Franchise Everything

Glenn Walford

Let's talk about everything and anything in franchising! Inspiring with experiences and information from the coal face of the people behind the day-to-day of franchises in action. We unpack personal journeys in founding and leading franchises, but just as important, are the journeys of people who own and run one or multiple franchise locations. From fitness, to coffee, to lawns and everything in between, franchising is a buffet of business niches. And with that comes an even wider range of people and stories to talk to about what they do, and how they did it. And from the people who support franchises in every kind of way. Everyone has a story to tell, and you'll often be amazed when they tell it in this way!

  1. 3d ago ·  Video

    Ep182 How Crust Pizza Is Preparing for Its Next 25 Years | Tony Eastaughffe, Executive GM

    Crust Pizza has spent 25 years building a name around premium ingredients and distinctive pizza flavours. Tony Eastaughffe, Executive General Manager of Crust Pizza, talk about the brand's beginnings in Annandale in 2001, its growth to around 140 stores and what lies ahead for the next 25 years.   Tony explains how Crust Pizza sets itself apart in a crowded pizza market, from preparing chicken and lamb in-house to introducing new flavour combinations like Korean beef with kimchi. He also discusses the return of the Upper Crust range, balancing classic favourites with new menu ideas, and giving franchise partners room to innovate.   On the franchise side, Tony shares how Crust Pizza supports its franchisees through sales and performance managers, store performance dashboards and quarterly local area marketing funds. He also talks about building stronger community connections, the team's hands-on experience in the pizza industry and Crust Pizza's plans to become a bigger part of occasions such as birthdays, Christmas gatherings and sporting events.   Key takeaways Crust Pizza has grown from its first store in Annandale to around 140 locations. Its premium positioning is built on quality ingredients, in-house preparation and innovative flavours. Crust Pizza balances classic menu favourites with new pizza creations. Franchisee support focuses on business growth through performance dashboards, coaching and local marketing funds. Local community partnerships help franchisees build awareness and attract customers.   Chapters 00:00 Why Crust Wants Customers to Say "I Want Crust" 00:26 Meet Tony Eastaughffe, Executive General Manager of Crust Pizza 01:10 How Crust Stands Out in a Crowded Pizza Market 02:57 From One Store in Annandale to Around 140 Locations 03:14 Bringing Back the Upper Crust Range and Menu Innovation 04:13 Balancing Classic Pizza Favourites With New Flavours 05:06 How Crust Supports Its Franchise Partners 06:37 Using Store Performance Dashboards to Track Results 06:51 Local Area Marketing Funds and Community Partnerships 08:40 Tony's Journey From Pizza Delivery Driver to Brand Leader 09:34 Building a Support Team With Real Store Experience 10:27 Why Crust Wants to Own More Food and Sporting Occasions 11:50 Preparing Crust for the Next 25 Years   Listen or watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/3asp3ndp Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/ycxcmd2k Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/yckefyv5 YouTube: https://youtu.be/l3dxtuJm19c   Build Consistent Video Content for Your Franchise https://www.franchisebuyermarketing.com.au/video-subscriptions⁠ ⁠

  2. 5d ago ·  Video

    Ep181 From Army Veteran to Owner of 3 Franchise Territories| Nick George, Coochie HydroGreen

    After five years in the Australian Army, Nick George moved into sales before finding his next opportunity in franchising. He now owns three Coochie HydroGreen territories in South Australia, building a business in a market where the brand had little existing presence.   Nick explains why he chose franchising, how the structure helped him get started without prior experience in the lawn care industry, and how he built a customer base from the ground up. He also talks about building relationships with landscapers and gardening businesses, using before-and-after results to win over customers, and generating enquiries through organic social media.   With three territories to manage, Nick shares how he plans his daily runs, handles 15 to 20 jobs a day and keeps the business running efficiently. He also discusses client retention, the decision to reinvest in additional territories, and when bringing on another employee makes sense as the business grows.   Key takeaways Nick's transition from the Australian Army into sales and business ownership Why he chose franchising for its structure and established business model. How he researched Coochie HydroGreen and spoke with existing franchisees before committing. The challenges of launching in South Australia with no existing brand awareness. Why building relationships with landscapers, gardeners and local businesses helps generate referrals. How before-and-after results help overcome customer scepticism and build trust. Why organic content on Facebook and Instagram has become an important source of enquiries. How Nick manages three territories by grouping jobs by suburb and following a rotating schedule. The importance of client retention, service quality and building valuable territories. When to bring on employees to support business growth and manage increasing workloads.   Chapters:  00:00 Building Three Coochie HydroGreen Territories in South Australia 00:29 Meet Nick George, Coochie HydroGreen Franchise Owner 00:46 Nick's Five Years in the Australian Army 01:55 Leaving the Army and Moving into Civilian Life 03:22 Starting a Career in Sales 04:28 Why Sales Experience Matters in Business 06:18 Finding the Right Franchise Opportunity 07:16 Why Nick Chose Franchising 08:17 The Freedom and Structure of Franchise Ownership 09:00 Deciding to Invest in Coochie HydroGreen 09:48 Why Speaking to Existing Franchisees Matters 10:24 The Risks of Starting a Franchise in a New Market 11:53 Launching Coochie HydroGreen in South Australia 12:28 Franchise Training and Ongoing Support 13:35 Building Local Partnerships and Referral Networks 14:49 How Local Relationships Generate Warm Leads 15:45 Building Brand Awareness Through Product Results 16:33 Managing Three Territories Efficiently 17:09 Why Nick Invested in Multiple Territories 18:00 Building Client Retention and Long-Term Value 18:20 How Other Franchisees Help Grow Brand Awareness 18:55 Using Social Media to Generate Customer Enquiries 20:40 A Typical Day Managing 15 to 20 Jobs 21:48 When Is It Time to Hire Another Employee? 22:33 Planning for the Next Stage of Business Growth   Listen or Watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5x6hb4s5 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/6wtew7f2 Amazon Music: https://youtu.be/gt-srpmJizA YouTube:  https://youtu.be/gt-srpmJizA   Build Consistent Video Content for Your Franchise ⁠ https://www.franchisebuyermarketing.com.au/video-subscriptions⁠

  3. Oct 23 ·  Video

    Ep180 | Inside Kip McGrath’s AI Strategy for Tutoring and Franchise Growth | CEO Melinda Smith

    How can tutoring businesses use AI to support students without losing the human connection that makes learning effective?   Melinda Smith, CEO of Kip McGrath, shares how her background in retail, government operations and early learning shaped her approach to customer service, education and franchise leadership. With 50 years of history and more than two million children supported, Kip McGrath focuses on helping students who struggle with maths and English build confidence and keep up with their learning.   Melinda discusses AI in education, the role of face-to-face tutoring, and why teachers remain essential to student success. She also shares Kip McGrath’s priorities for improving franchisee support, strengthening existing markets and reaching more children through future growth.   Key takeaways How Kip McGrath helps students who have fallen behind in maths and English catch up and keep up Why passionate franchisees and teachers are central to the brand’s success Why Kip McGrath is prioritising its current markets before expanding into new countries How Monty, Kip McGrath’s homework helper, supports learning and helps children develop AI fluency How human connection, trust and understanding a student’s emotions support effective learning How curriculum, marketing, service and communication are key priorities for the next 12 to 18 months. Why growth matters to Kip McGrath’s mission of helping more children succeed.   Chapters 00:00 Meet Melinda Smith, CEO of Kip McGrath 1:08 Melinda’s Background in Retail, Government Operations and Early Learning 02:07 Kip McGrath’s 50-Year History and Focus on Student Progress 02:54 Why Franchisees and Passionate Teachers Drive the Business 04:13 How Building Student Confidence Can Change Learning Outcomes 05:14 Kip McGrath’s International Markets and Future Growth Priorities 06:49 How AI Is Shaping the Future of Tutoring and Education 07:26 Monty the Homework Helper and Teaching AI Fluency Safely 08:10 Why Face-to-Face Tutoring and Teachers Remain Essential 09:57 Using Digital Tools Without Replacing Human Connection 10:41 Melinda’s Priorities for Franchisee Support Over the Next 18 Months 12:25 Investing in Curriculum, Marketing and Better Franchisee Communication 13:11 Growing the Network to Help More Children Access Tutoring   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/cww6xduv Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/mxv77knm Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/386sbvnc YouTube: https://youtu.be/7M1-2clyN-Q   Build Consistent Video Content for Your Franchise ⁠ https://www.franchisebuyermarketing.com.au/video-subscriptions⁠

  4. Oct 15 ·  Video

    Ep179 The Journey to Becoming a Multi-Store Donut King Franchise Owner | Brooke Kochelak

    What happens when you grow up in a family business and eventually get the opportunity to take it over?   Brooke has known Donut King for almost her entire life. After growing up in her family’s franchise business, she chose to build her own career first, gaining experience in retail, multi-site operations and marketing before returning to help manage her family’s eight Donut King businesses.   In this episode, Brooke shares how her experience at National Storage taught her to track performance across multiple locations, understand the numbers and work on the business rather than just in it.   She explains how those skills helped her take on greater responsibility within the family business and purchase her first Donut King franchise in November 2024.   Key takeaways: How Brooke’s early experience in Donut King shaped her work ethic and customer service skills Why working at National Storage and a marketing company helped her develop new operational skills How tracking data and comparing performance across multiple locations improved her approach to operations How Brooke and her parents approached the transition, with a long-term plan for her to purchase the businesses How consistent operating standards allow staff to move between stores How receiving pre-made donut shells simplified store operations and reduced reliance on early-morning baking Brooke’s ambition to build her own group of Donut King franchises   Chapters 00:32 Meet Brooke Kochelak and Her Donut King Family Legacy 02:48 Learning Business Skills From a Young Age 03:48 Why Brooke Built Her Career Outside the Family Business 06:00 Taking Over the Family Business 07:27 Learning to Manage Multiple Locations 10:18 Understanding the Role of Marketing 11:21 Planning the Family Business Succession 13:37 Buying Her First Donut King Franchise 14:08 Assessing a Franchise Purchase 15:14 Managing Staff Across Multiple Stores 16:27 What Running a Donut King Business Looks Like 17:11 How Changes to Store Operations Made Business Easier 18:11 Lessons From Brooke’s Franchise Journey 19:13 Why Franchisee Support Matters 20:41 Brooke’s Five-Year Vision for Donut King 21:38 Wrapping Up   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/29zua54h Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2mcms2ds Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/mrybthd5 YouTube: https://youtu.be/BItAnPBA7LQ

  5. Oct 15 ·  Video

    Ep178 The Story Behind Magnet Me and Haim Kadar’s Entrepreneurial Journey

    How do you turn an event photography side hustle into a business that can grow into a franchise?   Haim Kadar shares the story behind Magnet-Me, explaining how the photo magnet business developed from a side hustle into a full-time opportunity and eventually a franchise model.   In this episode, Haim discusses the lifestyle flexibility the business can offer, the skills needed to run it, and how the right equipment, training and support help franchisees get started. He also explains the “business in a box” approach and the systems that support the operation, including its CRM, workflows, packages and contracts.   Haim also explores how Magnet-Me can complement an existing photography business, create referral opportunities and generate repeat business through events.   Key Takeaways: -How Magnet-Me developed from an additional income opportunity into a dedicated business -The flexibility the business model can offer -What prospective franchisees need to know before getting started -The capabilities required to operate a Magnet-Me business -How equipment, training and support help franchisees launch -The role of CRM, workflows, packages and contracts in running the business -How Magnet-Me can fit alongside other photography services -How events and client relationships can create further opportunities   Chapters: 00:00 Meet Haim Kadar of Magnet Me 02:10 Starting a Photo Magnet Business in 2010 04:00 Buying the Original Business 06:36 Why Haim Returned to Australia 07:27 Leaving His Corporate Job to Pursue a New Opportunity 08:05 Building a Family Business With His Wife 11:12 When Haim Went Full Time in Magnet Me 12:15 Why Customer Service Matters 14:02 Using Contractors to Grow the Business 16:02 Navigating COVID as an Events Business 17:41 Why Haim Decided to Franchise Magnet Me 19:21 Why Franchising Offers More Than a Contractor Model 21:51 Turning Business Experience Into Franchise Systems 23:07 Haim's Five-Year Vision for Magnet Me 24:05 Expanding Into More Australian Territories   Listen or Watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/bdz7psb4 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3z878xwx Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/5awxsmtj YouTube: https://youtu.be/5WhLm3zOrD8   Build Consistent Video Content for Your Franchise https://www.franchisebuyermarketing.com.au/video-subscriptions

  6. Oct 14 ·  Video

    Ep177 How to Own a Plumbing Business Without Being a Plumber with Shaun McCarthy | Plumbing Bros

    Can you own a plumbing franchise without being a plumber?   In this episode of Franchise Everything, Glenn Walford speaks with Shaun McCarthy, Master Plumber for Plumbing Bros, about how he works alongside franchise owner Cal to manage the technical side of the business.   Shaun shares his journey from completing his plumbing apprenticeship in New Zealand and running his own plumbing business to moving to Australia and taking on a different role within a franchise.   He explains how the arrangement works, from quoting jobs and checking compliance to maintaining work quality and communicating with clients.   Key takeaways: How a franchise owner can run the business while an experienced Master Plumber manages technical work From his plumbing apprenticeship in New Zealand to running his own business and moving to Australia Why finding clients and managing the pressures of running a business can be demanding How Shaun's technical knowledge helps Kal make informed decisions about jobs and compliance Why transparency between the franchise owner and Master Plumber matters Why following plumbing codes and keeping clients informed are essential   Chapters 00:00 How Plumbing Bros Works Without the Owner Being a Plumber 00:27 Meet Shaun McCarthy, Master Plumber at Plumbing Bros 01:18 Shaun's Plumbing Apprenticeship in New Zealand 03:04 Learning the Trade and Building Experience 06:23 From Apprentice to Licensed Plumber 08:05 Learning to Lead and Train Apprentices 09:15 Starting His Own Plumbing Business 10:11 Why Shaun Moved to Australia 13:00 Getting Licensed to Work in Australia 14:02 How Shaun Supports Plumbing Bros Franchise Owner Kal 15:06 The Challenges of Running Your Own Business 16:03 Why Shaun Joined Plumbing Bros 17:02 Balancing Technical Expertise and Business Ownership 18:54 Quoting Jobs, Site Visits and Compliance 21:09 Working Transparently With the Franchise Owner 21:41 Why Compliance and Attention to Detail Matter 22:47 Bringing on an Apprentice 23:19 Wrapping Up   Listen or Watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/bparf7jt Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3yvbexs9 Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2znuwnxv YouTube: https://youtu.be/3praTryJ-9c   Build Consistent Video Content for Your Franchise https://www.franchisebuyermarketing.com.au/video-subscriptions

  7. Sep 30 ·  Video

    Ep176 The Story Behind Battery Zone: How Charlie Carter Built a Battery Business From the Ground Up

    Key takeaways How Charlie went from truck driver to business development manager before starting Battery Zone Why he saw a gap in the market for a dedicated battery retail business Why service, product choice and giving customers options have been central to Battery Zone’s growth How Charlie grew the Pakenham store from around $18,000 to approximately $120,000 in monthly sales How supplier relationships can help franchisees improve margins and grow their businesses Why Charlie believes business owners should reinvest in the business and plan their exit strategy early How Battery Zone is developing mobile and hybrid franchise opportunities Charlie’s five-year plan to expand mobile battery coverage across Victoria   Chapters 0:28 Meet Charlie Carter, Founder of Battery Zone 0:59 What Battery Zone Does 2:08 How Charlie Got Into the Battery Industry 2:42 From Truck Driver to Business Development Manager 4:03 Learning to Grow Sales and Customer Accounts 5:11 Why Battery Knowledge and Testing Matter 6:22 How Battery Testing Can Prevent Breakdowns 7:32 The Service Philosophy Behind Battery Zone 9:30 Applying Seven Years of Industry Experience 10:42 Turning Experience Into Systems and Processes 11:04 Why Battery Zone Expanded Its Product Range 13:45 Growing From $18K to $120K a Month 14:29 How Word of Mouth Helped Grow the Business 16:47 Building Supplier Relationships and Better Margins 18:17 Developing the Mobile Battery Franchise Model 19:26 Why Franchise Royalties Go Back Into the Business 20:43 Why Every Franchisee Needs an Exit Strategy 21:37 Building a Valuable Franchise Business 22:07 Battery Zone’s Five-Year Growth Plan 22:48 Creating Hybrid Franchise Opportunities 23:35 Adding Value to Existing Business Space 24:00 Wrapping Up   What does it take to turn experience in the battery industry into a successful business?   Charlie Carter, founder of Battery Zone, share his journey from truck driver and battery industry business development manager to building his own battery retail business.   After spending seven years working with battery retailers and helping them grow their sales, Charlie saw an opportunity to open a dedicated battery store in Pakenham.   Charlie talks about the challenges of the first few years, how customer service and product choice became central to Battery Zone, and how the original store grew from around $18,000 in monthly sales to approximately $120,000 a month.   He also shares how word of mouth, supplier relationships and understanding what customers need helped the business grow.   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2tbucrwz Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4762a596 Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/57np3tn4 YouTube: https://youtu.be/gxjLYFcLvPQ   Build Consistent Video Content for Your Franchise https://www.franchisebuyermarketing.com.au/video-subscriptions

  8. Sep 24 ·  Video

    Ep175 How Donut King Is Simplifying the Business and Preparing for Growth | Tom Elliott

    Key takeaways: Why Donut King's simple operating model has remained largely unchanged over 45 years How Donut King has stepped back to understand what made the brand successful Why listening to experienced franchise partners has become a key part of the brand's strategy How new dashboards and financial tools are helping franchisees focus on profitability Why franchise businesses need to focus on what makes their franchise partners more money How Donut King has simplified its marketing around core customers, products and pricing Why licensed partnerships and promotions are being brought back into focus Where Donut King sees opportunities for growth across metro and regional Australia How multi-site franchise partners are contributing to the next stage of expansion   Chapters 00:32 Meet Tom Elliott, Executive General Manager at Donut King 01:14 Donut King's 45-Year History 01:48 Why the Donut King Model Has Stayed Simple 02:02 The Three Pieces of Equipment Driving the Business 03:35 Why Simplicity Matters for Franchise Partners 06:00 Going Back to What Made Donut King Successful 07:17 Getting Franchise Partners Involved in the Reset 08:00 The Franchise Partners Behind the Brand 09:18 Moving From Compliance to Franchisee Profitability 10:44 New Dashboards and Financial Tools 11:38 Why Profitability Is the Number That Matters 12:13 The Marketing Reset 14:08 Why Donut King Doesn't Need to Reinvent the Wheel 15:03 Metro, Regional and Multi-Site Growth 16:42 Why Donut King Appeals to Landlords 17:12 The Future of Donut King   What does it take to take a 45-year-old franchise brand, get back to the fundamentals and build it for the next stage of growth?   Tom Elliott, Executive General Manager at Donut King, joins Glenn Walford on the Franchise Everything podcast to unpack the evolution of one of Australia's best-known franchise brands. With Donut King once operating around 350 locations and now sitting at around 180, Tom explains how the business has stepped back to understand what made the brand successful in the first place.   Tom talks about the simplicity of the Donut King operating model, the importance of listening to franchise partners, and the work the business has done to better understand its core customers. He also shares how new financial dashboards and operational tools are helping franchisees focus on profitability, while a renewed focus on core products, licensed partnerships and marketing fundamentals is helping drive the next phase of growth.   With significant white space across Australia, Tom also discusses the opportunities for new locations, multi-site franchise partners and regional stores.   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: Apple Podcasts: Amazon Music: YouTube: https://youtu.be/ew7eSyI41Ns

About

Let's talk about everything and anything in franchising! Inspiring with experiences and information from the coal face of the people behind the day-to-day of franchises in action. We unpack personal journeys in founding and leading franchises, but just as important, are the journeys of people who own and run one or multiple franchise locations. From fitness, to coffee, to lawns and everything in between, franchising is a buffet of business niches. And with that comes an even wider range of people and stories to talk to about what they do, and how they did it. And from the people who support franchises in every kind of way. Everyone has a story to tell, and you'll often be amazed when they tell it in this way!