The Business Growth Show

By: Ford Saeks
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  • Summary

  • Welcome to The Business Growth Show, where each week we bring you in-depth interviews with the leading voices in business success. Hosted by Ford Saeks, the show provides valuable insights and strategies for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone looking to grow their brand. From top CEOs to experts in sales, marketing, operations, customer experience, entrepreneurship, and success, our guests share their personal experiences, lessons learned, and advice to help you achieve your goals. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, The Business Growth Show offers practical and actionable advice to help you take your business to the next level. Tune in and join Ford as he explores the stories and strategies of the most successful business leaders of our time on The Business Growth Show.
    2024
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Economics Marketing Marketing & Sales
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Episodes
  • S1Ep219 Franchise Development with Dan Glaser

    S1Ep219 Franchise Development with Dan Glaser
    Feb 20 2025
    Is franchising the right path to business growth? Entrepreneurs seeking to expand their brands often face a critical decision—how to scale effectively while maintaining consistency and profitability. Franchise development provides a structured pathway, but success in franchising requires more than just a great business model. It demands a strategic approach, a deep understanding of market positioning, and the ability to attract and support the right franchise partners. Franchise development is not just about selling franchises; it's about creating a scalable system that benefits both franchisors and franchisees. Many emerging brands struggle with growth because they fail to establish clear operational standards, build strong leadership, and implement efficient marketing strategies. The most successful franchisors recognize that their franchisees are not employees but independent business owners who need inspiration, guidance, and a proven system to thrive. The balance between control and flexibility is key. Entrepreneurs who franchise their businesses must learn how to lead through influence rather than mandates, ensuring franchisees follow the system while also leveraging their own business acumen. One of the biggest mistakes in franchise development is underestimating the financial requirements. Many brands attempt to scale without a clear growth strategy, resulting in cash flow issues and ineffective expansion. The cost of acquiring new franchisees has increased, making it crucial for franchisors to develop efficient lead-generation strategies, leverage consultant networks, and invest in digital marketing. Having a three-year growth pro forma and setting clear expectations for investment and returns can mean the difference between sustainable growth and costly missteps. A successful franchise model isn't just about the product or service—it’s about what the business can do for the franchisee. The most attractive franchise opportunities offer a strong support system, a solid track record, and a leadership team committed to franchisee success. Entrepreneurs evaluating franchise opportunities should assess not only the financial potential but also whether the brand’s culture, values, and business model align with their strengths. Those considering franchise ownership must also be honest about their role in the business. Some franchises require strong sales skills and direct customer interaction, while others allow for a more operational, behind-the-scenes approach. Finding the right fit can make or break long-term success. Technology plays a critical role in franchise growth, but over-reliance on automation can create a disconnect with franchisees and customers. The most effective franchisors strike a balance between using technology for efficiency while maintaining a personal touch in communication and support. Customer experience remains the cornerstone of a thriving franchise, and all the marketing in the world cannot compensate for a lack of customer satisfaction. For entrepreneurs looking to take control of their financial future, franchising presents a compelling opportunity, but only when approached with the right mindset and strategy. Success requires commitment, resilience, and a willingness to follow a proven system while continuously adapting to market changes. Those who understand the long-term value of franchising, rather than seeking quick returns, are the ones who build lasting, profitable businesses. Watch the full interview on YouTube. Join Fordify LIVE every Wednesday at 11 AM Central on your favorite social platforms, and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Dan Glaser Dan Glaser is the Founder & President of FranGrowth, a franchise development firm focused on helping emerging brands scale strategically. With nearly 20 years of experience in the franchise industry, Dan has played a key role in expanding some of the most recognized home service brands, including Rainbow International Restoration, Window Genie, HouseMaster Home Inspection, and Real Property Management. His expertise spans franchise recruitment, growth strategy, and leadership development, making him a trusted advisor for franchisors looking to drive sustainable, long-term success. Dan began his career in franchising in 2007 at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, where he was instrumental in recruiting some of the company’s largest conversion franchise owners. He then spent 15 years with Neighborly Brands, the world’s largest home services franchise group, where he was responsible for driving franchise growth across multiple high-performing brands. In 2022, he founded FranGrowth to provide franchisors with a transparent, results-driven approach to franchise development, focusing on scalable systems, strong leadership, and franchisee success. Passionate about entrepreneurship and business ownership, Dan believes in the power of franchising to create ...
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    28 mins
  • S1Ep218 Scaling Franchise Businesses & Company Culture with Scott Zide

    S1Ep218 Scaling Franchise Businesses & Company Culture with Scott Zide
    Feb 13 2025
    Scaling franchise businesses is a challenge that many entrepreneurs face. Growth requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and the right systems to support expansion. But rapid growth can also create problems, especially if the culture that made the brand successful starts to break down. Without a strong foundation of leadership and support, franchisees may struggle, employee engagement can decline, and customer experience can suffer. The key to long-term success isn’t just expansion—it’s maintaining the values, systems, and operational excellence that drive sustainable growth. Scott Zide, CEO of Empower Brands, has spent his career building and scaling franchise businesses while ensuring that company culture remains a top priority. His journey began as a franchisee, owning multiple locations, before transitioning to the franchisor side. Now leading a multi-brand portfolio with over 1,200 franchise locations, Scott understands the challenges and opportunities that come with growth. His approach focuses on a people-first leadership style, ensuring that franchisees and employees are supported at every stage of the business. One of the biggest obstacles in scaling franchise businesses is ensuring that franchisees receive the right level of support before, during, and after rapid growth. Many brands wait until they experience growing pains to invest in infrastructure, marketing, and operational support. Scott emphasizes the importance of putting those systems in place early to avoid playing catch-up later. Franchisees who feel supported are more engaged, more likely to follow proven systems, and better positioned to succeed in their local markets. Building a strong company culture is another critical factor in franchise success. A franchise network is only as strong as the people who run it, from leadership teams to franchisees to frontline employees. A well-defined culture that prioritizes career development, leadership training, and clear communication helps retain top talent and keeps teams aligned with the brand’s mission. Franchisees who take a proactive role in building their own local culture while staying connected to the larger brand values create businesses that thrive long-term. Marketing plays a major role in scaling franchise businesses, but the digital landscape is constantly changing. Scott highlights how marketing strategies that worked 18 months ago may not be as effective today, requiring brands to continuously innovate. With most franchise owners not having a background in marketing, franchisors must provide clear guidance and support to help them generate leads, convert customers, and remain competitive. Investing in technology, data-driven marketing, and customer engagement strategies ensures that franchisees have the tools needed to grow their businesses effectively. Customer expectations are evolving, and speed has become one of the most critical factors in business success. Franchise brands must adapt to the demand for faster response times, quicker service, and seamless customer experiences. Those who integrate technology while maintaining a personal touch will have a competitive edge. Whether it’s optimizing scheduling, improving communication, or making transactions easier, businesses that prioritize customer experience will see greater retention and stronger word-of-mouth referrals. The labor market is another challenge that franchise brands must navigate. Attracting and retaining employees has become more difficult, requiring franchisees to rethink their approach to hiring and company culture. Being a great place to work is no longer optional—it’s essential. Businesses that provide career growth opportunities, training programs, and a positive work environment are more likely to attract top talent and reduce turnover. Franchisees must adapt their leadership styles to meet the expectations of today’s workforce, creating an environment where employees feel valued and motivated to contribute to the company’s success. Scaling franchise businesses is about more than just adding locations. It requires a combination of leadership, operational excellence, and a commitment to culture. The most successful franchises are those that put people first, embrace innovation, and stay ahead of industry trends. Brands that focus on building strong relationships with franchisees, investing in support systems, and fostering a positive work culture are positioned for long-term growth. Join Fordify LIVE! Every Wednesday at 11 AM Central on your favorite social platforms and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Scott Zide Scott Zide is a franchise industry leader with a career spanning over two decades in building, growing, and scaling franchise brands. His journey began in 2000 as a franchise owner with Outdoor Lighting Perspectives in St. Louis, where he gained firsthand experience in franchise operations. ...
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    36 mins
  • S1Ep217 Franchise Business Growth with Charles Bonfiglio

    S1Ep217 Franchise Business Growth with Charles Bonfiglio
    Feb 6 2025
    Franchise business growth is an exciting yet complex process that requires more than just a strong business concept. Scaling a franchise takes a combination of the right mindset, effective leadership, and strategic systems that support expansion. Entrepreneurs entering the franchise space often believe that purchasing a franchise automatically guarantees success, but the reality is that growth depends on how well the business model is executed. One of the most overlooked aspects of franchise success is the importance of leadership at both the franchisor and franchisee levels. A thriving franchise brand is built on more than just its products or services; it is sustained by the people who operate it. Owners who take full responsibility for their business and actively engage with their franchisor’s systems are the ones who achieve the highest levels of success. Franchisees who fully embrace the brand, follow proven strategies, and engage with fellow franchise owners are far more likely to scale their business effectively. Those who approach the opportunity with a passive mindset—expecting the brand to generate success for them—often find themselves struggling to keep up. Mindset plays a critical role in franchise business growth. Entrepreneurs who succeed in franchising see challenges as opportunities rather than roadblocks. Every business will encounter obstacles, whether it’s difficulty securing financing, managing a team, or navigating changes in consumer behavior. The most successful franchisees are those who take an active approach to problem-solving, leveraging the tools and resources provided by their franchisor while also seeking guidance from others within the network. The ability to remain adaptable and open to new strategies is what separates those who scale quickly from those who stagnate. Franchise expansion also depends on strong marketing and sales strategies. While the franchisor provides brand recognition and overarching marketing initiatives, local-level marketing efforts are equally important. Many franchisees make the mistake of relying solely on corporate advertising, expecting customers to show up without taking additional steps to build local brand awareness. The most successful franchise locations prioritize community engagement, leveraging digital marketing tools and local partnerships to drive foot traffic and increase visibility. Additionally, understanding the full range of services a franchise offers is key to maximizing customer lifetime value. Many consumers may come in for one service without realizing the full suite of products or services available, leaving untapped revenue potential on the table. Technology is playing an increasingly important role in franchise operations. Brands that implement AI-driven customer interactions, automated marketing tools, and data-driven dashboards give franchisees an advantage in tracking performance and making informed decisions. Franchisees who embrace these technologies can optimize their operations, improve customer experience, and ultimately increase profitability. However, technology should complement, not replace, the human element of business. Consumers still value personal interaction and strong customer service, which means technology should be used to enhance relationships rather than create distance. A successful franchise model is built on systems, but execution is what drives results. Training programs, financial benchmarking, and operational support all contribute to the long-term sustainability of a franchise network. However, even with these resources in place, the responsibility ultimately falls on the franchise owner to implement best practices and maintain consistency across their location. The most effective franchisees don’t just follow the model—they optimize it, finding ways to improve efficiency while staying aligned with the brand’s core values. Franchise business growth is about more than just increasing the number of locations. Sustainable expansion requires a balance of leadership, operational efficiency, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Those who understand that franchising is not just a business investment but a long-term strategy for success are the ones who achieve lasting growth. Whether entering the franchise industry for the first time or looking to expand an existing business, the principles of ownership, adaptability, and strategic execution remain the foundation for scaling a thriving brand. Join Fordify LIVE! Every Wednesday at 11 AM Central on your favorite social platforms and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Charles Bonfiglio Charles is a visionary entrepreneur and franchise leader with a proven track record of building successful business models. As the Founder and CEO of Tint World, he has transformed a chain of six independently owned auto accessory and window tinting centers into a globally ...
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    35 mins

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