The Franchise Woman

Rebecca Monet

Welcome to The Franchise Woman podcast: Where Passion and Purpose Collide. We are on a mission to interview women (and the occasional man) about how their passion and purpose have collided to create healthy relationships and profitable businesses. We are sponsored by Zorakle Profiles. Zorakle Profiles provides profiling tools to franchisors and franchise brokers which help facilitate a right-fit between a prospective franchisee and franchise concepts.

  1. 4d ago

    Scaling Without Losing What Makes You Special | Kristen Denzer, Tierra Encantada

    What does it take to turn a personal need into a business, and then turn that business into a growing franchise without losing what made it special in the first place? Kristen Denzer, Founder and CEO of Tierra Encantada, joins Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa on The Franchise Woman Podcast to share the entrepreneurial journey behind the Spanish immersion early education brand. Kristen describes herself as a 99 out of 100 on the optimism scale, and that mindset has shaped much of her life. Long before Tierra Encantada, she launched businesses in consulting, event rentals, and dog daycare. Then becoming a mother led her to recognize another opportunity. She wanted a childcare experience that offered her children more: early Spanish language immersion, exposure to different cultures, fresh and diverse foods, and an environment designed to support children, parents, and teachers. So she created it. Tierra Encantada was founded in 2013 and has since expanded well beyond Kristen's original location. But when the opportunity to franchise first arose, Kristen hesitated. Her concern wasn't whether the concept could grow. It was whether it could grow without losing what made it special. In this episode, Kristen shares why choosing the right franchise partners is only the beginning. She talks about the importance of training, infrastructure, corporate support, delegation, listening to franchisees, and building systems capable of protecting the brand as it expands. Kristen also discusses one of the biggest transitions she had to make as a founder: learning to give other people room to make decisions, make mistakes, and sometimes find solutions better than her own. Kristen's story is a reminder that scaling a company isn't simply about replicating a business model. It's about creating the people, systems, support, and culture capable of carrying the original vision forward.

  2. Sep 23

    The Hidden Patterns That Make or Break Business Growth | Rion Westfall | The Franchise Woman Podcast

    Every successful business follows patterns—but so does every struggling one. In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet sits down with business growth strategist Rion Westfall, founder of Own Your Revenue, to explore how entrepreneurs can identify the hidden patterns driving (or limiting) their growth. Drawing from more than 25 years of experience helping businesses around the world, Rion explains why simply increasing sales isn't enough. Sustainable growth comes from recognizing recurring patterns, improving leadership, creating accountability, and eliminating the chaos that quietly erodes profits. Together, Rebecca and Rion discuss how business systems and human behavior intersect—and why putting the right people in the right roles is essential for long-term success. In this episode you'll learn: ✔️ Why successful businesses are built on predictable patterns ✔️ How chaos grows faster than profit during expansion ✔️ The biggest leadership mistakes limiting business growth ✔️ Why accountability changes company culture ✔️ How franchisors can better support franchisee success ✔️ The relationship between people patterns and revenue patterns ✔️ Why scaling the wrong systems only multiplies problems Whether you're a franchisor, franchisee, entrepreneur, or business leader, this conversation will challenge the way you think about growth and give you practical ideas you can implement immediately. Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping franchising and entrepreneurship.

  3. Sep 16

    Creating Community One Pizza at a Time | Kathleen Sears | Timber Pizza Co.

    What if your best marketing strategy wasn't advertising—but serving your community? This week on The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet sits down with Kathleen Sears, owner of two Timber Pizza Co. locations in Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina, to discuss how generosity, community involvement, and servant leadership have become the foundation of her business success. After beginning her career as a teacher and community outreach coordinator, Kathleen discovered that the same principles that build strong schools also build thriving businesses. Today, her restaurants are known not only for great pizza but for investing in local schools, nonprofits, volunteers, and families. In this episode, you'll learn: Why community involvement should be part of your growth strategy How donating more than 300 pizzas strengthened customer loyalty Building a people-first culture that improves employee retention Creating meaningful partnerships with schools and nonprofits Leading with mentorship instead of micromanagement Why fun, trust, and purpose create stronger teams Lessons every franchise owner can apply to their own business Whether you're a franchise owner, entrepreneur, business leader, or simply passionate about community impact, this conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiring leadership lessons. Subscribe for more conversations with today's leading franchise professionals. #FranchiseWoman #Leadership #SmallBusiness #CommunityImpact #Franchising #RestaurantLeadership #BusinessGrowth #TimberPizza #Entrepreneurship #ServantLeadership

  4. Sep 9

    How Komal Kumar Built a Multi-Unit Pearle Vision Empire | Leadership, Growth & Franchising

    What does it take to grow from one location to five while maintaining exceptional customer care? In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa welcome Komal Kumar, a third-generation eye care entrepreneur and multi-unit Pearle Vision franchise owner. Born and raised in Myanmar (formerly Burma), Komal grew up in a family dedicated to eye care before immigrating to the United States with a dream of owning her own business. Today, she owns five Pearle Vision locations throughout Orange County, California, serves as Chair of Pearle Vision's National Franchise Advisory Council, and continues expanding while remaining deeply committed to patient care and leadership. In this episode you'll learn: ✔️ How Komal turned an entrepreneurial dream into a thriving multi-unit franchise business ✔️ Why franchising provided the roadmap she needed to succeed ✔️ The mindset shift required to become a successful multi-unit owner ✔️ Why "showing up" is her guiding leadership philosophy ✔️ How to build teams that believe in your vision ✔️ Balancing profitability with exceptional patient care ✔️ The importance of honest leadership and mentoring future franchisees Whether you're considering franchise ownership, growing multiple locations, or leading a team, Komal shares practical insights on scaling a business without losing sight of the people you serve. Subscribe for more conversations with the women shaping the future of franchising. #Franchising #Leadership #PearleVision #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #WomenInBusiness #MultiUnitFranchise #TheFranchiseWomanPodcast

  5. Sep 2

    Franchise Development Is a Relationship, Not a Transaction | Dave Hansen

    Franchise development needs structure, speed, and consistency. But when automation begins to replace human connection, franchisors risk losing sight of the person behind the lead. In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet sits down with Dave Hansen, CEO of ClientTether, for a candid conversation about sales, leadership, intelligent automation, and the changing psychology of today's franchise buyer. Dave explains why the best franchise development teams focus on lead quality, not simply lead volume, and why technology should create more room for meaningful conversations rather than make the sales process feel transactional. He also shares how franchisors can tailor communication to different candidates, where automation adds the most value, and why less should be automated as a prospect moves deeper into the discovery process. The conversation also explores: •                Dave's unconventional first entrepreneurial venture at age five •                The role faith and generosity have played in his life and leadership •                Why franchise relationships should be approached as 10-year, and potentially 30-year, commitments •                How psychographics can improve candidate engagement •                The difference between a lead quality problem and a shift in buyer mindset •                How franchisors can support more cautious and risk-averse candidates •                Why candidate fit must be evaluated in the context of the brand and the role •                Where AI and automation belong in the franchise development funnel If you work in franchise development, franchise sales, recruiting, or candidate qualification, this episode offers a practical reminder: the goal is not merely to move more people through a funnel. The goal is to identify the right people, understand what they need, and help them make a well-informed decision. Want to continue the conversation? Join Dave Hansen and Rebecca Monet live on Thursday, September 10 at 12:30 PM ET for FranDev 2.0: Upgrade Your Strategy for a New Kind of Buyer. They will explore what is changing in candidate behavior, where development teams may be losing momentum, and how to adapt messaging, engagement, qualification, and follow-up. Register for the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/jd8-m0EwQ7KuNxXBQaITag#/registration Learn more about ClientTether: https://clienttether.com/ Learn more about Zorakle Profiles: https://zorakleprofiles.com/ Subscribe to The Franchise Woman Podcast for more candid conversations with the people shaping franchising.

  6. Aug 26

    From D1 Athlete to Marketing Leader: How Lynsay Flynt is Transforming Fitness Franchising | Workout Anytime

    What does it take to build a fitness brand that people don't just join—but genuinely feel connected to? In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Lynsay Flynt, Director of Marketing for Workout Anytime, to discuss leadership, branding, community, and the psychology behind authentic marketing. After competing as a Division I softball athlete at the University of Georgia, Lynsay transformed her passion for teamwork into a career helping one of the nation's fastest-growing fitness franchises build lasting relationships with members and franchisees alike. In this episode you'll discover: ✔️ How sports shaped Lynsay's leadership philosophy ✔️ Why authentic marketing outperforms artificial content ✔️ The strategy behind Workout Anytime's successful influencer campaigns ✔️ How community creates stronger brands and loyal members ✔️ Why attitude matters more than talent when building great teams ✔️ The future of marketing in the age of AI ✔️ How Workout Anytime partners with the American Cancer Society to make a greater impact Whether you're a franchisor, marketer, entrepreneur, or business leader, Lynsay shares practical insights on creating brands people genuinely trust and connect with. Subscribe for more conversations with the women shaping the future of franchising. #Franchising #Marketing #WorkoutAnytime #Leadership #Branding #FitnessBusiness #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #TheFranchiseWomanPodcast

  7. Aug 19

    The Secret to Sustainable Franchise Growth | Kamille McCollum | BODYBAR Pilates

    What does it take to grow one of the country's fastest-growing boutique fitness franchises without losing your culture? In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Kamille McCollum, President and Chief Branding Officer of BODYBAR Pilates, to discuss leadership, franchising, and building organizations that truly put people first. Kamille shares her remarkable journey from social work and special education to studio ownership and ultimately leading a nationally expanding franchise brand. She discusses how servant leadership, intentional reflection, operational excellence, and strong company culture have fueled BODYBAR Pilates' incredible growth. In this episode you'll learn: ✔️ Why encouragement is one of the most powerful leadership traits ✔️ How to scale a franchise without sacrificing culture ✔️ Lessons learned from opening studios during COVID ✔️ Why reflection—not perfection—is critical for entrepreneurs ✔️ The importance of hiring before you think you're ready ✔️ How franchise support creates stronger business performance ✔️ The metrics every franchise leader should monitor ✔️ Where boutique fitness is headed next Whether you're an emerging franchisor, franchise executive, entrepreneur, or business owner, Kamille offers practical leadership insights that extend far beyond the fitness industry. Subscribe for more conversations with the women shaping the future of franchising. #Franchising #Leadership #BODYBARPilates #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #WomenInBusiness #FitnessFranchise #FranchiseWomanPodcast #ServantLeadership

  8. Aug 12

    From Coach's Wife to Multi-Unit Franchise Owner: How Kayla Curtis Bet on Herself

    What do you do when every door closes? For Kayla Curtis, the answer was simple: bet on herself. In this inspiring episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Kayla Curtis—former collegiate athlete, entrepreneur, real estate investor, inventor, mother, and multi-unit Orangetheory Fitness franchise owner. After years of supporting her husband through college football coaching careers, Kayla found herself facing an unexpected crossroads when coaching opportunities disappeared. Instead of accepting defeat, she and her husband took a leap of faith into business ownership, acquiring seven Orangetheory Fitness studios and building a thriving operation rooted in leadership, culture, and purpose. Throughout this conversation, Kayla shares how the athlete's mindset prepared her for entrepreneurship, the lessons she learned through motherhood, and why discomfort is often the first step toward growth. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔ Why rejection is often redirection ✔ How an athlete's mindset translates into business success ✔ The power of mentorship and proximity to successful people ✔ Why "getting comfortable being uncomfortable" is a competitive advantage ✔ How Kayla and her husband transitioned from coaching careers into business ownership ✔ The leadership systems behind managing seven Orangetheory locations ✔ The role motherhood has played in shaping her leadership style ✔ How difficult life experiences built her resilience and confidence ✔ Why women should stop waiting for the "perfect time" to start Whether you're considering franchise ownership, navigating career transitions, balancing family and business, or simply looking for encouragement to pursue your next big goal, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom. Subscribe for more conversations where passion and purpose collide, profits are made, and relationships are forged. #TheFranchiseWoman #Orangetheory #WomenInBusiness #FranchiseOwner #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Motherhood #BusinessGrowth #WomenEntrepreneurs #PersonalDevelopment

About

Welcome to The Franchise Woman podcast: Where Passion and Purpose Collide. We are on a mission to interview women (and the occasional man) about how their passion and purpose have collided to create healthy relationships and profitable businesses. We are sponsored by Zorakle Profiles. Zorakle Profiles provides profiling tools to franchisors and franchise brokers which help facilitate a right-fit between a prospective franchisee and franchise concepts.

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