Stars of Franchising

In this inspiring episode, Ab Igram sits down with Colleen Upham, Co‑Founder and CEO of OhDeer, an all‑natural deer, tick, and mosquito control franchise redefining eco‑friendly pest management. Colleen shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the accidental beginnings of OhDeer, and how she and her husband Kurt built a mission‑driven franchise system now spanning multiple states.

From innovation sparked in a basement to nationwide expansion, Colleen discusses leadership, franchisee success, sustainable growth, and how an unwavering belief in the “all‑natural” mission has become the heart of their brand.<...

“Your role is to build the business… You can have any conversation with a franchisee if you have a solid relationship. That’s the foundation of everything I’ve learned in the franchise business.” — Patrick Cunningham 

In this episode of Stars of Franchising, hosts Ab Igram and Vinnie Onyemah sit down with veteran franchise executive Patrick Cunningham, whose nearly 30‑year career spans Domino’s, Dunkin’, Baskin Robbins, Little Caesars, and now Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay. 

Patrick shares how he went from selling molecular sieves to becoming one of franch...

Learn how successful franchise owners build wealth, protect their financial future, and scale with confidence in this powerful episode of Stars of Franchising. Ab sits down with financial strategist and franchise‑focused advisor Ruzanna Queenan to explore the essential financial habits every franchisee needs—whether you're opening your first unit or running a fast‑growing multi‑unit operation.

Ruzanna shares her journey from early financial hardship to becoming a trusted advisor for entrepreneurs, revealing why money mindset matters more than math and how personal financial patterns can impact franchise performance. She breaks down the biggest mistakes new franchis...

“Great franchisees aren’t born — they’re built. And it always starts with how they think, not just what they do.” 

In this standout episode, we sit down with Scott Greenberg — international speaker, best-selling author of The Wealthy Franchisee, and one of the most respected voices in franchise performance. With 10 years of firsthand experience as a multi-unit franchisee and two decades of coaching top brands around the world, Scott brings clarity to the one question every operator needs to answer: 

Why do some franchisees thrive while others struggle — even with the same brand, the same training, and th...

“If you can sell, you can build. And if you can build, you can lead.” 

In this special episode, we welcome Alex DiPietro, Babson alum, former hockey player, and the first undergraduate Babson grad featured on Stars of Franchising. Alex brings a dynamic mix of tech sales grit, deep family legacy, and second-generation franchise leadership to the table. 

As a multi-unit Dunkin’ operator and second-gen franchisee in one of the most iconic family-run Dunkin’ operations in the Northeast, Alex shares how his background in sales, sports, and entrepreneurship shaped his approach to franchi...

"We’ve been lucky to grow up in a playground of entrepreneurship — churros just happen to be the medium." 

In this energizing episode of Stars of Franchising, we sit down with Mateo and Tadeo Acosta-Rubio, Venezuelan-American brothers and second-generation leaders of the beloved global franchise Churromania. From childhood shifts behind the register to launching tech startups while studying at Babson College, their story is about more than just churros — it’s about turning family legacy into innovation. 

As co-founders of Clave, a franchise analytics startup, and former founders of Stuvie, the “Airbnb for music studios,” Mateo and Tade...

"Franchising is not just a business model. It’s an ecosystem of shared success." 

As the founder of GNF Worldwide, Fernando López de Castilla Elías has helped shape the franchise landscape across more than 10 countries. From consulting and sales outsourcing to franchise-focused investment banking, Fernando’s firm has completed over 10,000 deals — making him one of the most influential figures in international franchising today. 

In this episode of Stars of Franchising, Fernando joins Ab and Vini to share what it takes to build franchise systems that scale responsibly and sustainably around the globe. With deep exper...

"If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re probably on the menu." 

Rob Branca is more than just a multi-unit Dunkin’ operator — he’s a legal mind, real estate investor, second-generation franchisee, and one of franchising’s most active advocates on Capitol Hill. Rob sits down with Ab and Vini to unpack his journey from law school to leadership, and the critical role franchisees play in shaping the future of the industry. 

With a deep belief in ownership as a tool for economic mobility, Rob shares powerful insights about scaling with control, stayi...

"Our business is about helping people feel better — whether that’s in body, in mindset, or through entrepreneurship." 

Lindsey McFadden didn’t just join the wellness franchising movement — she’s helping shape the future of it.  As Chief Marketing Officer at Stretch Zone, Lindsey brings her sharp eye for strategy and a people-first approach to one of the fastest-growing brands in the health and wellness space. Under her leadership, Stretch Zone has opened 250+ units in just three years — with a perfect record of zero studio closures. 

In this energizing episode, Lindsey joins Ab and Vini to share how th...

"You don’t need to be an expert in everything — you just need vision, leadership, and great people." 

Victor Berny grew up in his family’s hardware store business in Mexico. Today, he’s the visionary behind one of the region’s fastest-scaling franchise portfolios — including Little Caesars, Wingstop, and Dunkin’ — with dozens of units across the Yucatán and beyond. 

In this powerhouse episode of Stars of Franchising, Victor joins Ab and Vini to discuss his journey from modest beginnings to multi-brand franchise leadership — and the mindset shifts that helped him unlock bold growth. 

Listen in as Vict...

"It's about creating a lasting culture while embracing growth for the next generation." 

Somia Farid Silber grew up with entrepreneurship in her DNA — starting at the age of nine working at Edible Arrangements, the iconic brand founded by her father, Tariq Farid. Now, after years of learning every aspect of the company, Somia steps into her own spotlight as the new CEO of Edible Brands, just in time for the brand’s 25th anniversary. 

In this inspiring conversation back on the Babson College campus, Somia joins Ab and Vini to talk about: 

· How starting...

“It’s a beautiful form of entrepreneurship to be a franchisee, because you have so much stability and support but you still are the maven of your own market.”

Debra Strougo worked for the New York City mayor’s office in brand development for “the greatest brand in the world.” But over time her unquenchable passion for fitness beckoned and in 2017 with her husband she launched Row House — now with more than 300 North American locations. Today she’s an investor and advisor — a “founder co-pilot” —  for numerous fitness-related brands, helping them as they scale through franchising and manage decision fatigue...

“If a franchisee invents a practice that is serving them really well, we want them to let us know so we can package it up and share it in the system.”

The beauty market is one of the hottest in franchising, and with more than 100 locations in the US and Canada, Blo Blow Dry Bar is one of the hottest beauty franchises. CEO and partner Vanessa Yakobson joins Ab & Vini to share her journey, her leadership lessons, and her insights on how ‘zees and ‘zors alike can achieve more.

Listen in as Vanessa explains:

“When you’re protecting an emerging brand, you’re protecting the stakes of all the people who’d invested in the brand.”

From taking care of her own back pain to taking care of the owners of more than 100 Massage Heights locations, Shane (a member of the IFA board of directors) has priceless insights on building an emerging brand BIG while still keeping it all about the people -- ‘zees and customers alike.

During her conversation with Ab and Vini, Shane discusses:

“Let’s not be copycats. Create a new demand for new products. Don’t be afraid. Go for it. And if you fail, just get up and do it again.”

Our most in-depth look at international franchising yet! Based in Honduras, Justin and Monica have made their mark not only by importing multiple North American and European franchise brands to Central America, but also by expanding their footprints to Eastern Europe and North Africa. Most recently, Gong cha Bubble Tea awarded them the master franchise rights for Central America – they plan to open 50 stores across Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica...

“There are a lot of things people misunderstand about franchising. People tend to think that if they buy a franchise, their success is going to be guaranteed.”

It took Mark Kushinsky a year and a half as a department store manager to realize he didn’t want to be an employee. He started his own residential cleaning business, then "ran into” franchising and founded MaidPro, which he grew to more than 400 units. Today he’s on the board of Threshold Brands, a 7-brand platform of vastly diverse service-oriented businesses he founded in 2020.

Mark visited with Ab and Vin...

“The better and more diverse backgrounds of the people in your system, the better your brand’s going to be.”

A must-listen for current ‘zees, ‘zees of tomorrow, and anyone else contemplating a startup business venture. As the guy with the final say on who gets a FYZICAL Therapy & Balance franchise, Scott Wendrych is an undisputed authority on what makes a successful franchisee. (Spoiler: It’s not necessarily the same for established and emerging brands.)

Scott joins Ab and Vini to share why FYZICAL attracts franchisee interest, and how it chooses the best of them. The most und...

“The franchisee/franchisee relationships are critical for the success of our system.

Annie Tselikis said, “You’re crazy” when her brother Jim and cousin Sabin Lomac hatched the idea of a food truck in Los Angeles serving Maine lobster rolls. But when they tapped into her deep fisheries expertise to shape their business model, Cousins Maine Lobster was under way!  Today Cousins delivers an inimitable, mouthwatering Maine lobster roll experience to customers from more than 70 mobile and stand-alone locations.

Annie (now Director of Marketing and Business Development for Slade Gorton seafood products), visited with Ab and Vini...

“If you just come in as a franchisee and expect to be employed by the franchisor, and just wait for the franchisor to give you direction, that’s a sure way to fail.”

Five years as a franchisee for 4 US retail brands taught Ramzi Daklouche a lesson that informs his work today at Edible: It’s always all about the local markets. We’re thrilled to welcome Ramzi to the podcast, especially as Edible is rolling out an exciting 2024 brand refresh.

Listen in as Ramzi explains to Ab and Vini the fine line between innovating within a s...

“Franchisee unit-level economics has to be the most important thing a franchisor thinks about. If they don’t, the system doesn’t work.”

The energy is AMPED in this episode, and no wonder: Guest Jeff Klein is a go-go ‘zee for Dunkin’, Auntie Anne’s, The Gents Place, and biggest of all, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shops, with 14 locations — #1 in the system. Not to mention his role as president of Capriotti’s Franchise Advisory Board. (Want him to stop working? Shut off his wifi!)

Catch Jeff’s franchise bug as he opens up to Ab and Vini about his franchise th...

“There’s no such thing as failure. You just didn’t get there yet.”

Alex founded Dr. Dental in 2004 with the vision of retailizing dental care by providing convenient, accessible, quality care via retail dental clinics in convenient neighborhood locations. Now with 57 locations across the northeast, Dr. Dental isn’t a franchise in the strict sense, but a fascinating, franchising-adjacent model for entrepreneurship and scaling.

Listen along as Alex shares with Ab and Vini the core business competencies that power effective repetition and scale. Why the partnership model that fueled Dr. Dental’s beginnings is “a great way to...

“You can’t fire your way into building a better team of people. That’s why culture matters.”

Our 25th episode is our hairiest yet! In 2018 they asked themselves, “Why not?” and began extending the “Be Nice” culture of Paul Mitchell Schools (Winn as dean and co-founder, John as a ‘zee) to a new venture, Salty Dawg Pet Salons. Now they’re creating more opportunity for their Paul Mitchell students while delivering stress-free grooming to “paw-rents.” Along their franchising journeys, they’ve picked up priceless lessons about culture and leadership that will benefit ANY entrepreneur.

Join Ab and Vini to hear W...

“As a franchisor, you’re entrusting your franchisees to continue the growth of your brand, and putting the essence of the brand in their hands.”

A proven entrepreneur, visionary and leader, Christo Demetriades has spent 3 decades as a CEO, CFO, and COO for franchising, restaurant, entertainment, and self-care brands. His superpower: Building and nurturing strong, loyal management teams that drive both culture and goal achievement. He’s also no slouch as a dealmaker — among his exits was selling a fitness venture to Sir Richard Branson’ Virgin Active. Today he (along with Episode 20 guest Heather Elrod) invests in and counsels...

“Franchising is like politics: It’s all local.”

After a 35-year career as an insurance executive, Gary Raphael found himself “on the short end of a merger” and embarked on a new entrepreneurial journey that has led him to the QSR (quick-service restaurant) franchising model with Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard. How did his high-level business experience prepare him for the pivot? And how did he ramp up a whole new skill set to establish himself as a successful and enthusiastic ‘zee?

Ab and Vini welcome Gary, who shares what he’s learned along the franch...

“Sometimes, franchising is MORE entrepreneurial, because in the larger franchises all of the great ideas that the customers are experiencing come from the franchisees.”

Was Jonathan Epstein born to follow the franchise model to phenomenal success? With a dad who owned 37 Midas Muffler shops, it’s possible! But as he embarked on his own ventures as a young man, he saw in franchising a natural, logical extension of his entrepreneurial nature — with playbooks for rapid scaling. Sixty-seven Planet Fitness franchises later…

Join Ab and Vini as they welcome Jonathan to the podcast and learn his lessons on...

“Unit economics is what makes investing in restaurants compelling and exciting.”

Dan Bonoff, a partner at Goode Partners, has been a private equity investor with a focus on the consumer sector for nearly 20 years. During his private equity career, he’s participated in platform investments and add-on acquisitions totaling more than $800 million of equity capital. His concentration on multi-unit restaurant and consumer brands is reflected in his roles as a board member of STONEFIRE Grill, Marolina Outdoor, Rosa Mexicano, and Silver Diner.

Listen as Dan shares his forward-looking perspective on restaurant franchising with Ab and Vini: ...

“As a franchisee, you have to work ON the business as well as IN the business.

Heather's career spans 30 years in the franchise, beauty, and wellness industries. She’s held executive positions in multi-billion dollar as well as emerging companies — most notably and recently, Amazing Lash Studios, which she shepherded from 70 locations to more than 200 in just 2 years. Today, as Managing Partner at Conscious Capital Group, she guides the firm’s investments in emerging franchisors AND leverages her experience to seek out and support growth brands. 

Join Ab and Vini as they tap into Heather’s decades o...

“Some people are not meant to franchise. Some people absolutely SHOULD franchise.”

Talk about perfect timing: Tim Vogel opened the first Scenthound dog-care shop in 2020, just as pet ownership skyrocketed during the pandemic. Today, Scenthound boasts more than 50 franchises — so you can expect seriously actionable lessons in scaling from this episode!

Join Ab and Vini to hear Tim’s take on franchises as LOCAL businesses. The power of creating communities of ‘Zees. The 3 priorities of ‘Zees for driving brand success. How to apply the scientific method for successful scaling. The moment he discovered his biggest leadership b...

“I did everything you’re not supposed to do in finance to open my first studio.”

For Redbird Fitness founder/CEO Elizabeth Roberts, it all started with a pair of “sticky socks” in 2015. Now operating a dozen Pure Barre locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut (scaling from 1 to 5 in her first 5 years), she’s the fitness brand’s top ‘Zee — AND a highly respected voice at the highest levels of corporate.

Liz’s journey to scale — and the actionable lessons she’s learned — is the centerpiece of this conversation with Ab and Vini. Learn how she found hot expansion opport...

“You always have to be telling your story. If you’re doing good in the world you have to be just as loud and persistent as those who aren’t.”

As President/Co-Founder of Arthur Lee Consulting & Advisory (named in honor of his father’s passion for food equity) and former Executive Director of Social Equity Franchising at Everytable, Bryce Fluellen is driven by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Life’s most persistent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
He’s fought for food justice and social equity for more than 20 years developing and i...

“We’ve seen the power of the system.”

Required listening for current ‘Zees and wannabes! Seeking to bust out of their careers in tech and radio and do their own thing, Bob & Karen Sommers opened the 12th market for Citywide Facilities Solutions 15 years ago. But there’s a twist to the story: Franchising was NOT in their original entrepreneurship plan!

Listen in as the Sommerses share their journey and their learnings with Ab and Vini. Hear how a pandemic pivot transformed their “customer/vendor” relationships to “trusted partner” relationships and made 2020 one of their biggest years. How they ta...

“There has to be something that’s bigger than just the product … it has to be about the impact it has on the person on the other side.”

With a powerful management and franchising resume (including 19 years at the helm of skoah), Andrea now consults with numerous franchise enterprises on matters ranging from growth and international expansion strategies to the development of operational and branding systems. 

Andrea joins Ab & Vini to reveal how franchising is like parenting(!)... Why financial literacy PLUS loyalty to a franchise brand’s system will always result in the strongest numbers for ‘Zees…...

“You are only as good as the last unit you open.”

That single statement speaks volumes about Brian Belmont’s powerful belief in franchisor/franchisee relationships. As CEO of FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers (with more than 500 locations in 46 states) he draws upon his experiences as a Quiznos and Planet Fitness franchisee “to help other people live the dream I got to live.”

Join Ab and Vini as they welcome Brian to the SoF podcast and hear his takes on private equity’s place in the franchising space, the potential of AI, how ‘Zees fit in the strateg...

“What matters is that you’re a good person and you’re passionate about the business.”

From operating 27 School of Rock locations, to now owning 2 of them AND simultaneously serving on The Lash Lounge’s leadership team as VP of Operations, Kristin Kidd has lived all sides of the franchising model. And she has a lot to say about what works (and what definitely doesn’t).

Kristin joins Ab and Vini to share her path from entry level to executive. Listen to her takes on the top things ‘Zees and ‘Zors should do for success. Learn how cultur...

“As a franchisee, you’re in the business FOR yourself, but not BY yourself.”

As owner of multiple Planet Fitness franchises and Managing Partner at Exaltare Capital Partners, Omar Simmons believes that there are many paths of entrepreneurship. Yet none do more than the franchise model to support the dreams of entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities achieve success.

Join Ab and Vini as they welcome Omar and hear his emphatic belief in the power of partnerships… the essential need for empathy in both ‘Zees and ‘Zors… and his driving vision of franchising as a ladder to wealth equalit...

“Franchising provides the opportunity to tap into entrepreneurial spirit with the guidance of a great play book”

Welcome to the intersection of marketing and brand-building! As President of LA’s Konnect Agency Amanda Bialek advises franchisors on national strategies and franchisees on local advertising — a true 360-degree perspective of the market challenges and opportunities for franchises!

Amanda joins Ab & Vini to share what she’s learned about shaping clear, shared, long-term visions with ‘Zees and ‘Zors… the dangers of not asking your questions… the critical need to know when it’s time to pivot… recession-proof franchises, and much m...

“The best franchisors recognize that franchisees help make the franchisor system stronger.”

Big Chicken in space? Someday for sure, if Josh Halpern has his way! Josh joins Ab and Vini to share how he’s leveraging his incredible brand, marketing, and operating experience to guide and lead Shaquille O’Neal’s new restaurant concept.

A true entrepreneurial leader with a passion for innovation, Josh explains how franchises are (almost) like painting by numbers. How scaling a new franchise brand is like building an NFL team (Spoiler: It’s not all about the QB.). How the “trinity of cos...

“Time is more valuable than the money we lost. We can recover money, but we can't recover time lost.”

Can lobsters and sharks get along? Jim and Sabin, our first Shark Tank-veteran guests, would say “ayuh,” having emerged from the CNBC show with Barbara Corcoran as a 15% equity partner!

The real cousins behind Cousins Maine Lobster join Ab and Vini to share how they “jumped ship” from their sales jobs, tapped into childhood memories, launched their passion business, and ended up reeling in money with it. (Compare their story to typical entrepreneurs who start businesses expressly to...

“Franchisees have to work in the business and be ready to do every single task!”

24 years ago Neal literally rolled up his sleeves and began a 5-year stint in the trenches dirtying his hands and learning one of America’s leading franchise powerhouses from the inside out. Now a respected Dunkin Brands multi-unit franchisee, Neal has priceless thoughts on entrepreneurship and leadership for everyone — priceless because he’s really been there with big mistakes (including an 8-figure whopper!) and huge wins.

And as you’ll also hear, it’s not always “time to make the donuts.” Neal sp...

“Don't underestimate the amount of work involved in being a franchisee. It’s full of grit, twists, and turns.”

Our first guest from the B2B arena! Meet a pioneer in the green “circular economy” space and B2B franchising: Elaine Chow, founder of ChopValue Boston, which boasts a groundbreaking and fascinating value proposition: sustainable wood furnishings and custom architectural features manufactured entirely from recycled chopsticks. 

Join Ab and Vini to learn how her innovative, earth-friendly franchise model is working and growing by promoting supplier diversity and sustainable procurement — and how it’s a proof-of-concept for successful...