Author: Rebecca

We often talk about life themes on the Where Passion & Purpose Collide podcast. These themes frequently turn into passion and purpose even when we aren’t completely ‘aware’ of them.  

In this episode the theme is quite clear: April O’Connor is a point guard.  

April O’Connor, owner of several Network Lead Exchange (United Franchise Group) Franchises and Area Developer for three counties in South Florida is passionate about connecting good people to good people. And like all good point guards her primary goal is to facilitate scoring opportunities for the people she connects whether in business or in her many charitable endeavors.  

Listen in as she discusses with Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa her diverse background and how it led her to business ownership and through the obstacles in route to success.   

Meet April O’Connor

April O’Connor, owner of several Network Lead Exchange Franchises and Area Developer for three counties in South Florida is passionate about connecting good people to good people. Network Lead Exchange is part of United Franchise Group, which currently has 11 brands in 60 countries with over 1600 locations.  April chose Network Lead Exchange because it offered flexibility, fun in networking, financial incentives and the support of a successful franchise group.  April is also passionate about partnering with charities with the networking events her groups hold.  

 April also started a consulting business Inspired Human Connections. With this business she is a fractional Director of Business Development for business owners who, for various reasons, would like an outside resource to grow their businesses.  April is originally from Upstate NY but relocated with her family multiple times before settling into the West Palm Beach, FL area. She has been married 22 years and has two teenagers.   

 Learn more about April O’Connor 

Learn more about Network Lead Exchange 

Holy Moly! After one-hour with Denise O’Neill and Blair Koch, franchisees and coaches with The Alternative Board (TAB) all I can think is: How in the world does one build a successful business without the use of coaches and advisory boards!?  

Listen in as Denise (Baltimore/Washington) and Blair (Denver) discuss the many benefits of coaching and advisory boards and their unique, holistic approach to support, encourage, edify and hold accountable businesses owners.  

In this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast: Where Passion & Purpose Collide, Denise O’Neill (Baltimore/Washington) and Blair Koch (Denver) discuss:  

• Coaching vs. consulting and mastermind groups vs. advisory boards.   
• How business stage of growth and stage of life determine the goals, strategies and needs of the business owner.  
• The role of trust in a coaching and advisory board relationship 
• A fascinating ‘questioning’ methodology TAB coaches use to get to the bottom of the problem and find a solution.  
• And oh so much more.   

Meet Blair Koch

Blair gets up every morning to change people’s lives: to help Denver business owners collaborate and thrive – to grow their businesses, build their communities, and cultivate an unparalleled quality of life for themselves and their families. And she is truly passionate about that. 

Blair wants everyone she works with to have an exceptional, joyful, abundant life. Business owners shouldn’t have to work themselves to the bone to achieve their dreams. At the end of the day, nobody looks back on their life and says, “gee, I wish I’d worked another hour.” Blair certainly would not.  

Learning, improving her intellectual self, is what Blair works on every day. It’s what allows her to be the best version of herself in both her personal and professional life. Blair has spent her career learning the ins and outs of companies of all sizes, and in the ever-changing environment of modern business, there’s always more to learn. 

But there’s one thing Blair know for sure: small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) hold the key to local and regional success. They are the economic engine to the State, Country and ultimately the World. To be able to help these businesses thrive and allow their owners to live the rich rewarding life they deserve is truly the most rewarding thing she has ever done. 

 Learn more about Blair Koch 

Learn more about The Alternative Board (TAB) 

Meet Denise O’Neill  

Denise O’Neill is the CEO and owner of TAB | The Alternative Board Baltimore Washington has been a strategic business executive coach and facilitator for almost 10 years.  As a coach, Denise specializes in Sales and Customer Marketing and developing strong business cultures that focus on engagement, accountability and strategic planning.     

Denise is passionate about developing managers into leaders and has co-designed Next Generation Leaders training with her husband, Marty O’Neill. She is a seasoned business executive with 16 years’ experience leading top 50 consumer packaged goods companies in Sales, Marketing, General Management, and Logistics. Denise is a former Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Nabisco Foods where she received numerous awards including recognition with the Nabisco Food Presidential award given to the top performer in the company annually.   

Denise has also worked in the eProcurement industry and is the founder of the award-winning Survivors Offering Support organization providing innovative peer support services to breast centers in Maryland/Washington, DC and Virginia. 

She resides in Annapolis, Maryland with her husband and three children.  

Learn more about Denise O’Neill 

Learn more about The Alternative Board (TAB)  

Passion and purpose has no age limit. And no limit to its impact when unleashed; its ripple effect a legacy for decades to come. Such is, and will be, the story of Susan Salenger (age 79), author and researcher behind Sidelined, How Women Manage & Mismanage Their Health (Release date, April, 2022)   

Listen in as Rebecca Monet & Tracy Kawa interview Susan Salenger a successful entrepreneur, lifetime learner and power lifter turned author as she talks about: 

•  How women prioritize themselves and health 
• Shame and blame around health issues 
• Confusion around ‘control’ 
• How men and women talk to their doctors differently – and how that effects treatment.  
• And much, much more. 

Meet Susan Salenger  

Susan Salenger is the author and researcher behind Sidelined, How Women Manage & Mismanage Their Health. Sidelined examines the many ways in which some women manage and sometimes mismanage their healthcare. (Release date, April, 2022)  

Susan explores how women, typically the medical gatekeepers for their families, tend to be extremely conscientious about taking care of themselves, yet at the same time inadvertently undermine their own care. They often hesitate to call the doctor when they don’t feel well and worry that their doctor visit will take time away from their families or work. They may hesitate to ask doctors the necessary questions and don’t always comply with the doctor’s instructions. Salenger’s research reveals how conflicted many women are about the medical decisions they ultimately make. 

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Susan attended UCLA to study English. After graduation, she worked alongside her husband Fred for 25 years at their production company, Salenger Films, which produced corporate training and development films distributed worldwide. Today, at age 79, Susan lives in Northern California to be near her incredible family which includes her two daughters, four grandchildren, a cat named Max and a dog named JD (Salenger). When she is not speaking about her book or spending time with family and friends, you will find Susan power lifting to stay in shape. 

 Learn more about Susan Salenger 

 Learn more about Sidelined, How Women Manage & Mismanage Their Health 

Pace Webb, the co-founder of Daddy’s Chicken Shack franchise is a classically trained chef who quickly made her dream of “feeding people” a reality once she received a rave celebrity review on her signature chicken sandwich.  

In this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast: Where Passion & Purpose Collide Pace Webb shares her recipe for success. Pace remembers a distinct moment at age 14 when she knew her future was in entertainment and hospitality. Her goals are often ‘dreamy’ but always magnetic as she seems to organically attract the money and talent to turn her goals into reality.  

Pace is not done dreaming for she envisions Daddy’s Chicken Shack as a pioneer in redistribution of underutilized resources, including sourcing food using ‘imperfect’ foods and giving individuals such as those who were incarcerated a second chance.  

Listen in as she ‘wows’ Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa with her youth, vigor and vision.  

Meet Pace Webb 

Pace Webb, the co-founder of Daddy’s Chicken Shack is a classically trained chef who quickly made her dream of “feeding people” a reality once she received a rave celebrity review on her signature chicken sandwich. The review sparked the idea for Daddy’s and since then Pace has been committed to making a name for herself in the cluttered chicken space.  

Daddy’s first restaurant opened in 2018, thanks to Pace’s Asian-inspired menu offerings and her husband Chris’ technology driven efforts. Together, they grew Daddy’s Chicken Shack’s sales over 200% during the pandemic. Daddy’s recently launched their franchising efforts after peaking the interest of Dave Liniger (co-founder of Re/Max) who is an investor. Now, Daddy’s second location is set to open this year in Houston.  

Learn more about Pace Webb 

Learn more about Daddy’s Chicken Shack 

Alison Satriana, Director of Development at Teriyaki Madness joins Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa on this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast: Where Passion & Purpose Collide.  

Alison talks about the high-vibe atmosphere and ‘Bill Murray’ tone at Teriyaki Madness and how each location expresses their unique personalities.  

Teriyaki Madness is gearing up to rapid growth in the next 2 years. Currently they have 109 franchisees and 65 corporate staff to support them. Goal by end of 2023 is to have 200 shops open.  

On a personal level Alison knows how to be fully present in all situations and truly enjoys adventure for adventure sake from travel, to outdoor experiences, to taking on unfamiliar roles.  

Listen in to learn more about Alison and the fascinating culture at Teriyaki Madness and how it permeates to individual franchise locations.  

Meet Alison Satriana 

Alison Satriana is the Director of Development at Teriyaki Madness the fastest growing big restaurant chain. Alison has a bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a focus on business in Europe. She joined Teriyaki Madness in 2016.  

Teriyaki Madness is a fast-casual restaurant concept serving up quality, fresh, healthy and flavorful Asian food in a high-vibe atmosphere. Through years of mastering marinating, grilling, and wok-ing, Teriyaki Madness was able to make bowls that are as hearty and delicious as they are healthy.  

Teriyaki Madness food is made when you order. Always fresh, never frozen marinated and grilled meats and customizable bowls meant for delicious and healthier eating. Teriyaki Madness has a collection of sauces, made from scratch with the best ingredients so they can bring a one-of-a-kind teriyaki taste to each bowl at an affordable price.  

Teriyaki Madness brings teriyaki to a whole new level with a family friendly, neighborhood feel. Teriyaki Madness has amazing shop sales and profitability with a low investment cost. Managed by an experienced group of fast casual executives combined with a mature business system, paves the way for Teriyaki Madness’ growth. It’s safe to say Teriyaki Madness has the best bowls in the business! 

 Learn more about Alison Satriana 

Learn more about Teriyaki Madness 

Don’t let one person (and their opinions of you) define you!

That’s our big takeaway in this heartfelt and inspiring interview with Candace (Couture) Byrnes. Candace speaks from personal experience having worked with a highly critical nitpicking superior. Her confidence and competence were under constant attack. Candace shares how she moved through that painful experience and the lessons and blessings that came from it.

Candace spent 21 years with Planet Fitness and recently joined Zor411 as a partner and COO. Here, she leverages her experience and knowledge to help carefully selected franchise brands expand their market share and achieve business objectives through thoughtful growth strategies. She stands by the company’s mission to Love, Learn and Live Your Business and is currently serving in a development leadership role for the company’s first two brands The DRIPBaR and Brake Squad.

Listen in to Candace Byrnes as she joins Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa on this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast: Where Passion & Purpose Collide.

Meet Candace Byrnes

Candace Couture, CFE is an accomplished Franchise Sales and Business Development Executive with more than 21 years of experience at the Planet Fitness World Headquarters (1999-2020), supporting corporate initiatives, facilitating critical business planning, and driving company growth and expansion.  She was promoted through a series of positions throughout her successful tenure, playing an integral role in awarding and opening over 2,000 locations throughout the US, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Panama and Australia.  

In her most recent role as the VP of Business Development (November 2018-August 2020) Candace was responsible for creating and implementing an international growth strategy as well as leading the domestic Franchise Development Team to optimize existing Area Development territories as well as manage new prospects to drive long-term revenue growth.   

 Candace has been a business partner in Zor411 since September 2021, when she stepped into the role of COO for the organization. Here, she leverages her experience and knowledge to help carefully selected franchise brands expand their market share and achieve business objectives through thoughtful growth strategies.  She stands by the company’s mission to Love, Learn and Live Your Business and is currently serving in a development leadership role for the company’s first two brands The DRIPBaR and Brake Squad. 

 In addition to her work at Planet Fitness and Zor411, Candace has earned her Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) designation from the International Franchise Association (IFA).  She has spoken at numerous Conferences, including those hosted by the IFA, to discuss best practices in Franchise Development for emerging Franchise brands.  

 Candace has also been an Executive Leadership Team Member of the American Heart Association’s (AHA’s) NH Heart Ball since 2020 and currently serves as Chairwoman for the 2022 event.   

 When not focusing on her role with Zor411 or volunteer work with organizations such as the AHA, she loves to spend as much time as possible outdoors with her husband, Steven, and two English Cream Golden Retrievers, Casco and Baylee. 

How does someone go from being a pharmacist to a restauranteur and then a franchisor?

Lauren Coulter, Co-founder and Director of Franchise Development tells Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa the story that led to Biscuit Belly on this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast: Where Passion & Purpose Collide.

Initially Lauren Coulter took the safe road … just like her mom who had spent 30 years working at the same company. When Lauren was a teenager her parents divorced. Her mother drilled it into her head that financial independence for a woman was important. Becoming a pharmacist would guarantee her job and financial security. But as the years went she realized something was missing …

She like many in her generation was looking for something more than income something that would lead towards greater fulfillment.

Listen in as Lauren shares her story and some valuable lessons she and her husband Chad learned about building a business based on passion versus intentionally scaling a business.

Meet Lauren Coulter

Lauren Coulter is a pharmacist turned restaurateur.  After graduating pharmacy school, she and husband Chad Coulter opened Louisville’s first “paint and sip” businesses. In 2014, they shifted into the restaurant scene by opening LouVino, a southern inspired small plates and wine bar restaurant. They grew LouVino to 5 locations in Louisville, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati before starting Biscuit Belly.   

The first Biscuit Belly location opened in May 2019 and since then has opened two additional locations in Louisville and one in Evansville, IN. The Coulter’s sold LouVino so they can focus on the growth and franchise development of Biscuit Belly. There are currently 20 franchise units in development and they are excited to continue to grow further.   

Learn more about Lauren Coulter 

Learn more about Biscuit Belly 

Sharon Duke Estroff, CEO and Founder of Challenge Island joins Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa on this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast: Where Passion & Purpose Collide.

What did I learn?

Challenge is important to a child’s emotional, social and intellectual development.

Taking risks and stepping into unknown territories without adults at the ready to solve problems, give direction, set goals or even boundaries encourages a child’s critical thinking, creativity and social interactions.

These life skills are more important than IQ and will lead to a well-adjusted and successful adult.

Sharon believes a vital attribute to success is resilience – and if we shield our children from challenges and risks we do them a great disservice. Listen in as Sharon talks about how she encourages her franchisees and their students to think and act like a palm tree – deeply rooted, strong and agile, swaying with the winds no matter the velocity.

Meet Sharon Estroff

Sharon is founder and creator of the Challenge Island® program. She is an award-winning elementary school teacher with two decades of experience in Atlanta public and private schools. Voted best teacher in Atlanta by a major Atlanta newspaper, Sharon created Challenge Island in her 2nd grade classroom before launching it as her own business.  

Sharon sold her first Challenge Island franchise in 2013 and has been growing the company by leaps and bounds ever since. Sharon is also a Penguin/Random House parenting author and educational journalist for numerous publications including Scholastic Parent and Child, Parents, Woman’s Day and Good Housekeeping Magazines.  

Sharon is co-author of the Challenge Island children’s book series. Sharon received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Emory University where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, four children and three miniature golden doodles.