S1Ep257 Franchise Marketing and Empowering Women Leaders with Ali Kraus

Franchise marketing is more than running ads or managing brand awareness. It's a strategic process that connects entrepreneurs, brands, and customers through trust, storytelling, and value-driven engagement. The best franchise marketing strategies help businesses expand their reach while maintaining the integrity of the brand at every level — from national awareness to local community relationships. Few people understand that dynamic better than Ali Kraus, Chief Marketing Officer at Benetrends Financial. With deep expertise in franchise development marketing, digital strategy, and brand building, Ali has become one of the most respected voices in the franchising industry. Her leadership reflects how marketing can not only grow businesses but also empower people and strengthen communities. Benetrends Financial has been at the center of franchise success stories for decades. As a leader in franchise funding, Benetrends helps entrepreneurs start and expand their businesses through innovative financial solutions, including their signature Rainmaker Plan and SBA lending support. The company's commitment to entrepreneurship goes beyond numbers — it's about helping people achieve independence, stability, and long-term growth. Ali's marketing approach aligns with that mission. By integrating creative strategy with practical execution, she helps franchisors and franchisees navigate challenges in visibility, recruitment, and retention. Her belief in collaboration and community has made her a strong advocate for empowering women in franchising, both through her work at Benetrends and her leadership with the International Franchise Association's Women's Franchise Committee. As an incoming Chair of the committee, Ali is helping pave the way for more women to find opportunities in leadership, ownership, and influence within the franchise industry. Her work demonstrates how franchise marketing can be a vehicle for change — not only driving business results but also creating a more inclusive and diverse community of entrepreneurs. In an era where consumers demand authenticity and connection, Ali's perspective on franchise marketing reminds business owners that success isn't just about selling a product. It's about building relationships, aligning brand purpose with customer values, and giving people a reason to believe in the businesses they support. For franchise brands and entrepreneurs alike, her message is clear: effective marketing starts with clarity, consistency, and connection. When combined with the right funding foundation and strategic leadership, those elements create a roadmap for sustainable growth. Franchise marketing continues to evolve, and leaders like Ali Kraus are shaping what comes next — a future defined by innovation, inclusion, and purpose-driven progress. Through her work at Benetrends Financial and her commitment to empowering women across the franchise landscape, she continues to show what's possible when vision and leadership come together. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Join Fordify LIVE every Wednesday at 11 a.m. Central on your favorite social platforms and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Ali Kraus Ali Kraus is the Chief Marketing Officer at Benetrends Financial, where she leads brand development, marketing strategy, and franchise growth initiatives. A passionate advocate for women in franchising, Ali serves as the incoming Chair of the International Franchise Association's Women's Franchise Committee. She has been recognized as a Top Franchise Influencer and one of 1851 Magazine's Young Ones to Watch. Her expertise in franchise marketing, digital strategy, and leadership has made her a respected voice in the industry and a driving force for innovation and inclusion. Learn more about her work at Benetrends.com About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator who has helped generate more than a billion dollars in sales worldwide, working with companies from start-ups to Fortune 500s. As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., he specializes in helping businesses attract loyal customers, expand brand awareness, and drive innovation. An entrepreneurial powerhouse, Ford has founded more than ten companies, authored five books, and been awarded three U.S. patents. His expertise also extends to artificial intelligence and marketing innovation, where he is recognized for training teams on how to use AI tools to enhance operations, improve customer engagement, and increase profitability. As the creator and host of Fordify LIVE! and The Business Growth Show Podcast, Ford continues to share insights that help leaders accelerate results, strengthen their brands, and future-proof their organizations. Learn more at ProfitRichResults.com and watch his TV show at Fordify.tv