Franchise Interviews

We are meeting with Charlie Graves, CEO of Athletic Republic, the industry’s leading performance sports training center franchise, proving that science-based training is the best way for serious athletes to improve. The company has been using its method for the last 27 years using their Test-Teach-Train approach, and athletes are continuing to see results. Athletic Republic is known for its individualized, small-group training and proprietary equipment, like the ice-skating treadmill. The company currently has over 115 locations and is actively franchising to grow by 100 franchises in the next three years.  In part two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.

We are meeting with  Lou DeFrancisco, the President of StretchLab.  With people all over the country flocking to boutique fitness concepts of all kinds that demand rigorous workouts to help transform the body, the importance of active recovery and overall wellness is beginning to take a front seat. After only announcing its franchise opportunity five months ago, StretchLab has signed its initial agreements to debut 31 new studios nationwide. Carving out an inclusive niche in the fitness industry for all ages, fitness levels, genders and sizes, StretchLab is the first boutique wellness franchise that offers one-on-one assisted stretching services in a fun, energetic, communal environment. These agreements will propel the concept into all four regions of the U.S.    The assisted stretching market is larger than any boutique fitness studio’s clientele, as it’s not siloed for specific types of fitness levels or abilities and is inclusive to all ages, sizes and capabilities. Even though stretching is time-tested, assisted stretching as a method of active recovery is in its infancy and StretchLab has a first-to-market opportunity to capitalize on the industry.  In part two, we will play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.

We are meeting with Shane M. Dunn, Chief Development Officer of Pedal Pub.  A few years ago, the thought of pedaling a party bike for entertainment would have seemed ludicrous, but now human-powered taverns are sweeping the nation as popular social excursions for birthday parties, bachelorette parties and more. The pedal pubs have become fixtures in more than two dozen U.S. cities – I thought you might be interested in having the brand behind the craze on your show!  Pedal Pub – a Minneapolis-based business spearheading the bike tavern experience. Following initial success with over 40 licensed locations, the brand just announced its formal franchise opportunity as it seeks to grow to 1,200 bikes by 2023. The party bikes provide guests with a uniquely fun, safe, environmentally-friendly way for groups of eight to sixteen adults to get some light exercise and fresh air while touring interesting parts of town, visiting local bars, breweries, and restaurants. COMPANY FACTS: Pedal Pub has 40 licensee locations across the U.S. and began franchising in April 2018. Aims to have 1,200 bikes operating by 2023 and several new locations open by the end of 2018. Pedal Pub costs an average of $39 for each guest; seats 16 people with an additional pilot who steers the bike.  Pedal Pub was founded by Al Boyce and Eric Olson – friends who came across a party bike in Amsterdam on Facebook. The beer and fun enthusiastic traveled there to test out the concept and decided to bring it back to the United States. Fietscafe® manufacturers every Pedal Pub bike. They are known to be the highest quality and best manufactured bikes on the road. Pedal Pub is the only concept in the industry that has its own parts/services provider. In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.

We are meeting with Ramon Castillon, President of Row House.  Row House, is a boutique fitness concept was created with a specific objective: To give people of all different shapes, sizes, and abilities an efficient, effective high cardio, full body workout in an inclusive group environment — and one that builds bodies up instead of breaking them down.  In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.

We are meeting with Paula Hope, the President of Booked Solid.  Paula helps business professionals, and their teams, create the revenue they deserve.  Through the strategic development of a referral/personal marketing plan which includes online activities, Booked Solid business professionals learn to create, manage and leverage their social capital (their personal good will) into a system that will grow their revenue for themselves and their firms.Paula consults and develops referral partner programs within progressive corporations who really want to get serious about creating high quality referrals for their organization. Paula is the author of Stop The Saboteurs: Conquer Negative Thoughts that Hurt Your Revenue and Your Brand.  In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast

We are meeting with Ajay Singh, Vice President of Brand Development for Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse.  Johnny's Italian Steakhouse is a leading dining destination offering an everyday indulgence that provides a high-end experience without the high-end price. Johnny's creatively blends sophistication of the past with a modern edge. As a distinctly upscale dining experience with reasonable prices, Johnny's features a traditional speakeasy ambiance that is brought to life by timeless steak and Italian dishes, entertaining service and its trademarked Blue Bar where hand-crafted cocktails are skillfully prepared.

We are meeting with Sanjay Ravi Gehani, Partner and Chief Marketing Officer for Building Kidz Worldwide, LLC- Building Kidz is unique in that their unparalleled proprietary curriculums, references, and highly qualified faculty combine a world class academic setting with a specialization in Performing Arts. Their creative philosophy is stitched throughout our curriculum which we customize to meet the specific needs of every child by delicately balancing our time between structured elements and play.  They offer weekly lessons in music, dance, and theater embedded in our daily routine. Their children, from the age of 3, perform one recital and one Broadway style production annually such as: The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Rio, and Where the Wild Things Are.  In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.

We are meeting with Larry Oberly, CEO for SpeedPro Imaging…SpeedPro Imaging is the nation’s leading wide-format printing and graphics franchise. Through extreme resolution levels and unparalleled color matching technology, SpeedPro studios provide innovative marketing solutions to elevate businesses nationwide.  SpeedPro’s unique business model offers franchisees the ability to control their working hours and have the flexibility to live their life how they want to, while also giving them the tools they need to succeed. With proprietary technology, thorough training, and ongoing support, SpeedPro owners are set up to hit the ground running, grow, and thrive.  In Part Two, we play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.

In 2013, Angry Crab Shack launched in Mesa, AZ. This concept has a vibrant, memorable dining environment and offers high-quality seafood at a more affordable price. Angry Crab Shack combines Cajun- and Asian-inspired seafood, affordable prices and strategic real estate practices into the winning franchise combination the brand operates today.  We are meeting with Andy Diamond, the President of Angry Crab Shack.  In part two, we will play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.

This week (May 31 to June 2) Franchise Interviews will be visiting the International Franchise Expo in New York at the legendary Javits Center. Many refer to this show as the Super Bowl of franchising. Today you will hear numerous interviews on how to prepare for a franchise show.First you will hear our conversation with Tom Portesy, the President of Mart Franchise Ventures Expositions.  Mr. Portesy will discuss what aspiring frantrepreneurs can expect from a franchise show.  Next you will hear our interview with the franchise expert Terry Corkery who gives his advice to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to buy a franchise as well as some fantastic tips on attending franchise shows.  The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, or Javits Center is a large convention center located on Eleventh Avenue, between 34th and 40th streets, on the West side of Manhattan in New York. http://www.ifeinfo.com/ Top 10 Reasons You Should Attend The International Franchise Expo: Meet face-to-face with over 400 of the top franchise brands. Get educated on how to be successful from the start through the over 70 free seminars offered. Understand the financial model of franchising. Meet with financial experts on how to best fund your franchise, and how to budget for your future. Dig deeper into the nuances of franchising through attending in-depth educational workshops. Meet with leading consultants to understand how to pick the right franchise for you. Explore the benefits of being in business for yourself, not by yourself. Discover opportunities in industries that are new or that you might not have considered. Understand the difference between becoming a franchisee and an area developer, and what to consider when making this decision.