Franchise Interviews

Just about every man, women and child in America can recall the sight and sounds of an ice cream truck at a park or event on a warm sunny day. The familiar jingle sent children grabbing for spare change and running outside to acquire their favorite frozen treat. On a warm summer day, nothing back then was better than the ice cream truck and the trusted man who drove it. Parents could trust the integrity of this mobile business and the ice cream man was a welcomed member of the community. Now picture the last few ice cream trucks you’ve seen. How likely would you be to let your kids run out to them? Or feel safe with them around the driver? A return to our cherished memories was the inspiration for Tikiz Shaved Ice and Ice Cream. The “Tikiz” product line combines two of the most popular mainstream frozen treat products that everyone loves – Ice Cream and refreshing Hawaiian Shaved Ice. Delivered by a trustworthy operator who arrives in “Coolest Truck On Earth”. We are meeting with Brian Tollefson, CEO and f

We have a great show today.  We are meeting with Charles Bonfiglio, the CEO of Tint World.  Since 1982 Tint World® has provided high-quality window tinting and vehicle accessories to people who love their cars. With a wide selection of automotive products and services, clean, attractive facilities, and superior customer service, Tint World®- has become America’s favorite place for auto styling and accessories. Today, anyone can be the proud owner of a Tint World® Auto Styling Center. In 2007, Tint World® was franchised, and quickly became the nation’s largest and fastest-growing window tinting and auto styling business opportunity. If you’re interested in running your own business and being your own boss, you too can enjoy the excitement and profitability of running your own Tint World® auto styling business – all for a surprisingly low initial investment. No automotive experience is required to take advantage of this exciting opportunity, so anyone can find a profitable, successful business with a Tint Wor

In franchising, consistency is king. Every location offers the same layout, décor, menu and specials. While that may suit other brands, Bar Louie is taking a different approach that’s not only appreciated by guests – but intriguing multi-unit franchisees to invest.  Bar Louie presents a collection of 107 local social, casual gathering spots – neighborhood bars and eateries that feature hand-crafted cocktails, spirits and delectable food in an inviting, urban atmosphere. Each Bar Louie has a modern, relaxed vibe that expresses the brand’s identity, but no two locations are alike. Some are a cozy 4,000 square feet, while another boasts a roomy 11,000 square feet, with many other locations somewhere between. Layouts vary, as do local food and drink specials. “Each individual Bar Louie contains its own set of diverse characteristics, yet we offer operational systems and a roadmap to set up franchisees for success,” said Bar Louie CEO John Neitzel. “Our franchisees experience the best of both worlds – they benef

There are two key elements you receive when buying a franchise: They include a system and a brand.  Today we have the honor of speaking with award winning marketing professional, lecturer and teacher, Dr. John Tantillo.  Dr. Tantillo (aka The Marketing Doctor) is a trained applied research psychologist who is internationally known for his expertise at diagnosing the factors that impact target markets. The Marketing Dr. wants to share his knowledge with individuals and businesses so they will benefit from his modern marketing principles. Dr. Tantillo is the Branding Editor for Fridge Magazine.  Fridge Magazine, the business magazine all about practical guides and strategies for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Dr. Tantillo is also the author of the popular book, “People Buy Brands Not Companies,” and Udemy on-line Course: “Go Brand Yourself with Dr. John Tantillo: The secrets of branding for personal and professional success!” He is also the former radio talk show host, BrandTalk, contributor to the

SPENGA is an unrivaled fitness experience. Unlike any studio of its kind, SPENGA combines three essential elements of fitness to create what’s simply known as the best workout ever. This unique concept delivers cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training in every session. Through a combination of spin, strength and yoga each workout is designed to improve endurance, strength and flexibility.  We are meeting with Scott Nichols, Senior Vice President, Franchise Development at SPENGA and Heather Ruff, Co-founder & Vice President of Operations.  In part 2 we meet with Tony Lutfi,the Chief Executive Officer of the Marlu Investment Group. The Marlu Investment Group are franchise owners to systems like Little Caesars, Sizzler,Jack in the Box, and Arby's.  Tony talks about his experience as a franchise owner.  

We are meeting with The Casual Pint – a Tennessee-based craft beer market which started franchising its “coffee shop of beers” concept in January 2014.  The story of The Casual Pint begins with Jon Robinette in 1976. That was the year Jon took up the grocery business, landing a job with Harris Teeter Neighborhood Food & Pharmacy in Mountain City, Tennessee.  The first store located at Interstate 40 and Papermill Drive opened in 2011. In 2013, The Casual Pint began franchising with the first six franchise locations opening in 2014. Dedicated to sharing the craft beer experience in neighborhoods one pint, one growler and one person at a time, The Casual Pint offers a wide selection of brews from around the globe. Now the fastest-growing franchise in the craft beer industry, the Casual Pint’s business model is available for entrepreneurs nationwide.  We are meeting with Nathan Robinette.  In part 2, we are meeting with franchise expert Karol Mercurio and her advice to aspiring franchisees.  

We are meeting with Oscar Zapata, CEO and founder of Shots. SHOTS is an interactive shot bar.  SHOTS, Props and Fun is what they do. This is a movement and you are invited to experience it for yourself.  Their hand crafted signature menu is sure to satisfy every pallet.  The best part of it all is that each SHOT comes with its’ own show where YOU ARE THE STAR!  In part 3, we will discuss different types of entrepreneurs with Nick Bibby.  

LITTLE NEST FOUNDER LAURA NOVAK MEYER BEGAN HER PHOTOGRAPHY CAREER AT AGE 23 AND MET IT WITH SWIFT SUCCESS. Her fresh sensibility and talent for putting clients at ease led to a successful business and ample recognition in the media and within the photography industry. But all of the success left her lacking. As much as she loved photographing clients, she had other passions that she couldn't address as a solo entrepreneur, including mentoring new talent and fostering creative community. She also saw a missing element in the photography marketplace. Social photography was breaking new boundaries, thanks to real-time sharing via Pinterest, tumblr and Instagram. But for families with children who wanted high quality, modern, unique imagery, the options were limited to either mass-market chain studios that prized volume over ambiance, or extremely expensive custom photo sessions only available to a small percentage of families. WHY COULDN'T THERE BE SOMETHING ELSE? A boutique photography studio that offered

Our first show of the year focuses on self-awareness, self-improvement, and education.  Today’s show we recommend four great books to read for 2016.  They include the following: Lonnie Helgerson on his book "Five Pennies: Ten Rules to Successfully Build a Franchise Mega-Brand and Maximize System Profits."Also, Julie Bennett - Franchise Author and writer for Franchise Times - "The Franchise Times Guide to Selecting, Buying and Owning a Franchise" is hitting bookstores this week. It's also available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble online. This is a must read for anyone looking to buy a franchise.Joel Libava discusses his book Become a Franchise Owner! The book if full of great information.  For example, Joel describes how to choose the right franchise for your specific situation.  He also lists the 40 crucial questions to ask current franchise owners.Warren Greshes - If you want your employees to perform at their best, then you need to become the best damn manager ever, someone who can inspire and motivate you

We are meeting with Shery Christopher, the Sr. Vice President of Nutty Scientists USA.  Nutty Scientists is the leading provider of interactive programs related to science and geared toward students PK-6, incorporating aspects of technology, engineering and math. The Nutty Scientists cater to afterschool programs and host interactive shows and special events led by instructors trained to orchestrate detailed experiments in a playful, yet structured atmosphere. In addition, the Nutty Scientists delivers its award-winning curriculum at camps, birthday parties and in-class workshops designed to teach children about science in a fun and collaborative way. The franchise was founded in Madrid, Spain in 1996 and has grown to serve more than 9 million children in locations across the U.S. and in 40 countries around the world.

Founded in 1994 and franchising since 1995, Cookie Cutter Haircuts for Kids is one of the first and most unique children's' haircutting franchises in the country. The unique store design includes an in-store playground and video games, making a Cookie Cutters haircut a truly interactive experience. With the fantasy chairs that are only available to Cookie Cutters franchisees, the system is designed to keep children coming back to the salon again and again.  We are meeting with Neal Courtney of Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids

We are meeting with Brian Petruzzi of 1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria.  Serving customizable, authentic Neapolitan pizza on hand-tossed, never frozen dough and topped with more than 50 of the finest freshest ingredients, 1000 Degrees pizza perfectly captures American appeal and old world Neapolitan flavor. Each pie is familiar to New York style pizza, but maintains the light and airy appeal of Neapolitan style with a thin, slightly-charred crust.

We are meeting with Scott Mortier-Business Development for Dental Fix Rx franchise opportunity— Dental Fix Rx is a fast-growing mobile dental equipment repair service franchise and has landed on Franchise Times magazine’s 2015 Top 200+ list of top revenue producing U.S.-based franchises.  Business Development at Dental Fix Rx.  Some of the questions we ask Scott are the following: •      Tell us about Dental Fix Rx and what services you provide. •      How big is the dental equipment repair industry? Is it growing? •      How do dental offices benefit from working with Dental Fix Rx? •      Are there any competitors? •      How big is the company today? How many franchisees/units do you have in the system? •      How many states are you in? Where are you looking to expand Dental Fix Rx? In what regions of the United States are you seeing the greatest opportunities for growth? •      How many units do you plan to open by the end of the year/in the next three years? •      Who are your ideal franchisees

We are meeting with Scott Walker, the CEO of Screenmobile.  Screenmobile is the nation's largest mobile screening franchise in the U.S., offering franchise opportunities for those desiring a non-traditional path towards owning a business. For nearly 35 years, Screenmobile has offered the highest quality installation services for window, porch, patio and retractable screens. By providing an unmatched convenience for its customers, the brand has become the most established mobile screening franchise in the country.

We are meeting with Amir Asor, CEO and founder E2 Young Engineers. E2 Young Engineers enrichment programs adopt a rational edutainment (the combination of education and entertainment) approach. E2 Young Engineers have developed a variety of different programs that can be used to teach the most important subjects. Children joining their educational community can learn and enjoy the likes of arithmetic, physics, and mechanical and software engineering.  E2 Young Engineers have developed special programs and workshops suited to children at both ends of the learning spectrum, from gifted children to those with learning disabilities. Unlike traditional teaching methods, our use of stories, experiments and demonstrations ensures that all children joining our enrichment programs will learn while they have fun. In fact, they’ll have so much fun they may not even realize they’re learning.  

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own pub?  We are meeting with Dan White, the founder and CEO of Growler USA.  Growler USA - America's Microbrew Pub, launched in 2014, is a neighborhood gathering place dedicated to offering only American-made craft beverages and a menu designed to celebrate the unique flavors of each drink. With up to 100 taps of craft beer, hard cider, draught wine, root beer, cold-pressed coffee and kombucha tea, Growler USA invites guests to enjoy craft beverages suiting their unique palate. Each Growler USA captures the personality of the community it serves through its decor elements, localized menu offerings, and unique draught options. 

Over the years, we have had some interesting categories and concepts on our show.  Today, we are meeting with David and Debra Blue of Blue Moon Estate Sales.  At Blue Moon Estate Sales, their franchisee specialists are committed to consistently meeting their customer’s needs. Blue Moon Estate Sales provides residential, commercial, and moving liquidation services with their customer’s preferences and needs in mind. With their dedication to high standards and excellence of service, they ensure their clients are always satisfied.  We begin the show by discussing the difference between an estate sale, auction and garage sale.  

We are meeting with Lil Lovell of Coyote Ugly Saloon franchise.  The most famous bar on the planet is now the hottest franchise concept on the planet! With over 20 years of experience, Coyote Ugly is seeking International Franchise Partners to become a part of one of the most recognized trademarks in the world. The Coyote Ugly legend began with a girl, a dream, and a little bit of Wild Turkey. In 1992, Liliana “Lil” Lovell, a 24-year-old Wall Street apprentice-turned-bartender was living a good life. She was doing a job she loved, making money, and gaining notoriety for her antics on the bar as well as behind it.  In part 2, you will hear our interview on New York's WVOX with the legendary Dr. John Tantillo, AKA, the Marketing Doctor.  

You might get a bit hungry after this show.  We are meeting with Lorraine Platman, Founder and Head Chef of Sweet Lorraine’s Fabulous Mac n’ Cheez! Founded in 2010 and franchising since 2013, the Detroit-based restaurant chain offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free soups, salads, sandwich wraps, grilled cheese, and over a dozen kinds of meat-topped and vegetarian macaroni and cheese, all made fresh to order.

We are meeting with Boris Katsnelson, CEO of SpeedPro Imaging.  With several decades of experience, SpeedPro Imaging is the nation's leader in large format imagery. We specialize in a variety of high quality product including wall murals, event graphics, tradeshow displays, vehicle wraps, and window graphics. Through extreme resolution levels and unparalleled color matching technology, SpeedPro Imaging takes visual communication to the next level. SpeedPro Imaging focuses on the most lucrative part of the printing industry: large format graphics. In addition to providing graphics to local and national businesses, we also cater to sign shops and printers on a wholesale basis, making them our customers, not our competitors. Product & Service Offerings:     Wall Murals     Banners     Event Graphics     Graphic Design     Trade Show Displays     Installation     Vehicle Wraps     Consultation     Window Graphics     And More 17 billion dollar industry.