Meet the Franchise

1851 Franchise

Meet the Franchise, the essential podcast for investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone exploring franchise ownership. Hosted by Nick Powills of 1851 Franchise, each episode takes you behind the brand in direct-to-CEO conversations. We bring you the latest franchise news, introduce you to compelling business concepts, and provide an exclusive look at investment opportunities straight from the leaders themselves. Get equipped for your journey! Discover how to buy or grow a franchise with Growth Club!

  1. 4D AGO

    Meet The Franchise | Garrett Reed | Layne's Chicken Fingers

    Meet Garrett Reed, CEO of Layne's Chicken Fingers. What Is Layne's? Founded in 1994 in College Station, this "Soon To Be Famous" chicken-finger franchise became a Texas A&M legend known for its small-town charm, friendly service, iconic chicken fingers, and secret sauce. Layne's presents a unique combination of growth potential and brand maturity in the booming chicken space. With more than 30 restaurants open and more than 250 sold, Layne's is quickly laying the groundwork for a nationwide takeover. While the team remains interested in dominating the market in its home state of Texas and neighboring states, the restaurant is also expanding into the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest. Garrett Reed fell in love with the Texas-headquartered concept as a student at Texas A&M University. In 2015, Garrett approached the concept's owner to express his interest in expanding the brand. He became the concept's owner two years later and, as CEO, focuses on creating an open-door culture where people from all levels of the organization can contribute their ideas. Learn about Layne's Cost, Fees, Return on Investment details, etc, here. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

    40 min

  2. MAR 23

    From Fan To Multi-Unit Franchisee In The Mid-South: Why Investors Are Choosing Newk’s Eatery in 2026

    1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills interviews Newk's CDO Chris Cheek and Mid-South multi-unit franchisee Wes Williams to learn why existing franchisees are doubling and tripling down on their investments with Newk's Eatery. Wes Williams isn't your typical "entrepreneur" on paper. He started his career loading trucks at a metals distribution center and worked his way up to become the President of a $50M company before discovering his calling in franchising. Today, Wes operates six Newk's locations across Arkansas and Tennessee, with three more already in the pipeline. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

    30 min

  3. MAR 12

    Healey Mendicino | Port of Subs

    Meet Healey Mendicino, CEO and President of Port of Subs! What is Port of Subs? Founded in 1972, Port of Subs is a premium sandwich-based Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) with over 130 locations across Nevada, California, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Throughout its 50-year history, this family-owned brand has undergone numerous transitions to refine its operations. Following a 2023 investment from the franchise experts at Area 15 Ventures, the company is now accelerating development by shifting from single-unit growth to a regional developer model. The brand's excellence is well-documented; it was recognized in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 (2025), ranked among the Top 10 Sandwich Franchises (2024), and included in the Franchise Times Top 400. The Port of Subs mission is centered on delivering superior customer service, high-quality sandwiches, and a culture deeply committed to community reinvestment. Mendicino joined the company as a franchisee in 2013, operating two units in Reno, Nevada. Her success led the owners to offer her the role of Executive Vice President. In 2023, she was promoted to President, and she is currently leading the company's expansion, with 230 units under development across four new states this year. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

    28 min

  4. MAR 6

    Clint Coleman PH.D. | Central Creativity

    Meet Dr. Clint Coleman, CEO of Central Creativity! What is Central Creativity? Founded in 2017, Central Creativity is an educational organization dedicated to fostering critical and creative thinking skills in students by providing innovative, hands-on learning experiences for Pre-K through 12th grade. Central Creativity is designed for entrepreneurs who care deeply about education and community impact. Ideal franchisees may come from a variety of backgrounds, including teaching, administration, nonprofit work, or business ownership. Dr. Clint Coleman, who holds a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from Tulane University and previously led Louisiana's statewide STEM network (LASTEM), was named CEO in 2026. His vision is to scale Central Creativity's franchise model nationally while deepening the company's connection between classroom learning and real-world career opportunities. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now https://bit.ly/4rgUwRV

    21 min

  5. FEB 25

    Dan Stone | The Melting Pot

    Meet Dan Stone, Chief Business Officer at The Melting Pot Restaurants! What is The Melting Pot? The Melting Pot, the 94-unit experiential fondue franchise, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025. As a leader in this niche sector, they have excelled as the go-to fondue concept thanks to the power of a passionate corporate team and a focus on operational execution of new initiatives. In the past year the brand has found success in two major projects with the launch of "Melting Pot at Home", a retail and e-commerce product that is now available across over 2,500 grocery locations, as well as breaking ground on the "Melting Pot Evolution" - a systemwide initiative to modernize the design of the brand, streamline operations and revolutionize the guest experience. Since 2006, Dan Stone (CFE) has led the expansion of the Melting Pot's franchise network in domestic & international markets. With a drive for responsible growth, Stone leads the business unit of the Melting Pot's Restaurant Support Center based in Tampa, Florida. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club! Learn more about franchising with The Melting Pot.

    34 min

  6. FEB 9

    Ralph Bower | The Melt

    Meet Ralph Bower, CEO at The Melt! What is The Melt? Founded in 2011 in San Francisco, The Melt is a heavy-hitting, indulgent restaurant in the fast-casual sector. Known as the home of the "World's Meltiest Burger," this brand has found massive success in the West with 17 locations, including its recent expansion into Arizona. As CEO, Bower has led a culture shift focused on guest feedback and delivering an “I Love It Here” experience, a philosophy so far-reaching it even transformed the entire menu. Under Bower's leadership, the Average Unit Volume (AUV) has skyrocketed from $700K in 2016 to $3.5M in 2023 across their corporate locations. As The Melt gears up for a renewed push into franchising, it's spreading the word about where it wants to grow next and the kind of franchise partners it will be looking for to support its long-term development plans. Learn more about the The Melt here. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club!

    45 min

  7. FEB 9

    Clint Rowley | Screenmobile

    Meet Clint Rowley, Brand President of Screenmobile! What is Screenmobile? With 28 consecutive years on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500, Screenmobile is the original mobile screen repair and installation franchise with a broad menu of services including patio enclosures, motorized screens, sun control products, pet-resistant screens and custom outdoor living solutions. With more than 120 units operating in over 30 states, franchise owners run home-based businesses using a branded truck and trailer that functions as a mobile workshop, allowing them to measure, manufacture and install screens on-site, often in a single visit.Clint Rowley has served as Brand President since January 2025, following a steady progression through various leadership and operational roles within Screenmobile and its Authority Brands' affiliate franchise, Monster Tree Service. Rowley has owned an ASP - America's Swimming Pool Company franchise in Mesa, Arizona for more than decade. Screenmobile appeals to entrepreneurs who enjoy working with their hands, enjoy being outdoors, and value punctuality and professionalism. With flexibility built into the mobile workshop model, owners benefit from a schedule that supports both business goals and family life. Learn more about franchising with Screenmobile: https://screenmobilefranchise.com/

    21 min

  8. JAN 28

    Amy Addington | Woofie's

    Meet Amy Addington, President and Co-Founder of Woofie's Pet Venture. What is Woofie's? Founded in 2004 in Ashburn, Virginia, by Amy Addington and neighbor Leslie Barron, Woofie's is a full-service mobile pet care franchise that combines mobile pet grooming, dog walking, and pet sitting into one platform. In 2022, the brand joined the Authority Brands family and, as of 2025, Woofie's currently operates over 90 units nationally. As a mobile, service-based business, Woofie's is attractive for its inexpensive operations overhead, flexible offerings, and consistent customer demand. These factors make it a great option for community-focused franchisees looking for a lower-cost entry into the pet services sector. Filled with the spirit of an entrepreneur leaving a six-figure corporate role to create a business they love, Amy has been a dedicated leader to the Woofie's franchise community for over 20+ years. She currently owns a Woofie's franchise in Delray Beach, FL, because of her commitment to staying attuned to the challenges of owning a franchise. For prospective entrepreneurs who love pets and have experience running a professional operation, Woofie's offers a clear path to fruitful business ownership. Learn more about franchising with Woofie's.

    22 min
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About

Meet the Franchise, the essential podcast for investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone exploring franchise ownership. Hosted by Nick Powills of 1851 Franchise, each episode takes you behind the brand in direct-to-CEO conversations. We bring you the latest franchise news, introduce you to compelling business concepts, and provide an exclusive look at investment opportunities straight from the leaders themselves. Get equipped for your journey! Discover how to buy or grow a franchise with Growth Club!

Information

  • Creator
    1851 Franchise
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 by 1851 Franchise
  • Show Website
    Meet the Franchise