Franchise Voice IFA

The Franchise Ascension Initiative, a six-month accelerator program aimed at preparing qualified individuals from underrepresented communities with education, mentorship, resources, and guidance in accessing capital to maximize the opportunity for success through a career in franchise ownership.


On today's podcast, we will speak with the visionary of The Franchise Ascension Initiative, Omar Simmons, IFA Board Member and Managing Director of Exaltare Capital Partners.


Simmons says, “Franchising has been at the center of my journey and can provide a unique path to financial freedom for others. Now it is time to pay it forward so that even more people can have access to the same opportunities I had."


Interested candidates can apply now at https://pages.franchise.org/ifa-franchise-ascension-initiative/
Special Guest: Omar Simmons.

Today we're wrapping up our series recorded live at IFA 2024 with the winners of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman of College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving.


Nick and Omar discuss their thoughts on the award, the evolution they've seen in 20 years in franchising, and what they want to share with the next generation of business leaders.


We'll also check in with Jamie Izaks of All Points PR on AI and other takeaways from this convention!
Special Guests: Jamie Izaks, Nick Friedman, and Omar Soliman.

Today on Franchise Voice, Jack Monson hosts another in our special series of shows recorded live at the IFA 2024 Convention.


We’ll speak with some of the top leaders in franchising including Tamra Kennedy of Taco John’s, Dr Kathleen Gosser and her students from the University of Louisville, and Tony Valle of Clear Summit Group! We’re discussing the theme of Franchise Smarter and what each of these individuals would like to tell the world about franchising!


Our specia guests:
Tamra Kennedy is a Multi-Unit Franchisee with Taco John’s, member of the IFA Board of Directors, and this year’s winner of The Bonnie Levine Award.


Dr Kathleen Gosser leads the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville. Today she is joined by her Program Coordinator Annie Nell Wadley and four top students who share their impressive stories of launching into the franchise space!


Tony Valle is the Managing Partner of Clear Summit Group and is the winner of this year’s William Rosenberg Leadership Award.
Special Guests: Kathleen Gosser, Tamra Kennedy, and Tony Valle.

Why is Franchising so important to your community and to the next generation of business leaders?


On this special edition of Franchise Voice, host Jack Monson speaks with some of the top leaders in franchising live at IFA 2024!


Catherine Monson, CEO of Propelled Brands, has just won the IFA Hall of Fame Award. Catherine shares her thoughts on the hall of famers who came before and those will lead franchising in the next generation. She also discusses this year’s theme of smart franchising, her advice for those just starting their entrepreneurial journey, and why franchising is the important means for wealth creation for all people.


Paul Pickett, CDO of Wild Bird Unlimited, is this year’s winner of the Ronald E Harrison Award recognizing Paul’s hard work in increasing diversity in franchising. He also shares his views as franchising as an important part of every local economy and community.


Plus, we have an update on Joint Employer, The NLRB, and other issues from Michael Layman, SVP of Government Relations, and Public Affairs at the IFA. Michael looks ahead to how this year’s presidential election will affect national and state public policies on which IFA is working. Learn more about the upcoming Senate vote and The IFA petition to the White House on the IFA site.
Special Guests: Catherine Monson, Michael Layman, and Paul Pickett.

IFA President and CEO Matt Haller leads a conversation with IFA team members Emily George and Sandie Curtis on the eve of The IFA 2024 Convention! The group shares ideas on how to make the most of your event, tips on networking, and how to find the takeaways to help grow your frnachise system!


For more info or to register, please visit The IFA Convention site today!
Special Guests: Emily George and Sandie Curtis.

On today’s episode of Franchise Voice, we’re talking about why lead generation is critical in franchising.


First up: Graham Weihmiller, Chairman and CEO of BNI, the world's largest business networking organization. Graham shares thoughts on why networking is a crucial aspect of the franchising mode, how you can maximize your networking opportunities, and how to get started!


Next, Jamie Izaks, President of All Points Public Relations, joins us to discuss the current state of Franchise Lead Generation, his perspective on opportunities and threats for 2024, and his team’s plans for #IFA2024 and for The Northern Illinois Franchise Association.
Special Guests: Graham Wiehmiller and Jamie Izaks.