Meet the Franchise

Are you looking to invest in a boutique fitness & wellness franchise? On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills sits down with Scott Capelin, Founder and CEO of inLIFE Wellness, to discuss how his 25 years of fitness industry experience and entrepreneurship's highs and lows led him to design a streamlined boutique pilates studio model. https://scottcapelin.com/ inLIFE Wellness has expanded to approximately 70 global locations, initially scaling organically across Australia before launching its rapid U.S. development trajectory anchored in Dallas, Texas. Driven by strong consumer demand in the booming pilates market, low overhead costs, and fast cosmetic studio conversions, early U.S. franchisees are already scaling, with 20 studios underway across just five ownership groups. The brand is now targeting aggressive national expansion across key growth markets, including Texas, Arizona, California, Minneapolis, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida. Scott Capelin began his fitness career in 1999 as a personal trainer and draws on 25 years of hard-won fitness industry knowledge. His entrepreneurship journey has inspired a passion for creating a brand that improves health and fitness while simultaneously providing a wealth building asset for aspiring business owners just like him. Learn more about franchising with inLIFE Wellness: https://www.inlifewellness.com/franchise

Around 3.6 million+ new mothers enter the U.S. market every year. New Mom School is building a business around what they need most: support. On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills, CFE, sits down with Alexandra Spitz, Founder and CEO of New Mom School, to discuss how the brand is capitalizing on the rapidly expanding $16.7 billion postpartum services market. Positioning itself as a first-to-market franchise dedicated to structured postnatal education and peer community, New Mom School addresses a critical care gap for the approximately 3.6 million+ new mothers entering the U.S. market each year. Founded in 2012, New Mom School has expanded its footprint across multiple locations in 12 states nationwide. The concept originated from Alexandra's direct experience identifying the systemic lack of structured emotional and educational support during the “fourth trimester.” Drawing on her background in community development, operational strategy, and entrepreneurship, Alexandra engineered New Mom School from a single high-performing unit into a turnkey, nationwide franchise system. Learn more about franchising with New Mom School: https://newmomschool.com/franchise/

On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills, CFE, sits down with Abid Abedi, Founder and CEO of iCode School, to discuss how the franchise is powering the future of STEM education. Abid has more than 30 years of experience as a serial entrepreneur and has founded more than 15 startups across different sectors. Founded in 2015, iCode was created after Abid identified a gap in the market for engaging, future-focused computer science education for children. iCode is redefining STEM education through immersive, hands-on learning experiences that teach children coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, game development, digital design, and other technology skills. The brand was recognized by the Financial Times, ranking #1 in Education and #111 overall on its list of the Fastest-Growing Companies in North and South America. Today, the brand has sold more than 120 franchises and has campuses across 26 states. Learn more about franchising with iCode: https://icodefranchise.com/

Are you looking to invest in a Music Education franchise? On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills sits down with Michael Anderson, Founder and CEO of Rockstars of Tomorrow, to discuss how over 30 years of touring and collaborating with world-class musicians inspired him to create a brand that disrupts the industry with its standout immersive studio environments, internal concert theaters, state-of-the-art recording facilities, and multiple revenue streams. Rockstars of Tomorrow is aggressively expanding its footprint across the United States, targeting passionate entrepreneurs to enter premium territories nationwide. Currently operating 8 franchise units and 3 corporate locations, the brand is scaling through strong growth drivers, including a highly scalable conversion incentive for existing studios with 50+ students, robust unit economics, and an immersive, experiential model that satisfies high market demand for modern, performance-based music instruction. Total Estimated Investment: $244,000 - $710,500 Minimum Net Worth Requirement: $300,000 Liquid Capital Requirement: $150,000 Ideal Real-Estate Footprint: 3,000 – 4,000 sq. ft. Michael Anderson spent over three decades as an accomplished global touring musician, collaborating with world-class bands, appearing on major media platforms like Howard Stern and Entertainment Tonight, and touring internationally with Adam and the Weight. Michael founded Rockstars of Tomorrow in 2007 and began franchising in 2016. Learn more about franchising with Rockstars of Tomorrow: https://rotfranchise.rockstarsoftomorrow.com/business

How do you become the #1-ranked Home Inspection Franchise for four consecutive years? https://www.linkedin.com/in/abby-firmstone-2290a41b3/ Founded in 1993, WIN Home Inspection has grown into one of the nation's leading home inspection franchise brands, serving more than 2 million clients through a network of 280+ locations across 45 states. Among its many industry recognitions, WIN has been ranked the #1 Home Inspection Franchise by Entrepreneur for the past four years, named one of the Fastest-Growing Franchises, recognized as a Top Franchise for Veterans, and ranked among the Best Home-Based Franchises. On this episode, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills sits down with Abby Firmstone and Hailey Rodriquez to discuss how WIN prepares new franchise owners for success from day one by offering everything franchisees need under one roof. This includes comprehensive training and innovative technology, marketing support, and proven operating systems. WIN Home Inspection has built its reputation by offering more than traditional home inspections. The brand provides over 35 essential services for home buyers, sellers, and homeowners, combining innovative technology with a customer-first approach. Learn more about WIN Home Inspection here: https://wini.com/franchise/

On this episode of Meet The Franchise, Nick sits down with Weed Man's Philip Fogarty, Head of Franchise Development, and Jennifer Lemcke, CEO, to discuss what it takes to build a successful business in the professional lawn care industry and why it remains an attractive franchise opportunity. Founded in Canada and later expanding into the U.S., Weed Man has been part of the industry for over 50 years, growing from one man and a pickup truck into more than 970 territories across North America. The brand has earned top industry recognition, including Best Lawn Care Service Company from Forbes Home, #1 Lawn Care Franchise from Entrepreneur, and #1 Home Services Franchise from Franchise Business Review. Jennifer Lemcke's connection to Weed Man began as a teenager working in the family business. She worked her way through the company, ultimately becoming CEO. Philip Fogarty brings more than four decades of franchise experience to the conversation and serves as a Master Franchise Consultant for Weed Man. Together, they offer a unique perspective on building a successful franchise with the support of an established system. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

On this episode, Nick Powills sits down with Magen Morgan, Founder and CEO of Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. to discuss how she turned her passion for safer, plant-based skincare into a rapidly growing retail concept that sports multiple revenue streams. Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. currently operates over 50 family-centered locations across 17 states. As part of its national expansion strategy, the brand is targeting high-growth hot markets including Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Founded in 2016 in New Albany, Mississippi, Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. was created when Morgan set out to formulate plant-based, chemical-free personal care alternatives for her daughter's sensitive skin. From a single 1,200-square-foot storefront, Morgan built the business on ingredient transparency, community connection, and southern warmth. As CEO, she has scaled the concept into a national franchise network. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills sits down with Tim Lovett, CEO & Co-Owner, and Lance Ingram, Founder & Co-Owner of Waterloo Turf, how they grew an Austin-based turf business into a franchise model that is rapidly expanding to 39 active territories across Texas and beyond. Founder & Co-Owner Lance Ingram launched Waterloo Turf in 2021 after years of industry experience dating back to 2016, scaling the initial Austin operation and successfully testing multi-unit management in San Antonio with a full-time GM. Seeking a vehicle for national expansion, Lance partnered with Tim Lovett, a former operations executive at a multi-brand home service franchise platform with extensive experience leading brand marketing, franchisee coaching, and systemwide training. Together, they secured seven figures of growth capital prior to launching their franchise program in 2024. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

On this episode of Meet The Franchise, Nick Powills sits down with Josh Wise, CEO of GrassRoots Turf, to discuss how he founded a lawn care business that was able to turn customer trust into a recurring residual revenue opportunity. Founded in 2002 and franchising since 2019, GrassRoots Turf has scaled to 23 franchise units across the United States. Recognized for four consecutive years (2023–2026) as a Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review based on independent franchisee satisfaction, GrassRoots solves the industry's biggest cash flow issue by eliminating weather-dependent, pay-per-treatment revenue in favor of automated monthly subscriptions. Josh Wise entered the lawn care industry as a young technician before establishing GrassRoots Tree and Turf Care, Inc. in 2002 at age 22. As CEO, Wise pioneered the implementation of technicians with body cameras to record every application, establishing unprecedented operational transparency. Since launching franchise operations in 2019 out of Acworth, Georgia, Wise has built a complete executive infrastructure including dedicated franchise field coaching, centralized call centers, and brand management services. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

Nick Powills sits down with Rob Emery, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of DOGPerfect, to discuss how his nearly 40 years of hands-on entrepreneurial success led him to create a standout pet brand that successfully brings together nutrition, grooming, and everyday essentials. Founded in 2019 by Rob and Linda Emery, DOGPerfect grew to 6 thriving units across affluent, high-growth Sarasota and Manatee County markets. As of 2025, they have begun franchising and are now looking to expand beyond their Florida footprint by targeting high-density, lifestyle-driven neighborhoods across the country. Rob began his entrepreneurial career in 1987, founding Cellular and More (a top-performing Verizon wireless retail chain) and co-founding ProtectCELL, which he scaled to over $90 million in annual revenue before a successful acquisition in 2014.

Nick Powills sits down with Matt O'Rourke, Executive Vice President of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group, to discuss how he scaled his own enterprise to seven locations before its acquisition by BELFOR. BELFOR Franchise Group corners the market on industrial services, property restoration, cleaning, and home/facility maintenance, with a robust footprint spanning a portfolio of industry-leading brands including 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, Chem-Dry, DUCTZ, Helpful Heroes, HOODZ, N-Hance, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, The Patch Boys, 1-800-BOARDUP, redbox+ Dumpsters, Z PLUMBERZ, WINMAR, Clear Pest Pros, COOL-BINZ, and JUNKCO+. Matt O'Rourke serves as Executive Vice President of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group, driving strategic expansion across the entire portfolio while leading Z PLUMBERZ as Brand President. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

Are you looking to invest in a Senior Care franchise? On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills sits down with Erin Render , CEO of Legato Living, to discuss how her extensive background in Healthcare Administration and hands-on experience in residential long-term care led to founding a specialized memory care model that disrupts the big-box senior living industry. Operating on a specialized residential model focused on moderate to advanced dementia care, Legato Living is designed for high resident retention, allowing individuals to truly age in place through flat-rate pricing and customized programs like music therapy. Erin Render holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Healthcare Administration from Creighton University and Bellevue University, respectively. After starting her career directing traditional assisted living facilities, Render recognized systemic gaps in big-box senior care. Working side by side with Jerod Evanich and Dustin Distefano, founders of the "A Place at Home" franchise system, Render leveraged their proven franchise infrastructure to officially roll out the Legato Living concept. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

Are you a veteran looking to invest in a lucrative business? We sit down with Zach Willey, Founder and CEO of VETS Junk Removal and Dumpsters, to discuss how he leveraged 17+ years of high-stakes U.S. Army leadership to create a business that gives veterans an opportunity to tap into the $10+ Billion national trash management industry. VETS Junk Removal and Dumpsters is executing a strategic expansion plan across core markets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, and Virginia. Company partnerships covering over 1 million apartment units, structured operational roadmaps that scale unit revenue from $10k to $100k+ per month, and specialized funding partnerships with Benetrends Financial offering flexible capitalization strategies make this business a standout investment. A decorated U.S. Army veteran with over 17 years of military leadership—including serving as an Assistant Professor at West Point, a Company Commander managing $40M+ in combat equipment, and an Executive Officer directing complex overseas logistics in Afghanistan—Willey translated mission-critical execution into the commercial waste management space. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

We sit down with Shawn Caric, Vice President of Franchising at Smoothie King, to discuss why Smoothie King is the right choice for top-tier unit economics investors interested in the health and wellness smoothie industry. Capitalizing on a U.S. wellness market that exceeds $2 trillion and grows at nearly 8% annually, Smoothie King operates a footprint of over 1,200 stores in the United States and more than 1,300 locations worldwide. The brand is executing strategic expansion plans across high-growth target markets in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Midwest, and West. Caric brings decades of restaurant development leadership to the brand, having previously led franchise expansion efforts for Dunkin' Brands, Baskin-Robbins, QDOBA Mexican Eats, and Red Mango. Start your Growth Club Journey today https://bit.ly/4azU9fs

Meet Nate Tew, CEO and Co-Founder of Keyrenter Property Management. Founded as a residential property management company, Keyrenter Property Management helps rental property owners maximize returns through tenant placement, rent collection, maintenance coordination and ongoing property management. Since launching its franchise model in 2014, the brand has grown to more than 90 franchise locations across the U.S. and was recognized by Franchise Business Review as a 2026 Top Recession-Resistant Franchise and 2026 Top Culture Franchise. On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills sits down with Nate Tew to discuss how he has grown Keyrenter from a local property management company into a national franchise brand. They explore the brand's operating model and what makes Keyrenter an attractive opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to build a scalable service business. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

Are you looking to invest in a restaurant franchise where the corporate team actually understands what it's like to run a shift?FSC Franchise Co. is the powerful corporate engine behind three massive names in the food and beverage space: Beef 'O' Brady's, The Brass Tap, and Newk's Eatery. What makes them unique is that they also run about 30 of their own locations and their leadership has personally tested those operations across years of service.In this live webinar, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills sits down with Alan Rogers, Vice President of Organizational Learning & Development from FSC Franchise Co., and Jim Keenam, Director of Franchise Operations at The Brass Tap to discuss exactly what a new owner experiences from the moment they sign their agreement.Read our full interview with Rogers and Keenam here.

Meet Chuck Bongiovanni and Majestic Residences.Majestic Residences Franchise Systems is redefining senior living through a residential assisted living franchise model that combines compassionate care with a scalable business opportunity.On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills, CFE, sits down with Chuck Bongiovanni MSW,MBA,CSA,CFE,CPRS, Co-Founder & CEO of Majestic Residences, to discuss the financial potential of the residential assisted living industry, building a scalable franchise system, and why demographic trends are creating long-term opportunities for franchise owners and investors.A Certified Franchise Executive, author, and longtime leader in senior care franchising, Bongiovanni founded CarePatrol, which grew to more than 220 franchise locations. With more than 30 years of experience in senior care and franchising, he is bringing decades of expertise in operations, franchise development, and growth to the brand.Learn more about Majestic Residences: https://www.discovermajesticresidences.com/franchising/

Meet Joey Gonzalez and Chop Stop.Founded in 2010, Chop Stop is known for its fresh, made-to-order salads, wraps, bowls, and soups. The brand emphasizes quality ingredients, including locally sourced lettuce, offering a healthier take on fast-casual dining. With a growing franchise system, Chop Stop continues to expand across the U.S.On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills, CFE, sits down with Joey Gonzalez to discuss the brand's evolution, franchise growth, and the future of healthy fast-casual dining.A restaurant industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience, Gonzalez began his career in restaurant operations before advancing into executive leadership. He now serves as President and Owner of Chop Stop, bringing decades of operational expertise to the growing franchise.Learn more about the Chop Stop here: https://chopstop.com/franchising/

Meet Peter Hans and Discovery Map International, Inc.!On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills, CFE will discuss the brand's unique business model with Peter Hans, CEO of Discovery Map, which helps local businesses connect with travelers through its iconic hand-drawn maps and growing digital platform.Recognized as a Top Low-Cost Franchise by Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 in 2024, Discovery Map offers a home-based, low-overhead opportunity backed by more than 50 years of experience publishing trusted travel maps across North America. Learn more about the franchise opportunity: https://discoverymapfranchise.com/

What makes a home services franchise stand out in today's competitive market?Meet Steve C. Lane, Executive Director of Franchise Development at Handyman Connection!Handyman Connection is a leading home improvement franchise that connects homeowners with skilled craftsmen who deliver professional repair, remodeling, and maintenance services. With a proven business model, strong operational support, and recurring customer demand, the brand continues to expand across North America.In 2025 alone, Handyman Connection earned recognition as an Entrepreneur Verified Franchise, was named a Top Franchise for Veterans by Entrepreneur, ranked on Qualified Remodeler's TOP 500 and HIP 200 lists, and was recognized as a Top 100 Global Franchise by Franchise Direct—reinforcing its reputation as one of the industry's premier franchise opportunities.On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills, CFE, sits down with Steve Lane to discuss why Handyman Connection continues to stand out in the booming home services industry, and what makes now an ideal time to join its growing franchise network.Steve Lane brings more than 20 years of franchise development and sales leadership experience. His background includes senior development roles with nationally recognized franchise brands, where he specialized in multi-unit growth, territory expansion, and franchisee success.Learn more about franchising with Handyman Connection: https://franchiseopportunity.handymanconnection.com/

Meet Conquer Padel Club and Barry J. Falcon, CFE, CEO of Conquer Franchising!What is Conquer Padel Club?Conquer Padel Club is bringing one of the fastest-growing sports in the world to the U.S. - padel. The International Padel Federation recognizes padel as one of the sport's fastest-growing global movements. Through premium indoor padel clubs designed for players of all skill levels, Conquer combines state-of-the-art courts, professional coaching, leagues, tournaments, and social experiences to create a community-driven destination for padel enthusiasts. Originally launched in Mexico, Conquer is now expanding across the United States with a vision of becoming the premier destination for padel players nationwide.On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills, CFE sits down with Barry J. Falcon, CFE, to discuss why the brand believes padel is poised to become the next major recreational and social sport in North America and how franchisees can get in early on a rapidly emerging industry.Barry J. Falcon, CFE, brings decades of franchise development experience, having helped grow numerous franchise systems throughout his career.Franchise Investment Highlights• Estimated Initial Investment: $1,071,000 – $2,582,850• Initial Franchise Fee: $60,000*See the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for more information.Learn more about franchising with Conquer Padel Club here: https://conquerpadel.com/franchising

Meet Matt Nagelkirk, Vice President of Franchising at Tommy's Express® Car Wash!What is Tommy's Express Car Wash?Tommy's Express is an industry-leading automated car wash franchise with more than 270 locations nationwide, backed by parent company Tommy Car Wash Systems. The brand has earned recognition as the #1 Car Wash in the Entrepreneur Franchise 500, a spot on the Inc. 5000 Regionals, and placement on the Franchise Times Fast & Serious list of the industry's smartest-growing brands.On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills, CFE sits down with Matt Nagelkirk to discuss how his experience in franchise development and operations has helped Tommy's Express build scalable systems, support franchisees, and expand one of the fastest-growing brands in the express car wash industry.For entrepreneurs interested in joining the brand, Tommy's Express offers two investment paths:Ownership Model: $1M–$2M in liquid assets and a $3M–$5M net worth to build long-term business and real estate equity.Lease Model: $500K–$1M in liquid assets and a $2M net worth, providing a lower barrier to entry.Learn more about franchising with Tommy's Express® Car Wash: https://tommys-express.com/franchise/#pre-app

Learn more about Mathnasium - The Math Learning Center, boasting a global footprint of more than 1,250 learning centers.Kevin S., CFO at Mathnasium, will join 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills, CFE in a live webinar to provide a closer look at why now is the time to join Mathnasium. He will discuss unit-level profitability, low-overhead model benefits, recent ROI insights, how the brand supports its franchisees, and expansion efforts in the Northeast.Register here to take the first step with Mathnasium:https://1851franchise.com/mathnasiumhashta

Meet Joshua Frankel, Vice President of Franchising at Five Iron Golf!What is Five Iron Golf?Five Iron Golf combines state-of-the-art golf simulators with a vibrant bar, restaurant, and social space, backed by industry giants Danny Meyer's Enlightened Hospitality Investments and Callaway Golf. On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills, CFE sits down with Joshua Frankel to discuss how the brand successfully expanded from a single New York City location into a global entertainment powerhouse with 32 venues across 13 states and 5 countries.The brand is targeting rapid domestic and international scale over the next 3–5 years, capitalizing on a high-loyalty ecosystem driven by structured leagues, corporate events, and non-cyclical recurring revenue streams.Frankel brings an elite track record of operational scale to his role as Senior Vice President of Franchising, having previously served as Vice President of Operations at Liberty Restaurants Holdings and COO/Partner at Break Bread Ventures. Learn more about franchising with Five Iron Golf here: https://franchising.fiveirongolf.com/

Jennifer Jack-Wunder is a multi-unit Comfort Keepers franchise owner in Canton, Georgia, who earned her nursing degree after a career in hospitality management. A lifelong learner with a heart for senior care, she chose franchising with Comfort Keepers so she could have a direct hand in her clients' well-being while serving as a mentor, coach, and cheerleader for her caregiving team.Comfort Keepers is an in-home senior care brand founded in 1998 and franchising since 1999, now with more than 700 operating territories in the US and Canada. Over two decades as a multi-unit owner in North Georgia, Jennifer built a business that earned the 2025 Quest for Excellence Award, recognizing her revenue growth and business performance.Learn more about franchising with Comfort Keepers here.

Meet Loni Le Van-Etter, Founder of Glosshouz!What is Glosshouz?Glosshouz Spa Center is a modern beauty, spa, medspa and wellness franchise business designed for ambitious entrepreneurs seeking ownership in the booming $100 Billion dollar self-care industry. On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills, CFE sits down with Laylonie Le Van-Etter, Founder of Glosshouz, to discuss how her background as an electrical engineer allowed her to design, systemize, and scale a highly efficient spa model that maximizes per-customer spend through an innovative recurring membership program.Backed by an established flagship location in Denver, Colorado, the brand is leveraging its proven infrastructure to drive system-wide growth over the next 3–5 years, with a strategic mission to scale its footprint nationwide through qualified franchise partners who want to dominate the luxury wellness sector in their local markets.Founder Laylonie Le Van-Etter has directly bridged her engineering expertise into perfecting the Glosshouz operational model by implementing robust online learning systems, provider recruitment pipelines, and predictable recurring revenue streams. Learn more about franchising with Glosshouz: https://lnkd.in/gcwNBjEj

Meet Hadri Jaffal, CO-Founder and CEO of Iron Bodyfit! What is Iron Bodyfit? Iron Bodyfit is a gym model focused on turning science-backed Electro Muscle Stimulation (EMS) technology into a highly efficient 25-minute, once-a-week workout that delivers the metabolic results of a multi-hour gym session, creating an incredibly high-margin, low-overhead investment opportunity. On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills sits down with Hadri Jaffal, CEO and Co-Founder of Iron Bodyfit, to discuss how the brand achieved massive international scale by pioneering a structured, turnkey business model that allows entrepreneurs to succeed in the booming wellness sector without any prior fitness background. As the brand targets rapid global expansion over the next 3 to 5 years, the corporate mission is centered on securing strategic Master Franchisees to scale country-level networks and position Iron Bodyfit as the definitive global reference in electrostimulation wellness. Co-founder and CEO Hadri Jaffal has spent over a decade transforming a niche athletic technology into an international school of entrepreneurship. His profound expertise in system structuring and market expansion is the driving force behind Iron Bodyfit's aggressive growth targets. Start your Growth Club Journey today https://bit.ly/4azU9fs

Meet Jeff Helfgott, CEO of Boardroom Salon For Men! What is Boardroom Salon? Boardroom Salon for Men is an upscale men's salon with a highly sophisticated membership model that serves as the ultimate competitive moat, with more than 40% of revenue recurring from membership. On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills sits down with CEO Jeff Helfgott to discuss how Boardroom Salon is capturing the massive white space in the upscale men's grooming sector while achieving four straight years of same-store growth and zero closures since 2023. The franchise is currently positioned for aggressive market expansion, leveraging a strict three-unit minimum development strategy designed for multi-unit operators to build out entire territories quickly and maximize earnings per unit. Jeff Helfgott brings over two decades of corporate and military leadership experience, specializing in scaling complex brands and fostering high-performing teams. Having already executed a 10-location corporate acquisition, launched the brand's signature recurring-revenue membership program, and rolled out a proprietary branded product line, Helfgott's extensive operational expertise translates directly to Boardroom Salon's current expansion targets. Start your Growth Club Journey today https://bit.ly/4azU9fs

Are you looking to invest in a entertainment and video game resale franchise? On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills sits down with Nick Leja, President of Disc Replay, to discuss how completely overhauling the brand's proprietary point-of-sale infrastructure and website prepared this 38-unit system to wake up a "sleeping bear" of franchise growth. Currently operating 38 successful units, Disc Replay is executing a strategic blueprint to scale its footprint by over 550% toward a long-term goal of 250 high-performing locations. Over the next 3–5 years, the brand's mission centers on capturing substantial market whitespace across the Midwest, Georgia, Kentucky, and Texas, onboarding community-minded, multi-unit capable operators into a low-overhead model that maximizes regional market share. Nick Leja is an accomplished portfolio entrepreneur with an elite track record of owning and operating leading franchise brands across multiple industries, including Plato's Closet, My Salon Suite, and Superior Fence & Rail. Start your Growth Club Journey today https://bit.ly/4azU9fs

Navigating the commercial lending landscape can be an intimidating hurdle for aspiring entrepreneurs. For prospective franchisees exploring the early education industry, one of the biggest questions is often: Will I be able to secure financing? Samantha Martin joins 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills to discuss why Children's Lighthouses' strong revenue growth (9.9% compound annual growth rate) and high fund score (805 out of 950) make funding options more accessible for entrepreneurs. As a Senior Business Development Officer at Huntington Bank, Samantha breaks down the underwriting process with a senior education lending specialist from Huntington Bank, covering everything from equity injection requirements to the strategic advantages of blending business operations with commercial real estate ownership. Discover how the sector provides a protective pathway for corporate executives transitioning into business ownership while maintaining predictable, needs-based cash flow.

Are you looking to invest in a health and wellness franchise? Discover how Clean Eatz maximizes profitability and mitigates market risk through five diversified revenue streams, a low initial investment, and a streamlined operational model that caters perfectly to the surging consumer demand for convenient, macro-balanced nutrition. On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills sits down with Don Varady, Co-founder and CEO of Clean Eatz, to discuss how the brand successfully engineered a $1.1 million Average Unit Volume (AUV) by establishing a highly sustainable, ethical franchise model that provides Meal Plans, Grab and Go Meals, In-Store Cafes, Catering, and Retail options. Currently scaled to over 120 locations across 23 states, Clean Eatz is executing an aggressive national expansion strategy targeting key high-growth markets including Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Charleston. Over the next 3 to 5 years, the brand is positioned to multiply its footprint and market share by capitalizing on the rapid consolidation of the healthy fast-casual sector. With over 13 years of executive experience in the franchise industry, Co-founder and CEO Don Varady has dedicated his career to fostering strategic planning, effective leadership, and exceptional operational integrity. His deep expertise in building a sustainable and credible franchise model bridges directly with Clean Eatz' aggressive 3-to-5-year scaling goals. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

While major corporate chains rely on impersonal, transactional service, Aroma Joe's has emerged as a powerhouse industry disruptor by combining an insanely loyal cult following, ethically sourced craft coffees, and their proprietary AJ's Rush® Energy drink line to capture a massive share of the booming $80 billion U.S. coffee market. On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills sits down with Erika Tarnowski, Franchise Development Director at Aroma Joe's, to discuss how the brand has successfully weaponized an unmatched, franchisee-first support culture to achieve 25 years of sustained operational excellence and rapid multi-unit expansion. Celebrating over a quarter-century of fueling communities, the Aroma Joe's franchise system has grown to over 125 open shops spanning eight states. With consumer demand shifting aggressively away from legacy chains and toward premium, sustainable brands, Aroma Joe's is executing an aggressive 3-to-5-year growth mission to expand its footprint nationally. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

Are you looking to invest in a sub sandwich franchise? While traditional fast-casual brands rely on cookie-cutter, corporate-mandated blueprints, Cheba Hut has broken the industry mold by pairing industry-leading $2.3M+ AUVs with a high-margin, cannabis-themed experiential restaurant model that features a full-service bar and no expensive, complicated fryers or grills. On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills sits down with Seth Larsen, Chief Development Officer of Cheba Hut, to discuss how the brand secured a landmark intellectual property and trademark securitization deal with Diversified Royalty Corp, a massive validation of the franchise's proprietary value that allowed the brand to accelerate growth without sacrificing equity. Larsen has been a leader in driving Cheba Hut to maintain steady, disciplined system-wide growth, reaching over 75 active locations across the United States. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

Meet Andrew Gibson, President and CEO of Tide Services at Procter & Gamble. While the $115 billion laundry and dry cleaning sector has spent decades defined by fragmented, outdated, local mom-and-pop operators, Tide Services delivers on two tech-enabled, premium models from the unmatched corporate infrastructure and brand equity of Procter & Gamble. On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills sits down with Andrew Gibson to discuss Tide Services' strategic transition from a rigid single-store design into two highly scalable, multi-format national out-of-home laundry and dry cleaning platforms - Tide Cleaners & Tide Laundromat. Tide Services has expanded past 225 locations across more than 30 markets, capturing massive market share in this essential service category. With a 3–5 year mission focused heavily on market consolidation, corporate conversions, and geographic expansion into hot multi-unit markets like California, Texas, and New York, the brand is targeting multi-unit operators looking to diversify away from high labor demands. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

While many industries are seeing a reason to scale back right now, the event rental and outdoor entertainment industry is thriving. Busy Bee Jumpers has spent 25 years capitalizing on this need, completing more than 13,000 events each year and earning a status as an industry leader in reliability, safety, and service. The brand is now expanding nationally, fueled by strong roots in Massachusetts and New England. Nick Powills sits down with Gina Payzant, the brand's CFO turned first-ever franchisee, and Sal Longo , CEO, as they share how they transitioned a successful 15-year independent operation into a high-growth franchise system built on proprietary technology and "stress-free" logistics that consumers love. The brand is now focused on aggressive system-wide expansion, with a mission to scale 5x by 2027. Hands-on operators who want to run a meaningful, community-oriented business with strong growth potential are encouraged to reach out! Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

Are you looking to invest in a facility service management franchise? System4 began as a janitorial company but has evolved into a full-service facility management franchise by transforming traditional facility maintenance into a high-margin sales and service logistics management model. On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills sits down with Scott Kubec, Chief Operating Officer at System4 LLC, to discuss the opportunity behind the brand's proprietary technology platforms and expertise in streamlining priorities that make it simple to drive high-volume corporate contracts. As Chief Operating Officer, Scott Kubec brings a deep 18-year track record of success within the System4 organization to this conversation, having held pivotal leadership roles, including Director of Business Development and Vice President. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

Stella's Ice Cream has redefined the traditional "mom-and-pop" shop by merging small-batch, artisanal quality with a high-performance, modern operational model. The brand offers both a vibrant, retail presence paired with a high-margin optional mobile ice cream truck and cart component, allowing franchisees to capture market share both in-store and at premium community events. Since launching its franchise program in 2023, the brand has already secured 12 franchised units alongside 4 corporate locations. On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills sits down with Chad Hartley , CEO and Founder of Stella's Ice Cream, to discuss how the brand successfully transitioned from a single community favorite in Idaho to a rapidly expanding regional powerhouse with 16 total units. With a mission to reach 50+ units over the next 3–5 years, Stella's is focused on domestic growth across the United States, targeting a 300% increase in unit count by 2027 through strategic partnerships with multi-unit investors and community-minded operators. Chad Hartley's career began in the high-stakes environment of emergency medicine as a paramedic. Chad founded Stella's Ice Cream with a vision to create an elevated, "cool" alternative to outdated dessert shops. His background in operational efficiency and vendor relations is the engine behind Stella's 5x growth mission. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

Meet Todd Hillman , Vice President of Franchise Development at Always Best Care Senior Services. What is Always Best Care? Always Best Care stands apart in the $430 billion home care industry by offering a unique "Continuum of Care" model that allows franchisees to secure three distinct revenue streams—non-medical in-home care, skilled home health, and assisted living placement—from a single protected referral source. On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills sits down with Todd Hillman, Vice President of Franchise Development, to discuss how Always Best Care has maintained uninterrupted systemwide sales growth for nearly a decade while providing over 184 hours of specialized training to ensure franchisee success. Operating more than 225 territories, the mission for the next 3–5 years is aggressive national expansion. Todd Hillman joined Always Best Care in 2025, bringing over 22 years of high-level experience as a franchisee, regional developer, and franchisor leader. Hillman has overseen double-digit growth for powerhouse brands like Massage Envy and various emerging concepts in the health and wellness space. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

Meet Suzie Tsai / suzietsai , CEO of Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken. What is Bonchon? "Bonchon is a global phenomenon two decades in the making." FSR Magazine. Bonchon is a fast-casual restaurant franchise that specializes in Korean-style fried chicken and a variety of savory Asian fusion dishes. With more than 500 locations worldwide, Bonchon presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and Multi-Unit operators who have experience in fast-casual restaurants and share the brand's vision to promote Korean hometown flavors to a global audience. Bonchon is consistently recognized as a leader in the franchise space. They are ranked on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500, have been recognized as the “gold standard” for fried chicken by Business Insider, and have been spotlighted in FSR for their leadership in the larger conversations in today's booming market interest in Korean food and culture. The double-fried crunch and proprietary, founder-formulated hand-brushed sauces are the franchise's biggest differentiator, providing a premium dining experience that guests are willing to pay more for, as evidenced by an average ticket size of over $35. In 2025, 26 Bonchon locations reported an average unit volume of over $1 million. Suzie Tsai is one of Fast Casual's 2025 Top 25 Movers & Shakers and Lunchbox's 2025 Top 30 Women in Food. Under her leadership, Bonchon has redefined its menu with bold innovations, introduced new technology platforms, and broken franchise development records through unprecedented deal signings and new store openings. Deep dive into Bonchon's FDD here: https://franchising.bonchon.com/ Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

Own the top-rated men's hair franchise. In this episode, 1851 Franchise publisher Nick Powills sits down with Brent Greenwood, VP of Franchise Development at Sport Clips, to discuss the 2026 investment opportunity and the brand's path to 1,800+ locations. About the Sport Clips Franchise Opportunity: Sport Clips is a nationally recognized leader in the men's and boys' haircare category. Founded in 1993, the brand has scaled to over 1,800 stores by focusing on simple operations and a high-retention manager-run model. Key Financial & Investment Highlights: -Total Investment: $226,800 to $580,500 per store -Average Operating Profit: $126,281 (Based on 2026 Item 19 data) -Owner Profile: No haircare experience required; ideal for multi-unit executive owners. -Veteran Incentives: Significant discounts available for qualified veterans. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

Meet Brian Simowitz, President at Houston TX Hot Chicken. What is Houston TX Hot Chicken? Houston TX Hot Chicken (AKA - HHC) is a fast-casual restaurant offering delicious Nashville Hot Chicken sandwiches and other southern-inspired favorites. Opening their first location in 2021 as a small passion project, Founders Houston Crosta and Swedish race-car driver Edmond Barseghian have made a big splash as rising stars in the “hot chicken” phenomenon. With 30+ open locations and 150+ in development, HHC is bridging the gap between social media influence and rigorous operational discipline. In 2023, HHC won a strategic investment from the prestigious private equity firm "The Savory Fund". Brian Simowitz has spent 25+ years growing franchise brands in executive positions across the industry, with stints at Applebee's and Slim Chickens. With his leadership, he plans to focus on the brand's ultimate goal of opening 50 to 60 restaurants per year, and possibly expanding outside the country. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

Meet Chris Stoness, founder and CEO of both Sparkle Squad and Elite Window Cleaning! As a leading executive in the window cleaning sector, Chris Stoness transitioned from a recording engineer to a visionary founder, modernizing an industry that hadn't seen innovation since the 1930s. While they operate as distinct brands in different countries, Elite Window Cleaning and Sparkle Squad are essentially two sides of the same high-tech coin. Founded in 2012 in Kingston, Ontario, Stoness spent over a decade perfecting the operations, technology, and philosophy that defined Elite's success in the Canadian window cleaning market. Launched in late 2023, Sparkle Squad is the American "sister brand" that was purposely built to bring Elite's proven, recession-resistant model to the United States. With the support of Happinest Brands, Stoness has perfected systems, digitized operations, and developed proprietary cleaning protocols & tools that now position these two franchise brands as industry leaders. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

Are you looking to invest in a commercial cleaning franchise that has already carved out a dominant market share? On this episode of Meet The Franchise, 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills sits down with Sean Hart, a seasoned franchise development leader, to discuss how Enviro-Master® accomplished a system-wide revenue increase of over 500% from 2016 to 2021 through the use of proprietary cleaning technology in a post-COVID world. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

Meet Garrett Reed, CEO of Layne's Chicken Fingers. What Is Layne's? Founded in 1994 in College Station, this "Soon To Be Famous" chicken-finger franchise became a Texas A&M legend known for its small-town charm, friendly service, iconic chicken fingers, and secret sauce. Layne's presents a unique combination of growth potential and brand maturity in the booming chicken space. With more than 30 restaurants open and more than 250 sold, Layne's is quickly laying the groundwork for a nationwide takeover. While the team remains interested in dominating the market in its home state of Texas and neighboring states, the restaurant is also expanding into the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest. Garrett Reed fell in love with the Texas-headquartered concept as a student at Texas A&M University. In 2015, Garrett approached the concept's owner to express his interest in expanding the brand. He became the concept's owner two years later and, as CEO, focuses on creating an open-door culture where people from all levels of the organization can contribute their ideas. Learn about Layne's Cost, Fees, Return on Investment details, etc, here. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills interviews Newk's CDO Chris Cheek and Mid-South multi-unit franchisee Wes Williams to learn why existing franchisees are doubling and tripling down on their investments with Newk's Eatery. Wes Williams isn't your typical "entrepreneur" on paper. He started his career loading trucks at a metals distribution center and worked his way up to become the President of a $50M company before discovering his calling in franchising. Today, Wes operates six Newk's locations across Arkansas and Tennessee, with three more already in the pipeline. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

Meet Healey Mendicino, CEO and President of Port of Subs! What is Port of Subs? Founded in 1972, Port of Subs is a premium sandwich-based Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) with over 130 locations across Nevada, California, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Throughout its 50-year history, this family-owned brand has undergone numerous transitions to refine its operations. Following a 2023 investment from the franchise experts at Area 15 Ventures, the company is now accelerating development by shifting from single-unit growth to a regional developer model. The brand's excellence is well-documented; it was recognized in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 (2025), ranked among the Top 10 Sandwich Franchises (2024), and included in the Franchise Times Top 400. The Port of Subs mission is centered on delivering superior customer service, high-quality sandwiches, and a culture deeply committed to community reinvestment. Mendicino joined the company as a franchisee in 2013, operating two units in Reno, Nevada. Her success led the owners to offer her the role of Executive Vice President. In 2023, she was promoted to President, and she is currently leading the company's expansion, with 230 units under development across four new states this year. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now!

Meet Dr. Clint Coleman, CEO of Central Creativity! What is Central Creativity? Founded in 2017, Central Creativity is an educational organization dedicated to fostering critical and creative thinking skills in students by providing innovative, hands-on learning experiences for Pre-K through 12th grade. Central Creativity is designed for entrepreneurs who care deeply about education and community impact. Ideal franchisees may come from a variety of backgrounds, including teaching, administration, nonprofit work, or business ownership. Dr. Clint Coleman, who holds a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from Tulane University and previously led Louisiana's statewide STEM network (LASTEM), was named CEO in 2026. His vision is to scale Central Creativity's franchise model nationally while deepening the company's connection between classroom learning and real-world career opportunities. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now https://bit.ly/4rgUwRV

Meet Dan Stone, Chief Business Officer at The Melting Pot Restaurants! What is The Melting Pot? The Melting Pot, the 94-unit experiential fondue franchise, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025. As a leader in this niche sector, they have excelled as the go-to fondue concept thanks to the power of a passionate corporate team and a focus on operational execution of new initiatives. In the past year the brand has found success in two major projects with the launch of "Melting Pot at Home", a retail and e-commerce product that is now available across over 2,500 grocery locations, as well as breaking ground on the "Melting Pot Evolution" - a systemwide initiative to modernize the design of the brand, streamline operations and revolutionize the guest experience. Since 2006, Dan Stone (CFE) has led the expansion of the Melting Pot's franchise network in domestic & international markets. With a drive for responsible growth, Stone leads the business unit of the Melting Pot's Restaurant Support Center based in Tampa, Florida. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club! Learn more about franchising with The Melting Pot.

Meet Ralph Bower, CEO at The Melt! What is The Melt? Founded in 2011 in San Francisco, The Melt is a heavy-hitting, indulgent restaurant in the fast-casual sector. Known as the home of the "World's Meltiest Burger," this brand has found massive success in the West with 17 locations, including its recent expansion into Arizona. As CEO, Bower has led a culture shift focused on guest feedback and delivering an “I Love It Here” experience, a philosophy so far-reaching it even transformed the entire menu. Under Bower's leadership, the Average Unit Volume (AUV) has skyrocketed from $700K in 2016 to $3.5M in 2023 across their corporate locations. As The Melt gears up for a renewed push into franchising, it's spreading the word about where it wants to grow next and the kind of franchise partners it will be looking for to support its long-term development plans. Learn more about the The Melt here. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club!

Meet Clint Rowley, Brand President of Screenmobile! What is Screenmobile? With 28 consecutive years on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500, Screenmobile is the original mobile screen repair and installation franchise with a broad menu of services including patio enclosures, motorized screens, sun control products, pet-resistant screens and custom outdoor living solutions. With more than 120 units operating in over 30 states, franchise owners run home-based businesses using a branded truck and trailer that functions as a mobile workshop, allowing them to measure, manufacture and install screens on-site, often in a single visit.Clint Rowley has served as Brand President since January 2025, following a steady progression through various leadership and operational roles within Screenmobile and its Authority Brands' affiliate franchise, Monster Tree Service. Rowley has owned an ASP - America's Swimming Pool Company franchise in Mesa, Arizona for more than decade. Screenmobile appeals to entrepreneurs who enjoy working with their hands, enjoy being outdoors, and value punctuality and professionalism. With flexibility built into the mobile workshop model, owners benefit from a schedule that supports both business goals and family life. Learn more about franchising with Screenmobile: https://screenmobilefranchise.com/