Franchise Empires The Wolf, A Workweek Friend

Who can forget being shuffled around to soccer games in the back seat of mom’s minivan, eagerly waiting to find out what post-game snacks awaited you at the end of your little league matchup?
What if there was a franchise that could capture that same magic?
The Wolf talks to Adam Geisler and John Erlandson, the co-founders of Youth Athletes United, which represents brands like Soccer Stars and Amazing Athletes, about the plan behind their youth sports immersion platform. With over 130 locations and 76 owners, they share their unique insights on scaling the business and the potential of selling more franchises.
The Wolf also chats with Kevin and Chelsea Meyer, two owners of the Soccer Stars franchise, about the challenges they faced in converting businesses into successful franchises. What was the importance of hiring a GM? And how has the growth of soccer in the US contributed to the astounding success of Soccer Stars?
Tune in to find out John, Adam, Kevin, and Chelsea’s insights into what just might be the most fun franchise in America to own!

Soccer Stars is one of the nation's leading youth educational soccer programs in the country. We are a mobile-based franchise focused on teaching the fundamentals of soccer while having fun. Our programs are class and game-based activities focusing on kids starting at 1 and up to 14+ years of age. You can learn more about us at soccerstarsfranchise.com.

00:00:50 - Youth Sports Platform Expands Franchise
00:06:26 - Discovering Soccer Stars Brand Journey
00:10:35 - Balancing Full-Time Jobs with Franchise
00:16:16 - The Power of People in Business
00:18:26 - Hiring a GM for Scaling Success
00:22:32 - Adapting to Franchisee Growth Challenges
00:29:14 - Developing Long-Term Goals for Soccer
00:30:54 - Lionel Messi Joins MLS, World Cup 2026 in America
00:36:10 - Connecting with MLS Franchise Opportunities
00:38:46 - Challenges of Starting a Franchise
00:40:57 - Franchise Challenges: Staffing and Retention

Follow Adam:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-geisler-1442697/
 
Follow John:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-erlandson-62409b4/
 
Follow Kevin:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-meyer-4168632a4/
 
Follow The Wolf:
Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises
Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf
Website: https://www.krokit.com
 
And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.
 
Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.
 
And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

How does the co-founder of beem Light Sauna think about scaling a thriving health and wellness franchise? The Wolf talks with Cynthia May, CEO and Co-Founder of beem Light Sauna, to discover her secret to scaling from 0 to 65 locations in a little over four years.
Cynthia reveals her biggest challenges and successes in scaling a franchise brand, unraveling how she and her team developed systems that allowed their franchisees to truly thrive. How did culture and values fundamentally shape the nature of her franchise?
Cynthia also shares her insights into the unique benefits of light therapy— from mental health to weight loss and detoxification, she explains why customers are drawn to their private individual suites and rooms and how their membership-based business model sets the stage for success.
Plus, what’s in store for beem Light Sauna? And how has partnering with prelaunch partners and vendors upped their marketing game?
Tune in now to find out!
 
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00:01:30 - Scaling a Franchise Brand Successfully
00:05:43 - Finding the Right Location for Brands
00:08:46 - Partnering for Membership Sales Success
00:15:16 - Customizable Infrared and Red Light Therapy
00:21:25 - Top 3 Reasons for Wellness Retreats
00:25:29 - Transitioning from Founder to CEO
00:34:18 - Establishing Culture and Values for Business Success
00:40:50 - Goals for beem Light Sauna Beyond Units
Learn More About beem Light Sauna:
Website: https://franchise.beemlightsauna.com/
 
Follow Cynthia:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiamay/
 
Follow The Wolf:
Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises
Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf
Website: https://www.krokit.com
 
And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.
Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.
And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Before it became a media franchise sensation, Dave’s Hot Chicken was a pop-up shop in East Los Angeles creating a line as long as the eye could see. Now it has a national cult following with investors like Drake and Usher invested in the Nashville-style chicken chain.
The Wolf sits down to chat with founding franchisees, Andrew Feghali and Lawrence Kourie about the challenges and triumphs of starting a franchise in a new market and the excitement of becoming part of a rapidly growing brand. 
Hear how Dave's Hot Chicken has gained attention not only for its mouth-watering menu but also for its celebrity investors. How do its chef-inspired offerings set it apart from the competition? And how has Dave’s made the art of the simple menu work in their favor?
Can Dave’s Hot Chicken compete with In-N-Out? Lawrence and Andrew explain how focusing on the people behind the brand and creating room for growth has led to a fantastic working culture and a high degree of scalability.
Plus, don’t miss out on an exclusive sneak peek into the future of Dave's Hot Chicken, including plans for expansion and international growth.

Sandbox VR is the world’s most advanced virtual reality experience. With more than 45 locations across 7 countries, this full-body gaming provides unprecedented realism and complete immersion that’s not possible anywhere else. Groups of up to six can roam the VR space together, exploring exclusive virtual worlds and relying on each other to succeed while surviving a zombie apocalypse, battling a mighty dragon, hunting for lost treasure, and more.
Visit Franchise.SandboxVR.com to learn more.

00:00:00 - Franchisees Share Dave's Hot Chicken Story
00:03:53 - Dodgers Game Meeting Leads to Successful Store Opening
00:06:06 - Opening a Franchise in San Diego
00:12:55 - Balancing Speed and Patience in Expansion
00:18:52 - Simplicity Key to Dave's Success
00:22:14 - Celebrity Investors Back Dave's Hot Chicken
00:26:18 - Third-Party Delivery: A Big Model
 
Follow Lawrence:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencekourie/
 
Follow Andrew:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-feghali-6728197a/
 
Follow The Wolf:
Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises
Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf
Website: https://www.krokit.com
 
And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.
 
Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.
 
And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Did you know when it comes to where your franchise is situated, there’s a breakfast side and a dinner side of the street? 
Dinesh Goswami certainly does, and with 125+ franchise locations open, including Pizza Hut, Popeye’s, , Taco Bell, and Checker’s, he knows why understanding your location is the #1 thing you can do to ensure the longevity of your franchise. 
Dinesh talks with the Wolf about his diversified portfolio and the valuable lessons he’s learned from his extensive franchising career about staying resilient and consistent in the face of economic fluctuations. How have specialized franchise lenders and SBA loans helped Dinesh to scale? Plus, discover his unique approach to acquiring talent and fostering a people-centric business.
From understanding the importance of location selection to leveraging organic growth opportunities, Dinesh provides his incredible insights into the challenges of franchising at a high-level scale. 
 
00:00:48 - From Banker to Popeyes Owner
00:02:12 - Corporate Dropout Opens Successful Franchise
00:05:03 - Considerations for Choosing Restaurant Locations
00:12:39 - Avoid Costly Mistakes When Opening a Restaurant
00:14:03 - How to Convince Someone to Switch Jobs
00:18:41 - Capital Strategy for Business Expansion: SBA Loans or Profit Funneling?
00:21:06 - Specialized Lenders for Franchise Industry
00:29:25 - Diversifying Brands for Steady Growth
00:36:04 - Understand Your Strengths Before Marketing
 
Follow Dinesh:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinesh-goswami-463547130/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dineshvgoswami/
 
Follow The Wolf: 
Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises
Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf
Website: https://www.krokit.com
 
And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.
 
Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.
 
And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!
 

What’s the latest Twitter beef with an army of minions going to war for Gas Biz Guy? Is it a joke or is there legitimate beef behind the brawl?  
Join The Wolf as he sits down with viral Twitter personality Gas Biz Guy (aka Chris Hellgeth), a self-made entrepreneur who turned a ten-cent cigarette sale into a $100 million-a-year gas distribution business. They break down the secrets to success in the gas station industry, including the importance of value, experience, and building a strong brand.
Discover how the Gas Biz Guy built his business from the ground up, overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities along the way. From cashing checks to gas station ownership, he shares his entrepreneurial journey and offers valuable insights for aspiring business owners.
The Gas Biz Guy also peels back the curtain on the little-known gas and convenience store industry, unpacking the unique synergy between quick-serve restaurants and gas stations and exploring the opportunities they can provide potential investors.  
And later, he and the Wolf dive into the evolving trends in the convenience store industry, from the rise of novelty energy drinks to the increasing focus on customer experience. Find out how higher-margin locations are expanding their margins by providing a clean environment and excellent customer service.
 
 
00:00:00 - Gas Station Enthusiast Dominates Twitter
00:04:14 - From a 10 Cent Cigarette Sale to a $100 Million Success
00:08:26 - Solving the Unbankable Population Issue
00:12:14 - Gas Stations: Profit from Convenience, Not Gas
00:15:22 - Gas Station Industry's Value Proposition
00:20:15 - Buying from Distributors: Convenience Store Margins
00:24:32 - Cooler Products Dominate Market Growth
00:25:47 - Synergy Between Gas Stations and Restaurants
 
Follow Gas Biz Guy:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gas_biz
 
Follow The Wolf: 
Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises
Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf
Website: https://www.krokit.com
 
And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.
 
Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.
 
And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!
 

How did a West Point flight school graduate become the founder of 79 optical stores across the US? Bill Noble, Pearle Vision’s largest multi-unit franchise owner, joins the pod to chat with the Wolf about his fascinating journey from sitting in the cockpit to building a nationwide franchise empire.  
From his early days at Harrah's Entertainment to his transition into the retail industry, Bill shares valuable insights on leadership, partnership, and the challenges of growing a franchise business. Discover how his military background and experience in the gaming industry shaped his approach to leadership and motivated him to start his own franchise.
Bill discusses the importance of maintaining a true partnership between franchisors and franchisees and reveals how honest feedback and open communication contribute to the growth and success of a franchise organization.
He and the Wolf dissect the strategies and considerations involved in acquisitions and growth and uncover how market conditions and lending criteria can impact a franchise's expansion plans.
Whether you're a seasoned franchise owner or considering starting your own business, gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics and intricacies of building a successful franchise empire.
 
00:00:23 - Military Veteran's Journey to Retail
00:03:27 - First Leadership Role Outside Military
00:05:42 - Transitioning Leadership Skills from Gaming
00:08:11 - From Lenscrafters Employee to Franchise Owner
00:15:12 - Navigating Pressure as a CEO
00:18:31 - Converting Corporate Locations to Pearle Visions
00:21:21 - Transitioning from Corporate CEO to Franchise Leader
00:24:37 - Navigating Growth in Changing Markets
00:29:38 - Approaching Leadership as a Franchise Owner
00:38:07 - Balancing Personal Identity in Competitive Organizations
00:45:27 - Franchise Concept Evolves into Partnership
 
Follow Bill: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamnoble1/
 
Follow The Wolf: 
Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises
Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf
Website: https://www.krokit.com
 
And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.
 
Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.
 
And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!