the significant efficiencies AI tools can provide while also acknowledging the new challenges they introduce. This forward-thinking offers a glimpse into the future of franchising and how technology will continue to shape the industry. Kathleen shares valuable insights from her career, illustrating the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the franchising world. Her work at the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence aims to bridge the education gap in franchising, offering programs for all levels, from undergraduate students to seasoned professionals. Watch the full interview on YouTube. Don't miss out on future episodes of Fordify LIVE! every Wednesday at 11 AM Central on your favorite social platforms, where Ford Saeks brings you valuable insights from industry leaders. Be sure to catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for your weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Kathleen Gosser:Kathleen Gosser, Ph.D., is the Yum! Assistant Professor of Franchise Management and the Director of the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville's College of Business. She retired from KFC (Yum! Brands) in August 2019 after a distinguished 35-year career, where she held various leadership roles, including Director of Learning & Organizational Development for KFC US. In her current academic role, she co-created and leads the Franchise Management certificate program, which is offered at both graduate and undergraduate levels, and also teaches undergraduate courses in the Management & Entrepreneurship Department. Dr. Gosser holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & Organizational Development and an MBA from the University of Louisville, as well as a BA in Journalism from Indiana University. She has been recognized with several awards, including the Faculty Excellence Award and the Faculty Service Award at the University of Louisville. Her work focuses on franchising education and promoting equity and opportunity for underrepresented groups in the franchising industry Connect with Kathleen on LinkedIn. About Ford Saeks: Ford Saeks, a Business Growth Accelerator with over 20 years of experience, has redefined the formula for success, generating over a billion dollars in sales worldwide for companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500s. As the President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., Ford...
