Franchise Advisory Board | Expert Franchising Advice for Franchise Leaders The Role of Technology in Franchise Success (or Failure)
Nov 26, 2024
40:15
In this episode of The Advisory Board Podcast, host Dave Hansen is joined by Ryan Parsons, CEO of eVive Brands and co-founder of Brothers That Just Do Gutters, to unravel the intricacies of franchise growth powered by technology and data. Ryan brings his two decades of experience in franchising and a wealth of hard-earned wisdom to the conversation, offering insights into how brands can achieve operational excellence and scale effectively.
From his humble beginnings in a family-run gutter business to overseeing a multi-brand franchise platform with over 600 units, Ryan’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. As someone who has seen both the challenges and opportunities of franchising, Ryan explains why building the right tech stack isn’t just a logistical decision—it’s a strategic necessity. He recounts lessons learned from piecing together systems early on and highlights the costly mistakes brands make when they underestimate the importance of integrating technology from the start.
Dave and Ryan explore the “Franken-stack” dilemma, where brands patch together disjointed systems, and why it’s essential to adopt a scalable and cohesive tech infrastructure before it’s too late. They discuss how leveraging data effectively can empower franchisees, giving them the visibility to improve performance, make informed decisions, and thrive in competitive markets.The conversation shifts to the consumer side of the equation, where technology can make or break the customer experience. Ryan shares his philosophy of reducing friction in every interaction, from scheduling appointments to providing seamless follow-ups. He explains how brands can meet modern customer expectations by embracing automation tools while preserving the human touch for moments that matter.
Ryan and Dave also delve into the importance of future-proofing your tech investments. As AI and automation evolve at lightning speed, businesses must balance innovation with reliability, ensuring that their systems remain adaptable for years to come. Ryan emphasizes the importance of selecting platforms that align with your brand’s long-term vision and growth trajectory while avoiding the temptation of unproven, “flashy” tech.
In the final moments, Ryan offers his actionable advice for franchisors: prioritize technology as a foundational pillar of your brand, just as you would with marketing, sales, or franchise development. With the right tools, franchisors can foster franchisee independence, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately strengthen the entire network.
Special thanks to ClientTether for sponsoring this episode! Their franchise-focused CRM and automation tools make managing leads and growing your business a breeze.
From his humble beginnings in a family-run gutter business to overseeing a multi-brand franchise platform with over 600 units, Ryan’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. As someone who has seen both the challenges and opportunities of franchising, Ryan explains why building the right tech stack isn’t just a logistical decision—it’s a strategic necessity. He recounts lessons learned from piecing together systems early on and highlights the costly mistakes brands make when they underestimate the importance of integrating technology from the start.
Dave and Ryan explore the “Franken-stack” dilemma, where brands patch together disjointed systems, and why it’s essential to adopt a scalable and cohesive tech infrastructure before it’s too late. They discuss how leveraging data effectively can empower franchisees, giving them the visibility to improve performance, make informed decisions, and thrive in competitive markets.The conversation shifts to the consumer side of the equation, where technology can make or break the customer experience. Ryan shares his philosophy of reducing friction in every interaction, from scheduling appointments to providing seamless follow-ups. He explains how brands can meet modern customer expectations by embracing automation tools while preserving the human touch for moments that matter.
Ryan and Dave also delve into the importance of future-proofing your tech investments. As AI and automation evolve at lightning speed, businesses must balance innovation with reliability, ensuring that their systems remain adaptable for years to come. Ryan emphasizes the importance of selecting platforms that align with your brand’s long-term vision and growth trajectory while avoiding the temptation of unproven, “flashy” tech.
In the final moments, Ryan offers his actionable advice for franchisors: prioritize technology as a foundational pillar of your brand, just as you would with marketing, sales, or franchise development. With the right tools, franchisors can foster franchisee independence, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately strengthen the entire network.
Special thanks to ClientTether for sponsoring this episode! Their franchise-focused CRM and automation tools make managing leads and growing your business a breeze.