Best of the Best in Franchising

Hosted by James Butler

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Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Welcome to the Best of the Best in Franchising Podcast where in each episode, we talk with a specific leader in franchising who has accomplished remarkable feats and led the way in their franchise brand. We'll discuss how they got started in franchising, a little bit about their chosen franchise brand, what they love most about franchising, and more about what has helped them to be one of the best of the best in the franchise industry.

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53 recent

June 1, 202640 min

Interview with David Chapman on Key Lessons in Franchise Marketing

In this episode, I talk with David Chapman on key lessons in franchise marketing and his thoughts on the future of marketing in franchising. David is the founder and board chair of Tidehouse (formerly 919 Marketing) in Holly Springs, North Carolina and has held key executive leadership roles, including CEO and EVP of Marketing for venture-backed companies, as well as Global Account Director for the world's largest advertising agency network. David is a contributing writer for both INC. and Forbes. He is a frequent speaker at industry conferences, where he shares insights on sales, marketing, and brand growth. You can learn more and contact him at www.davidchapmanonline.com

April 30, 202630 min

Interview with Kirk Allen, Co-Founder and COO of Reshift Media, on Trends in Franchise Marketing and AI

In this episode, I talk with Kirk Allen, who is the Chief Operating Officer of Reshift Media on emerging trends in franchise marketing and AI and what franchisors and franchisees should be paying more attention to as they market and expand their businesses.

April 18, 202628 min

Interview with Ewan Salter - Practical Uses of AI in Franchising and Caring Senior Service

In this episode, we talk wtih Ewan Salter of Caring Senior Service about practical uses of AI in franchising and how their franchise uses these tools to improve the user experience for their clients and team members.

January 1, 202637 min

Interview with Betsy Hamm, CEO of Lifted Studio and Host of the Loud and Lifted Podcast

In this episode, I talk with Betsy Hamm, who is a the CEO of Lifted Studio and host of the Loud and LIfted Podcast. Betsy shares her story about how she went from working in marketing at Hershey Entertainment to becoming involved in franchising. She worked with the founder of Duck Donuts, became its COO and then CEO and led the franchise from about 20 locations to over 200. Today, Betsy partners with founders, executives, and leadership teams to fuel smart, sustainable growth. Betsy shares lessons that she has learned on enhancing and improving performance, how to define and get others to buy into your vision, and the key ways that executives can better lead and strengthen their teams for long-term success. With 15 years in marketing and brand leadership at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts and as CEO who scaled Duck Donuts from 20 to nearly 200 locations worldwide, Betsy knows what it takes to build a brand with staying power. In this insightful episode, she shares valuable lessons and insights that will benefit you to build a meaningful strategy and vision with her coaching and expertise. Learn more at www.betsyhamm.com.

December 18, 202538 min

Interview with Richard Yoerk of Express Employment Professionals

In this episode, Richard Yoerk of Express Employment Professionals shares his story about how he and his wife got into the staffing business with Express Employment Professionals and build a multi-unit operation starting in Champaign, Illinois in April of 2008. Today, they have five territories and nine offices. Richard shares lessons he has learned as he has scaled his business, mistakes he has made, the importance of leadership in growth, and just an incredible story of growth and success.

November 28, 202535 min

Interview with Barb Volk and Doug Birer, Multi-Unit KidStrong Operators in Florida, North Carolina, and New York

In this episode, we talk with Barb Volk and Doug Birer, who run a multi-unit KidStrong operation in Florida, North Carolina, and New York. They talk about how their partnership started, lessons they've learned as they've been scaling their business, leadership advice on growing a team, and what they love most about being a part of the Kidstrong franchise organization.

November 13, 202535 min

Interview with Ben Kiser of Fireside RV in Gulf Shores, Alabama

In this episode, I talk with Ben Kiser, who owns a Fireside RV franchise in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Ben shares his story about how he got into franchising, why he chose Fireside RV, lessons he has learned that help him minimize his time in the business so he can spend more time working on it, what he enjoys most about business ownership, how he maximizes revenue on each rental, how he anticipates and minimizes long-term challenges, and what he is most excited about for the future of the growth of his rental business.

October 28, 202536 min

Interview with Phillip Morrison of Kitchen Tune-Up in Kansas City Metro Area

In this episode, I talk with Phillip Morrison, who started a Kitchen Tune-Up franchise in Olathe, Kansas who opened his doors in January of 2022. He shares his story, how he got into franchising with Kitchen Tune-Up, details about how he has scaled his business, unique things they do to make their experience unique for their customers, and why he is so excited for the future growth of his franchise operation.

October 7, 202538 min

Interview with TJ Azores, a Multi-Unit Owner of 1Heart Caregiver Services in Southern California

In this episode, TJ Azores, who currently owns four franchise territories with 1Heart Caregiver Services shares his story about how he got an E2 visa with 1Heart after completing an MBA and PhD on a student visa. TJ shares his story, what attracted him to the senior care industry, what he likes most about being a franchisee with 1Heart, and his vision for the future in helping seniors to age at home.

October 2, 202536 min

Interview with Benjamin Gregg of 1-800-PACKOUTS in Southeast Tennessee

In this episode, I talk with Benjamin Gregg, who owns a 1-800-PACKOUTS franchise in Southeastern Tennessee (specifically the Knoxville and Chattanooga area). Benjamin shares his story of how he became an entrepreneur and decided to get into franchising and choose to be a part of the cleaning and restoration industry with 1-800-PACKOUTS and Five Star Franchising. He shares lessons he has learned, a big mistake around sales that he wish he would have avoided, and what he is most excited about as he works with his clients and continues to scale his business.