Franchise Everything

In this episode of the Franchise Everything Podcast, we go inside the coffee roasting room with Cam from Stellarossa and Steve from Bancroft Roasters to explore the science behind the perfect coffee shot   The conversation covers how roasting, green bean sourcing, barista training and espresso extraction all work together to create consistent coffee quality across the Stellarossa franchise network. Cam also breaks down the key variables behind a great espresso, including dose, grind size, water quality, machine temperature and brew ratio.   Steve shares how Bancroft Roasters manages roast profiles, seasonal coffee sourcing and flavour consistency, while explaining why vertical integration matters for franchise coffee businesses. This episode is ideal for coffee lovers, cafe owners, franchise operators and aspiring baristas who want to understand what really goes into a great cup of coffee.   0:00 - Welcome and guest introductions 0:40 - Understanding the relationship between Stellarossa and Bancroft Roasters  1:41 - The perfect shot of coffee starts with a recipe and a system 3:17 - Steve's role as the roaster in creating the perfect shot 4:13 - Collaborating on a crowd pleasing flavor profile for Stellarossa 5:29 - Daily flavor profile testing and pre-shipment green bean sampling 6:51 - The collaborative cupping process between Steve and Cam  7:17 - How the Stellarossa and Bancroft Roasters relationship improved consistency  8:41 - The importance of passion and self directed learning beyond the workday 9:36 - The yin and yang dynamic between Steve and Cam  10:35 - The risk of quality drift when using a third party roaster  11:34 - How Stellarossa maintains full oversight of coffee quality and cost  12:26 - Live extraction demonstration with Cam  14:33 - Understanding yield and brew ratio in espresso  15:49 - The degassing process and finding the peak flavor zone after roasting  16:46 - The 48 hour degassing window before packaging and distribution 17:46 - Why locking down the dose is the golden rule in coffee   19:19 - The full quality assurance chain from farmer to consumer  20:43 - Managing the doubling of green bean prices with long term farmer relationships  21:40 - Why vertical integration helps control cost and quality simultaneously 22:01 - Wrap up and final thanks  Franchise Recruitment Marketing - Appear on our Podcasts HERE Listen or Watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yhm8n9rt Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/y47xmdcp Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/w38zwsh5 YouTube: https://youtu.be/R-IC1exanBU  

In this episode of the Franchise Everything Podcast, host Glenn Walford sits down with Vikas and Neetika Sharma, proud owners of Pack & Send Caboolture in Brisbane.    Just six months into their franchise journey, this husband and wife team share a story that is equal parts honest, inspiring and practical. From careers in freight forwarding and banking across India, New Zealand, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, to a six year research journey before finally signing on the dotted line, Vikas and Neetika prove that the best business decisions are the ones made with patience, preparation and purpose.   With 80 five star Google reviews already under their belt and multi-store ownership firmly in their sights, this is a franchise owner story that will resonate with anyone thinking about making the leap.   0:00 - Welcome & guest introduction: Vikas & Neetika Sharma 1:47 - The training experience: Head office to store days 3:57 - Background in India, New Zealand and the move to Australia 4:34 - Freight forwarding careers and settling across Australia 7:24 - Niteeka's leap from banking into Freight Forwarding 10:10 - From Sydney to Melbourne to Brisbane: Following 0pportunity 12:28 - Why a franchise model made sense for their family 13:55 - How they found Pack & Send on SEEK Business 15:20 - A six year journey from first inquiry to opening day 17:39 - The moment they said: We are doing this 18:08 - Why Caboolture Was the Perfect Location 19:04 - Why Brisbane always felt like home 19:30 - Growing the business: Cold calls, knock on doors, show up 21:24 - How Vikas and Neetika split their roles as a husband and wife team 23:13 - The five year vision: Multi-store ownership on the horizon 24:35 - Six months in: Doing things they never thought they could 25:33 - Work life balance: The real reward of business ownership 26:02 - Wrap up and thanks   Franchise Recruitment Marketing - Appear on our Podcasts HERE   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc8n8a4s Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/267k5sum Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/kuzc45cm YouTube: https://youtu.be/wEcIegTu4zo

Paul O’Neill, Director and multi-territory franchise owner with Plumbing Bros, shares his journey from a corporate telco career into the trades sector, building a rapidly expanding plumbing franchise operation across multiple Australian territories.   From scaling teams quickly to strengthening operational systems, Paul highlights how leadership, culture, and strong processes have supported growth while maintaining service standards.   He also discusses the realities of managing multiple regions, recruitment challenges in the trades sector, and why transparency and team alignment are critical when leading a business without coming from a technical background.   Paul wraps up with insights on future expansion, operational optimisation, and the evolving opportunities within service-based franchise industries.   0:00 Introduction 0:16 What Plumbing Bros does and Paul’s role 1:40 Moving from the UK to Australia and corporate telco background 4:08 Discovering Plumbing Bros through relationships 7:16 Brand representation, authenticity, and opportunities 09:01 First impressions of Plumbing Bros growth vision 10:28 Franchise partnership model with real estate integration 13:10 Acquiring multiple territories and rapid expansion 13:28 Operational efficiency and leadership focus today 15:46 Leading trades teams without a plumbing background 19:01 Market differences between Perth and Melbourne 20:38 Recruiting talent and trade industry challenges 22:42 Future outlook for trades and AI disruption 24:27 Growth plans, optimisation, and next phase strategy 26:05 Wrap up   Franchise Recruitment Marketing - Appear on our Podcasts HERE   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5t33a9xy Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/evsbkpbv Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ypt6kxt3 YouTube: https://youtu.be/MjxSytBGU44

Joel Kleber, Chief Marketing Officer of Jim’s Group, shares his journey from law student and paralegal to one of the key voices behind one of Australia’s most recognised franchise brands.    With more than a decade inside the organisation, Joel offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the business has grown and evolved through content, transparency, and strong franchise support.   Jim’s Group is widely known for its home services network, covering hundreds of service categories across multiple divisions. The discussion explores how the brand continues to expand, the systems behind franchise recruitment, and the role content marketing has played in building trust and attracting new franchise partners.   Joel also reflects on leadership, resilience, and personal experiences that shaped his mindset, including his advocacy for mental health awareness within franchising. His perspective highlights how culture, mentorship, and openness can influence both business success and individual growth.   0:00 Introduction 0:53 Joel’s early career journey from law and commerce student to joining Jim’s as a paralegal 3:16 Explanation of the “560 service codes” system and how it expands what franchisees can offer 4:41 Why the old division model changed due to cost barriers and slow growth 7:07 Jim’s “radical transparency” philosophy, putting the full reality online to filter the right candidates in 8:31 The Ask Jim live Q&A concept and its direct impact on franchise enquiries 10:27 Hiring videographers and building a consistent publishing engine 13:34 How the content strategy evolved 15:03 Why many franchisors still hesitate to invest heavily in content creation 17:17 How Joel gets shy franchise partners on camera: switching formats 19:45 Joel’s upbringing including foster care and family mental health challenge 22:55 Relocating to Victoria and the stabilising influence of extended family 30:20 Mentorship from Jim and how trust enabled career growth 34:41 Challenges accessing mental health care during crises 37:50 Mental health initiatives within Jim’s including accessible counselling support 42:27 Wrap up   Franchise Recruitment Marketing - Appear on our Podcasts HERE   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yandyrvb Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdefs92v Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/3a6ctmjj YouTube: https://youtu.be/6DiWVrz9BWE

Steve Halls, COO of Poolwerx, shares practical insights on what has helped build one of Australia’s most recognisable pool service franchise brands. From strong market positioning and steady long-term growth to the importance of structured support systems, he breaks down the operational foundations that keep franchise partners sustainable and competitive.   There’s also a closer look at how marketing, peer-to-peer collaboration, and community-driven customer acquisition contribute to ongoing expansion.   The conversation highlights how balancing national brand strength with local engagement continues to shape growth across the network while supporting franchise owners at different stages of their business journey.   0:00 Introduction 0:42 Key Thing #1: Market leader & brand recognition 3:39 Key Thing #2: Consistent growth & resilience through economic cycles 7:35 Key Thing #3: Structured franchise support & ongoing business development 9:15 Key Thing #4: Supporting multi-territory franchise owners as their business scales 13:01 Key Thing #4: A scalable “marketing machine on tap” 15:42 Wrap up   Franchise Recruitment Marketing - Appear on our Podcasts HERE   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/fh4dnpwb Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/9y55z6wn Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bkj3ve3 YouTube: https://youtu.be/CmOMOGO7GKw

Mitch Gross didn’t come from a plumbing background. He came from Silicon Valley, startups, and senior roles at eBay and still ended up building a multi-territory plumbing business in Sydney with Plumbing Bros.   e walks through the real transition from corporate life into business ownership, why he chose a franchise model, and what it actually took to survive starting a business during COVID.    He also shares how winning a major government contract helped accelerate growth, what happens when you rely too heavily on one big client, and why diversification across customer segments became critical to the next phase of the business.   You’ll also hear about leadership, delegation, building the right team, and what changes when you move from “doing everything yourself” to running a growing operation across multiple territories.   0:00  Introduction 0:49 What Plumbing Bros does 1:29 Mitch’s background before Plumbing 6:10 The decision to leave corporate and buy a business 8:22 Discovering Plumbing Bros as a Franchise Opportunity 10:40 Running a plumbing business without having a plumbing background 12:32 Starting the business during COVID and survival mode  13:31 Post-COVID growth and expanding into new territories 16:08 The risk of relying on one big client 17:30 Diversifying into new segments (strata, real estate, commercial) 19:06 What Mitch actually does day-to-day as an owner  22:01 Maximising contract value vs chasing new customers 23:03 The next 2–3 year plan and growth strategy 25:23 Wrap up   Franchise Recruitment Marketing - Appear on our Podcasts HERE   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/56uvua63 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/eczfbnbh Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/4pjesfku YouTube: https://youtu.be/hE-URdcbKYg

John Dwyer is the founder of the Institute of Wow and one of Australia’s most well-known marketing strategists, helping businesses build customer databases and generate consistent sales through smart, practical marketing systems.   In this episode of the Franchise Everything Podcast, JD breaks down three sure ways to build a customer database including irresistible offers, Facebook contest strategies that generate red-hot leads, and how to build a community or “club” that turns audiences into long-term customers.   They also discuss why most businesses fail to collect customer data, why databases are more valuable than ads, and how simple systems like contests, clubs, and follow-ups can turn a business from constantly chasing customers into one that builds long-term demand.   0:00 Introduction 1:06 Method #1: Irresistible offers in exchange for data 01:20 Method #2: Facebook contest strategy for red-hot leads 02:18 991 leads in one week from $210 ad spend 3:31 Why most businesses are afraid to try bold marketing ideas 05:02 How landing pages and pre-qualification improve lead quality 5:23 Method #3: Building a community or “club” model 7:45 How the club monetisation and email strategy works 9:32 Why owning your database matters more than social media  10:45 Why most business owners don’t implement these strategies 14:28 Real-world example: The restaurant with 92,000 customers on file 15:51 Why your database is your most valuable business asset 16:23 Wrap up   Franchise Recruitment Marketing - Appear on our Podcasts HERE   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/45emumtd Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2e37a966 Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/4vve3229 YouTube: https://youtu.be/Pai-EgXd8w8

Dor Li is a multi-site, multi-state Sushi Sushi franchise owner who has spent years building his career inside the brand starting as a team member, rising through management, and eventually becoming a franchise owner across multiple states.   In this episode of the Franchise Everything Podcast, Dor shares his full journey from arriving in Australia as an international student, studying commercial cookery, managing company-owned stores, becoming an area manager across WA and Queensland, and finally stepping into franchise ownership in regional Victoria and Western Australia.   We talk about how he transitioned from head office to owning stores, how he builds strong store teams, why staff training is the real key to scaling multiple locations, and what it takes to grow from one store to six — with a seventh on the way.   0:00 Introduction 0:41 Moving from China to Australia as a student 02:20 Learning to cook out of necessity and living independently 03:47 First job at Sushi Sushi and early impressions 5:54 Becoming a store manager in a company-owned store 07:04 Moving to Western Australia as Area Manager 08:25 Rapid expansion and opening multiple stores per month 10:18 Overseeing WA and Queensland operations 11:51 Moving back to Melbourne to lead training and projects 12:44 The decision to become a franchise owner 15:06 COVID, leaving head office, and buying regional stores 16:58 How Dor adds new stores and builds management teams 18:39 What Dor looks for in future store opportunities 19:35 Wrap up   Franchise Recruitment Marketing - Appear on our Podcasts HERE   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/y4j4va6a Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3zm3aj6h Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/3spsbv4x YouTube: https://youtu.be/YfxcbKOO4RE

From 1 July 2026, every Australian business will be required to pay superannuation on the same day as wages  a change known as Payday Super. While it sounds simple on paper, the real impact on cashflow, payroll systems, and compliance could be significant, especially for small businesses and franchisees.   In this episode, Glenn sits down with Jay Westbury, CEO of the Franchise Council of Australia, to unpack what Payday Super actually means, why it’s being introduced, and what business owners should be thinking about right now to avoid being caught out.   They also cover enforcement, the closure of the ATO clearing house, and why both franchisors and franchisees need to start preparing now rather than waiting until mid-2026.   0:00 Introduction 0:49 What is Payday Super and what exactly changes from 1 July 2026 01:55 How Payday Super changes cashflow and payroll mechanics 02:56 Will businesses change pay cycles to cope with the new rules 4:16 Why the government introduced Payday Super and why now 5:54 Will the ATO enforce this aggressively and what penalties could look like 7:23 Why franchisors must start warning and preparing their franchisees now 8:41 Why Payday Super is being overlooked compared to the Franchise Code changes 9:42 What practical steps businesses should start taking right now 10:38 The ATO shutting down its clearing house and what businesses must replace it with 11:34 Why franchisees and franchisors both carry legal risk after the Bakers Delight case 12:32 Wrap up   Franchise Recruitment Marketing - Appear on our Podcasts HERE   Listen or Watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mr3sbp64 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/vbn5mcp7 Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2ueapbdh YouTube: https://youtu.be/AvuOA9yVAvU  

Shannon and Jed Stewart are the Regional Master Franchise Owners for Urban Clean on the Gold Coast, but like every franchise partner, their journey started with a single decision to step into business ownership.   Coming from very different backgrounds — Jed from mechanical and operations management, and Shannon from hospitality and venue management — they share how their previous careers shaped the way they now think about systems, people, service quality, and customer experience.   The conversation covers what it’s really like to run a business as a couple, how they moved from considering property investment into buying a business instead, and why they ultimately chose a commercial cleaning franchise over cafes, gyms, and other options they explored.   They also explain how Urban Clean works as a business model, why systems and processes matter more than most new business owners realise, and how franchising can shortcut years of trial-and-error when building a company properly.   0:00 Introduction 0:33 What is Urban Clean 1:53 Buying the business and the first two years in operation 3:52 Jed’s career before commercial cleaning 6:47 Returning to Australia and Jed’s career transition 7:46 Shannon’s background in hospitality and management 10:43 What hospitality taught them about cleaning standards 13:44 How Jed and Shannon met 15:34 Balancing family life and business ownership 18:03 The moment they chose business over property 19:32 How they evaluated business opportunities 23:39 Discovering the commercial cleaning opportunity 26:55 The final decision to commit to Urban Clean 29:14 The 10-Year head start you get from franchising 31:07 The growth plan for the Gold Coast Region 31:58 Wrap up   Franchise Recruitment Marketing - Appear on our Podcasts HERE   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/j6vpndbs Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2mdaatf8 Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/3jzpftfz YouTube: https://youtu.be/DfQ5M6vnBBs

Erin Walford is a commercial lawyer who walked away from the corporate path and built something completely different.   After nearly 20 years in franchising, commercial law, IP and retail including senior roles inside large organisations, Erin hit a career pivot that forced her to ask a bigger question: Am I the CEO of my own life? That moment led to the creation of The Station HQ a commercial law firm, business consultancy, and community space designed around people, not just profit.   The Station HQ now operates out of a converted fire station in Brisbane and has become a hub for founders, operators, advisors and fractional professionals who want flexibility, impact, and meaningful work.   0:00 Introduction 0:49 Erin’s background in franchising, legal, and ASX-level businesses 1:49 What is The Station HQ 03:43 Why marketing fundamentals still matter more than shiny AI tools 4:59 The rise of flexible legal work and “portfolio careers” 6:56 Fractional legal roles vs traditional law firm models 8:51 The Station HQ: creating a community-driven workspace inside a fire station 10:55 “Uncommon care”: building community, training & collaboration 12:10 Little Stationers: supporting parents in the legal profession 13:42 Isolation, mental health & pressure in high-performance professions 15:03 Why community, belonging and support matter more than ever 16:26 The 1% rule, personal responsibility & how Erin measures impact 17:01 Wrap up   Franchise Recruitment Marketing - Appear on our Podcasts HERE   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/9huuffsb Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yn67s33x Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/bdhy28jp YouTube: https://youtu.be/7sFxkq2covs

William Cocks didn’t just move countries — he rebuilt his entire career.   After running a plumbing business in South Africa, William moved to Australia, requalified from scratch, and rebuilt his future inside the Plumbing Bros franchise system.   Today, he owns the Central Coast and Newcastle territories and is scaling a serious maintenance-focused plumbing business across real estate, government, prisons, and commercial contracts.   This conversation breaks down what it really takes to grow a trade business beyond “one-man band” mode: building systems, winning contracts, hiring the right people, and playing the long game with relationships, referrals, and consistency.    William shares the real lessons from moving countries, rebuilding credentials, choosing franchising over going solo, and why business skills often matter more than trade skills.   0:00 Introduction 0:24 What does Plumbing Bros do 2:47 From South Africa to Australia: Why William chose Plumbing  6:04 Getting licensed in Australia (Journeyman → Licensed Plumber) 8:00 Why Plumbing Bros stood out: systems, support & quoting help 10:32 The “Collegiate” advantage of franchising 12:54 Biggest challenge: hiring, staff, and people management 14:10 How William wins work: cold calling, drop-ins, magnets & networking 16:37 Why magnets & flyers work (essential service + top-of-mind) 21:18 Adding Newcastle territory: why it made sense 22:32 Future growth plans and next expansion steps 25:18 Wrap up   Franchise Recruitment Marketing - Appear on our Podcasts HERE   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5a6w256c Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/38me5rtr Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/yc3x4c3a YouTube: https://youtu.be/BNRxVebTWb4  

Franchise brands around the world are going through a major period of change, and global perspectives are becoming more important than ever for Australian franchisors.   Glenn sits down with Marcel Lal, Global COO of InXpress, to explore what franchise brands in Australia can learn from what’s happening in overseas markets, including the US, Europe, and Asia.   Drawing on his experience working across multiple regions, Marcel shares how leading franchise networks are modernising their operations, upgrading their support structures, and using technology more intelligently including AI to improve performance and scalability.   The conversation covers business modernisation, support office efficiency, people, processes, and platforms, as well as how franchise recruitment, investor behaviour, and the rise of multi-unit, multi-brand operators are shaping the future of franchising.   0:00 - Introduction 0:47 - Why global insights matter for Australian franchise brands 2:27 -  Why AI creates urgency and the risk of being left behind 4:04 - How global brands are upgrading support structures 5:15 - How franchise expansion differs globally 8:08 - Who Is Buying Franchises Today? Age, Investor Profiles & Market Differences  10:37 – Why franchisors must not outgrow their support systems 11:57 – Using compliance to build a stronger franchise system 13:09  - Key takeaways for Australian franchise brands 15:31 - Final wrap-up & closing thoughts   Franchise Recruitment Marketing - Appear on our Podcasts HERE   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yawfuun9 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/5x798ahp Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/yc387xpm YouTube: https://youtu.be/icddV0IrPuk

Growing a franchise brand in New Zealand isn’t just about marketing harder, it’s about positioning, trust, and long-term systems.   In this episode of Franchise Everything, Glenn sits down with Jason Hill, General Manager of Green Acres and Hire A Hubby NZ, to break down how one of New Zealand’s largest home services franchise groups has grown to 370+ franchisees across lawn & garden, cleaning, and home services.    Jason explains what makes the NZ market uniquely competitive, why brand longevity and scale matter more than ever, and how Green Acres uses partnerships, technology, and sustainability to stay ahead in a crowded category.   0:00 Introduction 0:32 Overview of Green Acres & Hire A Hubby NZ 1:25 How the Green Acres franchise system is structured 3:49 How Green Acres attracts new franchise partners 5:48 Turning customers into franchise buyers & resale opportunities 6:56 Resales vs new franchise sales 7:50 North Island vs South Island: population & growth dynamics 10:02 Migrant franchise owners & the role they play in the network 12:00 Growth strategy for the next 12–18 months   Franchise Recruitment Marketing - Appear on our Podcasts HERE   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/52sta3sn Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/pkerpb3j Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/bddm45uz YouTube: https://youtu.be/f-C3Gu68OQQ  

William Beare is the founder of Beare Flooring, a mobile flooring franchise that has grown from its first franchisee to 18 active locations in just 20 months.    Built around a low-overhead model with no traditional showrooms, Beare Flooring focuses on removing non-income-producing tasks while giving franchisees the systems, logistics, and support to sell more and operate efficiently.   In this episode, William shares why installers are increasingly becoming strong franchise owners, how significant investment in custom software has enabled rapid and scalable growth, and what’s ahead as Beare Flooring expands further across New South Wales and beyond.   0:00 Introduction 0:48 From first franchisee to 18 locations in 20 months 1:10 What Beare Flooring is and why the mobile showroom model works 2:27 Fixing the sales vs installer disconnect in flooring 3:57 Why installers are choosing Beare Flooring and what’s attracting them to the model 4:51 How Beare Flooring’s franchise training and recruitment approach has evolved 8:22 Investing heavily in custom software to scale the business 9:13 The role of a flagship showroom and how it fits the national strategy 10:18 How Beare Flooring is approaching expansion into Sydney 11:48 Why Beare Flooring’s mobile franchise model eliminates leases and lowers risk 13:26 What prospective franchisees are really looking for and their biggest frustrations 14:25 How Beare Flooring helps franchisees find customers and stay busy 16:32 How Beare Flooring’s customer profile has evolved as the brand has grown 17:40 The next 12 months for Behr Flooring and where the focus is heading 20:00 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.magneticbusinessmedia.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4yzz652a Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2s3ujpu3 Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/4y6cma87 YouTube: https://youtu.be/emCXO02VhW4  

The hospitality industry is moving into a new era and in this episode of Franchise Everything Podcast, Hog’s Breath CEO Tom Elliott breaks down the five biggest tech trends every restaurant, café, and franchise owner needs to prepare for. From robotics in the kitchen to unified data ecosystems, energy sustainability, predictive maintenance, and AI-powered customer experiences,    Tom reveals what he’s seen on his overseas research tours and how these innovations are already reshaping operations globally.   Tom also explains how franchise networks can adopt new technology without overwhelming operators, how data will drive smarter decisions, and why brands that embrace tech now will reduce costs, protect margins, and future-proof their restaurants.   0:00 Introduction 0:43 Insight #1: Smart kitchens and robotics transforming back-of-house 2:51 What Tom observed during his US research tour 3:16 Insight #2: Building a unified data ecosystem for franchise operations 4:22 Balancing change speed with franchisee adoption and tech relevance 4:56 Insight #3: The shift toward energy sustainability in hospitality 6:43 Insight #4: Predictive maintenance and preventing equipment downtime 8:55 Insight #5: AI-driven customer experience and automation 10:30 Applying global tech insights to the Hog’s Breath dining model 11:43 Testing new technologies in upcoming stores and retrofitting older sites 12:40 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/3ax452z4 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/tnvec49k Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/24c8dduz YouTube: https://youtu.be/aqKim421T4o  

Buying a 30+ year franchise brand sounds exciting but the reality is far more complex.    In this episode of Franchise Everything, Glenn speaks with Anya Haywood, Managing Director of Seal-A-Fridge, about what it truly takes to acquire, stabilise, and modernise a legacy franchise business. From managing franchisee expectations to resisting the urge to make fast changes, Anya reveals why patience, listening, and data-driven decisions matter more than quick wins.   Anya also dives into Seal-A-Fridge’s next growth phase — sustainability, corporate accounts, and building long-term franchisee profitability through smarter systems and education.    If you're thinking about buying a franchise brand, leading change in an established network, or scaling a service-based franchise the right way, this episode breaks down the real strategy behind sustainable franchise growth.   0:00 Introduction 0:33 Seal-A-Fridge’s 37-year history and franchisee-to-franchisor ownership shift 3:06 Preserving organisational knowledge when acquiring an established brand 5:14 Managing unrealistic franchisee requests while protecting long-term relationships 6:55 The key phases of acquiring a franchise brand and where Seal-A-Fridge sits now 11:19 Moving into product stewardship as a long-term environmental and business focus at the 18-month mark 13:51 Leadership advice for anyone acquiring a franchise brand or stepping into a change mandate  15:27Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2s4zewct Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2avjpftp Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/yc7sdx4k YouTube: https://youtu.be/vNmOAJGS2Uk

Ginger White is the co-founder of Hogs Breath, a brand that began as a single casual dining restaurant in Airlie Beach, Queensland, and went on to become one of Australia’s most recognisable national steakhouse franchises. Inspired by sailing trips along the U.S. East Coast in the 1980s, the original idea was shaped by the relaxed coastal culture, casual food, and community atmosphere found in small American beach towns.   That inspiration was brought back to Australia and transformed into the first Hogs Breath restaurant, which opened from a converted house in 1989. Known from the beginning for its prime rib, American-style casual dining, fun energy, and relaxed lifestyle feel, the brand quickly built a loyal following through early merchandising, collectible T-shirts, and strong community connections, with a second store opening just a year later and franchising soon after.   As Hogs Breath expanded across Queensland and then nationally, sport sponsorships, sailing regattas, and major events helped shape its cultural impact before the age of social media, with international expansion into New Zealand and Asia following in later years. Now more than 36 years on, Ginger reflects on what it means to see new leadership take the brand forward while continuing to protect the culture, lifestyle, and franchisee passion that defined Hogs Breath from the very beginning.   0:00 Introduction 0:51 What Hog's Breath is and how the original concept began 2:34 Transforming an American oyster shack concept into a steakhouse brand 3:17 Meeting Don in 1983 and tracing the brand idea back to the late ’80s 3:39 Turning the original idea into a physical restaurant in Airlie Beach 4:52 Converting a small house into the very first Hogs Breath restaurant 5:42 Opening on July 4th and connecting the brand to its American roots 7:13 Opening the second location at Mooloolaba just a year later  8:26 Punching above weight with strong brand presence and cultural impact 10:26 The evolution of the brand and early thoughts on international expansion 11:03 Seeing the brand evolve through new leadership and fresh vision 12:43 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mw2h44an Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/39nksft6 Amazon Music: https://youtu.be/6dP_OK1HtQo YouTube: https://youtu.be/6dP_OK1HtQo

Mark Carter is an international speaker, trainer, author, and learning and development professional with nearly 30 years of experience in human behaviour, leadership, and performance. From his early days as a tour leader with Contiki in Europe, Mark’s passion for storytelling, people, and learning naturally evolved into a career on stage.   What began as an opportunity to train others in presentation skills grew into a comprehensive framework for powerful communication, blending voice, body language, storytelling, audience engagement, and delivery. Over the years, Mark developed his unique cinematic presentation style, creating immersive keynote experiences that combine sound, vision, and live storytelling to captivate audiences in an entirely different way.   Driven more by purpose than applause, Mark’s work has always centred on sharing knowledge, developing leaders, and helping people connect more deeply with their message. His career has expanded across industries, allowing him to build a diverse range of content while maintaining a consistent standard of impact and authenticity.   0:00 Introduction 0:46 Early experiences that shaped Mark’s presentation career 2:34 Realising the passion for presenting through people and performance energy 5:26 Incremental skill-building as the foundation of great presenting 6:20 Presenting without slides and relying purely on content mastery 7:39 Managing technical failures in cinematic-style presentations 10:48 The inspiration behind adopting a cinematic presentation style 13:20 The turning point from trainer to professional speaker and MC  15:25 Using diversified content streams to stay flexible as a presenter 18:43 Future goals and the next stage of Mark’s speaking journey 20:27 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yrrrszt Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdctcpfs Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/33czsky7 YouTube: https://youtu.be/cAH7HUPKapA  

Shane Seymour is the founder and franchisor of TV Magic, a nationwide mobile home entertainment installation franchise, and Assembly Magic, a growing flat-pack assembly service brand. With 22 years in business and 45 trucks operating across Australia, Shane has built a system grounded in practical experience and long-term franchisee success.   Specialising in TV installations, antennas, home entertainment systems, and smart technology, TV Magic continues to grow alongside changing consumer needs. After recognising strong demand from his customer base, Shane expanded the business with Assembly Magic to support flat-pack furniture assembly, adding another scalable service to the network.   Through decades in franchising, Shane has developed a strong perspective on what makes a franchise succeed. He is passionate about responsible franchising, transparent systems, and building businesses that genuinely support franchisees rather than oversaturate territories. He believes authentic franchisee stories now matter more than ever in an industry shaped by trust and real-world results.   0:00 Introduction 0:41 What's TV Magic 1:35 years in business and expanding to 45 trucks nationwide 1:52 Sharing views on franchising, brand value, and franchisee support 4:31 Issues seen in trades and mobile service franchises 6:26 Encouraging prospects to speak with both top and low performers 8:18 Different owner goals and how performance varies by lifestyle choice  10:59 Responding to prospects with negative views about franchising  12:10 The most common questions prospects ask before buying a mobile franchise 14:40 First steps for assessing the right franchise opportunity 17:33 Weighing franchise entry fees and royalties against real business risk 19:27 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/33fv6dy9 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/y476bw5v Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/mr2fujrw YouTube: https://youtu.be/9Msu4818JZk

In this episode of the Franchise Everything Podcast, Glenn sits down with David Ciantar, Group General Manager of Fabe (Food and Beverage Enterprises), the parent company behind Piccolo Me and Sol Bowl.    David shares how Fabe approaches brand acquisitions, what it takes to integrate a new franchise concept, and why long-term planning matters when building a multi-brand portfolio. He also explains how Fabe prepares franchisees, communicates acquisitions internally, and maintains strong brand differentiation across its network.   David also gives a behind-the-scenes look into Sol Bowl’s rebrand, co-branded store models, and Fabe’s expansion strategy into new states and even internationally including their first co-branded Piccolo Me x Sol Bowl store in Lebanon.    0:00 Introduction 0:21 What is Fabe 1:03 Why acquire brands and how did Sol Bowl enter the picture 2:28 How Piccolo Me franchisees reacted to the Sol Bowl acquisition  3:49 Should founders stay on after an acquisition 5:55 Would Fabe pursue QSR or non-cafe brands in the future 7:54 What makes a concept “pop” and worth acquiring 9:28 Key learnings from the first 12 months of owning Sol Bowl  10:30 Can Piccolo Me and Soul Bowl operate as co-brands in shared locations 12:21 Why Fabe chose Lebanon for its first international, co-branded store 13:24 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5x3jj3az Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/5n8527vy Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/4b6mwyfj YouTube: https://youtu.be/nTw9BPx8uFQ  

Wet-seal CEO Robert Cameron joins the podcast to share how the brand is successfully transitioning long-term applicators into franchise owners through a “work-to-own” pathway.   With many franchisees nearing retirement and challenges finding new candidates, Wet-seal began offering committed team members a chance to buy split territories — creating smoother transitions and faster ramp-ups.   Robert explains how this model reduces risk, shortens training, and gives applicators a real career path while maintaining strong support around finance, operations, and business readiness. With nine territories already converted and more planned, this approach is becoming a key growth strategy for the brand.   0:00 Introduction 0:18 What does Wet-seal actually do 1:02 The “work-to-own” concept: what is it and how did it start?  01:52 How Wet-seal’s aging franchise base triggered a new pathway  03:19 How splitting large territories created new owners 4:54 Is the “work-to-own” method now formalized in the sales process? 5:25 How the applicator pathway compares to a traditional franchise buyer  6:20 How the rest of the network reacted to this ownership model 7:13 Handling concerns about “poaching” staff from existing franchisees 8:24 The shift from applicator to business owner: training, support & early-stage adjustments 11:20 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yfz9u7rs Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2rk6hsaf Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/bdd4wmnc YouTube: https://youtu.be/8ABkuMiPvnY

Tina Yu is a multi-site Sushi Sushi franchise owner with three thriving stores in Oakleigh South, Blackburn North, and Eltham. Originally from China, Tina moved to Australia in the early 2000s to study marketing and finance, taking a part-time job at Sushi Sushi during university.    After graduating, she realised the work she truly enjoyed and excelled at was within the Sushi Sushi system. With support from her parents, she purchased her first store in Oakleigh South, quickly building a strong customer base and connection to the community.   As her life evolved, Tina balanced business growth with raising two young boys. She briefly expanded into Fountain Gate with a partner, but made the thoughtful decision to step back to focus on family. Once her children were older, she began growing again, taking on Blackburn North and later Eltham both local, giving her the flexibility she values.    Today, Tina structures her week around school runs and family time while spending one to two days in each store. For her, success comes from Sushi Sushi’s strong systems, supportive head office, and the lifestyle harmony she’s been able to create between family and business.   0:00 Introduction 0:30  Tina’s background: growing up in China and moving to Australia for uni 1:18 Why Tina decided to stay in Australia long-term 2:36 Studying marketing and finance (and why finance made more sense to her) 3:40 Working part-time at Sushi Sushi during un 4:53 Becoming a franchisee: parents support her from China, but she runs it solo  7:20 What the first years of a new Sushi Sushi store looked like  8:32 How Tina went from one store to building a multi-site franchise 10:55 Why Blackburn North became the right second store after stepping back  12:06 What Tina’s day-to-day looks like running three sushi sushi stores 13:20 How Tina’s sushi-loving boys influence her future franchise plans 14:43 What Tina thinks truly makes a sushi sushi store thrive 16:31 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mud4pwbc Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4r88nc5w Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/3m32mn7a YouTube: https://youtu.be/4vXrBZtq-B8

Snap-on Tools has spent more than a century perfecting one of the most unique franchise models in the world — a fully mobile, relationship-driven tool business with no retail stores and a fiercely loyal customer base.   In this episode, Adam Wright, Marketing Manager at Snap-on Tools Australia, breaks down the five key things that have shaped the brand into a global powerhouse. From premium products and unmatched brand loyalty, to their iconic mobile store model, world-class training in Dallas, and deep ongoing support, Adam reveals how Snap-on delivers convenience, reliability, and trust at every level.   With franchisees who become part of their customers’ daily lives and sometimes even their weddings Snap-on Tools continues to expand through a model built on strong relationships and consistent service.   0:00  Introduction 0:25 Key #1: Why Snap-on’s product quality drives lifetime customer loyalty 2:17 Key #2: Key #2: Bringing the store to the customer: Snap-on’s mobile convenience model  3:35 How often do franchisees visit workshops 5:14 Key #3: No stores, no big-box retail 7:10 Key #4: Key #4: World-Class training & support (including Dallas, Texas) 9:18 How Snap-on’s diagnostic platforms support modern vehicle technology 10:11 Key #5: Ride-along support: hands-on coaching after Texas training 11:28 What day-to-day ride-along support looks like 13:33 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ycw8p9me Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4mhunb85 Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/y59r97v3 YouTube: https://youtu.be/J9AUkKKrXBk

James Riddle, CEO of Plumbing Bros, returns to share how the franchise has evolved from a single idea into a national network. What began as a bold concept allowing non-plumbers to own plumbing businesses has now grown to 11 franchise partners covering 20 territories across five states.   He reveals how AI and virtual assistance are transforming both the head office and franchise operations. From developing knowledge-based bots inspired by thought leaders like Alex Hormozi and Sabri Suby to streamlining admin and marketing workflows.Their focus on automation and offshoring empowers franchise partners to concentrate on growth and customer experience rather than daily paperwork.   Looking ahead, James shares the company’s vision of reaching 33 locations by 2027, driven by smarter systems and authentic storytelling. With a content-first approach to lead conversion and a clear focus on quality service, Plumbing Bros continues to redefine what’s possible in a traditional trade industry proving that innovation, not plumbing, is at the heart of their success.   0:00 Introduction 0:33 What Plumbing Bros actually does and how the franchise works  2:31 The first big focus: integrating AI into the business 4:28 Using AI to bottle knowledge and make it accessible to franchisees 05:40 The second focus: leveraging virtual assistance for admin and marketing  6:51 Expanding VA support to new franchise partners 07:50 The importance of quick invoicing and scheduling for repeat business 08:20 Maintaining premium service without premium pricing 10:20 Turning challenges into opportunities for growth 10:52 What’s next for Plumbing Bros over the next 12 to 18 months 12:30 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4jvu6x2v Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/n9unjtp8 Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/49ysr3r9 YouTube: https://youtu.be/v1gJAiyQsls

Phil Cronin and Darren Schultz are the co-founders of Stellarossa, a Queensland-based café franchise that has grown steadily since opening its first store in 2009.   What began as a simple, coffee-driven concept in Brisbane’s CBD has evolved into a flexible and community-focused brand. From introducing locally tailored menus and expanding into drive-throughs to roasting their own coffee in-house, Phil and Darren have built Stellarossa on consistency, quality, and smart innovation.   Their commitment to supporting franchise partners is reflected in the brand’s unique lease “pass-on” strategy, strong team-to-franchisee ratio, and an ever-evolving store design approach that balances brand identity with local creativity.    Fifteen years on, Stellarossa continues to grow through collaboration, adaptability, and a shared passion for great coffee experiences.   0:00 Introduction 0:45 How the menu evolved with changing food trends 3:16 How Stellarossa’s menu evolved with more choice and flexibility 4:47 Bringing coffee roasting in-house to boost quality and consistency 7:37 Balancing bean quality, pricing, and franchisee margins 8:12 “Pass-on Strategy” and how it helps franchisees open affordably 09:29 Lowering entry costs to encourage multi-store ownership 10:22 High team-to-franchisee ratio and strong network support 11:20 Measured growth across Queensland and regional expansion 12:46 Lessons from site selection, data tools, and past mistakes 13:07 How Stellarossa’s store design evolved to match each location and customer base 15:55 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wkb5udd7 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3s38c6t2 Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2s6wtht9 YouTube: https://youtu.be/mYG0kAWnja0  

Corinne Whelan is the Practice Group Leader at ⁠LegalVision⁠, a firm redefining how legal services are delivered through a subscription-based model. With a focus on commercial and franchise law, Corinne leads a team that supports more than 70 franchise networks across Australia, offering unlimited legal access without the burden of traditional hourly billing.   In this episode, Corinne shares how LegalVision’s unique approach helps franchisors stay compliant with constant updates to the Franchising Code and unfair contract term laws, while also managing wider commercial challenges such as supply agreements, privacy, and AI compliance. She also discusses the growing frustration among franchisors who are frequently revising documents, and how her team proactively streamlines these changes within client memberships.   Corinne also highlights how technology and automation are reshaping the legal industry. From using AI to generate file notes and streamline workflows to building LegalVision’s own in-house tech platform, she explains how innovation and efficiency are driving accessibility in modern law — setting LegalVision apart as a true leader in the space.   0:00 Introduction 0:57 How the subscription and membership structure works for business clients 2:57 The biggest legal challenges facing franchisors in 2025 4:59 How LegalVision stays proactive with client document updates 5:40 Managing surge work when legislation changes hit the industry 7:51 Emerging sector challenges — SaaS, data compliance, and AI usage 9:02 How law firms are adapting to AI and automation 11:38 Are other law firms adopting the subscription model 12:36 Wrap-up   Podcast Produced by: www.franchisebusinesshub.com.auListen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yr22hem8 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/5d2x223k Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/4tfdm68k YouTube: https://youtu.be/FjTna7Jt-bI

In this episode of the Franchise Everything Podcast, Glenn catches up once again with Doug Downer, Founder of Franchise Ready, recorded at the National Franchise Convention in Melbourne. Doug shares how he transformed his side hustle into a globally expanding consulting brand — now operating in Australia, the UK, India, the Middle East, Singapore, and soon the U.S.   Doug explains how Franchise Ready helps businesses document their systems, financials, and operational models to become “franchise ready,” whether they plan to franchise or not. He also reveals how he grew his international footprint through LinkedIn visibility, inbound franchise partner leads, and his passion for supporting Australian brands going global.   He reflects on early mistakes, lessons learned in choosing franchise partners, and the importance of having boots on the ground in every market. Doug also highlights his criteria for selecting international partners — including behavioral profiling, credibility, and proven franchising experience.   This conversation dives into mindset, systemization, and the balance between global ambition and local presence — showing how Australian franchisors can export their intellectual property and succeed abroad.   0:00 Introduction 00:54 How Franchise Ready started as a side hustle in 2012 3:39 How Franchise Ready attracts clients in a niche market  5:46 How the one-year license model worked as a try-before-you-buy franchise setup  9:49 The turning point that accelerated Franchise Ready’s global expansion 11:52 The Franchise Ready model for supporting global partners 13:37 Choosing the right people to represent Franchise Ready globally 15:20 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/cftmzd85 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/muszwaad Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/58y2y8rd YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y4yWnjODyyw

Shane Birt, franchise owner of Seal-A-Fridge Melbourne CBD and Northeast territories, shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings as a butcher to running his own successful service business.   In this episode, Shane talks about how a call from former mentor and Seal-A-Fridge founder Craig Foxwell reignited his career, leading him to learn the trade hands-on across Victoria. He opens up about facing a major back injury, the recovery journey that pushed him into studying accounting, and how he eventually transitioned from employee to business owner.   Now running two territories, Shane reflects on the mindset shift required to take the leap into entrepreneurship, the flexibility that comes with owning a franchise, and the satisfaction of providing a service that genuinely helps people and saves energy.   0:00 Introduction 0:26 What is Seal-A-Fridge and what franchise owners actually do 2:20 Moving around as an army kid and adjusting to new careers 4:43 The call from former mentor Craig Foxwell that changed his path 6:46 Learning the trade hands on with Craig and Michelle across Victoria 8:10 Running the Geelong–Warrnambool territory for several years 11:27 How Shane’s back surgery helped him get his life back 12:33 Transitioning from accounting to owning two Seal-A-Fridge territories 13:48 Comparing work life in accounting versus franchise ownership 14:49 The mindset shift from employee to business owner 16:49 The most satisfying part of running a Seal-A-Fridge franchise 18:10 Why customers are often grateful when he walks in the door 19:07 Wrapping up Shane’s journey   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mvb2fv4c Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/5xnef9n5 Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/3fck44c7 YouTube: https://youtu.be/uRyTj2mF4Qg  

In this episode, recorded live at the National Franchising Convention, Glenn speaks with Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, about the evolving landscape of franchising and small business regulation in Australia.   Bruce unpacks the Schaper Review, recent updates to the Franchise Code of Conduct, and the introduction of a new requirement ensuring a “reasonable prospect of return” for franchisees — a concept designed to protect investors while encouraging more responsible franchising.   He also discusses the balance between regulation and entrepreneurial freedom, why due diligence remains critical despite tighter controls, and the growing concern that excessive compliance could push some large brands away from franchising altogether.   As the Ombudsman, Bruce outlines how his office supports the sector through education, dispute resolution, and advocacy, helping both franchisors and franchisees navigate an increasingly complex business environment.   0:00 Introduction 0:27 The pace of change in franchising regulation and the Shaper Review 2:46 Why profitability and proof of concept are core to franchising 3:31 How the “reasonable prospect” rule will likely be tested and interpreted 5:19 Australia’s highly regulated franchise sector and its implications 6:14 The risk of overregulation and why due diligence still matters 7:13 Big brands moving away from franchising and why 9:24 The danger of assuming big franchise brands guarantee success  10:18 Why disclosure doesn’t replace real research and homework 11:46 The three core functions of the Australian Small Business Ombudsman 12:43 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/3yntcx9h Apple Podcasts: https://youtu.be/cpF-y_yi-xE Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/4vtyv2kw YouTube: https://youtu.be/cpF-y_yi-xE

JP Afflick, owner of Hog’s Breath Airlie Beach, shares his 25-year journey with the iconic Australian restaurant brand.   Starting out at Hog’s Breath Darwin in 1995, JP reflects on the early days of the brand’s culture, energy, and sense of family that shaped his passion for hospitality. After co-owning the Byron Bay Hog’s Breath and spending years building ventures across tech, software, and even world record motorcycle racing, JP’s story comes full circle as he returns to the Hog’s Breath family as an owner once again.   In this episode, JP discusses the importance of systems, service, and culture in running a successful restaurant, his hands-on approach to leadership, and the teamwork behind operating the “OG” Airlie Beach store. He also shares his vision for the future, focused on legacy, loyalty, and keeping the Hog’s Breath experience alive for years to come.   0:00 Introduction 0:31 Where it all began — JP’s first steps into the Hog’s Breath famil 1:53 JP’s early days working at Hog’s Breath in Darwin 2:54 JP’s first experience as a Hog’s Breath business owner in Byron Bay 4:50 JP’s career beyond Hog’s Breath and the ventures he built along the way 5:53 How JP shifted from running restaurants to starting a software business 8:44 What land speed racing taught JP about business and leadership 9:27 How JP returned to the Hog’s Breath family and became owner of Airlie Beach 11:53 JP’s hands-on approach to running the Hog’s Breath Airlie Beach store 12:36 JP’s thoughts on starting a business partnership and taking a leap of faith 13:11 The crucial role of service and hospitality in every Hog’s Breath restaurant 14:12 JP’s long-term vision for Hog’s Breath Airlie Beach and what’s next 15:33 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4rexjxm9 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/huyzsucp Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/bdepwhym YouTube: https://youtu.be/ssOQ1QIYN9c  

Sushi Sushi is one of Australia’s most recognized food franchise brands, with over 25 years of heritage in delivering fresh, authentic Japanese cuisine.   In this wide-ranging discussion, Stephen Anders, CEO of Sushi Sushi, shares his journey from global corporate leadership roles in finance, M&A, and marketing including time at Foster’s Group and Treasury Wine Estates to leading one of the country’s most successful QSR franchises.   Stephen reflects on his transition from the corporate world to franchising, the lessons learned through major global acquisitions, and how his early exposure to Japan shaped his appreciation for sushi culture and business innovation.   The conversation dives deep into Sushi Sushi’s post-COVID transformation, covering its renewed focus on technology-driven operations, multi-format retailing, customer loyalty programs, and franchise growth strategy. He also discusses the company’s evolving “RICE” values — respect, innovation, collaboration, and execution as a foundation for cultural and operational excellence.   0:00 Introduction 0:49 How Stephen Anders started in business 2:27 Why financial rigor is the common thread among franchise leaders 4:19 What corporate life was really like at Arthur Andersen  7:03 Stephen’s journey from strategy manager to global wine executive at Foster’s 9:32 How billion-dollar mergers and acquisitions actually come together 11:58 Working across Asia during the currency crisis and discovering Japan’s business culture 16:37 First impressions of franchising after years in global corporate roles 19:17 The moment Sushi Sushi came calling and why Stephen said yes 22:21 What it’s like stepping into a private equity–backed franchise business 24:50 Resetting Sushi Sushi’s strategy after COVID 29:12 Inside a day in the life of Sushi Sushi’s CEO and what Stephen focuses on most  32:58 Sushi Sushi’s sale process and how it impacts future expansion plans 34:43 What’s next for Sushi Sushi and its CEO over the next 3–5 years 35:23 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mry9495a Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/5bn8ca8t Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/3m3rkdu6 YouTube: https://youtu.be/_ddGtWoT3IY  

Bedshed is a long-established bedroom furniture and mattress retailer with over 45 years in business and a growing national franchise network across Australia.   In this episode, Greg Prussia, National Business Development Manager, explains how the brand has achieved a major breakthrough in reducing store build costs saving up to 75% on key joinery components for new stores.   By leveraging their long-term overseas furniture manufacturing partners to produce in-store joinery, Bedshed has managed to lower franchise entry costs without compromising quality, aesthetics, or design standards.   The new strategy was first rolled out in the brand’s Caringbah, New South Wales store, its smallest footprint yet proving that cost efficiency and premium presentation can go hand in hand. With reduced fit-out and lighting costs, the model now makes franchise ownership more accessible while boosting multi-store growth opportunities nationwide.   0:00 Introduction 1:25 Introducing Bedshed’s newest store and a major cost-saving innovation 4:57 Managing longer lead times as part of Bedshed’s cost-saving strategy 5:52 Applying the 75% cost-saving strategy to Bedshed’s smallest store 8:19 Why this Bedshed franchisee waited two years for the right opportunity 10:38 The financial impact of Bedshed’s new cost-saving strategy 12:06 Rolling out the new cost-saving strategy across future Bedshed stores 13:02 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ea6e7emf Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/szp243m7 Amazon  Music: https://tinyurl.com/58h4n9t5 YouTube: https://youtu.be/uvJgW22FzV0

Roll'd is a fast-casual Vietnamese food franchise serving fresh, authentic recipes inspired by Mama Hoang’s home cooking. Founded in Melbourne 13 years ago, the brand has grown to more than 100 locations across Australia and recently expanded into New Zealand.   In this episode, Jarrod Montigue, CEO of Roll'd, shares how the brand continues to innovate and support its franchise partners through five distinct revenue channels from traditional in-store sales and catering, to FMCG retail products, home delivery, and the newly launched Roll'd at Schools program.   Jarrod also highlights how the brand’s flexible business model, focus on healthy meal solutions, and strong operational support team are helping franchisees thrive and adapt in a changing food service landscape.   0:00 Introduction 0:31 What's Roll'd? 1:54 Introducing the five income channels that drive Rolld’s franchise growth  2:44 How fresh, allergen-friendly catering became their secret growth engine  4:34 How FMCG products help franchise partners boost in-store sales 5:31 Expanding home delivery partnerships and growing nighttime trade 7:34 Launching the Roll'd at Schools program to promote healthy eating and new revenue streams 10:46 Strengthening the Roll'd at Schools rollout with central support and B2B systems 13:14 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc8z43bh Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/57sdhne6 Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2ykx8pcw YouTube: https://youtu.be/nIgRUeyJ1vw  

Dr Callum Floyd is Managing Director of Franchize Consultants and a long-term contributor to the Franchise Association of New Zealand.   Based in Auckland, Callum supports both emerging and established franchise brands with feasibility studies, system structure, performance reviews and CFE-accredited training to help franchisees and field teams thrive.   In this episode, he shares a clear picture of franchising in New Zealand today: a resilient and mature market with over 500 franchise systems and 25,000 franchisees across just 4.5 million people. Despite tough economic conditions, the sector remains strong powered by innovation, digital transformation, and a multicultural franchisee base.   Callum also breaks down key challenges like workforce shifts, access to capital, and ensuring franchisees stay profitable while explaining why franchising is uniquely powerful in New Zealand, especially in regional areas where national brands may not reach without franchise partners.   For Australian brands eyeing international expansion, Callum provides practical advice on entering the NZ market successfully: start small, validate the model locally, and never underestimate the nuances of Kiwi culture and expectations.   0:00 Introduction 1:00 Overview of Franchise Consultants NZ 2:27 Why NZ is the most franchised country per capita, 500+ systems thriving across a 4.5M population 4:25 Quality over quantity: growth in franchising should focus on better brands, not more brands 6:15 Key trends in NZ franchising right now: technology, economy and workforce challenges  8:36 Top challenges NZ franchisors face today 10:28 Advice for Australian franchisors expanding into New Zealand 12:37 Interest from Australian franchisors entering New Zealand remains steady despite tougher economic conditions 13:17 Common pitfalls for Australian franchisors entering NZ 14:45 Why niche, specialised service concepts are finding the strongest opportunities in New Zealand’s franchise market 16:10 Brand origin isn’t a deal-breaker in NZ: quality and delivery matter more than being “Kiwi-owned" 17:17 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by: www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/y4xajdhu Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yj4ve6b7 Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/522mr3xj YouTube: https://youtu.be/KhWSuMF9Fec

Stephen Giles – Leading Australia Through a New Era of Franchise Regulation   Stephen Giles is one of Australia’s most respected voices in franchising — a senior partner at Norton Rose Fulbright and a long-time industry leader who has shaped franchising policy for more than two decades.   Having served 27 years on the Franchise Council of Australia board, Stephen has drafted countless submissions to government, worked closely with regulatory bodies, and guided franchisors through major legislative shifts.   In this episode, Stephen unpacks the latest and most significant change to the Franchising Code — the requirement for franchisors to ensure franchisees have a reasonable opportunity for a return on investment. He explains the intention behind the law, how it may reshape the franchise market, and why responsible business modelling and due diligence matter more than ever.   Stephen also discusses broader challenges facing the sector: rising compliance costs, media misconceptions, regulatory overreach, and the growing influence of auto dealer politics. Drawing from recent discussions in the United States, he highlights the stark contrast between Australia’s heavy regulatory environment and more balanced global approaches.   0:00 Introduction 0:59 The Franchising Code update: ROI obligations and what it means for franchise system 4:35 Prospective buyers now have easier access to online information and feedback from existing franchisees  6:39 Why assumptions about “big brands” can mislead buyers 9:02  Why franchising often ends up in the media spotlight for the wrong reasons 12:28 Rising compliance costs forcing franchisors to choose legal fees over support 13:33 ROI provisions expected to evolve through court cases, not industry panic 16:26 The push to separate auto from franchising regulations — and the political roadblocks 17:41 What U.S. franchising reveals about regulation and shared responsibility 21:20 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/482a2yfd Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3p4w3vza Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2s3acjh YouTube: https://youtu.be/wdBqnj0JTes  

Jay Westbury, CEO of the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA), joins Glenn to reflect on a pivotal 13 months leading the organisation through transformation and renewed momentum.   When Jay stepped into the role, his focus was clear — stabilise the FCA, rebuild confidence, and get franchising’s “mojo” back. In this episode, he walks through how he turned a $1.5 million loss into a $264,000 profit by returning to basics, focusing on core events like the Franchise Industry Awards and the National Franchise Convention (NFC), and fostering collaboration across the industry.   Jay also shares insights on leadership, financial discipline, and the power of keeping things simple. With the next NFC announced for Canberra, and plans to strengthen the FCA’s national engagement, this episode captures a moment of optimism and strategic focus for the franchising community in Australia.   0:00 Introduction 1:34 Reflecting on his first 13 months leading the FCA and the strategy to stabilise the organisation  3:22 The small core team that helped rebuild the organisation  6:08 Lessons from past leadership mistakes and the importance of balancing revenue with growth 7:59 Setting the stage for the next NFC and why Canberra is the perfect location  10:50 Highlighting the FCA’s key events for 2025, including the FIA, NFC, and state Christmas parties 13:30 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2c6mpet9 Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3zbe26m3 Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/3835v29j YouTube: https://youtu.be/hXmhSNoiVAo  

How a Mobile Tools Business Works (Snap-on Tools)   Adam Wright is the Marketing Manager at Snap-on Tools Australia, a global leader in professional tools and equipment with over 105 years of innovation.   In this episode, recorded at the Snap-on Tools headquarters in Sydney, Adam joins Glenn to unpack how a mobile tool business really operates, from stocking thousands of products to managing customer relationships, marketing campaigns, and franchise support systems.   With over a century of experience, Snap-on Tools has perfected the art of delivering premium tools directly to workshops through its network of mobile franchisees. Adam walks us through what a typical day looks like on the road, the importance of customer trust, and the brand’s commitment to quality, training, and engagement from motorsport partnerships to reward trips like Tiwi Islands.   Offering a rare behind-the-scenes look, this episode highlights the strategy, culture, and hands-on effort that keep Snap-on thriving in a competitive franchise landscape proving that even in a 100-year-old business, innovation and relationships are what drive success.   0:00 Introduction 0:46 How a mobile tool franchise business actually works 3:00 How franchisees stock up and manage Snap-on’s Hot Tools program 4:37 How Snap-on franchisees demo and showcase tools to customers on the truck 6:29 Managing customer payments, credit terms, and revolving accounts in the Snap-on model   9:00 What a typical day running a mobile tool business looks like 12:00 Driving franchise engagement through events and partnerships  14:49 How Snap-on franchisees handle large equipment and tool storage sales 16:12 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by: www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au    Listen or Watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p49yypf Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/48xxv5px Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/3rypxtsh YouTube: https://youtu.be/e3uXrCwd_QA  

Andrew Walker is the Chief Franchise Development Officer for Poolwerx across Australia and New Zealand. With years of experience driving franchise growth and training systems, Andrew plays a central role in preparing new franchise owners and their teams for success.   At the heart of Poolwerx is Pool School a structured four-week program blending online learning with intensive hands-on training at the brand’s Brisbane training center. Beyond this, franchise owners benefit from ongoing support, peer-to-peer learning, supplier-led sessions, and state-based workshops during the “development season.”   Andrew emphasises the importance of technical excellence, retail and mobile integration, and building a strong culture of franchisees helping one another. With this framework, Poolwerx ensures that every new business owner feels confident stepping into their role while laying the foundation for long-term success.   0:00 Introduction 0:37 Overview of the Poolwerx franchise training methodology 2:35 Retail & technical excellence training programs for staff 3:19 How Poolwerx uses winter for franchise development  3:58 How Poolwerx builds training topics from franchisee feedback 4:58 Training pathway from mobile operator to retail franchise owner 7:06 Why Poolwerx training and store openings rarely align 8:09 In-field training and support after Poolwerx Pool School 9:26 Peer-to-peer franchise support and collaboration 11:58 How suppliers strengthen franchise training at Poolwerx 13:36 Common fears new franchise owners face at Pool School  15:36 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by: www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au    Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2yzsdcv6 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/5dj7kfmj Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/4t3r98j8 YouTube: https://youtu.be/e3uXrCwd_QA

James Lethborg is the franchise owner of Hog’s Breath Café Launceston. With a lifelong passion for food, shaped by his family’s farming and cooking traditions in Tasmania, James built his career as a chef across hospitals, hotels, and restaurants before stepping into the Hog’s Breath brand.   Starting in 2013 as head chef for the Launceston restaurant, he played a key role in its early success. Five years later, through a rare succession plan, James transitioned into franchise ownership.   The move from kitchen to ownership brought new challenges in finance, people management, and leadership, but also the chance to shape a culture built on what Hog’s Breath calls “HogsPitality.”   James now balances operations between the kitchen and front of house, while mentoring his team and ensuring customers feel the brand’s trademark energy. With nearly a decade as a franchise owner, he’s now setting his sights on multi-location growth, driven by systems, trust, and a commitment to hospitality at the core.   0:00 Introduction 0:43 Where James’ business journey began 3:33 The hardest part of being a chef 5:32 How Hogs Breath first came on the horizon  7:53 Knowing the opportunity to become a franchise owner at Hogs Breath  9:09 The transition from head chef to franchise owner with full support 11:38 Challenges in stepping up from chef to franchise owner 12:58 Finding balance between kitchen and operations 14:05 What a typical day looks like as a franchise owner 17:13 The critical success factors in running a Hogs Breath franchise 19:07 Finding the right personality during staff interviews 19:49 Future plans for Hogs Breath Launceston  22:31 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5hfzjme8 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bp889kns Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/3e5mz238 YouTube: https://youtu.be/5Aa2-VmkMIQ

Joel Kleber is the Chief Marketing Officer of Jim’s Group, Australia’s largest franchise network. Since 2019, Joel has led the brand’s content-driven growth strategy, transforming dormant social accounts into a powerful media engine.   With a background in content and marketing, Joel built a team that consistently produces authentic video across YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok — from franchisee stories to founder-led Q&As. This approach has doubled network growth in just five years, positioning Jim’s Group as a standout in franchise marketing.   Passionate about the power of storytelling, Joel champions founder branding and long-form content as the new trust engine for franchisors. His work demonstrates how consistency, transparency, and a willingness to embrace new media can fuel both recruitment and brand equity.   0:00 Introduction 1:13 Starting point in 2019 — the content base Jim’s Group began with 2:33 Creating a content plan across multiple divisions 4:15 When the content strategy began showing measurable impact  7:01 Leveraging the founder’s story to drive franchise growth 9:24 Breaking the stigma around self-promotion with authentic content 11:12 Posting frequency and consistency in content strategy 12:35 Why personal profiles outperform company pages on LinkedIn 14:12 Overcoming content struggles – finding topics for consistent posting  17:25 Turning negative comments into trust-building opportunities 20:50 Advice for franchisors on content production and launching a strategy 23:03 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ymxsfjw9 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/fff4bukc Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/cxt6dk9j YouTube: https://youtu.be/1oKNZromSQo  

Felipe Gama is the franchise owner of Sushi Sushi in Dunsborough, Western Australia, with a second store soon to open in Margaret River. Originally from Brazil, Felipe moved to Australia in 2018 to study cookery and built his career working in kitchens across Melbourne and regional WA.   With years of experience as a chef, he developed a passion for fresh, high-quality food but also recognised the challenges of long hours and demanding shifts. When planning for a family, Felipe sought a business opportunity that aligned with his skills while allowing more balance and lifestyle flexibility.   Discovering Sushi Sushi provided the perfect fit. The franchise model offered structure, training, and support while giving him the chance to run his own business in a growing regional community. From overcoming early challenges with team building to engaging with locals through sponsorships and community ties, Felipe has embraced the role of business owner with enthusiasm.   Now preparing to expand into multi-store ownership, Felipe continues to combine his passion for food with the drive to build sustainable businesses rooted in both family and community.   0:00 Introduction 0:45 Felipe's franchise journey beginnings — from Brazil to Australia 2:12 Studying cookery in Australia and gaining qualifications 3:56 Facing and overcoming early language barriers 4:34 Favorite cuisine to cook and personal passion for Italian food 5:46 Career progression after qualification and early experiences in Australian kitchens 6:48 The transition from Victoria to Western Australia 8:51 Working as a chef after relocating and running a kitchen for over two years 9:18 Shifting from chef life to business ownership to align with family goals 11:03 Discovering a gap in the market and finding the right franchise opportunity with sushi sushi  13:49 Addressing stereotypes in sushi franchising and why passion matters more than background 15:27 Overcoming the biggest challenges of starting a franchise business 16:36 Deciding to expand with a second store 18:04 Building management teams to balance growth and lifestyle 19:37 Opportunities and challenges in regional markets 20:56 Keys to local success with Sushi Sushi  22:33 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by: www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/cb4822n9 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2kb8t6xb Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/3puvzz9s YouTube: https://youtu.be/p_9t7i9e8eI

Jim and Rose Stoupas are the founders of Walkers Doughnuts, a brand built on family heritage, food innovation, and a passion for creating memorable customer experiences.   With a long family history in baking and a strong connection to nostalgic Australian culture, they transformed childhood memories of donuts and milk bars into a thriving franchise model. From the beginning, their vision was clear to combine authentic products, a unique environment, and strong franchise systems to stand out in the market.   Key milestones in their journey include moving production offsite to ensure quality and consistency, expanding interstate with dedicated area developers, and keeping product innovation at the heart of the brand.    Today, Jim and Rose continue to grow Walkers Doughnuts nationally while staying true to their philosophy: create products people love, design stores that feel special, and leave every customer just a little happier than when they walked in.   0:00 Introduction 0:38 Origin story of Walker's Doughnuts 3:59 How the store environment shapes the Walkers experience 5:26 Maintaining the Walkers environment through franchisee training and store immersion 7:22 The role of offsite manufacturing in Walkers’ growth and efficiency 9:31 Expansion into Queensland through an area developer model 12:22 Commitment to product quality and uniqueness as a cornerstone of growth  14:41 Blending brand passion with food technology where art meets science 16:03 - The significance of trademarking and why it mattered for Walkers 17:10 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by: www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch On;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mtvp3s35 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2n3r55wc Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/mvn4hjjt YouTube: https://youtu.be/JsKSI9qHC9A  

Varun Ashok is the founder of Mobile Experts, one of Australia’s fastest-growing mobile repair and accessory retailers.   Growing up in India, he spent his teenage years working in the family business before moving to Australia in 2007 to pursue a Masters in International Business. His early days saw him balancing studies with jobs at Pizza Hut and Vodafone, with no set plan beyond working hard and embracing new opportunities.   In 2013, Varun opened his first store in Wetherill Park, overcoming challenges with landlords and fit-outs to establish a strong customer base. His focus on providing the right product at the right price with genuine customer service set him apart and led to early profitability.   From a single store, Varun quickly scaled to 12 locations in Sydney, and over the years, expanded to more than 60 stores nationwide. Along the way, he shifted from instinctive, ‘seat-of-the-pants’ decision-making to building systems, training teams, and developing a long-term vision for growth.   Today, Mobile Experts continues to expand under his leadership, built on a foundation of innovation, people management, and customer focus with Varun shaping not only the business, but also the future of franchising in the mobile services industry.   0:00 Introduction 0:41 What Mobile Experts does 1:38 Varun’s personal background and life back in India 3:37 Varun’s family business in India 7:25 Transition after school and progression in the family business before moving to Australia 14:35 Arrival in Australia and first job experience 16:25 Early plans in Australia, studies, first jobs, and future expectations  19:07 Progression from early jobs to discovering entrepreneurial drive 27:29 Overcoming landlord challenges during kiosk fit-out 28:45 Opening the Wetherill Park kiosk and differences in trading between India and Australia 31:36 Standing out early and achieving profitability faster than expected 33:03 Expanding beyond the first store and the vision for adding more locations 40:20 Scaling from 12 stores in Sydney to 60+ nationwide through strong team management 41:55 Growing to 25 stores without a set plan and continuing expansion after partnership changes 45:27 Decision-making process on future growth and long-term planning 51:56 Wrap Up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2nb3ec8k Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yv43zf5k Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/nh2w7v94 YouTube: https://youtu.be/0xPB8cbCTg4

Phil Cronin and Darren Schultz co-founded Stellarossa in 2009, starting as a small espresso bar in Brisbane City before growing it into a well-recognised cafe brand across Queensland. Today, Stellarossa operates with three main models — kiosks, traditional cafes, and drive-throughs each adapted to suit local communities.   With a focus on flexibility, the brand’s menu system combines core items with elective options, allowing franchisees to tailor their offerings to regional tastes while maintaining consistency. Their franchise model features competitive fees, strong supplier partnerships, and encouragement of local sourcing to strengthen community connections.   Phil and Darren also emphasise the importance of store design innovation, giving each cafe its own identity while keeping the Stellarossa brand thread intact. A standout growth strategy is their concept of “Stellarizing” rebranding existing independent cafes into the Stellarossa system to lower entry costs and accelerate expansion.   Built on innovation, operational support, and a people-first approach, Stellarossa continues to evolve its franchise business model, creating opportunities for both franchise partners and local communities.   0:00 Introduction 1:03 Overview of the Stellarossa brand 2:47 The three main store models in Stellarossa 3:58 Managing menu variations across different Stellarossa store models 5:45 Coordinating menu rollouts with franchisees through core items and elective choices 8:26 Managing costs, margins, and franchise fee structure across menu items  10:14: Relationships with shopping centres and support for local stores 11:41 Typical menu size per store and elective menu options 13:04 Head office supply of coffee products and contracted bulk suppliers through PFD 15:23 Store design and innovation 18:07 The concept of “Stellarize” and its role in innovation 22:42 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by: www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au Listen or Watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/pn8xcfp2 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/k23eu2w8 Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/mwk2wzmz YouTube: https://youtu.be/gzfssbsIDGQ  

Tom Elliott, CEO, and Alison Ossendryver, COO, are steering Hogs Breath Café through a period of renewal after challenging years for the industry. With Tom just four months into the role, the brand is seeing green shoots of recovery, including double-digit same-store sales growth, and is focused on capturing market share through strategic planning into FY26.   Leveraging a new centralised data dashboard, they’re enabling franchisees to benchmark performance, identify trends, and collaborate on solutions that lift profitability across the network.    Alison, with over two decades in the business, highlights the evolution of training programs, operational efficiencies, and technology adoption all while keeping the signature prime rib at the heart of the menu.   Hog's Breath offers a flexible ownership model, welcoming both hands-on operators and investors, supported by tailored franchise and manager training programs. Looking ahead, the brand is investing in tech integration, kitchen and roster management tools, and a bar-led revival to boost beverage sales and enhance the customer experience, positioning itself for sustainable growth in a competitive market.   0:00 Introduction 0:27 Hog's Breath challenges in recent years 1:42 Rolling out growth plans with a focus on unit economics and top-line sales performance 3:50 Using system-wide data and rankings to drive collaboration, problem-solving, and improved franchise profitability 6:22 Evolving menu and preparation methods while maintaining prime rib as the brand’s signature offering  8:32 Flexible training programs tailored to prior experience, ensuring franchise partners start strong 10:40 Overview of franchise entry costs and ongoing fee structure 14:35 Free six-week manager training program combining hands-on, online learning, and ongoing support 15:37 Consistent communication approach with both investors and owner-operators, focusing on the people-first principle 17:08 Future vision for Hog’s Breath with tech integration and a bar-led revival to boost beverage sales 19:32 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/cpv6cpzv Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/mu28sxm8 Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/4p835hed YouTube: https://youtu.be/27PkOWiSU8M

Shirley Chan is the first-ever franchise owner of HIIT Pilates, launching her studio in Surry Hills while still working full-time as a chartered accountant.   With a background in finance and international experience in Toronto and London, Shirley never imagined she’d find herself in the fitness industry, let alone owning a Pilates studio. But a long-standing connection with HIIT Pilates founder Carla Sconce, and a personal decision to try something new, set her on a very different path.   After completing the HIIT Pilates Academy training, Shirley began teaching on weekends while juggling her demanding career. What started as a side interest soon evolved into a serious conversation about franchising. Over the course of a year, she and Carla worked through the details, location, setup, support and eventually launched the first HIIT Pilates franchise in early January 2025.   In this episode, Shirley shares the full journey from training and startup challenges to marketing her studio, building community, and learning on the fly. She talks openly about time management, the benefits of a franchise model, and her long-term vision to grow into multiple studios with a strong team around her.   This is a real and relatable story about starting something new, backed by belief, structure, and plenty of late nights.   0:00 Introduction 1:14 What is HIIT Pilates 2:43 How Shirley discovered Pilates and met Carla Sconce, the founder 5:37 Studying commerce, becoming a chartered accountant, and moving abroad to Toronto and London 8:32 Discovering the HIIT Pilates Academy on Facebook and signing up to become an instructor while working full-time 11:12 Becoming an instructor without a set plan and how Carla’s support built her teaching confidence 13:51 Sharing her dream of owning a studio on day one of training and balancing teaching with a full-time career 16:36 No franchising background, learning the ropes, and a year-long conversation with Carla before opening her studio 18:30 Balancing full-time work with running a business and the importance of support from Carla and family 20:08 Benefits of franchising versus starting from scratch and the journey to finding the right studio location 24:25 Finding a creative outlet through marketing and building community in the studio 26:10 Shirley's vision for the future, growing to multiple studios and building a strong team 27:12 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by: www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on;   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2rwu2sb4 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2ks9e8hv Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/y52428k4 YouTube: https://youtu.be/ifboXH9QUCI

Chey Simpson is a franchise partner of Urban Clean in North Brisbane. Originally from the Philippines, Chey moved to Australia in 2018 and began her journey working in a small embroidery business. Despite being closely connected to Urban Clean, her husband Kirk is the General Manager, she initially lacked the confidence to run a business of her own.   Over time, exposure to the business and encouragement from her husband sparked the belief that she could do it. In 2020, Chey took on her own Urban Clean franchise, starting with no cleaning experience and just a few contracts. She handled most of the work herself in the early stages, gradually building confidence through direct customer interaction and learning from her mistakes.   Today, Chey manages a growing commercial cleaning business with over $20,000 in monthly contracts and a reliable team of cleaners. She plays an active role in operations, customer service, and quality control, while also managing additional income through supply logistics.   Looking ahead, Chey aims to double or triple the size of her business, expand her team, and eventually step back from the day-to-day operations. Her story is one of determination, steady growth, and belief in following the systems that support franchise success.   0:00 Introduction 2:35 Chey's first impression in Australia 3:54 Speaking English was the hardest part of Chey when moving to Australia 5:18 Worked in an embroidery business before starting with Urban Clean 7:42 Started the business with doubts, no cleaning experience, and only a few clients 8:34 The hardest adjustment when starting the Urban Clean franchise and learning the business 9:48 The key elements to success in an urban cleaning franchise 10:44 Transitioning from doing the cleaning to managing a team and gaining more time off 11:58 What Chey’s day looks like with a growing team and over $20,000 in contracts 13:46 Chey’s growth plans for Urban Clean, and when to bring in more staff as contract volume increases 15:40 Typical workday hours in an Urban Clean commercial franchise 17:52 Advice on what it takes to be successful in an Urban Clean commercial cleaning franchise 19:23 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4cz3y3t9 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/vj4xrwab Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/4eaz3zb6 YouTube: https://youtu.be/VKTDqNyD6-M  

Shirley Chan is the first-ever franchise owner of HIIT Pilates, launching her studio in Surry Hills while still working full-time as a chartered accountant.   With a background in finance and international experience in Toronto and London, Shirley never imagined she’d find herself in the fitness industry, let alone owning a Pilates studio. But a long-standing connection with HIIT Pilates founder Carla Sconce, and a personal decision to try something new, set her on a very different path.   After completing the HIIT Pilates Academy training, Shirley began teaching on weekends while juggling her demanding career. What started as a side interest soon evolved into a serious conversation about franchising. Over the course of a year, she and Carla worked through the details, location, setup, support and eventually launched the first HIIT Pilates franchise in early January 2025.   In this episode, Shirley shares the full journey from training and startup challenges to marketing her studio, building community, and learning on the fly. She talks openly about time management, the benefits of a franchise model, and her long-term vision to grow into multiple studios with a strong team around her.   This is a real and relatable story about starting something new, backed by belief, structure, and plenty of late nights.   0:00 Introduction 1:14 What is HIIT Pilates 2:43  How Shirley discovered Pilates and met Carla Sconce, the founder 5:37 Studying commerce, becoming a chartered accountant, and moving abroad to Toronto and London 8:32 Discovering the HIIT Pilates Academy on Facebook and signing up to become an instructor while working full-time 11:12 Becoming an instructor without a set plan and how Carla’s support built her teaching confidence 13:51 Sharing her dream of owning a studio on day one of training and balancing teaching with a full-time career 16:36 No franchising background, learning the ropes, and a year-long conversation with Carla before opening her studio 18:30 Balancing full-time work with running a business and the importance of support from Carla and family 20:08 Benefits of franchising versus starting from scratch and the journey to finding the right studio location 24:25 Finding a creative outlet through marketing and building community in the studio 26:10 Shirley's vision for the future, growing to multiple studios and building a strong team 27:12 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2rwu2sb4 Apple Podcasts:  Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/y52428k4 YouTube: https://youtu.be/ifboXH9QUCI

Greg Nathan is the founder of the Franchise Relationships Institute and author of the influential book Profitable Partnerships, a cornerstone resource for franchisors and franchisees around the world.   Originally trained as a psychologist, Greg entered the franchising world as both a franchisee and later a franchisor executive, where he saw firsthand the emotional and relational challenges within franchise networks. These experiences led him to write Profitable Partnerships in 1999, a book that has since sold over 250,000 copies globally and remains a go-to guide for building strong franchise relationships.   In this episode, he shares how franchise companies still use it in training and induction, and how his approach to delivering workshops both in person and online has evolved with the times.   From the psychology of stress and change to the importance of down-to-earth communication, Greg’s work continues to shape how franchise brands foster trust, empathy, and collaboration across their networks.   With his trademark clarity and care, Greg reminds us that great franchise systems are built not just on operations but on relationships.   📘 Profitable Partnerships is available here: 🌐 franchiserelationships.com Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/mse4k6zb   0:00 Introduction 1:03 When the Profitable Partnership book was written 2:52 The broad themes of Profitable Partnerships book and why they resonate in franchising 3:56 Challenging the old view of stress as a strength in franchising 5:45 Helping franchise partners manage rapid change and technology shifts 7:00 Why Profitable Partnerships book still resonates with franchisors and franchisees 8:27 How Profitable Partnerships is used 25 years after it was written 9:39 Teaching franchisees practical tools for stress and relationship management in franchising 10:44 How technology changed the way Profitable Partnerships training is delivered  12:10 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au Listen or Watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2ajdu5r5 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/5xbe7jm9 Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ykwje9cj YouTube: https://youtu.be/wPntzl7zTh4