PODCAST · business
Field Coach Experts Podcast
by AC Inc.
If you’re a COO, VP of Ops, or franchise field leader, this podcast is for you. Each week, Field Coach Experts shares bold insights and real-world strategies to level up field support, boost franchisee engagement, and increase profitability. Hosted by Angela Coté and Jen Brannon of AC Inc., expect unfiltered conversations with industry leaders and certified coaches. No fluff—just tools to prove ROI and drive results. Powered by AC Inc.’s Strategic Growth Coaching Framework and Field Coach Certification.
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Ep 44. What Franchisees Actually Get Out of a Franchisee Growth Group | A Real Story from Inside the Room
What does a franchisee growth group actually do for a franchisee's business and is it worth the time?Most franchisees are told a group like this will help them grow. But what does that actually look like from the inside, and what changes in a business once the group ends?In this episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Jennifer Brannon sits down with Ryan Kirkham, a 20-year US Lawns franchisee, to hear exactly what participating in an AC Inc. Franchisee Growth Group looked like, what he learned, and how it changed the way he runs his business more than a year later.What makes this episode different is that you are hearing directly from a franchisee, not a franchisor or coach. Ryan shares an honest, unfiltered look at what the experience was really like, what surprised him, and why he says he would not have been able to build the business he has today without it.You will learn:What the group format looked like and how bi-weekly sessions over six months created lasting changeWhat topics the group covered including core values, vision setting, scorecards, P&Ls, org charts, leadership styles, and strategic planningHow working through those topics alongside peers in similar situations unlocked clarity and structure he could not build aloneWhy peer-to-peer learning inside a small group produces results that franchisee conferences and one-on-one coaching often cannotHow comparing financials and KPIs side by side with other franchisees revealed gaps Ryan did not know existedWhat changed in his business 12 to 14 months later including launching a dedicated sales division and transforming his leadership teamWhy doing the homework between sessions matters as much as showing upHow AC Inc. has structured franchisee development into four pathways including Jumpstart, Business Bootcamp, Strategic Performance Groups, and MastermindIf you are a franchisor wondering whether Franchisee Growth Groups are worth building into your support system, or a franchisee wondering whether a group like this is worth your time, Ryan's story will answer both questions directly.Learn more at fieldcoachexperts.com
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Ep 43. Why Franchisees Lose Momentum | Creating a Culture of Accountability
Why do some franchisees start strong but struggle to maintain momentum?It's a common belief in franchising. After all, franchisees chose to invest in a business. Shouldn't they naturally stay motivated, follow through on commitments, and hold themselves accountable?According to Christina Chambers, Chief Franchise Officer at DOXA Talent, it's not that simple.In this episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Angela Coté sits down with Christina Chambers to discuss how accountability, coaching capability, and intentional support systems drive stronger franchisee performance and healthier franchise systems.With more than 25 years of franchise experience, Christina has seen both sides of franchise support. She has witnessed the difference between brands that simply answer questions and brands that intentionally coach franchisees toward growth. When DOXA Talent launched its franchise program, Christina made the decision to build a coaching framework before signing franchisees, creating a culture of accountability from day one.You will learn:• Why accountability should be viewed as support, not pressure• The difference between coaching franchisees and simply answering questions• How reactive support creates dependency and limits growth• Why franchisees lose motivation and how coaches can help them regain momentum• How vision planning and action tracking strengthen follow-through• What great franchise support looks like from an executive leadership perspective• Why emerging brands should invest in coaching capability early• How accountability drives franchisee performance, engagement, validation, and growthChristina also shares how one of DOXA's first franchisees cited the company's coaching infrastructure as a key reason they decided to join the brand, reinforcing the value of building support systems before they become necessary.If you're a franchisor, franchise executive, field coach, or franchise support leader looking to improve franchisee engagement and performance, this episode will challenge the way you think about accountability and support.Learn more about DOXA Talent, connecting growing businesses with high-performing global talent, at doxatalent.com.Learn more at fieldcoachexperts.com.
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Ep 42. Stop Chasing Franchisees | Accountability Without Micromanagement
Why do so many franchisees resist accountability and what happens when accountability is viewed as support instead of pressure?When people hear the word accountability, they often think of micromanagement, criticism, or someone checking up on them. But in high-performing franchise systems, accountability looks very different.In this episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Angela Coté, Founder and CEO of AC Inc., and Jennifer Brannon, Chief Growth Officer at AC Inc., explore why accountability is one of the most misunderstood concepts in franchising and how the right approach helps franchisees stay focused, motivated, and committed to growth.You will learn:Why accountability often gets confused with micromanagementHow accountability creates clarity, focus, and stronger business resultsWhy franchisees are more likely to follow through when goals are tied to what they truly wantThe difference between holding someone accountable and creating dependencyHow coaches can use questions instead of instructions to create ownershipWhy follow-through is one of the fastest ways to build trust and credibilityWhat role franchisors play in creating a culture of accountabilityHow accountability helps franchisees move from intention to action and from action to growthAngela and Jen also discuss the responsibilities of both franchisors and franchisees, the dangers of coaching dependency, and why accountability works best when it is rooted in trust, clarity, and genuine support.If your franchisees struggle with follow-through, your coaches feel like they're constantly chasing action items, or accountability conversations feel uncomfortable, this episode will help you rethink what accountability really means and how to use it to drive better performance across your system.Sponsored by Permit Pros, helping franchise brands and business owners simplify the permitting process, avoid costly delays, and move projects forward with confidence. From start to approval, Permit Pros helps take the stress out of permits so you can stay focused on growth.Learn more at fieldcoachexperts.com
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Ep 41. You Don’t Have to Be a CFO | Coaching Financial Confidence in Franchising
Why do financial conversations feel so intimidating for franchisees and coaches?For many franchisees, financials feel tied to judgment, shame, or the fear of not understanding the numbers. And for coaches, there is often pressure to show up as the expert with all the answers.In this episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Jennifer Brannon, Chief Growth Officer at AC Inc., is joined by Abe Dunaway to unpack how coaches can remove fear from financial conversations and help franchisees build real confidence using their numbers.With more than 15 years in franchise operations, Abe brings deep experience in leadership, training, performance-driven operations, and franchisee support. He shares lessons from his own journey learning financials, how Profit Soup helped shape his approach, and why curiosity is often more valuable than technical expertise when coaching franchisees.You will learn:Why franchisees often avoid financial conversations and what is really driving that fearWhy coaches do not need to be financial experts to create valueHow curiosity creates stronger coaching conversations and better franchisee ownershipThe difference between interpreting numbers for franchisees and helping them interpret their own businessWhat kinds of questions lead to better thinking and stronger decision-makingHow to simplify financial coaching without oversimplifying the businessWhy financials should be used as a conversation tool, not a weaponHow AC Inc. uses performance groups and business boot camps to build financial confidence in franchise systemsThis episode is a practical look at how coaches can move from intimidating financial conversations to productive, empowering discussions that help franchisees make better decisions over time.If your coaches avoid financial conversations, your franchisees feel overwhelmed by their numbers, or financial coaching feels more complicated than it should, this episode will help you approach it differently.Learn more at fieldcoachexperts.comLearn more about Profit Soup at profitsoup.com
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Ep 40. What Are Your Franchisee Financials Really Telling You? | A Coaching Conversation with Damian MacInnis
Why do financial conversations feel so uncomfortable for franchisees and what can coaches learn from the numbers beyond profitability?Financials are not just reports. They tell a story about behavior, habits, decision-making, confidence, and sometimes avoidance.In this episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Jennifer Brannon, Chief Growth Officer at AC Inc., is joined by Damian MacInnis to unpack how franchise coaches can use financial data to uncover root issues, build trust, and help franchisees make better business decisions.Damian shares lessons from his experience as an entrepreneur, consultant, and Regional Business Coach with Paul Davis Canada, along with how AC Inc.’s Field Coach Certification changed the way he approaches coaching conversations.You will learn:Why franchisees often avoid financial conversations and what is really behind that resistanceHow financials reveal patterns in leadership, operations, habits, and decision-makingWhy numbers are often symptoms of deeper operational or behavioral issuesHow to coach franchisees through financial conversations without creating defensivenessThe difference between consulting and coaching in franchise supportWhy trust and curiosity matter more than jumping to solutionsHow to use financial metrics to guide better conversations and stronger accountabilityWhat Damian learned through AC Inc.’s Field Coach Certification and how it changed his coaching approachThis episode is a practical look at how field coaches can move beyond reviewing spreadsheets and start using financials as a coaching tool that builds ownership, confidence, and profitability.If your franchisees are overwhelmed by their numbers, avoiding financial conversations, or struggling to connect operational decisions to profitability, this episode will help you approach coaching differently.Learn more at fieldcoachexperts.comLearn more about Paul Davis Canada at pauldavis.ca
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Ep 39. Why Franchisees Are Scared of Financials | Building Confidence With Numbers
Why do franchisees avoid their numbers and what does it cost a franchise system when they do?Most franchisees did not get into business because they love financial statements. But avoiding the numbers creates blind spots that impact profitability, growth, and long-term business value.In this episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Angela Coté is joined by Barbara Nuss, CPA and Founder of Profit Soup, to unpack how franchisors can build real financial confidence across their systems and help franchisees use their numbers to make better decisions.You will learn:Why franchisees often avoid financial conversations and what is really behind itWhy financial fluency starts with culture, structure, and leadershipHow franchisors can connect KPIs and financial reporting to real business goalsWhy field teams need financial training just as much as franchiseesThe difference between reviewing numbers and coaching with themHow benchmarking and financial visibility create better accountability and ownershipWhy financial conversations should focus on behavior and decision-making, not just reportsHow franchisors can help franchisees build enterprise value instead of simply owning a jobWhy exit planning conversations should start much earlier than most franchisors think and how reframing them as wealth-building changes franchisee buy-inIf your franchisees are submitting numbers but not truly using them to run stronger businesses, this episode will help you rethink how financial coaching happens inside your system.Learn more about Profit Soup at profitsoup.comLearn more at fieldcoachexperts.com
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Ep 38. From Metrics to Decisions | Building Financial Confidence in Franchising
Why do so many franchisees struggle with financials and how can franchisors fix it?Most franchisees focus on revenue but avoid the financials that actually drive profitability. P&Ls, margins, and costs often feel overwhelming, which leads to decisions based on instinct instead of data.In this episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Angela Coté and Jen Brannon break down how franchisors can build financial confidence across their system and help franchisees make smarter business decisions using their numbers.You will learn:Why financials are a weak spot for many franchiseesWhat franchisors often get wrong when teaching or coaching financial performanceThe difference between training franchisees and coaching them to take actionWhy many franchise business coaches avoid financial conversations and how to fix itWhat effective financial coaching actually looks like inside a franchise systemWhat systems and structure are needed to support financial performanceIf your franchisees are guessing instead of using their numbers, this episode will help you change that.Learn more at fieldcoachexperts.comSponsored by T-Source, helping franchise brands streamline systems, reduce costs, and scale with confidence.
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Ep 37. Stop Being the Hero: Why Franchisee Support Backfires
Jumping in to fix problems feels helpful—but it may be the very thing holding your franchisees back. In this episode, Jennifer Brannon and Erica Shoop unpack the hidden cost of “hero-style” field support and why rescuing franchisees creates dependency, limits confidence, and slows long-term growth.They explore what actually happens when coaches shift from solving problems to building ownership, how this impacts accountability and performance, and what it takes to develop confident, self-sufficient business owners. If your field team is busy but your franchisees still aren’t stepping up, this episode will challenge your approach.
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Ep 36. The 70/30 Rule: Why Coaches Talk Too Much
Most coaches think they’re helping—but they’re actually doing too much of the talking. In this episode, Jennifer Brannon breaks down the 70/30 rule and why strong coaching conversations require franchisees to do the thinking, not just the listening.Joined by Toni Harris Taylor (The Networking Queen™), they explore why coaches default to giving answers, what changes when you shift to asking better questions, and how this impacts ownership, accountability, and long-term results. If your coaching conversations feel productive but aren’t driving real change, this episode will challenge your approach.
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Ep 35. From Reactive to Proactive: Rethinking Franchise Coaching for Growth
Most franchisors believe their field teams are effective because they’re responsive—answering questions, solving problems, and “helping” franchisees. But what if that approach is actually limiting growth?In this episode, Angela Coté sits down with Rachel Southard (COO, Happiness Brands) to break down the real difference between coaching and consulting—and why shifting to proactive coaching unlocks stronger accountability, engagement, and scalability. They also explore how AI is changing the role of field teams, and why coaching—not answering—is the future of franchise support.
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Ep 34. Coaching vs. Consulting: Why It Matters More Than You Think
Most franchise systems say they’re “coaching” their franchisees—but in reality, they’re consulting, telling, and creating dependency. In this episode, Angela Coté and Jennifer Brannon break down the critical difference between coaching and consulting—and why it directly impacts franchisee engagement, performance, and scalability.Through real-world roleplay examples, they unpack what ineffective coaching actually sounds like, how it leads to frustration and burnout, and what to do instead. If you want field coaches who drive ownership, accountability, and real results—not just give advice—this episode will challenge how your system supports franchisees.
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Ep 33. How to Improve Franchise Sales | The Real Link Between Franchisee Support and Close Rates
What actually improves franchise sales and why do so many brands struggle to convert candidates?Most franchise systems focus on marketing, lead flow, and sales tactics. But the real driver of close rates is something else entirely.In this episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Angela Coté sits down with Patti Rother of Root & Rise to break down how franchisee support, profitability, and validation directly impact franchise sales.You will learn:Why franchisee support is the biggest driver of franchise sales performanceHow franchisee profitability and confidence impact validation and close ratesWhy sales and operations must be aligned to attract the right franchise ownersHow poor support systems create friction in the validation processWhy happy, profitable franchisees are the strongest sales tool in any systemHow to think about growth through both new units and stronger existing locationsWhat role franchisee experience plays in standing out in a crowded marketThis episode connects the dots between franchise development and franchisee support in a way most brands overlook.If your franchise sales feel harder than they should be, this conversation will show you what is actually driving the problem and how to fix it.Learn more about AC Inc and Root & Rise
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Ep 32. Scorecards That Don’t Suck | Turning KPIs Into Coaching Conversations
What should a franchise scorecard actually include and why do most of them fail?Too many franchise systems overload owners with data. Dashboards full of numbers. KPIs from every department. And no clarity on what actually matters.The result is confusion, pressure, and disengagement instead of performance.In this episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Jennifer Brannon sits down with Brecon Gage, Director of Advising at AC Inc., to break down what a scorecard should actually look like and how to use it to drive action, not overwhelm.You will learn:What a franchise scorecard is and how it differs from a dashboardWhy most scorecards fail and how to fix themHow to choose the right KPIs instead of tracking everythingThe difference between leading and lagging indicators and why it mattersHow to build scorecards with franchisees to create ownership and buy-inHow to use scorecards in coaching conversations to drive decisionsWhy fewer metrics often lead to better performanceIf your scorecards feel more like report cards than coaching tools, this episode will help you rethink how measurement should work inside your franchise system.Learn more at fieldcoachexperts.com
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Ep 31. Why Franchisees Stay Busy but Don’t Grow | Time Management and KPIs That Drive Results
Why do franchisees stay busy but still struggle to grow their business?In this episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Jennifer Brannon is joined by Alex Gilleland of Home Run Franchises to unpack why activity does not equal growth inside franchise systems.They explore why franchisees often equate effort with success, how coaches can unintentionally reinforce busyness, and what it actually looks like to coach toward measurable outcomes.You will learn:Why being busy does not translate into franchise growthHow to identify when activity is not driving resultsWhat franchisees should focus on to improve performanceHow time management impacts revenue and profitabilityWhy delegation is critical for scalingHow KPIs and scorecards create accountability and clarityIf your system feels busy but not improving, this episode will help you refocus on what actually drives performance.Learn more about Home Run Franchises at homerunfranchises.com
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Ep 30. How to Get Franchisees to Act on KPIs | From Dashboard to Action with a Franchise CEO (Houndstown USA)
How do you get franchisees to act on their scorecard numbers instead of just reviewing them?Having a dashboard does not mean you are driving results. Most franchise systems have the data. The real issue is getting franchisees to actually do something with it.In this episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Angela Coté sits down with Rob Flanagan, CEO of Houndstown USA, to break down how to turn franchise scorecards into real behavior change.Rob brings a unique perspective shaped by a background in therapy, over 20 years in franchising, and hands-on experience as a field rep. That combination shows up in how he approaches coaching, KPIs, and franchisee accountability.You will learn:Why introducing KPIs during franchise recruitment sets the foundation for long-term buy-inHow to simplify a franchise dashboard using the “deserted island” framework and focus on 3 to 5 numbers that matterWhat tactical empathy looks like in franchise coaching and how it moves franchisees from resistance to actionWhy connecting KPIs to a franchisee’s personal goals is the key to real engagementHow the “rate of change” metric helps identify struggling locations months earlier than traditional reportingWhy reframing a metric can completely change franchisee buy-in, like shifting from “average check” to “basket size”If your field team is reviewing numbers but not changing behavior, this episode will show you exactly where the disconnect is and how to fix it.Did you miss Rob’s first appearance? Check out Episode 10Learn more about Houndstown USA at houndstownusa.com
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Ep 29. If You're Not Measuring It, You're Guessing | KPIs, Scorecards & Franchise Metrics That Actually Work
Why don’t franchisees track their KPIs and what should franchisors do about it?Most franchisees are not ignoring their KPIs on purpose. They just do not understand why the numbers matter or what to do when something is off.In this episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Angela Coté and Jen Brannon break down why KPI tracking is not a spreadsheet problem. It is a leadership and coaching problem. More importantly, they explain what franchise systems can do right now to fix it.You will learn:Why franchisees resist tracking metrics and how to reframe KPIs so they actually buy inWhat the difference is between leading and lagging indicators in franchising and why most coaches focus on the wrong onesHow to use a franchise scorecard to turn vague goals into clear weekly actionsWhy coaching without data feels good but often does not drive real resultsWhat “leading before the leading” indicators are and how top franchise systems build activity-based KPIs into onboardingAngela and Jen also share real franchisee stories, including a simple lawn sign marketing insight that saved thousands of dollars. This is what it actually looks like when data changes decisions.If you are a franchisor, franchise development leader, or franchise business coach trying to get franchisees to engage with their numbers, this episode will show you exactly where things break down and how to fix it.Sponsored by Listen360, a customer experience platform built specifically for franchise systems to turn feedback into actionable insights.An episode to check out next: Ep. 32: Scorecards That Don’t Suck with Angela and Brecon. A deeper dive into scorecard design.
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Ep 28. Great Operators Don’t Always Make Great Coaches
Promoting top performers into coaching roles feels logical—but it often backfires. In this episode, Jen Brannon is joined by Chris Pace, Franchise Advisor at AC Inc., to unpack why operational success doesn’t automatically translate into coaching effectiveness.They explore the human skills most new coaches lack, the transition traps operators fall into, and why trust, influence, and listening matter more than knowing the playbook. If your brand relies on field coaches to drive performance, this conversation will change how you hire, train, and support them.
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Ep 27. Supporting the Coaches Who Support Everyone Else
Field coaches carry more than KPIs—they carry pressure, emotion, and responsibility for franchisee outcomes. In this episode, Jen Brannon is joined by Jason Metteer of DOXA to explore what effective leadership for field coaches actually looks like beyond dashboards and directives.They unpack how clarity, trust, psychological safety, and intentional feedback protect mental bandwidth and prevent burnout—while still driving performance. If you want coaches who think clearly, coach effectively, and stay in the role long-term, this conversation will challenge how you define “support.”
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Ep 26. What Makes a Truly Effective Franchise Business Coach
What separates average field coaches from truly effective ones? In this episode, Angela Coté is joined by Karly Arnott of Tutor Doctor to break down the real traits, skills, and mindsets that drive field coach effectiveness—beyond job titles, tenure, or past ownership experience.They explore how credibility is actually built with franchisees, what can (and can’t) be trained in a coach, and why curiosity, accountability, and outcome-based coaching matter more than having all the answers. If you’re hiring, developing, or leading field coaches, this conversation will sharpen how you think about performance, potential, and impact.
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Ep 25. Why Your Best Franchise Business Coach Burn Out First
Burnout doesn’t start with exhaustion—it starts when strong field coaches quietly take on too much responsibility. In this episode, Angela Coté and Jen Brannon unpack the early warning signs leaders often miss before performance drops and turnover follows.They dig into why over-responsibility gets rewarded, how “helpful” coaching turns into rescuing, and what franchisors must change first—role clarity, expectations, and infrastructure—to protect their best people. If your system only works because your top coaches are over-functioning, this conversation is a must-listen.
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Ep 24. Franchisee Support Is an Ecosystem—Not a Department
Franchisee support isn’t just coaching, compliance, or answering questions—it’s an ecosystem. In this episode, Jen Brannon is joined by Erica Shoop, Franchise Advisor at AC Inc., to break down what effective franchisee support really looks like across onboarding, training, culture, communication, tools, and people.They explore where systems commonly miss the mark, how field coaches serve as connectors and advocates (not compliance officers), and why confidence- and capability-building are just as critical as resources. If your brand wants franchisees who are engaged, aligned, and growing, this episode will reshape how you think about support.
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Ep 23. Franchisee Support Through the Eyes of a Franchise Business Coach
What does franchisee support actually look like in the trenches? In this episode, Jen Brannon is joined by Jake Vinluan, Franchise Business Coach at Blue Moon Estate Sales, to explore franchisee support effectiveness from the coach’s real-world perspective.They dig into what coaches truly do beyond coaching calls—from accountability and mindset to tools, training, benchmarks, and life balance—and how strong systems support both franchisees and the coaches serving them. If you want a candid look at what makes franchisee support work (and where it breaks down), this conversation delivers practical insight you can apply immediately.
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Ep 22. What Franchisee Surveys Reveal About Franchisee Support
Franchisors often blame marketing, leads, or the economy when results stall—but franchisee survey data tells a different story. In this episode, Angela Coté is joined by Michelle Rowan of Franchise Business Review to unpack what franchisee feedback really reveals about franchisee support effectiveness.They explore the most common warning signs hidden in survey results, why reactive and compliance-driven field teams damage trust, and what progressive brands do differently to drive both satisfaction and performance. If you want clearer insight into what’s holding franchisees back—and how to fix it—this conversation delivers.
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Ep 21. Franchise Support Effectiveness: Why Great Systems Still Fail Without the Human Element
Most franchisors believe they’re doing “everything right” when it comes to franchisee support—training, systems, dashboards, vendors, and tools. Yet too many franchisees still struggle to fully optimize their business.In this episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Angela Cote and Jen Brannon break down what true franchise support effectiveness actually looks like—and why systems alone aren’t enough. They explore the real-world gaps between tools and results, the dangers of “we do everything for them” thinking, and the critical role of strategic growth coaching, communication, and feedback loops.Sponsor: Citrin Cooperman offers one of the nation’s leading franchising practices. Whether preparing for a merger, acquisition, or expansion, their CFE-accredited professionals provide expert audit, tax, and compliance guidance to reduce uncertainty, so clients can focus on building their business.
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Ep 20. From Operator to Owner: The Mindset Shift Every Franchisee Needs with Brecon Gag
In this episode, Jen sits down with AC Inc.’s Director of Advising, Brecon Gage, to unpack one of the biggest unlocks in franchising: helping franchisees move from strong operators to confident business owners. Brecon shares why so many franchisees get stuck in the weeds, the warning signs of burnout, and how performance groups, coaching, and strategic leadership skills transform both confidence and profitability.A powerful conversation for franchisors, field coaches, and franchisees ready to elevate performance systemwide.
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Ep 19. From Burnout to Breakthrough: How Kim Chapman Learned to Work On the Business, Not Just In It
In this episode, Oxford Learning franchisee Kim Chapman shares how she broke free from the constant firefighting cycle and learned to lead her business at a higher level. From burnout signs to delegation breakthroughs, Kim’s journey shows exactly what happens when a franchisee stops doing everything themselves — and starts focusing on KPIs, leadership, and scalable systems.A powerful episode for franchisors, field coaches, and franchisees who want to build stronger, more self-sufficient franchise locations.
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Ep 18. Why Your Franchisees Aren’t Growing
Some are working hard but not growing. They're buried in daily operations and wondering why growth has stalled. In this episode of The Field Coach Experts Podcast, Angela Coté talks with Marty Robertson, VP of Operations at Oxford Learning Centers, about what happens when franchisees stay stuck in their business instead of working on it.Marty shares what he saw in his system that sparked change, how Oxford — a long-established brand — found the courage to shift old habits, and why adopting a coaching-driven approach helped franchisees reignite growth and reclaim their vision.This is a candid, no-BS conversation about why traditional support models keep franchisees trapped — and how franchisors can finally help them step into true ownership and long-term success.
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Ep 17. From Operator to Owner - Helping Franchisees Work On Their Business, Not In It
Angela and Jennifer unpack one of the most common growth barriers in franchising — franchisees getting stuck in the day-to-day operations instead of building their business for scale. Drawing on their own experiences as former franchisees, they explore why owners hesitate to delegate, how leadership and accountability shape results, and what franchisors can do to help their network shift from reactive operators to strategic business owners.
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Ep 16. Building Satisfaction from the Start - How to Transform Franchisee Support
Jennifer talks with AC Inc. Advisor Abe Dunaway about what it really takes to create lasting franchisee satisfaction — and why it’s the foundation of every strong franchise system. Abe shares how Back9 Golf partnered with AC Inc. to shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive coaching using the Strategic Growth Coaching framework.
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Ep 15. Long-Term Franchisee Satisfaction: Coaching as a Key Driver of Franchisee Satisfaction & Retention
In this episode of The Field Coach Experts Podcast, host Jennifer Brannon sits down with Nick Patterson, Senior Guide Dog & Cultural Co-Founder of Hounds Town USA. Nick shares how participating in the Accelerator program helped transform Hounds Town’s coaching approach — leading to stronger franchisee satisfaction, deeper engagement, and long-term retention. Tune in to hear the real shifts that boosted trust across their system and how intentional coaching drives lasting results.
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Ep 14. Driving Satisfaction Through Support - Lessons from Home Run Franchises
Thomas Scott, CEO of Home Run Franchises, joins Angela Coté to share how his team transformed franchisee support into a real driver of satisfaction and retention. From sky-high FBR scores to bold moves in coaching and culture, Thomas breaks down what’s working, what other franchisors are missing, and where the future of field support is headed.
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Ep 13. Long Term Franchisee Satisfaction
Angela and Jennifer unpack one of franchising’s biggest blind spots — what happens to franchisee satisfaction after the initial ramp-up phase. Drawing from years of coaching experience, they reveal why support often fades once franchisees are “up and running,” how complacency creeps in, and the costly assumption that top performers don’t need coaching. The conversation dives into practical ways franchisors can reignite motivation, foster collaboration, and build transparent systems that sustain engagement and profitability over the long term. Listeners will walk away with actionable ideas to strengthen culture, measure satisfaction, and coach franchisees at every stage for lasting success.
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Ep 12. Strategic Growth Coaching Implementation at Scale – Linda’s Happinest Engagement
Jennifer talks with AC Inc. advisor Linda Young about her work helping Happinest, a multi-brand franchise portfolio, build a coaching structure from the ground up. Linda shares how she assessed their support gaps, customized tools and processes, trained internal teams, and rolled out Strategic Growth Coaching across multiple systems. The conversation highlights the outcomes of stronger consistency, better franchisee engagement, and why implementation is the key to making coaching work at scale.
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Ep 11. Strategic Growth Coaching in Action – Jordan’s Accelerator & Implementation Journey
Jennifer sits down with Jordan Wood, Director of Franchise Success at Back Nine Golf, to share his journey from reactive support to building a coaching structure for long-term franchisee growth. Jordan reflects on his biggest takeaways from the Accelerator Program, what it’s been like to implement Strategic Growth Coaching with Abe, and the early wins he’s already seeing at Back Nine Golf. This episode highlights the difference between learning the framework and putting it into practice — and why franchisors can’t afford to wait to build coaching into their support model.
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Ep 10. Building Culture That Scales - A Conversation with Rob Flanagan of Hounds Town
Angela sits down with Rob Flanagan of Hounds Town, known as the “king of culture,” to unpack why culture is the true driver of franchise success. From his early days as the first hire at Doc Popcorn to his current role at Hounds Town, Rob shares how intentional culture paired with Strategic Growth Coaching creates scalable systems that boost performance and accountability. Together, Angela and Rob explore the risks of relying on “vibes,” the mindset shifts leaders must make to move from consulting to coaching, and how a clear framework transforms both culture and results.
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Ep 9. Strategic Growth Coaching Implementation
In this episode, Angela Cote and Jen Brannon explore the transformative impact of strategic growth coaching on franchisees. Learn how shifting from traditional operational support to a structured coaching framework can unlock hidden profitability and empower franchisees to become growth-minded business owners. Discover actionable insights and tools that can be customized to meet the unique needs of each franchisee, fostering engagement and long-term success. Whether you're a new or established brand, this episode offers valuable strategies to modernize your franchise business coaching and drive growth.
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Ep 8. Moving Brands from Consulting to Coaching – The Big Picture
Why does it matter if your franchise business coaches are consulting instead of coaching? In this episode of The Field Coach Experts Podcast, Jennifer Brannon sits down with AC Inc. Advisor Paige Peavler to explore the big-picture impact of that shift. With experience across multiple franchise brands, Paige shares what happens when coaches stay stuck in firefighting mode, the benefits of true coaching, and how AC Inc.’s programs — from the Accelerator to Performance Groups — are helping brands build stronger, more independent franchisees.Connect with us: 🔗 Book a Call 🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Facebook 🔗 Instagram 🔗 YouTube
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Ep 7. From Consulting to Coaching – Kate’s Accelerator Journey
What happens when a franchise business coach shifts from giving all the answers to guiding franchisees toward their own solutions? In this episode of The Field Coach Experts Podcast, Jennifer Brannon talks with Kate Savransky of Prime IV about her journey through AC Inc.’s Accelerator Program. Kate shares how she moved her team from consulting mode to true coaching — and the powerful impact it’s had on her coaches, her franchisees, and the brand.Connect with us: 🔗 Book a Call 🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Facebook 🔗 Instagram 🔗 YouTube
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Ep 6. Why Franchisee Consulting Burns Out Your Team
Reactive, consulting-style support might feel helpful in the moment — but it leaves home office teams drained and franchisees stuck. In this episode of The Field Coach Experts Podcast, Angela Coté talks with Matt Lavinder, founder of New Again Houses, about how he moved beyond the ticketing-system mindset and built a culture of coaching instead. Matt shares what wasn’t working in his early days, the bold decision to hire for coaching DNA instead of franchising experience, and why he measures success by profitable, happy franchisees — not just unit count. Tune in to hear how one franchisor disrupted the default support model and what steps others can take to start making the same shift.Connect with us: 🔗 Book a Call 🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Facebook 🔗 Instagram 🔗 YouTube
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Ep 5. Coaching vs. Consulting – Are You Creating Growth or Just Giving Answers?
Angela Coté and Jennifer Brannon break down the common trap franchisors fall into: thinking they’re coaching when they’re actually just consulting. They share hard-won lessons from their days as franchisees and ops leaders, and expose the unintended damage of a “give-the-answer” approach. You’ll learn how to spot the difference, shift your mindset, and take the first steps toward coaching that actually drives franchisee growth, engagement, and profitability.Connect with us: 🔗 Book a Call 🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Facebook 🔗 Instagram 🔗 YouTube
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Ep 4. The Accelerator – Turning Franchise Business Coaches into Growth Drivers
What if your franchise business coaches could stop firefighting and start driving real growth? In this episode of The Field Coach Experts Podcast, Jennifer Brannon sits down with Stephanie Benzie, AC Inc.’s Director of Education and the creator of the Accelerator Program — the only franchise business coach certification out there. Stephanie shares why the Accelerator was built, how it transforms coaching from reactive to proactive, and the measurable impact it’s had on brands across North America.Connect with us: 🔗 Book a Call 🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Facebook 🔗 Instagram 🔗 YouTube
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Ep 3. From Firefighting to Future-Focused Coaching
What happens when two restoration pros trade firefighting for future-focused coaching? In this episode of The Field Coach Experts Podcast, Eric and Shannon from Voda Restoration share how they transformed their franchise business coaching from reactive chaos into proactive growth. Hear their “aha” moments, the tools that changed their sessions, and the ripple effect it’s had on their franchisees — and the brand.Connect with us: 🔗 Book a Call 🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Facebook 🔗 Instagram 🔗 YouTube
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Ep 2. Going from Reactive to Proactive Franchisee Support
Reactive, hotline-style support is one of the biggest pain points in franchising — but it doesn’t have to be the norm. In this episode of The Field Coach Experts Podcast, Angela Coté talks with Zach Nolte, COO and Brand President of Voda Cleaning & Restoration, about how he helped shift the brand from reactive troubleshooting to proactive, growth-focused coaching. Zach shares what wasn’t working, why he decided to take action, the cultural changes that followed, and one tactical shift franchisors can make right now to stop “feeding the monster” and start unlocking hidden profitability.Connect with us: 🔗 Book a Call 🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Facebook 🔗 Instagram 🔗 YouTube
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Ep 1. Going from Reactive to Proactive Franchisee Support
In this episode of the Field Coach Experts Podcast, Angela Coté and Jennifer Brannon dive into the challenges of outdated coaching methods in franchising. They explore how traditional approaches often leave franchisees stuck in operational ruts, rather than empowering them to become growth-minded business owners. Discover the transformative power of strategic growth coaching and learn how modern techniques can drive both franchisee satisfaction and profitability. Tune in to hear real-life examples and actionable insights that can help franchisors revamp their support systems for scalable success.Connect with us: 🔗 Book a Call 🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Facebook 🔗 Instagram 🔗 YouTube
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
If you’re a COO, VP of Ops, or franchise field leader, this podcast is for you. Each week, Field Coach Experts shares bold insights and real-world strategies to level up field support, boost franchisee engagement, and increase profitability. Hosted by Angela Coté and Jen Brannon of AC Inc., expect unfiltered conversations with industry leaders and certified coaches. No fluff—just tools to prove ROI and drive results. Powered by AC Inc.’s Strategic Growth Coaching Framework and Field Coach Certification.
HOSTED BY
AC Inc.
CATEGORIES
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