The Dirt Dog Pod

Nate Minnis, Head of Real Estate for Smalls Sliders, joins us on the Dirt Dog Pod. Nate has spent over 15 years working with different brands learning all the ins-and-outs of the franchise business model. Nate has spent time working and consulting for many brands like: Great Clips, Jimmy John's, and Orange Theory Fitness before joining Smalls Sliders in 2023. Nate shares his expertise and shows the passion and drive that the "Smalls Squad" has for their quickly growing brand.In this episode, we discuss:Nate shares his view of searching for sites and the importance of being a hands-on dirt dog.The importance of working to take emotion out of business decisions like opening a new store location.The distinct look and design that sets Smalls Sliders apart as it works to grow its fanbase.

Andrew Smith, Managing Director & Co-Founder of The Savory Fund, transitioned from tech to the restaurant industry, diving into entrepreneurship with his wife, Shauna. They discuss the essential balance between rapid growth and sustainable success, likening it to a marathon. Andrew shares his insights on strategic growth for restaurant ventures and the importance of data-driven decisions. The couple also reflects on the unique challenges of running a business together while navigating industry complexities, showcasing their commitment to nurturing emerging brands.

Don Ikeler, Director of Development - West Region for Chick-Fil-A, joins us on the Dirt Dog Pod. Don has spent the last 17 years working for Chick-Fil-A after spending the early years of his career with a couple other notable QSRs including McDonald's. Don has seen Chick-Fil-A grow from an unknown brand to the leader in the fast food world and has been a big part of their expansion in the western US. Don shares his wealth of experiences with us and gives us a glimpse under the hood of the chicken giant.In this episode, we discuss:Don's early experiences with the brand before it became what we know it as today.Don's thoughts on developing in different markets across the West including Hawaii.What Don believes is the next big frontier of growth for Chick-Fil-A in the near future.

Garrett Reed, the CEO of Layne's Chicken Fingers, joins us on the Dirt Dog Pod. Garrett spent years of his career developing real estate building over 500 different projects. After an extremely successful career in development, Garrett and his family made a drastic change when they purchased Layne's Chicken Fingers and started to grow the brand. Garrett has now been the owner-operator of Layne's for over 7 years and is extremely passionate about the brand.In this episode, we discuss:- Garretts choice to leave his thriving development company to buy and run Layne's.- The passion and excitement that the Reed family has for the brand.- The level of thought that Layne's team puts into the tiniest of details to get stores running as successfully as possible.

Daren Spicer, the Co-Founder of Clutch Coffee Bar, joins us on the Dirt Dog Pod. Darren has spent a good chunk of his career in the coffee space, working at Dutch Bros for a number of years in his youth. At one point, Darren was working through the process of becoming a Dutch Bros franchisee but decided to take a different route and create his own coffee brand, Clutch. In this episode, we discuss:Darren's wild ride from Dutch Bros to medical device sales to founding Clutch Coffee Bar.The story of creating their own energy drink and how it had to be just right to pass their standards.Darren's plans for the future of the brand and how they think they can start to expand past the 14 stores they currently have across the Carolinas.

Dave Reiseman, Chief Growth Officer at EOS Fitness, brings nearly 15 years of industry experience from Gold's Gym. He shares insights on the crucial role of cleanliness, friendliness, and service in gym success. The conversation explores the evolving gym structure, innovative growth strategies, and the impact of COVID-19 on fitness culture. Reiseman emphasizes the importance of customer engagement and the unique value EOS Fitness offers through its offerings. His passion for fitness and community shines throughout, pointing to a bright future for the brand.

Dannon Shiff, Senior Vice President of Real Estate for Dave's Hot Chicken, joins us on The Dirt Dog Pod. Dannon has been with Dave's since the brand was in single-digit store count. They are now pushing up to 300 locations across the US, Canada, and the Middle East! Dannon has been a large part of their explosive growth over the last 3 years to become one of the largest names in the hot chicken world. In this episode, we discuss:The wild story of the brand's beginnings of three friends in a parking lot.Dannon's view of what makes Dave's stand out in a world with a lot of chicken-based concepts.Dannon's image of what the brand can become and what sort of spaces they can find success in.

Gerardo Flores, The Chief Development Officer for Marco's Pizza joins us on the Dirt Dog Pod. Gerardo has worked in multiple national franchise chains throughout his 20-year career including, Quiznos, Jersey Mike's, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and now Marco's Pizza. Gerardo has been working at Marco's for almost three years and has been a major part of opening over 200 locations in that time. Gerardo has become an expert in all things franchise real estate and has loads of interesting insight to share.In this episode, we discuss:Gerardo's time with Marco's and their goals for growth in the near future.The many small operational aspects that go into a franchise-based company like Marco's Pizza.Interesting facts about the ways that a pizza company runs differently than other QSRs that Gerardo has been a part of in the past.

Russ Smith, Former Development Director at Wendy's, joins us on The Dirt Dog Pod. Russ worked for years as the Director of Real Estate for Mrs. Fields before moving on to Wendy's, where he stayed for 26 years. Russ has worked closely with Chris on a number of deals and has always been seen as a mentor in both business and life in general. Russ has a sort of contagious positivity that he brings to all aspects of life.In this episode, we discuss: Russ' amazing career including over 2 decades at Wendy's working to expand their footprint in the western US. The power of networking and relationships in the real estate industry. Russ' inspiring outlook on life as a whole. He embodies the belief that positive thinking and optimism lead to good things.

Rob Ertmann is the CEO of Mo Bettah's, a Hawaiian-style food concept based in Salt Lake City that has grown to have a cult following. Serving Katsu, teriyaki chicken, mac salad, and rice, this brand is taking over the space with 60 locations in the US. Rob tells us all about the amazing culture at the company and their plans for growth in the future.In this episode, we discuss:- The background of the brand and the brothers that started Mo Bettah's with little experience in food.- Rob's amazing health story and how the culture of the company has contributed to his weight loss story.- The future plans for the brand and how they believe slow and steady is the best course of action to maintain a strong presence in the restaurant space.