• Insights from a CPA and Franchisee - With Natalya Hummer
    Dec 29 2025

    DESCRIPTION:
    John Hayes interviews Natalya Hummer from FinaTech Accounting and Advisors, who also owns three Crumble Cookie franchises, in this episode of the Franchise Hot Seat Podcast. Natalya shares her experience as a CPA and her transition into the franchising world, highlighting the essential elements for franchisee success. They delve into the importance of comprehending business metrics, such as KPIs, and the difficulties new franchisees encounter when shifting from corporate roles. Natalya underscores the importance of recruiting the right team, being financially literate, and implementing a robust training system. She provides valuable insights on effectively controlling labor and costs, and ways for franchisors to enhance their support for franchisees. The discussion also explores the importance of branding, franchisor training, and how advisory and accounting firms assist franchisees in understanding their financial status. Natalya expresses gratitude for her involvement with the Titus Center Advisory Board and briefly discusses the student internship program.

    - With Natalya Hummer

    TIMESTAMPS:
    00:00 Intro
    00:40 Why know your numbers in business?
    02:39 Biggest franchising challenge and strategy?
    07:14 How to hire the right people?
    14:01 How did you discover franchising?
    23:00 How important is brand recognition?
    24:57 Key benefits and costs of franchising?
    26:56 Why specialize in franchise accounting?
    29:24 Key success factor for franchisees?
    34:03 Insight from running multiple stores?

    LINKS:

    WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise
    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

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    46 m
  • From Teacher to Successful Franchisee - With Deean Ferrone
    Dec 22 2025

    DESCRIPTION:

    John Hayes interviews Deean Ferrone on the Franchise Hot Seat, discussing her journey from being a teacher to becoming a successful franchisee of Pigtails & Crewcuts, a children's hair salon chain. Ferrone's transition to business ownership was sparked by the difficulties of virtual teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. She and her husband conducted thorough research and due to fortunate circumstances, they were able to acquire three salons in just half a year. Ferrone emphasizes the value of her teaching skills in managing her business, the necessity of effective staffing and marketing, and the assistance she receives from her franchisor. They also discuss the ongoing issue of hiring stylists and the possibility of future growth, highlighting the advantages of franchising for those wary of starting a business from the ground up.


    - With Deean Ferrone.


    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 Intro

    00:36 How did Deanne get into franchising?

    03:26 Biggest franchising challenge and opportunity?

    07:34 Why are franchise systems so valuable?

    18:04 How did teaching prepare for franchising?

    25:26 How to manage a diverse team?

    26:13 Connecting with clients and parents?

    27:10 Daily life of a franchisee?

    27:58 Why use DISC in franchising?

    34:46 Unique challenge of children's hair salon?


    LINKS:


    WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast



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    49 m
  • Scaling Your Franchise with the Right Partners - With Shelly Sun Berkowitz
    Dec 1 2025

    DESCRIPTION:

    John Hayes, host of Franchise Hot Seat, interviews Shelly Sun Berkowitz, founder of

    BrightStar Care, a leading healthcare franchising company with over 400 units.

    Shelly discusses her transition from accounting to healthcare franchising, and her

    strategic partnership with Peack Rock Capital. She stresses the importance of

    choosing the right private equity partners and the value of supportive relationships

    within the franchising community. Shelly introduces her advisory initiative, Founder

    to Founder, designed to assist founders in scaling their businesses and navigating

    sales processes. The discussion also covers the common misconceptions about

    franchising, the necessity of robust franchisee support systems, and the importance

    of ethical practices. Shelly shares her efforts to mentor female entrepreneurs and her

    dedication to promoting equal access to franchising education. - With Shelly Sun

    Berkowitz.

    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 Intro

    00:20 What is Shelly's Brightstar Care journey?

    01:44 Why is franchising education so important?

    05:58 Early franchising challenges and lessons?

    11:02 Best mentorship advice for new franchisors?

    16:44 How does the franchising economic model work?

    24:36 How to hire the right talent?

    27:23 How is private equity changing franchising?

    37:47 Biggest challenge in selecting franchisees?

    43:54 How to empower women in franchising?

    LINKS:

    WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

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    47 m
  • The Future of Franchising with Franzy - With Alex Smereczniak
    Nov 24 2025

    DESCRIPTION:

    John Hayes interviews Alex Smereczniak, the co-founder and CEO of Franzy, in the

    Franchise Hot Seat Podcast. Alex presents Franzy as a comprehensive platform for

    potential franchisees, likening it to 'Zillow for franchising.' The platform aggregates

    vital data such as financials, consumer sentiments, and franchisee feedback. The

    interview explores Alex's professional journey, from transforming a laundry service

    into a franchise model to establishing Franzy. The conversation also discusses the

    transition from being a franchisor to a franchise supplier, the integral role of AI in

    Franzy, and the critical importance of comprehensive franchisee profiling for

    successful matches. The podcast also covers various industry insights, including the

    need for a systematic approach, the potential influence of AI on the job market, and

    the future of franchising in light of emerging technologies. The episode underscores

    the importance of informed decision-making in franchising and the innovative ways

    Franzy is striving to transform this process.

    - With Alex Smereczniak.

    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 Intro

    00:16 What is Franzi?

    01:02 How did you get into franchising?

    03:00 What problem does Franzi solve?

    06:26 What makes Franzi's approach unique?

    12:04 How does Franzi use AI and data?

    16:00 How does Franzi monetize ethically?

    22:52 Identifying good vs. bad franchise opportunities?

    31:34 What is AI's role in franchising?

    37:03 How to future-proof a franchise investment?

    LINKS:

    WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

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    46 m
  • The Potential of a Veteran Franchisee - Insights from Bob McCracken
    Nov 17 2025

    DESCRIPTION:

    John Hayes, a franchising professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University and host of the

    Franchise Hot Seat Podcast, converses with Bob McCracken, an Air Force and Air

    National Guard veteran and Hot Head Burritos franchisee. They delve into why

    veterans make exceptional franchisees, highlighting the discipline, meticulousness,

    and plan-following abilities honed during military service. They also discuss the

    Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative (VetFran), a program providing financial

    benefits to veterans venturing into franchising, founded by Don Dwyer of the Dwyer

    Group. Bob recounts his personal franchising experience, from managing multiple

    franchises before the COVID-19 pandemic to effectively running a single unit. The

    conversation underscores the advantages of the VetFran program, encouraging

    more franchisors and veterans to join and leverage these opportunities

    - With Bob McCracken

    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 Intro

    00:32 Who is veteran franchisee Bob McCracken?

    01:03 Why are veterans great franchise owners?

    02:49 What is the VetFran story?

    08:35 Bob's Hot Head Burritos journey?

    10:57 Best way to encourage veteran franchising?

    16:10 Final advice for veteran entrepreneurs?

    LINKS:

    WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

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    17 m
  • Legal Tips & Market Insights - With Rocky Reidel
    Nov 10 2025

    DESCRIPTION:

    John Hayes, host of the Franchise Hot Seat, engages in a comprehensive discussion

    with Schuyler "Rocky" Reidel, founder of the Reidel Law Firm, on various pressing

    and contentious topics in the franchising industry. They emphasize the crucial role of

    specialized legal advice in franchising, particularly during a government shutdown

    that affects SBA loans. Rocky underscores the importance for franchisees to

    comprehend their responsibilities and limitations within franchise agreements, and

    the significance of thoroughly understanding the Franchise Disclosure Document

    (FDD). The conversation also explores the issues arising from private equity

    ownership in franchising and its potential effects on franchisees. A significant part of

    the discussion is dedicated to Subway's market difficulties and the problems caused

    by remodeling requirements. The dialogue concludes with a reflection on the

    difficulties faced by McDonald's franchisees, the repercussions of unfavorable

    franchising conditions in states like California, and the imperative of due diligence

    for potential franchisees. - With Schuyler "Rocky" Reidel.

    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 Intro

    00:37 Why is legal guidance crucial in franchising?

    01:19 What is a franchise agreement?

    02:26 How do SBA loans impact franchising?

    06:08 Biggest franchising challenges and misconceptions?

    19:23 What is the FDD's role?

    28:26 How does FTC regulate franchising?

    33:40 How is private equity changing franchising?

    44:18 Why is Subway struggling?

    52:52 Biggest challenges in food franchising?

    LINKS:

    WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast



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    58 m
  • Tips and Insights Into Franchising - With Jack and Jill Johnson
    Oct 27 2025

    DESCRIPTION:

    John Hayes hosts Jack and Jill Johnson from Franchise Insiders on the Franchise Hot

    Seat Podcast. The Johnsons' franchising journey began with Jack's father founding

    Home Care Assistance after a franchise rejection, which evolved into a successful

    family business. As franchise consultants, they guide others through the complex

    franchising world. Key topics include the necessity of thoroughly evaluating

    franchises, consulting with current franchise owners, and understanding the

    commitment needed for franchise success. They highlight home services and

    healthcare franchises as solid choices, while food and retail franchises may present

    greater risks and expenses. The Johnsons recount their experience owning and

    subsequently selling a Pink's franchise, underscoring the importance of an initial exit

    strategy. They urge younger individuals to enter franchising early and highlight the

    significance of active ownership. The podcast's objective is to offer valuable insights

    for potential franchise investors.

    - With Jack and Jill Johnson.

    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 Intro

    00:31 How did you discover franchising?

    01:56 How to evaluate franchise opportunities?

    04:21 Why become a FranServe consultant?

    08:10 Why are home services franchises valuable?

    10:43 Is semi-absentee ownership realistic?

    18:18 How to avoid common franchise pitfalls?

    26:33 Why is exit planning crucial?

    32:00 How to choose the right franchise?

    42:46 Are young entrepreneurs good for franchising?

    LINKS:

    WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise


    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

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    51 m
  • Aligning Employees to Their Strengths - With Monica Feid
    Sep 29 2025

    DESCRIPTION:

    John Hayes, in the Franchise Hot Seat Podcast, underscores the significance of

    matching employees with roles that complement their strengths to enhance

    productivity and avoid disengagement. He references studies from Gallup and the

    Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) that reveal a large number of

    employees feeling underutilized and the substantial economic impact of

    disengaged workers. Monica Feid, COO of Thunderly Marketing, is featured in this

    episode, where she presents a case study on repositioning a discontented employee

    to a role more compatible with her DISC profile, leading to increased performance

    and satisfaction. The discussion stresses the use of DISC profiles for recruitment and

    employee positioning to avert disengagement and underperformance, especially in

    the franchising sector. The dialogue highlights the criticality of correct role

    alignment and its advantages for both employees and companies.

    - With Monica Feid.

    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 Intro

    00:27 Why is employee engagement critical?

    01:06 Key employee engagement statistics?

    03:39 Best solutions for engagement?

    05:28 Monica's employee misalignment story?

    10:57 What is the DISC profile?

    18:01 How DISC helps franchising?

    24:03 Final engagement advice?

    LINKS:

    WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

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    27 m