The Business Growth Show By cover art

The Business Growth Show

By: Ford Saeks
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  • Summary

  • Welcome to The Business Growth Show, where each week we bring you in-depth interviews with the leading voices in business success. Hosted by Ford Saeks, the show provides valuable insights and strategies for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone looking to grow their brand. From top CEOs to experts in sales, marketing, operations, customer experience, entrepreneurship, and success, our guests share their personal experiences, lessons learned, and advice to help you achieve your goals. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, The Business Growth Show offers practical and actionable advice to help you take your business to the next level. Tune in and join Ford as he explores the stories and strategies of the most successful business leaders of our time on The Business Growth Show.
    2024
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Episodes
  • S1Ep190 Building a Franchise Empire with Nick Friedman

    S1Ep190 Building a Franchise Empire with Nick Friedman
    Jul 18 2024
    How can you transform a simple idea into a thriving franchise empire? In this week’s episode of Fordify LIVE! The Business Growth Show, Ford Saeks hosts Nick Friedman, co-founder of College H.U.N.K.S Hauling Junk & Moving. Nick shares his exceptional journey and invaluable insights into entrepreneurship and leadership, providing essential guidance for anyone looking to grow their business. In this episode, Ford and Nick delve into the core of successful entrepreneurship. Nick, who started with a beat-up cargo van and a catchy name, built College H.U.N.K.S. into a nationally recognized brand. He emphasizes the importance of persistence, innovation, and the ability to adapt to new challenges. His story is a evidence of how a simple idea, when executed with passion and strategy, can lead to astonishing success. Nick’s approach to business growth is both practical and inspiring. He shares the significance of starting small, leveraging available resources, and gradually scaling up. This principle, he explains, is crucial for any entrepreneur aiming to build a sustainable business. Through relatable anecdotes and real-world examples, Nick illustrates how effective planning and execution turned his startup into a franchise powerhouse. From the early days of distributing flyers to establishing a strong national presence, Nick recounts his journey with College H.U.N.K.S. and offers a unique perspective on the entrepreneurial process, highlighting the importance of branding, customer service, and maintaining a consistent vision. His story underscores the value of hands-on experience and the importance of being adaptable and receptive to feedback. Ford and Nick address common challenges faced by entrepreneurs today, particularly in maintaining focus and discipline amidst rapid growth. Nick emphasizes that successful business leaders must be willing to make tough decisions and stay true to their core values. Nick shares his belief that leadership is not just about giving orders but about inspiring and empowering others. He explains that mentoring and developing strong relationships within the organization are key components of successful leadership. This approach fosters a collaborative and supportive environment that drives business growth and innovation. Ford complements Nick’s insights with his own experiences, reinforcing the importance of personal accountability and continuous learning. Together, they explore the impact of strategic planning and the need for entrepreneurs to adapt their strategies to meet changing market conditions. This adaptability, they agree, is a critical factor in sustaining long-term business success. Nick’s philosophy that “urgency of effort but patience for results” resonates throughout the episode. He emphasizes that the idea that while entrepreneurs must work diligently, they should also be patient with the outcomes. This concept is particularly relevant in the fast-paced world of business, where instant gratification often overshadows the value of long-term planning and perseverance. Nick and Ford discuss the future of entrepreneurship and the evolving role of technology and innovation. They touch on the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation and the importance of staying ahead of industry trends. Nick’s insights provide valuable guidance for entrepreneurs looking to navigate these changes while continuing to grow their businesses. Watch the full interview on YouTube. Join Fordify LIVE! every Wednesday at 11 AM Central on your favorite social platforms and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. Don't miss out on these engaging discussions that can transform your approach to leadership and business growth. About Nick Friedman Nick Friedman is Co-Founder & Visionary of College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving, the largest and fastest-growing junk removal and local moving franchise opportunity in North America. Nick started the business in college with his childhood best friend in a beat-up cargo van and has grown it to over 250 franchises and $300 million in annual sales. Named among the Top 30 Entrepreneurs in America Under 30 by INC Magazine, Nick was featured alongside Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and Michael Dell in a Newsweek article titled “College Kid to Millionaire.” He is a three-time Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award Finalist, winning the prestigious award in 2018. Nick has been featured in numerous business books and textbooks, as well as in Forbes, Fortune, and many other notable publications. His company has consistently appeared on the INC 5000 list of Fastest Growing Companies and has twice been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show. As a TV personality, Nick has appeared on the first episode of ABC’s Shark Tank, Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker, CNBC’s Blue-Collar Millionaires, and CBS’s Undercover Boss. He is also a Board Member of the Young ...
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    33 mins
  • S1Ep189 Secrets to Thriving in Franchising with Kathleen Gosser

    S1Ep189 Secrets to Thriving in Franchising with Kathleen Gosser
    Jul 11 2024
    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...
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    35 mins
  • S1Ep188 Mentoring Future Leaders with Waffle House's Bert Thornton

    S1Ep188 Mentoring Future Leaders with Waffle House's Bert Thornton
    Jul 4 2024
    How can effective mentoring shape the future leaders of your organization? This week’s special episode of Fordify LIVE! The Business Growth Show Ford Saeks hosts Bert Thornton, Vice Chairman Emeritus of Waffle House. Bert shares his extraordinary journey and invaluable insights into leadership and mentoring, offering essential guidance to fostering leadership within teams. In this episode, Ford and Bert examine the essence of effective mentoring. Bert Thornton, who began his career as a manager trainee and climbed the ranks to become President and COO of Waffle House, offers a wealth of knowledge drawn from his extensive experience. He emphasizes the critical role that mentoring plays in personal and professional development, highlighting how the right guidance can transform potential into performance. Bert’s approach to mentoring is both practical and profound. He discusses the importance of surrounding oneself with successful individuals and listening to their advice. This principle, he explains, is essential for anyone looking to grow in their career. Through relatable anecdotes and real-world examples, Bert illustrates how mentoring can help emerging leaders navigate challenges, build resilience, and achieve their goals. Bert recounts his journey from managing a single restaurant to overseeing operations across thousands of locations. This experience provides a unique perspective on how leadership skills can be developed and refined through practical experience and dedicated mentorship. His story underscores the value of hands-on learning and the importance of being open to feedback and continuous improvement. Ford and Bert address common challenges faced by leaders today, particularly in maintaining effective communication and fostering a positive organizational culture. Bert emphasizes that successful leaders do not shy away from tough conversations and are always willing to dig deeper to uncover the root of issues. This mindset, he argues, is crucial for building trust and accountability within a team. Bert shares his belief that leaders must broker strong relationships within their organizations to foster collaboration and drive success. He explains that mentoring is not just about providing advice but also about building a supportive network that can guide individuals through their career paths. Ford complements Bert’s insights with his own experiences, reinforcing the importance of personal accountability and continuous learning. Together, they explore the impact of situational leadership and the need for leaders to adapt their styles to meet the needs of their teams. This adaptability, they agree, is a key factor in effective mentoring and leadership. Bert’s philosophy that “your attitude is the single most observed thing about you” resonates throughout the episode. He underscores the idea that a positive attitude can significantly influence one’s success and the perception of others. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of mentoring, where the mentor’s demeanor can set the tone for the mentee’s development. Bert and Ford discuss the future of leadership and the evolving role of mentoring in today’s fast-paced business environment. They touch on the challenges posed by digital communication and the importance of maintaining personal connections in an increasingly virtual world. Join Fordify LIVE! every Wednesday at 11 AM Central on your favorite social platforms and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. Don't miss out on these engaging discussions that can transform your approach to leadership and business growth. Watch the full episode on YouTube. About Bert Thornton Bert Thornton, Vice Chairman Emeritus of Waffle House, boasts a remarkable career that began as a manager trainee in 1971. Rising through the ranks, he became President and COO, overseeing operations across thousands of locations. A graduate of Georgia Tech and a Vietnam veteran, Bert's dedication extends beyond Waffle House to his work with the Georgia Tech Alumni Association, where he served as President and received the Joseph Mayo Pettit Alumni Distinguished Service Award. An accomplished author, his books "Find an Old Gorilla" and "High Impact Mentoring" provide valuable insights into leadership and mentoring. Bert continues to influence the business world through his roles on various boards and as an Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of West Florida. Get Bert's books, Find an Old Gorilla and High Impact Mentoring on Amazon. 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 specializes in helping businesses attract loyal and repeat customers, expand brand awareness, and ...
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    34 mins
Marketing Economics
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