Franchise Interviews

David Pikoff, co-founder of Games2U, launched the mobile video game theater franchise in Austin, TX in 2007. To date, they have sold more than 25 franchises, and plan to have more than 100 up and running by the end of the 2009. David will talk about how Games2U is quickly replacing “same-old” traditional birthday celebrations such as bowling, ice skating and pizza parties. He will discuss how he and Stuart came up with the idea for Games2U and what it is like working side by side with a sibling. David can also share their current strategies for helping to expand the business throughout the country. About Games2U - Games2U is transforming the video gaming and party industry. Founded in 2007 by brothers David and Stuart Pikoff, Games2U offers an interactive, state-of-the-art entertainment alternative for birthday, corporate and community gatherings. With parties starting at $199, the franchise is quickly becoming one of the hottest attractions at outdoor events and community and corporate gatherings.

As stated on Amazon.com's editorial review, the story of angel investing is long on opinion and short on data; this book does the opposite and makes a valuable contribution to this emerging financing niche with a practical and skeptical data centric approach to understanding what is going on in the world of angels." --Ian Sobieski, Managing Director, Band of Angels "What do we think we are doing? Scott Shane shows that we're not consistently targeting the best investments, or the best terms; that we're not as professional as venture capitalists--and our results reflect this lack of focus. Become a professional angel investor; start here to first learn the mistakes and omissions that angel investing is fraught with."--Frank Peters, Chairman, Board of Governors, Tech Coast Angels, Host, theFrankPetersShow.com "Venture capitalists, policy makers and entrepreneurs should read this book and take note. Scott Shane has uncovered the mythology surrounding angel investing by examining the facts and drawing crystal clear conclusions. I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone, especially VCs, aiming to understand how they should engage with business angels in the future"--Simon Barnes, Venture Capitalist with Tate and Lyle Ventures "Finally, the truth! Follow the facts in Fool's Gold? It is the entrepreneurs' guide to angel investing."--Barry Moltz, angel investor, entrepreneur, and author of Bounce "There is so much confusion today in the market place regarding start-up and angel financing. Having a definitive, factual based book about the subject is not only refreshing but a 'must have' if you are contemplating using this form of financing for your new company. Understanding how to finance your new company issuch an important decision, learn as much as you can about that process by owning this book."--Randall Bambrough, Silicon Valley CFO and Lecturer at Santa Clara University

Throughout his 20-plus-year career, franchise veteran Steven Beagelman has acted as both entrepreneur and senior level executive, giving him a unique insight and perspective in growing, operating, and building brands. A frequent guest speaker at International Franchise Association conferences, Beagelman is also a regular contributor to franchise industry publications as both source and author, as well as a contributor to a new franchise book, So You Want to Franchise Your Business. He has also been quoted numerous times as an expert in Franchise Times; New York Times; Nation’s Restaurant News; and Newsday.

Sean Fitzgerald will talk about his recent 2nd place STAR award for overall best practices at the Franchise Update Conference and the sales techniques and changes he made at Wireless Zone to go from 30 leads a month to generating 300 leads a month today! Wireless Zone ranked 1st in its category, and was named one of the top 100 fast-growing franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine. Also, by the end of December 2008, Wireless Zone opened 60 new stores, and anticipates 100 locations to open in 2009. Since stores are closing around the nation because of the economic climate, including 133 Sprint stores, Sean will talk about why a wireless communication franchise still finds growth even in this economic climate.

It started back in 1956 and was originally called Mike's Subs. Mike opened the small shop in the sea-side town of Point Pleasant, New Jersey. You have to remember that in 1956, there were very few franchise restaurants or hamburger chains. No chain pizza, chicken or taco restaurants, either. In 1956, proprietors or mom-and-pop businesses would open their stores in basic storefront locations like you see here. To survive and thrive, they had to offer exceptional quality products, coupled with unparalleled service. In 1956, Mike was unique in that the product he was offering was a relatively new item in American society — the submarine sandwich. Mike also benefited from the geographic location of his store. Point Pleasant, New Jersey is centrally located in the state on the legendary Jersey Shore. The rest is history!

January 22, 2009 With the current imploding economy, money is tight and new business opportunities prove risky. In times like these, one must take calculated risks and when seeking money-making opportunities, must invest wisely. Opening a home-based business with little expenditures and minimal staff may be the answer. Speak to Allan Young, the CEO/Co-founder of ShelfGenie, which is a concept that designs, builds and installs Glide-Out shelving systems that are custom-built to fit into existing cabinets.

Without a college degree Mike Nero, CEO and Founder of Naturell, ventured out to the world of becoming an eco-preneur way before going green was considered "cool." Nero had been an employee for a carpet cleaning business and saw the harmful chemicals that were being used in the cleaning solutions. Nero was determined to find a solution that would be less harmful and completely organic. After all, wet carpet and dark places is the ultimate breeding ground for mold and mildew to grow - and to have your kids and pets rolling around on that is a little unsettling to the stomach.

Whether it’s called a hoagie, a hero, a grinder, a spuckie, a poor boy or a wedge, the sub sandwich has proved to be a mainstay in the diets of countless Midwesterners. This familiarity is due in large part to Bill Specht and Jim Sheppard’s brainchild, Cousins Subs, which opened its first location on Milwaukee’s 60th Street in 1972. After nearly 40 years, the brand has grown to approximately 150 locations in nine states and continues to offer its customers the freshest breads, meats and toppings. The Menomonee Falls-based company recently announced plans to increase its number of units to roughly 170 and, through continued growth in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Arizona and North Dakota, hopes to have 220 restaurants in operation by 2010. Poised For Growth: How has this local company succeeded in having a national presence? What’s the strategy behind their steady growth? What does Cousins Subs attribute to their almost four decades of success? Like Father, Like Daughter: Bill Specht’s daughter, Christine, started working at Cousins Subs when she was 15 years old. Now 34, she assumed the role of president and COO in March 2008. Speak to Christine about her transition from making subs, bussing tables and running the register to being Cousins Subs’ head honcho. Keeping It Fresh: After nearly 40 years in business, how does Cousins Subs continue to keep up with the ever-changing market? Tune in and find out how they have continued to thrive.

ValPak: Layoffs and the down economy have consumers scrambling for more ways to save money. Valpak is bringing savings right to resident's doorsteps with their business. Today we have the pleasure of meeting with Kevin Drudge, Manager of Franchise DevelopmentValpak is one of the nation's leading direct mail companies delivering coupons to more than 45 million households in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Through its combined products, including online savings portal Valpak.com, Cox Target Media - which owns and operates Valpak -delivers.

Just in time for the new year! Our guest today spent over 15 years as a sports television producer – working with ABC Sports, ESPN and others. He also founded a travel company that became the official travel service of Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando and the University of Notre Dame. In 1998, he joined an international franchise company with 1,000 locations, and served as senior vice president in charge of marketing for their nine brands. Four years ago, he started Success Handler – a professional business coaching firm to help leaders discover their desires and achieve their goals. Please welcome…The Coach…David Handler.