Podcast
Stars of Franchising
Hosted by Tariq Farid Franchise Institute at Babson College · EN
“How do I find and choose the right franchise opportunity?” “How do I overcome the obstacles and bounce back from the setbacks?” “How do I achieve the scale I’m after?”
Join hosts Ab Igram and Vini Onyemah to learn from the global pioneers, innovators, and visionaries who are realizing their entrepreneurial dreams through the franchise business model.
New episodes every other week.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Stacy Bahrenfuss, Founder of Soul Charge
1w ago00:36:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Stars of Franchising, Stacy Bahrenfuss—founder of Soul Charge—shares a powerful perspective on leadership, growth, and sustainability in franchising and entrepreneurship. Drawing from her journey from real estate success to inner transformation, Stacy challenges traditional definitions of success and highlights the unseen emotional and mental costs of scaling. This conversation explores how leaders can build high-performing businesses without sacrificing their well-being, emphasizing alignment, intentionality, and internal clarity as the true drivers of external results. What if the biggest thing holding your business back… is your internal state? Just wrapped an incredible Stars of Franchising episode with Stacy Bahrenfuss, and one idea really stood out: 👉 “Internal state first. External results always respond.” In franchising and entrepreneurship, we talk nonstop about growth—units, revenue, expansion… But we don’t talk enough about the hidden cost of scaling: •The pressure leaders carry •The misalignment that starts at the top •The burnout that quietly builds during growth Stacy challenged the traditional playbook with a simple but powerful shift: ✅ Success isn’t about doing more ✅ It’s about aligning more Some key takeaways for franchise leaders: •Your energy and clarity set the tone for your entire system •Growth breakdowns often start with misalignment at the beginning •The best leaders are intentional about how they show up—not just what they do And one of my favorites: 👉 We need to move from “I win through sacrifice” to “I win because I’m aligned.” If you’re scaling a brand (or thinking about it), this episode is a must-listen. #Franchising #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Scaling #Mindset #TFFI #Babson
Transcribe →Jamie Lavigne, Ever Smith Brands
3w ago00:42:01Tap to summarize“You have to choose your hard—and then embrace it.” On the latest episode of Stars of Franchising, we sit down with Jamie Lavigne—franchise development leader at Ever Smith Brands—to dig into what separates great franchisors from the rest. With nearly two decades of experience across legacy and emerging brands, Jamie shares candid insights into the franchising journey—from how the best franchisors build strong support systems and evolve their training, to the critical importance of transparency, due diligence, and unit economics. She also pulls back the curtain on franchise development, describing it not as selling—but as guiding candidates through a structured process to determine true fit. Along the way, Jamie challenges common misconceptions, highlights the risks of being “too entrepreneurial” in a franchise system, and explains why understanding how you might fail is just as important as knowing how to succeed. Listeners will walk away with practical advice on evaluating franchise opportunities, building resilience, and embracing the reality that entrepreneurship—whether independent or franchised—is never easy, but deeply rewarding when approached the right way. Jamie also holds a position on the Board of Directors of NEFA: https://newenglandfranchiseassociation.com
Transcribe →David Owasi: Systems, Speed, and Scale: Applying AI in Franchise Operations
May 2600:42:12Tap to summarizeHow can franchise systems leverage artificial intelligence to enhance operational consistency while improving financial performance? In this episode, David Owasi offers a systems-oriented perspective on AI adoption in franchising, emphasizing the importance of structured processes and rapid lead engagement.The conversation explores how AI-driven tools can reinforce established playbooks, reduce variability across units, and enable franchisees to capture opportunities that would otherwise be lost due to capacity constraints. Owasi also discusses implementation strategies, including pilot programs, franchisor-led standardization, and tiered adoption models.The episode concludes with reflections on the enduring importance of systems thinking in franchising, particularly as AI becomes an integral component of operational infrastructure.“We don’t rise to the level of our goals—we fall to the level of our systems.” –David Owasi
Transcribe →Aaron Harper, Rolling Suds Founder & Chairman
May 1200:41:36Tap to summarize“Everything I do, personally and professionally, is to enhance the lives of my family.” – Aaron HarperIn this episode, Aaron Harper shares a deeply personal and practical perspective on franchising, scaling, and leadership. Grounded in family, purpose, and discipline, Aaron walks through what it really takes to build a fast‑growing franchise system—financially, emotionally, and structurally. From pre‑investing millions before launch to “firing yourself” as the business evolves, Aaron offers an unfiltered look at sustainable growth in franchising.
Transcribe →Elyse Lupin - Elysium Marketing Group
Apr 1400:32:08Tap to summarizeElyse (Elysium Marketing Group) shares how she built and scaled a franchise-focused marketing agency—why she chose franchising, what franchise development marketing requires, and how she leads a high-trust team while using AI as an efficiency tool (not a substitute for judgment). “Entrepreneurship is not a straight line… everything in this journey is just a phase. So you’ve gotta push through that phase, and then you get to the next part.” -Elyse Lupin
Transcribe →Colleen Upham, Co‑Founder & CEO, Oh Deer
Feb 1100:46:47Tap to summarizeThis week, we sit down with Colleen Upham, co‑founder of Oh Deer, the all‑natural deer, tick, and mosquito control franchise redefining eco‑friendly home services across the country. Colleen’s story is a powerful blend of mission, resilience, and heart. From mixing formulas in a basement while raising newborn twins to building a franchise system rooted in community and care, she shares what it takes to grow the right way—with intention, values, and a commitment to franchisee success. We cover: ✔️ Building a purpose‑driven brand ✔️ Knowing when to pause growth to strengthen systems ✔️ Selecting franchisees who align with your mission ✔️ How innovation often comes from the field ✔️ Balancing entrepreneurship and family ✔️ Why “all‑natural” is more than a trend—it’s the future One of my favorite takeaways from Colleen: “Never give up. Take a breath, reevaluate, and move forward stronger.” 🎧 Listen now and get inspired: Stars of Franchising (Babson College)
Transcribe →Patrick Cunningham: Chief Development Officer, Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay
Jan 2800:40:06Tap to summarize“Your role is to build the business… You can have any conversation with a franchisee if you have a solid relationship. That’s the foundation of everything I’ve learned in the franchise business.” — Patrick Cunningham In this episode of Stars of Franchising, hosts Ab Igram and Vinnie Onyemah sit down with veteran franchise executive Patrick Cunningham, whose nearly 30‑year career spans Domino’s, Dunkin’, Baskin Robbins, Little Caesars, and now Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay. Patrick shares how he went from selling molecular sieves to becoming one of franchising’s most respected development leaders, discussing the power of relationship‑driven franchising, the realities of operational challenges today, and what makes Bobby Flay’s brand such an exciting emerging concept. He offers candid insights on: Building trust between franchisors and franchisees How ownership changes (private equity, public companies) affect systems What great operators look like — and why they matter more than markets The biggest myths about franchising Growth challenges around labor, capital, and real estate Leadership lessons, mentorship, and why “family comes first” Whether you're a franchisor, franchisee, operator, or aspiring leader in multi‑unit retail, this conversation is loaded with wisdom, honesty, and practical takeaways.
Transcribe →Ruzanna Queenan: Building Wealth Beyond the Franchise
Dec 1700:36:24Tap to summarizeLearn how successful franchise owners build wealth, protect their financial future, and scale with confidence in this powerful episode of Stars of Franchising. Ab sits down with financial strategist and franchise‑focused advisor Ruzanna Queenan to explore the essential financial habits every franchisee needs—whether you're opening your first unit or running a fast‑growing multi‑unit operation.Ruzanna shares her journey from early financial hardship to becoming a trusted advisor for entrepreneurs, revealing why money mindset matters more than math and how personal financial patterns can impact franchise performance. She breaks down the biggest mistakes new franchisees make, including relying solely on business growth for retirement, underestimating cash‑flow pressures, and neglecting long‑term planning.Listeners will discover:• How to build a strong financial foundation for franchising• The critical difference between corporate careers and entrepreneurship• Why cash flow, budgeting, and disciplined distributions determine long‑term success• How a Virtual Family Office can support franchise owners with CPAs, attorneys, lending experts, and more• When to start building your franchise exit strategy (spoiler: day one)• The rise of women in franchising and the challenges they’re overcoming• How AI and emerging tech are reshaping franchise operations and financial decision‑makingWhether you're exploring franchise ownership, preparing to scale, or looking to strengthen your financial systems, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you grow smarter—not just bigger. Perfect for franchisees, franchisors, small‑business owners, and anyone seeking long‑term wealth through franchising.
Transcribe →Scott Greenberg: The Franchise Performance Edge
Nov 1900:38:53Tap to summarize“Great franchisees aren’t born — they’re built. And it always starts with how they think, not just what they do.” In this standout episode, we sit down with Scott Greenberg — international speaker, best-selling author of The Wealthy Franchisee, and one of the most respected voices in franchise performance. With 10 years of firsthand experience as a multi-unit franchisee and two decades of coaching top brands around the world, Scott brings clarity to the one question every operator needs to answer: Why do some franchisees thrive while others struggle — even with the same brand, the same training, and the same resources? Blending research, storytelling, and humor, Scott breaks down the difference between operational competence and performance psychology — showing how elite operators think, lead, and make decisions differently. In this episode: Why identical franchise systems produce wildly different results The mindset patterns of high-performing franchise operators – and how to build them intentionally Why “work ethic” and “hours logged” aren’t enough to win How frustration, comparison, and burnout quietly sabotage great operators What franchisors can do to truly develop — not just train — their franchisees Traits of the most coachable (and least coachable) franchisees Why culture has become a performance multiplier in modern franchising The difference between growing units and growing leaders Emotional management in the face of setbacks, competition, and online reviews The future of franchise performance in an AI-accelerated world From psychology to practical tactics, Scott delivers a masterclass in how smart operators turn ordinary franchise models into extraordinary results — without losing themselves in the process. If you’re a franchisor looking to raise your system’s performance ceiling, or a franchisee determined to reach the next level, this conversation will reshuffle how you think, lead, and compete.
Transcribe →Alex DiPietro: Legacy in Motion
Jul 2900:43:05Tap to summarize“If you can sell, you can build. And if you can build, you can lead.” In this special episode, we welcome Alex DiPietro, Babson alum, former hockey player, and the first undergraduate Babson grad featured on Stars of Franchising. Alex brings a dynamic mix of tech sales grit, deep family legacy, and second-generation franchise leadership to the table. As a multi-unit Dunkin’ operator and second-gen franchisee in one of the most iconic family-run Dunkin’ operations in the Northeast, Alex shares how his background in sales, sports, and entrepreneurship shaped his approach to franchising — and how he’s forging his own path while honoring a powerful legacy. 🎙️ In this episode: How tech sales gave him the entrepreneurial backbone for franchising Lessons learned from legendary operator Carlos Andrade The myth of absentee ownership — and why leadership starts in the store Why he earned his general contractor license to lead remodels himself The value of “healthy tension” between ‘Zors and ‘Zees Using collaboration and shared infrastructure to drive growth and efficiency What keeps him up at night: defining his legacy From legacy to innovation, Alex’s story is a blueprint in leading from the front.
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