We interview successful entrepreneurs about their stories in business. Our guests have a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences that our audience can draw from... We hope you enjoy our podcast as you learn lessons along the way to help you with your business!!!
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October 16, 2026Episode 20531 min
Ep 205 If Everything Still Depends on You, Your Business Isn’t Really Scaling & How Frank.inc Can Help
In this episode, Barbara Dirks and Jane Francisco of frank.inc join me to explore one of franchising’s most overlooked advantages: multiplicity. With dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of operators running versions of the same model, franchise systems have the potential to become powerful engines of experimentation, shared learning, and continuous improvement. We also dig into a challenge that shows up as businesses grow: what worked at one location often breaks at ten, fifty, or more. Complexity increases, more decisions flow back to the owner, and growth can start creating drag instead of leverage. Barbara and Jane share a different way to think about scaling—one that combines human judgment, AI, automation, global talent, and better operating systems to create more capacity without simply building a bigger head office. It’s a conversation about how franchise leaders can redesign work, free up owners, test ideas faster, and build organizations that get smarter as they grow.
October 2, 2026Episode 20422 min
Ep 204 How To Reduce Costs and Streamline Multiunit Franchise Marketing with Kirk Allen
Your franchise is growing. Is your marketing keeping up—or just getting more complicated? More locations shouldn’t mean more marketing chaos. In this episode of Business Stories with Ryan Arcoraci, Reshift Media Co-Founder Kirk Allen joins me to explore how Franify brings corporate teams and franchise owners together to tackle one of franchising’s toughest challenges: turning a national brand strategy into marketing that connects with local customers. We dig into what Franify can actually do for franchise marketing, how to give owners local flexibility while protecting your brand, and how to measure what’s working across your network. We also explore Franify’s approach to social media posting, digital advertising, and more. If you’re a franchisor, franchise marketer, or multi-unit operator tired of juggling platforms and chasing participation, this conversation puts a practical question front and center: How can you make marketing easier to execute—and more accountable for results? Learn more at Franify.com . Mention this episode for a 60 day FREE trial of Franify. *Ad spend is not included in the free trial.
September 28, 2026Episode 20315 min
Ep 203 How to Turn Under-Performing Stores Around with John W. Lee of Impact Marketing Services
Are You Satisfied with Your Stores’ Performance? Introducing the “Life Raft” Marketing Program for Under-performing Stores by Impact Marketing Services 18-22% of a franchise network’s stores under-perform or are struggling. There could be several reasons – 1. Operational issues – lack of proper employee training or high employee turnover 2. Strong competition in the area 3. Lack of a proper targeted marketing plan or under-funding These issues often create poor validation to prospective franchisees, which will inhibit the growth and expansion of the emerging franchise brand. The reason for the lack of performance must be identified and corrected. Once the issue has been corrected, it should be a perfect time to initiate the “Life Raft” Marketing Program from Impact Marketing Services. Develop success stories for your struggling locations by dramatically increasing customer traffic and sales. The IMS “Life Raft” Program is a four-month low-cost “hands-on” marketing program that generates success for under-performing stores…quickly, with measurable results – Take customers away from the competition. Bring back former customers and build loyalty. Expand the customer base by bringing in more customers that have never been in before. Results speak – one client generated 136 new customers in 30 days for less than $500 – sales the following month increased 56%. The “Life Raft” Marketing Program includes - A highly targeted 4-month marketing plan. Weekly Marketing Coaching Calls with the franchisee. Properly utilize the franchisee's limited resources…money, time, and energy. ImpactMarketingServices.com John W. Lee 602.318.3008 call or text John@impactmarketingservices.com
September 14, 2026Episode 20235 min
Ep 202 How to Stop Playing It Safe and Start Innovating Yourself & Your Business with Chris Hawker
Innovation is about much more than having a great idea. It's about improving your business and your life for good. In this episode, Chris Hawker joins the discussion to explore why innovation is essential to long-term business success and what it takes to turn creative thinking into real commercial value. We discuss how leaders can spot opportunities, evaluate new ideas, create space for experimentation, learn from failure, and build innovation into the everyday rhythm of a business. We also touch on what self-innovation really means and how it can change your life for the better. How some of the smallest changes can have the biggest impact. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or business owner, this conversation offers a practical look at how to keep evolving before the market forces you to.
August 29, 2026Episode 20128 min
Ep 201 How to Make Your Opening Launch & Grand Opening Program Actually Drive Sales with John W. Lee
The Goal Isn’t Simply to Have a Busy Opening Day. The goal is to build a successful location that becomes a top performer in the network, exceeds expectations, and provides strong validation to prospective franchisees to enhance the brand's growth and expansion. A successful Opening Launch Marketing Plan starts well before the doors open—building awareness, creating excitement, developing local relationships, and giving the new location a strong customer base beginning Opening Day...It’s much bigger than that. In this episode of Business Stories with Ryan Arcoraci, Ryan sits down with John W. Lee, founder and CEO of Impact Marketing Services , to talk about what actually goes into launching a new franchise location successfully, making it a top performer and exceeding expectations. John shares lessons from decades of helping franchisees build stronger local market presence and explains why the work leading up to Opening Day is often just as important as the event itself. You’ll learn: What Successful Franchisors and New Franchisees Need to Know Why your Opening Launch Marketing Plan should begin well before Opening Day - the secret to a new store's success. The most successful openings don't wait until the doors open to start marketing the new location. Building awareness and anticipation early gives the community a reason to visit when the doors open on Opening Day—and a reason to be excited. The biggest mistakes franchisees make when launching a new location—and how to avoid them. From starting too late to relying too heavily on traditional advertising, common launch mistakes can cost a new location valuable customers, sales, and momentum. How to build awareness and excitement throughout the local community. Create a strong local presence by connecting with residents, businesses, schools, organizations, community leaders—and local charities. Why "Now Open" and "Grand Opening" Events should be treated as a sales strategy—not simply a celebration These events are opportunities to generate customers, collect customer information, create repeat visits, build relationships, and establish the location as a successful new business in the community. Why local relationships can be more valuable than simply running more ads. Advertising can create awareness. Local relationships can create customers, referrals, catering opportunities, partnerships, and long-term loyalty. How to turn Opening Day traffic into repeat customers. Getting customers through the door is only the beginning. The real opportunity is converting first-time visitors into loyal, frequent customers. What franchisors can do to give every new franchisee a stronger start. Franchisors can provide more than a great brand and operating system. A proven Opening Launch Marketing Program can help new franchisees build momentum faster with strong customer traffic, achieve higher sales, and position their locations to become top performers in the network. Opening Day Is the Beginning—Not the Goal. The real goal is to create a strong customer base, generate sustained sales, and build a location that becomes a top performer.
May 18, 2026Episode 20028 min
Ep 200 From Kitchen Skills to Life Skills: How Young Chefs Academy is Empowering Youth
What happens when culinary education meets entrepreneurship and child development? In this episode, I sit down with Leigh Feldman, CEO of Young Chefs Academy , to explore how the brand is inspiring children through hands-on cooking experiences while building a thriving franchise community across the country. Leigh shares the mission behind Young Chefs Academy, the impact cooking can have on confidence and creativity in young people, and what it takes to scale a purpose-driven business in today’s world. Whether you’re a parent, entrepreneur, educator, or franchise enthusiast, this conversation serves up valuable insights and inspiration.
January 17, 2026Episode 1991 hr 11 min
Ep 199 Punk, Pop, and Provocation: Joe Queer on 40 Years of The Queers
Joe Queer, frontman of the iconic punk band The Queers , joins the podcast to talk about four decades of making unapologetic, Ramones-inspired punk rock. From the early DIY days to their cult following, Joe gets candid about music, culture, personal growth. From his close relationship to Joey Ramone to his drive to always put out great music. Joe is an inspiration to us all.
October 18, 2025Episode 19844 min
Ep 198 How To Find True Happiness After Trauma With Navy Veteran Rob Greene
In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Rob Greene , a U.S. Navy veteran, shares the life-altering story of how surviving an attempted suicide became the unexpected turning point in his journey toward peace, purpose, and true happiness. We dive into the everyday struggles that so many of us silently face — and Rob opens up about what it really takes to dig deep, heal, and start living with intention. From his experiences abroad to the lessons learned from diverse cultures and communities, Rob brings a raw honesty that’s both grounding and inspiring. If you’re navigating hard times, battling inner demons, or simply searching for something more — this is the episode you need to hear. 🎧Learn more about Rob’s mission at Unfiltered Wisdom .
September 13, 2025Episode 19753 min
Ep 197 Why Ska Still Matters: A Conversation with Aaron Carnes Author of "In Defense Of Ska."
Aaron Carnes joins the podcast to talk about his mission to reframe the conversation around ska music and his writing career. As a veteran journalist and former ska-punk drummer, Aaron brings firsthand knowledge and critical insight to his book, " In Defense of Ska." We discuss the genre's rich history, its cultural significance, and what it tells us about how we frame music history and some of the politics around it. We also talk about Aaron's new book centered around death and dealing with the inevitability of it. Whether you're a ska fan or a skeptic, this episode will make you rethink what you know.
July 23, 2025Episode 19617 min
Ep 196 Why You May Not Need a Massive Bank Roll To Buy A Business with Kenny Rose of Franshares
What if franchise ownership didn’t require six figures up front—or running the business yourself? Kenny Rose, founder and CEO of Franshares.com , is flipping the script on how people invest and build wealth. His platform is making franchise ownership accessible through fractional investing, allowing everyday people to co-own real, cash-flowing businesses—without the traditional barriers. In this episode, Kenny breaks down how Franshares gives aspiring business owners—and even those who couldn’t previously qualify for a franchise—the opportunity to get in the game by partnering with investors. 👉 If you’re a broker or consultant, this could be the breakthrough you’ve been looking for: a path to help strong candidates finally realize their dream of franchise ownership, even if they don’t have the capital or credit to go it alone. It's a win-win-win for franchisors, franchisees, and the advisors working behind the scenes to make it all happen. 🎧 Don’t just listen—share this episode with a candidate who needs to hear it. ➡️ Learn more: franshares.com
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