The Franchise Life
Welcome to The Franchise Life, where we welcome entrepreneurs, dreamers, diversifiers, and anyone looking to make a transition towards freedom and financial success. I’m Stacie Shannon. A true lover of all things “entrepreneurism.” I currently reside in Palm Beach County, Florida, and spent 21 years working in the aviation industry - until I ultimately found my true passion through business ownership! Since then, I have never looked back. I absolutely love what I do. Day in and day out, I work with individuals hoping to explore franchise ownership opportunities. In this show, you will learn more about the franchise discovery process. You’ll hear directly from entrepreneurs themselves about their successes and their struggles. We will also be highlighting some of our favorite, most successful franchise brands for you to learn more about. We’ll raise some questions, find some answers, have some laughs and perhaps even share a drink or two all while inspiring you to perhaps consid...
Episodes
Tuesday Jul 25, 2023
Tuesday Jul 25, 2023
Welcome to "The Franchise Life" podcast! In this episode, Stacie is joined by an exceptional guest, Cary Tober, Vice President of Franchise Development for the Milkshake Factory.
In this episode, Stacie and Cary dive into the fascinating history of the Milkshake Factory, founded in Pittsburgh in 1914 and continues to be elevated by its fourth-generation family of chocolatiers. Cary highlights the family's journey beginning as immigrants from Greece selling chocolate on the streets of Pittsburgh. With their hard work and dedication, they eventually opened a chocolate shop, which later evolved into the iconic Milkshake Factory. This brand is like taking a step back in time to that old ice cream shop you always loved, but with an elevated modern flair.
But the story doesn't end there! The family's journey continued with their products, even reaching the Pentagon and becoming the most secure chocolate in the world. Their innovation and creativity led to the creation of snappers, a popular product you can find in Costco and other stores.
With its flagship location already established, the Milkshake Factory has been on an impressive growth trajectory, opening nine locations within a short period. And now, given the mix of farm fresh dairy, sustainably sourced cocoa, a legacy of chocolatiers, and proprietary housemade ice cream, the Milkshake Factory opportunity is capturing the attention of multi-unit franchise investors given the wealth of opportunity that resides in the dessert franchise space!
So who is the Milkshake Factory's ideal investment partner? Cary shares that they are looking for community-oriented, passionate leaders ready to build something bigger than just a business.
The podcast episode ends with Stacie excitedly looking forward to trying out the Milkshake Factory's delicious offerings and potentially bringing the brand to new locations. And there's no doubt that the future looks bright for this iconic franchise!
Interested in learning more about The Milkshake Factory? To view a comprehensive summary of the brand Click Here
Want to speak with Stacie regarding a franchise opportunity? Reach out today to stacie@fusionfranchising.com or book a 15-min intro call to start your franchise ownership journey! Calendly - Stacie Shannon.
We match you up with the perfect franchise concepts to meet your needs and stay with you 100% throughout the process to assist with funding needs, legal needs, accountant reviews, etc. We are your franchise partners!
Follow us on social media:
YouTube: (3) The Franchise Life - YouTube
LinkedIn: Stacie Shannon, MBA | LinkedIn
Instagram: Franchising Consulting Palm Beach (@fusionfranchising) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: Fusion Franchising | Facebook
Wednesday Jul 19, 2023
Wednesday Jul 19, 2023
In this episode of The Franchise Life podcast, our host Stacie Shannon sits down with franchising expert Joel Lazarovitz to explore the fascinating opportunity of Little Kitchen Academy. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Joel shares his insights into the Montessori-inspired cooking school and its unique approach to teaching children practical life skills.
Joel shares that Little Kitchen Academy is a "Montessori-inspired culinary academy that allows children to build independence or confidence, really their creativity by participating in culinary programs, obviously, but by learning practical life skills. But the truth of the matter is what we're trying to do is teach independence in kids with a Montessori-inspired approach to teaching." This emphasis on independence sets Little Kitchen Academy apart from other culinary academies for kids.
One of the highlights of the discussion is Little Kitchen Academy's brand partnerships. Joel reveals that the academy has joined forces with two well-known brands, Birkenstock and Chef Works. He shares that "Birkenstock gifts the Birkenstock Wall to franchisees where kids can hang their chef coats (donated by Chef Works) and use their Birkenstock shoes for class." This collaboration enhances the children's experience and showcases Little Kitchen Academy's commitment to providing quality resources and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Joel and Stacie further explore the open-mindedness of Little Kitchen Academy, emphasizing the importance they place on the individual rather than the location. They discuss the academy's success in attracting franchise partners passionate about child education and development. Little Kitchen Academy welcomes multi-unit operators and area developers, but they are also open to single-location partners who align with their values and vision.
During the conversation, Joel and Stacie delve into the various channels through which Little Kitchen Academy acquires clients. They highlight the academy's school partnerships, summer camps, and teen nights as effective ways to engage with their target audience, which includes teenagers, moms, and dads. Additionally, they touch upon the franchise's give-back program, showcasing Little Kitchen Academy's commitment to positively impacting their communities.
Wrapping up the episode, Joel and Stacie reflect on the strengths of Little Kitchen Academy as a franchise opportunity. They highlight the experienced team behind the brand, the robust systems in place, and its commitment to building genuine relationships with its franchise partners. They express their enthusiasm for potential candidates to join the Little Kitchen Academy family, especially as the brand shifts towards accepting single-unit operators.
Please tune in to this insightful episode to discover more about Little Kitchen Academy and its innovative approach to teaching children practical life skills through the joy of cooking.
Want to speak with Stacie regarding a franchise opportunity? Reach out today to stacie@fusionfranchising.com or book a 15-min intro call to start your franchise ownership journey! Calendly - Stacie Shannon.
We match you up with the perfect franchise concepts to meet your needs and stay with you 100% throughout the process to assist with funding needs, legal needs, accountant reviews, etc. We are your franchise partners!
Follow us on social media:
YouTube: (3) The Franchise Life - YouTube
LinkedIn: Stacie Shannon, MBA | LinkedIn
Instagram: Franchising Consulting Palm Beach (@fusionfranchising) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: Fusion Franchising | Facebook
Tuesday Jul 04, 2023
Tuesday Jul 04, 2023
This week on The Franchise Life podcast, Stacie Shannon is joined by Evan Miller, founder of Gameday Men's Health, and co-host Dean Kapneck, an experienced entrepreneur and prior multi-unit franchisee of European Wax Center.
Evan shares how Gameday was created for a clear purpose: to help men suffering from low testosterone (Low T) and erectile dysfunction (ED) reclaim their life. Set in a man cave environment – plush with flat-screen TVs, leather chairs, refreshments, and complimentary snacks, Gameday Men's Health helps men get back to the top of their game. Statistics show that 1 in 4 men will suffer from Low T by age 40. And over 50% of all men will struggle with some form of ED. Low T and ED are linked to various health conditions, ranging from fatigue and low libido to cardiovascular disease and early mortality. And for those reasons, Evan Miller founded Gameday Men's Health in 2018.
As an experienced prior franchise owner, Dean helps break down the Gameday Men's Health business model and its competitive advantages, which include:
Strong ROI: $1.8M Gross Revenue; $627K Adjusted Earnings. *2023 FDD
No Medical Experience Required: Gameday helps recruit a Clinical Director.
Recurring Revenue Membership Model: Once trust is achieved, men tend to be loyal customers for these sensitive issues Gameday addresses.
Free Testosterone Test and Consultation: Boosts conversion rates.
Quick Results - Each GameDay clinic operates an in-office laboratory to assess testosterone levels. Results are attained in 15 minutes. No 3rd party labs are needed.
Lean staffing model (4-5 employees, M-F 8 am-5 pm): Low overhead expenses allow franchisees to break even fast.
Quick-to-Open: Clinics open an average of 4-6 months from signing a Franchise Agreement!
Don't miss the fascinating discussion on the connection between low testosterone and depression and how Gameday Men's Health is poised to take over the U.S. and international markets.
With a proven business model, comprehensive training, and ongoing support, owning a Gameday Men's Health franchise allows potential franchisees to be part of a mission-driven brand that prioritizes the well-being of its franchise owners and the men they serve.
Interested in learning more about Gameday Men's Health? To view a comprehensive summary of the brand at https://fusionfranchising.com/gameday-mens-health/
Want to speak with Stacie regarding a franchise opportunity? Reach out today to stacie@fusionfranchising.com or book a 15-min intro call to start your franchise ownership journey! Calendly - Stacie Shannon.
We match you up with the perfect franchise concepts to meet your needs and stay with you 100% throughout the process to assist with funding needs, legal needs, accountant reviews, etc. We are your franchise partners!
Follow us on social media:
YouTube: (3) The Franchise Life - YouTube
LinkedIn: Stacie Shannon, MBA | LinkedIn
Instagram: Franchising Consulting Palm Beach (@fusionfranchising) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: Fusion Franchising | Facebook
Tuesday Jun 27, 2023
Tuesday Jun 27, 2023
In this episode of The Franchise Life, Stacie Shannon is joined by Julie Cartwright, the President at P.volve. P.volve is a boutique fitness studio that offers a unique approach to achieving a strong, sculpted body and improving overall wellness. The company combines functional movements and resistance-based training to provide a holistic and practical workout experience.
Stacie and Julie discuss the attractiveness of P.volve's business model, which includes multiple revenue streams. These include recurring revenue from memberships, equipment sales of patented and unique P.volve equipment, supplements, and activewear sales. Julie highlights the company's history and how it developed proprietary equipment to enhance its workout method. They have three patented pieces of equipment and other unique pieces that differentiate them in the market.
Julie discusses a recent partnership with actress and producer Jennifer Aniston as an exciting podcast highlight. This partnership brings a level of celebrity to the P.vovle brand and a heightened level of credibility, as Aniston is known for being particularly selective regarding partnerships. Aniston was first exposed to P.volve as a virtual client, then as her practice in the methodology grew, so did her interest in the overall brand.
P.volve aims to provide a comprehensive fitness solution that transforms bodies and enhances overall well-being. With its focus on functional movement, customization, and accessible workouts, P.volve is a brand that caters to individuals seeking a unique and practical fitness experience.
As a franchise opportunity, P.volve offers individuals a chance to become part of a growing fitness brand with a unique workout method. Franchisees can tap into P.volve's established reputation and proven business model, accessing comprehensive training and ongoing support. With the flexibility to open a P.volve studio in their chosen location and the potential for a lucrative return on investment, the franchise opportunity presents an exciting avenue for entrepreneurs passionate about fitness and wellness.
Interested in learning more about P.volve? To view a comprehensive summary of the brand CLICK HERE
Want to speak with Stacie regarding a franchise opportunity? Reach out today to stacie@fusionfranchising.com or book a 15-min intro call to start your franchise ownership journey! Calendly - Stacie Shannon.
We match you up with the perfect franchise concepts to meet your needs and stay with you 100% throughout the process to assist with funding needs, legal needs, accountant reviews, etc. We are your franchise partners!
Follow us on social media:
YouTube: (3) The Franchise Life - YouTube
LinkedIn: Stacie Shannon, MBA | LinkedIn
Instagram: Franchising Consulting Palm Beach (@fusionfranchising) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: Fusion Franchising | Facebook
Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
Welcome to The Franchise Life! In this episode, we are joined by JD Busch, CEO (or as he likes to call it, Chief Energy Officer) of Pulse Performance Franchise. With nearly 30 years of experience in franchising, JD is a pro when it comes to growing successful businesses.
JD's journey in the franchise world took an exciting turn when he discovered the electric muscle stimulus (EMS) franchise concept in Europe. Believing in the potential of this concept, JD founded Pulse Performance franchise after sustaining a serious neck injury. His personal experience reinforced his belief in the power of EMS training and its ability to transform lives.
Pulse is shaking up the fitness industry by merging science-backed tech with a proven membership system. And with multiple revenue streams up for grabs, EMS training and EMS sculpt lead the pack as the top earners. But that's not all - Pulse Performance goes beyond fitness. Pulse Performance Franchise goes beyond fitness. They provide a complete suite of consulting services in wellness to help franchisees achieve their goals and thrive.
So, who's the ideal candidate for this franchise? According to JD, individuals with a background in retail services and a strong understanding of operational aspects tend to excel. Total investment, per the 2023 FDD, is $500,000 to $650,000.
Interested in learning more about Pulse Performance? To view a comprehensive summary of the brand CLICK HERE
Want to speak with Stacie regarding a franchise opportunity? Reach out today to stacie@fusionfranchising.com or book a 15-min intro call to start your franchise ownership journey! Calendly - Stacie Shannon.
We match you up with the perfect franchise concepts to meet your needs and stay with you 100% throughout the process to assist with funding needs, legal needs, accountant reviews, etc. We are your franchise partners!
Follow us on social media:
YouTube: (3) The Franchise Life - YouTube
LinkedIn: Stacie Shannon, MBA | LinkedIn
Instagram: Franchising Consulting Palm Beach (@fusionfranchising) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: Fusion Franchising | Facebook
Tuesday Jun 13, 2023
Tuesday Jun 13, 2023
In this week's episode of "The Franchise Life" Podcast, Stacie is joined by the Chief Development Officer of Premium Service Brands, Danielle Wright.
As Danielle describes, “Premium Service Brands is a collection of nine home service brands that specialize in repairs and maintenance of the home.” When asked what differentiates Premium Service Brands from other franchise umbrella brands, Danielle shares that its two-fold.
“We really acquire and bring on brands that complement each other so that we can help our owners diversify in what we call stack, add additional brands into their portfolio to leverage and work more with the consumer that they've already acquired with a different brand.
Secondarily, we're really powered by Live Extraordinary. So what does that mean to us? Is that we lead with our values and our systems first, and we just happen to be in the home service category.”
With a focus on professionalism, customer satisfaction, and growth, Premium Service Brands has become a sought-after franchise opportunity for those looking to enter the thriving home services industry. Not only that, but most of their brands range from $80,000 to $150,000 as a total investment.
Popular Brand names under management include:
360 Painting: 360° Painting delivers professional painting services using premium materials and proven painting methods to ensure picture-perfect results.
Prolift Garage Doors: ProLift Garage Doors is always working to provide the best garage door repair and installation services possible to clients
Maid Right: Maid Right is a residential maid service that delivers non-toxic and eco-friendly, floor-to-ceiling residential cleaning services.
And More!
And for those of you concerned about staffing, Premium Service Brands offers CareerPlug to all franchisees, which simplifies the hiring process and allows franchisees to recruit qualified candidates easily. Premium Service Brands also has national partnerships and a dedicated support team that assists in recruiting & hiring qualified team members.
Interested in learning more about a franchising opportunity with Premium Service Brands? Reach out today to stacie@fusionfranchising.com or book a 15-min intro call to start your franchise ownership journey! Calendly - Stacie Shannon.
We match you up with the perfect franchise concepts to meet your needs and stay with you 100% throughout the process to assist with funding needs, legal needs, accountant reviews, etc. We are your franchise partners!
Follow us on social media:
YouTube: The Franchise Life - YouTube
LinkedIn: Stacie Shannon, MBA | LinkedIn
Instagram: Franchising Consulting Palm Beach (@fusionfranchising) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: Fusion Franchising | Facebook
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
In the 40th episode of "The Franchise Life" Podcast, Stacie is joined by Lea Harper, Director of Franchise Development of Blue Moon Estates Sales.
Blue Moon Estate Sales is a trusted name for handling estate sales. Committed to helping clients with their estate sale needs, Blue Moon provides specialized services that ensure a stress-free experience. With a team of experts, they evaluate, price, and manage estate sales with impressive precision. Their unique approach includes extensive research, strategic marketing, and targeted outreach to buyers, ensuring top-dollar returns for clients. Unlike other companies in the industry, Blue Moon Estate Sales offer exceptional customer service, transparency, and professionalism, making them the go-to choice for homeowners looking to sell their estate.
Top Selling Points & Franchise Owner Benefits of Blue Moon Estate Sales includes:
✔ Low Investment $53,865 - $99,925 (in-house financing also available)
✔ Home-Based Business
✔ Group Health Options for franchisees and employees
✔ Direct Pay Customer Base
✔ Large, Protected Territories
✔ Highly Effective Multi-Channel Marketing
✔ Extensive Training & Ongoing Support
✔ Proprietary Digital Platform
✔ Ongoing Specialized Estate Sale Training
✔ Proven Estate Sale Management Process
If you are looking for a profitable investment opportunity with minimal employee count, flexibility, and less than $100k all-in, then this episode is for you! Tune in now to learn more about the thriving world of Blue Moon Estate Sales franchising.
Interested in learning more about Blue Moon Estates? You can view a comprehensive summary of the brand at FusionFranchising.com
Want to speak with Stacie about a franchising opportunity with Blue Moon Estate Sales? Reach out today to stacie@fusionfranchising.com or book a 15-min intro call to start your franchise ownership journey! Calendly - Stacie Shannon.
We match you up with the perfect franchise concepts to meet your needs and stay with you 100% throughout the process to assist with funding needs, legal needs, accountant reviews, etc. We are your franchise partners!
Follow us on social media:
YouTube: The Franchise Life - YouTube
LinkedIn: Stacie Shannon, MBA | LinkedIn
Instagram: Franchising Consulting Palm Beach (@fusionfranchising) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: Fusion Franchising | Facebook
Tuesday May 30, 2023
Tuesday May 30, 2023
In this episode of "The Franchise Life" Podcast, Stacie sits down with Alex Edwards, Co-Founder of Candy Cloud, a quick-service beverage shop that goes beyond the drink to brew up something special that surprises and delights its customers – and keeps them coming back for more.
With 19+ core beverage options, Candy Cloud is renowned for its delightful array of coffees, boba teas, smoothies, and shakes. Not to mention, how your beverage is served in a picture perfect see-through can that is nothing short of Instagram worthy! Indeed, Candy Cloud has hit a home run on its customizable drink menu, product packaging, and high-technology system. Not to mention their corporate locations ROI, which reflects a $1.6M gross revenue, with $400k net profit from March 2022 to March 2023*. *See the FDD Item 19 for more details!
Alex and his wife, Paityn, started Candy Cloud as a cotton-candy stand at farmers' markets. Then, they grew into a food truck, eventually leading them to their corporate storefront in Rockford, IL. With a strong focus on the customer experience, Alex shares how the customizable menu, the self-ordering kiosk system, the importance of speed and quality, the one size option, the clear cans, the gifting program, and the loyalty points system all feed into their unique and unmatched business model.
Candy Cloud could be a perfect fit for you if you have a passion for growing a unique business, are a system believer, have excellent people skills, enjoy managing people, and are detail-oriented. So, sit back, relax, and let's unwrap the sweet possibilities that await you with Candy Cloud!
Interested in learning more about a franchising opportunity with Candy Cloud? Reach out today to stacie@fusionfranchising.com or book a 15-min intro call to start your franchise ownership journey! Calendly - Stacie Shannon.
We match you up with the perfect franchise concepts to meet your needs and stay with you 100% throughout the process to assist with funding needs, legal needs, accountant reviews, etc. We are your franchise partners!
Follow us on social media:
YouTube: The Franchise Life - YouTube
LinkedIn: Stacie Shannon, MBA | LinkedIn
Instagram: Franchising Consulting Palm Beach (@fusionfranchising) • Instagram photos and videos
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Tuesday May 23, 2023
In this episode of The Franchise Life, Stacie sits down with entrepreneur and franchise expert Peter Taunton. Peter is a pioneer in the fitness industry, having founded Snap Fitness 24/7, Lift Brands, and most recently, Co-Founder/CEO of Nautical Bowls.
In the early years of establishing the fitness franchise, Peter faced several hurdles, including limited capital and fierce competition within the industry. Undeterred, he focused on building a solid foundation for his business by emphasizing customer service, affordability, and convenience. His innovative fitness approach and strategic marketing tactics helped attract a loyal customer base and set the stage for rapid expansion. Today, Peter focuses on growing the Nautical Bowls franchise brand while consulting other businesses on strategic growth.
Under Peter's tutelage, Nautical Bowls has grown from several corporate locations to 161+ locations nationwide today. Nautical Bowls is a refreshing, health-focused food concept serving delicious, nutrient-packed bowls. With an emphasis on high-quality, natural ingredients, their menu features a variety of customizable options, including acai bowls, smoothie bowls, and poke bowls. Nautical Bowls' commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle and their vibrant, coastal-inspired atmosphere has garnered a loyal following of customers who appreciate the perfect balance of taste and nutrition. As the brand grows, Nautical Bowls remains dedicated to providing a unique and enjoyable dining experience for those seeking wholesome, satisfying meals. With Peter's insight and leadership, Nautical Bowls has seen a significant upward trend in its franchising effort.
This podcast with Peter is genuinely focused on what it takes to be successful in franchise ownership today. With Peter's entrepreneurial background, having written a successful #1 best-selling book called "Impossible Hill," Peter has a wealth of knowledge to share and is truly inspirational.
Interested in learning more about franchise opportunities to take control of your future? Reach out today to stacie@fusionfranchising.com or book a 15-min intro call to start your franchise ownership journey! Calendly - Stacie Shannon.
We match you up with the perfect franchise concepts to meet your needs and stay with you 100% throughout the process to assist with funding needs, legal needs, accountant reviews, etc. We are your franchise partners!
Follow us on social media:
YouTube: (3) The Franchise Life - YouTube
LinkedIn: Stacie Shannon, MBA | LinkedIn
Instagram: Franchising Consulting Palm Beach (@fusionfranchising) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: Fusion Franchising | Facebook
Monday May 15, 2023
Monday May 15, 2023
Capital Tacos is a fast-casual Tex-Mex cuisine franchise making waves in the industry.
Capital Tacos has 13 corporate and 3 franchise locations and is ready and positioned to spread across the United States today!
Josh Luger, Co-Founder of Capital Tacos, joins Stacie Shannon in this episode to share how the brand originated and breaks-down the Capital Tacos franchise model, which offers three different types of investment to fit almost any lifestyle choice.
From the onset, Josh shares how he and his partner wanted "to do something special that could be scaleable and shared with others down the road." After visiting hundreds of fast-casual restaurants around the US and taste-testing food, they ultimately came up with the Capital Tacos scratch-made Tex-Mex cuisine offering. When asked what defines "scratch-made," Josh shares that "everything on their menu is made-to-order for every guest."
From a finance and business development background, Josh recognizes that "going into business for yourself, one needs to recognize their skillsets and be aware of what skillsets are needed to supplement them with, then align yourself with the right partners." And that's precisely what Capital Tacos offers to its franchisee partners. As they have scaled the brand through its corporate locations, Capital Tacos has tried, tested, and implemented the systems and processes to provide the ultimate support.
Capital Tacos also offers three different business models. Franchise owners can choose between a brick-and-mortar restaurant, a fixed trailer, or a mobile event trailer based on what is most in demand in their market and fits their financial and lifestyle goals.! Overall, the Capital Tacos franchise opportunity is an exciting and lucrative possibility for those interested in the fast-casual dining industry.
In 2022, Capital Tacos had some noteworthy economics to share. Brick & Mortar: $1,489,367 in Average Revenue, $601,455 in Gross Profit*, Static Trailer Pro Forma: $332,148 in Annual Revenue, $115,572 Monthly in Pre-Taxed Profits*, Event Trailer Pro Forma: $108,000 in Annual Revenue, $44,712 Annual in Pre-Taxed Profits*. *Refer to the 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for more information.
Interested in checking territory availability for Capital Tacos? Reach out today to stacie@fusionfranchising.com or book a 15-min intro call to start your franchise ownership journey! Calendly - Stacie Shannon.
We match you up with the perfect franchise concepts to meet your needs and stay with you 100% throughout the process to assist with funding needs, legal needs, accountant reviews, etc. We are your franchise partners!
Follow us on social media:
YouTube: (3) The Franchise Life - YouTube
LinkedIn: Stacie Shannon, MBA | LinkedIn
Instagram: Franchising Consulting Palm Beach (@fusionfranchising) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: Fusion Franchising | Facebook
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