chadfranzen

Octavia Gilmore is the CEO of Creative Juice, a minority and female-owned creative agency, disrupting marketing the millennial way. From discovering her passion for graphic design at 14 to founding her agency at age 23, Octavia's journey epitomizes creativity, determination, and entrepreneurship. With a mission to promote diversity and empower minority and female-owned businesses, she has transformed Creative Juice into a thriving enterprise while actively mentoring youth and advocating for leadership opportunities. Recognized as a Power 30 Under 30 recipient and honored with the Emerging Alumna award from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Octavia continues to inspire and lead by example in both the business world and her community. 

In this episode…

Marketing and branding are indispensable pillars for businesses to establish their identity, connect with their target audience, and differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace. Effective marketing strategies not only generate awareness but also foster loyalty and drive sales. Similarly, a strong brand identity communicates values, builds trust, and ultimately influences consumer behavior. How can businesses harness the power of marketing and branding to unlock their full potential and stand out in today's competitive landscape?

Branding and marketing expert Octavia Gilmore, emphasizes the importance of understanding the target audience's pain points and delivering value through clear brand messaging. Octavia also shares the challenges she faced as a young entrepreneur, including breaking into the corporate space and earning the trust of renowned brands like Home Depot. Despite the obstacles, her dedication to learning, adapting, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends, including the integration of AI, has been key to her success. Octavia’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to be resilient, embrace continuous learning, and not be afraid to pivot in the ever-evolving landscape of marketing and branding. 

In this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25’s Chad Franzen sits down with Octavia Gilmore, Founder and CEO of Creative Juice, to talk about how to elevate your brand marketing. Octavia discusses lessons she learned from running her business, the value of building trust with clients, and how to balance creativity with being strategic.

Markus Pineyro is oomi Digital Kitchen's Co-founder, a dedicated entrepreneur and visionary leader with 18 years of experience in the restaurant industry. His journey began with the founding of Dallas-based Urban Taco in 2007, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. In 2020, Markus ventured into the world of digital innovation by co-founding oomi Digital Kitchen, a delivery-only kitchen that leverages technology to provide efficient and contactless dining experiences.

In this episode…

Restaurants are always looking for ways to improve their process and keep their menu fresh. What often-unappreciated data can be used to both improve day-to-day performance and lead to new menu ideas or even new restaurant brands?  

According to oomi Co-founder Markus Pineyro, customer feedback is of paramount importance to his brand's success. From personal interactions during food pickups to leveraging transaction data for targeted follow-ups, the strategy addresses positive and negative feedback alike. Markus emphasizes a hands-on troubleshooting process to identify and resolve issues, and he highlights the significance of turning dissatisfied customers into loyal patrons. Moreover, oomi actively listens to its customer base, whose feedback helps shape the brand’s offerings and innovations, exemplified by the creation of popular concepts like Love Bowls, Clucky's, and Hot Lips through customer polls and order analysis. 

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Markus Pineyro, Co-founder of oomi Digital Kitchen, joins Rise25’s Chad Franzen to discuss his restaurant journey, oomi’s unique approach as a delivery-only kitchen, its diverse menu crafted from customer feedback, and how to address negative reviews.

Jonathan Weathington is the CEO of Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar, a fresh seafood and cold beer concept with locations spanning the Carolinas, Georgia, Maryland, Florida, and Illinois. Featured on the cover of FSR magazine and making appearances on Good Morning America, Jonathan has garnered recognition in esteemed publications like The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Nation’s Restaurant News. His no-nonsense approach to hospitality and business is reflected in the authentic coastal experience Shuckin' Shack offers, where customers are welcomed with a casual atmosphere reminiscent of a coastal dive bar. Jonathan's unconventional journey, from earning a master's in international relations to his diverse background in retail and customer service, uniquely positioned him to lead Shuckin' Shack to success.

In this episode…

Some restaurants are known as staples within their communities. Even as a franchise, it’s possible to be known as a unique place to be. How can someone in an executive role shape the vibe in a franchise with multiple locations?

According to Jonathan Weathington, his executive leadership style at Shuckin' Shack is characterized by authenticity and hands-on engagement. With a no-nonsense attitude, he prioritizes clear messaging and a focus on exceptional customer service, shaping a culture that resonates with the concept's authentic coastal experience. His commitment to actively participating in new store openings, working in the kitchen, and maintaining a direct connection with frontline employees reflects a leadership approach that goes beyond the traditional CEO role. Moreover, Jonathan's dedication to values and charitable causes reinforces the culture of authenticity and community support that defines Shuckin' Shack.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25's Chad Franzen welcomes Jonathan Weathington, CEO of Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar, for insights into his straightforward attitude towards hospitality. Jonathan details his unconventional journey, from a master's in international relations to restaurant CEO. He discusses the authentic experience at Shuckin' Shack, highlights the brand’s unique market positioning as the largest oyster bar chain, and delves into its commitment to community support.

Jeff Kennedy is Founding Partner at Moe's Original BBQ, a venture that began in 2001 as an effort to bring Southern flavors to the mountains of Colorado. Armed with a marketing degree from the University of Alabama, Jeff's journey has been a fusion of culinary passion and a commitment to creating spaces that exude comfort and inclusion. His focus on hospitality aligns with his belief in the importance of crafting not just meals, but experiences. When he’s not shaping the barbecue scene, Jeff enjoys outdoor adventures with his wife Meredith and two daughters, savoring good food and creating lasting memories together.

In this episode…

Within the competitive landscape of the restaurant industry, brands are always on the lookout for ways they can set themselves apart from the competitors within their niche. Of course great food is a must, but what else can keep a customer coming back?

According to Moe’s Original BBQ Founding Partner Jeff Kennedy, the unique family-centric approach that defines his brand is just as valuable as the food. The emphasis on treating both employees and customers as an extension of the Moe's family creates a distinctive and close-knit connection within the franchise. The atmosphere that permeates each restaurant makes Moe's more than just a franchise, Jeff says; it's a collective of friends and family. 

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25’s Chad Franzen welcomes Jeff Kennedy, Founding Partner at Moe’s Original BBQ, to discuss the reasons behind Moe’s two-decade run of success. Jeff shares how he and his partners introduced Southern-style barbecue to the Rocky Mountain region after moving west from Alabama. He also reveals how the brand has built on its food foundation by evolving with technology and maintaining a familial atmosphere which appeals to employees and customers alike.

James Choi is the Owner of Cafe Dulce and a seasoned entrepreneur with a unique journey. Initially aspiring for a career in the PGA Tour, James found himself on a different path, obtaining his CPA license and working at Ernst & Young. Drawing upon his entrepreneurial spirit, he assisted his mother in launching various small businesses, including a chocolate boutique in Zurich, Switzerland. Today, as the visionary behind Cafe Dulce, James has expanded the brand to five locations, and he's not stopping there — his other entrepreneurial endeavors include a new superette concept and a jiu jitsu fight club.

Employee turnover has been an issue for restaurant owners to contend with for years. Through a combination of a supportive culture, fair compensation, and dedicated leadership, some restaurateurs have been fortunate to retain a loyal and skilled team.

At Cafe Dulce, the commitment to building a strong team is evident in the longevity of key staff members. For instance, the manager of their second location has been with the brand for a decade. Owner James Choi attributes this remarkable employee retention to a focus on fostering a positive workplace culture. He emphasizes his personal dedication, working alongside his team and sharing the challenges with them. Financial well-being is also a priority, and James acknowledges the importance of fair compensation. He shares an example of an hourly employee without a college degree earning a six-figure income due to their indispensable role in the business. Additionally, Cafe Dulce's commitment to employee development and support echoes Tony Hsieh's philosophy, aiming to retain and coach staff rather than resorting to terminations.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, James Choi, Owner of Cafe Dulce, joins Rise25’s Chad Franzen for a conversation about the unique origin and evolution of his restaurant brand. James discusses the key factors in Cafe Dulce’s long-term staff retention and the lessons learned from the challenging early days after the restaurant first opened. He also provides insight into his other entrepreneurial ventures: a superette and a jiu jitsu fight club.

Peter Boniface is the Owner and Co-founder of Yampa Sandwich Company. He grew up in Sandwich, Massachusetts, where he learned how to cook and blend flavors from his mother. He started in the restaurant business in 1983 and moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 1991 with the intention of being a ski bum. Seeing the need for a local quality delicatessen, Peter and David Pepin opened the first Yampa Sandwich Company in 1999.

In this episode…

While customers frequent their favorite restaurants for the food and atmosphere, they are usually unaware of how the brand evolved to its current state. Many restaurants have unique origin stories, starting out as mere fractions of what they are now.

With six Colorado locations and one in Wyoming — Yampa Sandwich Company is one brand with a tremendous origin story. According to Peter Boniface, one of the restaurant’s founders, the brand’s original purpose was to provide sandwiches for rafting guides in Steamboat, Colorado while operating under the name Backcountry Provisions. There was such a demand and appreciation for the food and service that they ended up opening a sandwich shop and then expanding to Jackson, WY, and Fort Collins, CO. The store in Fort Collins struggled, Peter says, because customers primarily thought the brand rented out snowshoes. As a result, the restaurant’s name changed to Yampa Sandwich Company.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Peter Boniface, Owner and Founder of Yampa Sandwich Company, joins Rise25’s Chad Franzen to discuss the fascinating evolution of Yampa Sandwich Company. He talks about why he opened a restaurant after moving to Colorado to be a ski bum, the original purpose for the brand and why its name changed, and why customers keep coming back to Yampa Sandwich Company.

Mehdi Zarhloul is the CEO of Crazy Pita Restaurant Group, a beloved fresh-casual Mediterranean cuisine establishment he founded in Las Vegas in 2006. Recognized for its delectable signature dishes and warm service, Crazy Pita Rotisserie and Grill has been a top choice in the city for over 17 years. Driven by the brand’s consistent success, in 2022 Mehdi embarked on expanding his culinary vision, launching a national franchise program that currently boasts three corporate locations in Las Vegas and ten upcoming outlets in Houston.

In this episode…

In many industries, an appreciation of technology is embraced as progressive and forward-thinking. Is that also true of the restaurant business, where human connection is valued? 

According to Mehdi Zarhloul, who operates multiple Crazy Pita locations, technology has played a transformative role in the industry, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. He highlights the significant shift from traditional methods to a technology-driven ecosystem at Crazy Pita, where he has dedicated substantial time over the past few years to build an AI-powered system. Mehdi's approach includes leveraging diverse tools such as text messages, email blasts, QR codes, and social media to connect directly with customers, fostering a sense of community and transparency.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Mehdi Zarhloul, CEO of Crazy Pita Restaurant Group, joins Rise25’s Chad Franzen for a conversation about the value of embracing technology to enhance the customer experience in the restaurant industry. Mehdi shares Crazy Pita’s origin story and explains how the brand’s name came about. He also discusses the multiple ways he has embraced the use of technology for both marketing and efficiency in operations.

Ric Ochoa is the Owner of SoCal Pizza in Norwalk, California. With 17 years of experience in sales operations, Ric's love for cooking led him to open SoCal Pizza in 2010, where he introduced a pasta bar and proudly sources fresh ingredients from local small businesses. Actively engaged in the community, his commitment to excellence earned SoCal Pizza the 2018 Small Business of the Year Award, a testament to Ric’s dedication and culinary expertise.

In this episode…

As every independent restaurant owner knows, resilience and adaptation are regular requirements in a fiercely competitive industry, including the ability to navigate the twists and turns of market shifts and coming up with the strategic maneuvers essential for survival and success in a constantly changing landscape.

Ric Ochoa's journey in opening SoCal Pizza stemmed from a burning desire to break free from corporate America. The transition to running a mom-and-pop shop brought unexpected challenges, as his responsibilities expanded to cover everything from rent to taxes and price adjustments. After being in business for a decade, the impact of COVID prompted a significant shift in the SoCal Pizza business model, pushing Ric to diversify beyond the traditional dine-in approach and embrace delivery services, outdoor seating, and curbside pickup. Faced with the ever-changing landscape of the food industry, Ric is strategically evolving SoCal Pizza, navigating the dynamic industry trends centered around personality and advertisements.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Ric Ochoa, the Founder of SoCal Pizza, joins Rise25’s Chad Franzen to talk about his journey from corporate America to running his own independent pizza restaurant for more than a decade. He discusses the way his restaurant has had to evolve as a result of market conditions, and the ways in which it will continue to evolve.

Patrick Terry, Owner and Co-founder of P.Terry's Burger Stand, launched the brand's first location on July 5th, 2005 in Austin, Texas. Inspired by classic burger stands like Mack Eplen's in Abilene, P.Terry's emphasizes fresh, all-natural ingredients — from its beef and chicken to fresh-cut fries devoid of trans fats. Beyond its signature burgers, the menu includes fresh-squeezed beverages, house-made veggie burgers, and baked goods. While P.Terry's delivers modern quality standards, it retains the charm and hospitality reminiscent of '50s and '60s burger joints.

In this episode…

Most restaurants have high expectations for their food and service, but as they get busy with a multitude of customers, those standards can be easily forgotten. Is it possible to meet those standards and then replicate them across multiple busy locations?

What are the expectations for food and service at P.Terry’s Burger Stand? It starts with customers getting their healthy-yet-tasty food prepared correctly in a reasonable amount of time. It continues with each customer feeling seen and recognized, which co-founder Patrick Terry acknowledges is not easy for an employee at a busy restaurant. Regardless, he says that’s the goal — for the customer to drive away thinking, “I got personal service, I got a smile, and that really helped me through this day.” This is the standard at all 30 locations.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25’s Chad Franzen talks to Patrick Terry, Owner and Co-founder of P.Terry’s Burger Stand, about the joy and difficulty of executing his vision of a classic burger stand. Patrick discusses the pain associated with meeting his standards upon opening his first location, how he and his wife implemented a family-like culture, and the keys to replicating those high standards at multiple restaurants.

Leigh Feldman is the CEO of Bishops Cuts/Color, a unisex hair shop concept with franchise locations in 21 states. Founded in 2001, Bishops provides customers with haircare services fueled by art, music, culture, acceptance, and community. Leigh was the CMO of Bishops and has been with the company for six years. Before that, he spent six years working for Rebel Industries as their Vice President and Group Account Director, and he was also Director of Media for Moonshine Events, a production company focused on large-scale experiential events such as What?! the Festival. He is also a Radio Talk Show Host at Entrepreneur Media. Leigh has been nominated for the 2024 OnCon Icon Top 100 awards. 

In this episode…

In today's competitive business environment, leaders who want to grow and scale their companies need to be innovative. With a customer-focused mindset, businesses can outperform other players in the industry. Is your business environment and processes designed to create a delightful experience that carves out a competitive reputation in the marketplace? 

For the leaders at Bishops Cuts/Color, building an inclusive community is key to their business. The franchise trains a team of stylists to provide quality, unbiased services to all clients at an affordable price. Inspired by art, creativity, and the need for inclusivity, Bishops has built a hair shop business that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also process and systems-driven. Recent marketing trends indicate franchises that focus on their clients' unique needs build massive leverage and increase their customer's lifetime value. Combined with effective marketing, enterprises can focus on providing quality services at competitive rates and building an engaged, loyal community to help drive future sales and build a strong brand.

In this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Chad Franzen sits down with Leigh Feldman, the CEO of Bishops Cuts/Color, to talk about building a thriving franchise business. They also discuss the benefits of investing in a franchise, the role art plays at  Bishops Cuts/Color, and the company's employee training strategies.

Josh Molina is the CEO of Makers & Finders, a specialty coffee brand and Latin café with locations in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada. Josh is a first-generation Colombian-American entrepreneur who opened his first brunch restaurant at age 25. A graduate of University of Nevada-Las Vegas, he toured the coffee countries of South America in 2013. 

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Talk to anyone who successfully launched their first business and they’ll tell you they figured it out as they went. For Josh Molina, who founded Makers & Finders at age 25, not only was he learning how to make his restaurant brand bigger and better, but he says it took about nine years to realize what he should be doing day-to-day. Through experience, Josh learned the value of empowering a team and giving its members space to grow and thrive, as well as how to manage his own tasks and allow himself adequate time to be a father.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Makers & Finders CEO Josh Molina joins Rise25’s Chad Franzen for a candid conversation about all things related to launching and growing a restaurant brand. Josh shares how he came up with his vision for the brand, launched his first location, developed and evolved the menu, and grew from one to four locations. He talks about the ups and downs he experienced as an entrepreneur and how he has grown as a manager and leader.

Brent Schwoerer is the Owner and Founder of Engrained Brewing Company. Raised on a family dairy and grain farm, Brent earned his bachelor's in mechanical engineering and a master's in human resources from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. After a decade in the corporate world — including two years in Brazil focusing on new product development — Brent established Engrained Brewing Co., which has been in operation for over ten years.

In this episode…

Are you pursuing your passion? People are motivated by many different things and sometimes passion and motivation can lead them to working in the corporate world. Other times, the corporate world can make people realize they’re lacking something.

For Brent Shwoerer, who founded Engrained Brewing Company in 2012, working as a corporate employee for ten years led him to realize he needed to chase his passion — outside of corporate America — and he persevered through great difficulties to make it happen. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s in HR, he left his job at Caterpillar Inc. to launch a locally-owned micro-brewery and farm-to-table restaurant. After initially struggling for three years to get a bank to loan him money, Brent’s brewery has since celebrated being in business for a decade and he has gone from homebrewing to winning awards for his craft beer.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25’s Chad Franzen welcomes Brent Schwoerer, Founder and Owner of Engrained Brewing Co., for a conversation about doing whatever it takes to chase your passion. Brent shares how he realized he was missing out on his passions while grinding away as a corporate employee, so he decided to start his own local brewery. He discusses the difficulties he endured in getting a loan to get started, his award-winning craft beer, and the values his brand is built upon.

Nicole Tanner is the Founder of Swig, which sells customized drinks, cookies, and treats. She started Swig in 2010 due to her love of Diet Coke and because she noticed a lack of connectedness in other drive-thru concepts. She is a mom of five children and grandma of four grandbabies who enjoys hiking in the outdoors and spending time with her family.

In this episode…

How much experience do you need in your industry to be successful as an entrepreneur?  For Nicole Tanner, one of the experiences she found most beneficial before launching Swig in 2010 was being a parent. She says tending to her childrens’ needs and balancing their activities taught her plenty. It’s clearly paid off, because what started as a single Swig location has multiplied to 50, with people convening from all over the US to visit the original location.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25’s Chad Franzen welcomes Nicole Tanner, Founder of Swig, to discuss the evolution of a drive thru location that serves flavorful drinks and sweet treats. Nicole talks about founding Swig out of enjoyment of Diet Coke and dissatisfaction with the drive-thru experience. She shares keys to her success, the process of concocting drinks including The Founder, Dew Gooder, and Just Peachy, and the benefits of becoming a franchisee with Swig.

Matthew Guelke is CEO and Co-founder of The Plant Cafe Organic, a San Francisco Bay Area restaurant group. In 2023, The Nature Conservancy selected The Plant as the most sustainable restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area. In January 2023, The Plant was recognized among the top 30 global food & beverage brands by the Real Leader's Sustainable Impact Award. Its goal is to bring 100% organic food and healthy alternatives to the mainstream.

In this episode…

Imagine this — you own a group of eight restaurants popular with a niche audience based in the most expensive part of the US, and the pandemic happens. Your local government implements severe precautionary measures and six of your restaurants have to permanently close. How do you keep the brand alive and leverage its good name?

According to Matthew Guelke, CEO and Co-founder of The Plant Cafe Organic, the answer has been franchising. His San Francisco-based group of eight restaurants was rocked by the pandemic and reduced to two locations. Nevertheless, Matthew knew the brand — known for its honest approach to clean food and sustainability — still had great value. Rather than try to rebuild by opening new locations on their own, Matthew says he and his co-founder are offering the opportunity to franchisees. 

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Matthew Guekle, CEO and Co-founder of The Plant Cafe Organic, join’s Rise25’s Chad Franzen for a conversation about building and sustaining a restaurant brand based on belief and passion. Matthew shares The Plant’s origin story, what the early days were like, the pandemic’s disastrous effect on the business and their strategy for rebuilding. He also explains why his brand is a good opportunity for franchisees and who would be best suited for the role.

Anthony Valletta is the President at bartaco, which currently has 26 locations across 12 states. As an executive, Anthony is an analytical and hands-on leader with a wealth of knowledge regarding all aspects of the business from quick-service restaurants and fine dining startups to corporate operations. His people development and leadership skills have enabled him to build high-performing industry-leading teams.

In this episode…

Guest experience is so important in the restaurant industry and it goes well beyond food quality. Restaurants can take many steps to drive customer experience — from making sure the servers are treated well to setting a desired vibe in the dining room or bar area — but what else can be done to ensure satisfaction?

According to Anthony Valletta, President of bartaco, his concept has recently adopted two new ways to enhance guest enjoyment. First, it has leaned into the use of QR codes which allow customers to not only see the menu but also order food and drinks and pay at their convenience. Second, Anthony says bartaco has kept its personal touch by creating a new position called a service leader, which is a hybrid of a server and a manager.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Chad Franzen talks to Anthony Valletta, President of bartaco, about the restaurant experience for both customers and employees. Anthony discusses the importance of generating loyalty from guests and staff — as restaurant owners know, happy servers usually mean happy customers, so he shares what bartaco has done to maximize team members’ enjoyment of working at bartaco and keep them there for the long term.

Chris Medhurst is President and Chief Operating Officer at District Taco, with multiple locations in and around Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Chris started working at District Taco as a General Manager in 2010 before becoming Director of Operations, then VP of Finance and Operations, then Chief Financial Officer, and now President and COO.

In this episode…

When a restaurant looks to add locations, what is essential to have in place in order to maintain the integrity of the brand? According to Chris Medhurst, President and COO of District Taco, it’s all about training. District Taco, which has grown to 14 brick-and-mortar locations after starting as a single food truck in 2009, has its own proprietary system used for training. Chris says it takes about three months of training and operational support before a new store can operate and become self-sufficient.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25’s Chad Franzen welcomes Chris Medhurst, President and COO of District Taco, to discuss keys to rapid growth of a small restaurant brand. Chris shares District Taco’s founding story and talks about the concept’s uniqueness which has allowed it to add a new location each year since it launched over a decade ago. He talks about the painful impact the pandemic had on District Taco and keys to the brand’s recovery.

Josh and Pamela Beadel are the Owners of The Breakfast Bar, with two locations in Long Beach, CA. After many years of working in the restaurant industry, they founded the concept in 2013 with a vision for blending brunch and happy hour. Josh and Pamela introduced a happy hour at The Breakfast Bar called “the walk of shame” from 6-8 a.m., which is very popular with people who work overnight.

In this episode…

What do you do when the bulk of your experience has been in bars and nightclubs but you want work hours that are more family friendly? Easy — you open a breakfast bar!

Josh and Pamela Beadel opened their first Long Beach, California location of The Breakfast Bar in late 2013 and have since opened a second location with a third on the way. According to Josh and Pamela, their vision for a fun and friendly vibe where brunch meets happy hour came to fruition about two years after opening. Now their 6-8 a.m. happy hour is a popular attraction for overnight workers from a nearby hospital, who they affectionately call the Blue Crew, that stop by for a breakfast margarita or an espresso martini.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Josh and Pamela Beadel join Chad Franzen of Rise25 for a conversation about the growing popularity of breakfast restaurants which also offer full bar service. Josh and Pamela discuss where they developed their vision for a fun and friendly morning hangout, how their first location grew in popularity, the ways in which they provide value to the community, and their favorite morning drinks. If you enjoy brunch and happy hour, you’ll love this episode!

Joanna Gossett is a serial entrepreneur who, along with her husband, owns and operates an executive recruiting practice, manages real estate, and handles administration for their fitness clubs, pizza shops, and cell phone stores. She also serves as Area Representative for Romeo's Pizza, a franchise poised to expand across the US. As Founder of Elite Hire Consulting, Joanna has placed over 100 mid-, senior-, and executive-level professionals within the real estate industry.

In this episode…

Have you ever considered becoming a franchisee in a national chain? How will you decide on an industry? Will it be a restaurant, retail outlet, or something else? 

Joanna Gossett and her husband are franchisees for brands in three different industries: Romeo’s Pizza, AT&T, and Anytime Fitness. According to Joanna, each requires different levels of investment from the franchisee. She says their fitness club members have key fobs and can come and go as they please, allowing the owners to focus on other things. For the pizza restaurant, Joanna has recruited and hired an experienced general manager to attract and keep quality employees in an industry notorious for high turnover. The AT&T store is very different, with all team members being experienced, career-oriented professionals. 

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25’s Chad Franzen chats with Joanna Gossett, a franchisee with AT&T, Romeo’s Pizza, and Anytime Fitness, Founder of Elite Recruiting, and Partner and Property Manager at Gossett Homes. Joanna shares how she became an owner of businesses in five different industries and the different approaches to operating each of them. She also offers tips to job seekers looking to present a memorable resumé to potential employers.

Kenneth Price is a Franchisee at Pizza Guys, an established California-based pizza restaurant with more than 70 independently-owned franchises. As Kenneth developed his entrepreneurial skills in the restaurant industry, he knew he wanted to build his own business. In 2020, he founded KAP’s HVAC, a specialized company that provides commercial and residential heating and cooling services and has since expanded from Oregon to California. Kenneth’s entrepreneurial focus is set on moving from Oregon to develop exciting new projects in California.

In this episode…

In this episode of the SpotOn Series, Chad Franzen welcomes Kenneth Price, Franchisee at Pizza Guys. They discuss the most challenging parts of Kenneth’s entrepreneurial journey, how good discipline and the right mentality are the foundation of success, the key to creating a strong brand culture, and the learning opportunities of starting your first business. Kenneth shares the process of ensuring success when taking over restaurant locations and what systems helped him rapidly expand his business.

David Leonardo is the CEO at Chill-N, a custom-order nitrogen ice cream shop. David’s extensive experience in leadership positions working for multinational brands like Arby’s, Wild Wing Cafe, Pet Supplies Plus, and Burger King solidified his expert portfolio in the franchising world. With a proven track record of successful scaling strategies, David is now set on expanding Chill-N’s franchise to a national level. 

David graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

In this episode…

In this episode of the SpotOn Series, Chad Franzen is joined by David Leonardo, CEO at Chill-N. They discuss the science behind Chill-N’s star ingredient, the importance of developing a good sourcing strategy for raw materials, the different aspects of the franchise sale process, and a breakdown of Chill-N’s multistate expansion strategy. David shares his tips on implementing strategic decisions on a small scale and his best advice for current franchisors and franchisees.