In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Sherif Mityas, CEO of BRIX Holdings, to unpack a career that spans aerospace engineering, big-box retail, Hollywood Video, TGI Fridays, and now an eight-brand restaurant portfolio with more than 300 locations. Sherif shares how cross-brand insights, consumer occasion mapping, and franchisee passion shape BRIX’s growth playbook — and why understanding the ‘bones of a brand’ matters more today than ever.

Listeners will hear:

• How Sherif’s engineering-to-retail-to-restaurants journey shaped his approach to building resilient, multi-brand systems.
• Why operating eight brands gives BRIX a unique view of consumer behavior across daily “occasions.”
• How BRIX evaluates new categories — from chicken to Mediterranean to “better-for-you” — and what makes a trend a flash-in-the-pan vs. a lasting brand.
• The story behind BRIX’s newest ownership shift — and how a 15-year-old server became one of the most influential operators in the portfolio.
• Why economic pressure is reshaping the definition of value and affordability in QSR and fast casual.
• How BRIX integrates new brands “below the skin” without breaking what makes them special.

Sherif’s perspective on growth: why platforms must expand or risk falling behind, and how to scale without losing brand soul.

🎧 A must-listen if you’re curious how multi-brand operators evaluate opportunities, protect brand equity, and scale sustainably in a changing market.

#BehindTheFranchise #BRIXHoldings #FranchiseGrowth #ScalingSmart #FranchiseSuccess #Entrepreneurship #FranchiseAI #AIMarketingStrategy

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Heather Ripley, founder and CEO of Ripley PR. Heather shares her journey from early copywriting days to becoming one of franchising’s top PR voices — including how she landed a home-service brand on Celebrity Apprentice and helped founders sell their companies by mastering media momentum. From overcoming repeated ‘no’s’ from TV producers to building long-term client relationships, Heather walks through the systems, strategy, and storytelling that separate forgettable press from franchise-building visibility.

Listeners will hear:

• How Heather discovered her entrepreneurial spark while supporting franchise owners inside Clockwork Home Services.
• The persistence behind securing national TV placement — and what that taught her about thinking big while executing small.
• Why most franchisors wait too long to invest in PR, and how early momentum compounds into leads, credibility, and higher valuations.
• The difference between thought-leadership PR and lead-generation PR, and why brands need both.
• How home-service owners can dominate their market by becoming the local media’s go-to expert.
• The surprising role that reviews, responses, and GEO visibility now play in PR success.

🎧 A must-listen if you want to understand how strategic PR, reverse-engineered goals, and consistent visibility fuel franchise growth — especially in the age of Social Media AI.

#BehindTheFranchise #RipleyPR #FranchiseMarketing #FranchiseGrowth #ScalingSmart #Entrepreneurship

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Gavin Lantzy, Head of Franchise Sales at Daisy. Gavin shares his journey from college-age multi-unit franchisee to helping build the largest smart-home installation brand in the country.

From acquiring 17 companies in 18 months to building a national support infrastructure with 41 full-time experts, he pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to scale a modern home-tech franchise.

Listeners will hear:

• How Gavin went from running a student house-painting franchise to acquiring and franchising Savvy Home in Denver.
• Why the smart-home industry is a $30B emerging category — and why no national player existed until now.
• How Daisy leverages centralized systems, national partnerships, and franchise marketing tools to deliver a consistent, high-quality customer experience.
• Why mindset, transparency, and selecting the right partners are critical for franchise growth.
• How Daisy handles integrations, acquisitions, and tech-stack decisions at venture-backed speed.
• Why scaling a home-tech brand requires relentless iteration, clear communication, and a team that puts the brand above ego.

🎧 A must-listen if you want a front-row seat to how a high-velocity franchise is being built — and how AI workflow optimization, national infrastructure, and the right people can transform business with AI in the home-technology space.

#BehindTheFranchise #Daisy #FranchiseGrowth #SmartHomeTech #ScalingSystems #FranchiseSuccess #Entrepreneurship #FranchiseMarketingTools

In this episode, Paul Ehlinger sits down with Evan Hackel of Ingage Consulting to explore the nuances of franchise leadership, growth, and organizational purpose. Evan shares insights from his 40-year career in franchising, including and launching businesses, rescuing a bankrupt franchise, and building purpose-driven organizations. He emphasizes the importance of vision, collaboration, and engaging franchisees and frontline employees to drive both growth and satisfaction.

Key takeaways include:

• Engaging franchisees: Listening, involving them in strategy, and valuing their input is critical to sustained growth and loyalty.
• Leadership through collaboration: Leadership isn’t just charisma—it’s listening, challenging others, and ensuring everyone contributes to the vision.
• Frontline employee motivation: Younger generations are purpose-driven and value training, making intentional employee development essential.
• Handling crises: Major challenges can catalyze transformation if approached with the right mindset and processes.
• Writing with purpose: Evan shares his approach to authoring books, emphasizing legacy, iteration, and control over ownership.
• Trends in franchising: Private equity brings financial rigor but also highlights the importance of profitability and transparency for franchisees.

The discussion also covers generational differences in workforce motivation, leadership principles, and practical strategies for building resilient, high-performing franchise systems.

#FranchiseLeadership #IngageConsulting #BusinessGrowth #FranchiseSuccess #LeadershipTips #FranchiseStrategy #Entrepreneurship #CrisisManagement #BusinessInsights

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Jami Stigliano, founder and CEO of DivaDance. Jami shares her journey from coaching dance teams in Austin to creating a national dance franchise built around confidence and community. She opens up about rebuilding her system, embracing EOS, and learning to delegate as her company scales — all while balancing motherhood, marriage, and massive brand growth.

Listeners will hear:

• How Jami turned her passion for dance into a purpose-driven franchise brand.
• Why EOS and the right leadership team have transformed her ability to scale sustainably.
• The mindset shifts behind letting go of control and focusing on high-impact work.
• How she’s using franchise marketing tools and digital systems to strengthen brand consistency and visibility across locations.
• Insights into AI workflow optimization, AI for marketing strategy, and the evolving role of tech in empowering franchisees.
• The story behind finally securing the coveted divadance.com domain after ten years — and what that milestone symbolizes for her brand.

🎧 A must-listen if you’re passionate about franchise marketing, scaling with heart, and how today’s tech — from AI to automation — can simplify operations and amplify your brand story.

#BehindTheFranchise #DivaDance #FranchiseGrowth #FranchiseMarketingTools #WomenInFranchising #Entrepreneurship #ScalingSmart

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Brittney Lincoln, VP of Franchise Growth at Limitless Franchise Growth and founder of Females in Franchising. Brittney shares her journey from selling franchises to scaling major brands like Club Pilates and StretchLab, revealing the strategies — and lessons learned — behind growing a franchise network from 10 to 500+ units.

Listeners will hear:

• How Brittney navigated founder-market fit and built a franchise community supporting female leaders.
• The importance of authentic leadership, collaboration, and responsible franchising in scaling successfully.
• How positive validation and strong infrastructure drive the “flywheel” of franchise growth.
• Her perspective on mentorship, connection, and creating spaces for women to thrive in the franchising world.

🎧 A must-listen if you’re curious how leadership, strategy, and community-building can drive franchise growth and create a sustainable, collaborative network.

#BehindTheFranchise # LimitlessFranchiseGrowth #FemalesInFranchising #FranchiseGrowth #FranchiseMarketing #Entrepreneurship

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with James Luy, co-founder of The Franchise Dept. and partner at Bin Blasters. James shares his journey scaling innovative franchise concepts and how technology, including AI automation tools, is transforming the way franchisors grow, operate, and support their franchisees.

From cleaning garbage bins to creating scalable, profitable home service systems, James reveals how a mix of fun, efficiency, and forward-thinking marketing drives lasting franchise success.

Listeners will hear:

• How Bin Blasters turned a simple idea into a viral home service brand with nationwide growth.
• Why “going direct to problem” creates high-conversion, low-friction sales for franchisees.
• How The Franchising Department identifies and scales emerging franchise concepts across industries.
• The long-term shift in franchise ownership and investment models.
• How AI for marketing strategy and workflow optimization are reshaping the franchisor–franchisee relationship.
• James’s candid take on overhyped industries, evolving financing structures, and building businesses that are both fun and profitable.

🎧 A must-listen if you’re curious how innovation, recurring revenue, and AI-powered productivity are transforming the future of franchise growth.

#BehindTheFranchise #TheFranchiseDept #BinBlasters #FranchiseGrowth #FranchiseMarketing #AIAutomation #FlamelAI #FranchiseSuccess #Entrepreneurship

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Dan Sher of AlphaGraphics for the past 18 years. Dan shares his journey from a PR agency director to a seasoned franchisee, explaining how his marketing and technology background helped him thrive in the world of print and marketing communications. From leveraging peer networks to adopting emerging technologies like AI, Dan reveals the strategies and lessons learned behind building a successful franchise business.

Listeners will hear:

• How Dan’s background in marketing and public relations helped him transition smoothly into franchise ownership.
• The ways peer networks and collaboration among franchisees have fueled growth and innovation.
• Real-world examples of learning from other franchisees to improve daily operations and customer experience.
• How AlphaGraphics has evolved technologically over the past two decades and where Dan sees it heading.
• The importance of accountability, benchmarking, and healthy competition in franchise success.
• His perspective on the role of AI in franchising and what’s truly ready versus overhyped.

🎧 A must-listen for anyone curious about the power of networks, technology, and strategy in building a thriving franchise.

#BehindTheFranchise #AlphaGraphics #FranchiseGrowth #PeerSupport #FranchiseSuccess #Marketing #PrintIndustry #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #AIInBusiness

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Beth Toenies, Vice President of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group. Beth shares her journey from a journalism graduate to becoming president of a company at just 26, and now leading growth across 15 powerhouse brands in restoration and home services. From navigating male-dominated industries to embracing AI in franchising, Beth’s story is one of adaptability, emotional intelligence, and people-first leadership.

Listeners will hear:

• How Beth went from journalism to leading national franchise operations at 26 years old.
• The “Three D’s” rule she learned from her mentors: Do it, Delegate it, or Dump it.
• Why humility and confidence must walk hand-in-hand for effective leadership.
• How shared-services models became a blueprint for scalable franchise success.
• Why emotional intelligence and empathy remain the foundation of great leadership.
• Her take on AI: not a threat, but a “catapult” for smarter, more human-centered franchising.
• How valuing people before profit drives long-term franchise success.

🎧 A must-listen for anyone leading franchise growth, navigating change, or striving to blend technology with the human touch.

#BehindTheFranchise #BELFORFranchiseGroup #FranchiseLeadership #PeopleBeforeProfit #AIandFranchising #ScalingSmart

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Rick Peroe, a franchise veteran with decades of experience in system support, training, and franchise development. Rick shares his journey from a short-term seasonal role to leading franchise expansion at Heart to Home Meals, and reveals the insights that have shaped his approach to franchising. Listeners will hear:

• How Rick “fell into franchising” and discovered his passion for helping franchisees build dreams.
• Why he believes the right people, not just the right territory, are the key to success.
• The unique approach Heart to Home Meals is taking to expand into the U.S. market, focusing on mission-driven franchisees and targeted, sustainable growth.
• How partnerships with local senior care organizations enhance franchisee success and community impact.
• The importance of culture fit and long-range thinking in choosing where and with whom to grow.
• Why listening to franchisees and engaging with people on the ground is critical to building a strong system.
• 
  

🎧 A must-listen for anyone curious about how experience, relationships, and a mission-first approach can drive franchise growth and community impact.

#BehindTheFranchise #HeartToHomeMeals #FranchiseGrowth #FranchiseSuccess #ScalingSmart #Entrepreneurship #FranchiseDevelopment #SeniorCareFranchises

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Derick Jaros, owner of Customboxes.io and former executive at Home Depot, Yext, and other Fortune 500 companies.

Derick shares how his career journey — from corporate strategy and e-commerce leadership to launching his own digital services firm — shaped his philosophy on growth, local marketing, and creating meaningful customer experiences.

Listeners will hear:

• Why Derick believes growth can be “productized” and repeatable across industries.
• The lessons learned from scaling businesses inside giants like Home Depot — and how they translate into startup life.
• How local SEO consistently delivers the highest ROI for multi-location brands.
• Why marketing is often about rethinking overlooked opportunities in customer touchpoints.
• How old-school tactics like direct mail are making a comeback when paired with new technology.
• Why scrappy execution, time management, and smart use of AI are critical for founders.

🎧 A must-listen if you’re curious how local marketing, smarter digital execution, and scrappy growth experiments can fuel franchise and startup success.

#BehindTheFranchise #Customboxes.io #FranchiseGrowth #LocalMarketing #ScalingSmart #Entrepreneurship

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Leah Pinkes, Franchise Marketing Coordinator at Oh Deer, an all-natural deer tick and mosquito control service franchise. Leah shares her journey from intern to full-time marketing lead and dives into the strategies behind building an authentic, community-focused social media presence across multiple franchise locations. From viral content to local SEO, she reveals the hands-on approach to marketing that drives growth while keeping franchisees engaged and empowered.

Listeners will hear:

• How Leah went from intern to leading marketing efforts at an emerging franchise.
• The balance of brand consistency and franchisee individuality in social content.
• Lessons from creating a viral video with millions of views and thousands of shares.
• How organic social, blogs, and local SEO help franchise locations stand out online.
• Practical tips for making social media authentic and approachable for franchisees.
• Why genuine engagement with community and customers beats blindly chasing trends.

🎧 A must-listen if you want to understand how creativity, local focus, and authenticity can scale a franchise’s online presence.

🔗 Watch the Oh Deer viral video here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHbfFJSOKbq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

#BehindTheFranchise #FranchiseMarketing #SocialMediaStrategy #LocalSEO #ViralContent #CommunityMarketing #FranchiseGrowth #OhDeer

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Bennett Maxwell, CEO of Franchise KI. Bennett shares his journey from door-to-door sales to scaling one of the fastest-growing cookie brands in America. From selling 450 franchises in less than two years to navigating lawsuits, he reveals the strategies — and lessons learned — behind building and scaling at lightning speed.

Listeners will hear:

• How Bennett went from hustling sponsorships in high school to building multimillion-dollar sales teams.
• Why he believes sales is about conversations and opportunities, not pressure.
• The behind-the-scenes of Dirty Dough’s rapid growth and why simplicity was the key to scaling.
• How legal battles and challenges shaped his leadership and long-term vision.
• His perspective on redefining success after hitting financial milestones.
• Why joy, fulfillment, and balance now guide his approach to business and life.

🎧 A must-listen if you’re curious how grit, sales mastery, and scaling smart can turn into a national franchise success story.

#BehindTheFranchise #FranchiseGrowth #ScalingSmart #FranchiseSuccess #Entrepreneurship #FranchiseKI

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Vanessa Yakobson, CEO and partner of Blo Blow Dry Bar, LashKind, and MYNC. Vanessa shares her journey from nonprofit fundraising to leading one of North America’s largest beauty and wellness franchise systems. From pioneering the blow dry bar category to scaling with customer experience at the core, she reveals how Blo continues to evolve while staying true to its values.

Listeners will hear:

• How Blo created the blow dry bar category and grew it into a scalable franchise model.
• Why Vanessa sees customer service as the linchpin of competitiveness in beauty and wellness.
• The origins of Blo’s “Pink Carpet Treatment” and what it means for customer loyalty.
• How franchisee innovation feeds back into system-wide growth.
• Why community building — both inside salons and through digital platforms — has become central to the brand.
• The shift from being “just a beauty brand” to embracing wellness and holistic care.
• Vanessa’s leadership philosophy: staying adaptable, open-minded, and willing to say, “I changed my mind.”

🎧 A must-listen if you’re curious how customer experience, community building, and adaptive leadership can drive lasting success in franchising.

👉 Learn more about Blo Blow Dry Bar at http://www.blomedry.com/

#BehindTheFranchise #FranchiseLeadership #BeautyIndustry #WellnessBusiness #CustomerExperience #PinkCarpetTreatment #BloBlowDryBar #FranchiseGrowth

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Erika Wilson, CMO at Sound Income Group, a parent company supporting financial advisors through multiple subsidiaries, including a national franchise brand. Erika shares her journey from traditional advertising into the financial services world and how she built a marketing approach that balances creativity with the strict compliance of a regulated industry.

Listeners will hear:

• How Erika transitioned from print and media buying to financial services marketing and why she decided to earn a Master’s in Financial Planning as a CMO.
• The unique challenge of marketing in a highly regulated industry — and how compliance can actually spark creativity.
• How Sound Income Group structures its ecosystem to serve both B2B (financial advisors) and B2C (retirement clients) audiences without creating brand confusion.
• Why webinars became a game-changing strategy after COVID and how they continue to drive scalable growth.
• The importance of building a collaborative marketing team and holding clear accountability across multiple brands and subsidiaries.
• How Erika leverages both traditional credibility builders (TV, radio, books) and digital channels to maximize ROI and presence.
• Her perspective on AI in marketing — and why those who embrace it will have a competitive edge.

A must-listen if you want to understand how to market within a regulated industry, balance B2B and B2C messaging, or learn how franchising fits into the future of financial services.

#BehindTheFranchise #FranchiseMarketing #FinancialServices #MarketingStrategy #SoundIncomeGroup #FranchisingSuccess #Leadership #Webinars #AIinMarketing

In this episode, host Paul Elinger sits down with Megan Stewart, partner at The Grow CMO, a marketing consultancy that helps brands in periods of rapid growth or transition. Megan shares how her background in journalism and storytelling informs her approach to marketing, blending data-driven performance with creative brand-building.

Listeners will hear:

• How Megan balances performance marketing with creative strategy to maximize ROI while building brand equity.
• Her approach to advocating for marketing budgets and influencing leadership across multi-unit and franchise organizations.
• Insights into stepping into the customer’s shoes through mystery shopping, user journey analysis, and local market testing.
• The importance of living brand values authentically and how that translates into stronger customer engagement.
• Strategies for experimenting with new demographics and messaging without alienating core audiences.
• Practical tips on storytelling for marketers—how to turn data and goals into compelling narratives that drive action.

A must-listen if you’re curious how marketing strategy, storytelling, and customer empathy can help franchise brands grow, scale, and optimize across multiple locations.

#BehindTheFranchise #TheGrowCMO #FranchiseMarketing #BrandStrategy #MarketingLeadership #FranchiseGrowth

In this episode, host Paul Elinger sits down with Ethan Grob, co-founder and CEO of Another 9, a fully automated, 24/7 indoor golf simulator franchise. Ethan shares how his background in technology, retail, and product development inspired him to reimagine golf as a seamless, tech-driven, and approachable experience.

Listeners will hear:

How Another 9 blends digital booking and smart access with a premium private golf suite.

Why the brand’s “turnkey by design” model makes it just as simple for franchisees as it is for guests.

Insights into 9.OS, their custom-built operating system that helps franchisees remotely manage locations.

The surprising ways customers use the space—from 3 a.m. tee times to date nights and family outings.

Ethan’s vision for golf that’s more inclusive, accessible, and anxiety-free for new players, women, and casual golfers.

From subtle details like coat racks and bag holders to bold ideas like AI-powered swing coaching, Ethan shows how Another 9 is breaking down the traditional barriers of golf—and scaling fast as a franchise.

🎧 A must-listen if you’re curious how technology, customer empathy, and smart franchising can turn a niche passion into a national brand.

#BehindTheFranchise #Another9 #FranchiseGrowth #GolfBusiness #IndoorGolf #Franchising #GolfLife #GolfSimulator #TechInFranchising

In this powerhouse episode of Behind the Franchise, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Adam Contos, former CEO of RE/MAX, to talk about the wild ride from SWAT commander to franchise titan. Adam shares the gritty realities of leadership, the psychology behind overcoming fear, how to navigate challenging franchisee dynamics, and why AI is already reshaping the future of franchising. Whether you're a founder, franchisee, or exec, this episode delivers gold on mindset, transformation, and what it really takes to scale in a world of accelerating change.

🤯 Topics Covered:

• Adam’s journey from Marine → SWAT → CEO
• What franchising and law enforcement have in common
• The power of reframing fear (“Party with the Beast” mindset)
• How to use AI to train, lead, and scale better
• Culture-building and empowering teams at scale
• Why doing nothing is the biggest risk in the AI era

📚 Mentioned: Start With the Win by Adam Contos

🌐 Connect: adamcontos.com | yourfranchisegroup.com

#Franchising #Leadership #AI #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #REMAX #StartWithTheWin #BehindTheFranchise #FlamelAI

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dan & Ashley, the husband-and-wife duo behind Pet Bar, the fast-growing pet grooming franchise known as the “Disney World for dogs.”

From closing their tanning salons to launching their first Pet Bar in 2015, Dan & Ashley share how a personal grooming need for their schnauzer turned into a booming pet grooming business with over 30 locations.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How they turned a simple self-wash dog grooming idea into a thriving franchise success story
• The challenges (and wins) of running a business with your spouse
• Why passion for pets is the #1 ingredient for success in the pet care business
• How COVID changed their operations — and how they came out stronger
• Their vision for 250+ petbar franchise locations in the next decade

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a franchising fan, a pet business owner, or just love dogs, you’ll find this episode full of insights, laughs, and real-world advice from two people who have built something special.

#PetBar #PetGrooming #FranchiseSuccess #EntrepreneurLife #CoupleGoalsInBusiness #PetCare #SmallBusinessSuccess #DogLovers #FranchiseGrowth #BusinessWithPets #HusbandAndWifeTeam #PetGroomingBusiness #FromIdeaToEmpire #FranchiseJourney #PetBusiness

In this inspiring Behind the Franchise episode, Julie Harrell, President of Cooper’s Scoopers, shares her unlikely journey from healthcare management to building one of the fastest‑growing mobile pet waste removal franchises in the U.S. Julie explains how she discovered a deeper purpose in the “poop business”—educating pet owners about environmental health, supporting franchisees with meaningful systems, and using franchise growth as a force for community impact.

She dives into her founding timeline (launching in December 2023, FDD live by February 1, and nine trucks operational by June 17), operational challenges, and the importance of values‑driven leadership. Julie also discusses target markets—from millennials to senior pet owners—and how sanitation and eco‑responsibility differentiate Cooper’s Scoopers from traditional pet waste services.

#FranchiseSuccess #PurposeDrivenBusiness #JulieHarrell #CoopersScoopers #PetWasteManagement #EcoFriendlyService #WomenInFranchising #OperationalLeadership