The Franchise Hot Seat Podcast with Dr. John P. Hayes - Director, Titus Center for Franchising cover art

The Franchise Hot Seat Podcast with Dr. John P. Hayes - Director, Titus Center for Franchising

The Franchise Hot Seat Podcast with Dr. John P. Hayes - Director, Titus Center for Franchising

By: Dr. John P Hayes
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Internationally recognized speaker, personal business coach and Amazon best-selling franchise author Dr. John Hayes offers an honest look at everything involved in researching, evaluating and purchasing a franchise business. On this podcast, Dr. John P Hayes interviews Franchisors, Franchisees, and has solo episodes giving valuable advice in the Franchise Industry. Since 1979, John Hayes has worked in the franchise community as a consultant, franchisee and franchisor. He’s one of an elite group worldwide that has actually owned and operated franchises, including serving as CEO of a major American franchisor company, and advised franchisors and franchisees. He is the author of several franchise-related books and countless articles that have appeared in media worldwide. Dr. Hayes has served for many years as an advisor to franchisors, franchisees and small business owners internationally. His areas of expertise include management development, marketing, customer service, training and strategic planning. He is the author or co-author of 18 non-fiction books including Franchising: The Inside Story, Start Small, Finish Big, You Can’t Teach A Kid To Ride A Bike At A Seminar, and most recently Buy “Hot” Franchises Without Getting Burned. Keywords: franchise tax board , chick fil a franchise , the franchise guy , best franchise to own , franchise business , buying a franchise , franchise opportunities , opening a franchise , owning a franchise© 2025 The Franchise Hot Seat Podcast with Dr. John P. Hayes - Director, Titus Center for Franchising Career Success Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • The Future of Franchising with Franzy - With Alex Smereczniak
    Nov 24 2025

    DESCRIPTION:

    John Hayes interviews Alex Smereczniak, the co-founder and CEO of Franzy, in the

    Franchise Hot Seat Podcast. Alex presents Franzy as a comprehensive platform for

    potential franchisees, likening it to 'Zillow for franchising.' The platform aggregates

    vital data such as financials, consumer sentiments, and franchisee feedback. The

    interview explores Alex's professional journey, from transforming a laundry service

    into a franchise model to establishing Franzy. The conversation also discusses the

    transition from being a franchisor to a franchise supplier, the integral role of AI in

    Franzy, and the critical importance of comprehensive franchisee profiling for

    successful matches. The podcast also covers various industry insights, including the

    need for a systematic approach, the potential influence of AI on the job market, and

    the future of franchising in light of emerging technologies. The episode underscores

    the importance of informed decision-making in franchising and the innovative ways

    Franzy is striving to transform this process.

    - With Alex Smereczniak.

    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 Intro

    00:16 What is Franzi?

    01:02 How did you get into franchising?

    03:00 What problem does Franzi solve?

    06:26 What makes Franzi's approach unique?

    12:04 How does Franzi use AI and data?

    16:00 How does Franzi monetize ethically?

    22:52 Identifying good vs. bad franchise opportunities?

    31:34 What is AI's role in franchising?

    37:03 How to future-proof a franchise investment?

    LINKS:

    WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • The Potential of a Veteran Franchisee - Insights from Bob McCracken
    Nov 17 2025

    DESCRIPTION:

    John Hayes, a franchising professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University and host of the

    Franchise Hot Seat Podcast, converses with Bob McCracken, an Air Force and Air

    National Guard veteran and Hot Head Burritos franchisee. They delve into why

    veterans make exceptional franchisees, highlighting the discipline, meticulousness,

    and plan-following abilities honed during military service. They also discuss the

    Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative (VetFran), a program providing financial

    benefits to veterans venturing into franchising, founded by Don Dwyer of the Dwyer

    Group. Bob recounts his personal franchising experience, from managing multiple

    franchises before the COVID-19 pandemic to effectively running a single unit. The

    conversation underscores the advantages of the VetFran program, encouraging

    more franchisors and veterans to join and leverage these opportunities

    - With Bob McCracken

    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 Intro

    00:32 Who is veteran franchisee Bob McCracken?

    01:03 Why are veterans great franchise owners?

    02:49 What is the VetFran story?

    08:35 Bob's Hot Head Burritos journey?

    10:57 Best way to encourage veteran franchising?

    16:10 Final advice for veteran entrepreneurs?

    LINKS:

    WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • Legal Tips & Market Insights - With Rocky Reidel
    Nov 10 2025

    DESCRIPTION:

    John Hayes, host of the Franchise Hot Seat, engages in a comprehensive discussion

    with Schuyler "Rocky" Reidel, founder of the Reidel Law Firm, on various pressing

    and contentious topics in the franchising industry. They emphasize the crucial role of

    specialized legal advice in franchising, particularly during a government shutdown

    that affects SBA loans. Rocky underscores the importance for franchisees to

    comprehend their responsibilities and limitations within franchise agreements, and

    the significance of thoroughly understanding the Franchise Disclosure Document

    (FDD). The conversation also explores the issues arising from private equity

    ownership in franchising and its potential effects on franchisees. A significant part of

    the discussion is dedicated to Subway's market difficulties and the problems caused

    by remodeling requirements. The dialogue concludes with a reflection on the

    difficulties faced by McDonald's franchisees, the repercussions of unfavorable

    franchising conditions in states like California, and the imperative of due diligence

    for potential franchisees. - With Schuyler "Rocky" Reidel.

    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 Intro

    00:37 Why is legal guidance crucial in franchising?

    01:19 What is a franchise agreement?

    02:26 How do SBA loans impact franchising?

    06:08 Biggest franchising challenges and misconceptions?

    19:23 What is the FDD's role?

    28:26 How does FTC regulate franchising?

    33:40 How is private equity changing franchising?

    44:18 Why is Subway struggling?

    52:52 Biggest challenges in food franchising?

    LINKS:

    WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast



    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
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