Franchise Interviews

Today's show begins with an interview we did on CBS Radio with Business Coach Lynn Johnoson.  In Part II, we are meeting with Sean Collins, the CEO of the Costa Vida franchise opportunity. Costa Vida is inspired by the beautiful Baja Peninsula Coast and the lifestyle that pushes you to catch the wave—rather than stand on the sideline to let life pass you by. This costal lifestyle is a vision about the satisfaction of things done the right way. Cost Vida believes that food created with passion, from scratch daily, tastes better! And their customers know the difference.

Brewster’s Chicken has all the following under the same roof: Buckets of chicken, Brewster’s Chicken, Chicken sandwiches, and side items. Brewster’s uses the Brewster’s chicken process which provides a tender, juicy, and flavorful product with a fraction of the carbs, and fewer calories and less fat in most instances, than the leading national brand.  Brewster’s allows their menu to expand or contract; Brewster’s offers beer as an option and believe in our 3 “Q”s” ~ Quality, Quantity, with Quick-Service. Brewster's build your business as big (or small) as you wish: Express (Malls / Convenience stores), strip mall (In-line or End-units) or freestanding units.  We are meeting with Mark Anderson, the CEO and founder of Brewster’s Chicken. Brewster's Chicken was developed for all the entrepreneurs that want to own a piece of America. AMERICA'S CHICKEN SANDWICH.  Open seven (7) days a week.Our Chicken is cage-free and Halal certified. Offering our Brewster's Chicken: Sandwiches, Tenders, and NuggetsFrench Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, and Beer-battered Onion Rings. Along with some premium sides; including a fresh tomato and mozzarella salad, and delicious premium desserts. In part 2, we will hear a clip from our Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.

We had an opportunity to meet with Fun Bus at the International Franchise Expo in NYC.  It’s more than a bus…. It’s an experience! FUN BUS Fitness FUN on Wheels® is THE Children’s “FUN Fitness Program”, with a low-cost, multiple revenue streams, and profitable operating system offering a FUN time, FUN talk and a FUN experience for everyone. The Company’s foundation is solid and based on our experienced and dedicated people. We are the first to make this type of business affordable, the ONLY franchise doing this, and for that reason, our group of Franchisees will be at the forefront of an industry that just now is coming into its own!! The Fun Bus has brought to life the philosophy to enhance children’s lives by using FUN as a tool to their learning while providing a structured environment to teach FITNESS to the young child. At the same time, we are focusing on providing a positive environment, building self-esteem, perfecting coordination and motor skills, physical fitness, and social interaction. (Not to mention lots of FUN!) We are meeting with Stacey Kimmins, the President of Fun Bus. www.funbuses.com In part 2, we will hear a clip from our Great Quotes in Franchising Podcast.

Back in 1993, Joanna Meiseles sought a hair salon that catered to her young children. But instead of a salon, she discovered a business opportunity. That’s because at each hair salon she visited, she either found (1) stylists not wanting to deal with wiggling, squirming kids (2) suboptimal cleanliness standards, or (3) little or no originality in the design. Joanna knew there had to be a better way to crop kid’s hair while keeping them entertained, so that kids would be captivated rather than tearful, and parents would be fascinated rather than fearful.  We are meeting with offer Kim Ellis, the VP of Franchise Development of Snip-Its

We are meeting with Jackie Jordan and Chris Gaba of the Central Bark Doggy Day Care franchise. Since 1997 and with over a million total dog visits to their system, Central Bark Doggy Day Care have learned more about dogs, dog socialization and dog behavior than any other company in the industry. It is that experience and expertise that sets Central Bark Doggy Day Care apart as the leader of the pack and the first and largest UnKennel franchise concept..  In part 2, we hear a clip of our interview with Chris Simnick, the founder of FranchiseTeacher.com from our Great Quotes In Franchising Podcast.

We are meeting with Sidharth Oberoi, President and Chief Academic Officer, Zaniac.  Zaniac is a fun, colorful campus where kids are doing stuff like Robotics with Legos, 3D Printing, learning about physics by playing Minecraft on the iPad, building, designing and selling their own Apps in the Google Play store, Coding for Girls and more. Some of the topics we will discuss on the show are the history of the organization, a typical day as a franchisee, and the training provided to franchisees.  We will also dive into the role technology plays in the organization and what types of individuals make good franchisees for the business.  Lastly, we address plans for the future as well as advice to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to buy a franchise.  Learn more by listening to this fantastic segment!

We are meeting with Dante Vespignani of Turma Inc. dba, The Entrepreneuers Source. Dante Vespignani has spent his entire career in the food and restaurant industry. Prior to starting Turma, Inc., he entered the business in 1973 with an Arby’s franchisee, growing the franchise to 21 restaurants with two full service concepts Tequila Junction and the Samari Steakhouse, Switching from franchise to company operations Vespignani held various senior management positions before leaving in 1993 as Director Operations NE United States, encompassing over 800 restaurants with 227 franchise groups. Prior to starting his own restaurant consulting firm he was the Director of Franchise Operations/Sales for a start up, full serve restaurant chain, growing that concept to over 100 restaurants. Turma, Inc., DBA The Entrepreneurs Source, evolved as a need based organization, bridging the gap for many franchise operators with different concepts, whose expertise was lacking in the areas of marketing, operations, P&L and cost analysis. Additionally, there was a need for his considerable consulting/coaching skills in mentoring would be business owners, thru the often muddy waters of business ownership. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, he attended The Pennsylvania State University, Blanchard Training and Development, Management 2000 and various American Management Association courses. Married and now living outside Portland Maine, his business acumen and experience gives him a unique perspective of the models necessary to succeed in the New England market

KLA Schools is an upscale preschool catering to children three months of age up to age six. KLA schools offers innovative early child care facilities along with a unique approach to early childhood education. The KLA Schools concept is inspired by cutting-edge educational philosophies including the Reggio Emilia Approach. KLA is building a world-class franchise organization that sets new standards for excellence within the children's educational services industry. Heavy reliance upon the Reggio Emilia Approach provides KLA with a different method than what has become the standard in American daycare and preschool franchises. Many parents who are seeking the best for their children are drawn to KLA's new system and the inspirational design of the schools. While childcare and preschool centers often lay claim to having a superior education program or curriculum, few back up this claim with a concrete, verifiable explanation.  We are meeting with Roberto Ortega, CEO and co-founder of KLA Schools.

The Pie Hole, the celebrated Los Angeles based pie and coffee concept, recently  announced the launch of its worldwide franchise program. Named to Conde Nast Traveler’s Best Pies in America list, The Pie Hole features sweet and savory, made-from-scratch pies and locally roasted premium coffee in a fast casual, local gathering space format.  We are meeting with Sean Brennan Founder/CEO The Pie Hole. We asked Sean what he looks for in his franchisees.  He suggested  if you have a passion to be part of the great American traditions of pie and coffee, you may be a perfect partner for The Pie Hole.  If you care about your community and want to provide made from scratch sweet and savory pies – you may be a perfect partner for The Pie Hole. If you want to own a business that does good in your community and makes the world a little happier one slice at a time- you may be a perfect partner for The Pie Hole.  The Pie Hole has franchise opportunities in many regions of the US and overseas.  In part 2, you will hear a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast with Steve Caldeira, the President of the International Franchise Association.

We are meeting with Trinity Hall, Senior Vice President of Development for Dickey's Barbecue Pit.  Every Dickeys Barbecue Pit location smokes all of their meats on-site at the restaurant the same way it was done in 1941. Over the years Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has been recognized by journals and business magazines.  Some include the following: “Top 100 List: Private Companies”   Dallas Business Journal “Top Fastest Growing Companies” by Inc. Magazine Dickey's serves up beef brisket, pulled pork, ham, polish sausage, turkey breast and chicken, with an extensive array of home-style sides from jalapeño beans to macaroni and cheese. Buttery rolls are served with every meal along with the complimentary ice cream and dill pickles. And just like always, kids eat free on Sunday.