• Creating Effective Marketing Strategies - With Jack Monson
    Aug 25 2025

    DESCRIPTION:

    John Hayes, host of the Franchise Hot Seat Podcast, interviews Jack Monson, Chief

    Growth Officer at Thunder Lee Marketing and host of the Social Geek podcast. They

    delve into Monson's marketing and client acquisition roles, his franchising journey,

    and the significance of fostering enduring relationships in the franchise sector. The

    discussion encompasses effective marketing tactics, the use of social media

    platforms like LinkedIn, and the importance of content creation for franchise growth.

    Monson provides insights into the difficulties of generating and nurturing franchise

    leads, and the necessity of maintaining consistency in digital marketing initiatives.

    He later underscores the value of training franchise sales teams, acknowledging the

    contributions of the Titus Center. The episode concludes with conversations about

    the Social Geek podcast and the importance of tenacity in content creation.

    - With Jack Monson.

    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 Intro

    00:22 What does a CGO do?

    01:07 Why relationships matter in franchising?

    03:03 How did you discover franchising?

    08:30 How has franchise marketing evolved?

    12:02 Attracting next-gen franchisees how?

    17:18 Best social media for franchising?

    22:35 Most inspiring franchise success story?

    26:14 Biggest franchise sales challenges?

    40:46 LinkedIn lead generation tips?

    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

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    48 mins
  • Risks, Rewards, and Legal Advice - With Alaina B. Karsten
    Aug 18 2025

    DESCRIPTION:

    John Hayes, host of Franchise Hot Seat, engages in a detailed discussion with Alaina

    B. Karsten from McDonald Hopkins, a professional with significant experience in

    advising franchisors and franchisees and handling litigation. The conversation

    revolves around the intricacies and potential risks associated with franchising,

    underlining the necessity of carefully examining franchise agreements and fully

    comprehending the long-term commitments and responsibilities they entail. Alaina

    underscores the importance of franchisees performing due diligence, seeking legal

    counsel, and fully understanding their contracts, particularly in relation to

    termination, renewal, and the use of advertising funds. She provides insights into

    frequent legal issues such as curable and non-curable defaults, franchisor price

    control, and the rights of franchisees in the event of disputes. The discussion also

    covers the challenges and possible advantages of franchise investment, highlighting

    the benefits of economies of scale and the significance of comprehensive franchisor

    support and training.

    - With Alaina B. Karsten.

    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 Intro

    00:22 Franchising realities vs expectations?

    03:07 Does franchising offer advantages?

    04:26 Biggest franchising risks/costs?

    07:12 Key franchise agreement clauses?

    12:14 Curable vs non-curable defaults?

    17:00 Franchisee due diligence checklist?

    21:04 Trademark requirements for franchisors?

    23:28 Resolving franchise disputes how?

    33:45 Advertising fund obligations fair?

    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

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    45 mins
  • From News Reporter to Franchise Mogul - With John Brice
    Aug 11 2025

    DESCRIPTION:

    John Hayes, host of Franchise Hot Seat, interviews former TV news reporter John

    Brice, who transitioned into a successful franchisee and is now preparing to become

    a franchisor. Brice's introduction to franchising came through a family friend who

    owned a McDonald's franchise. This sparked his interest and led him to owning eight

    McDonald's restaurants. He later became an area developer for Firehouse Subs and

    the largest U.S. franchisee of Pro Shred Security. Brice discusses the challenges and

    rewards of franchise ownership, including financial risks and the necessity of

    comprehensive training programs. He is currently preparing to become a franchisor

    with his wife's business, Ana's Killer Empanadas, with plans to expand the gourmet

    empanada chain. Brice stresses the importance of adhering to established systems

    and maintaining a hands-on approach in the business. He also shares his

    involvement with the Titus Center for Franchising, highlighting the value of shared

    knowledge and the promising prospects for students interested in the franchising

    industry.

    - With John Brice.

    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00: Intro

    00:17 How did John discover franchising?

    01:38 McDonald's franchise lessons learned?

    03:49 Managing multiple franchises how?

    05:54 Biggest franchise ownership challenges?

    08:05 Best advice for new franchisees?

    20:32 Most inspiring franchise success stories?

    25:19 Ideal franchisee traits?

    27:30 Why empanadas for franchising?

    30:28 Expansion plans for Killer Empanadas?

    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

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    46 mins
  • Smart Funding Strategies - With Shay Kleinschmidt
    Aug 4 2025

    DESCRIPTION:

    John Hayes, host of Franchise Hot Seat, interviews Shay Kleinschmidt, Vice President

    of Funding at Fran Fund, a company based in Fort Worth, Texas, that provides

    funding solutions to franchisees nationwide. Kleinschmidt discusses the changing

    franchising landscape, stressing the importance of early and tailored funding

    strategies. She also highlights the role of AI in enhancing lending processes,

    including a lender match system that matches client profiles with appropriate

    lenders. The discussion encompasses various funding products such as SBA loans,

    the rollover 401k program (ROBS), and traditional non-SBA loans. Kleinschmidt

    outlines the process of obtaining an SBA loan, indicating that approval typically

    takes between 30 and 120 days depending on the type of business. She emphasizes

    the need for potential investors to understand the franchise disclosure document

    (FDD) and supports calls with existing franchisees. The episode highlights Fran

    Fund's role in helping clients navigate the complexities of securing franchise

    funding.

    - With Shay Kleinschmidt.

    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:59 How tech changed franchise lending?

    01:59 When to start funding talks?

    03:02 Most popular loan products?

    05:35 Best alternative lending options?

    12:33 Typical borrowing costs/fees?

    15:47 How economy impacts franchising?

    20:51 SBA franchise approval process?

    24:41 Hottest franchise categories now?

    30:35 Best advice for new franchisees?

    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

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    38 mins
  • Empowering Women in Business - With Alesia Visconti
    Jul 28 2025

    DESCRIPTION:

    John Hayes interviews Alesia Visconti on Franchise Hot Seat, where she discusses

    her transition from corporate America to franchising, a move sparked by

    disillusionment. Visconti, owner of Fran Serve and author of 'The Pink Tsunami:

    Women's Rise in Franchising', highlights the lack of awareness about franchising

    opportunities, especially for women. She underscores the variety of roles within

    franchising, not limited to being a franchisee, but also including franchise

    consultants and suppliers. The conversation covers the changing franchising

    landscape, the significance of integrity and growth, and the growing international

    opportunities. Visconti expresses her support for the Titus Center for Franchising and

    her dedication to aiding young individuals in finding fulfilling franchising careers.

    The discussion provides valuable insights into how franchising can offer rewarding

    careers, particularly for women looking for alternatives to traditional corporate roles.

    - With Alesia Visconti.

    TIMESTAMPS:

    01:42 How did you discover franchising?

    02:50 Why leave corporate America?

    04:04 Becoming franchise consultant how?

    06:57 Franchising challenges vs opportunities?

    21:40 Women's role in franchising?

    25:58 Best franchising paths for women?

    28:09 What do franchise consultants do?

    33:43 Non-food franchise opportunities?

    39:21 International franchising strategies?

    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

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    45 mins
  • The 3Natives Story - With Anthony Bambino
    Jul 21 2025

    DESCRIPTION:

    Anthony Bambino, the founder and CEO of 3Natives, shares his journey from a

    traveling salesman to the owner of a successful acai cafe franchise in Florida on the

    Franchise Hot Seat. He discusses the transformation of 3Natives from a single juice

    bar to a rapidly expanding franchise with 48 stores and more under development.

    Bambino talks about his experiences with franchising, the initial struggles, the

    significance of company culture, and the importance of finding the right franchisee

    fit. He also emphasizes the value of mentorship and collaboration with institutions

    like the Titus Center for Franchising to promote growth and success. Bambino

    underscores the importance of adaptability, passion, and strong leadership in

    building a successful franchise business.

    - With Anthony Bambino

    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:23 How a salesman became an entrepreneur?

    02:02 What inspired Three Natives?

    04:18 Biggest early business lessons?

    07:11 First franchising challenges faced?

    11:43 Building franchise culture how?

    23:41 Reinventing franchise inspections why?

    25:57 Hardest part of franchising?

    29:40 Expanding beyond Florida when?

    40:47 Why does the Titus Center matter?

    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
    47 mins
  • Success, Support & Community in Franchising - With Madalina Iordache
    Jun 9 2025

    DESCRIPTION:

    John Hayes interviews Madalina Iordache, founder of Bright Pink Agency, on the

    Franchise Hot Seat Podcast. They explore Iordache's transition from Romania to the

    United States, her journalism career, and her shift into the franchising industry.

    Iordache recounts her initial experiences in the U.S., her introduction to the

    franchising industry in 2008, and her substantial contributions to brands such as

    Puro Clean. The discussion emphasizes the significance of culture, community, and

    support in the franchising industry, drawing comparisons with non-franchise

    businesses. They underscore the distinctive features of franchising, including

    mentorship, collective success, and its transformative effect on small business

    owners, advocating for the supportive and organized environment franchising

    provides in contrast to independent business ventures.

    - Madalina Iordache.

    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 Intro

    00:35 The Name Game and Romanian Roots

    01:43 Journey to the United States

    02:21 Early Career and Personal Life

    07:02 Discovering Franchising

    09:16 The Impact of Franchising

    15:39 Franchising Success Stories

    19:46 The Importance of Culture in Franchising

    20:34 Learning from Franchise Systems

    21:33 Franchising vs. Non-Franchising Businesses

    22:38 The Unique Advantages of Franchising

    27:51 Criticisms and Misconceptions of Franchising

    30:18 The Role of Creativity in Franchising

    35:51 Adapting Franchises to Local Markets

    37:08 The Opportunity Franchising Provides

    38:53 Final Thoughts

    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • Real Estate in Retail Franchising - With Larry Strain
    Jun 2 2025

    DESCRIPTION:

    Dr. John Hayes interviews Larry Strain, Chief Development Officer of Retro Fitness, in

    the Franchise Hot Seat episode, discussing the complexities of real estate in retail

    franchising. Larry shares his three-decade experience in retail development,

    highlighting the changes brought about by e-commerce giants like Amazon. He

    underscores the growing significance of service-based retailers, particularly fitness

    centers, and the real estate challenges they encounter, such as competition for

    space and parking needs. Larry points out the crucial role of franchisors in

    supporting franchisees, especially newcomers, by managing broker negotiations,

    lease terms, and construction. He compares the ease of development between

    various brands he has worked with, including Starbucks and McDonald’s, and

    identifies key factors for long-term franchisee success, such as understanding

    customer needs and reinvesting in the business. The conversation also covers the

    cyclical nature of the real estate market, the importance of choosing the right

    location, and the impact of institutional pressures on franchise sales and selection

    criteria.

    - With Larry Strain.

    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 Introduction

    00:29 The State of Retail and Fitness Franchising

    01:21 Challenges in Real Estate for Fitness Franchises

    02:24 Iconic Brands and Real Estate Development

    04:32 Navigating Real Estate for New Franchisees

    07:36 Franchisor Support in Real Estate

    10:53 The Importance of Strategic Real Estate Planning

    24:13 Traits of Top Performing Franchisees

    32:27 The Role of Strategy in Franchise Expansion

    33:32 Food vs. Fitness Franchises

    34:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    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

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    36 mins