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 founder of Tikiz Shaved Ice & Ice Cream.  Tikiz Shaved Ice & Ice Cream is a fast-growing mobile franchise—specializing in Hawaiian shaved ice and ice cream. In part 2 of today's show we talk about the three legged stool of franchising.

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 World® franchise. Read on to learn more about what makes Tint World® such a great franchise, and why this opportunity could be the right business for you. In part 2, we meet with Kevin Hein to discuss the hallmark of franchising from our Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.

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 benefit from proven operating systems and home office support, but also have the flexibility to cater to the local neighborhood flavor.” In part 2 we are meeting with Chris Simnick, the founder of FranchiseTeacher.com.  Chris gives his advice to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to buy a franchise.

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 Fox News Opinion Page, a go-to expert for BBC on a range of marketing issues and frequently appears in the national media, which includes Cavuto, Fox & Friends, MSNBC’s Weekends with Alex Witt, ABC News Live and Fox News Live. He is widely known as “The Marketing Doctor for his outspoken adherence to the marketing concept, which has been defined as the essential role of marketing as a vehicle to identifying and satisfying consumer needs. He has been particularly outspoken about what he perceives as the money wasted on Super Bowl advertising.

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 stellar imagery in a relaxed atmosphere, where families could slow down and enjoy the experience.  A committed team of artists with the common goal of capturing clients' stories in a collaborative, creative atmosphere. An artistic philosophy that blended classic portraiture technique with spontaneity and emotion. On these premises, Little Nest was born. Little Nest Portraits has expanded into a national brand, while always keeping those core values at heart.

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 your staff. The Best Damn Management Book Ever teaches frantrepreneurs, managers, executives, and business owners how to do just that. From the highly praised author of The Best Damn Sales Book Ever, this concise trove of management wisdom outlines the nine keys to creating self-motivated high-achievers.

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.