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

September 9, 202641 min

How Komal Kumar Built a Multi-Unit Pearle Vision Empire | Leadership, Growth & Franchising

What does it take to grow from one location to five while maintaining exceptional customer care? In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa welcome Komal Kumar, a third-generation eye care entrepreneur and multi-unit Pearle Vision franchise owner. Born and raised in Myanmar (formerly Burma), Komal grew up in a family dedicated to eye care before immigrating to the United States with a dream of owning her own business. Today, she owns five Pearle Vision locations throughout Orange County, California, serves as Chair of Pearle Vision's National Franchise Advisory Council, and continues expanding while remaining deeply committed to patient care and leadership. In this episode you'll learn: ✔️ How Komal turned an entrepreneurial dream into a thriving multi-unit franchise business ✔️ Why franchising provided the roadmap she needed to succeed ✔️ The mindset shift required to become a successful multi-unit owner ✔️ Why "showing up" is her guiding leadership philosophy ✔️ How to build teams that believe in your vision ✔️ Balancing profitability with exceptional patient care ✔️ The importance of honest leadership and mentoring future franchisees Whether you're considering franchise ownership, growing multiple locations, or leading a team, Komal shares practical insights on scaling a business without losing sight of the people you serve. Subscribe for more conversations with the women shaping the future of franchising. #Franchising #Leadership #PearleVision #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #WomenInBusiness #MultiUnitFranchise #TheFranchiseWomanPodcast

September 2, 202640 min

Franchise Development Is a Relationship, Not a Transaction | Dave Hansen

Franchise development needs structure, speed, and consistency. But when automation begins to replace human connection, franchisors risk losing sight of the person behind the lead. In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet sits down with Dave Hansen, CEO of ClientTether, for a candid conversation about sales, leadership, intelligent automation, and the changing psychology of today's franchise buyer. Dave explains why the best franchise development teams focus on lead quality, not simply lead volume, and why technology should create more room for meaningful conversations rather than make the sales process feel transactional. He also shares how franchisors can tailor communication to different candidates, where automation adds the most value, and why less should be automated as a prospect moves deeper into the discovery process. The conversation also explores: • Dave's unconventional first entrepreneurial venture at age five • The role faith and generosity have played in his life and leadership • Why franchise relationships should be approached as 10-year, and potentially 30-year, commitments • How psychographics can improve candidate engagement • The difference between a lead quality problem and a shift in buyer mindset • How franchisors can support more cautious and risk-averse candidates • Why candidate fit must be evaluated in the context of the brand and the role • Where AI and automation belong in the franchise development funnel If you work in franchise development, franchise sales, recruiting, or candidate qualification, this episode offers a practical reminder: the goal is not merely to move more people through a funnel. The goal is to identify the right people, understand what they need, and help them make a well-informed decision. Want to continue the conversation? Join Dave Hansen and Rebecca Monet live on Thursday, September 10 at 12:30 PM ET for FranDev 2.0: Upgrade Your Strategy for a New Kind of Buyer . They will explore what is changing in candidate behavior, where development teams may be losing momentum, and how to adapt messaging, engagement, qualification, and follow-up. Register for the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/jd8-m0EwQ7KuNxXBQaITag#/registration Learn more about ClientTether: https://clienttether.com/ Learn more about Zorakle Profiles: https://zorakleprofiles.com/ Subscribe to The Franchise Woman Podcast for more candid conversations with the people shaping franchising.

August 26, 202639 min

From D1 Athlete to Marketing Leader: How Lynsay Flynt is Transforming Fitness Franchising | Workout Anytime

What does it take to build a fitness brand that people don't just join—but genuinely feel connected to? In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Lynsay Flynt, Director of Marketing for Workout Anytime, to discuss leadership, branding, community, and the psychology behind authentic marketing. After competing as a Division I softball athlete at the University of Georgia, Lynsay transformed her passion for teamwork into a career helping one of the nation's fastest-growing fitness franchises build lasting relationships with members and franchisees alike. In this episode you'll discover: ✔️ How sports shaped Lynsay's leadership philosophy ✔️ Why authentic marketing outperforms artificial content ✔️ The strategy behind Workout Anytime's successful influencer campaigns ✔️ How community creates stronger brands and loyal members ✔️ Why attitude matters more than talent when building great teams ✔️ The future of marketing in the age of AI ✔️ How Workout Anytime partners with the American Cancer Society to make a greater impact Whether you're a franchisor, marketer, entrepreneur, or business leader, Lynsay shares practical insights on creating brands people genuinely trust and connect with. Subscribe for more conversations with the women shaping the future of franchising. #Franchising #Marketing #WorkoutAnytime #Leadership #Branding #FitnessBusiness #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #TheFranchiseWomanPodcast

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