PODCAST · business
Behind the Franchise
by Paul Ehlinger
Welcome to "Behind the Franchise" by Flamel.ai, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of franchising and explore the marketing strategies that fuel the growth of the industry's most successful brands. Join us every other week as we sit down with the leading marketing minds behind top franchises, uncovering the secrets to their success and sharing insights that franchisors and franchisees can apply to their own businesses. "Behind the Franchise" is your go-to resource for the latest in growth marketing strategies for franchising.
Episodes
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Episode 77: The Power of Communication with Nick Dan Bergman
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Nick Dan Bergman, Chief Marketing Officer of LT Agency, to explore how consumer discovery is changing and what franchise marketers need to do about it. Nick shares insights from LT Agency’s franchise research on the rise of social media as a…
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Episode 76: Holding True to Your Brand Values with Kim Gubera
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Kim Gubera, CEO of PIRTEK. Kim shares her journey from accounting and commercial landscaping into franchising, eventually becoming CEO of a 200+ location franchise system. From learning franchising by doing to leading PIRTEK through major growth...
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Episode 75: Analytics and Creativity with Amy Byrne
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Amy Byrne, Marketing Director for BELFOR Franchise Group. Amy shares her unconventional journey from the music industry and life on the road to leading marketing strategy across a portfolio of franchise brands. Together, they explore what it…
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Episode 74: From Notebooks to Systems with Brian Gross
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Brian Gross, President of Bach to Rock. Brian shares how a summer rock band program evolved into one of the nation's leading music education franchises and explains why music is about much more than learning an instrument. From building…
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Episode 73: Building the Right Team with Amy Freeman
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Amy Freeman, Co-Founder and CEO of The Spice & Tea Exchange. Amy shares how she built a niche retail concept into a thriving 100+ location franchise by combining curiosity, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to quality. From sourcing...
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Episode 72: Stay Humble, Hustle Hard with Tom Mirabella
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Tom Mirabella, founder and CEO of Wingman Planning. Tom shares how he left corporate America to build a marketing agency from the ground up, eventually growing it into a team of more than 25 employees before expanding into franchising. From...
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Episode 71: Encouraging Creativity with Bryan Vohsing
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Bryan Vohsing, Franchise Marketing Manager at Oh Deer. Bryan shares how he unexpectedly found his way into franchising and grew from marketing coordinator to leading both local and national marketing initiatives for one of the fastest-growing...
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Episode 70: Finding the Balance with AI with Paul Redman
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Paul Redman, President of Contractor Commerce. Paul shares how Contractor Commerce evolved from an online storefront for HVAC contractors into an AI-powered commerce platform that's reshaping how homeowners research, shop for, and purchase home...
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Episode 69: Taking the Leap into Franchising with Doug Roberto
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Doug Roberto, owner and design consultant of Gotcha Covered Los Feliz. Doug shares his journey from decades in corporate medical sales to becoming a first-time franchise owner. He opens up about why he left corporate America, how franchising gave...
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Episode 68: Just Keep Going with Jimmy Speyer
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Jimmy Speyer, Founder and CEO of GlassHouse. Jimmy shares his journey from hospitality and SaaS leadership to launching a technology company that helps home service businesses generate demand through digital door knocking. Along the way, he...
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Episode 67: Promise Over Price with Jesse McBain
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Jesse McBain, Chief Operating Officer of Pvolve. With more than 30 years of franchise leadership experience spanning brands like Papa John's and The Joint Chiropractic, Jesse shares how Pvolve is redefining fitness through clinically backed...
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Episode 66: 1% Better Every Day with Tony Hulbert
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Tony Hulbert, Managing Director at HorsePower Brands. Tony shares his unconventional journey through different franchising roles, explaining how a foundation in finance evolved into a passion for growth, leadership, and helping entrepreneurs…
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Episode 65: Finding Black Holes in Your Business with Rob Flanagan
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Rob Flanagan, CEO & Cultural Co Founder of Hounds Town USA. Rob shares his unconventional journey into franchising and the leadership philosophies that have helped guide Hounds Town past the 100-unit milestone. From building culture as a…
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Episode 64: Adapting to Change with Ron Silberstein
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Ron Silberstein, partner of Bud’s Place Franchising, to explore one of the most unique concepts emerging in franchising today, cannabis consumption lounges. Ron shares his journey from CPA and franchise executive in the golf industry to building…
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Episode 63: Systems of Actions with Roland Ligtenberg
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Roland Ligtenberg, Co-Founder and SVP Growth and Innovation of Housecall Pro. Roland shares how a simple mobile app for scheduling jobs and collecting payments evolved into a platform powering more than 50,000 home service businesses and over 100...
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Episode 62: Authentic Empathy with Scott Greenberg
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Scott Greenberg, franchise performance expert, keynote speaker, and author of The Wealthy Franchisee and Stop the Shift Show. Scott shares how his experience as a multi-unit Edible Arrangements franchisee shaped his perspective on leadership,...
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Episode 61: Blending Passion and Purpose with Jason D'Rocha
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Jason D'Rocha, Vice President of Sportball. Jason shares his 20-year journey from part-time coach to franchise leader, revealing how Sportball blends youth sports, child development, and purposeful franchising to create lasting impact for…
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Episode 60: Responsible Franchise Growth with Todd Treml
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Todd Treml, CEO of Touching Hearts at Home. Todd shares his 35-year journey in franchising from helping scale Winmark Corporation from just a few locations to more than 1,200, to leading one of the fastest-growing senior care franchise brands in...
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Episode 59: Building a Fortress Brand with Matt Stanton
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Matt Stanton, Chief Development Officer of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa whose career spans many powerhouse brands. Matt shares what it really takes to scale franchise systems responsibly — from growing brands into the thousands of units to...
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Episode 58: Relevance Over Trends with Angela Johnson
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Angela Johnson, newly appointed CMO of Edible Brands. Angela shares her journey from agency life to leading marketing strategy for one of the most recognized gifting brands in North America. From modernizing a 26-year legacy brand to building…
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Episode 57: Building Legacy Together with Nicole Chaudry
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Nicole Chaudry, Founder and CEO of WorldKids School. Nicole shares her journey from leaving the corporate world in Europe to building a language immersion concept that began in her living room and grew into a multi-location education brand. From...
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Episode 56: Franchise Websites in an AI World with Mark Michael
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Mark Michael, co-founder and CEO of DevHub. Mark shares his journey from building behind-the-scenes marketing technology for major platforms to stepping into the spotlight and transforming how franchise brands approach their digital presence.…
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Episode 55: Traditional and Digital for Real Results with Karen Wenning
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Karen Wenning of Suttle-Straus, a seasoned expert in franchise marketing and direct mail strategy. Karen shares her journey from agency life to becoming a trusted partner for franchise brands, and dives deep into how modern AI tools for marketing...
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Episode 54: The Human Component with Christina Russell
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Christina Russell, seasoned franchise executive, board member, and private equity expert. Christina shares her journey through 25+ years in franchising, leading brands like the IFA and Scenthound, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how…
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Episode 53: Unlimited Growth in Franchising with John and Tyler Berglund
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with John and Tyler Berglund of Tijon Fragrance Lab, a fast-growing fragrance experience franchise that began as a passion project in the French Caribbean. What started as a semi-retirement dream quickly evolved into a booming franchise concept,...
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Episode 52: Scaling by the Pound with Daniel McCarty
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Daniel McCarty, founder and CEO of JunkStart Junk Removal, a brand redefining the junk removal industry with its innovative pay-by-weight model. Daniel shares his journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family to creating a franchise brand...
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Episode 51: The Power of Sharing Knowledge with Emily Hazard
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Emily Hazard of Fortidia, where she helps grow powerhouse franchise brands like PostNet and AlphaGraphics. Emily shares her journey from being a marketer to stepping into franchise development, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it really...
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Episode 50: Take the First Step with Stefan Figley
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Stefan Figley, President of 1-800-Packouts. Stefan shares his journey from global marketing analytics to leading franchise systems and how his experience across marketing, operations, and leadership shaped his approach to scaling service brands....
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Episode 49: Shared Wins, Bigger Wins with Charles Bonfiglio
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Charles Bonfiglio, founder and CEO of Tint World Automotive Styling Centers. Charles shares his journey from growing up in Brooklyn to building one of the most recognizable brands in automotive aftermarket services. From opening his first shop in...
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Episode 48: Growing a Passionate Community with Stacey Ryan
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Stacey Ryan, President of School of Rock, to explore leadership, culture, and franchise growth in a global education brand. Stacey shares her journey from consultant to president, leading a mission-driven organization that impacts tens of…
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Episode 47: Purpose Driven Innovation with Sebastien Lagree
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Sebastien Lagree, founder of the globally recognized Lagree Fitness method. Sebastien shares his journey from aspiring action movie star to building one of the most innovative fitness brands in the world. What began as a necessity-driven pivot…
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Episode 46: The Industry of Opportunity with Scott Redler
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Scott Redler, restaurant industry veteran, Co-Founder of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and President of Mokas Coffee & Eatery. Scott shares his 50-year journey from a hotel and restaurant management grad to scaling one of the most...
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Episode 45: Curiosity, Grit, and Community with Gina Schaefer
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Gina Schaefer, founder and CEO of Logan Hardware and a trailblazer in the Ace Hardware cooperative system. Gina shares her unlikely journey from the tech industry to opening a hardware store in Washington, DC and how curiosity, grit, and…
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Episode 44: Build with the Basics First with David Smith
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with David Smith, Vice President of Digital Marketing at Go Mini’s Franchising, to explore how modern franchise brands are evolving through data, systems, and franchise AI. From shifts in consumer behavior to building a proprietary operating system,...
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Episode 43: Building Real Connections on Social with Genevieve Coulson
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Genevieve Coulson, Director of Social Media at Goldfish Swim School. Genevieve shares her decade-plus journey in social media marketing and what it really takes to build authentic, high-performing franchise social strategies in an era shaped by...
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Episode 42: Franchise Law and Legal Strategy with Ari Stern
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with franchise attorney Ari Stern, partner of Fox Rothschild LLP, for a deep, practical conversation at the intersection of franchising, dispute resolution, and franchise AI. As the first lawyer to appear on the show, Ari shares how he unexpectedly...
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Episode 41: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants with Adam Contos
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger welcomes back Adam Contos for his second appearance on Behind the Franchise. Former CEO of RE/MAX and current partner at Area 15 Ventures, Adam brings a seasoned perspective on private equity, leadership, and what it really takes to scale franchise brands…
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Episode 40: Retail Theater with Brian Britton
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Brian Britton, CEO of Kilwins, to unpack what it really takes to lead an 80-year-old legacy brand into its next era of growth. From private equity transition to modern marketing, Brian shares how Kilwins is scaling thoughtfully without losing the...
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Episode 39: Growth Through Culture and Systems with Del Salinas
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Del Salinas, VP of Franchise Development at Caring Senior Service. Del shares how a 34-year-old brand has grown intentionally and why culture, systems, and people-first leadership have fueled long-term success. From building a robust internal...
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Episode 38: Quest for Evergreen Content with Alex Gilleland
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Alex Gilleland, Brand Manager at Dryer Vent Superheroes. Alex shares how growing up in franchising shaped his data-driven mindset and why ROI-first thinking, localization, and trust-building content outperform flashy campaigns every time. From...
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Episode 37: Understanding the Bones of a Brand with Sherif Mityas
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Sherif Mityas, CEO of BRIX Holdings, to unpack a career that spans aerospace engineering, big-box retail, Hollywood Video, TGI Fridays, and now an eight-brand restaurant portfolio with more than 300 locations. Sherif shares how cross-brand...
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Episode 36: Dream Big and Grow Smart with Heather Ripley
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Heather Ripley, founder and CEO of Ripley PR. Heather shares her journey from early copywriting days to becoming one of franchising’s top PR voices — including how she landed a home-service brand on Celebrity Apprentice and helped founders sell...
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Episode 35: The Mindset That Builds with Gavin Lantzy
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Gavin Lantzy, Head of Franchise Sales at Daisy. Gavin shares his journey from college-age multi-unit franchisee to helping build the largest smart-home installation brand in the country. From acquiring 17 companies in 18 months to building a...
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Episode 34: Turning Crisis into Growth with Evan Hackel
In this episode, Paul Ehlinger sits down with Evan Hackel of Ingage Consulting to explore the nuances of franchise leadership, growth, and organizational purpose. Evan shares insights from his 40-year career in franchising, including and launching businesses, rescuing a bankrupt franchise, and...
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Episode 33: Building Confidence and Community with Jami Stigliano
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Jami Stigliano, founder and CEO of DivaDance. Jami shares her journey from coaching dance teams in Austin to creating a national dance franchise built around confidence and community. She opens up about rebuilding her system, embracing EOS, and...
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Episode 32: Building Success Together with Brittney Lincoln
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Brittney Lincoln, VP of Franchise Growth at Limitless Franchise Growth and founder of Females in Franchising. Brittney shares her journey from selling franchises to scaling major brands like Club Pilates and StretchLab, revealing the strategies —...
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Episode 31: Building Fun, Scalable Franchises with James Luy
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with James Luy, co-founder of The Franchise Dept. and partner at Bin Blasters. James shares his journey scaling innovative franchise concepts and how technology, including AI automation tools, is transforming the way franchisors grow, operate, and...
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Episode 30: The Power of Collaboration with Dan Sher
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Dan Sher of AlphaGraphics for the past 18 years. Dan shares his journey from a PR agency director to a seasoned franchisee, explaining how his marketing and technology background helped him thrive in the world of print and marketing…
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Episode 29: Leading with Confidence & Humility with Beth Toenies
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Beth Toenies, Vice President of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group. Beth shares her journey from a journalism graduate to becoming president of a company at just 26, and now leading growth across 15 powerhouse brands in restoration…
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Episode 28: Growing with the Right Team with Rick Peroe
In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Rick Peroe, a franchise veteran with decades of experience in system support, training, and franchise development. Rick shares his journey from a short-term seasonal role to leading franchise expansion at Heart to Home Meals, and reveals the...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to "Behind the Franchise" by Flamel.ai, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of franchising and explore the marketing strategies that fuel the growth of the industry's most successful brands. Join us every other week as we sit down with the leading marketing minds behind top franchises, uncovering the secrets to their success and sharing insights that franchisors and franchisees can apply to their own businesses. "Behind the Franchise" is your go-to resource for the latest in growth marketing strategies for franchising.
HOSTED BY
Paul Ehlinger
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Behind the Franchise have?
Behind the Franchise currently has 77 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Behind the Franchise about?
Welcome to "Behind the Franchise" by Flamel.ai, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of franchising and explore the marketing strategies that fuel the growth of the industry's most successful brands. Join us every other week as we sit down with the leading marketing minds behind top...
How often does Behind the Franchise release new episodes?
Behind the Franchise has 77 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Behind the Franchise?
You can listen to Behind the Franchise on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Behind the Franchise?
Behind the Franchise is created and hosted by Paul Ehlinger.
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