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

Dr. John P Hayes
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

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. 2d ago

    Would You Rather Buy a Degree… or Buy a Career? | Dr. John P. Hayes With Tom Pabin

    John Hayes interviews Tom Pabin on the Franchise Hot Seat Podcast, discussing Pabin's journey with his college-planning franchise, Class101, and his book, Squeezed. Pabin shares the story of how he started Class101 in 1997, developed systems for a decade before venturing into franchising, and managed steady growth until he eventually sold the company. He remains involved as a franchisee. They debate the necessity of college education for everyone, the risk of families overpaying for education, and emphasize the significance of student suitability and performance over the reputation of the institution. Hayes suggests that students with knowledge of franchising have an edge in the job market, while Pabin views franchising as a means to purchase a career that aligns with one's purpose. They use examples such as McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish to illustrate the impact of franchisees, the importance of culture fostered through practical actions, and the value of sharing ideas and recognition. Pabin interprets "squeeze" as a form of pressure that propels growth, advocating for mentors, supportive "lemonade teams," perseverance, a positive mindset, and deliberate self-challenge. Pabin encourages listeners to visit his website, tompabin.com, for his book and coaching services. - With Tom Pabin. TIMESTAMPS: 02:35 The College Planning Founder Who Never Went To College. 07:45 When A $400K Degree Is A Terrible Investment. 11:55 Why Franchise Students Land Jobs Instantly. 13:45 The Lost Generation Searching For Passion. 16:10 The McDonald's Franchisee Who Invented The Filet-O-Fish. 19:30 The Franchise Hall Of Fame That Changed Everything. 21:45 Why Leaders Should Deliberately Squeeze Their Teams. 24:45 The 2:00 AM Test That Exposes Your True Circle. 27:25 Why Smart People Squeeze Themselves On Purpose. 30:10 The One Skill College Never Teaches (But Franchises Require). 33:55 How A Toastmasters Class Could Save Your Career. 38:40 The Funeral Test That Reveals Your Real Network. 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

    55 min

  2. Jun 29

    The Retro Pizza Hut Strategy That’s Driving More Sales | Dr. John P. Hayes - With Tim Sparks

    Dr. Hayes converses with Tim Sparks, the president of The Land Corporation and a significant franchisee of Pizza Hut, who runs almost 100 outlets across 11 states. The discussion revolves around the reintroduction of traditional Pizza Hut dine-in features such as Tiffany-style lamps, checkered tablecloths, arcade games, red cups, and the iconic red-roof identity. Sparks expresses his belief that technology can sometimes obstruct operations and that Pizza Hut's unique selling point is its dine-in experiences that foster relationships, boost sales, and serve as a community hub. He talks about how these experiences encourage families to disconnect from their phones and groups to extend their stay. Sparks shares that the idea of retro remodels started as a Pizza Hut experiment around 2017, with the first one taking place in Dahlonega, Georgia in 2018. His company now boasts 38 classic outlets, with the potential for more, and these locations attract customers from far and wide. Sparks shares his journey of starting as a dishwasher at the age of 18 and learning about franchising through Dalan. He asserts that brands achieve success by selling experiences and memories. He also stresses the importance of franchisee ownership, operator-led decisions, and being wary of aggressive expansion terms. While he finds AI intriguing, he doesn't see it aligning with his focus on dine-in social experiences. - With Tim Sparks  TIMESTAMPS: 02:10 Why Tech Fails In Restaurants. 04:45 The Dine-In Strategy That's Beating Delivery. 06:30 From Dishwasher To Owner Of 100 Stores. 08:45 Why Customers Drive Hours For Old-School Pizza Hut. 10:35 The P&L Secret That Crushes National Averages. 11:35 Why Families Put Phones Down At Pizza Hut. 14:30 The Gen Z Obsession With Retro Pizza Huts. 16:40 The Disney Lesson That Transformed A Franchisee. 19:30 Why Tim Wants Guests To Stay Longer. 24:40 The $900K Advantage Of Nostalgia. 31:45 Why Corporate Churn Hurts Franchise Brands. 37:15 The Hard Truth About Owning A Restaurant. 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. Jun 1

    The RV Side Hustle That Became a National Franchise | Dr. John P. Hayes - With Garr Russell

    John Hayes interviews Garr Russell, the founder of Fireside RV Rental, a faith-driven franchise that originated from a business he started in 2016 when he began renting out an RV he owned. He developed a replicable ""business in a box"" model and formalized the franchising process in 2022. The business has since expanded to approximately 70 locations across the U.S. Fireside RV Rental charges a startup fee of $35,000 and handles all bookings and inquiries. The company utilizes platforms such as RVshare and Outdoorsy, and keeps costs low by partnering with storage facilities, with owners covering storage costs. Russell discusses the company's marketing strategies, which primarily involve Facebook ads, and their six-week online onboarding process. He emphasizes the importance of building a community culture, having the right mindset, and attracting extroverted ""D"" personalities. Russell also talks about the company's territorial divisions, fleet targets of 20 units, basic Item 19 disclosures, franchisee accountability, closures, and a five-year vision that includes adding RV storage real estate to create generational wealth.  - With Garr Russell. TIMESTAMPS: 02:00 The $30,000 Camper Mistake. 02:45 Wheel Estate, Not Real Estate. 03:55 The Sister-In-Law Who Said No. 05:00 The Accidental Franchisor. 06:00 The Fifth Grader Who Had It Right. 08:45 The Emotional Connection Killing Profits. 10:00 The Common Thread: Faith. 18:00 The Prayer Test Before Signing. 19:00 The Six-Figure Summer Promise. 24:00 Why Mindset Is The Real Challenge. 26:00 The Franchise Rule Gar Broke. 32:00 The Painful Cut That Lit A Fire. 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. May 25

    The New Franchise Law That Could Change Everything | Dr. John P. Hayes - With Sarah Davies

    TITLE: The New Franchise Law That Could Change Everything | Dr. John P. Hayes - With Sarah Davies  DESCRIPTION: John Hayes interviews Sarah Davies, the general counsel of the International Franchise Association, about the American Franchise Act. The Act aims to stabilize the "joint employer" standard under the NLRA and FLSA, which has seen shifting interpretations since the 2015 Browning-Ferris decision. Davies explains that this volatility has negatively impacted franchisors' willingness to provide optional operational support, such as sample handbooks, job descriptions, and training, and has also harmed franchisee expectations and business valuations. She further clarifies that the Act is a narrow, franchise-specific employment bill that does not preempt state laws or affect franchise relationship laws, renewal rights, or employee "good cause" termination standards. It does, however, preserve joint-employer liability when franchisors exercise substantial direct and immediate control over essential employment terms. The conversation also touches on the bipartisan congressional support for the Act, the IFA's advocacy resources, and state developments in Maryland and Virginia. Additionally, Davies mentions the IFA's September Capitol Hill fly-in and the "Franchising Means Local" campaign. - With Sarah Davies TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 American Franchise Act Overview 01:10 Joint Employer Volatility 04:07 How Joint Employer Hurts Support 05:29 State Laws and Preemption 08:03 Good Cause and Renewal Myths 09:33 Economic Stakes for Franchising 12:27 One Size Fits All Critiques 17:32 Bipartisan Path and Advocacy 20:28 Other Issues and Capitol Hill Fly In 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

    31 min

  5. May 18

    The #1 Financial Mistake Franchisees Keep Making | Dr. John P. Hayes - With Gil Marques

    DESCRIPTION: Host John Hayes interviews Gil Marques, a multi-unit, multi-brand operator and co-founder of KTA Financial Services, about “franchise financial intelligence.” Marques explains how he and his wife, former corporate C-suite executives, entered franchising by opening The NOW Massage locations and later acquiring Salons by JC, and how early struggles getting timely, accurate P&Ls and balance sheets from non-franchise-savvy bookkeepers led him to build franchise-specific systems for clean, standardized financial data. He discusses why franchising needs consistent charts of accounts and reliable reporting for apples-to-apples comparisons, royalties, validation, and stronger Item 19 disclosures, and critiques franchisors for not emphasizing financial training or enforcing reporting. Marques describes KTA’s franchise-only bookkeeping, education resources (KTA Academy), AI-supported summaries and insights, and partnerships with analytics tools, plus pricing and adoption options for franchisors and franchisees. - With Gil Marques  TIMESTAMPS: 02:07 From Corporate to Multi-Brand Owner 03:24 Engineer Mindset Meets Franchising 06:39 Why Franchise Books Get Messy 17:26 KTA Tools and Franchisor Stakes 23:16 Transparency Builds Trust 23:59 What Is Financial Intelligence 26:20 Franchisors Adoption Hurdles 36:13 AI Powered Franchise Insights 39:45 Pricing And First Year Advice 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

    48 min

  6. May 11

    How He Modernized a “Boring” Industry Into a Scalable Brand | Dr. John P. Hayes - With Kevin DuBois

    TITLE: How He Modernized a “Boring” Industry Into a Scalable Brand | Dr. John P. Hayes - With Kevin DuBois  DESCRIPTION: John Hayes interviews Kevin Dubois, the CEO of Clean Brands, which operates various brands including Lapels and Martinizing across approximately 500 locations in nine countries. Dubois discusses his transition from opening multiple restaurants during his teenage years to garment care, a shift that occurred after purchasing a restaurant from Lapels founder Larry Friedman. Friedman's experience in environmental cleanup led Lapels to implement GreenEarth’s silicone-based, eco-friendly dry-cleaning process. Dubois also highlights how an external perspective contributed to the modernization of dry cleaning through the introduction of boutique stores, enhanced marketing and operations, and the evolution of "convenience". This concept of convenience has shifted from co-location and drive-thrus to applications, pickup and delivery services, and unmanned kiosks. Clean Brands franchises Lapels and Martinizing based on their regional brand strength and is currently expanding its tech-enabled, cashless laundromats that incorporate wash-and-fold, dry cleaning, and B2B linen customers. The company screens potential franchisees through a multi-step process that includes DISC profiles and discusses the possibility of semi-absentee ownership through trained general managers. They also address labor and driver challenges, pricing influenced by labor, and investment ranges from approximately $100K for satellites to around $600K for plants and roughly $1M for laundromats. - With Kevin DuBois.  TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Meet Clean Brands CEO 01:45 Going Green in Dry Cleaning 05:32 Learning the Industry Fast 07:07 First Taste of Franchising 10:36 How Garment Care Evolved 13:40 Tech Driven Convenience 16:37 Modern Laundromat Model 22:33 Franchisee Fit and Staffing 36:09 Costs and Final Takeaways 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

    42 min

  7. Apr 6

    How Franchising Has REALLY Changed (And What’s Next) - With Ray Titus

    DESCRIPTION: Ray Titus, in an interview with John Hayes, discusses the common misconceptions about franchising, including the belief that franchises are run by large corporations. He points out that less than 1% of the approximately 1,600 franchisees under the United Franchise Group are corporate-owned. Titus talks about his family's long history in franchising and the significant changes in the industry from the pre-internet era to the current age of artificial intelligence. He emphasizes the importance of embracing technology, such as digital printing and AI, which he refers to as a ""thought partner"" that aids in decision-making processes, including acquisitions. Titus credits his father Roy's approach to risk-taking and focus on increasing the number of franchisees to enhance support and purchasing power. He also discusses the process of evaluating potential franchisees, focusing on their compatibility with the brand and their work ethic. When asked which franchise he would invest in if he were 25 years old with $100,000, he shares his choice. Titus also talks about his contribution to the Titus Center at Palm Beach Atlantic, a faith-based institution he endowed to educate students about franchising, foster career growth, and promote wider education about franchising. He underscores the importance of servant leadership, mentorship, and remaining grounded in the industry. - With Ray Titus TIMESTAMPS: 02:55 The Biggest Lie 99% Of People Believe About Franchising. 07:50 The One Skill That Determines If Your Business Dies Or Survives. 08:45 Why A General Manager Turned White When He Saw The Future. 14:20 The Brutal Reason 90% Of Franchisees Fail (It’s Not What You Think). 19:10 How A Trip To The Middle Of Nowhere Inspired A Million Dollar Donation. 31:10 The Fatal Mistake That Destroys 99% Of Franchise Startups. 34:50 Why The University President Said A 40-Person Board Was Impossible. 39:00 The One Sentence From A Warehouse Worker That Made Him Quit The Family Business. 49:00 The 80-Year-Old Dad’s One Rule That Keeps A $1 Billion Empire Humble. 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

  8. Mar 30

    He Quit His Corporate Job for Franchising?! - With Sal Majzoub

    DESCRIPTION: John Hayes interviews Sal Majzoub on Franchise Hot Seat, discussing Majzoub's transition from corporate work to franchising and business brokerage. Majzoub shares his experience of being confined in a Dubai hotel during the COVID pandemic while earning a substantial six-figure salary. During this time, he researched about 50 franchises and multiple Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), eventually choosing Transworld Business Advisors. Majzoub later took the master franchise for Quebec, but faced challenges in building awareness and income for 2-3 years. He then sold his share and relocated to Florida to work as an agent. Majzoub stresses the importance of daily networking for success in business brokerage. He also discusses the benefits of owning a National Lead Exchange (NLX) franchise, which aids in generating warm, trust-based referrals. This contrasts with the Business Network International (BNI) which requires more time commitment. The conversation also covers the reasons why absentee franchise ownership often fails, the availability of businesses for sale, foreign buyers utilizing E-2 visas, the increased demand for established businesses and service/trade companies. Majzoub also shares his perspective on the best and worst aspects of franchising. - With Sal Majzoub TIMESTAMPS: 03:25 Stuck in a Hotel… Built a New Career 04:30 He Walked Away from a Six-Figure Salary 06:45 He Studied 50 Franchises Before Choosing One 09:25 “I Thought 6 Months… It Took 3 Years” 12:45 Starting From Below Zero (No Network, No Safety Net) 16:00 Why Franchising Has a Higher Success Rate 29:20 Cold Outreach Is Dead — Here’s What Works Now 38:20 Why “Passive Franchise Ownership” Fails 50:50 The Business Models AI Won’t Replace 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

    34 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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