Smart Franchising with Fransmart Dan Rowe

From humble beginnings in food distribution to becoming a franchise king
with over 50 Five Guys locations, Bill Gellert's story is one of remarkable
transformation and savvy business expertise.

Learn about Bill's early days selling Cinnabon franchises before he and his family took a chance on a then-small burger business called Five Guys and discover how Bill leveraged his experience in food distribution and his keen sense for great locations to build a franchise empire.

This episode is packed with unique insights from a leader who knows how to grow a business from the ground up while maintaining a commitment to quality and community.

Tune in for an insightful discussion full of practical tips and firsthand experiences that reveal how simplicity and consistency lead to business success.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background
03:36
Getting Started in Franchising
06:05
Keys to Success as a Franchisee
09:44
Three Things That Lead to Success
11:52
The Importance of Hiring and Retaining Good People
14:56
Creating a Strong Franchise Culture
17:44
Keys to Above-Average Performing Stores
20:17
How Franchisors Can Support Franchisees
25:52
The Importance of a Focused Menu
30:57
The Potential of Franchising Today
34:56
What Franchisees Look for in a New Brand
37:44
Avoiding Mistakes and Doing Research

Join Mike Axiotis, a seasoned Red Robin and Wingstop franchisee, as heshares his incredible journey in the restaurant industry. Starting as an 11-year-old busboy in his uncle's diner, Mike quickly climbed the ladder tobecome a prominent figure in franchising.

In this episode, he discusses the lessons learned from his early businessventures and the strategies that led to his success. Mike emphasizes theimportance of investing in people, maintaining robust systems, andengaging with the community. He also explores the challenges andvictories that have shaped his career and provides insights into the futureof the restaurant business.

With years of experience, he provides deep insights into building andsustaining a thriving franchise. This episode is filled with helpful advice and inspiring stories, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in thedynamics of franchise management and entrepreneurial success.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background

06:04 Joining a Franchise and Learning the Ropes

12:32 Transitioning to a New Company

18:15 Keys to Success in the Restaurant Industry

23:46 Building a Strong Company Culture

27:53 Managing Multiple Brands and Cultures

30:43 Advice for Prospective Franchisees

38:26 Building a Sellable Franchise

42:48 Franchisor-Franchisee Relationship

47:41 Building Stores Quickly

52:17 Benefits of National Restaurant Association (NRA)

59:21 Considerations for Adding New Brands

In this episode, Dan has an engaging chat with Patrick Galleher, the managing partner of Boxwood Partners.



Patrick shares insights from his extensive experience in helping franchisees and franchisors navigate the complexities of buying, selling, and raising capital.



The conversation covers the importance of being well-prepared for sale, the process of engaging with potential buyers, and the strategic benefits of having a quality exit plan.

 

They also discuss the critical aspect of franchisee validation and economics, the role of private equity in franchise deals, and the potential of a "second bite of the apple" for sellers.

 

Patrick offers practical advice for both buyers and sellers in the franchise industry, highlighting the significance of professional guidance in achieving successful outcomes.

 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the franchise business, providing valuable tips and strategies for maximizing value and ensuring a smooth transaction process.

Scott Redler, the co-founder of Freddy's, joins us on this episode to share his incredible story, from starting out at 15 in the food industry to opening the 500th Freddy's location.

This episode dives into the secrets behind Freddy's success, from its unique frozen custard and steakburgers to its focus on customer happiness and team care.

Scott discusses the importance of choosing the right franchisees and creating a culture where managers think like owners. He emphasizes the role of passion for the brand, the impact of treating employees well, and how these factors contribute to a franchise's success.

Whether you're dreaming of starting your own franchise or you're an existing franchisee looking to expand, Scott's insights provide valuable lessons on growth, culture, and the power of a positive, people-first approach in the restaurant industry.

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!