Ever wonder how a franchise can keep growing without a ceiling in sight?  Cory Lyons, the CEO of Koala Insulation and a 20-year veteran in the franchise world, will give us his insights. In this episode, Cory reveals what drew him to Koala Insulation, how they’ve managed explosive growth since franchising in 2020, and why they’re only scratching the surface of their potential.  We dive into the key systems that impressed him, how he balances franchisee and franchisor support, and the KPIs driving Koala's success.  Plus, Cory shares why the unknown future of the brand keeps him excited every day. 00:01:41 - The Journey to Becoming the CEO of Koala Insulation 00:04:30 - What Systems Did Koala Insulation Have that Impressed Cory? 00:07:30 - The Trajectory of Koala Insulation Since Cory Joined 00:12:39 - Balancing Support Between Franchisees and Franchisors 00:17:05 - What Services do Koala Insulation Actually Provide? 00:24:17 - An Insight Into Koala Insulation’s 4 Big KPIs 00:26:57 - The Future and Potential of Koala Insulation’s Growth Trajectory Follow Cory: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-lyons-6a9ab919/ Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.  And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Ever wondered what it takes to stand out in a saturated niche like health and fitness? Tune in as The Wolf chats with Tom Dowd and Janina Czado, the dynamic duo behind F45 Training's exciting transformation and the birth of their new brands, FS8 and VAURA.  They're shaking up the fitness world with a clever hub and spoke model but not without the hiccup of naming their latest venture.  Tom and Janina dive into how they're enhancing the sensory experience in their Pilates studios and setting bold visions for F45 Training, FS8 and VAURA. They also share how they're standing out in a crowded market by delivering impactful content that truly empowers their community. Discover their groundbreaking reciprocity program by F45 Training, which opens doors for members across studios, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the robust support system uniting their brands. 00:01:20 - Bringing Pilates to Mainstream Market 00:05:44 - How Janina Became Involved With F45 Training 00:7:18 - When was F45 Training launched in the US? 00:08:40 - Differentiating Fitness Concepts in Pilates 00:14:05 - Brand Differences in VAURA, FS8 and F45 Training 00:19:01 - Breaking Down Financial Metrics 00:22:32 - How Are the Three Brands Structured? 00:24:50 - Restructuring All the Brands Into a Single Platform Follow Tom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-dowd-9092981/ Follow Janina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janinaczado/ Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much! 

The Wolf’s bringing it back to another solo episode, and this time he’s got all of Twitter wondering why he’s been MIA for so long. He explains where he’s been all this time, and how his game-changing franchising platform, Krokit has been keeping him busy these past few months. Plus, remember how the Wolf called out Nothing Bundt Cakes as an important franchise to keep your eye on? Well, this week, he’s got another franchise to pay attention to and it’s *definitely* one you’re not expecting. And later, with Games Day Men’s Health testosterone clinics claiming they’ve sold over 700+ units, what exactly does it mean if they’ve only managed to open 100 units thus far? The Wolf breaks down some of the most common franchise marketing tactics brands use to lure prospective franchisees into the system before going over the basics incentive structure of the franchisor/franchisee relationship.   00:00 Milkshake Factory 06:00 Krokit 08:21 Game Day Men’s Health   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Who’s the brains behind one of the world’s most cutting-edge VR franchises? Step into the immersive world of Sandbox VR with The Wolf and its Founder/CEO, Steve Zhao. Steve explains how Sandbox VR revolutionized the entertainment industry by combining technology, community, and an incredible VR experience. From their state-of-the-art AI and computer vision technology to their commitment to removing barriers and fostering innovation, Steve shares the secrets behind Sandbox VR's success. Learn how they’re creating a seamless and immersive experience for customers by utilizing both internal software tools and third-party vendors to drive franchise development. Plus, Steve breaks down Sandbox VR’s future potential for a membership-based model and reveals how its community-driven environment has paved the way for it to become a major player in the franchise industry.   Join the fastest-growing VR franchise in the world and be among the first to bring premium immersive VR experiences to your community. Invest in the future of entertainment by visiting franchise.sandboxvr.com. 00:01:09 - Bootstrapped Mobile Gaming Company Founder Explores VR 00:03:49 - Revolutionizing Gaming with Sandbox VR 00:06:03 - Company's Evolution: From Licensing to Ownership 00:07:20 - Franchising Plans Pre and Post-COVID 00:11:02 - Comparing Corporate and Franchise Stores 00:16:47 - Exploring Revenue Models in Business 00:23:08 - Franchise Management Software: Build or Outsource? 00:25:05 - Future Plans for Immersive VR 00:26:45 - Learn About Sandbox VR Online   Follow Steve: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhaosaurus/   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!  

The Wolf’s reaching into the listener mailbag and answering some of your most pressing franchise questions for this special edition episode. What are the top three franchises he’s keeping his eye on this year? NGL but… the answers might shock you (no hype cycle or fad brands in this list)! And speaking of hype cycles, what are some major red flags to avoid in potential franchises? The Wolf tackles some of the most common traps new franchisees fall for before diving into the importance of due diligence and speaking to your franchisees. Join the fastest-growing VR franchise in the world and be among the first to bring premium immersive VR experiences to your community. Invest in the future of entertainment by visiting franchise.sandboxvr.com. 00:00:00 - Franchise World Mailbag: Answering Questions 00:04:18 - The Top 3 Most Interesting Franchises of 2024 00:09:11 - Avoiding Franchise Sales Traps: Tips 00:14:14 - Franchisee Feedback Key in Due Diligence   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Nothing will change after the baby comes… right? Err— not exactly, folks. But what if there was a class out there that could explain everything new moms should expect after the expecting period ends? From teething to nursing to working remotely and everything in between (why do baby heads always smell so good anyway?), discover how New Mom School has grown from a local mom group into a successful franchise with over eleven locations and counting. Founder Alexandra Spitz talks with the Wolf about New Mom School’s mission and discusses how her passion for helping women blossomed into a successful franchise opportunity. Plus, how does New Mom School stand out from the competition? Alexandra reveals the roles and responsibilities of franchisees at New Mom School and explains how the program offers flexibility for moms to balance work and family life. Imagine owning a business that genuinely transforms lives—sounds fulfilling, doesn’t it? That's what you get with F45 Training, FS8, and VAURA Pilates.  If you’ve ever wanted to lead a movement towards healthier living in your area, this is your chance. Visit https://www.F45training.com/invest to learn more!    00:00:51 - Expanding to Eleven Locations Successfully 00:01:16 - Postnatal Education Company Founded Quickly 00:13:35 - Emotional Support for Couples in Childbirth 00:19:27 - Creating a New Mom School 00:25:50 - Franchise World: Opportunities for Women 00:30:44 - Franchisees Don't Need to Be Moms 00:32:28 - New Mom School Empowers Entrepreneurs 00:39:36 - Follow Our Journey on Socials   Learn More About New Mom School: Website: https://newmomschool.com/franchise-opportunity/   Follow Alexandra: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandraspitz/   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Why take advice from just anyone when you can hear it from the best in the biz? From the master of locations, Dinesh Goswami, to the mad genius behind the cult sensation, Dave’s Hot Chicken, we’ve had so many master-level franchisors on the podcast this year, that I just had to share some of their hottest insights. So, I compiled the best advice and insights into one special episode. Whether you're new to franchising or a seasoned pro, these clips are packed with valuable lessons that anyone in the industry needs to hear.   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

It seems like anyone and their mom is ready to give you advice about franchising. But why not take advice from franchising’s greatest who successfully scaled from the bottom to the top of the industry? This week, we’re mixing it up and compiling some of the best bits of advice and wisdom from franchising’s finest minds. I’ve hand-picked some of my favorite, most impactful highlights from the past year that every entrepreneur needs to hear. From scaling over 90+ McAlister’s Delis to owning 60+ Zaxby’s and becoming the Gaz Biz King of Twitter, these next few guests are some of the biggest industry experts that you simply can’t afford *not* to listen to. Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Join The Wolf as he sits down with Bron Launsby, the mastermind behind Slick City, a thriving franchise in the recreation center space. Learn the secrets behind their success, from innovative performance slides to exceptional customer experiences. Bron shares ambitious expansion plans, aiming to open up to 40 new locations by 2025, with a vision of reaching 500 across the U.S. Find out how Slick City’s unique business model emphasizes attractions that encourage parent participation—appealing to everyone from toddlers to grandparents. In a business where children are the target audience, how did Slick City manage to make 20% of their patrons adults, significantly higher than any other family entertainment center? Bron explains how his focus on inclusive, family-oriented fun helps keep everyone (even people usually glued to their phones) engaged and active. Tune in to explore the growth opportunities within the franchise, including investments in slide manufacturing and various concept expansions. Don’t miss this in-depth discussion on building a successful franchise empire with Slick City. Join the fastest-growing VR franchise in the world and be among the first to bring premium immersive VR experiences to your community. Invest in the future of entertainment by visiting franchise.sandboxvr.com. 00:00:28 - Transitioning into Franchise Recreation Centers 00:01:15 - The Transition from Corporate Retail to Trampoline Parks 00:05:37 - A Big Part of Success Being a Trampoline Park Operator 00:09:01 - The Science Behind Testing Slides 00:13:36 - What Was The Thought Process Behind Investing in a Slide Manufacturer? 00:18:23 - Slick City’s Revenue Breakdown Revealed 00:23:37 - The Biggest Chunks of Revenue  00:28:27 - Who is the Ideal Franchisee for Slick City? 00:31:48 - Building a Franchise With Previous Experience 00:36:26 - Bron’s Ambitious Expansion Plan for Slick City Follow Bron Launsby: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bron-launsby-7637b6250/  Learn more about Slick City: https://slickcityfranchise.com/ Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!  

Who can forget being shuffled around to soccer games in the back seat of mom’s minivan, eagerly waiting to find out what post-game snacks awaited you at the end of your little league matchup? What if there was a franchise that could capture that same magic? The Wolf talks to Adam Geisler and John Erlandson, the co-founders of Youth Athletes United, which represents brands like Soccer Stars and Amazing Athletes, about the plan behind their youth sports immersion platform. With over 130 locations and 76 owners, they share their unique insights on scaling the business and the potential of selling more franchises. The Wolf also chats with Kevin and Chelsea Meyer, two owners of the Soccer Stars franchise, about the challenges they faced in converting businesses into successful franchises. What was the importance of hiring a GM? And how has the growth of soccer in the US contributed to the astounding success of Soccer Stars? Tune in to find out John, Adam, Kevin, and Chelsea’s insights into what just might be the most fun franchise in America to own! Soccer Stars is one of the nation's leading youth educational soccer programs in the country. We are a mobile-based franchise focused on teaching the fundamentals of soccer while having fun. Our programs are class and game-based activities focusing on kids starting at 1 and up to 14+ years of age. You can learn more about us at soccerstarsfranchise.com. 00:00:50 - Youth Sports Platform Expands Franchise 00:06:26 - Discovering Soccer Stars Brand Journey 00:10:35 - Balancing Full-Time Jobs with Franchise 00:16:16 - The Power of People in Business 00:18:26 - Hiring a GM for Scaling Success 00:22:32 - Adapting to Franchisee Growth Challenges 00:29:14 - Developing Long-Term Goals for Soccer 00:30:54 - Lionel Messi Joins MLS, World Cup 2026 in America 00:36:10 - Connecting with MLS Franchise Opportunities 00:38:46 - Challenges of Starting a Franchise 00:40:57 - Franchise Challenges: Staffing and Retention Follow Adam: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-geisler-1442697/   Follow John: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-erlandson-62409b4/   Follow Kevin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-meyer-4168632a4/   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

How does the co-founder of beem Light Sauna think about scaling a thriving health and wellness franchise? The Wolf talks with Cynthia May, CEO and Co-Founder of beem Light Sauna, to discover her secret to scaling from 0 to 65 locations in a little over four years. Cynthia reveals her biggest challenges and successes in scaling a franchise brand, unraveling how she and her team developed systems that allowed their franchisees to truly thrive. How did culture and values fundamentally shape the nature of her franchise? Cynthia also shares her insights into the unique benefits of light therapy— from mental health to weight loss and detoxification, she explains why customers are drawn to their private individual suites and rooms and how their membership-based business model sets the stage for success. Plus, what’s in store for beem Light Sauna? And how has partnering with prelaunch partners and vendors upped their marketing game? Tune in now to find out!   Join the fastest-growing VR franchise in the world and be among the first to bring premium immersive VR experiences to your community. Invest in the future of entertainment by visiting franchise.sandboxvr.com.   00:01:30 - Scaling a Franchise Brand Successfully 00:05:43 - Finding the Right Location for Brands 00:08:46 - Partnering for Membership Sales Success 00:15:16 - Customizable Infrared and Red Light Therapy 00:21:25 - Top 3 Reasons for Wellness Retreats 00:25:29 - Transitioning from Founder to CEO 00:34:18 - Establishing Culture and Values for Business Success 00:40:50 - Goals for beem Light Sauna Beyond Units Learn More About beem Light Sauna: Website: https://franchise.beemlightsauna.com/   Follow Cynthia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiamay/   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Before it became a media franchise sensation, Dave’s Hot Chicken was a pop-up shop in East Los Angeles creating a line as long as the eye could see. Now it has a national cult following with investors like Drake and Usher invested in the Nashville-style chicken chain. The Wolf sits down to chat with founding franchisees, Andrew Feghali and Lawrence Kourie about the challenges and triumphs of starting a franchise in a new market and the excitement of becoming part of a rapidly growing brand.  Hear how Dave's Hot Chicken has gained attention not only for its mouth-watering menu but also for its celebrity investors. How do its chef-inspired offerings set it apart from the competition? And how has Dave’s made the art of the simple menu work in their favor? Can Dave’s Hot Chicken compete with In-N-Out? Lawrence and Andrew explain how focusing on the people behind the brand and creating room for growth has led to a fantastic working culture and a high degree of scalability. Plus, don’t miss out on an exclusive sneak peek into the future of Dave's Hot Chicken, including plans for expansion and international growth. Sandbox VR is the world’s most advanced virtual reality experience. With more than 45 locations across 7 countries, this full-body gaming provides unprecedented realism and complete immersion that’s not possible anywhere else. Groups of up to six can roam the VR space together, exploring exclusive virtual worlds and relying on each other to succeed while surviving a zombie apocalypse, battling a mighty dragon, hunting for lost treasure, and more. Visit Franchise.SandboxVR.com to learn more. 00:00:00 - Franchisees Share Dave's Hot Chicken Story 00:03:53 - Dodgers Game Meeting Leads to Successful Store Opening 00:06:06 - Opening a Franchise in San Diego 00:12:55 - Balancing Speed and Patience in Expansion 00:18:52 - Simplicity Key to Dave's Success 00:22:14 - Celebrity Investors Back Dave's Hot Chicken 00:26:18 - Third-Party Delivery: A Big Model   Follow Lawrence: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencekourie/   Follow Andrew: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-feghali-6728197a/   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Did you know when it comes to where your franchise is situated, there’s a breakfast side and a dinner side of the street?  Dinesh Goswami certainly does, and with 125+ franchise locations open, including Pizza Hut, Popeye’s, , Taco Bell, and Checker’s, he knows why understanding your location is the #1 thing you can do to ensure the longevity of your franchise.  Dinesh talks with the Wolf about his diversified portfolio and the valuable lessons he’s learned from his extensive franchising career about staying resilient and consistent in the face of economic fluctuations. How have specialized franchise lenders and SBA loans helped Dinesh to scale? Plus, discover his unique approach to acquiring talent and fostering a people-centric business. From understanding the importance of location selection to leveraging organic growth opportunities, Dinesh provides his incredible insights into the challenges of franchising at a high-level scale.    00:00:48 - From Banker to Popeyes Owner 00:02:12 - Corporate Dropout Opens Successful Franchise 00:05:03 - Considerations for Choosing Restaurant Locations 00:12:39 - Avoid Costly Mistakes When Opening a Restaurant 00:14:03 - How to Convince Someone to Switch Jobs 00:18:41 - Capital Strategy for Business Expansion: SBA Loans or Profit Funneling? 00:21:06 - Specialized Lenders for Franchise Industry 00:29:25 - Diversifying Brands for Steady Growth 00:36:04 - Understand Your Strengths Before Marketing   Follow Dinesh: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinesh-goswami-463547130/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dineshvgoswami/   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!  

What’s the latest Twitter beef with an army of minions going to war for Gas Biz Guy? Is it a joke or is there legitimate beef behind the brawl?   Join The Wolf as he sits down with viral Twitter personality Gas Biz Guy (aka Chris Hellgeth), a self-made entrepreneur who turned a ten-cent cigarette sale into a $100 million-a-year gas distribution business. They break down the secrets to success in the gas station industry, including the importance of value, experience, and building a strong brand. Discover how the Gas Biz Guy built his business from the ground up, overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities along the way. From cashing checks to gas station ownership, he shares his entrepreneurial journey and offers valuable insights for aspiring business owners. The Gas Biz Guy also peels back the curtain on the little-known gas and convenience store industry, unpacking the unique synergy between quick-serve restaurants and gas stations and exploring the opportunities they can provide potential investors.   And later, he and the Wolf dive into the evolving trends in the convenience store industry, from the rise of novelty energy drinks to the increasing focus on customer experience. Find out how higher-margin locations are expanding their margins by providing a clean environment and excellent customer service.     00:00:00 - Gas Station Enthusiast Dominates Twitter 00:04:14 - From a 10 Cent Cigarette Sale to a $100 Million Success 00:08:26 - Solving the Unbankable Population Issue 00:12:14 - Gas Stations: Profit from Convenience, Not Gas 00:15:22 - Gas Station Industry's Value Proposition 00:20:15 - Buying from Distributors: Convenience Store Margins 00:24:32 - Cooler Products Dominate Market Growth 00:25:47 - Synergy Between Gas Stations and Restaurants   Follow Gas Biz Guy: Twitter: https://twitter.com/gas_biz   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!  

How did a West Point flight school graduate become the founder of 79 optical stores across the US? Bill Noble, Pearle Vision’s largest multi-unit franchise owner, joins the pod to chat with the Wolf about his fascinating journey from sitting in the cockpit to building a nationwide franchise empire.   From his early days at Harrah's Entertainment to his transition into the retail industry, Bill shares valuable insights on leadership, partnership, and the challenges of growing a franchise business. Discover how his military background and experience in the gaming industry shaped his approach to leadership and motivated him to start his own franchise. Bill discusses the importance of maintaining a true partnership between franchisors and franchisees and reveals how honest feedback and open communication contribute to the growth and success of a franchise organization. He and the Wolf dissect the strategies and considerations involved in acquisitions and growth and uncover how market conditions and lending criteria can impact a franchise's expansion plans. Whether you're a seasoned franchise owner or considering starting your own business, gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics and intricacies of building a successful franchise empire.   00:00:23 - Military Veteran's Journey to Retail 00:03:27 - First Leadership Role Outside Military 00:05:42 - Transitioning Leadership Skills from Gaming 00:08:11 - From Lenscrafters Employee to Franchise Owner 00:15:12 - Navigating Pressure as a CEO 00:18:31 - Converting Corporate Locations to Pearle Visions 00:21:21 - Transitioning from Corporate CEO to Franchise Leader 00:24:37 - Navigating Growth in Changing Markets 00:29:38 - Approaching Leadership as a Franchise Owner 00:38:07 - Balancing Personal Identity in Competitive Organizations 00:45:27 - Franchise Concept Evolves into Partnership   Follow Bill:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamnoble1/   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Deb Merrill had no idea she was destined for franchise management until her brother-in-law asked if she’d be interested in running a Jimmy John’s. Realizing that stage management wasn’t the dream job she had hoped it would be, Deb left her theater career behind for the food service industry. In this candid conversation with the Wolf, Deb opens up about her rise from the bottom of the food chain to the top of the Jimmy John’s game. How did she take the dive into franchising with zero experience in the industry and eventually open 12 different locations? And what was it really like working with family?   Deb also shares her wisdom into the daily rewards and challenges of running a Jimmy John’s franchise from the physical demands of the job to the importance of finding the right team members. What should the structure and setup of a fair franchise agreement look like? And what’s the importance of maintaining positive relationships with franchisees? Plus, learn about the early days of Jimmy John's, including the impact of the economic crash in 2008 and the struggles of balancing construction schedules and employee training. What kinds of unique opportunities does Jimmy John’s provide for franchise owners? Tune in now to find out!   Workstream is the all in one tool for restaurants to run their HR, hiring, and payroll operations. Trusted by over 25,000 restaurant locations, Workstream is the people management tool built for managing hourly workers. Visit http://www.workstream.us/thewolf to learn more! 00:00:00 - Transitioning from Theater to Fast Food Franchise 00:03:06 - Navigating Responsibility and Control in Business 00:04:35 - Balancing Construction and Opening Schedules 00:07:03 - Corporate Training at Jimmy John's 00:08:47 - Opening Two Stores in Six Months 00:14:41 - Arranging Fair Structures for Collaborations 00:15:48 - Navigating Family Business Dynamics Successfully 00:18:59 - 16 Years of Steady Store Growth 00:21:57 - Expanding Store Locations: A Timeline   Workstream is the all-in-one tool for restaurants to run their HR, hiring, and payroll operations. Trusted by over 25,000 restaurant locations, Workstream is the people management tool built for managing hourly workers. Visit http://www.workstream.us/thewolf to learn more!     Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!  

Drew Gressett’s sitting down with the Wolf to discuss his personal journey in the restaurant industry—from his journey founding Hat Creek Burger Company to owning 60+ Zaxby’s. Hear Hat Creek Burger Company’s humble origin story—from starting as a food truck in 2008 to now having 26 brick-and-mortar locations, Drew shares the challenges and triumphs of scaling his business. He shares how building a strong restaurant management team and securing financing helped fuel his exponential growth. What are the unique dynamics of running both independent restaurants and franchise locations? And does Drew have plans to expand into other franchise brands or industries in the future? Tune in now to find out!   00:00:23 - From Food Truck to Restaurant Success 00:07:13 - Lessons Learned from Hat Creek's Expansion 00:08:10 - Growing Hat Creek to 26 Locations 00:15:12 - Expanding the Zaxby's Franchise Portfolio 00:18:23 - Scaling Hat Creek  00:20:37 - Building a Strong Restaurant Management Team 00:24:36 - Leveraging Seller Financing for Growth 00:28:56 - Franchise Friction: Running Own vs. Franchise 00:33:03 - Exploring New Franchise Opportunities and Industries 00:34:37 - New Builds vs. Acquisitions: Pros and Cons   Learn More About Zaxby’s: Website: https://www.zaxbys.com/franchise   Learn More About Hat Creek Burger Company: Website: https://hatcreekburgers.com/who-we-are   Follow Drew:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-gressett-96891621a/   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

You’ll never be able to operate 90+ franchises if your first franchise isn’t golden to begin with. Take it from Adam Saxton, operator of over 90+ McAlister’s Delis and co-CEO/Owner of the Saxton Group. With territories in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, Adam chats with the Wolf about his unusual philosophy for franchise expansion, including a unique organic unit model development approach entailing zero acquisitions. With over 20 years in the fast-casual space, Adam reveals why he remains optimistic about the ROI potential in this industry and explains how his family's background in restaurant franchising influenced his decision to join McAlister's Deli. How has he managed to maintain slow and steady growth since his first bought unit in 1999? Discover the importance of building a strong culture and brand within your organization, and how investing in internal development leads to long-term success. Adam discusses the growth opportunities that come with expanding your franchise and the value of promoting from within. Plus, what are Adam’s perspectives on investment levels and the potential return on capital for first-time franchisees? Tune in now to find out!    00:00:00 - Locations in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas 00:00:30 - Adam Joins Family Restaurant Business 00:08:17 - Organic Growth Strategy of the Saxton Group 00:11:46 - Community Outreach Boosts McAlister's Brand 00:13:34 - Fostering Growth and Opportunity at McAlister’s 00:17:13 - Franchisees Expand with New Brands 00:18:45 - Saxton Group Acquires Jaggers 00:22:29 - Staying Optimistic in the Fast Casual Industry 00:26:49 - Investment Returns for New Franchisees 00:32:54 - Room to Grow for McAlister’s   Follow Adam:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamgsaxton/   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Buckle up because the Wolf is taking another stab at your best Twitter questions in this solo question-and-answer pod. Should you be able to negotiate a franchise agreement? If so, how much of an agreement is negotiable, or are most franchise agreements a take-it-or-leave-it proposition?  Then the Wolf uncovers his #1 recommendation for back-office franchisee solutions (hint: it’s a software that’s near and dear to his heart), before dissecting the differences between chains and franchises.   Plus, who will win the Nashville Chicken Wars? Or do all chicken franchises come out the loser if the market has hit its peak saturation point?    Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

The Wolf chats with french fry master, Lucas Mitchell, a successful entrepreneur and franchisee of Five Guys, to discuss the ins and outs of scaling a franchise business. From building strong relationships with franchisees to managing shiny object syndrome, Lucas shares valuable insights and lessons learned along his journey. How did Lucas go from owning five stores to over 20? What were the challenges and rewards that came with his rapid growth? He details his unique strategies for managing debt covenants and explains how he leveraged specific relationships to fuel his franchise’s expansion. Hear how Lucas has kept his composure and avoided the temptation of shiny object syndrome to maintain a consistent relationship with Five Guys. He reveals his philosophy for scaling a sustainable organization and tells the Wolf how he managed to escape with his sanity intact while growing Five Guys.  Lucas also explores why continuous learning and evolution were essential to his role as a leader. Find out how he has leveled up his leadership skills and implemented guidelines to run his business effectively. Plus, get a glimpse into Lucas's future plans for growth, including the potential for expanding into other brands.    Paylocity offers the only modern HR and payroll solution that makes real-time recommendations to drive better business outcomes. Paylocity is the modern, all-in-one platform that makes HR and payroll easier — so you can focus on your employees. We’ll make onboarding faster, recruiting smarter, and compliance simpler. To learn more visit https://paylocity.com/restaurants.   00:06:13 - Leveraging Relationships to Buy Locations 00:12:12 - Investment Strategy: Equity vs. Debt 00:16:04 - Navigating Debt Covenants in Restaurant Ownership 00:18:43 - Understanding Debt Covenants in Franchising 00:23:25 - Combining Five Guys with Another Brand 00:25:40 - Managing Shiny Object Syndrome as an Entrepreneur 00:31:18 - Avoid Entrepreneurial Mistakes: Focus First 00:34:57 - Building Relationships Key to Franchise Success 00:41:37 - Evolving Leadership Skills in Business   Follow Lucas:  Twitter: https://twitter.com/lmitchellhq?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmitchellhq/   Follow The Wolf:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!