The Franchise Scale Up Show with Guy Coffey

Guy Coffey
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Welcome to The Franchise Scale Up Show hosted by Guy Coffey. Guy is an entrepreneur, franchise veteran, and co-founder of a successful franchise brand. Join Guy as he dives into real-world stories, strategies, and insights from inspiring entrepreneurs, industry experts, and thought leaders. Discover actionable advice on launching, scaling, and sustaining a meaningful business while thriving in life. From solo episodes breaking down simple, effective strategies to candid interviews uncovering challenges, breakthroughs, and success secrets, this podcast is your go-to for honest, practical guidance. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling to the next level, The Franchise Scale Up Show will empower you to build a business, and life, you love.

  1. 5D AGO

    How to Build a Business Proposal That Makes Franchising Easier

    If you’re building an emerging franchise brand, your business proposal is not a formality. It’s your foundation. In this episode of The Franchise Scale Up Show, I break down why a strong business proposal is one of the most overlooked growth tools in franchising. Most founders assume the proposal is just a document used to raise money or sell franchise territories. But the truth is this: If you can’t clearly explain your business model, unit economics, systems, and growth plan on paper, you’re not ready to scale. This episode is a tactical breakdown of what a proposal must include—and why clarity is what separates serious franchisors from brands that stall. Key Takeaways Why a business proposal is a strategy tool, not a “pitch deck”The biggest mistake founders make: trying to sell vision without proofWhy franchise growth depends on documented systems and executionHow your proposal builds confidence for franchisees, investors, lenders, and partnersWhat to include: unit economics, operations, marketing plan, and scalabilityHow a strong proposal helps you build trust faster and close deals quickerWhy weak proposals create confusion, delays, and wasted conversations Time Stamps 00:00 Why Most Franchise Business Plans Fail (and the Chaos That Follows) 00:49 Meet Gee + The Scaleup Show Mission (10 to 100 Units) 01:33 Business Plan vs Pitch Deck: What It Really Is 01:56 The 7 Core Sections: Concept, Market, Economics, Model, Support, Growth 03:30 Quick Break: Share the Show 03:56 Section 7: Exit Strategy—Build With the End in Mind 04:33 Build Trust: Franchisee Confidence + Investor/PE Scrutiny 05:50 Two Final Rules: Living Document + Build for Scale 06:34 Meat & Potatoes Recap: The Tactical Takeaways 08:03 Wrap-Up + Next Steps: Share, Strategy Call, Keep Scaling If you’re serious about franchising, your business proposal needs to be more than an idea. It needs to be a clear plan that shows people exactly how the business works, how franchisees win, and how the system scales. If you want help tightening your strategy, building your support infrastructure, and preparing your brand for serious growth, go to guycoffey.com and book a free franchise growth strategy call. And if you know a founder who’s trying to scale without clarity, share this episode with them. You might save them months of pain. Connect with Guy Coffey: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/guycoffey Website: www.guycoffey.com Instagram: @guycoffey YouTube: @guycoffey

    9 min

  2. FEB 10

    How to Scale a Franchise Faster Using Virtual Teams with Alex Miranda

    In this episode of The Franchise Scale Up Show, I sit down with Alex Miranda, founder of VIRTRIFY, an outsourcing company that helps franchisors build specialized virtual teams using talent from Latin America. We talk about why so many emerging franchisors stall between 10 and 100 units, not because their concept is weak, but because they simply can’t afford to build the support infrastructure they need fast enough. Alex breaks down what he calls the Hybrid Hiring Model—a structure where your core US team stays lean and high-level, while a virtual team handles the execution work that keeps franchise systems moving. If you’re an emerging franchisor trying to grow without bloating payroll, this is a must-listen. Key Takeaways Why an Executive Assistant is often the first and best hire for foundersHow the Hybrid Hiring Model helps protect your core team from burnoutWhat roles franchisors can outsource (SDR, admin, marketing support, FBC support, etc.)Why hiring virtually forces you to build SOPs, KPIs, and scalable systemsThe advantage of Latin America: time zone, cultural alignment, bilingual talentHow outsourcing can increase franchisee support without adding HQ headcountWhy paying US salaries for low-level work is one of the biggest scaling mistakes founders make Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction to In-House vs. Virtual Hiring 00:20 Welcome to the Franchise Scaleup Show 01:03 Meet Alex Miranda from FY Outsourcing 02:16 The Benefits of Virtual Teams for Franchises 04:13 Key Roles and Hiring Strategies 10:55 The Hybrid Hiring Model Explained 15:45 Advantages of Latin American Talent 20:10 How to Get Started with FY Outsourcing 31:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts If you’re an emerging franchisor and your support team is stretched thin, this episode is your reminder that you don’t need to wait until you “can afford it.” You need to build infrastructure now—before growth exposes every gap. If you’re ready to scale smart, go to guycoffey.com and book a free franchise growth strategy call. I only partner with founders who are committed to scaling without losing control. And if you know a founder who needs help building support systems without blowing up payroll, share this episode with them. You might save them months of pain. Check out Alex Miranda online: Website: https://virtrify.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexmiranda/ Connect with Guy Coffey: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/guycoffey Website: www.guycoffey.com Instagram: @guycoffey YouTube: @guycoffey

    33 min
  3. 5 Franchise Lessons Every Emerging Founder Must Learn Before Scaling

    FEB 3

    5 Franchise Lessons Every Emerging Founder Must Learn Before Scaling

    Most franchise founders believe their journey is totally unique. I’m here to tell you — it’s not. After building our own franchise system and working with many emerging brands, I’ve seen the same roadblocks show up again and again: the same mistakes, the same breakthroughs, the same growth patterns. In this episode, I share five universal lessons that apply to every founder trying to go from early traction to scalable franchise momentum. Key Takeaways Your first franchisees are your validators — choose wiselyHustle doesn’t scale, systems doEarly franchisee wins create unstoppable momentumFounders must shift from operator to coachCulture + communication prevent resentment and breakdowns Time Stamps 00:00 – The myth: “My franchise journey is unique”02:30 – Why founders waste time repeating predictable mistakes08:40 – Lesson #1: The first franchisee matters most09:45 – Lesson #2: Hustle doesn’t scale — systems do10:45 – Lesson #3: Early wins drive franchise momentum11:30 – Lesson #4: The founder’s role must shift12:20 – Lesson #5: Culture and communication win long-term13:00 – The danger of finger-pointing in franchising15:14 – Tactical recap: 5 takeaways to scale smarter16:21 – Final call to action: Share + book a strategy sessionIf today’s episode gave you clarity on what to expect in the early franchise days, share it with one founder who needs the shortcut. And if you want to compress your learning curve and scale without losing control, go to guycoffey.com and book a Franchise Scale Up Strategy Session. I only work with founders committed to scaling smart — and I’d love to help you. Connect with Guy Coffey: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/guycoffey Website: www.guycoffey.com Instagram: @guycoffey YouTube: @guycoffey

    9 min
  4. Private Equity, Founder Pressure, and the Myth of the “Billion-Dollar Idea” with Brian O’Rourke

    JAN 27

    Private Equity, Founder Pressure, and the Myth of the “Billion-Dollar Idea” with Brian O’Rourke

    In this episode, I sit down with Brian O’Rourke — a longtime operator, investor, and futurist with deep experience across franchising, fitness, and consumer brands. We dig into a topic most founders underestimate: clarity. Not more tools. Not more dashboards. Not more noise. Real clarity. Brian breaks down why many companies don’t actually have strategy, how data gets misused without context, and why founders can get pressured into chasing big, flashy narratives that don’t serve the business. Key Takeaways Why “strategy” usually means saying no — and why most leaders won’t do itThe difference between having data and having clarityWhy most businesses don’t even understand their core business modelHow founders get pushed into “moonshot” narratives that can trap themWhat private equity pressure can do to long-term decision-makingThe danger of misreading metrics like attrition without contextWhy pilots must run long enough for the “other shoe” to dropWhy simplicity is underrated — and “new initiatives” can become a trapTime Stamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:31 Brian O'Rourke's Background in Franchising 04:44 Understanding Hostile Takeovers 08:47 Private Equity and Founder Dynamics 22:18 The Role of Data in Business Strategy 35:46 Closing Thoughts and Advice If this episode hit home, do me a favor: share it with one founder who’s drowning in noise and needs clarity. You might save them months of pain. And if you’re ready to go deeper — whether it’s building your support infrastructure, accelerating territory sales, or preparing for private equity — go to guycoffey.com and book a free franchise growth strategy call. I only partner with founders committed to scaling without losing control. https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke https://www.vedereventures.com/ Connect with Guy Coffey: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/guycoffey Website: www.guycoffey.com Instagram: @guycoffey YouTube: @guycoffey

    37 min
  5. How to Know If You’re Ready to Franchise: The 3-Part Readiness Test

    JAN 20

    How to Know If You’re Ready to Franchise: The 3-Part Readiness Test

    Most founders franchise too soon. They get excited, sell a few territories, and think the momentum means they’re ready. But then the first franchisees open… and within months everyone’s frustrated. Why? Because they franchised a business instead of franchising a system. In this episode, I break down the number one mistake founders make before franchising—trying to franchise hustle instead of systems—and I walk you through the 3-part readiness test you need to pass before you sell your first franchise. Key Takeaways The real reason early franchisees get frustrated fastWhy an FDD doesn’t mean you’re franchise-readyThe common triggers behind franchising too early (ego, pressure, cash crunch)What gets exposed immediately: ops manual gaps, ad hoc training, marketing mismatchHow early trust loss damages long-term validation and growthThe 3-part readiness test: economics, systems, supportWhy “slow is smooth and smooth is fast” protects your brand Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction: The Pitfalls of Franchising Too Soon 00:37 Meet Gee: Your Franchise Growth Strategist 01:10 The Number One Mistake: Franchising Hustle, Not Systems 02:43 Why Founders Franchise Too Early 03:48 Consequences of Franchising Too Early 06:23 The Three-Part Readiness Test 08:41 Case Study: A Franchising Misstep 14:05 Tactical Takeaways for Successful Franchising 16:02 Conclusion: Scale Smart, Not Fast If you’re thinking about franchising—or you’ve already sold a few territories and you feel the cracks showing—don’t try to out-hustle a system problem. Go to guycoffey.com and book a Franchise Scale-Up Strategy Call. I’ll walk you through a readiness framework to determine whether you’re ready to scale now, or what you need to fix before you bring franchisees into your brand. Connect with Guy Coffey: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/guycoffey Website: www.guycoffey.com Instagram: @guycoffey YouTube: @guycoffey

    17 min
  6. What Happens After Your First Three Franchise Units Open (And Why It Feels Chaotic)

    JAN 13

    What Happens After Your First Three Franchise Units Open (And Why It Feels Chaotic)

    Most founders believe the hard part of franchising is selling the first few units. In reality, that’s when the real work begins. In this solo episode, I walk through what actually happens after your first three franchise units open, why it feels like chaos, and how to treat those early locations as stress tests for your system, not failures. I also share the mindset shifts, warning signs, and infrastructure investments that allow brands to scale smart instead of stalling out. Key Takeaways Why early franchise growth feels like running three startups at onceHow your first franchisees expose gaps in systems and documentationThe difference between training and real-world franchise educationWhy marketing needs to adapt to new markets quicklyThe five critical role shifts founders must make earlyHow to identify warning signs before franchise issues compoundThe infrastructure that supports sustainable scale Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction: The Real Work Begins 00:34 Transitioning from Founder to Franchisor 01:03 The Franchise Scaleup Show: What to Expect 01:24 Episode Breakdown: Mindset, Units, and Shifts 01:55 Myth vs. Reality: The First Three Units 02:22 Stress Testing Your Franchise System 04:17 Five Essential Shifts for Founders 09:22 Warning Signs and Early Franchisee Management 11:27 Building a Scalable Franchise System 14:00 Tactical Takeaways and Conclusion If you’ve opened your first few franchise units and feel overwhelmed, you’re not failing — you’re learning. If you want help building the systems, playbooks, and support structure needed to scale from three units to fifty, book a Franchise Scale-Up Strategy Call at guycoffey.com. Clarity now prevents chaos later. Connect with Guy Coffey: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/guycoffey Website: www.guycoffey.com Instagram: @guycoffey YouTube: @guycoffey

    16 min
  7. Is Licensing or Franchising the Right Way to Scale My Brand?

    JAN 6

    Is Licensing or Franchising the Right Way to Scale My Brand?

    Licensing often looks easier than franchising — less regulation, lower cost, faster upfront cash. But easier doesn’t always mean safer. In this solo episode, I break down the real differences between licensing and franchising, why those differences matter, and how choosing the wrong model can quietly cost you control, brand consistency, and long-term value. I explain the three critical factors every founder must evaluate — control, compliance, and cash — and when each model actually makes sense. Key Takeaways The fundamental difference between licensing IP and franchising a systemWhy franchising gives founders more control, not lessHow franchise law protects both franchisors and franchiseesThe tradeoffs between upfront licensing cash and long-term royalty incomeWhen licensing is appropriate (and when it’s dangerous)Why customer experience consistency demands franchisingHow long-term asset value is built through royalties and systems Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction to Licensing vs. Franchising00:18 Meet Gee: Your Franchise Growth Strategist00:48 Understanding Licensing and Franchising01:52 Comparing Control, Compliance, and Cash03:17 When Licensing Makes Sense04:15 When Franchising is the Only Path04:50 Final Thoughts on Licensing vs. Franchising05:10 Conclusion and Call to ActionIf you’re deciding between licensing and franchising right now, clarity matters more than speed. Book a free Franchise Growth Strategy Call at guycoffey.com. In one conversation, we’ll determine which model actually aligns with your brand, your risk tolerance, and your long-term vision — before you make a decision that’s hard to undo. Connect with Guy Coffey: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/guycoffey Website: www.guycoffey.com Instagram: @guycoffey YouTube: @guycoffey

    6 min
  8. Should You Franchise Now or Wait? How to Know If Your Brand Is Actually Ready?

    12/30/2025

    Should You Franchise Now or Wait? How to Know If Your Brand Is Actually Ready?

    If you’re on the fence about franchising, clarity matters more than speed. If you want an objective opinion from someone who’s been in the trenches — as a franchisee, franchisor, investor, and advisor — book a Filter the Noise Call at guycoffey.com. I’ll help you determine whether you’re ready now or give you a clear roadmap to get there without costly mistakes. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- One of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make as a founder is when to franchise. Move too early, and you can damage your brand, your finances, and other people’s livelihoods. Wait too long, and competitors may take the best markets and franchisees before you do. In this solo episode, I break down the five critical readiness checks every founder must pass before franchising, plus the founder gut check that most people skip — and later regret. I also explain the real risks of jumping too early versus hesitating too long, and how to use the 80% rule to decide when it’s time to move. Key Takeaways Why one successful location does not mean you’re franchise-readyThe five non-negotiables every franchise system must have in placeHow weak unit economics can quietly destroy a franchise brandWhy systems and documentation matter more than passionThe hidden leadership and lifestyle shifts founders underestimateThe danger of waiting too long and losing first-mover advantageHow to use the 80/20 rule to decide when to pull the triggerTimestamps: 00:00 Introduction: The Franchising Dilemma 00:34 The Franchise Scaleup Show: What to Expect 01:26 Finding the Right Time to Franchise 02:53 Five Key Factors for Franchise Readiness 08:13 The Founder Gut Check 15:18 The Dangers of Hesitating or Moving Too Fast 26:32 Conclusion: Taking the Leap Connect with Guy Coffey: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/guycoffey Website: www.guycoffey.com Instagram: @guycoffey YouTube: @guycoffey

    30 min
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About

Welcome to The Franchise Scale Up Show hosted by Guy Coffey. Guy is an entrepreneur, franchise veteran, and co-founder of a successful franchise brand. Join Guy as he dives into real-world stories, strategies, and insights from inspiring entrepreneurs, industry experts, and thought leaders. Discover actionable advice on launching, scaling, and sustaining a meaningful business while thriving in life. From solo episodes breaking down simple, effective strategies to candid interviews uncovering challenges, breakthroughs, and success secrets, this podcast is your go-to for honest, practical guidance. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling to the next level, The Franchise Scale Up Show will empower you to build a business, and life, you love.

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