Field Coach Experts Podcast

AC Inc.

If you’re a COO, VP of Ops, or franchise field leader, this podcast is for you. Each week, Field Coach Experts shares bold insights and real-world strategies to level up field support, boost franchisee engagement, and increase profitability. Hosted by Angela Coté and Jen Brannon of AC Inc., expect unfiltered conversations with industry leaders and certified coaches. No fluff—just tools to prove ROI and drive results. Powered by AC Inc.’s Strategic Growth Coaching Framework and Field Coach Certification.

  1. 4d ago

    Ep 48. 3 Lessons from 6 Years of Franchise Roundtables | Building Trust with Franchisees

    Why do franchisees disengage from field support and what can field coaches actually do about it? One of the biggest misconceptions in franchising is that once a franchisee becomes disengaged or resistant to support, there is not much a field team can do. But after more than six years of facilitating weekly roundtables with franchisors and field teams across North America, Angela Coté has learned something different. Trust is not something franchisees either have or don't have. It is something field coaches can intentionally build, one conversation at a time. In this solo episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Angela shares three lessons she has learned about earning the right to influence and why communication that builds trust is the foundation everything else depends on. You will learn: Why franchisees disengage from field support and why it is rarely too late to rebuild the relationship Why field coaches who lead with curiosity earn more trust than those who lead with expertise How to stop trying to prove your value and start building the kind of relationship that gives you influence What bringing value that franchisees actually care about looks like, including benchmarking against similar markets, spotting opportunities in a P&L, and opening exit planning conversations Why the real goal of a coaching call is not the action plan or KPI review but the influence that makes behavior change possible Why trust comes before accountability and how that shift changes the way field coaching works The Go Be Awesome challenge for this episode: on your next coaching call, open by reminding the franchisee that your role is to be a sounding board and to help them see blind spots from the outside. Make sure they know you are there to help, not to check boxes. If you are a franchisor or field coach looking to rebuild trust with franchisees and create more meaningful coaching conversations, this episode will give you practical ideas you can use right away. Sponsored by Franchise Business Review, helping franchisors measure franchisee satisfaction and engagement through independent research and feedback. Learn more at franchisebusinessreview.com Learn more at fieldcoachexperts.com

  2. Jul 6

    Ep 47. Why Franchisees Tune You Out | Communication That Builds Trust

    Why do franchisees ignore important communication from their franchisor? Many franchise brands assume the problem is the communication platform. Should they use Slack, email, Teams, an intranet, or something else? But the real issue often runs much deeper. In this episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Angela Coté and Jennifer Brannon explore what it really takes to build trust through communication. From difficult one-on-one conversations to system-wide announcements, they share why communication isn't just about the tools you use. It's about creating engagement, clarity, and genuine human connection. You will learn: Why franchisees stop paying attention to important communication How trust changes difficult coaching conversations The difference between being direct and being harsh Why asking better questions leads to stronger accountability How to choose communication channels that fit your franchise culture Why one communication platform isn't enough How video, community, and consistent messaging improve franchisee engagement Why communication problems are often engagement problems in disguise Angela and Jen also discuss why highly successful but disengaged franchisees can present one of the biggest risks to a franchise system, and how improving communication starts with understanding what franchisees actually need. If your franchisees aren't reading emails, missing announcements, or seem disconnected from your brand, this episode will help you rethink how communication builds trust, engagement, and long-term performance. Learn more at fieldcoachexperts.com

  3. Jun 29

    Ep 46. Why Some Franchisees Thrive and Others Struggle | Scott Greenberg on the Human Side of Franchise Performance

    What separates franchisees who thrive from those who struggle, even when they're given the same system? Franchisors invest heavily in systems, training, marketing, and operational support. Yet some franchisees consistently outperform others operating under the very same brand. Why? In this episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Angela Coté is joined by Scott Greenberg, keynote speaker, franchise expert, author of The Wealthy Franchisee, and former multi-unit Edible Arrangements franchisee, to explore the mindset, leadership, and ownership habits that separate top-performing franchisees from the rest. Scott explains why success isn't just about following the system. It's about thinking like a CEO, taking ownership of outcomes, leading people well, and developing the human side of business. You will learn: • What separates high-performing franchisees from those who struggle • Why ownership is more powerful than blame • How top franchisees think like CEOs instead of employees • Why emotional intelligence and leadership matter as much as operational excellence • How franchisors can empower franchisees without creating dependency • Why coaching conversations should go beyond operations and address mindset • How peer groups and coaching can accelerate franchisee growth • One practical exercise Scott recommends to help franchisees uncover blind spots and improve performance Scott also shares a real story about a franchisee whose sales dropped, transactions went up, and what the data revealed that no one was talking about. If you're a franchisor, field coach, franchise executive, or franchisee looking to build stronger leaders, improve accountability, and create a culture of ownership, this episode will change the way you think about franchise success. Learn more about Scott Greenberg, his books, keynote presentations, and consulting at scottgreenberg.com. Learn more at fieldcoachexperts.com

  4. Jun 22

    Ep 45. Why Franchisees Aren't Taking Action | The Power of Group Coaching

    Why do franchisees struggle to apply what they've learned? Franchisors invest heavily in onboarding, training, resources, and support. Yet many franchisees still struggle to build momentum, understand their numbers, and consistently execute the activities that drive growth. The challenge isn't a lack of information. It's helping franchisees turn knowledge into action. In this episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Jennifer Brannon, Chief Growth Officer at AC Inc., is joined by Brecon Gage, Director of Advising at AC Inc., to explore why accountability, peer learning, and practical application are often the missing link between knowledge and results. Together, they discuss the power of group coaching and how AC Inc.'s Franchisee Growth Groups help franchisees move from being operators of the business to becoming confident business owners. Designed around different stages of franchise ownership, these groups support everyone from new franchisees building momentum and business fundamentals to experienced multi-unit owners focused on strategic growth and peer advisory. You will learn: Why many franchisees remain operators instead of becoming business ownersWhy accountability and application matter more than information aloneWhy peer learning accelerates franchisee growth and confidenceHow group coaching creates accountability and follow-throughWhy understanding KPIs, scorecards, and financials is critical to long-term successHow franchisees benefit from structured development at different stages of ownershipBrecon also explains the four Franchisee Growth Groups offered by AC Inc., including Jump Start, Business Bootcamp, Strategic Performance Group, and Mastermind, and how each is designed to support franchisees at different stages of their ownership journey. If your franchisees are struggling with business fundamentals, avoiding their numbers, or failing to apply what they've learned, this episode will help you rethink how franchisee development should work. Learn more about Franchisee Growth Groups at fieldcoachexperts.com

  5. Jun 15

    Ep 44. What Franchisees Actually Get Out of a Franchisee Growth Group | A Real Story from Inside the Room

    What does a franchisee growth group actually do for a franchisee's business and is it worth the time? Most franchisees are told a group like this will help them grow. But what does that actually look like from the inside, and what changes in a business once the group ends? In this episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Jennifer Brannon sits down with Ryan Kirkham, a 20-year US Lawns franchisee, to hear exactly what participating in an AC Inc. Franchisee Growth Group looked like, what he learned, and how it changed the way he runs his business more than a year later. What makes this episode different is that you are hearing directly from a franchisee, not a franchisor or coach. Ryan shares an honest, unfiltered look at what the experience was really like, what surprised him, and why he says he would not have been able to build the business he has today without it. You will learn: What the group format looked like and how bi-weekly sessions over six months created lasting change What topics the group covered including core values, vision setting, scorecards, P&Ls, org charts, leadership styles, and strategic planning How working through those topics alongside peers in similar situations unlocked clarity and structure he could not build alone Why peer-to-peer learning inside a small group produces results that franchisee conferences and one-on-one coaching often cannot How comparing financials and KPIs side by side with other franchisees revealed gaps Ryan did not know existed What changed in his business 12 to 14 months later including launching a dedicated sales division and transforming his leadership team Why doing the homework between sessions matters as much as showing up How AC Inc. has structured franchisee development into four pathways including Jumpstart, Business Bootcamp, Strategic Performance Groups, and Mastermind If you are a franchisor wondering whether Franchisee Growth Groups are worth building into your support system, or a franchisee wondering whether a group like this is worth your time, Ryan's story will answer both questions directly. Learn more at fieldcoachexperts.com

  6. Jun 8

    Ep 43. Why Franchisees Lose Momentum | Creating a Culture of Accountability

    Why do some franchisees start strong but struggle to maintain momentum? It's a common belief in franchising. After all, franchisees chose to invest in a business. Shouldn't they naturally stay motivated, follow through on commitments, and hold themselves accountable? According to Christina Chambers, Chief Franchise Officer at DOXA Talent, it's not that simple. In this episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Angela Coté sits down with Christina Chambers to discuss how accountability, coaching capability, and intentional support systems drive stronger franchisee performance and healthier franchise systems. With more than 25 years of franchise experience, Christina has seen both sides of franchise support. She has witnessed the difference between brands that simply answer questions and brands that intentionally coach franchisees toward growth. When DOXA Talent launched its franchise program, Christina made the decision to build a coaching framework before signing franchisees, creating a culture of accountability from day one. You will learn: • Why accountability should be viewed as support, not pressure • The difference between coaching franchisees and simply answering questions • How reactive support creates dependency and limits growth • Why franchisees lose motivation and how coaches can help them regain momentum • How vision planning and action tracking strengthen follow-through • What great franchise support looks like from an executive leadership perspective • Why emerging brands should invest in coaching capability early • How accountability drives franchisee performance, engagement, validation, and growth Christina also shares how one of DOXA's first franchisees cited the company's coaching infrastructure as a key reason they decided to join the brand, reinforcing the value of building support systems before they become necessary. If you're a franchisor, franchise executive, field coach, or franchise support leader looking to improve franchisee engagement and performance, this episode will challenge the way you think about accountability and support. Learn more about DOXA Talent, connecting growing businesses with high-performing global talent, at doxatalent.com. Learn more at fieldcoachexperts.com.

  7. Jun 1

    Ep 42. Stop Chasing Franchisees | Accountability Without Micromanagement

    Why do so many franchisees resist accountability and what happens when accountability is viewed as support instead of pressure? When people hear the word accountability, they often think of micromanagement, criticism, or someone checking up on them. But in high-performing franchise systems, accountability looks very different. In this episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Angela Coté, Founder and CEO of AC Inc., and Jennifer Brannon, Chief Growth Officer at AC Inc., explore why accountability is one of the most misunderstood concepts in franchising and how the right approach helps franchisees stay focused, motivated, and committed to growth. You will learn: Why accountability often gets confused with micromanagement How accountability creates clarity, focus, and stronger business results Why franchisees are more likely to follow through when goals are tied to what they truly want The difference between holding someone accountable and creating dependency How coaches can use questions instead of instructions to create ownership Why follow-through is one of the fastest ways to build trust and credibility What role franchisors play in creating a culture of accountability How accountability helps franchisees move from intention to action and from action to growth Angela and Jen also discuss the responsibilities of both franchisors and franchisees, the dangers of coaching dependency, and why accountability works best when it is rooted in trust, clarity, and genuine support. If your franchisees struggle with follow-through, your coaches feel like they're constantly chasing action items, or accountability conversations feel uncomfortable, this episode will help you rethink what accountability really means and how to use it to drive better performance across your system. Sponsored by Permit Pros, helping franchise brands and business owners simplify the permitting process, avoid costly delays, and move projects forward with confidence. From start to approval, Permit Pros helps take the stress out of permits so you can stay focused on growth. Learn more at fieldcoachexperts.com

  8. May 25

    Ep 41. You Don’t Have to Be a CFO | Coaching Financial Confidence in Franchising

    Why do financial conversations feel so intimidating for franchisees and coaches? For many franchisees, financials feel tied to judgment, shame, or the fear of not understanding the numbers. And for coaches, there is often pressure to show up as the expert with all the answers. In this episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Jennifer Brannon, Chief Growth Officer at AC Inc., is joined by Abe Dunaway to unpack how coaches can remove fear from financial conversations and help franchisees build real confidence using their numbers. With more than 15 years in franchise operations, Abe brings deep experience in leadership, training, performance-driven operations, and franchisee support. He shares lessons from his own journey learning financials, how Profit Soup helped shape his approach, and why curiosity is often more valuable than technical expertise when coaching franchisees. You will learn: Why franchisees often avoid financial conversations and what is really driving that fear Why coaches do not need to be financial experts to create value How curiosity creates stronger coaching conversations and better franchisee ownership The difference between interpreting numbers for franchisees and helping them interpret their own business What kinds of questions lead to better thinking and stronger decision-making How to simplify financial coaching without oversimplifying the business Why financials should be used as a conversation tool, not a weapon How AC Inc. uses performance groups and business boot camps to build financial confidence in franchise systems This episode is a practical look at how coaches can move from intimidating financial conversations to productive, empowering discussions that help franchisees make better decisions over time. If your coaches avoid financial conversations, your franchisees feel overwhelmed by their numbers, or financial coaching feels more complicated than it should, this episode will help you approach it differently. Learn more at fieldcoachexperts.com Learn more about Profit Soup at profitsoup.com

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About

If you’re a COO, VP of Ops, or franchise field leader, this podcast is for you. Each week, Field Coach Experts shares bold insights and real-world strategies to level up field support, boost franchisee engagement, and increase profitability. Hosted by Angela Coté and Jen Brannon of AC Inc., expect unfiltered conversations with industry leaders and certified coaches. No fluff—just tools to prove ROI and drive results. Powered by AC Inc.’s Strategic Growth Coaching Framework and Field Coach Certification.

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