The Global Franchise Podcast

DC Thomson

Intimate conversations with some of the most exciting decision-makers in the world of franchising, to keep you and your business ahead of curve. read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

Find your inner power and financial freedom, with Felicia Alexander of TITLE Boxing Club
11-04-2023
Find your inner power and financial freedom, with Felicia Alexander of TITLE Boxing Club
It’s no secret that the past three years have presented fitness clubs with unseen challenges requiring immense tenacity to power through. But TITLE Boxing, the leading authentic heavy bag boxing club, has risen above the challenges and is now stronger than ever. The brand offers a workout designed to build your fitness, control your breathing, and clear your mind, with more than 145 locations and a proven franchise model that helps franchisees unleash their entrepreneurial spirit. To find out more about the concept, we decided to catch up with Felicia Alexander, CRO of BoxUnion and TITLE Boxing Club,  whose love of fitness started at a very young age. Felicia found her passion for boxing when she was only 16 years old, having lost her father to a sudden heart attack. Channeling the pain, Felicia put on the gloves and felt the inner power she never knew she had. She went on to have a successful career as a sales and marketing executive for companies like Sun Microsystems, Sony, Mattel, and Leaf Group. Together with her business partner, Todd Wadler, they launched BoxUnion back in 2017. Now, having been acquired by BoxUnion in early 2021, TITLE Boxing has been heavily investing in infrastructure and the refinement of operations to support franchisees. Join us on this episode of the Global Franchise Podcast as Felicia talks about exploring a gap in the market, improving members’ experience, and most importantly, knocking out the mental health stigma. To keep your finger on the beating pulse of franchising, sign up for our newsletter at global-franchise.com, subscribe to our definitive magazine, and join the conversation with our experts today on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Ⓛ https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-franchise/ ⓣ https://twitter.com/globalfranmag ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/globalfranchisemag/ This episode of the Global Franchise Podcast is brought to you by Unleashed Brands, the world’s first youth enrichment franchise platform helping kids learn, play, and grow. For more information about the platform and franchise opportunities under Unleashed, head over to www.unleashedbrands.com.
Double your business revenue in 90 days, with Simon Severino of Strategy Sprints
17-03-2023
Double your business revenue in 90 days, with Simon Severino of Strategy Sprints
The benefits of escaping the nine-to-five grind and running your own business are endless: from a better work-life balance and flexible hours to more financial gains and the feeling of being your own boss. But once you get your dream business, the question is: how do you grow it successfully? Simon Severino, the founder of consulting firm Strategy Sprints, has found a way to pull business owners out of the weeds and rocket their numbers. Having invented the Strategy Sprints Method, Simon helps businesses double revenue in just 90 days by using 12 assignments. A TEDx talker and investor, Simon has reached financial freedom and helped thousands of entrepreneurs do the same with a firm that runs without being dependent on them. Join us on this episode of the Global Franchise Podcast as Simon shares his blueprints for automating your business and achieving that ideal work-life balance. To keep your finger on the beating pulse of franchising, sign up for our newsletter at global-franchise.com, subscribe to our definitive magazine, and join the conversation with our experts today on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Ⓛ https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-franchise/ ⓣ https://twitter.com/globalfranmag ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/globalfranchisemag/   This episode of the Global Franchise Podcast is brought to you by Unleashed Brands, the world’s first youth enrichment franchise platform helping kids learn, play, and grow. For more information about the platform and franchise opportunities under Unleashed, head over to www.unleashedbrands.com.
Break bias and build resilience, with Christina Russell of Radiance Holdings
28-02-2023
Break bias and build resilience, with Christina Russell of Radiance Holdings
The health and beauty sector has certainly shown some resilience coming out of the COVID pandemic. Looking ahead, the global beauty industry market size is expected to increase by 3.5 per cent in 2024, to total $590.9bn, before rising another 3.4 per cent to hit $611.2bn in 2025. One industry-leading organization that has recorded outstanding performance of its flagship brands, is Radiance Holdings. Led by CEO, Christina Russell, the company represents a collection of premier brands in the beauty, wellness and self-care sector, including Sola Salons, the world's largest and fastest growing salon studios franchise; Woodhouse, the largest premium day spa making high-end, resort-level experiences accessible in a neighborhood setting; and BeautyHive, an online distributor of professional beauty products. Radiance Holdings’ sense of community and inclusivity really defines the franchise model, which is why we wanted to catch up with Christina – from the key values that help beat the competition to the lessons she learned as a female executive and the advice she gave to every woman who wants to break the glass ceiling. To keep your finger on the beating pulse of franchising, sign up for our newsletter at global-franchise.com, subscribe to our definitive magazine, and join the conversation with our experts today on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Ⓛ https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-franchise/ ⓣ https://twitter.com/globalfranmag ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/globalfranchisemag/   This episode of the Global Franchise Podcast is brought to you by Unleashed Brands, the world’s first youth enrichment franchise platform helping kids learn, play, and grow. For more information about the platform and franchise opportunities under Unleashed, head over to www.unleashedbrands.com.
From a legendary California pizza to a global brand, with Giorgio Minardi of California Pizza Kitchen
02-02-2023
From a legendary California pizza to a global brand, with Giorgio Minardi of California Pizza Kitchen
If there is one thing the world can agree on, it’s our love for pizza. The overall market size of the pizza restaurant industry in the U.S. topped over $55bn in 2021, making pizza franchises a lucrative business opportunity. But how do you ensure that you stand out from the crowd when the pizza market is only getting further saturated?  Combining unexpected flavors and high-quality ingredients, as well as doing things differently certainly helps. At least that’s the stance for California Pizza Kitchen (CPK). Having launched in Beverly Hills in 1985, CPK offers California-style pizza with a passion for combining fresh, seasonal ingredients with flavor inspirations from across the globe. CPK operates nearly 200 restaurants worldwide and at the end of 2021, the company even launched its first domestic franchising program.  To learn more about the growth of CPK, we wanted to catch up with Giorgio Minardi, executive VP of global development and franchise operations at the company. Having occupied executive roles at a number of international brands, Giorgio brings more than 35 years of business experience to CPK.  Join us as we learn more about the origins of CPK, its values, and how Giorgio is leading the charge when it comes to CPK’s domestic expansion.  To keep your finger on the beating pulse of franchising, sign up for our newsletter at global-franchise.com, subscribe to our definitive magazine, and join the conversation with our experts today on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Ⓛ https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-franchise/ ⓣ https://twitter.com/globalfranmag ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/globalfranchisemag/   This episode of the Global Franchise Podcast is brought to you by Unleashed Brands, the world’s first youth enrichment franchise platform helping kids learn, play, and grow. For more information about the platform and franchise opportunities under Unleashed, head over to www.unleashedbrands.com.
Franchising as a force for good, with Dave Keil of Franworth
20-01-2023
Franchising as a force for good, with Dave Keil of Franworth
Our guest this week is something of a franchising veteran, having been CEO for a number of large international brands such as Haagen-Dazs, Pure Barre, and The Lash Lounge. Dave Keil is now the president of franchise consultancy Franworth and uses his decades of experience in assisting franchise brands with their growth and development.   In recent years, however, Dave has also turned his talents to the charitable world of non-profits. Having founded Franchise for Good in 2020 – the official non-profit division of Franworth – he now works directly with companies who are seeking guidance to achieve sustainable growth. And with a strong understanding of how to do so on the franchise side of things, Dave has been able to translate these learnings elsewhere.   Join us as we learn more about the origins of Franchise for Good, what the organization is doing to promote ethical causes, and what challenges could impact the business model as we continue through 2023.  To keep your finger on the beating pulse of franchising, sign up for our newsletter at global-franchise.com, subscribe to our definitive magazine, and join the conversation with our experts today on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Ⓛ https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-franchise/ ⓣ https://twitter.com/globalfranmag ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/globalfranchisemag/   This episode of The Global Franchise Podcast is brought to you by Location Bank. Are customers struggling to find you? Is the competition getting the first-found advantage? Tired of being beaten to the punch? Good news! Location Bank can help. Create one version of the digital truth, engage with customers, track key digital performance metrics and boost digital visibility across your whole franchise network from one platform. Be found with https://locationbank.co.
Essential advice for prospective franchisees, with David Weaver of Franchise Your Freedom
15-08-2022
Essential advice for prospective franchisees, with David Weaver of Franchise Your Freedom
This week we’re joined by David Weaver, an accomplished consultant for FranChoice and the president of Franchise Your Freedom. As the name of his organization would suggest, David is a lifelong advocate for the power of franchising and the independence that the business model can bring.   Over his career, he has helped over 150 business owners spread their entrepreneurial dreams through over 200 individual franchise locations and continues to work with entrepreneurs in realizing their franchising potential.   We wanted to speak with David about what’s hot in franchising right now. That means the kinds of questions that new franchisees should be asking their franchisor, what kind of risks can be associated with the business model, and how the pandemic has elevated the opportunity found within specific segments.  To keep your finger on the beating pulse of franchising, sign up for our newsletter at global-franchise.com, subscribe to our definitive magazine, and join the conversation with our experts today on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Ⓛ https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-franchise/ ⓣ https://twitter.com/globalfranmag ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/globalfranchisemag/ This episode of The Global Franchise Podcast is brought to you by Location Bank. Are customers struggling to find you? Is the competition getting the first-found advantage? Tired of being beaten to the punch? Good news! Location Bank can help. Create one version of the digital truth, engage with customers, track key digital performance metrics and boost digital visibility across your whole franchise network from one platform. Be found with Location Bank.
Three lessons for growth-focused franchisors, with Michael Browning of Unleashed Brands
27-07-2022
Three lessons for growth-focused franchisors, with Michael Browning of Unleashed Brands
This week’s guest is perhaps one of our most in-demand yet, with Michael O. Browning Jr. being a hot commodity within the North American franchising scene. Having launched Unleashed Brands in 2021, Michael has continued with impressive momentum and was recently appointed to the IFA’s board of directors, giving him a direct line into the American franchising community.   Michael’s history with franchising goes back over a decade when he founded and ran Urban Air Adventure Parks back in 2010. This has now become a part of the Unleashed Brands portfolio, which also includes concepts like Class 101, Premier Martial Arts, Snapology, Little Gym, and most recently, XP League.   Join us as we catch up with Michael about the future plans for Unleashed Brands, as well as his learnings and experiences having become a key figure within the international franchising landscape.  To keep your finger on the beating pulse of franchising, sign up for our newsletter at global-franchise.com, subscribe to our definitive magazine, and join the conversation with our experts today on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Ⓛ https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-franchise/ ⓣ https://twitter.com/globalfranmag ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/globalfranchisemag/   This episode of The Global Franchise Podcast is brought to you by Location Bank. Are customers struggling to find you? Is the competition getting the first-found advantage? Tired of being beaten to the punch? Good news! Location Bank can help. Create one version of the digital truth, engage with customers, track key digital performance metrics and boost digital visibility across your whole franchise network from one platform. Be found with https://locationbank.co.
Bringing together property franchising and wellness professionals, with Brian Kelley of Phenix Salon Suites
16-06-2022
Bringing together property franchising and wellness professionals, with Brian Kelley of Phenix Salon Suites
The world of salon property management is surprisingly active within the franchising landscape, with brands such as Phenix Salon Suites opening up doors of opportunity to multiple entrepreneurs at once. On one level, you have the franchisee themselves, who can be in business for themselves but not by themselves. You then also have the beauty and wellness professionals who occupy the Phenix location; with each being presented with a slick, affordable venue to conduct their own business.   It’s quite a unique proposition, but one that has found many years of success as well as international growth. Phenix first entered the U.K. market at the end of last year and has further plans for both the U.K. and Sweden following the signing of multiple deals across the continent.   To learn more, we sat down with Brian Kelley, president and CEO of the brand. Brian has been with Phenix for over three years and has played a key role in its international efforts. Join us as we speak with him about his journey into the Phenix family, as well as the future of this acclaimed brand.  To keep your finger on the beating pulse of franchising, sign up for our newsletter at global-franchise.com, subscribe to our definitive magazine, and join the conversation with our experts today on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Ⓛ https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-franchise/ ⓣ https://twitter.com/globalfranmag ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/globalfranchisemag/
Will flexible workspace franchisors maintain momentum, with Paula Mercer of Venture X
09-06-2022
Will flexible workspace franchisors maintain momentum, with Paula Mercer of Venture X
The coworking space is one of franchising’s newest trends, and brands that have managed to perfect the essentials that workers want from these flexible sites are seeing returns that would make even the most established F&B frontrunners enviable. They may require hefty initial fees – which can climb to over $1m just to get started – but this sector shows no signs of stopping.   Venture X is one competitor within the space that has managed to go from strength to strength since its 2012 founding. After joining the United Franchise Group in 2016 to begin franchising its concept, Venture X now has over 45 locations open around the world, with a total of 130 in development.   But what is Venture X doing that its competitors aren’t, and how is it ushering in the ‘coworking 3.0’ evolution? To learn more, we caught up with Paula Mercer, vice president of operations for Venture X. Paula has been with UFG for over a decade, and has seen this coworking powerhouse grow from an idea into an international staple.  To keep your finger on the beating pulse of franchising, sign up for our newsletter at global-franchise.com, subscribe to our definitive magazine, and join the conversation with our experts today on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Ⓛ https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-franchise/ ⓣ https://twitter.com/globalfranmag ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/globalfranchisemag/
The international power of brand recognition, with James Williams of Mayweather Boxing + Fitness
01-06-2022
The international power of brand recognition, with James Williams of Mayweather Boxing + Fitness
Even those who don’t follow boxing all that closely are surely familiar with Floyd Mayweather, the now-retired champion whose name alone has become a profitable and attractive brand.   It makes sense, then, that Mayweather Boxing + Fitness launched back in 2018 and is entirely based around ‘training like the champ’. With its high-intensity classes and virtual reality workout options, the brand is quickly rising as a leading contender in the fitness franchising space.   But this is an industry that’s rife with competition, and some may argue that a huge name like Mayweather’s may not be enough to distinguish the concept. That’s why for this episode of The Global Franchise Podcast, we’re catching up with James Williams, CEO of the brand.   Having worked with Mayweather for a number of years, Williams is deeply connected to the Mayweather brand and is acutely aware of what makes this franchise tick.   Join us as we speak with him about the brand’s international growth plans, its tech enhancements, and whether the pull of the Mayweather name has been enough for its growing list of prospective franchisees.  To keep your finger on the beating pulse of franchising, sign up for our newsletter at global-franchise.com, subscribe to our definitive magazine, and join the conversation with our experts today on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Ⓛ https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-franchise/ ⓣ https://twitter.com/globalfranmag ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/globalfranchisemag/
Trends dictating the future of multi-unit franchising
27-05-2022
Trends dictating the future of multi-unit franchising
Over the course of this multi-unit month, we’ve shone a spotlight on several of the key factors and challenges currently impacting multi-unit franchise professionals. We’ve spoken directly to multi-unit operators to learn about their daily opportunities, and have caught up with financial and legal experts to uncover the behind-the-scenes roadblocks that entrepreneurs can sometimes encounter.  For this final episode of multi-unit month, we’re speaking to three industry heavyweights about the future of franchising.   This means taking a look at trends to come in the months ahead, as well as learning from their experience of being embedded in the franchise world for a cumulative number of decades.  Join us as we sit down with Dr. John P. Hayes, CFE, from the Titus Center for Franchising, Catherine Monson from Propelled Brands, and Jim Balis from Sizzling Platter to mine their insight and gaze into the future of the business model. To keep your finger on the beating pulse of franchising, sign up for our newsletter at global-franchise.com, subscribe to our definitive magazine, and join the conversation with our experts today on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Ⓛ https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-franchise/ ⓣ https://twitter.com/globalfranmag ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/globalfranchisemag/ Multi-Unit Month is brought to you by The DS Group, a multi-unit and multi-brand franchise group that prides itself on operational excellence, speed of service, and the growth of its people within the hospitality space.
A day in the life of a multi-unit operator
13-05-2022
A day in the life of a multi-unit operator
On this second episode of the Multi-Unit Month takeover of the Global Franchise Podcast, we’re taking the conversation directly to the people that know about the highs and lows of operating a multi-unit portfolio: the franchisees.   We’ve spoken with three operators from varied industries and backgrounds to deliver a comprehensive package into the day-to-day lives of this kind of business owner. This includes the challenges, personality traits, and leadership skills that all entrepreneurs striving to build their own network will need to know about.   Join us as we sit down with multi-unit and multi-brand owners Raj Patel, Martin Mellor, and Grady Hinchman to learn about what it takes to succeed in franchising, and what specific challenges are faced by operators in the QSR, retail, estate agency, and family entertainment sectors.   To keep your finger on the beating pulse of franchising, sign up for our newsletter at global-franchise.com, subscribe to our definitive magazine, and join the conversation with our experts today on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Ⓛ https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-franchise/ ⓣ https://twitter.com/globalfranmag ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/globalfranchisemag/ Multi-Unit Month is brought to you by The DS Group, a multi-unit and multi-brand franchise group that prides itself on operational excellence, speed of service, and the growth of its people within the hospitality space.
Why choose multi-unit franchising in 2022?
06-05-2022
Why choose multi-unit franchising in 2022?
Multi-Unit Month is back, and that means four brand-new podcast episodes dedicated to multi-unit franchising. Join us every Friday in May, when we’ll be speaking to many franchising experts and insiders – as well as multi-unit and multi-brand operators themselves – to learn why this form of franchise ownership is skyrocketing in popularity.   According to FRANdata, over half of all franchise units in the U.S. are controlled by multi-unit operators. There are more than 43,000 of these kinds of operators in the market, and this figure has been rising steadily since multi-unit ownership came to the forefront in the 1980s.   And while we’d commonly associate a broad, multi-unit portfolio with the QSR segment, the fact is that multi-unit and multi-brand ownership can be found across the board. It’s true that 81.96 per cent of QSR units fall under multi-unit ownership, but 71.5 per cent of beauty-focused brands also come under this umbrella. Just over half of all clothing and accessory locations are part of a multi-unit portfolio, too.  To learn more about multi-unit franchising and the strategies involved, we spoke with Matthew Haller, president and CEO of the IFA, Bill Edwards, founder of Edwards Global Services, and Michael Cullom, director at Moss Adams. If you’re looking to broaden your own franchise portfolio or embark upon expansive growth for the first time, then tune in to learn from the experts.   To keep your finger on the beating pulse of franchising, sign up for our newsletter at global-franchise.com, subscribe to our definitive magazine, and join the conversation with our experts today on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Ⓛ https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-franchise/ ⓣ https://twitter.com/globalfranmag ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/globalfranchisemag/ Multi-Unit Month is brought to you by The DS Group, a multi-unit and multi-brand franchise group that prides itself on operational excellence, speed of service, and the growth of its people within the hospitality space.