Franchise Advisory Board | Expert Franchising Advice for Franchise Leaders

Welcome to another thrilling episode of The Advisory Board Podcast, brought to you by our episode sponsor, ClientTether! Get ready for some actionable advice from the real franchising experts. In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting the incredible Zach Beutler, Founding Partner of Horsepower Brands, who's a total rockstar when it comes to franchise development. With over 15 brands and close to 5000 territories under his belt, Zach is here to drop some serious knowledge bombs.Territory strategy is absolutely crucial when it comes to building a successful franchise, and Zach dives headfirst into this topic. But hey, let's get one thing straight - territories don't automatically equal moolah. It's all about the placements, baby! Zach spills the beans on how to build up those metro markets with more owners and optimize truck density per metro. Oh, and did we mention that Horsepower Brands averages just over 3 territories per placement? They're all about growing the brand and individual territories, giving the franchis owner more earning potential!Now, let's talk about one of the biggest mistakes in franchising - giving away too much territory. It's like having a big ol' pizza and only taking a tiny bite, ya feel? According to Zach, many businesses make this mistake, building territories that are way too big. But profitable concepts are all about density, baby! Zach spills the tea on how to optimize that Geographical Business Plan (GBP) and operate within a 2.5 mile radius for optimal results. Oh, and he even gives a rad example of splitting Dallas along the George Bush Turnpike border. Talk about mapping like a boss!But wait, there's more! Zach breaks down the key steps to building an optimal mapping strategy. Pre-mapping the country is a must, but don't forget to pay attention to those county rules, my friend. Permitting and licensing laws can be a total buzzkill, so make sure you're in the know. And hey, understanding true demographic behavior is a game-changer. Different income levels require different marketing approaches, so don't sleep on those lower-income sectors. They could be your ticket to some serious revenue!Oh, and let's not forget about multi-packs, baby! Zach spills the beans on how to determine how many to sell. It's all about finding that sweet spot, my friend. And hey, don't go giving away your territory like it's Halloween candy. Territory is a limited commodity, so hold onto it tight. If you need some expert guidance or professional services to nail that mapping strategy, don't hesitate to reach out.Get ready to level up your franchise game with Zach's amazing insights. Trust us, this episode is pure gold. Tune in now and get ready to dominate the franchising world! And huge shoutout to our sponsor, ClientTether, for making this episode possible.

In this episode of The Advisory Board Podcast, we sit down with Adam Povlitz, the dynamic CEO of Anago Cleaning Systems.A second-generation leader, Adam gives us an insider's view of the journey from a childhood surrounded by the family business to steering Anago Cleaning Systems to new heights.Anago Cleaning Systems, established in 1989, boasts 1800 unit franchises and has secured its place at #36 on Entrepreneur 500. Adam, a second-degree Blackbelt in Tae Kwan Do, introduces us to the three-tier franchise system comprising the Corporate office, Master Franchise, and Unit franchise.We explore Adam's unconventional path to the CEO role, starting at the bottom in 2009 after leaving a high-flying finance job. Adam's experience, including emptying diaper pails in a daycare, was a humbling journey that allowed him to understand the business from every angle.Succession planning was always on the horizon, and Adam shares his father's sage advice: gain experience outside the family business and earn your stripes in corporate America.The transition to leadership came in 2015 when Adam became the CEO, bringing both challenges and growth opportunities.During the challenging times of COVID, Anago Cleaning Systems pivoted from a bottom-line expense to an essential service. Adam details the decision-making process, the importance of team collaboration, and the realization that he was wearing all the C-Suite hats simultaneously.The hardest part of this transformative journey, according to Adam, was realizing that he couldn't do it all.Transitioning from a lifestyle business to a true enterprise brought unique challenges, especially in navigating technology and time constraints.However, the results speak volumes.In just 18 months, Adam hired six executives and successfully reached a $100 million goal. Now, with eyes set on the future, the plan is to hit $300 million by 2028.Adam leaves us with words of wisdom: Build everything to scale, as if you're aiming to be a big enterprise.This episode is a goldmine for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs, offering insights into leadership, growth strategies, and the power of scaling for success.Tune in to learn from Adam Povlitz's journey and discover the keys to transforming a business into a true enterprise! #LeadershipJourney #BusinessTransformation #ScalingForSuccess

In this insightful episode of The Advisory Board Podcast, we welcome Drew Chalfant, Chief Operating Officer of FranDevCo, who shares his unique journey from being a recovering franchise attorney to a seasoned franchise expert. Drew's diverse background, including a stint in a rock band and working alongside a bartender reminiscent of Tom Cruise in "Cocktail," brings a refreshing perspective to responsible franchise growth.Drew delves into the essence of the modern franchise development model, emphasizing the importance of fostering a team where staff are true participants and leaders in the franchising journey. He raises the pivotal question of what responsible growth truly entails and discusses the critical need to recognize when it's time to throttle down franchise development.A central theme of the episode revolves around the quote that guides Drew: "You spent so much time trying to figure out how you could that you never tried to figure out if you should."Drew emphasizes the need to prioritize essential aspects such as proper operations support, efficient supply chain management, real estate considerations, and digital marketing strategies to maintain a balanced growth trajectory.Drew further highlights the legal ramifications of irresponsible growth in the franchise industry, cautioning against it and shedding light on potential lawsuits, especially in franchise sales. He emphasizes that franchisees seeking recourse from franchisors are not uncommon.A key insight Drew offers is that the true heroes of the franchise story are the franchisees. To grow a franchise brand responsibly, he advises having the right capital to invest in infrastructure, addressing franchisees' needs comprehensively, and measuring the true cost of supporting franchisees as an investment in their future successDrew's mantra, "Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast," underscores the importance of proving the franchise model before rapid expansion. He stresses the significance of having people with high emotional intelligence to support franchisees and recruit the right individuals to join your franchise.Finally,Drew recommends regular quarterly reviews of the organization's health, using tools like EOS/Traction to ensure alignment and progress. This episode is a valuable resource for anyone in the franchise industry, providing actionable insights and a roadmap to responsible franchise growth.Tune in to gain wisdom from Drew Chalfant on the Four Rules for Responsible Franchise Growth and discover how to navigate the dynamic world of franchising successfully.

In this captivating podcast episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Devin Johnson, the current Chief Executive Officer of Kennected, an Indianapolis-based SaaS company with a staggering 20,000+ users.Devin is not just an accomplished entrepreneur but also a visionary leader and marketing maestro. Under his leadership, Kennected has achieved unprecedented success, boasting 55 employees and an impressive $25 million in total sales, earning a spot on the prestigious INC. 5000 ranking at #438 with an astounding 1,102% growth in 2022.Devin's vision transcends mere business success; he aspires to build a world where relationships hold more value than money, fostering a culture of mutual support among professionals. This noble vision has led Kennected to be recognized as a "Top Place to Work" in Indianapolis.While he is thriving now, his life journey hasn't been without its share of challenges. At the age of 15, faced with a family struggling with adversity and a father actively selling drugs, he began reselling sneakers to earn money and eventually delved into the world of limited edition releases and flips. At 16, he took a step further by getting a moped and participating in trade shows. Tragically, at the age of 21, Devin's father passed away due to an overdose.Throughout these trials, Devin clung to a crucial mindset: "This isn't a forever thing."He discovered that focusing on small wins helped him overcome negativity, and he urged others to change their perspective and avoid getting stuck in the difficulties of the present moment. He emphasized the importance of not succumbing to a victim mindset.Devin also shared valuable insights about building confidence, creating ego, and harnessing momentum to move forward.He believes that you can control three critical aspects of your life: your mindset, your actions, and your reactions.When confronted with tough decisions, he stressed the importance of learning from them and transitioning from gut instincts to data-driven choices.Devin also touched on the significance of creating a robust business infrastructure, using an L10 meeting structure, and organizing finance-only meetings to drive the company forward.He defined confidence as keeping small promises to oneself and identified ego as the consistency in one's confidence, providing direction and personal and organizational momentum.Even when things seem to blow up, Devin reminded listeners that they already possess good people, processes, and technology.At the age of 26, he now leads a 55-person company, showcasing that no matter how tough things may appear, a fresh start awaits each day when you lay down to rest.Join us in this inspiring podcast as we explore Devin Johnson's remarkable journey from reselling sneakers to becoming the CEO of a thriving SaaS company, filled with wisdom, resilience, and valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders alike.

Join Dave Hansen in the Advisory Board Podcast as he discusses the future of marketing with Mike Bann, Co-Founder of Bann Business Solutions.Dive into:-The essence of intent-driven marketing.Harnessing AI for tailored campaigns. The power of first-party data.Results you can expect with Bann's approachWatch now to level up your marketing strategies! And for more expert insights, don't forget to subscribe to our channel.

Join host Dave Hansen as he talks to Stefan Figley, President of 1800 Pack Outs, about transforming franchising into a people-centric business. Stefan, a former professional tennis player and marketing analytics expert, shares his journey from working with Terminix/Service Master to becoming the CMO of Merry Maids and, ultimately, the President of 1800 Pack Outs.Here are some episode highlights:Creating Trust: Stefan explains that trust begins with the sales process and is all about delivery. He emphasizes the importance of owning your mistakes, using your Franchise Advisory Council (FAC), and getting your hands dirty to build trust and a strong relationship with your franchise owners. Fostering Innovation: Innovation is essential for the growth and success of a franchise system. Stefan discusses the need for a process to collect feedback and innovative ideas from franchise owners. He also shares how to properly conduct brainstorming sessions and use the FAC to prioritize and implement innovative ideas.Communication is Key: Effective communication is crucial for restoring trust, motivating people, building a collaborative network of franchise owners, and balancing innovation and conformity. Stefan shares insights on how to communicate openly and honestly through every channel, and the importance of apologies in restoring trust. Tune in to this episode to learn valuable lessons on building trust, fostering innovation, and effective communication in the franchising business from Stefan Figley, a leader with a super-power in working with people.

Join host Dave Hansen as he discusses the intricacies of consultative selling with Vaughn Sigmon, co-founder of Results-Driven Leadership and a veteran leader from CarMax. Gain insights into the strategies and mindset that earned Vaughn's division at CarMax the title “The People Factory.” Here are some episode highlights:Empathy Before Expertise: Understand the psychology of no-pressure sales. Vaughn emphasizes the importance of prioritizing clients' needs over the urge to sell, encapsulated by the principle: "Price is only an issue in the absence of value."Building Trust: Learn techniques to establish genuine connections, from active listening to effective questioning. Vaughn shares the power of paraphrasing and understanding the client's primary objectives and pain points.The 80/20 Rule of Sales: Discover why the most successful salespeople speak only 20% of the time during sales interactions. Learn why it's crucial to avoid rushing to address the first concern a customer brings up.

In this episode, host Dave Hansen sits down with Greg Longe, the seasoned CEO of Phoenix Franchise Brands, to dissect key aspects of the franchising industry: Building Strong Foundations: The essential 'Right Start Department' and its role in franchisee success.Streamlining Molly Maid: A look into reshaping team roles for better operational flow.Challenges at Fetch Petcare: The highs and lows during an 18-month franchise system transition.

Join Dave Hansen in this episode of the Advisory Board Podcast as he dives deep into the philosophy of Radical Candor with Jason Rosoff, CEO and co-founder alongside author Kim Scott. 🔸 Deep Dive into Radical Candor: Understand the fine balance between caring personally and challenging directly. Discover the pitfalls of Obnoxious Aggression, Manipulative Insincerity, and Ruinous Empathy. 🔸 Jason’s Personal Story: Relive a poignant moment from Jason’s time at Kahn Academy, illustrating the power of genuine feedback. 🔸 Practical Guidance: Learn actionable steps to apply Radical Candor in daily interactions, and know when you might be crossing the line.Jason's rich experience, from helping build Trello to being Chief People and Product officer at Kahn Academy, promises a wealth of insights for listeners. Don't miss out!

Welcome to another engaging episode of the Advisory Board Podcast with your host, Dave Hansen. Dive deep with our esteemed guest, Douglas Mark, President of Learning Zen, as we explore the nuances of scaling and learning within the franchising industry.Episode Highlights:📚 The friction and dynamics of learning in franchising, and the critical role content plays in shaping a franchise's culture.🎥 Tips and tools for creating compelling, engaging content that resonates with today’s learners.🎵 From a legacy with Johnny Cash to producing a rock album during the pandemic, discover the colorful tapestry of Douglas's journey.🤖 A look into leveraging the transformative power of AI and technology in training.👉 Tune in now to gain invaluable insights and strategies for your franchise journey! Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes packed with expertise on the Advisory Board Podcast.