Franchise Interviews

We have a great show today. Today is Day 3 of our 12 days of franchising where each day, from December 12 to December 24 we will ask Santa for a particular franchise.  On the third day of Christmas we ask Santa for the Big Frog franchise opportunity.  Listen to the interview to find out why! T-Shirts! It's fun, creative, fulfilling and easy to operate. And everyone is a potential customer. People might say, "A T-Shirt Business?" But, we are a light manufacturing retail business based on new technology that can create custom designed t-shirts for anyone and everyone. Here at Big Frog we have discovered that becoming part of your community, having fun every day, and making customers happy creates a fulfilling & rewarding business opportunity.?  Several years ago we received a batch of Franchise Interviews t-shirts with our logo from Big Frog and they were great!

We have a great show today.  Today is Day 2 of our 12 days of franchising where Each day, from December 12 to December 24 we will ask Santa for a particular franchise.  On the second day of Christmas we ask Santa for the Cousins franchise opportunity.  Listen to the interview to find out why! Many years ago I got to try their subs and they were amazing.  Cousins story began in 1972 when two cousins, Bill Specht and Jim Sheppard, brought their favorite style of sub sandwich from the East Coast to their new hometown of Milwaukee. Setting out to craft the finest sandwiches possible with the belief that "there is no substitute for quality," they used bread baked daily, ingredients sliced deli-fresh and grilled subs made to order—a focus on quality we take pride in today. Throughout our 44 years, Cousins has been driven by the notion to Believe in Better through the continual improvement in everything we do. That's why we work to exceed expectations through focused and deliberate actions. Cousins keep a steady p

Each day, from December 12 to December 24 we will ask Santa for a particular franchise.  Find out who made the list and listen to an interview with each franchise opportunity.  On the first day of Christmas we ask for the Amramp franchise opportunity.  Listen to the interview to find out why! Founded in 1998 by Julian Gordon, Amramp has continued to grow as the leading provider of modular wheelchair ramps, stairlifts, vertical platform lifts and other accessibility solutions. About the Amramp Team The Amramp Team manufactures their modular wheelchair ramps in historic Boston, Massachusetts. Amramp started more than 40 years ago as a producer of architectural metal items used by contractors and architects. Amramp produced stairs, rails, fire doors and security products for doors and windows. In 1998 Amramp patented a unique modular wheelchair ramp system that has become their signature product. Amramp has expanded their product line to include other products that make life accessible, such as stairlifts, v

We are meeting with Larry Sutton of RNR Tire Express and Custom Wheels.  Established in 1999, RNR (RENT-N-ROLL) has been a leading provider of custom wheels and tires with easy payment options. RNR has grown to over 60 locations with several stores scheduled to open across the US over the upcoming months. In addition to the largest selection of brand name wheels and tires, RNR offers the best customer service and professional installation. At RNR it has never been easier to get the wheels and/or tires you need. With thousands of wheels and tires to choose from, our experienced staff will help you select the right product for your ride. RNR's Services - Custom Wheel Sales & Service - Top Name Brand Tires - Professional Tire Installation - Advanced Rotate & Balance - Free Flat Repair - No Credit Hassles - Roadside Assistance Program - Guaranteed Lowest Prices. In part 2, we are playing a clip for our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.   

Today, Franchise Interviews is celebrating our tenth-year anniversary and 500th show!  Franchise Interviews started off as a newsletter in 2005.  The following year (11/2006), Franchise Interviews turned into a weekly podcast on WorldTalkRadio.com and joined the BlogTalkRadio.com the following year.  Marty McDermott, the President of Franchise Interviews goes back to the very beginning with Elize Flenard.  Elizie Flenard is an entrepreneur, musician and host of the popular business show/podcast Enterprise Now.  Marty talks about the life changing events that ultimately led him to Franchise Interviews.  In part 2, Marty makes a surprise holiday announcement for listeners and in part 3 we finish with Marty’s interview on WVOX with the popular Dr. John Tantillo.  Our 500th show is dedicated to my dad, Martin J. McDermott, the kindest, smartest and best man I have ever known.  Lastly, I would like to thank Don Johnson, my friend and co-host who was there when this all began.  

You will most likely find this concept fascinating.  We are meeting with Joe Beaudry and Scott Swerland of Urban Float. Urban Float: a Seattle-based floatation therapy spa, has recently launched its franchise opportunity with plans to expand outside of its Washington hub.  Urban Float is a hydro-therapy floating spa that features light and sound controlled pods containing 200 gallons of water with over 1,200 pounds of Epsom salt, creating a relaxing and reenergizing experience that renews the body, refreshes the mind, and revives the senses. Resting in this unique, controlled environment improves the overall functions of the brain and central nervous system, allowing floaters to enter a peaceful state of mind. In part 2, you will hear a clip from our Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.  

We are meeting with John Ferdiandi, founder of the Blast & Brew franchise opportunity.  Blast & Brew offers guests a completely customizable experience from its quick-fired Neapolitan pizzas, split Focaccia (Fo ka chee a) sandwiches, the freshest salads and a wide variety of signature appetizers, to its self-pour craft beer offerings. Blast & Brew is a division of parent company Milano Restaurants International Corporation, a restaurant management company representing six brands, which is headquartered in Fresno, Calif. The brand began franchising in 2016 and is currently focusing on growth in the Southwest part of the U.S.  If anyone knows how to make a mark on the pizza industry, it’s John Ferdiandi. Ferdiandi and his family have been involved with pizza restaurants since 1955. Starting out as Me-N-Ed’s Pizza franchisees, John’s family eventually grew the business to include a portfolio of concepts, which is now Milano Restaurant International Corporation. John and his brother took over their

We are meeting with the Brent Anderson, CEO of Polestar Pilates.  Polestar® Pilates creates life-changing movement experiences by fusing Pilates, physical-therapy and mind-body energy systems, with facilities worldwide.  Polestar Pilates has developed a low-cost, high-return business model for entrepreneurs and aspiring studio owners to meet the demands created by increasing health awareness and interests. Polestar® creates life-changing movement experiences by fusing Pilates, physical-therapy and mind-body energy systems, with facilities worldwide.  Did you know? The Pilates industry alone is expected to grow 15-18% every year.The success rate of a franchise on its 5th year is 97%. For a standalone business, the success rate is only 25%.Polestar is an International authority with educators across 50 countries and education facilities in over 28 countries. Polestar has developed a low-cost, high-return business model for entrepreneurs and aspiring studio owners to meet the demands created by increasing hea

Inspired by his passion for restoring classic cars, Robert Lowery started Colors On Parade to offer body shop-quality automotive repairs from a mobile unit. In 1999, he began franchising the concept. Colors On Parade franchisees offer mobile on-site automotive appearance services throughout the U.S. to car dealerships, fleet owners, rental car agencies, body shops, individual vehicle owners and retail customers.  We are meeting with the President and CEO of Colors on Parade, Jeff Cox. In part 2, you will hear a clip from our Great Quotes in Franchising podcast with Lawrence Doc Cohen. 

Many years ago, we created short clips of our weekly radio show Franchise Interviews. We called the segment/podcast “Great Quotes in Franchising”.  We had no idea the podcast would become just as popular as our weekly radio show. Today you are going to hear our most recent clip from Larry Sidoti, Chief Development Officer of Paris Baguette. Larry says before you buy a franchise, you really go to love me. Find out why by listening to the podcast.  In parts 2 and 3, you will get advice from two legends in the world of franchising….Melanie Bergeron and George Naddaff.   

In part 1, we are meeting with entrepreneur and the founder of the BBQ Cleaner Jeffrey Krentzman. Jeff discusses the following: What are some of the pros and cons you encounter as your own boss? What's the hardest part of starting your own business? In your own business, what are some of things you feel you have done right that can be applied to someone else looking to start a business? What advice would you give to someone whose looking at being their own boss? Where should they even start? In part 2 you will hear our interview with entrepreneurial expert Dr. Scott Shane on his book, The Illusions of Entrepreneurship that challenges the myths we hold about entrepreneurs in America - who they are, what they do, and how they succeed. The book shows that the reality of entrepreneurship is decidedly different from the myths that have come to surround it. In part 3, you will hear a clip from out Great Quotes in Franchising podcast with the great Warren Greshes.   

We are meeting with Dr. Alejandro Badia, Co-founder and CEO or OrthoNow and Christine Dura, Chief Development Officer of OrthoNOW.  OrthoNOW® is a network of specialized urgent care Centers focused on treating the full range of orthopedic and sports medicine injuries on a walk-in basis. These injuries include anything related to the foot, ankle, knee, hip, wrist, hand, elbow, shoulder and spine, in addition to pre-concussion testing. We treat aches, breaks, pains, and strains.   OrthoNOW® was founded by accomplished and world-renowned orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Alejandro Badia, in 2010. Prior to Dr. Badia opening the first OrthoNOW Urgent Care Center in Doral, Florida, he had taken advantage of one of the most common medical business opportunities: a general practice urgent care. His urgent care franchise focused on general internal medicine, but he wanted to specialize in orthopedic care. He continually saw a need for an orthopedic urgent care center when his patients with orthopedic needs would come see him

We are meeting with Sam Freeman, VP of Franchise Development at CARSTAR.  CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts delivers the highest quality body repair to drivers throughout North America, with more than 450 stores located throughout the United States and Canada.   Headquartered in Overland Park, KS, CARSTAR was founded in 1989 and has repaired more than three million vehicles since opening its doors. CARSTAR and its franchise network employs some 4,000 automotive professionals throughout the United States and Canada.  When you choose CARSTAR for your vehicle repair, you’re choosing North America’s largest network of body shop owners.  That means you get the national training, quality standards and resources of the network, along with the personal service and community involvement of our local owners.  What advice would we give to aspiring frantrepreneurs looking to buy a franchise?  You will hear a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast. 

We are meeting with founder of the In & Out Smart Repair franchise opportunity, John Mike Heroman.  Founded in 2012 in Lafayette, Louisiana, In & Out Smart Repair is a one-stop shop for all smart device needs that offers fast, same day service. The company goes beyond repair and offers personalized solutions depending on an individual’s needs and lifestyle, and all repairs are backed by a lifetime warranty. In & Out Smart Repair also offers a membership program to make repairs affordable to everyone. In & Out Smart Repair is a forward-thinking smart device repair startup on a mission to become the consumer electronics repair industry leader. The company is tapping into consumers’ dependency on technology and is seeing incredible demand for its services as a result. Just two years after launching its franchise program, In & Out Smart Repair has already signed 100 franchisees. Previously, John Mike was a phone salesman who sold iPhone 3Gs to customers, but was unable to repair them when th

We are meeting with Lara Olson, founder of Kidcreate Studio.  Kidcreate Studio offers children’s art classes, camps and art-themed birthday parties which are made available for children ages 18 months through 12 years. Founder, Lara Olson, started Kidcreate Studio after being frustrated by the limited art exposure her children were receiving at school. She wanted to create an art studio designed just for kids that would combine quality art education with a kid-friendly environment.  As the leader in the underserved child art education industry, Kidcreate Studio offers attractive opportunities for business minded individuals looking to earn a successful living in an industry with strong consumer demand.   In part 2, we meet with franchise consultant Karol Mercurio to discuss the green arches.  

We are meeting with Speaker, Writer and Educator Christy Wilson Delk.  After 17 years in corporate sales and distribution, Christy Wilson Delk decided to risk it all. In 1996, she sold her house and cashed out her 401K plan for the down payment on the $1.7 millions dollar SBA loan needed to buy and build a Kids R Kids Academy franchise in Orlando, Florida. Over the next 15 years, she expanded twice and grew her business into one of the largest franchises in her industry before exiting successfully in 2012. Now, an Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at Rollins College and contributing writer, Christy has turned her focus to helping others realize greater professional rewards through growing a successful business. In part 2 we play a clip from our Great Quotes in Franchising podcast with Lawrence Doc Cohen.  

We have a great show today.  We are meeting with Angela Olea, the founder and CEO of Assisted Living Locators. Assisted Living Locators is a FREE SERVICE for seniors and their families. Their experienced, compassionate team of experts help you explore and understand elder care options, information, and resources...and use them to make life better for you and your loved one.  Angela's commitment to nursing began in 1989 in a Sub-Acute Nursing Facility and Alzheimer's Unit. Her compassion for seniors led her to a career of working in a variety of areas including Cardiovascular, Pain Management, Out-Patient Surgery, Hospice and Acute Care. Her experience provides a solid knowledge base for assessing individual needs and coordinating the most appropriate care. Angela's advanced training prepared her for interacting with seniors and their families as an expert Senior Advisor. Angela is proud of her team which consists of Nurses with 20+ years of experience, Former Assisted Living Administrator, Social Worker, an

We have a great show today.  We are meeting with Andrew Pudalov, Founder and CEO of Rush Bowls. Rush Bowls was launched in 2004, when founder, Andrew Pudalov, decided to leave the hustle and bustle of New York’s financial scene to pursue his dream of creating a healthy, fast-dining restaurant that fueled people’s lives with honest ingredients and delicious recipes. As a result, Rush Bowls was born in Boulder, Colorado, offering meals crafted from the finest fruit, topped with granola & honey, and blended with protein, vitamins and other nutritious ingredients that taste delicious while promoting a healthy lifestyle. Over the past decade, Rush Bowls has cultivated a loyal following and developed a successful business model by perfecting menu items, processes, vendor relationships and marketing practices. During that time, Andrew had received hundreds of inquiries about franchise opportunities, but he chose to stay focused on fine-tuning the Rush Bowls’ concept… until now. In part two we will play a clip

We are meeting with Bin There Dump That, a North American dumpster rental franchise.  The concept was born in suburban Toronto when Mark Crossett, a working general contractor, was seeking a better way to get rid of construction waste from kitchen and bath renovations. He got a truck with a hook/lift assembly attached to the back and had a steel-fabricating company build him four dumpster bins that were smaller than those typically used in driveways at that time. He christened the fledgling disposal business as Bin There Dump That and instantly began getting attention from people pulling alongside his trucks in traffic, as well as chuckles from the audience when he was introduced at Chamber of Commerce meetings or other business-centric functions. GROWTH: Bin There Dump That has officially reached the 100th franchise mark. Reaching the 100-unit mark is an achievement that many of today’s franchises don’t achieve. In fact, less than 20% of all franchised companies reach the 100 franchise mark. In the past ten

Hollywood And Franchising Over the years, there have been some interesting franchises based on television shows and movies.  Today we are going to hear from three that made the list.  The movies and shows include Forrest Gump (Bubba Gump Shrimp), Coyote Ugly and Sunset Tan.  In our final segment, we hear a new clip from our Great Quotes in Franchising podcast called Meet The Parents.  Listen to the full packed show on Hollywood and Franchising!