The Franchise Hot Seat Podcast with Dr. John P. Hayes - Director, Titus Center for Franchising

Dr. John P Hayes
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Internationally recognized speaker, personal business coach and Amazon best-selling franchise author Dr. John Hayes offers an honest look at everything involved in researching, evaluating and purchasing a franchise business. On this podcast, Dr. John P Hayes interviews Franchisors, Franchisees, and has solo episodes giving valuable advice in the Franchise Industry. Since 1979, John Hayes has worked in the franchise community as a consultant, franchisee and franchisor. He’s one of an elite group worldwide that has actually owned and operated franchises, including serving as CEO of a major American franchisor company, and advised franchisors and franchisees. He is the author of several franchise-related books and countless articles that have appeared in media worldwide. Dr. Hayes has served for many years as an advisor to franchisors, franchisees and small business owners internationally. His areas of expertise include management development, marketing, customer service, training and strategic planning. He is the author or co-author of 18 non-fiction books including Franchising: The Inside Story, Start Small, Finish Big, You Can’t Teach A Kid To Ride A Bike At A Seminar, and most recently Buy “Hot” Franchises Without Getting Burned. Keywords: franchise tax board , chick fil a franchise , the franchise guy , best franchise to own , franchise business , buying a franchise , franchise opportunities , opening a franchise , owning a franchise

  1. 6D AGO

    The Real Reason Graduates Struggle After College - With Dr John P. Hayes

    DESCRIPTION:  In this episode, we dig into the growing question a lot of people are asking: is a  traditional college degree still worth it? The conversation explores the gap between  classroom theory and the real-world skills employers actually need, and why more  students are looking for alternative paths as tuition rises and frustration grows.  Dr. John P. Hayes shares how the Titus Center for Franchising at Palm Beach Atlantic  University is tackling this problem head-on. Founded through a gift from Ray Titus,  the program blends strong academics with hands-on internships to prepare  students for real careers in franchising. We also hear the success story of graduate  Victoria Magaldi, showing what’s possible when education is tied to purpose and  opportunity.  This episode is all about what meaningful education should look like — and how it  can truly open doors.  -With Dr John P. Hayes TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 Intro  01:10 What is the disconnect between education and employment?  02:49 How does franchising connect to higher education?  04:00 What led to the Titus Center's creation?  06:24 What is a key success story?  08:13 What makes the Titus Center's approach unique?  09:19 How does it connect knowledge to purpose?  LINKS:  WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

    10 min

  2. 12/29/2025

    Insights from a CPA and Franchisee - With Natalya Hummer

    DESCRIPTION: John Hayes interviews Natalya Hummer from FinaTech Accounting and Advisors, who also owns three Crumble Cookie franchises, in this episode of the Franchise Hot Seat Podcast. Natalya shares her experience as a CPA and her transition into the franchising world, highlighting the essential elements for franchisee success. They delve into the importance of comprehending business metrics, such as KPIs, and the difficulties new franchisees encounter when shifting from corporate roles. Natalya underscores the importance of recruiting the right team, being financially literate, and implementing a robust training system. She provides valuable insights on effectively controlling labor and costs, and ways for franchisors to enhance their support for franchisees. The discussion also explores the importance of branding, franchisor training, and how advisory and accounting firms assist franchisees in understanding their financial status. Natalya expresses gratitude for her involvement with the Titus Center Advisory Board and briefly discusses the student internship program. - With Natalya Hummer TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro 00:40 Why know your numbers in business? 02:39 Biggest franchising challenge and strategy? 07:14 How to hire the right people? 14:01 How did you discover franchising? 23:00 How important is brand recognition? 24:57 Key benefits and costs of franchising? 26:56 Why specialize in franchise accounting? 29:24 Key success factor for franchisees? 34:03 Insight from running multiple stores? LINKS: WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

    46 min

  3. 12/22/2025

    From Teacher to Successful Franchisee - With Deean Ferrone

    DESCRIPTION: John Hayes interviews Deean Ferrone on the Franchise Hot Seat, discussing her journey from being a teacher to becoming a successful franchisee of Pigtails & Crewcuts, a children's hair salon chain. Ferrone's transition to business ownership was sparked by the difficulties of virtual teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. She and her husband conducted thorough research and due to fortunate circumstances, they were able to acquire three salons in just half a year. Ferrone emphasizes the value of her teaching skills in managing her business, the necessity of effective staffing and marketing, and the assistance she receives from her franchisor. They also discuss the ongoing issue of hiring stylists and the possibility of future growth, highlighting the advantages of franchising for those wary of starting a business from the ground up. - With Deean Ferrone. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro 00:36 How did Deanne get into franchising? 03:26 Biggest franchising challenge and opportunity? 07:34 Why are franchise systems so valuable? 18:04 How did teaching prepare for franchising? 25:26 How to manage a diverse team? 26:13 Connecting with clients and parents? 27:10 Daily life of a franchisee? 27:58 Why use DISC in franchising? 34:46 Unique challenge of children's hair salon? LINKS: WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

    49 min

  4. 12/01/2025

    Scaling Your Franchise with the Right Partners - With Shelly Sun Berkowitz

    DESCRIPTION: John Hayes, host of Franchise Hot Seat, interviews Shelly Sun Berkowitz, founder of  BrightStar Care, a leading healthcare franchising company with over 400 units.  Shelly discusses her transition from accounting to healthcare franchising, and her  strategic partnership with Peack Rock Capital. She stresses the importance of  choosing the right private equity partners and the value of supportive relationships  within the franchising community. Shelly introduces her advisory initiative, Founder  to Founder, designed to assist founders in scaling their businesses and navigating  sales processes. The discussion also covers the common misconceptions about  franchising, the necessity of robust franchisee support systems, and the importance  of ethical practices. Shelly shares her efforts to mentor female entrepreneurs and her  dedication to promoting equal access to franchising education. - With Shelly Sun  Berkowitz. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro 00:20 What is Shelly's Brightstar Care journey? 01:44 Why is franchising education so important? 05:58 Early franchising challenges and lessons? 11:02 Best mentorship advice for new franchisors? 16:44 How does the franchising economic model work? 24:36 How to hire the right talent? 27:23 How is private equity changing franchising? 37:47 Biggest challenge in selecting franchisees? 43:54 How to empower women in franchising? LINKS: WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

    47 min

  5. 11/24/2025

    The Future of Franchising with Franzy - With Alex Smereczniak

    DESCRIPTION: John Hayes interviews Alex Smereczniak, the co-founder and CEO of Franzy, in the  Franchise Hot Seat Podcast. Alex presents Franzy as a comprehensive platform for  potential franchisees, likening it to 'Zillow for franchising.' The platform aggregates  vital data such as financials, consumer sentiments, and franchisee feedback. The  interview explores Alex's professional journey, from transforming a laundry service  into a franchise model to establishing Franzy. The conversation also discusses the  transition from being a franchisor to a franchise supplier, the integral role of AI in  Franzy, and the critical importance of comprehensive franchisee profiling for  successful matches. The podcast also covers various industry insights, including the  need for a systematic approach, the potential influence of AI on the job market, and  the future of franchising in light of emerging technologies. The episode underscores  the importance of informed decision-making in franchising and the innovative ways  Franzy is striving to transform this process. - With Alex Smereczniak. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro 00:16 What is Franzi? 01:02 How did you get into franchising? 03:00 What problem does Franzi solve? 06:26 What makes Franzi's approach unique? 12:04 How does Franzi use AI and data? 16:00 How does Franzi monetize ethically? 22:52 Identifying good vs. bad franchise opportunities? 31:34 What is AI's role in franchising? 37:03 How to future-proof a franchise investment? LINKS: WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

    46 min

  6. 11/17/2025

    The Potential of a Veteran Franchisee - Insights from Bob McCracken

    DESCRIPTION: John Hayes, a franchising professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University and host of the  Franchise Hot Seat Podcast, converses with Bob McCracken, an Air Force and Air  National Guard veteran and Hot Head Burritos franchisee. They delve into why  veterans make exceptional franchisees, highlighting the discipline, meticulousness,  and plan-following abilities honed during military service. They also discuss the  Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative (VetFran), a program providing financial  benefits to veterans venturing into franchising, founded by Don Dwyer of the Dwyer  Group. Bob recounts his personal franchising experience, from managing multiple  franchises before the COVID-19 pandemic to effectively running a single unit. The  conversation underscores the advantages of the VetFran program, encouraging  more franchisors and veterans to join and leverage these opportunities - With Bob McCracken TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro 00:32 Who is veteran franchisee Bob McCracken? 01:03 Why are veterans great franchise owners? 02:49 What is the VetFran story? 08:35 Bob's Hot Head Burritos journey? 10:57 Best way to encourage veteran franchising? 16:10 Final advice for veteran entrepreneurs? LINKS: WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

    17 min

  7. 11/10/2025

    Legal Tips & Market Insights - With Rocky Reidel

    DESCRIPTION: John Hayes, host of the Franchise Hot Seat, engages in a comprehensive discussion  with Schuyler "Rocky" Reidel, founder of the Reidel Law Firm, on various pressing  and contentious topics in the franchising industry. They emphasize the crucial role of  specialized legal advice in franchising, particularly during a government shutdown  that affects SBA loans. Rocky underscores the importance for franchisees to  comprehend their responsibilities and limitations within franchise agreements, and  the significance of thoroughly understanding the Franchise Disclosure Document  (FDD). The conversation also explores the issues arising from private equity  ownership in franchising and its potential effects on franchisees. A significant part of  the discussion is dedicated to Subway's market difficulties and the problems caused  by remodeling requirements. The dialogue concludes with a reflection on the  difficulties faced by McDonald's franchisees, the repercussions of unfavorable  franchising conditions in states like California, and the imperative of due diligence  for potential franchisees. - With Schuyler "Rocky" Reidel. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro 00:37 Why is legal guidance crucial in franchising? 01:19 What is a franchise agreement? 02:26 How do SBA loans impact franchising? 06:08 Biggest franchising challenges and misconceptions? 19:23 What is the FDD's role? 28:26 How does FTC regulate franchising? 33:40 How is private equity changing franchising? 44:18 Why is Subway struggling? 52:52 Biggest challenges in food franchising? LINKS: WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

    58 min

  8. 10/27/2025

    Tips and Insights Into Franchising - With Jack and Jill Johnson

    DESCRIPTION: John Hayes hosts Jack and Jill Johnson from Franchise Insiders on the Franchise Hot  Seat Podcast. The Johnsons' franchising journey began with Jack's father founding  Home Care Assistance after a franchise rejection, which evolved into a successful  family business. As franchise consultants, they guide others through the complex  franchising world. Key topics include the necessity of thoroughly evaluating  franchises, consulting with current franchise owners, and understanding the  commitment needed for franchise success. They highlight home services and  healthcare franchises as solid choices, while food and retail franchises may present  greater risks and expenses. The Johnsons recount their experience owning and  subsequently selling a Pink's franchise, underscoring the importance of an initial exit  strategy. They urge younger individuals to enter franchising early and highlight the  significance of active ownership. The podcast's objective is to offer valuable insights  for potential franchise investors. - With Jack and Jill Johnson. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro 00:31 How did you discover franchising? 01:56 How to evaluate franchise opportunities? 04:21 Why become a FranServe consultant? 08:10 Why are home services franchises valuable? 10:43 Is semi-absentee ownership realistic? 18:18 How to avoid common franchise pitfalls? 26:33 Why is exit planning crucial? 32:00 How to choose the right franchise? 42:46 Are young entrepreneurs good for franchising? LINKS: WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

    51 min
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Internationally recognized speaker, personal business coach and Amazon best-selling franchise author Dr. John Hayes offers an honest look at everything involved in researching, evaluating and purchasing a franchise business. On this podcast, Dr. John P Hayes interviews Franchisors, Franchisees, and has solo episodes giving valuable advice in the Franchise Industry. Since 1979, John Hayes has worked in the franchise community as a consultant, franchisee and franchisor. He’s one of an elite group worldwide that has actually owned and operated franchises, including serving as CEO of a major American franchisor company, and advised franchisors and franchisees. He is the author of several franchise-related books and countless articles that have appeared in media worldwide. Dr. Hayes has served for many years as an advisor to franchisors, franchisees and small business owners internationally. His areas of expertise include management development, marketing, customer service, training and strategic planning. He is the author or co-author of 18 non-fiction books including Franchising: The Inside Story, Start Small, Finish Big, You Can’t Teach A Kid To Ride A Bike At A Seminar, and most recently Buy “Hot” Franchises Without Getting Burned. Keywords: franchise tax board , chick fil a franchise , the franchise guy , best franchise to own , franchise business , buying a franchise , franchise opportunities , opening a franchise , owning a franchise

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