In this episode of On Brand, Slightly Off Topic, Tim Weiderhoft, CEO of Exponential Fitness, shares his journey into franchising and the leadership philosophy that has shaped his career. Influenced by strong mentorship and early experiences in customer-focused roles, Tim emphasizes a people-first approach rooted in empathy, continuous improvement, and service. He highlights the impact of mentorship, the importance of listening, and the responsibility leaders carry in developing both individuals and organizations.

Tim also explores what drives successful franchise growth, stressing the importance of strong consumer demand, data-driven decisions, and selecting the right franchise partners. He underscores respect as a non-negotiable company culture foundation and advocates for strategic expansion over rapid, scattered growth. The episode offers practical insights on balancing franchisee autonomy with brand standards, building trust through transparency, and creating scalable systems that support long-term, sustainable growth.

In this episode, Rebekah Irvine shares her background and what led her into franchising, including the key experiences that shaped her approach to leadership and growth. She breaks down what she’s seeing in the market right now—what’s working, what’s changing, and where emerging operators should focus to build momentum. Rebekah also offers practical takeaways on building the right support systems, avoiding common scaling mistakes, and staying grounded in values while pushing growth. The conversation wraps with actionable advice for founders and franchise teams looking to tighten execution, strengthen relationships, and create long-term impact

In this episode of On Brand, Slightly Off Topic, Jonathan Hill sits down with Wil Bangerter, Founder & CEO of Back Nine Golf, an entrepreneur who walked away from a career in law to pursue a vision that simply wouldn’t let him go. Wil opens up about the leap from attorney to founder, the steep learning curve of building a golf brand from scratch, and the realities of chasing a dream when nothing is guaranteed.He shares the personal story behind the name “Back Nine Golf,” inspired by his own experience on the course and the belief that everyone deserves a back nine worth fighting for. This conversation dives into purpose-driven risk taking, the emotional grind of entrepreneurship, and the power of surrounding yourself with people who keep you grounded. Wil’s journey is a candid playbook for founders navigating uncertainty—and a reminder that the best brands are built with equal parts passion, grit, and a good story. A must-listen for operators, franchise leaders, and anyone standing on the tee box of their next big decision.