This week on Franchise Today, I welcome John Rotche, afranchise professional with a compelling story of overcoming adversity. John shares his journey from the expectations of beginning a promising college football career, to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the franchising world.

He discusses the importance of mentorship, the lessons learned from his experiences at Domino's and Krispy Kreme, and how he transitioned into the air duct cleaning business, before ultimately founding Franworth.

The conversation highlights the significance of building teams, the impact of mentorship, and the drive to help others succeed in their franchising endeavors.

Takeaways:

· Franchising is about building relationships andteams

· Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal andprofessional growth

· Overcoming adversity can lead to unexpectedopportunities

· Understanding your business's core focus isessential for success

· The importance of consistency and followingstandards in operations

· Giving back to the community can create apositive impact

· Franchising can be a path for those who haven’tplanned for it

· Learning from industry leaders can shape yourcareer

· The journey of entrepreneurship often involvesunexpected pivots

· Creating a legacy involves helping othersachieve their dreams

Greg George, Franchisor, CEO and co-owner of the Peach Cobbler Factory, reflects on his 35-year career in franchising and the personal transformation he underwent in his late 50s following a significant awakening.

The Peach Cobbler Factory has become the fastest-growing dessert chain in America, opening over 112 locations in less than three years. Despite this success, Greg shares his previous struggles and long history of drug and alcohol addiction, which began at age 12 and lasted until he was 46—a pattern he describes as a “family curse” affecting multiple generations.

Greg recounts the challenges of witnessing his oldest son’s eight-year opiate addiction, which involved multiple overdoses and homelessness. This family crisis became a turning point, when his son entered a faith-based treatment center after hitting rock bottom. Shortly after, Greg faced his own moment of reckoning, deciding to attend 90 Narcotics Anonymous meetings in 90 days, which marked the start of nearly seven years of sobriety.

His son also turned his life around and now holds a high-level position in Greg’s company. Together, they have helped 43 individuals find treatment for addiction.

Greg also highlights the significant influence of his business partner, Larry Johnston, a Fortune 50 CEO who became a mentor and friend through an unexpected social media connection. Throughout his journey, Greg emphasizes hope for those struggling with addiction, noting that many successful people may secretly battle similar issues. He advocates for admitting powerlessness and seeking help, sharing how willpower and discipline led to his recovery and a more balanced life. Greg is dedicated to assisting others, particularly the homeless, by providing essentials and emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from helping others rather than financial success. Greg expresses gratitude towards Larry for supporting his growth and enabling him to aid others. He encourages individuals facing similar challenges to reach out for support and aims to positively impact at least one person through his story. The conversation concludes with appreciation for Greg’s transparency and dedication to personal and business growth, inviting interest in the Peach Cobbler Factory and his mission to help others.

This week on Franchise Today, I host Greg George, founder and CEO of Peach Cobbler Factory, who shares his compelling story from designing cigar lounges to building out a 100+ unit dessert and treat concept. Greg’s story is one of passion, resilience, and family values. Key highlights include: Greg’s strategic approach to franchising, staying with brands until they soar, and his emphasis on strong products and financial diligence. The rapid expansion of Peach Cobbler Factory, growing to 112 locations across 22 states by 2022, thanks to Greg’s visionary leadership and a mentor’s guidance. Personal stories of triumph over adversity, including Greg’s own battle with addiction and his commitment to supporting others on similar paths. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, this episode is packed with valuable insights on scaling businesses, overcoming obstacles, and the profound impact of people in business. Don’t miss out on Greg George’s inspiring story and learn how franchising can be a powerful platform for change.