The Training Effect

LearningZen

5.0 (3)
BUSINESS
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Training Effect explores how learning systems drive growth and efficiency in franchise and multi-unit businesses. Hosted by Douglas Mark of LearningZen, each episode features real stories and expert insights on how structured training boosts performance, reduces inefficiencies, and scales success. Whether you're a franchisor, business leader, or operator, you'll discover how learning can be your greatest ROI driver.

JAN 1

Unleashing Franchise Growth w. Kristin Del Sontro

What separates thriving franchise systems from struggling ones? It starts with understanding that franchisees are not buying a playbook. They are buying into a network, a support system, and a business coach who shows up in their backyard. In this episode, Kristin Del Sontro, Director of Operations at Retro Fitness, shares how 20 years of retail leadership prepared her to revolutionize franchise operations. From becoming a certified personal trainer to prove credibility, to fixing underperforming locations by focusing on the people piece and operational routines, Kristin reveals why teaching beats telling, why trust matters more than directives, and how protecting low coach-to-franchisee ratios creates genuine partnerships. She breaks down the suite of services that sets Retro apart, explains why your front desk staff shapes member experience more than equipment ever will, and shares the mindset shift required when moving from corporate mandates to franchise suggestions. If you are scaling a franchise system or leading distributed teams, this conversation offers a masterclass in building infrastructure that supports without suffocating, trains without overwhelming, and wins by treating every interaction as relationship-building first. Timestamps: 00:00 - The power of peer networks in franchise systems 00:30 - Welcome and introduction to Kristin Del Sontro 02:00 - From retail management to franchise operations 04:10 - Becoming certified to build credibility 06:00 - Blending fitness knowledge with operational expertise 08:15 - The scary leap franchisees take 09:30 - Buying into a network, not just tools 11:10 - Being generous with time and paying it forward 11:40 - Transitioning from corporate retail to franchise 13:40 - What surprised her most about franchise operations 16:00 - Why mental health matters in fitness 16:45 - Creating consistency without crushing autonomy 19:00 - The suite of services that supports franchisees 21:00 - Protecting coach span for authentic support 24:00 - The role of the franchise business coach 27:50 - Meeting franchisees where they want to play 29:30 - Story time: Turning around underperforming locations 34:10 - The critical role of training in distributed networks 36:00 - Treating first jobs as formative experiences 38:00 - Building a people-first culture that retains talent 41:00 - The importance of the front desk role 41:35 - Advice for franchise leaders 42:05 - Founding New Jersey Sip Saver Social 44:25 - Where to connect with Kristin Follow Doug Mark: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougmark/ Website: https://www.thetrainingeffect.com Connect with Kristin Del Sontro: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-delsontro/ Retro Fitness Franchising: https://www.retrofitness.com/franchising New Jersey Sip Saver Social: @njsipsaversocial on Instagram

46 min
12/18/2025

Building Training Systems That Scale w. Katin Keirstead

In this episode of The Training Effect, host Doug Mark sits down with Katin Keirstead, Vice President of Operations at The Junk Luggers and Certified Franchise Executive, to explore what it takes to build training systems that can scale from hundreds to thousands of locations while maintaining quality and driving real business outcomes. Katin shares her journey from education and adult learning into the franchise world, where she helped scale Planet Fitness from approximately 600 to over 2,500 locations globally. During her nearly decade-long tenure, she established and transformed operational training programs that impacted over 30,000 team members, navigated the post-COVID landscape, and helped recapture 97% of the membership base. Throughout the conversation, Katin reveals the practical realities of implementing learning management systems, the critical difference between compliance training and behavior-changing training, and why the answers to your training challenges are always in the field, not in your office. She discusses the importance of understanding adult learners, the mistakes franchisors commonly make when developing training programs, and how to align learning KPIs with strategic business objectives. From mobile app adoption strategies that drove engagement from 63% to 89% to creating emotional connections through training materials, Katin provides actionable insights for franchise training professionals at any stage of growth. She also shares her philosophy on communication, leading distributed teams, and why unit level profitability should be the metric every franchise system tracks. Whether you are just starting to build your training infrastructure or looking to take your existing programs to the next level, this episode offers a masterclass in franchise training and development from someone who has done it at scale. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and welcome02:05 - Katin's journey from education to franchise operations02:50 - What is a Certified Franchise Executive and why pursue it04:35 - Scaling Planet Fitness from 600 to 2,500 locations06:45 - The state of training when Katin joined Planet Fitness in 201408:10 - Going back to basics: focusing on customer experience10:20 - The role of the learning management system in enabling scale13:20 - Common mistakes with technology implementation and change management14:50 - Aligning learning KPIs with strategic business objectives18:30 - Creating meaningful metrics beyond vanity numbers20:45 - Training initiatives that directly impacted business results21:20 - The mobile app adoption story: from 63% to 89%27:00 - Compliance training versus behavior-changing training30:05 - Designing learning for different audiences in franchising34:20 - Deciding which training modalities to use38:15 - Biggest mistakes franchisors make when developing training41:45 - Knowing what format will be most effective43:00 - Leading distributed teams and driving change46:30 - Ensuring every team member's voice is valued at scale49:25 - Quick questions: one piece of advice, common beliefs, key metrics51:00 - What excites Katin about The Junk Luggers52:10 - Regional food dish of New Hampshire53:25 - Closing and how to connect with Katin Connect with Doug: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-mark-649866a/ Website: learningzen.com Connect with Katin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katinkeirstead/ Website: https://katinkeirstead.kit.com/684fccda83

54 min
09/25/2025

Why Great Systems Fail—And How to Fix Them w. Chris Allen

In this episode of The Training Effect, host Douglas Mark is joined by Chris Allen, founder of Vennspring and former visionary behind LearningZen, for a deep dive into why even great business systems break, and what can be done to fix them. From multi-layered government contracts to million-user training platforms, Chris brings real-world experience on how to move from complexity to clarity. Together, Doug and Chris explore how organizations can bridge the gap between vision and execution through smarter systems, stronger training, and operational alignment. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why most system breakdowns aren’t tech issues—they’re people issues How clarity gets lost as businesses scale Why consensus can kill progress The power of failure-forward cultures How LMS tools can drive both performance and trust How to turn training into a tool for both execution and franchisee evaluation Real examples of systems driving measurable revenue impactThis episode is a masterclass in making your systems, and your people, work smarter together. 00:00 – Introduction: Why systems fail and where clarity breaks down 03:10 – Chris’s journey from LearningZen to global consulting 06:20 – Consensus vs. clarity: The hidden risk in scaling 09:15 – How training bridges the gap between vision and execution 13:40 – Common founder mistakes when building systems 16:30 – Using LMS tools for culture, training, and franchise development 20:45 – Real-world examples of systems that drove measurable performance 24:00 – Why silos form—and how to reconnect marketing and IT 28:00 – Chris’s “ask dumb questions” method for real clarity 31:15 – Final thoughts and how to connect with Chris Allen Follow Doug and Chris: Connect with Doug: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-mark-649866a/ Website: https://www.learningzen.com/ Connect with Chris: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/topherallen/ Website: https://vennspring.com/

39 min
09/11/2025

The Future of Franchising w. Nick Pope

In this episode of The Training Effect, host Douglas Mark sits down with Nick Pope, Chief AI Officer at Stay In Your Lane and Train In Your Lane, to cut through the AI noise and provide practical guidance for franchise owners. From a background in corporate sales to becoming an AI leader, Nick shares the unique lessons he's learned about making artificial intelligence accessible and actionable for franchise brands. They dive into the nuts and bolts of AI implementation, from Nick's 4-step framework to specific tools that franchise owners can start using today. Nick also opens up about his journey from Concord, New Hampshire to AI expertise, the power of finding internal AI champions, and how franchise brands can leverage AI to scale faster without overwhelming their operations or breaking the bank. If you're looking to understand AI's practical applications in franchising, implement efficiency gains, or simply understand what it takes to get started with AI in your franchise operation—this episode is a must listen. Topics Covered: Why AI education comes before tool implementation Nick's 4-step AI framework for franchise brands How to find and empower AI "power users" in your organization Practical AI tools that won't break the bank The future of AI in franchise operations over the next 5 years Why AI won't replace jobs, but people who use AI might replace people who don't How AI note-taking and transcription can transform business insights Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to AI for Franchise Owners 01:30 Meet Nick Pope: From New Hampshire to AI Leadership 03:00 The Christmas 2022 AI Discovery 05:00 When AI Became "This Changes Everything" 09:00 The EAT Model: Education, Application, Transformation 10:00 What Franchise Brands Should Actually Care About 13:00 Where Overwhelmed Franchise Owners Should Start 15:00 Nick's 4-Step AI Implementation Framework 24:00 Easy AI Tools Franchise Brands Can Implement Today 26:00 How AI Helps Franchise Brands Scale Faster 28:00 Addressing AI Fears and Misconceptions 33:00 The Future of AI in Franchising (5-Year Outlook) 36:00 AI Trends Franchisors Need on Their Radar 38:00 The Next Generation Growing Up with AI 41:00 Concord, New Hampshire Recommendations 42:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow Douglas and Nick: Connect with Douglas: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-mark-649866a / Website: https://www.learningzen.com/ Connect with Nick: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickwpope/ Website: https://traininyourlane.com/

43 min
08/28/2025

Scaling Through Systems w. Carrie Pratt

In this episode of The Training Effect, host Douglas Mark sits down with Carrie Pratt, Franchise Liaison at Corporate Cleaning Group, to unpack how structured training systems empower franchises to scale without sacrificing quality. From a background in social work to leading operations at a national commercial cleaning brand, Carrie shares the unique lessons she's learned along the way. They dive into the nuts and bolts of franchise operations, from onboarding and ongoing training to tech platforms that streamline inspections, compliance, and team communications. Carrie also opens up about the culture of partnership that fuels Corporate Cleaning Group’s growth, the power of authentic leadership, and how her team uses tools like LearningZen and Lighthouse to elevate training and customer experience at scale. If you’re looking to build stronger systems, improve franchise performance, or simply understand what it takes to run a consistent, scalable franchise operation—this episode is a must listen. Topics Covered: Why structured onboarding is just the beginning Using LMS platforms to create brand-consistent training How data and compliance audits drive operational improvements The role of communication, leadership, and culture in franchise success What most franchisors get wrong about training (and how to fix it) Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Franchise Success 00:47 Meet Carrie Pratt: From Social Work to Franchise Operations 05:44 The Importance of Standardized Training 11:28 Implementing Effective Training Systems 17:50 Adapting to Change and Overcoming Challenges 24:27 Essential Tools for Field Operations 26:40 Maintaining Quality Across Multiple Locations 27:11 Compliance Audits and Operational Support 29:08 Scheduled Audits and Inspections 32:46 Onboarding New Franchisees 35:03 Using Data to Drive Improvement 42:21 The Importance of Communication and Delegation 45:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow Douglas and Carrie: Connect with Douglas: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-mark-649866a / Website: https://www.learningzen.com/ Connect with Carrie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriereaume/ Website: https://corporatecleaninggroupfranchise.com/

46 min
08/14/2025

The State of Franchising w. Red Boswell

In this powerhouse episode of The Training Effect, host Douglas Mark sits down with Red Boswell, President of IFPG, to explore what’s really driving success in today’s franchise landscape, and what’s holding some brands back. From fourth-grade pencil hustler to leading one of the most influential networks in franchising, Red brings energy, wisdom, and a whole lot of insight into how brands grow, scale, and sustain performance. Together, Doug and Red cover the real drivers of franchise momentum, the role of training in long-term success, and what top-performing franchisors are doing differently. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why authentic relationships, not just ads, drive franchise growth The common blind spots in emerging franchise operations How great training systems create scalable, supportable brands Why franchisees must be gritty (and how to tell if they are) The role of suppliers, consultants, and community in brand expansion How IFPG is changing how franchisors connect, grow, and scale This episode is a front-row seat to franchising’s biggest truths, from someone who’s lived every angle of it. 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Red Boswell and the heart of IFPG 01:40 – What does the “lucky number 7” hat mean? 03:10 – Red’s entrepreneurial journey: From NFL pencils to Amway to franchising 06:00 – Founding a pooper scooper franchise and scaling to 148 territories 08:20 – How Red transitioned to franchise leadership and joined IFPG 10:00 – Family, passion, and building a life through franchising 12:20 – The shift in the franchise landscape and what top brands are doing right 14:00 – Why training systems are the foundation of scalable growth 15:50 – The importance of relationships, authenticity, and intentional branding 18:30 – Operational challenges for emerging franchisors 20:15 – What most brands get wrong about training and support 22:30 – Empowering franchisees to train their teams effectively 24:00 – Why great franchisees need grit (and what that really means) 26:20 – How franchise consultants influence training and supplier relationships 28:30 – IFPG’s new Supplier Hub and Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) 30:15 – What every franchise system should implement today 31:00 – Red’s favorite leadership books and resources 32:00 – What kind of franchise would Red launch today? (Hint: jet skis + off-road fun) 34:15 – How to connect with Red and learn more about IFPG 35:10 – Outro: Subscribe, share, and stay connected to The Training Effect Follow Doug and Red: Connect with Doug: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-mark-649866a/ Website: https://www.learningzen.com/ Connect with Red: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/redboswell/ Website: https://www.ifpg.org/

36 min
07/31/2025

Training to Scale w. Corey Criss

In this episode of The Training Effect, host Douglas Mark sits down with Corey Criss, Director of Franchise Training at The Dog Stop, to unpack how one of the fastest-growing pet care brands in the country is using structured training to scale without sacrificing quality. From a chance encounter in a retail shop to leading training for a 38-location brand, Corey shares how he transformed his background in education into a powerful approach to franchise growth. Together, Doug and Corey explore how trust, consistency, and learning systems build not just better operations, but stronger people. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why a "Train the Trainer" model is critical for franchise growth How The Dog Stop empowers part-time employees and reduces attrition The tools and tech stack powering scalable training at 30+ locations Why knowing your learning style matters as much as your SOPs The shift from dog care to client education and next-gen franchise learning Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Meet Corey Criss, Director of Franchise Training at The Dog Stop 01:00 – From College Professor to Franchise Training Leader 03:00 – The Origin Story: A Bag of Dog Food That Changed a Career 05:00 – Why The Dog Stop Is in the “Trust Industry” 06:30 – Creating Consistent Experiences Across All Locations 08:00 – The “Train the Trainer” Model That Powers Scale 09:40 – Balancing Standardization and Flexibility in Franchise Operations 11:10 – Partnering with Outside Experts and Fear Free Certification 13:00 – Hybrid Learning: Online, In-Person, and Post-Training Support 14:45 – The Challenge of Turnover and How Training Reduces Attrition 16:30 – Plug-and-Play Training Modules for Franchisees and GMs 18:00 – Shifting Mindsets: From Personal Success to Shared Success 19:30 – Why Franchisee Success Is Brand Success 21:00 – Tools & Technologies: LMS, SevenTaps, Intranet, and monday.com 23:00 – Measuring Impact: Retention, Engagement, and Culture 24:30 – Building for Different Learning Styles and Preferences 26:00 – Advice for Franchisors: Lifelong Learning and Hiring Educators 28:00 – Collaborative Culture: Feedback, Trust, and Training Evolution 30:00 – Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Training at The Dog Stop 31:30 – Learn More About The Dog Stop and Corey Criss Follow Doug and Corey: Connect with Doug: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-mark-649866a/ Website: https://www.learningzen.com/ Connect with Corey: Website: https://thedogstop.com/

39 min
07/17/2025

What Sustainable Franchise Success Really Looks Like w. Faizun Kamal

Douglas Mark sits down with Faizun Kamal, CEO of Strategic Franchise Growth Advisors, bestselling author, and one of franchising’s most respected voices. From corporate burnout to transforming the franchise journey for hundreds of clients, Faizun shares how true franchise success goes beyond units sold or revenue, it starts with intention, trust, and exceptional support. Together, they unpack the difference between growing fast and growing well, why many brands get training wrong, and how to build systems that empower, not just control, franchisees. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why franchising is one of the most human business models in the world What real franchisee support looks like (and why “good” isn’t enough) The common myths new franchisees and franchisors believe, and how they backfire How to build systems that drive trust, not just compliance The role of leadership, brand clarity, and culture in sustainable scale How private equity is impacting the industry, for better or worse Why training should evolve as your brand grows 00:00 – Meet Faizun Kamal and her path into franchising 03:20 – The truth about who can afford to franchise 06:10 – Common myths about franchise ownership 10:00 – Why support must be exceptional, not just good 14:30 – How to validate a franchise with intention and trust 19:00 – What healthy, sustainable franchise growth looks like 24:30 – The danger of growing too fast without infrastructure 29:00 – Private equity’s impact on franchising 34:00 – Why training must evolve with the brand 40:00 – Empowering franchisees through clarity and systems 45:00 – Final reflections: leadership, love, and legacy Follow Doug and Faizun: Connect with Doug: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-mark-649866a/ Website: https://www.learningzen.com/ Connect with Faizun: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faizunkamal/ Website: https://thefranchisepros.net/

50 min
TRAILER

Show Trailer

Welcome to The Training Effect. The podcast where learning drives operational excellence. Hosted by Douglas Mark, President of Learning Zen, this show takes you inside conversations with top franchisors, multi-unit operators, and industry leaders who’ve mastered the art of scaling through training. Hear real stories, proven strategies, and exclusive insights you won’t find anywhere else. Join a community of growth-minded business leaders, follow The Training Effect wherever you get your podcasts.

1 min

TRAILER

Show Trailer

Welcome to The Training Effect. The podcast where learning drives operational excellence. Hosted by Douglas Mark, President of Learning Zen, this show takes you inside conversations with top franchisors, multi-unit operators, and industry leaders who’ve mastered the art of scaling through training. Hear real stories, proven strategies, and exclusive insights you won’t find anywhere else. Join a community of growth-minded business leaders, follow The Training Effect wherever you get your podcasts.

07/03/2025

•

1 min

5

out of 5

3 Ratings

Go Learning Zen!

09/30/2025

Kriballen

Thoughtful questions with great guests.

The Training Effect explores how learning systems drive growth and efficiency in franchise and multi-unit businesses. Hosted by Douglas Mark of LearningZen, each episode features real stories and expert insights on how structured training boosts performance, reduces inefficiencies, and scales success. Whether you're a franchisor, business leader, or operator, you'll discover how learning can be your greatest ROI driver.

Creator

LearningZen
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

9
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© LearningZen
Show Website

The Training Effect