“If you can sell, you can build. And if you can build, you can lead.” In this special episode, we welcome Alex DiPietro, Babson alum, former hockey player, and the first undergraduate Babson grad featured on Stars of Franchising. Alex brings a dynamic mix of tech sales grit, deep family legacy, and second-generation franchise leadership to the table. As a multi-unit Dunkin’ operator and second-gen franchisee in one of the most iconic family-run Dunkin’ operations in the Northeast,...

"We’ve been lucky to grow up in a playground of entrepreneurship — churros just happen to be the medium." In this energizing episode of Stars of Franchising, we sit down with Mateo and Tadeo Acosta-Rubio, Venezuelan-American brothers and second-generation leaders of the beloved global franchise Churromania. From childhood shifts behind the register to launching tech startups while studying at Babson College, their story is about more than just churros — it’s about turning family legacy ...

"Franchising is not just a business model. It’s an ecosystem of shared success." As the founder of GNF Worldwide, Fernando López de Castilla Elías has helped shape the franchise landscape across more than 10 countries. From consulting and sales outsourcing to franchise-focused investment banking, Fernando’s firm has completed over 10,000 deals — making him one of the most influential figures in international franchising today. In this episode of Stars of Franchising, Fernando join...

"If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re probably on the menu." Rob Branca is more than just a multi-unit Dunkin’ operator — he’s a legal mind, real estate investor, second-generation franchisee, and one of franchising’s most active advocates on Capitol Hill. Rob sits down with Ab and Vini to unpack his journey from law school to leadership, and the critical role franchisees play in shaping the future of the industry. With a deep belief in ownership as a tool for economic mo...

"Our business is about helping people feel better — whether that’s in body, in mindset, or through entrepreneurship." Lindsey McFadden didn’t just join the wellness franchising movement — she’s helping shape the future of it. As Chief Marketing Officer at Stretch Zone, Lindsey brings her sharp eye for strategy and a people-first approach to one of the fastest-growing brands in the health and wellness space. Under her leadership, Stretch Zone has opened 250+ units in just three yea...

"You don’t need to be an expert in everything — you just need vision, leadership, and great people." Victor Berny grew up in his family’s hardware store business in Mexico. Today, he’s the visionary behind one of the region’s fastest-scaling franchise portfolios — including Little Caesars, Wingstop, and Dunkin’ — with dozens of units across the Yucatán and beyond. In this powerhouse episode of Stars of Franchising, Victor joins Ab and Vini to discuss his journey from modest beginn...

"It's about creating a lasting culture while embracing growth for the next generation." Somia Farid Silber grew up with entrepreneurship in her DNA — starting at the age of nine working at Edible Arrangements, the iconic brand founded by her father, Tariq Farid. Now, after years of learning every aspect of the company, Somia steps into her own spotlight as the new CEO of Edible Brands, just in time for the brand’s 25th anniversary. In this inspiring conversation back on the Babson...

“It’s a beautiful form of entrepreneurship to be a franchisee, because you have so much stability and support but you still are the maven of your own market.” Debra Strougo worked for the New York City mayor’s office in brand development for “the greatest brand in the world.” But over time her unquenchable passion for fitness beckoned and in 2017 with her husband she launched Row House — now with more than 300 North American locations. Today she’s an investor and advisor — a “founder co-pilo...

“If a franchisee invents a practice that is serving them really well, we want them to let us know so we can package it up and share it in the system.” The beauty market is one of the hottest in franchising, and with more than 100 locations in the US and Canada, Blo Blow Dry Bar is one of the hottest beauty franchises. CEO and partner Vanessa Yakobson joins Ab & Vini to share her journey, her leadership lessons, and her insights on how ‘zees and ‘zors alike can achieve more. Listen in as...

“When you’re protecting an emerging brand, you’re protecting the stakes of all the people who’d invested in the brand.” From taking care of her own back pain to taking care of the owners of more than 100 Massage Heights locations, Shane (a member of the IFA board of directors) has priceless insights on building an emerging brand BIG while still keeping it all about the people -- ‘zees and customers alike. During her conversation with Ab and Vini, Shane discusses: Why franchisee/franchisor c...

“Let’s not be copycats. Create a new demand for new products. Don’t be afraid. Go for it. And if you fail, just get up and do it again.” Our most in-depth look at international franchising yet! Based in Honduras, Justin and Monica have made their mark not only by importing multiple North American and European franchise brands to Central America, but also by expanding their footprints to Eastern Europe and North Africa. Most recently, Gong cha Bubble Tea awarded them the master franchise righ...

“There are a lot of things people misunderstand about franchising. People tend to think that if they buy a franchise, their success is going to be guaranteed.” It took Mark Kushinsky a year and a half as a department store manager to realize he didn’t want to be an employee. He started his own residential cleaning business, then "ran into” franchising and founded MaidPro, which he grew to more than 400 units. Today he’s on the board of Threshold Brands, a 7-brand platform of vastly diverse ...

“The better and more diverse backgrounds of the people in your system, the better your brand’s going to be.” A must-listen for current ‘zees, ‘zees of tomorrow, and anyone else contemplating a startup business venture. As the guy with the final say on who gets a FYZICAL Therapy & Balance franchise, Scott Wendrych is an undisputed authority on what makes a successful franchisee. (Spoiler: It’s not necessarily the same for established and emerging brands.) Scott joins Ab and Vini to share...

“The franchisee/franchisee relationships are critical for the success of our system. Annie Tselikis said, “You’re crazy” when her brother Jim and cousin Sabin Lomac hatched the idea of a food truck in Los Angeles serving Maine lobster rolls. But when they tapped into her deep fisheries expertise to shape their business model, Cousins Maine Lobster was under way! Today Cousins delivers an inimitable, mouthwatering Maine lobster roll experience to customers from more than 70 mobile and s...

“If you just come in as a franchisee and expect to be employed by the franchisor, and just wait for the franchisor to give you direction, that’s a sure way to fail.” Five years as a franchisee for 4 US retail brands taught Ramzi Daklouche a lesson that informs his work today at Edible: It’s always all about the local markets. We’re thrilled to welcome Ramzi to the podcast, especially as Edible is rolling out an exciting 2024 brand refresh. Listen in as Ramzi explains to Ab and Vini the fine...

“Franchisee unit-level economics has to be the most important thing a franchisor thinks about. If they don’t, the system doesn’t work.” The energy is AMPED in this episode, and no wonder: Guest Jeff Klein is a go-go ‘zee for Dunkin’, Auntie Anne’s, The Gents Place, and biggest of all, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shops, with 14 locations — #1 in the system. Not to mention his role as president of Capriotti’s Franchise Advisory Board. (Want him to stop working? Shut off his wifi!) Catch Jeff’s franc...

“There’s no such thing as failure. You just didn’t get there yet.” Alex founded Dr. Dental in 2004 with the vision of retailizing dental care by providing convenient, accessible, quality care via retail dental clinics in convenient neighborhood locations. Now with 57 locations across the northeast, Dr. Dental isn’t a franchise in the strict sense, but a fascinating, franchising-adjacent model for entrepreneurship and scaling. Listen along as Alex shares with Ab and Vini the core business co...

“You can’t fire your way into building a better team of people. That’s why culture matters.” Our 25th episode is our hairiest yet! In 2018 they asked themselves, “Why not?” and began extending the “Be Nice” culture of Paul Mitchell Schools (Winn as dean and co-founder, John as a ‘zee) to a new venture, Salty Dawg Pet Salons. Now they’re creating more opportunity for their Paul Mitchell students while delivering stress-free grooming to “paw-rents.” Along their franchising journeys, they’ve pi...

“As a franchisor, you’re entrusting your franchisees to continue the growth of your brand, and putting the essence of the brand in their hands.” A proven entrepreneur, visionary and leader, Christo Demetriades has spent 3 decades as a CEO, CFO, and COO for franchising, restaurant, entertainment, and self-care brands. His superpower: Building and nurturing strong, loyal management teams that drive both culture and goal achievement. He’s also no slouch as a dealmaker — among his exits was sell...

“Franchising is like politics: It’s all local.” After a 35-year career as an insurance executive, Gary Raphael found himself “on the short end of a merger” and embarked on a new entrepreneurial journey that has led him to the QSR (quick-service restaurant) franchising model with Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard. How did his high-level business experience prepare him for the pivot? And how did he ramp up a whole new skill set to establish himself as a successful and enthusiastic ‘zee? A...