Behind the Franchise

Paul Ehlinger
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Monthly

Welcome to "Behind the Franchise" by Flamel.ai, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of franchising and explore the marketing strategies that fuel the growth of the industry's most successful brands. Join us every other week as we sit down with the leading marketing minds behind top franchises, uncovering the secrets to their success and sharing insights that franchisors and franchisees can apply to their own businesses. "Behind the Franchise" is your go-to resource for the latest in growth marketing strategies for franchising.

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 68: Just Keep Going with Jimmy Speyer

    In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Jimmy Speyer, Founder and CEO of GlassHouse. Jimmy shares his journey from hospitality and SaaS leadership to launching a technology company that helps home service businesses generate demand through digital door knocking. Along the way, he explains why he and his wife bought a Pink's Window franchise while building Glasshouse, and how becoming operators themselves shaped the product they were creating. Listeners will hear: How Jimmy transitioned from restaurant technology into scaling SaaS companies before becoming a founder. Why buying and operating a franchise gave his team the real-world experience they needed to build better software. The biggest shifts happening in home services marketing, and why creating demand is becoming just as important as capturing it. How AI, data, and neighborhood-level targeting are changing the way local businesses connect with homeowners. His perspective on competing in an increasingly crowded market without relying solely on Google and Meta. Why resilience, embracing failure, and "just keep going" have become his guiding principles as an entrepreneur. 🎧 A must-listen for franchise leaders, home service operators, and entrepreneurs looking to build smarter marketing systems, embrace calculated risk, and grow businesses that stand the test of time. #BehindTheFranchise #Glasshouse #FranchiseGrowth #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessGrowth

  2. Aug 6

    Episode 67: Promise Over Price with Jesse McBain

    In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Jesse McBain, Chief Operating Officer of Pvolve. With more than 30 years of franchise leadership experience spanning brands like Papa John's and The Joint Chiropractic, Jesse shares how Pvolve is redefining fitness through clinically backed movement, premium brand experiences, and operational excellence. He dives into what it takes to scale a franchise system while protecting brand integrity, building community, and creating consistent experiences across every location. Listeners will hear: How Jesse transitioned from scaling legacy franchise brands to leading the growth of Pvolve. Why Pvolve believes strength, mobility, and stability are the foundation of long-term health. How clinically backed fitness has become one of the brand's biggest competitive advantages. The systems and playbooks required to maintain a premium experience as a franchise grows. Why franchisees should be viewed as innovation partners, not just operators. How Pvolve connects digital memberships, e-commerce, and brick-and-mortar studios into one customer journey. Jesse's thoughts on community-building, hospitality, and where the future of fitness is headed. 🎧 A must-listen for franchise leaders, fitness entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in building a premium brand that scales without sacrificing the customer experience. #BehindTheFranchise #Pvolve #Franchising #FitnessBusiness #BrandExperience #FranchiseGrowth #Leadership

  3. Jul 28

    Episode 66: 1% Better Every Day with Tony Hulbert

    In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Tony Hulbert, Managing Director at HorsePower Brands. Tony shares his unconventional journey through different franchising roles, explaining how a foundation in finance evolved into a passion for growth, leadership, and helping entrepreneurs build successful businesses. Listeners will hear: How Tony went from public accounting to leading growth initiatives in franchising and home services. Why mindset is the single most important trait he looks for in aspiring business owners. How HorsePower Brands is leveraging AI to support franchisees, unlock institutional knowledge, and improve business performance. His perspective on the future of AI in franchising and why human relationships will remain irreplaceable. Why culture, trust, hiring great people, and local leadership are still the foundation of franchise success. How the "1% better every day" philosophy helps franchisees and teams achieve sustainable growth. The personal framework Tony developed to balance entrepreneurship, leadership, health, family, and freedom. Why resilience, momentum, and the willingness to go all-in are essential for building a successful business. 🎧 A must-listen for franchise leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the intersection of AI, leadership, and business ownership. #BehindTheFranchise  #HorsePowerBrands #Franchising #Entrepreneurship #BusinessOwnership #Leadership #FranchisingAI #FranchiseGrowth

  4. Jul 23

    Episode 65: Finding Black Holes in Your Business with Rob Flanagan

    In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Rob Flanagan, CEO & Cultural Co Founder of Hounds Town USA. Rob shares his unconventional journey into franchising and the leadership philosophies that have helped guide Hounds Town past the 100-unit milestone. From building culture as a measurable system to using economic theory and predictive analytics to stay ahead of market shifts, Rob offers a unique perspective on growing franchise organizations with intention. Listeners will hear: Why Rob believes culture should be treated like any other business system with processes, accountability, and measurable outcomes. How psychological profiling and intentional onboarding help protect culture as organizations scale. Why hiring for culture fit is different from hiring people who simply think like you. The lessons Rob learned from leaders and organizations he admired and the mistakes he was determined not to repeat. How rate-of-change analysis helped him identify the end of the COVID pet industry boom months before it happened. His “Black Hole Theory” for leadership and why finding unseen forces inside your business is one of a CEO’s most important jobs. Why development, growth, and meaningful challenges matter more than titles, perks, or compensation alone. 🎧 A must-listen for franchise leaders looking to build stronger cultures, develop great people, and create systems that scale beyond any one individual. #BehindTheFranchise #HoundstownUSA #Franchising #Leadership #CompanyCulture #FranchiseGrowth #BusinessStrategy #CultureDrivenLeadership #FranchiseSuccess

  5. Jul 16

    Episode 64: Adapting to Change with Ron Silberstein

    In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Ron Silberstein, partner of Bud’s Place Franchising, to explore one of the most unique concepts emerging in franchising today, cannabis consumption lounges. Ron shares his journey from CPA and franchise executive in the golf industry to building a hospitality-focused cannabis lounge franchise designed to serve a rapidly growing market. From navigating complex regulations and industry skepticism to creating a brand-new franchise category, Ron reveals what it takes to pioneer a concept in an evolving industry. Listeners will hear: How Ron's career evolved from accounting and golf franchising into the cannabis industry. Why he believes franchisors are in the franchise support business, not just the product business. The opportunity he saw in cannabis consumption lounges and why the market remains largely untapped. How Bud’s Place is creating a hospitality-first experience focused on work, entertainment, food, and community. The challenges of operating in a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. Why staying adaptable and embracing change is critical for every franchise brand. His vision for building a category-defining franchise concept in the United States. 🎧 A must-listen for franchise leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators interested in category creation, emerging industries, and building brands that stay ahead of change. #BehindTheFranchise #BudsPlaceFranchising #Franchising #HospitalityBusiness #Entrepreneurship #FranchiseGrowth #BusinessInnovation #EmergingMarkets

  6. Jul 9

    Episode 63: Systems of Actions with Roland Ligtenberg

    In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Roland Ligtenberg, Co-Founder and SVP Growth and Innovation of Housecall Pro. Roland shares how a simple mobile app for scheduling jobs and collecting payments evolved into a platform powering more than 50,000 home service businesses and over 100 million completed jobs. The conversation dives deep into the future of AI, software, franchising, and why data may become the most valuable asset in business. Listeners will hear: How Housecall Pro grew from a basic jobs list into a true operating system for home service companies. Why Roland believes AI is shifting software from a system of record to a system of action. How data and context create lasting competitive advantages in the era of franchise AI. Why the future of software is less about dashboards and more about natural voice communication. How AI workflow optimization can help franchisees and operators perform at a higher level. Why modern technology stacks are becoming critical for franchise growth. Roland’s perspective on the future of AI in business, robotics, and human problem-solving. How franchises can use systems, automation, and playbooks to create consistent performance across locations. 🎧 A must-listen for franchise leaders, operators, and entrepreneurs looking to understand where AI, automation, and business technology are headed next. #BehindTheFranchise # HousecallPro#FranchiseAI #AIWorkflowOptimization #FranchiseGrowth #HomeServices #BusinessAutomationWithAI #TechnologyLeadership #Entrepreneurship

  7. Jul 1

    Episode 62: Authentic Empathy with Scott Greenberg

    In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Scott Greenberg, franchise performance expert, keynote speaker, and author of The Wealthy Franchisee and Stop the Shift Show. Scott shares how his experience as a multi-unit Edible Arrangements franchisee shaped his perspective on leadership, franchise success, culture, and the emotional realities of business ownership. From identifying patterns among top-performing franchisees to discussing the future of AI in franchising, Scott breaks down what truly separates successful operators from everyone else. Listeners will hear: How Scott’s experience as a franchisee transformed the way he coaches brands and operators. Why the best franchisees master both hard skills and soft skills. The common patterns Scott sees among top-performing franchise owners. How successful operators invest their time differently than struggling franchisees. Why authentic empathy matters more than ever in an AI-driven world. Scott’s perspective on how AI can help, and hurt, franchise businesses. How franchisors can better identify ideal franchise candidates. Why adversity, mindset, and emotional resilience are critical for long-term franchise growth. Why franchising is ultimately a “business success business,” not just a product business. 🎧 A must-listen for franchise leaders, entrepreneurs, and operators looking to better understand leadership, culture, AI for marketing strategy, AI workflow, and the human side of scaling successful businesses. #BehindTheFranchise #ScottGreenberg #FranchiseGrowth #FranchiseMarketing #AIForMarketingStrategy #AIWorkflowOptimization #Leadership #Franchising #BusinessGrowth

  8. Jun 25

    Episode 61: Blending Passion and Purpose with Jason D'Rocha

    In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Jason D'Rocha, Vice President of Sportball. Jason shares his 20-year journey from part-time coach to franchise leader, revealing how Sportball blends youth sports, child development, and purposeful franchising to create lasting impact for families and communities. From scaling internationally to helping children build confidence through movement, he explains why mission-driven growth and human connection are at the core of the brand’s success. Listeners will hear: How Jason turned a background in behavioral development into a career helping children grow through sports. Why Sportball focuses on life skills, confidence, and physical literacy instead of creating elite athletes. How the franchise expanded from Canada into the U.S., Singapore, and India while staying true to its mission. How franchisees can blend passion with purpose while building a meaningful business. Why human connection and mentorship will remain valuable in an AI-driven world. How Sportsball’s coaching philosophy creates positive experiences for both children and parents. 🎧 A must-listen for anyone interested in franchise growth, youth development, and building businesses centered around purpose and impact. #BehindTheFranchise #Sportball #FranchiseGrowth #FranchiseMarketing #Entrepreneurship

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Behind the Franchise" by Flamel.ai, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of franchising and explore the marketing strategies that fuel the growth of the industry's most successful brands. Join us every other week as we sit down with the leading marketing minds behind top franchises, uncovering the secrets to their success and sharing insights that franchisors and franchisees can apply to their own businesses. "Behind the Franchise" is your go-to resource for the latest in growth marketing strategies for franchising.

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Ehlinger
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Paul Ehlinger
  • Show Website
    Behind the Franchise