The Franchise Leaders Forum Podcast

Franchise Consultant and Franchise Coach - Tracy Panase and Shannon Wilburn
  • 5.0 (32)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to "The Franchise Leaders Forum," the ultimate podcast for entrepreneurs navigating the intricate world of franchising, brought to you by industry veterans Tracy Panase and Shannon Wilburn. This podcast is your go-to resource for franchise leadership insights, practical strategies to build and scale your franchise, and firsthand experiences from those who live and breathe franchising every day. Leading the conversation is Tracy Panase, the dynamic force behind the Just Between Friends Franchise System. Tracy, who previously excelled as a top franchisee, took over the leadership reins in December 2022. Under her guidance, the brand is reaching new heights, emphasizing a strong culture, supporting franchisees, and ensuring families across the country can say “YES” to everything their kiddos need and want. Her fresh perspective and unwavering commitment to excellence make her a formidable voice in the franchising community. By her side is Shannon Wilburn, the visionary co-founder of Just Between Friends. Starting from a simple idea in her living room in 1997, Shannon grew the company into a thriving network of over 150 locations. Her decision to pass the leadership to Tracy has infused the company with new energy and direction, and together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the podcast. In "The Franchise Leaders Forum," Tracy and Shannon dive deep into the good, the bad, and sometimes the ugly aspects of franchising. Each episode features candid discussions, expert interviews, and real-life stories from successful franchise leaders who have faced and overcome challenges. Listeners will gain valuable insights into effective leadership, growth strategies, and the nuances of franchise operations. Whether you're a franchisor, franchisee, or aspiring to enter the franchising world, this podcast addresses the pain points and challenges you face. From understanding franchise dynamics to learning how to support and grow your franchisees, Tracy and Shannon provide actionable advice and inspiration.  Tune in to learn from the experiences of others, gain new perspectives, and equip yourself with the tools to navigate your franchising journey with confidence. Join us on "The Franchise Leaders Forum" and become part of a community dedicated to leadership, growth, and success in franchising. This podcast will provide answers to questions and topics like:  Tips for Franchisees, Franchisors and vendor partnersHow to scale a franchise businessWhy is leadership important in franchising?How do I grow my franchise business?What are the trends in franchising?What is the challenge of franchising?How do I get involved in a franchise business?Franchise success storiesFranchise marketing strategies

  1. 5d ago

    Why Franchise Leaders Struggle to Get Franchisee Buy-In w/ Joel Worthington

    Most franchise leaders think franchisees resist the system itself, but the real issue is often a lack of buy-in from the beginning.  In today’s episode, we sit down with Joel Worthington, former president of Mr. Electric, to unpack why franchisee buy-in is one of the hardest things for leaders to create and why communication is often the missing piece. After spending 16 years as a pastor before stepping into franchising, Joel shares how leadership, trust, communication, and curiosity shape the way franchisees respond to change  This conversation goes far beyond communication tactics. Joel breaks down why leaders often move too quickly into problem-solving, how curiosity creates better conversations, and why compliance alone is never enough and why franchisees are far more likely to buy into systems they feel connected to rather than systems they feel forced into. He also shares the GUIDE leadership framework he used while leading more than 200 franchise locations and explains how better communication helped transform culture, trust, and performance across the brand. We also dive into the leadership mistakes that quietly create resistance, why compliance alone is never enough, and how strong franchise systems still fail when leaders don’t know how to create emotional buy-in from their people. So, if you’ve ever wondered why franchisees push back, resist change, or fail to fully engage with the system, this episode will completely change the way you think about leadership in franchising. Connect with Joel: Website: https://www.joelworthington.com/ Episode Highlights: Joel’s transition from pastor to franchise leaderWhy franchising and pastoring are more similar than people thinkThe communication mistakes most leaders makeWhy franchisees resist systems and processesHow to create buy-in instead of complianceJoel’s GUIDE leadership frameworkWhy leaders solve problems too quicklyThe role trust plays in franchise growthHow curiosity changes difficult conversationsWhy leadership development drives long-term growth Connect with Tracy Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/ JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/ Email: podcast@jbfsale.com Connect with Shannon Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/        JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale Website - https://shineexecutivecoaching.com/ Email - shannon@shineexecutivecoaching.com

    43 min

  2. May 27

    The Disconnect Slowing Franchise Growth w/ Lorne Fisher

    Most franchise brands don’t have a growth problem. They have a disconnect problem. You can have strong marketing, a solid development team, and still struggle to scale if those pieces aren’t working together. And for many franchisors, that misalignment between marketing and franchise development is the exact thing slowing growth without them realizing it.  In this episode, we sit down with Lorne Fisher, founder of Fish Consulting and F2 Advisory, to break down what’s actually behind that disconnect. From starting his agency with no clients to landing Dunkin after months of persistence, Lorne shares how his experience working with some of the most recognizable franchise brands shaped the way he thinks about growth, positioning, and strategy.  We also get into what this looks like in real time. From crisis situations to FDD changes, Lorne explains how breakdowns inside an organization, not external factors, are often what create the biggest problems. He shares why poor communication turns small issues into larger ones and how transparency can either strengthen a system or quietly erode it over time.  So, if your brand isn’t growing the way you expected, this episode will help you see where the disconnect is happening and what needs to change to move forward. Resources: Don’t Let Your FDD Renewal Trigger a Crisis - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dont-let-your-fdd-renewal-trigger-crisis-lorne-fisher-cfe-aedcc/?trackingId=U8mQe2BdSzarEQx8o1X3Cg%3D%3D Connect with Lorne: LinkedIn: @lorne-fisher-cfe Website: https://www.lornefisher.com/ Episode Highlights: How Lorne Fisher built built his agency into one of the leading public relations and marketing agencies serving franchise and multi-location brands The role PR plays in franchise development and lead generationWhy marketing and franchise development are often disconnectedWhat high-growth franchise brands do differentlyThe biggest mistakes franchisors make during times of changeWhy poor communication turns into internal crisesHow to prepare your brand for crisis situations before they happenThe importance of transparency with franchiseesWhat franchisors should consider before making FDD changesHow to approach agency selection and strategic partnership Connect with Tracy Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/ JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/ Email: podcast@jbfsale.com Connect with Shannon Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/        JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale Website - https://shineexecutivecoaching.com/ Email - shannon@shineexecutivecoaching.com

    55 min

  3. May 13

    The Trust Gap Costing Your Franchise Growth w/ Michelle Rowan

    You can have the right systems, the right strategy, and still struggle to grow if your franchisees don’t trust you.  Today on the podcast we have Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review, to share what’s really driving growth behind the scenes of high-performing franchise systems. From building the company as employee number one to analyzing data from thousands of franchisees, Michelle shares what actually separates brands that scale from those that stall. This conversation centers on one critical factor most leaders underestimate: trust. Michelle breaks down why trust is the strongest predictor of franchise growth, how a lack of alignment creates friction across operations and development, and why franchisees ultimately influence whether new deals move forward or fall apart through validation and real-world experience. We also dive into the role of transparency, how feedback should actually be used, and what leaders need to understand about the real experience inside their systems. So, if your franchise isn’t growing the way you expected, this episode will challenge you to look beyond strategy and take a hard look at the trust you’ve built with the people closest to your brand. Connect with Michelle: Franchise Business Review - https://franchisebusinessreview.com/ LinkedIn - @michellemonroerowan Resources: Auspicious Owl Group - https://www.auspiciousowlgroup.com/ Episode Highlights: Why trust is the #1 driver of franchise growthWhat happens when franchisees don’t buy into leadership decisionsThe hidden cost of ignoring franchisee feedbackHow franchisees influence development and deal flowWhy transparency matters more than polished messagingThe shift from command-and-control to collaboration in franchisingHow to use feedback as a roadmap instead of avoiding itWhat strong franchise brands consistently do differently Connect with Tracy Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/ JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/ Email: podcast@jbfsale.com Connect with Shannon Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/        JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale Website - https://shineexecutivecoaching.com/ Email - shannon@shineexecutivecoaching.com

    49 min

  4. Apr 29

    Taking Over a Franchise Legacy Is Harder Than You Think w/ Anne Huntington Sharma

    Stepping into a company your parents built sounds like a natural transition. It’s not. In this episode, Tracy and Shannon sit down with Anne Huntington Sharma, CEO and President of Huntington Learning Center, to talk about what it actually looks like to lead a nearly 50-year-old franchise brand into its next chapter. From growing up in the business to building experience outside of it, Anne shares what it took to step into leadership, earn credibility, and navigate the reality of leading a system where trust isn’t automatic.  This conversation goes beyond leadership titles. Anne breaks down what it means to act as a steward of a legacy brand while still pushing it forward, from leading through COVID and driving a system-wide shift online to managing large-scale innovation across hundreds of franchise locations. She also shares how Huntington is investing in the future, including building custom curriculum powered by both AI and human expertise, and what it takes to roll out change in a way franchisees will actually adopt. They also get into the parts most people don’t talk about, balancing family dynamics inside a business, making long-term decisions while franchisees are focused on today, and why consistency, communication, and local community presence still matter more than ever. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to lead, evolve, and protect a legacy brand at the same time, this episode will give you a much clearer picture. So if you’re building, leading, or stepping into something bigger than you, this is the episode to listen to. Resources: Business conference: https://chiefexecutive.net/ Connect with Anne: Website: https://huntingtonhelps.com/ Franchise Info: https://huntingtonfranchise.com/ Phone: 1-800-CAN-LEARN LinkedIn: @anne-huntington-sharma Episode Highlights: Growing up inside a franchise system and what that actually looks likeThe decision to work outside the family business firstThe moment that led Anne to join Huntington full-timeNavigating leadership as the founder’s daughterLeading through COVID and system-wide changeHow to introduce innovation in a legacy franchise systemThe role of trust, consistency, and communication in leadershipWhy local marketing still drives franchise successBuilding credibility with franchisees over timeWhat franchisees need from leadership today Connect with Tracy Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/ JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/ Email: podcast@jbfsale.com Connect with Shannon Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/        JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale Website - https://shineexecutivecoaching.com/ Email - shannon@shineexecutivecoaching.com

    44 min

  5. Apr 15

    38 Years in Franchising & We Still Get This Wrong w/ Therese Thilgen

    You think franchising is a proven path to success so why do so many people still get it wrong? In this episode, we sit down with Therese Thilgen, co-founder of Franchise Update Media and franchise veteran with 38 years of experience to unpack what actually happens behind the scenes of franchising and why so many people make the same costly mistakes, even when they think they’re doing everything right. Therese shares how she got started in franchising and what it really looked like to build something from the ground up. But what stands out most isn’t just the longevity. It’s the missteps, the trial and error, and the moments where things didn’t work that ultimately shaped how she approaches business today. We also get into her personal experience as a franchisee that didn’t go as planned and how that moment changed how she views research, transparency, and decision-making in franchising. Along with the early challenges of building Franchise Update Media, she shares what went wrong in those early stages and how those experiences forced her to rethink how value is created, communicated, and delivered. If you’re considering franchising, growing a brand, or trying to understand why some businesses scale while others struggle, this conversation will challenge how you think about opportunity, risk, and what it actually takes to get it right. So, if you want a more honest look at franchising and what people are still getting wrong after decades in the industry, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Connect with Therese: Email - Thereset@franchiseupdate.com Episode Highlights: Starting in franchising with no clear planThe early mistakes that shaped her businessWhat went wrong when launching the first versionLessons from a failed franchise investmentWhy feedback can either break you or build youThe long road to figuring out what actually worksWhat most people underestimate about franchisingWhy experience doesn’t guarantee better decisionsHow the industry has evolved over timeWhat it really takes to build something sustainable Connect with Tracy Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/ JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/ Email: podcast@jbfsale.com Connect with Shannon Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/        JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale Website - https://shineexecutivecoaching.com/ Email - shannon@shineexecutivecoaching.com

    44 min

  6. Apr 1

    The 3 Mistakes Killing Your Franchise Growth w/ Rob Flanagan

    What if the biggest thing holding your franchise back isn’t your model but your mindset? In this episode, we sit down with Rob Flanagan, a franchise CEO who’s built brands at the intersection of culture, scale and systems and what he shares might challenge everything you think you know about growth. From selling popcorn in a mall to leading Hounds Town USA, a fast-growing pet care franchise approaching 100 locations, Rob’s journey is anything but typical. What stands out most is not just the growth, but the lessons behind it. Most franchise brands do not fail because of bad ideas. They fail because of avoidable mistakes. In this episode, Rob shares the three biggest mistakes he sees: treating culture like a side project instead of a system, hiring reactively instead of for growth, and choosing franchisees based on experience instead of grit. You will hear the contrast between franchisees who struggled and those who succeeded, and what actually made the difference. We also explore what it really means to scale culture intentionally, why hiring ahead of growth changes everything, and how to carry the responsibility that comes with leading franchisees who are investing so much to build a business. If you are building, scaling or leading a franchise brand, this episode will challenge you to think differently about what actually drives success. Connect with Rob: Website: https://houndstownusa.com/ Email: Rob@houndstownusa.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/awesomeflanagan/ Episode Highlights: From popcorn stand to franchise CEOHow franchising found RobThe role of culture in scaling a brandHiring ahead of growth versus hiring reactivelyThe psychology behind great franchiseesLessons from franchisees who succeeded and those who did notBuilding systems that support culture at scale Connect with Tracy Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/ JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/ Email: podcast@jbfsale.com Connect with Shannon Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/        JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale Website - https://shineexecutivecoaching.com/ Email - shannon@shineexecutivecoaching.com

    52 min

  7. Mar 18

    Patience & Discipline Behind Franchise Growth w/ Paul Altero

    Franchise growth is not about moving fast. It is about staying disciplined long enough to build something that lasts. In this episode, Tracy and Shannon sit down with Paul Altero, co-founder and longtime CEO of Bubbakoo’s Burritos, to talk about what it really takes to scale a franchise brand over time. Paul shares how his decade at Johnny Rockets shaped his operator mindset, why franchising is truly a long game, and why proving your model before expansion is critical. Paul also opens up about the highs and lows that come with building at scale, including the reality that the third store nearly bankrupted them. He explains how hiring for personality became part of the brand’s service culture, why standardization matters more than speed, and how discipline in operations creates sustainable growth. From expanding thoughtfully to ultimately exiting in 2025 through a partnership with Thompson Street Capital Partners, Paul reflects on what it means to be fully committed as a founder. His message is simple and consistent. Stay the course. Patience and discipline are not optional. They are the foundation behind lasting franchise growth. Connect with Paul: Text: 949-279-2197 Episode Highlights: Paul’s leadership experience at Johnny RocketsThe founding of Bubbkoo’s BurritosWhy franchising requires patience and disciplineThe third store that nearly bankrupted themHiring for personality over speedBuilding systems through standardizationLeveraging technology for growthThe decision to fully exit to Thompson Street Capital PartnersThe “stay the course” philosophy Connect with Tracy Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/ JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/ Email: podcast@jbfsale.com Connect with Shannon Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/        JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale Website - https://shineexecutivecoaching.com/ Email - shannon@shineexecutivecoaching.com

    52 min

  8. Mar 4

    The Leadership Shift No One Warns You About w/ Tracy Panase

    Your title changes overnight. Your relationships change with it. Trust isn’t automatic. In this episode of the Franchise Leaders Forum, Shannon turns the mic on Tracy to reflect on her first three years as a franchisor. What seemed like a natural next step from successful multi-unit franchisee to CEO quickly revealed a leadership shift she didn’t fully anticipate. From facing litigation in her very first week, to realizing that trust wasn’t automatic just because she had been a trusted franchisee, Tracy opens up about what she underestimated about the role. The weight of knowing that every decision impacts 150+ franchise owners, their teams, and their communities forced her to slow down, get perspective, and stop making decisions the way she used to. They talk through the tough parts too. The technology rollout that didn’t go smoothly. The hires that didn’t work. The moments of doubt. And the realization that you can’t be all things to all people in this seat. They also discuss the importance of having the right people around you, from advisory boards to executive coaching, and why no leader should try to navigate the early years alone. If you’re stepping into your first year as a franchisor, or you’re in the middle of figuring it out, this episode will feel familiar. Leadership should feel heavy. The key is learning how to carry it well. Episode Highlights: From franchisee to franchisorWhy trust wasn’t automaticLitigation in week oneThe weight of leading 150+ ownersTechnology rollout challengesHiring mistakes and lessons learnedMoving from operator to visionaryBuilding culture through core valuesWhy leadership should feel heavy Connect with Tracy Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/ JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/ Email: podcast@jbfsale.com Connect with Shannon Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/        JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale Website - https://shineexecutivecoaching.com/ Email - shannon@shineexecutivecoaching.com

    36 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

Welcome to "The Franchise Leaders Forum," the ultimate podcast for entrepreneurs navigating the intricate world of franchising, brought to you by industry veterans Tracy Panase and Shannon Wilburn. This podcast is your go-to resource for franchise leadership insights, practical strategies to build and scale your franchise, and firsthand experiences from those who live and breathe franchising every day. Leading the conversation is Tracy Panase, the dynamic force behind the Just Between Friends Franchise System. Tracy, who previously excelled as a top franchisee, took over the leadership reins in December 2022. Under her guidance, the brand is reaching new heights, emphasizing a strong culture, supporting franchisees, and ensuring families across the country can say “YES” to everything their kiddos need and want. Her fresh perspective and unwavering commitment to excellence make her a formidable voice in the franchising community. By her side is Shannon Wilburn, the visionary co-founder of Just Between Friends. Starting from a simple idea in her living room in 1997, Shannon grew the company into a thriving network of over 150 locations. Her decision to pass the leadership to Tracy has infused the company with new energy and direction, and together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the podcast. In "The Franchise Leaders Forum," Tracy and Shannon dive deep into the good, the bad, and sometimes the ugly aspects of franchising. Each episode features candid discussions, expert interviews, and real-life stories from successful franchise leaders who have faced and overcome challenges. Listeners will gain valuable insights into effective leadership, growth strategies, and the nuances of franchise operations. Whether you're a franchisor, franchisee, or aspiring to enter the franchising world, this podcast addresses the pain points and challenges you face. From understanding franchise dynamics to learning how to support and grow your franchisees, Tracy and Shannon provide actionable advice and inspiration.  Tune in to learn from the experiences of others, gain new perspectives, and equip yourself with the tools to navigate your franchising journey with confidence. Join us on "The Franchise Leaders Forum" and become part of a community dedicated to leadership, growth, and success in franchising. This podcast will provide answers to questions and topics like:  Tips for Franchisees, Franchisors and vendor partnersHow to scale a franchise businessWhy is leadership important in franchising?How do I grow my franchise business?What are the trends in franchising?What is the challenge of franchising?How do I get involved in a franchise business?Franchise success storiesFranchise marketing strategies

Information

  • Creator
    Franchise Consultant and Franchise Coach - Tracy Panase and Shannon Wilburn
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Franchise Leaders Forum Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Franchise Leaders Forum Podcast

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