All Interviews
Franchise Interview: Nesrien Shalabi, Founder and Owner of BodyJump Fitness
How did you get into the industry? My significant other at the time, showed me a YouTube video of foreigners jumping on a trampoline for exercise and it piqued my interest. I did my research and saw they where doing classes in New York. Within months, I booked a...
Franchise Interview: Sambit Duttaroy, Founder and Owner of Pizzeria Halt
How did you get into the industry?When I first moved here from India 2 years ago, I found that I couldn’t eat many foods here in the U.S. Not only was I lactose-intolerant, but I couldn’t digest the meat here. I began seeking out foods to help within my own personal...
Franchise Interview: Michelle Reagon, Founder and Owner, Bombshell Waxing
How did you get into the industry? For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a natural talent and love towards all things beauty. I pursued a career as an Esthetician, attending the Aveda Institute of New Orleans in 2004. By 2005, I was exceeding industry standards and...
Franchise Interview: Valerie Thompson, Founder of You Need Pie
How did you get into the industry?I learned to cook at an early age and in my family I have always been the person who plans all the family gatherings and it’s usually all about the food! I opened the bakery in the town I grew up in because there wasn’t a true bakery...
Franchise Interview: Kris Logsdon, Founder of DipStx Mobile Oil Change
How did you get into the industry?In 2018, Kris Logsdon started out first brand as Dipstix Mobile Lube Service as a part-time startup to make a little extra income as well as to solve a constant problem of trying to find time in our busy schedules to get our vehicle...
Franchise Interview: Dennis Siggins and Andy Brennan, Owners of American Gutter Monkeys
How did you get into the industry? Andy and I have been friends for forty years, and we saw the most underserved market (gutter cleaning) that I have ever seen. Nobody wants to do this work, and yet every house needs this service. Our original thoughts have proven...
Franchise Interview: Kika Wise, Franchise Consultant, Entrepreneur, and Founder of Kika Stretch Franchise
How did you get into the industry?I decided to get into the franchise industry, so I could grow my brand, with a team of people, without having to sacrifice time with my family. I have a passion for helping people and I believe 100% in entrepreneurship. Franchising...
Franchise Interview: Alp Franko, Founder and Owner — The Local Culinary
How did you get into the industry?I saw an opportunity in the restaurant sector. I invested in different restaurants. I saw this ghost kitchen concept was coming slowly and I knew we needed to do something new and trendy. We created the first ghost kitchen in Miami....
Franchise Interview: Heather Bryan, Founder of Jupiter & Company
How did you get into the industry? After college my dad and I came up with the idea to personalize products onsite during events. We secured the PGA Tour including the Ryder Cup (our first event) which is similar to the Olympics of golf. I travelled 32 weeks a year...
Franchise Interview: Rob Arnold, CEO of Launch Trampoline Park
How did you get into the industry?In 1993 I got my first taste of entrepreneurship. I was 11 years old, owned a snow shovel, and RI experienced record breaking snowfall that winter. From that point on, I was convinced that working for myself was the path I needed to...
Franchise Interview: Shawna Rollins, CEO, Delicious Treats
How did you get into the food industry?For me it was a journey which began years ago when I launched my business. I previously worked at a former fast food place and my former boss asked me to prepare some sandwiches. The customers were asking for them and he gave me...
Franchise Interview: Paul Romanick, Founder and Owner of CitruSolution Carpet Cleaning
How did you get into the industry?I was in the construction industry and doing quite well. We were headed into another recession. Construction can be feast or famine. I wanted to take the lows out of the equation. I decided the way to do that was to provide a service...
Franchise Interview: Pascal Pedaggi and Tracey Dougherty, Co-Founders, Absolutely Cheezee Franchise
How did you get into the restaurant industry?I have been in the Food & Beverage industry since 1980. I started in the Family business in the back of house in St Pete Beach, FL, then moved in the front of the house in 1987 running a upscaled family restaurant in...
Franchise Interview: Andrei Avdeev, CEO/Founder, DART
How did you get into the industry? In 2003, I made a move to the US and landed my first job at a restoration company. I started as a helper making $7 an hour since I had no experience and didn’t speak English. My English improved after half a year, helping me learn...
Franchise Interview: Abe Sbitan, CEO/Founder, DART
How did you get into the industry? In 2005, I started working with Sears Carpet and Air Duct Cleaning, working my way up to become the operations manager within 1 year in sales, exceeding $1 million in gross sales. In 2008, I bought my own Air Duct Cleaning franchise...
Franchise Interview: Ken Bolsch, Owner and Founder, Green Earth Power Washing
How did you get into the power washing and commercial cleaning services industry? Back in highschool, my senior year, I got out of school at noon. I rented a power washer and power washed decks, sides of houses, anything. I went off to college and I kept the business...
Franchise Interview: Joel Lee, Owner and Founder, BugPro Pest Control Franchise
How did you get into the pest control industry?Back when I was merely a customer and not a company owner, a company came out to spray and I had an infant at that time. They started spraying the ground that our child was often crawling on and I stopped them. I knew I...
Franchise Interview – Don Reid, CEO and Founder, Trinity Water Solutions
How did you get into the industry? After 14 years as an engineer in the manufacturing industry working 60 hours a week, I wanted a change. The issue wasn’t as much the money, but the time. My kids were getting involved in activities and I was either missing them or...
Franchise Interview – Bill Loesch, Founder and CEO of Baya Bar Franchise
How did you get into the Acai Bowl, Healthy Food Service Industry?In early 2016, I was working in film, and I had earned my series 7 license, but I wanted to make a change. I noticed that acai and smoothie bowl restaurants were taking the West Coast by storm, and were...
Franchise Interview – Chris Robinson, Owner and Founder, About Face Cabinetry
How did you get into the cabinetry refacing industry?I've been doing home improvements since 1997. Basically, I couldn't find anyone that could do what I wanted to do, which is reface or modify cabinetry inexpensively. I was losing jobs quoting all new cabinetry, so I...
Franchise Interview – David Davoudpour, Shoney’s CEO
How Did You Get Into the Food Service Industry?I’ve been involved in the restaurant industry for nearly three decades, becoming heavily involved in 1995 through the Royal Capital Corp. I purchased Shoney’s in 2006 and made it my mission to reinvigorate the brand with...
Franchise Interview – Nicole Peel, CEO and Founder, Pawsitively Spoiled Franchise
How Did You Get Into the Pet Industry?I started watching pets for my boss and a couple of clients 30 years ago when I was 19 years old and worked as a bank teller. It just grew from there….. What’s New in the Pet Business or in the Pet Franchise Model?The industry is...
Franchise Interview – Richard Gould, CEO, Richard’s Painting
How Did You Get Into the Industry?I was in between jobs at 19 and a friend asked me if I wanted to go paint with him. Obviously I said yes, and It was the best decision I ever made! What’s New in the Business or in the Franchise Model?We recently opened up our second...
Franchise Interview- Rod Ross, CEO and Founder, Brakes For Less
How did you get into the industry?I had my first gas station at 20 years old. I‘ve started 22 automotive shops. I’ve been in the business for 47 years….a long time. Years ago I owned a few Meinekes. That’s what got me. I learned a lot. The best thing I ever did was go...
Franchise Interview – Carlos Garcia, CEO, Please Hold Advertising
How did you get into the advertising service industry?I stumbled into the on-hold message business by chance. I was working as an outside salesperson for a beauty supply company in Miami in 1993. Every time I called the company to check on inventory or something else,...
Franchise Interview: Cassie Jones, Founder, Pink Caviar Spa
How did you get into the industry? I’ve never done a lash. I’ve never done a brow. But I knew that the beauty industry was a large industry and I wanted a piece of the pie! I wanted to help women feel beautiful and provide a space for them to relax and recharge!...
Franchise Interview: Jerry Davis, Founder, Big Jerry’s Fencing
How did you get into the industry?I was in law enforcement and was looking for extra work and extra income. I just started building fences on my own. After about a year of work, I felt that I was doing well, and chose to pursue fencing full time. What’s New in the...
Franchise Interview: Founder, Trevor Burdett, Sacred Leaf
How did you get into the industry?I was visiting a friend at his smoke shop and saw some CBD products. At the time, I was not aware of any of the benefits but he told me amazing things about them. That evening, I spent all night reading about the benefits of hemp oil,...
Franchise Business Interview – Robert Webre, Silverback Self-Defense
How did you get into the industry?One of my biggest passions is teaching people how to defend themselves. I genuinely feel that every person should have at least the basic skills needed in the event they should ever be in a situation where they would need to defend...
Stephen de Haan, Founder of Red Phone Booth
How did you get into the industry? As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve been a part of several award-winning concepts throughout the years. I attended GA Tech for computer science yet didn’t find a passion for programming so I started bartending to pay the bills and loved...
Dan McGovern, Founder of Yes I Can Basketball
How did you get into the industry? After spending 19 years as a high school and college basketball head coach, I entered private business where I made more money than I knew what to do with. But I simply was not happy. My life had little purpose other than making...
Franchise Interview – Terrance Thompson, CEO, Computers Plus Franchise
Why did you create Computers Plus?I’ve always loved computers and always fixed own computer. This one time I didn’t have time to fix an issue that my wife had so I asked her to take it to a local name brand computer repair store. After having my computer for almost...
Dusty Kinley, CEO/Founder, Innovative Fitness
How did you get into the industry?I’ve always been into athletics and fitness so I graduated with a degree in Kinesiology and my first job out of college was being a personal trainer. I worked my way up the ladder of success and became a manager, owner, and now a...
Franchise Interviews – 21 Fun Franchise, John Scarborough, CEO
How did you get into the industry?The story is simple…. I was an electrician by trade, that’s how I made my living. However, I always had a passion for gaming…I love the game of blackjack. I read a few books on how to play (count cards) and I would find myself driving...
Delight Morris, CEO/Founder, Orange Bay Company
How did you get into the industry?It was destiny that brought me to this beautiful place. My mom introduced me to thrifting back in the 70’s when traditional treasure hunting was a makeup of thrift stores and door-to-door house sales. At the age of 7 or 8, I found my...
FBY Yoga Franchise Interview – Todd Cantrell and Shelley Roupas
How did you get into the industry?SR: The practice of yoga completely transforms me & how I live my life & I felt strongly I wanted to share this empowering practice with other people. At the time & for many years, I worked on air in broadcasting. Before...
Tim Conner Franchise
How did you get into the franchise industry? Back in 2011, I was a Personal Banker for JPMorgan Chase, and at the time, FMS was a fast-growing company showing no signs of slowing down. It became very apparent that my brother, Chris Conner, had created a great concept...
Franchise Business Interview – Tomas Lamas, Co-Founder Pandora Insurance
How did you get into the industry? My wife and I have always worked in the business field. She was an accountant for many years before we opened our insurance agency. I have worked as project manager for the IT segment of a hospital and also as a real estate broker....
Franchise Interviews – Tatiana Thompson, Founder/CEO of T.T. Cleaning Franchise
How did you get into the industry?Entrepreneurship has always been a passion of mine. I strategically went after a cleaning business for my venture, knowing that I was in the right market and seeing the need there. As the demand was increasing, I wanted to expand. I...
Franchise Interviews – Kevin Arca, Partner, VOWBurger Franchise
How did you get into the Burger industry? It's a long story, my business partner and I are both entrepreneurial, so we are always looking for opportunities and market segments that present something fun and the potential for growth. We are also enormously driven by...
Chris Helms Federal Injury Center
How did you get into the industry? I started out managing the nation’s largest federal workers comp medical practice. As the director of operations, I met my partner Joe (he was one of my business consultants). After leaving there, Joe suggested that I might have a...
Morgan Rothschild, Franchise Consultant West Coast Franchise Developers
How did you get into the industry? I had no franchise experience when I became a business owner for the first time. I’ll never forget our proof of concept going from $9,800 for a December to over $30,000 the following month. We had such tremendous early growth – about...
Franchise Interview: Dale Robinson CEO – GURU Fitness
How did you get into the industry?During a low point in my life I found that fitness helped me to survive and begin a holistic approach on life. Seeing how much it helped me I knew that I could help others obtain the same lifestyle and in doing so I found my gift and...
Franchise Interview – David Scranton, CEO, The Income Store
How did you get into the industry? Originally, I was pre-med in my undergrad. However, I decided that I really didn’t like the trend that managed care was heading in, so I switched directions. Since I liked math and money, and obviously wanted to help people, this...
Franchise Interview: Paul Nair, CEO, Savi Provisions
How did you get into the industry? The concept was created initially out of need and a realization that there was a sincere demand for an urban, friendly and convenient place that people could come to for food, groceries, and fun. I spent time in New York City and...
Robert Genovese, Founder of Local Coffee
How did you get into the industry? In a somewhat rare occurrence, I was born into the Hospitality industry as my family owned and operated a restaurant and bar in Greenwich Village, NYC. From as long as I can remember, I was at the restaurant learning each of the...
Amy Sherit, CEO of Culture Owl
How did you get into the industry?By accident. As a marketer, I found that there was a need for a cultural marketing platform while marketing a client. So I decided to create something. Initially it was print driven and a quarterly publication, but soon enough the...
Brandon Bobart – Vice President, Franchise Development of Franny’s Farmacy
How did you get into the industry? Farmer's First. Franny and Jeff Tacy had a vision of a "seed to shelf" business model that would allow full control of the supply chain, retail experience, and customer relationships. They implemented systems and procedures that...
Franchise Interview: Rob Gaza, President of Sam’s Southern Eatery
How did you get into the industry? We originally were involved with convenience marts, but decided that a family-style, value-driven restaurant serving delicious food would be a better investment. So, in 2008, we opened the first Sam’s Southern Eatery location in...
Franchise Interview – Phil Koch, President, Senior Retreat
How did you get into the industry?For 13 years, I owned 3 Territories of a large In-Home Care Agency in Charlotte, NC before selling a little over a year back. What’s New in the Business or in the Franchise Model? To the best of my knowledge, we are only the...
Franchise Interview: Harpreet Dahyia, CEO – Chicago’s Pizza with a Twist
How did you get into the industry?I have been in various leadership positions within the food industry for the past 10 years. I knew that we could be a strong player pizza segment and do it better than anyone else based on my experience in this space. What’s New in...
Franchise Interview – Marlene Stubler, CEO, Pie in the Sky Franchise
How did you get into the industry?I started my bakery 15+ years ago. My franchise journey 2 years ago. Franchising was the next step for me and I saw the franchise system as a way to scale what I had created. Where do you See Opportunities or Challenges for the...
Justin Buzzi, CEO Get Up and Go Kayak Franchise
How did you get into the industry? I was fortunate enough to find a unique gap in the outdoor recreation space. I noticed that recent trends showed an increasing amount of outdoor enthusiasts, especially in and around my market of Orlando, FL. After doing further...
Franchise Interview – Nicole Morris, CEO and Founder, Sport Sight Franchise
How did you get into the industry?I have been an athlete all my life and new I wanted to coach from a very young age. While playing soccer and lacrosse for The Ohio State University I got my degree in education with and emphasis on coaching and sport performance. As...
Franchise Interview – Nickey Ngo, Co-Founder, Red Circle Ice Cream
How did you get into the industry? We traveled a lot and saw so many different dessert concepts across the nation. We felt that Houston, Texas was just the perfect city to launch our brand. With such a diverse and vibrant culture here, it was just a natural fit for...
Jonathan Strausser, CEO, American Veterans Restoration
How did you get into the industry? I got in through a friend that was in for 27 years. He taught me everything about the industry. What’s New in the Business or in the Franchise Model? New Branding. Where do you See Opportunities or Challenges for the...
After Body Meals – Franchise Business Interview
How did you get into the industry?After Body Meals began in 2015 when owner/operator Kirk Girdley identified a growing demand for healthy home-cooked meals among those with busy schedules. Kirk's passion for health and cooking converged to create a product and service...
Franchise Interview – Randy Hines, President, Kolache Shoppe
How did you get into the industry? After 13 years as a consultant, my wife and I decided it was time to try our hand at something different. We had become friends with the owner of a local bakery whose pastries we loved! He was looking to pass his legacy on to...
Franchise Interview – MaryEllen Christina, CEO Wellness in The Woods
How did you get into the industry?Went to school to become a massage therapist because I was interested in the mind/body connection. Twenty-five years ago we were just starting to understand the connection and benefits. I was employed at Salon In The Woods at Foxwoods...
Antoine Meeks, CEO, Carpet Transformers
How did you get into the industry?I have been in the industry since 2011. I have had a carpet cleaning business before back in 1994- 2001. I originally got into this business because I saw it could be very lucrative and had a reasonable initial investment to start a...
Franchise Interview – Karissa Tuttle, Co-Founder Simply Done Donuts
How did you get into the industry?I worked in restaurants throughout highschool and college so had a good foundation on how they run, operate and what I enjoyed about serving people. After 9 yrs in corporate America working for AT&T I wanted a change in my life. I...
Franchise Interview – Jillian Biltz, Founder, Mad Dog Armory
How did you get into the industry? I was born and raised in New York and was never introduced to firearms. In 2005 I moved to Florida where firearm stores are prevalent. Being a female, I was discouraged at the lack of help I would get in visiting local firearm...
Franchise Interview – Will Nicoloso, CEO, Magic Bubbles Franchise
How did you get into the industry?What began with some strategic door-to-door marketing in 2007 quickly evolved into the founding of Magic Bubbles, Palm Beach County’s premier pressure cleaning company. Since the opening of our first office location in 2010, we have...
Franchise Interview – Mike Martin, Partner, Dog House Franchise
How did you get into the industry? The Dog House Franchising is owned by four partners (Mike Martin, Amish Desai, Shetal Desai, and Wesley Shepherd). Mike Martin worked in the pharmaceutical industry in Durham, NC for 28 years and frequently ate at and admired The...
Franchise Interview – Chris Regis, Managing Partner, SunTek Lawncare
How did you get into the industry?Since I also work with franchise sales and in the franchise industry, I wanted to have my own franchise after seeing so many great businesses and brands in the franchise community. SunTek was my favorite model and I loved the industry...
Franchise Interview – Ken Smith, Founder and CEO of Steak Escape
How did you get into the industry? I had grown up near Philly and grew up loving cheesesteaks. I then took a job in Ohio and traveled intensively. Could never find a cheesesteak so I felt I should try to introduce it to places outside of Philly and see if it would...
Franchise Interview – Alex Blair, CEO RestoPros
How did you get into the industry?RestoPros began in 2017 as an idea by Alex Blair, the company’s founder. All he had was a trailer, a dozen fans, and three dehumidifiers, but he was determined to create a water restoration and mold remediation company that truly...
Gary Thacker – Brothers Ez Moving
How did you get into the industry? During my career in the traveling amusement industry we have the winter months off. I love to work and was looking for something to do in the slow winter months. I applied at a local moving company and was able to become a...
Gregg Rondinelli – Anodyne Pain
How did you get into the industry? I created a similar in house business within a box for a medical services provider company in a completely different field. The Franchise idea was better for conversions, while the other program was to build from the ground up. In...
CEO of One Hour Auto franchise
How did you get into the industry? While pursuing a business degree in 2008 from Ohio University, my older brother (Kirby) and I decided to buy and sell some cars. He had always been in and around automobiles so that is what ultimately piqued my interest. 10 years...
Hussain Kedwaii, CEO Ked’s Artisan Ice Cream and Treats
How did you get into the industry?we got into the ice cream world 11 years ago when we decided to buyout a neighborhood ice cream shop less than 2 miles from our home. Our plan was to improve it the quality and customer service and introduce new flavors from around...
Chuck Wait – CEO, Chuck Wait Tires Franchise
How did you get into the industry? Chuck Wait Tire is an industry leading tire shop located in Mowrystown, Ohio. Mowrystown is a small town with less than 300 residents. The local owner, Chuck Wait, established Chuck Wait Tire in 1983. Being a one-man shop, Chuck sold...
Mrs. Nicole Blais, CEO – Goshenite Senior Services Franchise
How did you get into the industry? My journey has always been one of wanting to make a difference for older adults and members of our community. I first began working as PSW in a Long-Term Care facility in 1997. In 1999 I was engaged in a pilot project to assist a...
Graham Kelly, Partner – Blue Ox Axe Throwing Franchise
How did you get into the industry? In April of 2018, Jerry Ferraro and Graham Kelley were in Minneapolis, Minnesota for Graham’s bachelor party. Included in the agenda of the weekend's activities was to go axe throwing at a local facility. Within minutes of their...
Leo Goldberger – The Patch Boys CEO
How did you get into the industry?I was in the real estate/construction trade all my life and in 2008, when the economy collapsed and the banks shut everything down, my construction business folded. Because of that, I decided to launch a niche business that’s...
Josh Wise – CEO, GrassRoots Turfcare Franchise
How did you get into the industry?I started cutting grass when I was 14 and then found myself working in sales for a spray company when I was 20. While working in the industry, I saw things that could be done differently so I decided to start my own company to make a...
Franchise Interviews – Chris Conner, President, Franchise Marketing Systems
How did you get into the industry? It wasn’t anything overly sexy or magical, I took a job working for my best friend’s grandfather’s company. I needed a job and he helped me get a little better paying opportunity than what I was doing currently. I had no experience...
Love and Kush Patel – URMI Franchise
How did you get into the industry?My parents got into this industry back in 2003 by working for this industry and slowly learning all the techniques and using it to become an entrepreneur. What’s New in the Business or in the Franchise Model?There is nothing new in...
Mr. Joe Marrello, CEO, Bellini’s Counter Franchise
How did you get into the industry?Our family started in 1959 when my father, Anthony opened his first restaurant in Albany, NY. Since then we have continued to operate restaurants within the Capital District. What’s New in the Business or in the Franchise Model?Our...
Mr. Travis Powell – CEO, Essential Pros Franchise
How did you get into the industry?Immediately following college I began working for a staffing agency as a recruiter and it provided me the ability to work with many different people and grow quickly within the company. I found that there was no limit to the level of...
Matt and Anthony Pribonic – Level Red Boxing
How did you get into the industry? I wanted to start a business which could be done around one’s schedule and personal priorities. Since I had a newborn baby, I made a list of things I could do in order to be there for her when she needed me. Bookkeeping/accounting...
Foxtail Coffee
How did you get into the industry?Foxtail Coffee Co. was created in 2016. While young, it has deep roots. The company was founded by Alex Tchekmeian and Iain Yeakle, whose friendship began years ago while in the same kindergarten class. Alex, a successful music...
Erin Flaherty – Flaherty Solutions
How did you get into the industry? I wanted to start a business which could be done around one’s schedule and personal priorities. Since I had a newborn baby, I made a list of things I could do in order to be there for her when she needed me. Bookkeeping/accounting...
Lisa Schnurr – Funny Bus
How did you get into the industry? Our love of comedy and being able to show off the city really made us want to do the Funny Bus. There is nothing better than hearing guests laugh and want to come back! What’s New in the Business or in the Franchise Model? The best...
Karen McCrady – Craft Factory
How did you get into the industry? Art was the class I got A’s in. LOL I have always had the natural gift of being artistic and the creativity part followed. I would see things and want to recreate them for myself for half the cost. Holidays and Birthdays were always...
Tom Platania – ProCalcs
How did you get into the industry? In 1987 after finishing basic training and Army AIT, I was an Army National Guard. I started as a helper in Vineland NJ breaking down old giant boilers and assisting in installing new smaller ones. After years of working in every...
Raul Aranguren – Benvenuttis Pizza Factory
I started since day one in the foodservice industry. In 1989 I open, El Pacifico Pescaderia, a fresh fish and seafood wholesale, retail and restaurant business. In 1997 was hired by Nestle to open the Foodservice department in Puerto Rico. In 1999 I established...
Haim Elbaz – Kids Empire
The Native Influence Q+AMy NativeAdVice: We saw a similar concept in Spain and we decided to bring in France because we didn’t have anything comparable there.The success was immediate, which made us the Leader in Europe after 10 years with over 80 locations.Any...