Smart Franchising with Fransmart Dan Rowe

In this insightful episode, Marc Magerman takes center stage to share his wealth of experience and knowledge in the franchising industry.

As a seasoned entrepreneur with a remarkable track record, Marc offers valuable insights into various aspects of franchising, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of this dynamic business world.

Marc shares how he started with Five Guys and his initial troubles as a franchisee. With a strong focus on multi-unit franchise ownership, he discusses the critical significance of location in his franchise success and why paying top dollar for space pays you.

Compensation for employees and managers is another crucial topic Marc discussed. He stresses the importance of attracting and retaining top talent through competitive pay structures and why staying involved as an owner is always essential.

Marc also shares his transition into franchise consulting as a primary focus. He openly shares his desire to help others discover life-changing opportunities within the franchising industry. Marc sees himself as a consultant who provides franchisees with continuous guidance, support, and expertise long after the initial acquisition.

Join us for a deep dive into the intricacies of the franchise industry and gain the knowledge you need to jumpstart your franchising journey. Marc's expertise and commitment to assisting others make this episode a must-listen for entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts. Don't miss the chance to learn from a seasoned expert and set yourself on the path to financial independence and growth.

00:00
Introduction
00:46
Background and Entry into Five Guys
03:03
Five Guys as a Franchisor
04:15
Growth and Expansion
06:36
Self-Funding Growth
08:41
Importance of Operations and Following the Playbook
10:16
Lessons Learned and Advice for Success
14:31
Importance of Good Real Estate and Hiring the Right People
18:22
Why Five Guys Continues to Be Successful
20:34
Thinking About the End Game
23:06
The Role of Real Estate Brokers
25:46
Investing in Good Real Estate and Hiring the Right People
29:45
Transition to Franchise Consulting
35:23
Continuing Support and Advice for Franchisees
36:11
Conclusion

Starting a business in a tough spot didn't stop Shawn Walchef from making a name for himself in the competitive world of restaurants. 



In this episode, Shawn, owner of Cali BBQ and Cali BBQ Media, talks about turning challenges into opportunities. He discusses the critical role of digital tools in expanding his restaurant's reach and efficiency, providing invaluable insights for those looking to elevate their operations and customer engagement. 



Shawn's journey from a local BBQ spot to a digital powerhouse offers a roadmap for franchises seeking to adapt and grow in today's tech-driven market.



From mastering social media to optimizing operations with tech tools, Shawn shares practical advice for any business owner looking to improve their game. Tune in to learn how you can apply these insights to your own venture!

In this podcast episode, we meet Rick Fisher, a former software executive who made a big change to become a successful franchise owner.

Rick talks about his journey, starting with Five Guys, and how he grew his business to include 37 stores, with both Popeyes and Five Guys in his portfolio.

He shares the challenges and strategies of building a successful franchise network, highlighting the importance of conservative business planning and the critical role of cash flow.

Rick emphasizes the need to build a solid team and hire skilled operational partners, especially for those not originally from the restaurant industry. He discusses the delicate balance required in adhering to franchisor systems while maintaining entrepreneurial independence.

The episode also covers Rick's insights on the role of franchisors in supporting their franchisees, encouraging innovation, and navigating the labor market. He reflects on his approach to real estate, the balance between emerging and mature brands, and the nuances of scaling up in the franchising business.

His story is more than just about growing a business; it's about adapting to new challenges, making smart plans, and working hard to succeed in the fast-paced world of franchising. This episode offers straightforward advice and real-life experiences for anyone interested in franchising.

Tune in and be inspired.

From his early days scrubbing dishes to directing a billion-dollar brand, Don Fox's extraordinary journey to the top of Firehouse Subs is a testament to where ambition and grit can take you.

 With a deep dive into his decision-making process, Don shares how adapting to change, course-correcting, and always putting the brand first were crucial to
his and the company's success. He also emphasizes the importance of a community-focused approach, highlighting how the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has become an integral part of the brand's identity, contributing
nearly $90 million to public safety initiatives.

 

With 50 years of industry experience, Don dives into the challenges and triumphs of building a franchise empire, the importance of investing in people, and the strategic decisions that propelled Firehouse Subs to over 1200 locations.

 This episode isn't just a story about making it
big—it's about making a difference, one sandwich at a time. Tune in for an inspiring blend of wisdom, wit, and practical advice from a true industry titan.

Greg Flynn, the largest franchisee in the world, shares his insights on franchise success and growth. He discusses his background and early ventures, including his experience with WorldRaps. Flynn then explains how he transitioned to Applebee's and the factors that contributed to his success in running the franchise. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and execution in the restaurant business. Flynn also discusses the state of casual dining and the opportunities for growth in the industry. He shares his experience diversifying into other brands and expanding internationally. Flynn provides advice for franchisees and highlights the significance of the franchisor-franchisee relationship. He concludes by expressing his satisfaction with his journey and the lessons learned along the way.

Takeaways
Collaboration and execution are key to success in the restaurant business.
Diversification and expansion into other brands can provide growth opportunities.
Franchisees should focus on running their restaurants well every day.
The franchisor-franchisee relationship should be based on trust and mutual support.

Chapters
00:00
Greg Flynn's Background and Early Ventures
03:21
Transition to Applebee's and Growth
08:03
Success Factors in Running Applebee's
12:44
Franchise Growth and Collaboration
15:39
The State of Casual Dining
17:14
Diversification into Other Brands
20:01
Property Ownership and Leasing
20:40
Criteria for Selecting New Brands
21:54
Outlook for 2024 and Beyond
23:22
Expansion into Non-Food Franchises
26:17
Starting a Franchise Business Today
27:59
Advice for Franchisees
30:59
Franchisor-Franchisee Relationship
32:16
No Regrets and Learning from Mistakes

Now introducing Smart Franchising with Fransmart, dive deep with Dan Rowe, CEO of Fransmart, into the complex world of franchising and get expert insights, actionable strategies, and real-world stories.