The Franchise Woman

Hosted by Rebecca Monet

Business Entrepreneurship EducationInterviews guests

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The Franchise Woman podcast: Where Passion and Purpose Collide. We are on a mission to interview women (and the occasional man) about how their passion and purpose have collided to create healthy relationships and profitable businesses. We are sponsored by Zorakle Profiles. Zorakle Profiles provides profiling tools to franchisors and franchise brokers which help facilitate a right-fit between a prospective franchisee and franchise concepts.

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60 recent

August 19, 202635 min

The Secret to Sustainable Franchise Growth | Kamille McCollum | BODYBAR Pilates

What does it take to grow one of the country's fastest-growing boutique fitness franchises without losing your culture? In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Kamille McCollum, President and Chief Branding Officer of BODYBAR Pilates, to discuss leadership, franchising, and building organizations that truly put people first. Kamille shares her remarkable journey from social work and special education to studio ownership and ultimately leading a nationally expanding franchise brand. She discusses how servant leadership, intentional reflection, operational excellence, and strong company culture have fueled BODYBAR Pilates' incredible growth. In this episode you'll learn: ✔️ Why encouragement is one of the most powerful leadership traits ✔️ How to scale a franchise without sacrificing culture ✔️ Lessons learned from opening studios during COVID ✔️ Why reflection—not perfection—is critical for entrepreneurs ✔️ The importance of hiring before you think you're ready ✔️ How franchise support creates stronger business performance ✔️ The metrics every franchise leader should monitor ✔️ Where boutique fitness is headed next Whether you're an emerging franchisor, franchise executive, entrepreneur, or business owner, Kamille offers practical leadership insights that extend far beyond the fitness industry. Subscribe for more conversations with the women shaping the future of franchising. #Franchising #Leadership #BODYBARPilates #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #WomenInBusiness #FitnessFranchise #FranchiseWomanPodcast #ServantLeadership

August 12, 202643 min

From Coach's Wife to Multi-Unit Franchise Owner: How Kayla Curtis Bet on Herself

What do you do when every door closes? For Kayla Curtis, the answer was simple: bet on herself. In this inspiring episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Kayla Curtis—former collegiate athlete, entrepreneur, real estate investor, inventor, mother, and multi-unit Orangetheory Fitness franchise owner. After years of supporting her husband through college football coaching careers, Kayla found herself facing an unexpected crossroads when coaching opportunities disappeared. Instead of accepting defeat, she and her husband took a leap of faith into business ownership, acquiring seven Orangetheory Fitness studios and building a thriving operation rooted in leadership, culture, and purpose. Throughout this conversation, Kayla shares how the athlete's mindset prepared her for entrepreneurship, the lessons she learned through motherhood, and why discomfort is often the first step toward growth. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔ Why rejection is often redirection ✔ How an athlete's mindset translates into business success ✔ The power of mentorship and proximity to successful people ✔ Why "getting comfortable being uncomfortable" is a competitive advantage ✔ How Kayla and her husband transitioned from coaching careers into business ownership ✔ The leadership systems behind managing seven Orangetheory locations ✔ The role motherhood has played in shaping her leadership style ✔ How difficult life experiences built her resilience and confidence ✔ Why women should stop waiting for the "perfect time" to start Whether you're considering franchise ownership, navigating career transitions, balancing family and business, or simply looking for encouragement to pursue your next big goal, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom. Subscribe for more conversations where passion and purpose collide, profits are made, and relationships are forged. #TheFranchiseWoman #Orangetheory #WomenInBusiness #FranchiseOwner #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Motherhood #BusinessGrowth #WomenEntrepreneurs #PersonalDevelopment

August 5, 202634 min

From Team Member to Franchise Owner: Ashley Rafferty's Inspiring Pizza Guys Journey

What happens when a company sees potential in someone before they see it in themselves? In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Ashley Rafferty, Pizza Guys franchise owner in Dixon, California, whose remarkable journey began as a crew member and evolved into business ownership through hard work, mentorship, and a commitment to serving others. Ashley shares how growing up in a family that faced financial struggles shaped her determination to build a better future. She discusses her path from team member to manager to franchise owner, the mentors who helped guide her, and the lessons she's learned about leadership, culture, and community impact along the way. This heartfelt conversation explores the importance of believing in people, creating opportunities for growth, and using business as a force for good. In this episode, you'll discover: ✔ How Ashley worked her way from employee to franchise owner ✔ The role mentorship played in her entrepreneurial journey ✔ Why Pizza Guys' culture of promoting from within matters ✔ How community involvement creates lasting impact ✔ The leadership lessons she learned from her childhood experiences ✔ Why trust in yourself is essential for entrepreneurship ✔ How she builds and retains a strong team culture ✔ Her unique approach to hiring, training, and employee development ✔ The importance of treating employees with respect and care Whether you're a franchise owner, aspiring entrepreneur, manager, or leader looking to build a stronger team, Ashley's story is filled with practical wisdom and inspiration. Subscribe for more inspiring conversations with women in franchising. #TheFranchiseWoman #PizzaGuys #WomenInFranchising #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SmallBusiness #CommunityImpact #FranchiseOwner #BusinessGrowth #WomenInBusiness

July 29, 202647 min

Building a Wellness Empire: Gara Post on The NOW Massage, Franchising & Leading with Adaptability

What does it take to build a brand that transforms an entire industry? In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Gara Post, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of The NOW Massage and Co-Founder of Bowie Barker. Gara shares her remarkable entrepreneurial journey—from launching a jewelry business in her twenties to helping grow The NOW Massage from a single boutique into a nationally recognized franchise with nearly 90 locations. Along the way, she discusses the power of adaptability, navigating business partnerships, working alongside her husband, and why self-care isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. This candid conversation explores what it really takes to build a founder-led brand, protect company culture while scaling, and remain authentic in an increasingly technology-driven world. In this episode, you'll discover: ✔ Why adaptability has been the defining theme of Gara's career ✔ How she transitioned from the entertainment industry into entrepreneurship ✔ Lessons learned from building multiple businesses with her husband ✔ The challenges and rewards of business partnerships ✔ How The NOW Massage disrupted the wellness industry ✔ Why self-care should be a non-negotiable part of leadership ✔ The role technology and AI play in modern franchise growth ✔ How founders can protect brand integrity while scaling nationally ✔ Why networking remains one of the most valuable business skills One of Gara's most powerful insights: "Sometimes you don't have all the answers. You just roll up your sleeves, take the risk, and figure it out along the way." Whether you're a franchise leader, entrepreneur, wellness advocate, or aspiring business owner, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration. #TheFranchiseWoman #TheNOWMassage #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Franchising #Wellness #Leadership #BrandBuilding #SelfCare #BusinessGrowth #WomenEntrepreneurs

July 22, 202641 min

How Faith, Friendship, and Purpose Led Valencia Hagos to BODYBAR Pilates

What happens when faith, friendship, and purpose intersect with entrepreneurship? In this heartfelt episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Valencia Hagos, owner of BODYBAR Pilates Shadow Creek, veteran, mother, and first-time business owner. Valencia shares her inspiring journey from military service and federal government work to becoming a successful franchise owner. Along the way, she opens up about navigating profound personal loss, raising a family, leaning on faith, and finding the courage to build a business that centers on wellness, connection, and community. This conversation goes far beyond entrepreneurship. It's about resilience, relationships, purpose, and the importance of making every moment count. In this episode, you'll discover: ✔ How Valencia transitioned from military service to franchise ownership ✔ Why friendship has been one of the most important themes in her life ✔ The role faith played in her entrepreneurial journey ✔ How personal loss reshaped her perspective on time and relationships ✔ Why community is at the heart of her BODYBAR Pilates studio ✔ Lessons learned as a first-time business owner ✔ How she builds a culture of belonging for both members and employees ✔ Why she's pursuing a Doctorate of Business Administration One of Valencia's most powerful reminders: "Time is something you never get back. If there's a conversation you need to have, a business decision you want to make, or something you want to do—do it. Tomorrow isn't promised." Whether you're a business owner, franchise leader, parent, or someone navigating life's unexpected challenges, Valencia's story will inspire you to lead with faith, purpose, and compassion. #TheFranchiseWoman #BODYBARPilates #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Franchising #Pilates #VeteranOwnedBusiness #WomenEntrepreneurs #CommunityLeadership #FaithInBusiness

July 15, 202644 min

How Haley Haar Turned a Struggling Franchise into a Thriving Business | AlphaGraphics Franchise Owner

What does it take to transform a struggling business into a thriving, respected brand? In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Haley Haar, owner of AlphaGraphics Kansas City, to discuss her remarkable journey of purchasing a franchise with a damaged reputation and rebuilding it into a successful, community-trusted business. Haley shares the challenges she faced as a young female business owner in a traditionally male-dominated industry, the lessons she learned about leadership, and why honesty, transparency, and kindness have become the foundation of her success. You'll discover: ✔ How Haley rebuilt trust with customers and the community ✔ Why saying "yes" to everything can hold your business back ✔ The power of mentorship and business coaching ✔ The difference between being kind and being nice ✔ Leadership lessons for franchisees and entrepreneurs ✔ Common branding mistakes businesses make ✔ How technology is transforming the printing industry ✔ Why determination and resilience are essential for long-term success Whether you're a franchise owner, entrepreneur, business leader, or aspiring business owner, Haley's story offers valuable lessons on perseverance, leadership, and building a business with purpose. #TheFranchiseWoman #Franchising #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #AlphaGraphics #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #WomenEntrepreneurs #FranchiseOwner

July 8, 202635 min

From Corporate Success to Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship | Sabrina Martin

In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast: Where Passion & Purpose Collide , Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Sabrina Martin, owner of Gotcha Covered in Walnut Creek, California, and a former corporate healthcare executive who made the bold decision to leave a successful corporate career in pursuit of greater purpose, creativity, and community impact. After years of promotions, leadership roles, and financial success, Sabrina realized that something important was missing. Her journey from corporate executive to franchise owner offers valuable lessons for anyone considering entrepreneurship, franchising, or a career change. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔️ How to recognize when it's time for a career change ✔️ Why fear often prevents people from pursuing entrepreneurship ✔️ The transferable skills corporate professionals bring to business ownership ✔️ How franchising provides a proven roadmap for entrepreneurs ✔️ Why community involvement became a priority for Sabrina ✔️ Current trends in home design and custom window treatments ✔️ The importance of balancing purpose, relationships, and profitability ✔️ Advice for women considering business ownership Whether you're feeling stuck in your current role or exploring entrepreneurship for the first time, Sabrina's story will inspire you to evaluate what truly matters and pursue a path aligned with your values. #TheFranchiseWoman #SabrinaMartin #Entrepreneurship #Franchising #WomenInBusiness #CareerChange #BusinessOwnership #GotYouCovered #Leadership #PurposeDriven

July 1, 202642 min

From Independence to Community: Carolyn Williams on Women's Health, Leadership & The Bar Method

In this inspiring episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast: Where Passion & Purpose Collide , Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Carolyn Williams, owner of three Bar Method studios in Vancouver and a passionate advocate for women's health, longevity, and community. Carolyn shares her journey from a successful retail career to franchise ownership, revealing how a single Bar Method class with her mother sparked a lifelong passion for fitness, personal growth, and helping women thrive at every stage of life. Together, they explore: ✔️ Why independence doesn't have to mean doing everything alone ✔️ The power of asking for help and building your village ✔️ How community impacts both physical and mental well-being ✔️ The connection between fitness, longevity, and quality of life ✔️ Lessons learned from entrepreneurship, motherhood, and leadership ✔️ Why women must prioritize their health before they're forced to This heartfelt conversation is packed with wisdom for entrepreneurs, franchise leaders, parents, and anyone seeking a more balanced, fulfilling life. #TheFranchiseWoman #CarolynWilliams #TheBarMethod #WomenInBusiness #FranchiseLeadership #HealthAndWellness #WomenEntrepreneurs #Community #Longevity #FitnessJourney

June 24, 202643 min

From Operator to Owner: Mike DeJong's Formula for Business Freedom

In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast: Where Passion & Purpose Collide , Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with entrepreneur, franchise owner, author, and business strategist Mike DeJong. Mike shares how a vacation gone wrong became the catalyst for a complete transformation in how he led his businesses. After realizing that everything depended on him, he began building systems, processes, and teams that allowed his companies to grow without sacrificing his freedom. Today, he helps franchisees and business owners transition from overwhelmed operators into true business owners. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔️ Why many entrepreneurs accidentally become the bottleneck in their businesses ✔️ How to build systems that create freedom and scalability ✔️ The difference between operators and owners ✔️ Mike's three business archetypes: Hunters, Architects, and GSDs ✔️ How to identify the right people for your team ✔️ Why fear often disguises itself as stress ✔️ Practical ways to delegate and document processes without becoming overwhelmed ✔️ How failure can become your greatest teacher If you've ever felt trapped by your business instead of empowered by it, this conversation offers practical strategies to help you regain control and create lasting freedom. #TheFranchiseWoman #MikeDeJong #Franchising #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #SystemsAndProcesses #BusinessOwner #FranchiseSuccess #SmallBusiness

June 17, 202642 min

Everyone Is an Onion: Melissa Davis on Curiosity, Leadership & Franchise Success

In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast: Where Passion & Purpose Collide , Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Melissa Davis, Vice President of Franchising for Express Employment International. Melissa shares her unexpected journey from aspiring journalist to franchise development leader, revealing how curiosity, emotional intelligence, and a genuine love for people have shaped her career. Along the way, she discusses what makes successful franchise owners, the future of the staffing industry, and why leadership is about helping others achieve their goals. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔️ Why curiosity is one of the most valuable leadership skills ✔️ How great franchise development is built on relationships, not transactions ✔️ The difference between being a top performer and leading a high-performing team ✔️ What Express Employment looks for in franchise owners ✔️ Why emotional intelligence matters more than ever in business ✔️ The future of staffing, skilled trades, and AI in the workforce ✔️ How asking better questions leads to better decisions Melissa's insight that "everyone is an onion" becomes a powerful theme throughout this conversation, reminding us that every person has a story worth understanding. #TheFranchiseWoman #MelissaDavis #ExpressEmploymentInternational #Franchising #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #WomenInBusiness #FranchiseOwnership #Entrepreneurship #StaffingIndustry