Franchise Today Franchise Today

Gary Prenevost, has served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Franchise Association for some 15 years, and has been a FranNet Rock Star for some 21 years.  Now, he adds the titlea of best-selling author and sought-after Platform Speaker to his resume, as his recently released book the Unstoppable Franchisee, soars on USA Today’s List of Top 10 Best Sellers.  This week Gary is right here, to tell us all about it!

RICKY KALMON is a growth mindset expert, a motivational speaker and are you ready for this, a celebrity hypnotist.  Ricky delivers high-energy and mindset motivational keynote programs and corporate entertainment. His programs are inspirational and offer compelling, applicable tools, that anyone can use for both their personal and professional development.

Ricky Kalmon reveals how our mindset can be the greatest tool in achieving new heights, reducing stress, and increasing productivity and potential.  He has made numerous special guest appearances on several leading cable networks, including ESPN, HLN, Disney, Hallmark and Fox.  Ricky has worked his magic for businesses large and small, for franchisors and franchisees at their annual conventions and for teams of pro athletes, the like of the NY Yankees and Cincinnati Bengals.  This week, the author of Leverage Your Mindset-Overcome Limiting Beliefs and Amplify Your Life, talks with us. 

This week on Franchise Today, we delve into the world of business acceleration and artificial intelligence (AI) in franchising, with our esteemed guest, Ford Saeks. An acclaimed business growth accelerator and early AI adapter, Ford brings refreshing insights to the table, shedding light on how AI is revolutionizing workflows across industries.  

Featuring expert inputs on implementing AI in business, avoid common mistakes with AI, and crafting frictionless user experiences, this episode serves as a valuable resource for all franchisors, franchisees, and multi-unit owners. Ford's exceptional understanding of customer touchpoints adds authenticity and transparency to any business model for sustainable growth and sensible franchising.

Additionally, our conversation navigates through the shifting dynamics and emerging trends in the franchise world, including the rise of multi-unit operators and impact of socio-economic changes. Ford's emphasis on mindset, strategies and tactics in the business journey shares the essentials for success in the franchising world.

Join us in this insightful dialogue and learn about utilizing AI for a smoother customer journey and leveraging changes for your business's advantage. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an industry veteran, this episode is a must-listen!

John Smolen, Senior Vice President of Global Distribution Sales at Atmosphere TV, joins us today to discuss the streaming platform’s benefits for franchises and businesses, like restaurants, bars, grills, taverns, and gyms.Atmosphere TV is known for replacing daytime TV in public spaces with engaging short-form content across 40+ channels and is recognized for its rapid growth and impact on customer engagement and incresed unit-level sales. 

Smolen, with a background transitioning from psychology to sales, outlines Atmosphere’s ad-supported revenue model that provides free, family-friendly programming, along with marketing tools enabling franchisors and franchisees, to manage content across various locations. The service’s ability to target specific audiences based on venue type enhances its value as an advertising platform, offering flexibility and affordability with no minimum investment constraints.

The episode also touches upon the broader digital landscape, noting the scrutiny of foreign-owned social media platforms like TikTok by bi-partisan entities, underlining the importance of oversight in the digital content sphere.

In September, 2019, Ace Hardware successfully expanded its business by acquiring Handyman Matters and rebranding it as Ace Handyman Services, with a refreshed business strategy focused on expanding home improvement services. Under the leadership of Andy Bell, co-founder of Handyman Matters and CEO of the rebranded entity, Ace Handyman Services has capitalized on the surge in home services since the pandemic and increased sales, in large part, due to the rebranding and commitment by Ace, of new resources.  Since then, the company has experienced significant growth in franchise territories too and is ambitiously aiming to extend its reach to 1,000 territories over the next few years, while prioritizing responsible and sustainable expansion through well-considered franchising practices. Colette Bell, co-founder of Handyman Matters and Vice President of Franchising for Ace Handyman Services Franchising, is here to tell us all about it. 

John Francis, a franchise expert, advisor, and speaker with over 30 years of experience, shares his deep understanding of the franchising world. Born into a franchise family, he was a franchisee and franchisor multiple times. His parents pioneered the franchise model in the hair salon industry, creating a global empire. John's diverse background includes working in various franchise brands, consulting, and serving on boards. He talks about his journey in franchising, from working in his family’s business to consulting and advising franchise brands. John also discusses his involvement with Zor Forum, a mastermind group for franchisors, and reflects on the industry's future, emphasizing that franchising remains a successful model when executed properly. Additionally, he highlights his personal life, celebrating 25 years of marriage and his two daughters, and introduces Fathers Eve, a holiday he created for dads. John is open for contact and collaboration, offering his wealth of experience to help others in the franchising field.

 

 

 

John Francis, a franchise expert, advisor, and speaker with over 30 years of experience, shares his deep understanding of the franchising world. Born into a franchise family, he was a franchisee and franchisor multiple times. His parents pioneered the franchise model in the hair salon industry, creating a global empire. John's diverse background includes working in various franchise brands, consulting, and serving on boards. He talks about his journey in franchising, from working in his family’s business to consulting and advising franchise brands. John also discusses his involvement with Zor Forum, a mastermind group for franchisors, and reflects on the industry's future, emphasizing that franchising remains a successful model when executed properly.