Franchise Voice
by IFA
Franchise Voice: The International Franchise Association Podcast delivers top trends and news from the world of franchising to franchise leaders and opportunity seekers. Hear about the success stories and proven business strategies that illustrate why franchising represents one of the most dynamic and widely used growth strategies in the modern era.
Episodes
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US and Canadian Franchise Updates
Welcome to Franchise Voice, the podcast from The International Franchise Association. Sherry McNeil, President and CEO of The Canadian Franchise Association and Alan Catlett, Sr Vice President, Programs and Operations of The IFA, join host Jack Monson to discuss some news and events. First…
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American Franchise Act Update
Michael Layman, Chief Advocacy Officer of The International Franchise Association, is back on The Franchise Voice podcast with host Jack Monson. Mike shares an update including: Current status of The American Franchise Act, the most bi-partisan legislation in the history of Franchise advocacy How...
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Live at IFA 2026 with Omar Simmons, Raynya Simmons, Abby Schmidt, Ben Rush, Jonathan Hill, Jack Monson
Franchise Voice host Jack Monson brings interviews with the top leaders in Franchising recorded at the IFA 2026 convention. The 2026 Ronald E. Harrison Award winners are Omar Simmons and Raynya Simmons. They join the podcast to discuss their vision for making the franchise space bigger and more...
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Live at IFA 2026 with Emma Dickison, Matthew Montoya, and Jack Monson
Franchise Voice host Jack Monson brings interviews with the top leaders in Franchising recorded at the IFA 2026 convention. Emma Dickison is the President & CEO of Home Helpers with a 30 year history in Franchising. She’s this year’s winner of the IFA Women’s Leadership Award and is the new Chair...
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Live at IFA 2026 with Catherine Monson, Karen Booze, Dan Bedell, and Jack Monson
This episode was recorded live at The International Franchise Association's 2026 Convention in Las Vegas with host Jack Monson. Catherine Monson, CEO of Propelled Brands and former Chair of the IFA, discusses the increased energy and the evolution at IFA2026. She also shares the latest on the...
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Live at IFA 2026 with Matt Haller, Ali Kraus, Mark Spencer, and Jack Monson
This episode was recorded live at The International Franchise Association's 2026 Convention in Las Vegas with host Jack Monson. IFA President & CEO Matt Haller discusses the Evolution of The IFA Convention including more networking and more value for new members. he also share upcoming priorities...
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Franchise Advocacy Year End Review
We are wrapping up 2025 on this edition of Franchise Voice with conversations about the current state of Franchising with Tamra Kennedy, multi-unit franchise owner and IFA Board Member, and Michael Layman, IFA’s Chief Advocacy Officer. Host Jack Monson and guests dive advocacy issues including…
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Veterans and Franchising
It’s the Veteran’s Day edition of Franchise Voice. Guests Wendy Kunz, Director of Veteran Programs at the International Franchise Association and Sean Falk, President and COO of Careertopia and the Chair of IFA’s VetFran, join host Jack Monson. We’ll dive into: • Why Veterans and Franchising are...
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IFA Advocacy Summit 2025
International Franchise Association President & CEO Matt Haller shares a preview of the IFA Advocacy Summit 2025. Matt discusses how the changes in DC since last year’s Summit are affecting our agenda on Capitol Hill including a proposed permanent solution to Joint Employer. We also run down the...
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Franchise Development and Leadership Conference Preview with Shawn Caric
The Franchise Leadership and Development Conference is coming up October 7 - 9 in Atlanta and is presented by Franchise Update Media and The International Franchise Association This year’s FLDC Chair is Shawn Caric, VP of Franchise Development at Smoothie King. He joins today’s podcast with a...
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Franchise Development at the IFA World Franchise Show
Today’s Franchise Voice podcast is presented by Wisetail and features more conversations from the floor of The IFA World Franchise Show in Miami. Host Jack Monson chats with several top franchise leaders to share competitive advantages, why franchising works for their brands, and forecasts for...
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Why Franchising? Live from Miami
Today’s Franchise Voice podcast is presented by Wisetail and features more conversations from the floor of The IFA World Franchise Show in Miami. Host Jack Monson chats with several prominent franchise leaders to discuss their brands, why franchising is working for so many, and projections for…
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Franchise Leaders at the IFA World Franchise Show
“Franchising unlocks the American Dream.” -John Peyton, CEO of Dine Brands Today’s Franchise Voice podcast is presented by Wisetail and features more conversations from the floor of The IFA World Franchise Show in Miami. Host Jack Monson speaks with many of today’s top franchise leaders about…
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The IFA World Franchise Show with Matt Haller
A special series starts today on Franchise Voice with host Jack Monson captured at The IFA World Franchise Show in Miami, the newest event in franchising. IFA President & CEO Matt Haller shares an update on the state of franchising and the hottest topics for the rest of 2025. Then we’ll chat with...
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New IFA Event Opportunities
Franchise Voice is THE podcast from the International Franchise Association, hosted by Jack Monson. The IFA is partnering with exciting new franchise expos this year offering franchise opportunities globally. Today we’ll learn about The International Franchise Show London in April from show...
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IFA Convention Leaders Part 4
More thought leaders are on today’s show recorded at The IFA Annual Convention. We’ll get industry updates and strategies for navigating this year’s growth from Dave Mortensen, President and Co-Founder of Self Esteem brands and Jon Visser, VP of Sales at Fortidia. Today’s podcast is brought to…
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IFA Convention Leaders Part 3
We’re continuing our series of conversations with leaders at this year’s IFA Annual Convention. Today you’ll hear about the IFA’s Ascension Initiative with Omar Simmons, Raynya Simmons, David Smith, and Clarence Howell. The Franchise Ascension Initiative provides knowledge, network, and…
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Episode 40: IFA Convention Leaders Part 2
We’re continuing our series of episodes highlighting leaders and award winners at this year’s IFA Annual Convention with Host Jack Monson. Today you’ll hear from Javier Solis, CEO of Toro Taxes Franchise and winner of this year’s Ronald E Harrison Award. Javier has had an impressive journey from...
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Episode 39: IFA Convention Leaders Part 1
We’re kicking off a series of episodes highlighting leaders and award winners at this year’s IFA Annual Convention with host Jack Monson. Today you’ll hear from Dan Monaghan, CEO of Clear Summit Group, and winner of the William Rosenberg Leadership Award. Dan shares his view on franchising’s…
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Episode 38: IFA 2025 Convention Preview
Today on Franchise Voice: preview of The 2025 IFA Convention. First, host Jack Monson speaks with Nadia Carta of Google who will lead a session at the convention on AI for Franchises. Next, author and keynote speaker Nick Westergaard will preview his session about Scrappy Marketing for…
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Episode 37: Recents Wins and A Look Ahead
Matt Haller, President and CEO of The International Franchise Association, shares an update of a busy end of 2024 including positive changes in the NLRB and his review of the upcoming Federal Trade Commission and Small Business Administration leadership nominees who will have an impact on...
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Episode 36: Franchise Advocacy Summit 2024
IFA’s SVP of Government Relations and Public Affairs Michael Layman joins the podcast from the DNC Convention in Chicago. Michael shares ideas on what to expect at the upcoming IFA Advocacy Summit in DC September 9 – 11 including relationship-building for the future with our representatives.…
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Episode 35: IFA Board Members Discuss Tax Issues for Franchisees
Welcome to THE podcast from the International Franchise Association: Franchise Voice. Today we’re speaking with IFA President and CEO Matt Haller and IFA Board member / multi-unit franchise owner Rob Branca. This conversation was recorded live at the IFA’s Summer Board Meeting in Nashville with...
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Episode 34: The Franchise Ascension Initiative
The Franchise Ascension Initiative, a six-month accelerator program aimed at preparing qualified individuals from underrepresented communities with education, mentorship, resources, and guidance in accessing capital to maximize the opportunity for success through a career in franchise ownership.…
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Episode 33: Franchise Leaders at IFA Part 3
Today we're wrapping up our series recorded live at IFA 2024 with the winners of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman of College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving. Nick and Omar discuss their thoughts on the award, the evolution they've seen in 20 years in franchising…
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Episode 32: Franchise Leaders at IFA Part 2
Today on Franchise Voice, Jack Monson hosts another in our special series of shows recorded live at the IFA 2024 Convention. We’ll speak with some of the top leaders in franchising including Tamra Kennedy of Taco John’s, Dr Kathleen Gosser and her students from the University of Louisville, and...
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Episode 31: Franchise Leaders at IFA 2024 Part 1
Why is Franchising so important to your community and to the next generation of business leaders? On this special edition of Franchise Voice, host Jack Monson speaks with some of the top leaders in franchising live at IFA 2024! Catherine Monson, CEO of Propelled Brands, has just won the IFA Hall…
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Episode 30: IFA Team Pre-Convention Podcast
IFA President and CEO Matt Haller leads a conversation with IFA team members Emily George and Sandie Curtis on the eve of The IFA 2024 Convention! The group shares ideas on how to make the most of your event, tips on networking, and how to find the takeaways to help grow your frnachise system!…
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Episode 29: The current state of Franchise Lead Generation
On today’s episode of Franchise Voice, we’re talking about why lead generation is critical in franchising. First up: Graham Weihmiller, Chairman and CEO of BNI, the world's largest business networking organization. Graham shares thoughts on why networking is a crucial aspect of the franchising...
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Episode 28: Franchise Community Update
Matt Haller, President & CEO of The IFA, shares his experience testifying in front of Congress last month on behalf of the Franchise community how you can participate with the Franchise Action Network in early 2024 in multiple locations. Matt also gives us a preview of the IFA Annual Convention…
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Episode 27: Update on Joint Employer
We have a major change in the federal government’s Joint Employer policy. Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs Michael Layman walks us through the changes from the NLRB, the wide open and harmful Joint Employer standard, and where this fight will go next. Also on…
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Episode 26: Emerging Franchises
Today we're celebrating Emerging Franchises on Franchise Voice, the only podcast from The International Franchise Association with your host, Jack Monson. First up, Matt Haller, President and CEO of the IFA, discusses why networking at this early stage of your franchise’s business is the most...
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Episode 25: Preserving Franchising
IFA President and CEO Matt Haller shares updates from coast to coast including the negotiations on the recent legislation passed in California that has removed the existential threat to franchising. Plus, Tara Richards of Paychex joins the podcast with updates on new retirement manadates and…
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Episode 24: How Your Voice Can Protect Franchising
On this special edition of Franchise Voice, we'll speak with three franchising and government relations professionals about IFA members can make a real impact on critical issues and policy makers in Washington, DC this September at the IFA Advocacy Summit. Please join IFA's CEO Matthew Haller;...
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Episode 23: Growing in New Markets
Richie Huffman, CEO of Celebree School, discusses his strategies for growing his franchise system in specific markets. Richie shares how to get involved in your new communities, the key community members whom you should engage early, and why a hub and spoke model can accelerate your franchisees'...
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Episode 22: Local Digital Marketing Trends
Vera Shafiq, Vice President of Digital Strategy at Location3 shares the latest trends for franchise systems on the local level for growing and acquiring new customers. Special Guest: Vera Shafiq.
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Episode 21: Hope for the Best and Prepare for the Worst: Lessons from COVID
Today on Franchise Voice, the CEO of Propelled Brands, Catherine Monson, reflects on the past 3 years of challenges for franchising. Catherine discusses how communication, networking, and sharing of information helped us persevere! Catherine shares how she’s preparing her brands, teams,...
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Episode 20: The Entrepreneurial Journey with Richie Huffman
Franchise Voice welcomes Richie Huffman, Founder and CEO of Celebree School. Richie shares his own entrepreneurial journey and how he's now helping others on their own journey. Celebree is growing people big and small! Special Guest: Richie Huffman.
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Episode 19: Local Marketing and DEI
On today’s Franchise Voice, we’ll discuss Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Franchising with LaTonia Pouncey, President & CEO, The Pouncey Group, and Alesia Visconti, CEO & President, FranServe. How can franchisors incorporate DEI strategies throughout their franchise system? Also, we have a...
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Episode 18: New Year, New CFE Program Part 2
In part two of our series about the changes in the IFA’s Certified Franchise Executive program, we speak with Dr Kathleen Gosser, YUM! Assistant Professor at the University of Louisville and Sandie Curtis, VP of Education at the International Franchise Association. The refreshed and simplified…
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Episode 17: New Year, New CFE Program Part 1
This is the first part of our 2-part series about the changes in the IFA’s Certified Franchise Executive program. Sandie Curtis, VP of Education, and Brittney Cosby, Sr Manager of Certification Programs at The IFA discuss the refreshed and simplified CFE program and how you can get involved...
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Episode 16: Veterans and Franchising
On this Veteran’s Day edition, Steve White tells his story from serving the US Army to transitioning to the civilian business world, and then to his current role as President of PuroClean. Steve is also a recent past chair of IFA’s VetFran committee and shares the vision of this group as well as...
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Episode 15: Franchising and Community Support
Today’s guests on IFA’s Franchise Voice: Allison Hill, Head of Diversity and Social Responsibility, ROARK Capital Group Jenn Garner, Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Papa John’s Moderator: Rikki Amos, Executive Director of The IFA Foundation The panel discusses Roark’s history…
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Episode 14: Ocupar un Sitio en la Mesa: Celebrating Hispanic Latino Leadership
Rikki Amos, Executive Director of The IFA Foundation speaks with Ericka Garza, President of Au Bon Pain, and Marlen Cortez Morris of Ogletree Deakins, about the launch of The Hispanic Latino Franchise Leadership Council. The goal is to reach the Hispanic and Latino communities about challenges…
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Episode 13: From Fast Food Worker to Business Owner to Legislator
It’s not often that we get a Congressional Candidate that understands the ins and outs of franchising. Chuck Edwards joins Franchise Voice to share the nuances in policy that impact both the franchise business model and small business ownership at large and how having a background in franchising...
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Episode 12: Workforce Innovations for Franchisees
The major disruptions in the workplace are revolving around HR and workforce development. Sam Caucci, CEO and Founder of 1Huddle, shares ideas with podcast host Jack Monson on: How can franchise systems create a more engaging environment and culture? What are successful brands doing to combat...
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Episode 11: Black Franchise Leadership
August is National Black Business Month and we’ve invited leaders from The Diversity Institute and The Black Franchise Leadership Council Chair to discuss how we can advance the goals of improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in franchising. Rikki Amos, Executive Director of The IFA…
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Episode 10: Franchise Payments Trends
Today’s guest on Franchise Voice is Franchise Payments Network CEO Tom Epstein, discussing trends in payment processing in the current inflationary environment. Tom shares new research about what franchise systems are thinking regarding passing processing fees and other fees onto the consumer as...
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Episode 9: IFA Pride Council: Franchising is for Everyone
“Franchising is for everybody.” Mark Jameson of Propelled Brands and Paul Pickett of Wild Birds Unlimited share the mission of IFA’s Pride Council, how franchise systems can be more inclusive of the LGBTQ community, and their own personal stories of rising to leadership positions in franchising...
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Episode 8: Franchise Trends with Matt Haller and Charlie Chase
Live from IFE 2022 in New York! IFA’s CEO Matt Haller sits down with podcast host Jack Monson to discuss challenges he’s hearing from small business owners and an update on IFA’s Open for Opportunity program. Plus, we’ll chat about next week’s Franchise Customer Experience Conference in Atlanta....
About this show
Franchise Voice: The International Franchise Association Podcast delivers top trends and news from the world of franchising to franchise leaders and opportunity seekers. Hear about the success stories and proven business strategies that illustrate why franchising represents one of the most dynamic and widely used growth strategies in the modern era.
Hosted by
IFA
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