MasterMind Minutes by Franchise Growth Solutions

Hosted by Franchise Growth Solutions, LLC.

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Apr 2026

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MasterMind Minutes - One Guest -One Question - One Expert Answer In Minutes Not Hours. Featuring Information for Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, Franchisees and Franchisors. Powered by the Passion, Knowledge and Experience of Gary Occhiogrosso - Managing Partner - Franchise Growth Solutions, LLc.

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April 21, 202630 min

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES FOR A FRANCHISOR TO WORK WITH A FRANCHISE CONSULTANT?

MasterMind Minutes - One Guest -One Topic - One Expert Answer in Minutes Not Hours. Today's guest is Gregory Mohr CEO and Founder of Franchise Maven.Meet Gregory Mohr, a visionary entrepreneur, Wall Street Journal Best Selling author, and the driving force behind Franchise Maven. Gregory's journey from a seasoned micro-electric circuit engineer to the CEO and founder of a thriving franchise empire is nothing short of inspiring. As the CEO and founder of Franchise Maven, Gregory has been a guiding force for hundreds of individuals and business owners, helping them navigate the complex world of franchising. Gregory Mohr doesn't just sell franchises; he partners with individuals on a transformative journey. His commitment to understanding the unique needs and goals of each candidate sets him apart. With unwavering honesty, he guides aspiring entrepreneurs, steering them away from potential pitfalls and towards opportunities aligned with their vision. Contact Gregory: https://www.franchisemaven.com/Contact Gary: www.franchisegrowthsolutions.com

March 25, 2026Episode 327 min

AS A MATURE BRAND EVOLVES, HOW TO ENSURE THE CHANGES ALIGN WITH THE CULTURE AND GUEST EXPECTATIONS?

MasterMind Minutes - One Guest - One Question - One Expert Answer in Minutes, not Hours. Today's guest is Jackie SecorJackie joined Taco John’s in June 2025, bringing more than 25 years of restaurant industry experience to the role. She began her career on the front lines at Auntie Anne’s and rose through the ranks to become SVP of Operations and Training at GoTo Foods. Known for her data-driven approach and deep operational expertise, Jackie has a proven track record of leading high-performing teams and driving strategic growth. At Taco John’s, she oversees restaurant operations, technology, and training. Jackie is passionate about empowering teams, supporting franchisees, and delivering consistent, high-quality guest experiences.Contact Jackie at: https://tacojohnsfranchise.com/leadership/Contact Gary at: info@frangrow.com

March 6, 202627 min

HOW TO CREATE INNOVATIVE WAYS TO BUILD A FRANCHISE COMPANY.

MASTERMIND MINUTES - One Guest, One Question, One Answer in Minutes, not HoursAlex Filipuk is the Founder and CEO of Ideal Siding, an entrepreneur with a background in computer science, finance, and digital marketing, known for scaling the siding franchise by attracting executive talent and implementing strategic systems rather than manual labor. He transitioned from PayPal and his own agency to help a friend with siding lead generation, eventually building Ideal Siding into a successful franchise, even launching an industry training academy. Key Aspects of his Career:Founder & CEO: Leads Ideal Siding, focusing on systems and strategy.Digital Marketing Expert: Gained experience at PayPal and through his own agency.Industry Innovation: Launched Ideal Siding's Siding Academy to provide high-quality training for installers.Business Model: Attracts high-caliber professionals (like those from Amazon) to franchise, emphasizing strategic growth over physical labor. Background:Originally from Belarus, he has a global background.His computer science and finance expertise, coupled with digital marketing skills, formed the foundation for his success in the home services sector. In essence, Filipuk is a business strategist who applied corporate-level thinking and digital marketing savvy to build a large, system-driven home services franchise.Contact Alex: aliaksandr.filipuk@gmail.comContact Gary: info@frangrow.com

February 22, 202631 min

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE A STRONG PERSONAL BRAND IS CRITICAL FOR BOTH FRANCHISORS AND FRANCHISEES TODAY?

Season 7 MASTERMIND MINUTES - ONE GUEST, ONE QUESTION, ONE EXPERT ANSWER IN MINUTES, NOT HOURS. Today's guest is Ali Kraus, CFE, who is the Chief Marketing Officer at Benetrends Financial, where she leads the company’s marketing and growth strategy. With over a decade in franchising, Ali has built a reputation for creating meaningful connections and driving innovative campaigns that empower entrepreneurs. She also serves as Vice Chair of the International Franchise Association’s Women’s Franchise Committee, helping to champion leadership and inclusivity across the industry. Beyond franchising, Ali is the co-founder of FurryFrans, a nonprofit that collects and distributes stuffed animals to children in crisis. A former NFL cheerleader for the Baltimore Ravens, Ali now balances her professional life with family, coaching, and giving back to her community.Contact Ali at: https://www.benetrends.com/Contact Gary at: info@frangrow.comVisit: www.franchisegrowthsolutions.com

October 20, 202524 min

HOW DO YOU GROW A FOOD BRAND AND KEEP THE INTEGRITY OF THE PRODUCT

Today, we welcome Randy Wyner.Randy is the founder of Chronic Tacos, the Southern California chain of fast-casual Mexican food restaurants. Born and raised in Orange County, Randy draws his inspiration from the distinct Californian food culture. Randy grew up on authentic Mexican food and signature SoCal taquerias. He believed that the tastiest taquerias were small, family-owned shops, which led him to open his first Taco shop using third-generation family recipes he acquired from a close family friend. When Randy was struck with the idea of made-to-order Mexican food that was both fast and fresh, Chronic Tacos was born.Contact Randy:https://www.chronictacos.com/Contact Gary: info@frangrow.comVisit: www.franchisegrowthsolutions.com

September 20, 202530 min

WHAT ARE THE CAUTION FLAGS A FRANCHISOR NEEDS TO BE AWARE OF WHEN FRANCHISING INTERNATIONALLY

MasterMind Minutes - One Guest, One Question, One Expert Answer in Minutes Note Hours...Welcome to today’s episode featuring Victor Turcanu.Victor is a leading franchise attorney with a distinguished career spanning both Canada and the United States. He currently serves as an Attorney in the Franchising, Distribution & Corporate practice at Tannenbaum Helpern in New York. Prior to this, Victor was with Spadea Lignana Franchise Attorneys, and previously practiced corporate and franchise law at Garfinkle Biderman LLP in Toronto. His legal foundation was built at Loopstra Nixon LLP, where he completed his articling.Victor holds a Juris Doctor degree from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, after earning his Bachelor of Science with Distinction in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Dalhousie University. He is licensed as an Attorney and Counselor-at-Law in New York State and was previously licensed with the Law Society of Ontario.Victor brings a wealth of international franchising experience to the table, having advised franchisors across a wide range of industries—from technology start-ups and home services to food and beverage brands. His expertise lies in guiding both emerging and established franchise systems through the complex regulatory landscapes of North America’s largest markets.Today, we’ll hear from Victor on the critical strategies and legal insights franchisors need to successfully scale while staying compliant and competitive.Contact Victor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-turcanu-a98681b7/Contact Gary: info@frangrow.comVisit: www.frangrow.com

August 24, 202527 min

WHAT ARE THE TACTICS & STRATEGIES FOR REFRESHING A WORLDWIDE LEGACY BRAND- TONY ROMA'S

MasterMind Minutes One Guest, One Question, One Expert Answer in Minutes Not Hours. Today our guest is Mohaimina (“Mina”) Haque Mina is a trailblazing CEO, attorney, and educator, breaking barriers as the first woman CEO of Tony Roma's in its five-decade history. As she spearheads the global restaurant chain, Mina is also actively engaged in the legal sphere, serving as the founder of the Law Office of Mohaimina Haque, PLLC, based in Washington DC, and as an Adjunct Professor of Law Practice Management at American University Washington College of Law.In her legal practice, Mina's expertise spans various areas, including corporate law, immigration law, and litigation. Notably, her immigration practice has facilitated the successful acquisition of Einstein visas, investor visas, and multinational executive visas for numerous individuals from diverse backgrounds.Beyond her roles in business and law, Mina is a pioneer in law practice management. She educates on building virtual firms and managing remote operations with the latest technological advancements, ensuring her students are equipped for the evolving landscape of legal practice.Mina's commitment to innovation extends to her tenure at Tony Roma's, where she is always at the forefront of testing innovative solutions for an agile and adaptable workforce. Her leadership and vision drive the chain's expansion and innovation, while her ongoing legal practice keeps her abreast of legal developments.An inspiring educator, Mina shares her wealth of knowledge and experience with aspiring legal professionals, mentoring them to excel in their careers.Named one of Women We Admire’s ‘Top Women Leaders of DC for 2025,’ Mina’s remarkable achievements, leadership, and dedication to excellence have firmly established her as a true pioneer in both the legal and business communities.Contact Gary: info@frangrow.comVisit: https://www.tonyromasfranchise.com/

July 23, 202523 min

Why is Elevating Your Business Mindset is Critical to Your Success as a Franchisor?

NEW EPISODE: MasterMind Minutes Podcast 🎙️Topic: Why is Elevating Your Business Mindset is Critical to Your Success as a FranchisorSuccess in franchising isn’t just about systems, operations, or growth metrics—it's about mindset.In this episode of MasterMind Minutes, I sit down with Stéphane Breault—one of Canada’s most respected franchise advisors and leaders—to explore why your mindset as a franchisor can either make or break your brand’s growth.With more than 20 years as a CEO and over 15 years advising both emerging and global franchise networks, Stéphane brings a refreshing perspective. He’s not just focused on manuals and models—he focuses on elevating CEOs and executive teams into leaders who build genuine, purpose-driven relationships with franchisees.His client list reads like a who’s who of iconic brands—Petro Canada, Jani-King, 7-Eleven—and his leadership has helped over 100 Canadian and international franchise networks thrive.We talk about:✅ The mental shifts franchisors must make to scale effectively✅ Why mindset alignment inside your executive team is non-negotiable✅ How to build real, lasting trust with franchisees✅ The difference between leading with fear and leading with purposeIf you're a founder, franchisor, or franchise executive aiming for long-term success, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.🎧 Listen now on Spotify

June 30, 202529 min

WHEN DOES THE FOUNDER NEED TO "STEP DOWN" AND HIRE A CEO?

MasterMind Minutes - One Guest, One Question, One Expert Answer in Minutes, Not Hours Today my amazing guest is Amy LeClercAmy Leclerc is the Co-Owner and President of Franchising at Sit Still Kids, an innovative children’s salon redefining and modernizing the traditional hair care experience. Widely recognized as “the franchise gal,” Leclerc also played a pivotal role in transforming Barre3 from a boutique fitness studio to a powerhouse with 150 locations nationwide.Contact Amy: amy.leclerc@sitstillkids.comContact Gary: info@frangrow.comVisit: www.frangrow.com

May 22, 202526 min

HOW DO YOU GROW A LEGACY FRANCHISE BRAND AS A NEW CEO?

MasterMind Minutes - One Guest - One Question - One Expert Answer in Minutes Not HoursToday's guest is Neil Hershman, CEO of 16 HandlesNeil Hershman first joined 16 Handles as a franchisee at the Murray Hill, Manhattan location. He has since acquired and built a New York City dessert empire, operating over a dozen retail locations. In August 2022, Neil acquired 16 Handles from its original founder, Solomon Choi, with plans to lead a national and international growth of the iconic Northeast brand.Neil is an active owner and CEO and leads all strategic decision making for 16 Handles. In order to test ideas and ensure customer experience, you can oftentimes find Neil spending his weekend nights working behind the counter at one of his Manhattan 16 Handles shops.Neil graduated from The George Washington University with a degree in Finance and Astrophysics and spent his early professional career at a NYC- based asset manager specializing in structured credit, where he primarily focused on company profitability and forecast, illiquid investment valuations, and strategic M&A activity.Outside of the office, Neil is a commercial-rated pilot, alpine mountain climber, and ultra-triathlete, with feats such as summiting Mt. Everest and winning a 703- mile-long triathlon.Contact Neil at: neil@16handles.comContact Gary at: info@frangrow.comVisit: Frangrow.com