Meet the Franchise

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 Chad founded Stella's Ice Cream with a vision to create an elevated, "cool" alternative to outdated dessert shops.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/

Meet Amy Addington, President and Co-Founder of Woofie's Pet Venture. What is Woofie's? Founded in 2004 in Ashburn, Virginia, by Amy Addington and neighbor Leslie Barron, Woofie's is a full-service mobile pet care franchise that combines mobile pet grooming, dog walking, and pet sitting into one platform. In 2022, the brand joined the Authority Brands family and, as of 2025, Woofie's currently operates over 90 units nationally. As a mobile, service-based business, Woofie's is attractive for its inexpensive operations overhead, flexible offerings, and consistent customer demand. These factors make it a great option for community-focused franchisees looking for a lower-cost entry into the pet services sector. Filled with the spirit of an entrepreneur leaving a six-figure corporate role to create a business they love, Amy has been a dedicated leader to the Woofie's franchise community for over 20+ years. She currently owns a Woofie's franchise in Delray Beach, FL, because of her commitment to staying attuned to the challenges of owning a franchise. For prospective entrepreneurs who love pets and have experience running a professional operation, Woofie's offers a clear path to fruitful business ownership. Learn more about franchising with Woofie's.

Discover the Magic Behind FSC Franchise Co.'s Differentiated Sports & Community Concepts. Nick interviews Scott SirLouis, COO of FSC Franchise Co., to explore the dual-brand opportunity this parent company offers with Beef 'O' Brady's and The Brass Tap — two complementary concepts built around Food. Sports. Community. Learn how FSC's portfolio approach empowers operators to become the “Mayor of the Market,” pairing a family-friendly sports restaurant with an upscale craft beer bar to drive repeat traffic, diversify revenue, and scale efficiently within one territory. Learn more about franchising with FSC Franchise Co. here: https://www.fscfranchiseco.com/

Meet Burton Heiss, CEO of Escapology. What is Escapology? After opening the first location in Orlando in 2014, Escapology began franchising in 2016 as a leader in the growing escape room & entertainment sector. In 2025, they celebrated their 100th location opening in Glendale, Arizona, spearheaded by a brother-sister team of multi-unit franchisees. Escapology stands out for their use of an internal manufacturing team, empowering consistent quality and faster rollouts of games across locations. Their rooms also span beloved universes brought to life through world-class licensing with iconic franchises like Scooby Doo, Star Trek, Batman, etc. Burton joined Escapology in March of 2022 after a career in the restaurant industry including roles as CEO of Nando's Peri-Peri and Buddy's Pizza. He also held executive positions with &Pizza, Wagamama and Baja Fresh. Interested in franchising with Escapology? Learn more here: https://www.escapology.com/en/franchise-why-escapology

Meet Brandon & Chantel Gawthorp, Co-Founders of Urban Bird Hot Chicken. What is Urban Bird? Started in September of 2020, Urban Bird is a veteran owned and operated Nashville Style Hot Chicken restaurant that has seen massive success through their intentional use of high-quality food products and creative signature flavorings. After discovering the Hot Chicken craze on a trip to Vegas, Brandon and Chantel Gawthorp opened their first location in Katy, TX, right as the pandemic began in March of 2020. As previous multi-unit Wingstop franchisees, this team has found success in the exploding chicken market by perfecting systems operations, setting expectations, and maintaining quality through expansion by supporting like-minded entrepreneurs. In Q2 of 2025, the brand celebrated its 20th restaurant and began offering franchise opportunities to dedicated first time entrepreneurs as well as experienced Multi-Unit operators who are ready to be highly involved in taking the brand to the next level. Learn more about franchising with Urban Bird:https://www.urbanbirdhotchicken.com/franchise/

What started with grit, focus, and a simple obsession became Dillas Quesadillas — an emerging brand creating a category of its own. Now, the next chapter is unfolding. Join 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills for a behind-the-scenes conversation with Dillas Quesadillas Co-Founders Kyle and Maggie Gordon. You'll hear the real story of how Dillas was built — from early lessons at Raising Cane's to growing a brand. Whether you're a longtime Diehard or simply curious about entrepreneurship and restaurant ownership, this is a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes with the founders. Learn more about franchising with Dillas here: https://dillas.com/franchise/

Meet Katy Richardson, COO, and Lou DeFrancisco, President, of Extraordinary Brands. What is Extraordinary Brands? Since its founding in May 2022, Extraordinary Brands has assembled a portfolio of leading fitness brands including Row House, Neighborhood barre, CycleBar, and Rumble Boxing. By combining a passion for health and wellness with an entrepreneurial spirit, Extraordinary Brands focuses on creating opportunities that inspire growth while empowering people to live healthier lives. The Extraordinary Brands team helps franchisees create a customized roadmap to build a thriving wellness-focused business, while making fitness and better health accessible to their community. Learn more about franchising with Extraordinary Brands: https://www.extraordinarybrands.com/

Meet Nick Way, Senior Director of Brand Marketing for Home Helpers Home Care Franchise. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickway1/ What is Home Helpers Home Care? Named A Top Low-Cost Franchises by Franchise Business Review and a 5-Star Franchise by Vet-Fran, Home Helpers® provides comprehensive in-home care services and assistance for seniors and more. With more than 330 locations across the US, serving more than 1,500 communities, Home Helpers Home Care provides franchisees performance coaching, continuous training and networking, strategic vendor partnerships, and professional marketing and lead-generation resources. Many franchisees do not have healthcare experience and the majority have never owned their own business, however a strong desire to help others in a local community is important! Nick Way has been with Home Helpers Home Care since 2014, rising fast into his current position in marketing. Learn more about franchising with Home Helpers Home Care here: https://www.homehelpersfranchise.com/

Meet Joseph Wade, VP of Operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-wade-4b386913/ What is Benjamin Franklin Plumbing? The brand traces its franchising roots to the early 2000s, when a group of independent plumbing businesses came together through a buying group. The goal was to better compete in a fragmented industry and bring structure to what was often an informal, highly localized trade. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing was acquired by Authority Brands, which brought the operational support and systems needed to scale. Franchisees benefit from Authority Brands' in-house purchasing division, which negotiates national discounts, rebates and private-label options. Joseph served as a Senior Franchise Business Consultant at Authority Brands and a Franchise Business Coach at Neighborly Brands. Outside the franchising sector. Joseph held leadership roles as the Director of Clinic Operations and Training at Scott & White Memorial Hospital & as a Program Manager for System High Corporation delivering on high-stakes government security contracts. He is also a 10 year veteran of the United States Air Force. Learn more about franchising with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing here: https://1851franchise.com/benjamin-franklin-plumbing

Meet Brandon Cornelius, COO of Costa Oil. What is Costa Oil? This Hanover, Pennsylvania based franchise is one of the only family owned automotive service / quick lube businesses that is not directly owned, operated or affiliated with an oil company. Ranked #101 on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2025 list of Top New & Emerging Franchises in the United States, Costa Oil was established in 2014 by current President Costa Kapothanasis, and began franchising in 2020. Since then the brand has expanded to 53 locations as of 2024, marking a 278.6% growth over three years. Currently, Costa Oil is looking for driven, customer service oriented individuals with management skills to join their growing brand! Learn more about franchising with Costa Oil: https://costaoils.com/franchising/

At a time when private equity firms are acquiring many childcare franchises, the question of whether family operated or privately owned is a huge factor when deciding on a franchise. Nick Powills, Publisher of 1851 Franchise, is joined by Children's Lighthouse President, Michael Brown, and VP of Franchise Development, Matt Kelton to unpack how staying family-owned in a private equity-heavy childcare market gives franchisees a fundamentally different experience. https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-brown-cfe-93022515/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kelton/ For entrepreneurs evaluating higher-end childcare investments in 2026, Children's Lighthouse is betting that continuity of leadership, people-over-profits decisions, and a family-first culture will remain a powerful differentiator — for franchisees, families, and the children they serve. Learn more about franchising with Children's Lighthouse:https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse

Meet Lane Martin, Founder of Modern PURAIR®. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lane-martin-7377a114/ What is Modern PURAIR? Franchising since 2007, this brand is a full-service Indoor Air Quality company offering duct cleaning & indoor air quality programs and testing for residential properties, retail locations, property management companies, restoration companies, schools, hospitals, and more. Founded initially in 1969 by Don Martin as a HVAC service business in Calgary, Modern PURAIR has developed over time to offer full suite of services in the growing air quality sector and a franchise model with 22 franchisees across Canada. Lane Martin began in the business by buying his own truck in 1992 and was the catalyst for pushing the business into a franchising model after reading a Canadian business magazine on "1800-GOT-JUNK". Since then Lane has been a driving force behind investments in the model. Learn more about franchising with Modern PURAIR® here: https://modernpurair.com/franchising/

Meet Dr. Rachel Fidino, CEO of New U Women's Clinic and Aesthetics.https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rachel-fidino-722531162/ What is New U? Founded in February 2020, New U Women's Clinic & Aesthetics is a premier facility offering a holistic approach to patient care. Bridging the gap between medical practice and aesthetics, New U offers skincare, injectables, body wellness programs, and comprehensive women's health services. Their excellence has been recognized by "Tri-Cities Best," winning the titles of Best Women's Clinic, Best MedSpa, and Best Weight Loss Center for four consecutive years (2022–2025). Dr. Rachel Fidino is a double board-certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with over 12 years of clinical expertise in Women's Health and Advanced Genetics.Her dedication to women's care is deeply personal. A survivor of cervical cancer diagnosed at the age of 32 and having experienced pregnancy loss, Dr. Fidino understands the patient's journey intimately. Dr. Fidino is also a National Keynote Speaker on Cancer Genetics, an FDA trainer for Merck, and the co-founder of The Healing Hands Project nonprofit. Learn more about the brand here: https://www.newuwomensclinic.com/

Meet Nesa Opp, Director of Franchise Development for The Glass Guru Franchise.https://www.linkedin.com/in/nesa-opp-3abb07202/ What is The Glass Guru Franchise? The Glass Guru offers window/glass restoration services & glass replacement to residential/commercial customers. The brand was the first US-based enterprise to introduce the Foggy Window Repair process, a revolutionary method being used in Canada that restored the appearance and heat-retaining properties of defective dual-pane windows, without requiring the glass to be replaced. The brand currently operates 85+ franchise locations across the U.S. and Canada. Most locations launch with minimal inventory and without the need for a large warehouse or showroom. Nesa Opp was brought on this past September as the companies new Director of Franchise Development and comes prepared with over 23 years of experience in franchise development, more than 11 years as Vice President of Franchise Development with Franklin Sales, and over 9 years as a franchise owner herself. Learn more about franchising with The Glass Guru here: https://www.theglassguru.com/franchise/

Meet Justin Waltz, President of The Junkluggers. https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinwaltz/ What is The Junkluggers? Junkluggers offers convenient, hassle-free junk removal services with eco-friendly initiatives that make it easier than ever to declutter a customers property. After lugging your items, their goal is to donate, re-purpose, and rehome as much as possible to help keep items out of landfills. Founded in In 2004 by founder, Josh Cohen, Junkluggers began by using his mom's SUV and operated out of a small storage closet in his father's office. Brand-conscious from the beginning, he painted one wall a brilliant shade of green, symbolizing the company's high-energy and eco-conscious focus. Today, with a dedicated corporate staff and trained franchise owners, The Junkluggers continues to build brand awareness and expand across the United States. Justin Waltz has been Brand President of The Junkluggers since January 2024. He has held significant roles at 1-800-GOT-JUNK and College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving®, and brings over a decade of experience in junk removal and franchise operations to the business. Learn more about franchising with Junkluggers here: https://junkluggersfranchise.com/

Meet Carlos Hesano, Brand President at DRYmedic Restoration Services. https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-hesano-716a47b/ What is DRYmedic Restoration Services? Founded in 2014, DRYmedic Restoration Services is a disaster restoration business with services from Water & Flood Damage, Fire & Smoke Damage, Mold Remediation, Disaster Mitigation and Preventative Services, to so much more. Acquired by Authority Brands in 2022, the brand is a National Franchise with 60+ locations in 25 states. Carlos Hesano is a lifelong entrepreneur who has had success growing multiple franchises prior to co-founding DRYmedic Restoration Services. Over the years, Carlos has evolved into a powerful voice and leader in franchising, guiding others toward building wealth and purpose with his consulting company, Hesano Consultants. Learn more about franchising with DRYmedic Restoration Services here: https://drymedicfranchise.com/

Meet Rob Palmer, Founder & Brand President at The Lawn Squad.https://www.linkedin.com/in/robpalmerwp/ What is The Lawn Squad? Lawn Squad is a weed control and lawn fertilization company that offers franchise opportunities for new and existing members of the lawn care industry. Along with new business owners, Lawn Squad specializes in adding their services into your existing business to expand your portfolio. Lawn care is a recession-resistant industry. People continue to invest in their homes and outdoor spaces even during economic downturns. Lawn Squad is also a low-investment franchise, with only a $45,000 franchise fee. Veterans, first responders, women, and minority franchisees can also enjoy incentive discounts off that fee, encouraging a diverse group of owners. Rob Palmer has been a part of the lawn care industry for over a decade, launching his own Ohio-based lawn care company, WeedPro, back in 2001. His long-term success caught the attention of Authority Brands which acquired the company in 2023. Learn more about franchising with The Lawn Squad here: https://lawnsquadfranchise.com/

Meet Todd Houghton, President of Homewatch CareGivers. https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-houghton-811412b/ What is Homewatch CareGivers? Founded in 1980, this brand is a long standing leader inside the expanding home-care franchise world, providing flexible non-medical services with an expansive menu of specializations. The brand has also invested in advancements in the digital home care space with Homewatch Connect, facilitating virtual care and family connections. Acquired by Authority Brands in September 2017, Homewatch CareGivers pays special attention to training, support, and creating a connected hub of franchisees that work together. They have been recognized by Franchise Times, Entrepreneur Media, Experience List, and FranServe Inc. Todd Houghton joined Homewatch CareGivers in November of 2022 as brand President. With 40+ years of franchise experience, he leads strategic initiatives to elevate care delivery and franchise growth and profitability. Learn more about franchising with Homewatch Caregivers: https://homewatchfranchise.com/

Meet Joe Manuszak, Director of Operations for UNITS Moving & Portable Storage. / manuszak What is UNITS? UNITS is a provider of moving and portable storage services, including self-storage, on-site storage, self-service moving, and inter-franchise (long-distance) moves. UNITS is a nationwide network, reaching over 800 cities and continuing to grow. UNITS separates itself in the industry by focusing on high-quality equipment and innovation, providing features like their ROBO-Unit Delivery Service. Franchisees love the brand's focus on hands-on centralized leadership and the ability to see returns on the available flexible franchise models. Joe Manuszak has been a leader in franchising expansion since 1995 and has worked with brands on solving high level root issues that stall growth. The perfect UNITS franchisee is someone who has strong leadership and people skills, and a desires to build a large overall asset through tangible assets/real estate. UNITS require partners to have a minimum net worth of approximately $1M with $300K in liquidity, although they offer vendor financing program models as well. Learn more about franchising with UNITS here: https://unitsfranchisegroup.co

Nick is joined by Keke's Breakfast Cafe's Sr. Director of Franchise Relations, Jon Ahrendt, and Multi-Unit Franchisee John Ehrhard to discuss why this established restaurant concept in the breakfast and lunch-only restaurant space is ideal for multi-unit franchisees looking to diversify their portfolio without sacrificing revenue or work-life balance. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-ahrendt/ https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/john-kimberly-ehrhard-kekes-franchise-2729755#stories With a streamlined menu and a relentless focus on operational efficiency, Keke's Breakfast Cafe is rapidly becoming a standout in the booming breakfast and brunch segment. Keke's has active development in California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas, as well as recent openings in Nevada and Colorado. Learn more about franchising with Keke's Breakfast Cafe: https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe

Meet Max Emma, CEO and Founder of BooXkeeping. / maxemma What is BooXkeeping? BooXkeeping offers outsourced bookkeeping services that can eliminate the burden of tracking expenses and keeping your financial records organized. They are   the only bookkeeping franchise in the United States and a preferred provider for over 110 franchise brands in the US. Founded by Max and Elena Emma, two entrepreneurial immigrants with in-depth experience in finance and accounting, the brand's journey spans over 20 years. With 10 units currently open, the brand is all about fostering a community of franchise owners that serve white glove, custom service to current clients, while working together to establish new connections. Learn more about franchising with BooXkeeping here: https://1851franchise.com/booxkeeping

Meet Mike Tan, CEO of SweatHouz. What is SweatHouz? SWTHZ is a luxury contrast therapy studio helping people prioritize their mental and physical health through deliberate heat and cold exposure. SWTHZ offers a private suite environment ⎯ featuring an infrared sauna, cold plunge, and vitamin C showers. SWTHZ is focused on careful, intentional growth with plans to bring only about 100 total franchisees into the system. With nearly 40% of these seats claimed, the window to invest is closing quickly. With a luxury atmosphere and membership-based model, SWTHZ captures a steady, predictable revenue for a growth-oriented entrepreneur looking to build a scalable business in the wellness industry. Learn more about franchsing with SweatHouz here: https://sweathouz.com/franchise/

Meet Brad Schneider, President of The Growth Coach Franchise. https://www.linkedin.com/in/growthcoachbrad/ What is The Growth Coach Franchise? The Growth Coach was founded in Cincinnati in 2003 and is the only pure business and sales coaching franchise aimed at driving success while balancing the lives of small business owners, managers, sales people, self-employed professionals and executives through group workshops and individual coaching. Under the Strategic Franchising Systems umbrella, The Growth Coach is seeking passionate entrepreneurs in markets across the country to join its network of franchise owners. Brad Schneider has worked inside The Growth Coach for 20 years, and currently operates the Central Ohio franchise, along with his duties as President of the brand. For those who are tired of working for a large corporate entity but still want to remain in the business world, The Growth Coach franchise is an attractive career option. Learn more here: https://growthcoachfranchise.com/

Meet Brad Butterworth, VP of Franchise Development for Shoot 360. / brad-butterworth-875a7423 What is Shoot 360? Shoot 360 is a rapidly expanding franchise that combines cutting-edge technology with traditional basketball coaching. The company uses advanced tools, including AI-driven shot analytics, interactive drills, and virtual competitions to help athletes of all ages and skill levels improve their game. With a business model that appeals to a generation familiar with video games, Shoot 360 has seen strong market reception. Since it began franchising in 2019, the company has grown to 54 locations across the United States and Europe, with 11 more planned to open this year (mostly international). Brad Butterworth joined Shoot 360 in 2019. He began as a Regional Manager & Director of Programming before advancing to his current role as VP of Franchise Development, coordinating the brand's growth in the US & internationally. Shoot 360 is currently seeking new owners who are innovators and committed to bringing a positive impact to their communities. Learn more about Shoot 360 here: https://shoot360franchise.com/

Meet Jason Olsen, Founder & CEO at IMAGE Studios Franchise. / jasontylerolsen What is IMAGE Studios Franchise? IMAGE Studios is a highly scalable model rooted in simplicity. It operates as an exclusive salon suite that provides modern, high-end salon studios at affordable rates to salon professionals. While it sits in the beauty industry, the business model is a real estate play that equips investors with a platform to support other entrepreneurs in going into business for themselves. With over 120 open locations, IMAGE Studios Franchise has had zero units closed over its 12-year history. The owner-operator model means most studios have zero employees. As they scale, IMAGE Studios franchisees may leverage contracted teams and hire a manager or operator, but even with multiple locations, it's a very labor-light model that does not require prior experience in the beauty industry. Jason Olsen is a serial entrepreneur who launched his first venture at age 16 in automotive e-commerce. He founded IMAGE Studios in 2009 and opened 5 locations over the next six years before he launched IMAGE Studios Franchise in 2016.

Meet Jimmie Meece, Brand President at ASP. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmie-meece-63725262/ Founded in Macon, Georgia, ASP began as a one-man operation before evolving into a scalable franchise concept. Today, it's a trusted name in residential pool care, with franchisees operating in a variety of climates. You don't need a background in pool service to succeed with ASP. The business model is designed for owners who want to build something stable and scalable, not necessarily work in the field every day, long term. Meece himself owned and operated the very first ASP franchise for ten years until he sold the franchise to take the position of VP of Operations for ASP Franchising in 2010. In 2023, he stepped into the role as Brand President. Learn more about America's Swimming Pools here: https://www.aspfranchising.com/

Meet Jamie Cecil, VP and Head of Franchise Development for Mellow Mushroom. / jamie-cecil-0682a314 What is Mellow Mushroom? https://www.mellowmushroom.com/franchising/ Mellow Mushroom isn't your typical pizza place. Every location has its own style and fresh, stone-baked pizza that keeps people coming back. But behind all that creative energy is a business model that's buttoned up where it counts. Cecil is a seasoned franchise development leader who has lead a number of businesses towards franchise success. With his focus on expansion while maintaining stellar quality, Mellow Mushroom has made serious moves to solidify their place in the franchise industry like investing in centralized dough production, standardized kitchen layouts, and streamlined equipment packages.

1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills interviews Latisha King, Director of Field Operations at Children's Lighthouse on how the brand's dedicated Franchise Business Coach (FBC) program provides unparalleled support to its franchisees. / latisha-king-27b9a786 Children's Lighthouse, a leader in early education, stands apart with its commitment to ensuring franchisees are never alone on their journey. The FBC program is a cornerstone of this support, offering personalized, hands-on guidance every step of the way.

Meet Jef Flournoy, President of Mosquito Squad. www.linkedin.com/in/jef-flournoy-8579a2104/ What is Mosquito Squad? Founded in 2005, Mosquito Squad is the original and leading mosquito control franchise in North America, providing essential outdoor pest control services that help families reclaim their yards and enjoy outdoor spaces safely. Mosquito Squad is looking for hands-on operators with leadership experience and a desire to build a business with both purpose and profit. You don't need a background in pest control — you need a growth mindset, community focus and a passion for delivering reliable service. Learn more here: https://mosquitosquadfranchise.com/

Learn why Newk's, with nearly 100 U.S. units strong and reporting AUVs around $2.3M, is signing 5 units new units so far this year, including including 2 new franchisees. Discover how Todd Jackson, a fan of the brand, became a multi‑unit owner. https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-cheek-01a4901/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-jackson-868aa624/

Meet Richie Drew, Vice President of Operations at One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning. https://www.linkedin.com/in/richie-drew-468b7712/ What is One Hour? Franchising since the early 2000s, One Hour is one of three essential home service brands under Authority Brands' “Trades” portfolio, alongside Mister Sparky Electric and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. The brands were originally developed by independent contractors seeking to formalize the industry through a national buying group. After a period of foreign ownership, Authority Brands acquired the brands and provided the structure, technology and leadership needed to scale across the country. Learn more about One Hour: https://1851franchise.com/one-hour-heating-and-air-conditioning

Meet Michael Russo, Chief Growth Officer, and Michael Quilty, CEO, of Wild Bill's Soda.https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-quilty-4b973b4/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mruddo/ What is Wild Bill's Soda? WBS is a premium, veteran-owned craft soda brand that makes old-fashioned carbonated sodas using pure cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. This western themed brand offers nostalgic flavors like Root Beer, Black Cherry, Vanilla cream while also supplying soda drinkers with varying seasonal options throughout the year. While WBS has expanded online and in stores in the past decade, the goal for leadership remains focused on creating career opportunities for as many veterans as possible by offering an exclusive discounted initial franchise fee, as well as additional support like equipment financing and working capital assistance. Franchising with WBS is part of an ongoing effort to find owners across the US to move responsibility from headquarters down to small teams in local markets that are closest to the customer. Along with local operations, these franchisees would assist the execution of the several hundred events a year the brand participates in with a western-themed wagon mobile stand, loaded with soda taps. Find out more about Wild Bill's Soda: https://drinkwildbills.com/pages/franchise-opportunity

Meet Dan Mock, Vice President of Operations at Mister Sparky. https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmock2015/ What is Mister Sparky⚡? Mister Sparky is a national network of locally owned electrical service companies, providing residential electrical repair, installation, and maintenance. Mister Sparky began franchising in the early 2000s a part of a group of independent service providers seeking to formalize and professionalize the trade. After being acquired by Authority Brands, the brand gained the structure, technology and support to expand nationally while staying laser-focused on residential needs. Mister Sparky combines the security of an essential service with the sophistication of a modern franchise system. Dan Mock is an experienced executive with a robust background in operations, brand management, and experience driving significant revenue growth and operational efficiency. Learn more about Mister Sparky here: https://1851franchise.com/mister-sparky-electric

Meet Kerri Quigley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerriq/), Owner of The Fashion Class. What is The Fashion Class? The Fashion Class is not your grandma's sewing class! It's an immersive fashion education for everyone from age 2 to 102. The Fashion Class combines hands-on sewing lessons with the complete world of fashion, teaching students not only how to craft real clothing, but also the art of illustration, the history of design, and the business behind the industry. For children, This business provides an unforgettable learning experience where they build confidence, have fun and explore skills they might not have the opportunity to use at school. Kerri Quigley is a Parsons School of Design graduate, and her women's loungewear line was sold in Bloomingdale's and featured in Teen Vogue before founding The Fashion Class. Inspired after teaching a single children's sewing class in 2009. Inspired by the sheer joy and pride she saw in her students, she created a curriculum that was less of a traditional sewing lesson and more of a fun, comprehensive introduction to the entire world of fashion. Today, her flagship stores thrive in NYC, and her specialized curriculum is now being franchised across the US, bringing her passion for fashion education to students of all ages. Learn more about The Fashion Class here: https://startafashionschool.com/

Nick Powills meets with Kevin Shen, Chief Development Officer at Mathnasium, and Andrew Boules, a multi-unit franchise owner. Discover how Andrew Boules went from a high-powered career in finance and tech to owning six thriving Mathnasium centers across Southern California, all in under two years. Like many driven professionals, Andrew reached a turning point. After years in high-frequency trading and venture capital, he was ready to build something of his own, something with purpose, scalability, and staying power. His search led him to Mathnasium, where he found not just strong unit economics, but a mission he could truly stand behind: helping kids gain confidence through math. / kevinshen7 / andrewboules

Bob Bell, chief financial officer at Radiance Holdings, offers an insider's view into what makes Sola Salons and Woodhouse Spas stand out in the world of franchise investing. Bell, a seasoned finance leader with a background in brands like Smashburger, broke down everything from unit economics to franchisee support, all while driving home one key message: Both brands are built to maximize franchisee success.

Meet Pete Duncanson, VP of Training Development at ServiceMaster Restore.https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-duncanson-cmrs-mwr-mfr-mtc-9a188113/ What is ServiceMaster Restore? ServiceMaster Restore® and ServiceMaster Recovery Management® (SRM) are globally trusted experts in residential and commercial restoration for water, fire, smoke, and mold damage. With a long-standing legacy of excellence and a wide-reaching franchise network, ServiceMaster Restore stands as a reliable partner in recovery after disasters. Learn lessons from a 40 year veteran in the franchising industry. Learn more about ServiceMaster Restore: https://www.servicemasterrestore.com/ Discover ServiceMaster Recovery Management (SRM): https://srmcat.com/ #ServiceMasterRestore #DisasterRecovery #RestorationExperts