The Franchise Hot Seat Podcast with Dr. John P. Hayes - Director, Titus Center for Franchising

Hosted by Dr. John P Hayes

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Internationally recognized speaker, personal business coach and Amazon best-selling franchise author Dr. John Hayes offers an honest look at everything involved in researching, evaluating and purchasing a franchise business. On this podcast, Dr. John P Hayes interviews Franchisors, Franchisees, and has solo episodes giving valuable advice in the Franchise Industry. Since 1979, John Hayes has worked in the franchise community as a consultant, franchisee and franchisor. He’s one of an elite group worldwide that has actually owned and operated franchises, including serving as CEO of a major American franchisor company, and advised franchisors and franchisees. He is the author of several franchise-related books and countless articles that have appeared in media worldwide. Dr. Hayes has served for many years as an advisor to franchisors, franchisees and small business owners internationally. His areas of expertise include management development, marketing, customer service, training and strategic planning. He is the author or co-author of 18 non-fiction books including Franchising: The Inside Story, Start Small, Finish Big, You Can’t Teach A Kid To Ride A Bike At A Seminar, and most recently Buy “Hot” Franchises Without Getting Burned. Keywords: franchise tax board , chick fil a franchise , the franchise guy , best franchise to own , franchise business , buying a franchise , franchise opportunities , opening a franchise , owning a franchise

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June 1, 2026Episode 8949 min

The RV Side Hustle That Became a National Franchise | Dr. John P. Hayes - With Garr Russell

John Hayes interviews Garr Russell, the founder of Fireside RV Rental, a faith-driven franchise that originated from a business he started in 2016 when he began renting out an RV he owned. He developed a replicable ""business in a box"" model and formalized the franchising process in 2022. The business has since expanded to approximately 70 locations across the U.S. Fireside RV Rental charges a startup fee of $35,000 and handles all bookings and inquiries. The company utilizes platforms such as RVshare and Outdoorsy, and keeps costs low by partnering with storage facilities, with owners covering storage costs. Russell discusses the company's marketing strategies, which primarily involve Facebook ads, and their six-week online onboarding process. He emphasizes the importance of building a community culture, having the right mindset, and attracting extroverted ""D"" personalities. Russell also talks about the company's territorial divisions, fleet targets of 20 units, basic Item 19 disclosures, franchisee accountability, closures, and a five-year vision that includes adding RV storage real estate to create generational wealth. - With Garr Russell.TIMESTAMPS:02:00 The $30,000 Camper Mistake.02:45 Wheel Estate, Not Real Estate.03:55 The Sister-In-Law Who Said No.05:00 The Accidental Franchisor.06:00 The Fifth Grader Who Had It Right.08:45 The Emotional Connection Killing Profits.10:00 The Common Thread: Faith.18:00 The Prayer Test Before Signing.19:00 The Six-Figure Summer Promise.24:00 Why Mindset Is The Real Challenge.26:00 The Franchise Rule Gar Broke.32:00 The Painful Cut That Lit A Fire.LINKS:WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HowtobuyafranchiseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchisePinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

May 25, 2026Episode 8831 min

The New Franchise Law That Could Change Everything | Dr. John P. Hayes - With Sarah Davies

TITLE: The New Franchise Law That Could Change Everything | Dr. John P. Hayes - With Sarah Davies DESCRIPTION:John Hayes interviews Sarah Davies, the general counsel of the International Franchise Association, about the American Franchise Act. The Act aims to stabilize the "joint employer" standard under the NLRA and FLSA, which has seen shifting interpretations since the 2015 Browning-Ferris decision. Davies explains that this volatility has negatively impacted franchisors' willingness to provide optional operational support, such as sample handbooks, job descriptions, and training, and has also harmed franchisee expectations and business valuations. She further clarifies that the Act is a narrow, franchise-specific employment bill that does not preempt state laws or affect franchise relationship laws, renewal rights, or employee "good cause" termination standards. It does, however, preserve joint-employer liability when franchisors exercise substantial direct and immediate control over essential employment terms. The conversation also touches on the bipartisan congressional support for the Act, the IFA's advocacy resources, and state developments in Maryland and Virginia. Additionally, Davies mentions the IFA's September Capitol Hill fly-in and the "Franchising Means Local" campaign.- With Sarah DaviesTIMESTAMPS:00:00 American Franchise Act Overview01:10 Joint Employer Volatility04:07 How Joint Employer Hurts Support05:29 State Laws and Preemption08:03 Good Cause and Renewal Myths09:33 Economic Stakes for Franchising12:27 One Size Fits All Critiques17:32 Bipartisan Path and Advocacy20:28 Other Issues and Capitol Hill Fly InLINKS:WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HowtobuyafranchiseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchisePinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

May 18, 2026Episode 8748 min

The #1 Financial Mistake Franchisees Keep Making | Dr. John P. Hayes - With Gil Marques

DESCRIPTION:Host John Hayes interviews Gil Marques, a multi-unit, multi-brand operator and co-founder of KTA Financial Services, about “franchise financial intelligence.” Marques explains how he and his wife, former corporate C-suite executives, entered franchising by opening The NOW Massage locations and later acquiring Salons by JC, and how early struggles getting timely, accurate P&Ls and balance sheets from non-franchise-savvy bookkeepers led him to build franchise-specific systems for clean, standardized financial data. He discusses why franchising needs consistent charts of accounts and reliable reporting for apples-to-apples comparisons, royalties, validation, and stronger Item 19 disclosures, and critiques franchisors for not emphasizing financial training or enforcing reporting. Marques describes KTA’s franchise-only bookkeeping, education resources (KTA Academy), AI-supported summaries and insights, and partnerships with analytics tools, plus pricing and adoption options for franchisors and franchisees.- With Gil Marques TIMESTAMPS:02:07 From Corporate to Multi-Brand Owner03:24 Engineer Mindset Meets Franchising06:39 Why Franchise Books Get Messy17:26 KTA Tools and Franchisor Stakes23:16 Transparency Builds Trust23:59 What Is Financial Intelligence26:20 Franchisors Adoption Hurdles36:13 AI Powered Franchise Insights39:45 Pricing And First Year AdviceLINKS:WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HowtobuyafranchiseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchisePinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

May 11, 2026Episode 8642 min

How He Modernized a “Boring” Industry Into a Scalable Brand | Dr. John P. Hayes - With Kevin DuBois

TITLE: How He Modernized a “Boring” Industry Into a Scalable Brand | Dr. John P. Hayes - With Kevin DuBois DESCRIPTION:John Hayes interviews Kevin Dubois, the CEO of Clean Brands, which operates various brands including Lapels and Martinizing across approximately 500 locations in nine countries. Dubois discusses his transition from opening multiple restaurants during his teenage years to garment care, a shift that occurred after purchasing a restaurant from Lapels founder Larry Friedman. Friedman's experience in environmental cleanup led Lapels to implement GreenEarth’s silicone-based, eco-friendly dry-cleaning process. Dubois also highlights how an external perspective contributed to the modernization of dry cleaning through the introduction of boutique stores, enhanced marketing and operations, and the evolution of "convenience". This concept of convenience has shifted from co-location and drive-thrus to applications, pickup and delivery services, and unmanned kiosks. Clean Brands franchises Lapels and Martinizing based on their regional brand strength and is currently expanding its tech-enabled, cashless laundromats that incorporate wash-and-fold, dry cleaning, and B2B linen customers. The company screens potential franchisees through a multi-step process that includes DISC profiles and discusses the possibility of semi-absentee ownership through trained general managers. They also address labor and driver challenges, pricing influenced by labor, and investment ranges from approximately $100K for satellites to around $600K for plants and roughly $1M for laundromats.- With Kevin DuBois. TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Meet Clean Brands CEO01:45 Going Green in Dry Cleaning05:32 Learning the Industry Fast07:07 First Taste of Franchising10:36 How Garment Care Evolved13:40 Tech Driven Convenience16:37 Modern Laundromat Model22:33 Franchisee Fit and Staffing36:09 Costs and Final TakeawaysLINKS:WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HowtobuyafranchiseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchisePinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

April 6, 2026Episode 8551 min

How Franchising Has REALLY Changed (And What’s Next) - With Ray Titus

DESCRIPTION:Ray Titus, in an interview with John Hayes, discusses the common misconceptions about franchising, including the belief that franchises are run by large corporations. He points out that less than 1% of the approximately 1,600 franchisees under the United Franchise Group are corporate-owned. Titus talks about his family's long history in franchising and the significant changes in the industry from the pre-internet era to the current age of artificial intelligence. He emphasizes the importance of embracing technology, such as digital printing and AI, which he refers to as a ""thought partner"" that aids in decision-making processes, including acquisitions.Titus credits his father Roy's approach to risk-taking and focus on increasing the number of franchisees to enhance support and purchasing power. He also discusses the process of evaluating potential franchisees, focusing on their compatibility with the brand and their work ethic. When asked which franchise he would invest in if he were 25 years old with $100,000, he shares his choice.Titus also talks about his contribution to the Titus Center at Palm Beach Atlantic, a faith-based institution he endowed to educate students about franchising, foster career growth, and promote wider education about franchising. He underscores the importance of servant leadership, mentorship, and remaining grounded in the industry.- With Ray TitusTIMESTAMPS:02:55 The Biggest Lie 99% Of People Believe About Franchising.07:50 The One Skill That Determines If Your Business Dies Or Survives.08:45 Why A General Manager Turned White When He Saw The Future.14:20 The Brutal Reason 90% Of Franchisees Fail (It’s Not What You Think).19:10 How A Trip To The Middle Of Nowhere Inspired A Million Dollar Donation.31:10 The Fatal Mistake That Destroys 99% Of Franchise Startups.34:50 Why The University President Said A 40-Person Board Was Impossible.39:00 The One Sentence From A Warehouse Worker That Made Him Quit The Family Business.49:00 The 80-Year-Old Dad’s One Rule That Keeps A $1 Billion Empire Humble.LINKS:WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HowtobuyafranchiseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchisePinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

March 30, 2026Episode 8433 min

He Quit His Corporate Job for Franchising?! - With Sal Majzoub

DESCRIPTION:John Hayes interviews Sal Majzoub on Franchise Hot Seat, discussing Majzoub's transition from corporate work to franchising and business brokerage. Majzoub shares his experience of being confined in a Dubai hotel during the COVID pandemic while earning a substantial six-figure salary. During this time, he researched about 50 franchises and multiple Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), eventually choosing Transworld Business Advisors. Majzoub later took the master franchise for Quebec, but faced challenges in building awareness and income for 2-3 years. He then sold his share and relocated to Florida to work as an agent. Majzoub stresses the importance of daily networking for success in business brokerage. He also discusses the benefits of owning a National Lead Exchange (NLX) franchise, which aids in generating warm, trust-based referrals. This contrasts with the Business Network International (BNI) which requires more time commitment. The conversation also covers the reasons why absentee franchise ownership often fails, the availability of businesses for sale, foreign buyers utilizing E-2 visas, the increased demand for established businesses and service/trade companies. Majzoub also shares his perspective on the best and worst aspects of franchising.- With Sal MajzoubTIMESTAMPS:03:25 Stuck in a Hotel… Built a New Career04:30 He Walked Away from a Six-Figure Salary06:45 He Studied 50 Franchises Before Choosing One09:25 “I Thought 6 Months… It Took 3 Years”12:45 Starting From Below Zero (No Network, No Safety Net)16:00 Why Franchising Has a Higher Success Rate29:20 Cold Outreach Is Dead — Here’s What Works Now38:20 Why “Passive Franchise Ownership” Fails50:50 The Business Models AI Won’t ReplaceLINKS:WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HowtobuyafranchiseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchisePinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

March 23, 2026Episode 8333 min

The Franchising Secret Most Entrepreneurs Miss - With Matthew Cancino

DESCRIPTION:John Hayes interviews Matthew Cancino, a Titus Center for Franchising graduate and former U.S. Marine, about his journey into the world of franchising. Cancino discovered franchising at Palm Beach Atlantic University, where he sought mentorship for his detailing business. His plans to attend fire school were disrupted by COVID, leading him to PBA where his entrepreneurial spirit and faith guided his decisions. Cancino's early consulting work led him to join the leadership team at Bright Pink. He also launched an app concept to scale local content, which eventually evolved into Candid, a full-service digital marketing agency with a focus on video. Candid, which was rebranded due to a trademark stop order, boasts clients such as Dove, DoorDash, and Dream Vacations. Hayes and Cancino discuss the community within franchising, the benefits of VetFran for veterans, common misconceptions about franchising, and networking through the National Lead Exchange. Cancino also shares about his upcoming show, "The Franchise", with MFE Expositions, which will highlight emerging brands.- With Matthew Cancino.TIMESTAMPS:01:10 From Detailing to Franchising04:29 Why PBA and New Doors08:25 Post Grad Career Turns11:23 Faith and Serendipity12:59 Building Candid Agency16:06 Franchising Community Mindset24:13 Trademark Lesson and Rebrand30:50 Franchise Show and Wrap UpLINKS:WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HowtobuyafranchiseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchisePinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

March 16, 2026Episode 8233 min

Built a Franchise Business Straight Out of College - With Mitchell Nolan

DESCRIPTION:Mitchell Nolan, a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University with an MBA and a focus on franchising, is the founder of consulting firm DJM Nolan and co-founder of Vetted, a company he established with Steve Lieber. Vetted's mission is to assess both franchisors and franchisees using five key principles derived from Junior Bridgeman. These principles include exceptional food and guest experience, simplicity of systems, robust labor and inventory control, outstanding marketing and operational systems, and positive unit economics. Nolan recounts the process of responding to a 60-page restaurant Request for Proposal (RFP) for NEXCOM Navy-base with a detailed 200-300 page document. After submitting the proposal in May, they won the contract in October and subsequently formed a partnership to operate on military installations. The first Mediterranean concept restaurant under this partnership opened in Coronado in August. Nolan attributes his success to the coursework, directed studies, the advisory network of the Titus Center, and the franchising community at PBA. He also emphasizes the importance of assessing the value of royalties through franchisee validation. Besides his professional achievements, Nolan volunteers as an assistant coach for PBA golf and has established the Birdie Fund scholarship.- With Mitchell NolanTIMESTAMPS:01:55 The five pillars Junior Bridgeman taught him about franchising.04:25 How a 300-page government contract won on a Navy base.09:00 The golf coach who accidentally launched a franchise career.14:40 Why competing franchise brands actually help each other.17:30 How Titus Center advisors invested in his business.19:55 The five pillars every franchisee should use to evaluate a brand.24:00 Why paying 8% royalties is worth it if you get 20% value.26:40 Simplicity of systems means anyone can run it with a playbook.29:55 Giving back to golf while building a franchise empire.LINKS:WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HowtobuyafranchiseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchisePinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

March 9, 2026Episode 8137 min

Why Gen Z Is Ditching Corporate Jobs for Franchising - With Leanna Carlson and Ethan Stayte

DESCRIPTION:The Franchise Hot Seat Podcast features an interview with Palm Beach Atlantic University students Leanna Carlson and Ethan Stayte, who are studying franchising at the university's Titus Center. Leanna, an international business, entrepreneurship, and franchising student, was inspired by her father's State Farm agency model and her aspiration to merge faith with business. Her focus is on international franchising, driven by her travel experiences and the potential of the global market. Ethan, a marketing major nearing graduation, chose PBA for its Christian community and franchising program. He has had several franchising-related marketing internships with companies like Grills, Bear Naked Kitchen, Retro Fitness, and United Franchise Group. His career goal is to work in franchise development or sales and eventually become a multi-unit franchisee. The host highlights the benefits of PBA’s franchising concentration, the high demand in the industry, access to franchising leaders, and the upcoming IFA convention. They discuss the reasons why more students don't pursue franchising, primarily due to lack of awareness and misconceptions that it only involves working at brands like McDonald’s. They propose better promotion of the program and the new entrepreneurship and franchising major. The discussion also touches on franchise affordability, financing options such as SBA loans, service-brand franchising, multi-unit/multi-brand growth, and franchising as a means to long-term and generational wealth. - With Leanna Carlson and Ethan Stayte.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Meet the Student Guests00:40 Leanna Finds Franchising01:40 Ethan Transfers for the Program02:40 Why PBA Titus Center Stands Out06:16 International Franchising Dreams10:51 Ethan’s Career Path and Internships13:39 Networking and Mentorship Wins22:39 Growing the Program Awareness30:43 Franchise Ownership Myths and Wrap-UpLINKS:WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HowtobuyafranchiseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchisePinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

February 2, 2026Episode 8040 min

From Burger King to Panera to Academia: The Career Path No One Plans For - With Martha Flynn

DESCRIPTION:John Hayes, host of the Franchise Hot Seat Podcast, interviews Martha Flynn, the new director of the Titus Center. Flynn shares her journey into franchising, which began unexpectedly at Burger King and evolved into various roles at Dunkin' and Panera. The discussion touches on the scarcity of formal franchising education and how Flynn mastered franchise law and operations. The importance of internships for students is also discussed. The conversation also explores the changing role of women in franchising, the advantages of an academic focus in franchising, and the unique opportunities this provides for students at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Both Flynn and Hayes underscore the vital role of practical internships and hands-on experience in equipping students for successful careers in franchising.- With Martha Flynn.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Intro00:37 How did Martha start franchising?01:58 What was learned at Burger King?06:17 Why move to Dunkin' and Inspire?08:52 What challenges did Panera present?09:44 Why transition to academia?12:20 How does franchising education impact students?16:47 What opportunities exist for students?22:07 What is the future of franchising internships?LINKS:WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HowtobuyafranchiseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchisePinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast