Tag: featured

Some leaders inspire through vision.

Others inspire through action.

Kamille McCollum does both.

As President and Chief Branding Officer of BODYBAR Pilates, Kamille has helped guide one of the fastest-growing boutique fitness franchises in the country. Yet her leadership philosophy wasn’t forged in a boardroom—it began in classrooms, social work, and a lifelong passion for helping people become the best versions of themselves.

On this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Kamille shares how a people-first mindset has shaped every stage of her journey—from teacher to entrepreneur to franchise executive.

Leadership Begins with Encouragement

Kamille’s early career in social work and special education taught her something that continues to influence her leadership today: every person has potential.

Rather than focusing on weaknesses, she believes effective leaders identify strengths, build trust, and encourage growth.

That philosophy extends throughout BODYBAR Pilates—from supporting franchisees to coaching employees and creating welcoming experiences for members.

It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t simply directing people. It’s helping them believe they’re capable of more.

Reflection Creates Better Decisions

One of the most fascinating themes throughout the conversation is Kamille’s emphasis on intentional reflection.

She describes three major transition points in her career:

• Moving from education into entrepreneurship
• Expanding from studio ownership into franchising
• Using the challenges of COVID to strengthen operational systems

Rather than rushing from one opportunity to the next, Kamille and her husband intentionally paused to learn, ask questions, and prepare before making significant decisions.

Their year spent researching franchising, learning from experienced franchisors, and building infrastructure ultimately laid the foundation for sustainable growth.

Her advice is simple but powerful:

Take the first step—but use the waiting periods with intention.

Reflection should move you forward, not hold you back.

Scaling Without Losing Your Culture

Many organizations can grow.

Far fewer can grow while preserving the culture that made them successful in the first place.

Kamille believes protecting culture requires deliberate effort.

At BODYBAR Pilates, that means:

• Hiring people who genuinely care about others
• Investing in franchise support
• Creating opportunities for team connection
• Encouraging collaboration across departments
• Keeping leadership accessible

As the company continues expanding across the United States, maintaining those relationships remains a strategic priority—not simply a nice idea.

Support Creates Better Franchise Systems

Kamille understands franchise ownership because she still owns and operates studios herself.

That perspective allows her to evaluate every corporate decision through the eyes of a franchise owner.

When new initiatives are introduced, she asks practical questions:

How will this affect daily operations?

Will it make owners more successful?

Can it realistically be implemented?

That owner-first perspective builds credibility while strengthening trust throughout the franchise system.

Knowing When to Delegate

Like many entrepreneurs, Kamille admits she initially tried to do everything herself.

As BODYBAR grew, she realized sustainable leadership required something different:

Hiring exceptional people.

Rather than viewing payroll as an expense, she views great employees as investments that improve franchisee support, strengthen customer experiences, and create long-term growth.

Her philosophy reinforces an important lesson for every growing business:

You cannot scale if every decision depends on one person.

Measuring What Matters

Strong leadership also requires strong measurement.

Kamille encourages franchise leaders to monitor both financial performance and customer experience.

BODYBAR tracks:

• Customer satisfaction surveys
• Google reviews
• Member retention
• New member growth
• Revenue trends
• Operational KPIs

Just as importantly, leadership interprets those numbers within the context of each local market, recognizing that seasonality and community differences influence performance.

The Future of Boutique Fitness

Kamille believes boutique fitness continues gaining momentum as consumers increasingly value guided, community-focused wellness experiences.

She also sees significant opportunity to expand Pilates beyond its traditional audience, particularly among men and athletes seeking strength, flexibility, and longevity.

As awareness continues growing, so does the opportunity for franchisees who deliver exceptional member experiences.

Final Thoughts

Kamille McCollum demonstrates that leadership isn’t defined by titles.

It’s defined by how consistently you invest in people.

Whether encouraging employees, supporting franchisees, or protecting company culture during rapid growth, her approach reflects a simple philosophy:

Lead people well, and strong businesses naturally follow.

For franchisors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders alike, this conversation offers practical insights on scaling responsibly, building trust, and creating organizations where both people and performance can thrive.

Many successful entrepreneurs can point to a defining moment that changed the direction of their lives.

For Kayla Curtis, it wasn’t a single moment.

It was a series of closed doors.

What began as a life centered around athletics, coaching, and supporting her husband’s football career eventually led her down an entirely different path—one that included entrepreneurship, multi-unit franchise ownership, real estate investing, product development, and leadership on a scale she never imagined.

In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Kayla shares how resilience, curiosity, and an athlete’s mindset helped her navigate uncertainty and create opportunities where none seemed to exist.

The Unexpected Education of a Coach’s Wife

When Kayla married her husband, she had no idea how much exposure she would gain to leadership, business, and high-level decision-making.

As a college football coach’s wife, she participated in recruiting visits, donor events, and university functions where she found herself surrounded by successful leaders and business owners.

Rather than simply attending these events, Kayla became curious.

She asked questions.

She listened.

She studied how successful people thought and operated.

That curiosity would eventually become one of her greatest entrepreneurial assets.

The Power of Proximity

One of the most valuable lessons Kayla learned early was the importance of proximity.

Being in rooms with business leaders and donors expanded her vision of what was possible.

She realized that many of the people she admired had built businesses of their own and created opportunities through ownership.

Instead of assuming success was out of reach, she began asking:

How did they get here?

What did they do differently?

What can I learn from them?

Those questions became the foundation for her future entrepreneurial journey.

The Athlete’s Mindset

Throughout the conversation, Kayla repeatedly returns to one concept: the athlete’s mindset.

For her, being an athlete wasn’t simply about sports.

It was about learning how to:

• Embrace discomfort
• Develop discipline
• Build resilience
• Pursue excellence
• Continue moving forward despite setbacks

She believes one of the greatest advantages athletes possess is becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable. Growth, she explains, almost always begins with uncertainty.

That mindset would prove critical when life took an unexpected turn.

When Every Door Closed

After years in collegiate athletics, Kayla and her husband found themselves facing a difficult transition.

Coaching opportunities disappeared.

Interviews led nowhere.

One door after another closed.

With two young boys and a desire for greater stability, they faced a decision.

They could continue waiting for another opportunity.

Or they could create one.

They chose the latter.

As Kayla explains, they simply decided to bet on themselves.

Finding the Right Franchise Opportunity

The search for a business wasn’t straightforward.

The couple explored numerous possibilities, from service businesses to healthcare-related concepts.

Eventually, a portfolio of seven Orangetheory Fitness studios became available.

The opportunity aligned perfectly with their backgrounds.

Kayla held a degree in exercise sports science.

Her husband brought years of leadership and coaching experience.

And perhaps most importantly, Orangetheory provided something they deeply valued: a proven system.

The franchise model offered a playbook for success while still allowing them to leverage their strengths as leaders and operators.

Scaling Through Leadership

Taking over seven studios at once would seem overwhelming to many entrepreneurs.

For Kayla, success came down to structure.

The existing business had strong leadership systems in place, including regional leadership, studio managers, and head coaches. Rather than trying to do everything herself, Kayla focused on supporting leaders and empowering others to succeed.

Her leadership philosophy is simple:

Serve first.

Support people.

Provide tools and resources.

Then allow great leaders to do what they do best.

It’s an approach that has helped create sustainable growth across the organization.

Motherhood as Leadership Training

One of the most compelling parts of the conversation centers on motherhood.

Kayla believes becoming a mother provided some of the most important leadership lessons of her life.

Motherhood taught her:

• Patience
• Multitasking
• Perspective
• Resilience
• Prioritization

She describes motherhood as the ultimate leadership training ground.

Managing a family, raising children, and navigating life’s constant demands prepared her to handle the complexities of business ownership in ways she never expected.

Overcoming Personal Challenges

Kayla’s journey wasn’t without hardship.

Both pregnancies were high-risk.

She experienced kidney complications and extended bed rest that dramatically altered her active lifestyle.

For someone whose identity had long been tied to athletics and activity, the experience was incredibly difficult.

Yet those challenges ultimately became sources of strength.

They forced her to develop patience, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of her own resilience.

Today, she views those experiences as critical building blocks in her personal and professional growth.

The Importance of Self-Care

One of Kayla’s most important messages is especially relevant for women balancing family and career responsibilities.

She emphasizes the importance of putting on your own oxygen mask first.

Too often, she explains, women prioritize everyone else’s needs while neglecting their own well-being. The result is exhaustion, burnout, and diminished effectiveness.

By prioritizing personal health, purpose, and fulfillment, leaders become better equipped to serve everyone around them.

It’s not selfish.

It’s necessary.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

When asked what advice she would give women considering entrepreneurship, Kayla’s answer is refreshingly simple:

“Do it scared anyway.”

She believes many people spend years waiting for the perfect time, the perfect plan, or the perfect level of confidence.

That moment never arrives.

Instead, she encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to:

• Find mentors
• Ask questions
• Shadow successful people
• Take action before feeling fully ready

Confidence, she explains, is built through experience—not before it.

Final Thoughts

Kayla Curtis’ story is about far more than business ownership.

It’s about resilience.

It’s about growth.

It’s about embracing uncertainty and believing in yourself when no one else can make the decision for you.

Her journey reminds us that success often begins when we stop waiting for permission and start creating our own opportunities.

And sometimes, the most important step is simply taking the leap—even when you’re scared.

Because as Kayla demonstrates, some of life’s greatest opportunities are waiting on the other side of uncertainty.

Some entrepreneurial journeys begin with a carefully crafted business plan.

Ashley Rafferty’s began with a part-time job.

Today, Ashley owns and operates a successful Pizza Guys franchise in Dixon, California, but her path to ownership started nearly two decades ago when she joined the company as a crew member while attending college. Through hard work, mentorship, and a willingness to embrace opportunity, she transformed that first job into a thriving business and a platform for community impact.

In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Ashley shares the lessons she’s learned about leadership, culture, entrepreneurship, and the power of investing in people.

Lessons Learned Early

Ashley grew up in Sacramento with three brothers and parents who worked hard despite facing financial challenges.

Watching her parents navigate difficult circumstances taught her valuable lessons about perseverance, responsibility, and the importance of managing time and money wisely. Those experiences helped shape her determination to build a different future for herself and her family.

She learned early that hard work matters.

But she also learned that keeping her options open would create opportunities she couldn’t yet imagine.

Finding a Home at Pizza Guys

When Ashley joined Pizza Guys in 2007, she was simply looking for a job that would accommodate her college schedule.

What she found was something much more significant.

She quickly advanced into a management role and discovered that the company offered more than employment—it offered mentorship, encouragement, and a pathway for growth.

As she developed her leadership skills, people within the organization began asking an important question:

What did she want her future to look like?

That conversation ultimately opened the door to franchise ownership.

The Power of Mentorship

One of the most compelling themes throughout Ashley’s story is the impact of mentorship.

Leaders within Pizza Guys recognized her potential and encouraged her to think beyond management. Rather than viewing her as simply another employee, they invested in her development and helped her envision a future as a business owner.

That support system made a lasting difference.

For Ashley, the experience reinforced the importance of identifying potential in others and helping them discover opportunities they may not yet see for themselves.

It’s a lesson she now applies in her own leadership approach.

Taking the Leap Into Ownership

When the opportunity to purchase the Dixon location became available, everything aligned.

The location was close to home, the timing was right, and Ashley felt prepared to take the next step.

Still, ownership brought a new level of responsibility.

Every decision suddenly carried greater weight.

The success of the business, the livelihood of employees, and the financial outcomes all rested on her shoulders.

While the transition was intimidating, she trusted her instincts and moved forward.

Looking back, she wouldn’t change a thing.

Building Community Through Business

For Ashley, success isn’t measured solely by sales or profitability.

It’s measured by impact.

Her Pizza Guys location regularly hosts fundraisers for schools, sports teams, churches, and families facing difficult circumstances. Whether helping support a local organization or assisting families experiencing tragedy, Ashley believes businesses have an opportunity—and responsibility—to contribute to their communities.

One fundraiser in particular remains unforgettable.

After two local teenagers lost their lives while attempting to rescue a dog from a river, Ashley organized a fundraiser for their families. The event generated the highest single-day sales in the store’s history and demonstrated the incredible strength of community support during times of hardship.

Years later, the memory still resonates with her team and the families involved.

Creating a Culture People Want to Join

Restaurant businesses often struggle with employee turnover.

Ashley has taken a different approach.

She believes culture starts with the hiring process.

Instead of conducting rigid interviews, she focuses on genuine conversations. She wants to understand not only candidates’ skills and availability, but also who they are as people and whether they’ll thrive within the team environment.

Once employees join the team, she invests heavily in training, mentorship, and relationship-building.

Her philosophy is simple:

People who feel supported stay longer, perform better, and contribute more positively to the workplace.

Respect as a Leadership Strategy

One of the most powerful moments in the conversation comes when Ashley discusses how leaders should view employees.

She rejects the idea that workers are replaceable commodities.

Instead, she believes employees deserve the same level of service, respect, and care that businesses strive to provide customers.

When employees feel valued, they become more engaged.

When they’re respected, they develop loyalty.

And when leaders invest in their growth, extraordinary things can happen.

After all, Ashley herself is living proof.

Personal Growth Through Entrepreneurship

Business ownership has changed Ashley in profound ways.

Early in her career, much of her focus centered on building stability and creating success for herself.

Over time, that perspective evolved.

Becoming a mother—particularly raising two sons with autism—deepened her empathy and changed the way she sees people. Those experiences helped her recognize strengths and potential in others that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Today, her leadership is rooted not only in business performance but also in understanding, compassion, and service.

Looking Toward the Future

While Ashley remains deeply committed to her current location, she hasn’t stopped dreaming.

She hopes to one day own additional Pizza Guys locations and continue helping others grow within the organization. In fact, she already sees future franchise owners developing among members of her own team.

The same mentorship that helped launch her career is now being passed on to the next generation.

And that may be the most meaningful legacy of all.

Final Thoughts

Ashley Rafferty’s story demonstrates that great leaders aren’t defined by where they start.

They’re defined by how they grow, how they serve others, and how they help people discover their own potential.

Her journey from crew member to franchise owner is a testament to the power of mentorship, hard work, and believing in people.

More importantly, it’s a reminder that businesses can be about much more than profit.

They can be about community.

They can be about opportunity.

And they can be about changing lives.

When Gara Post reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, one word rises above all others:

Adaptability.

It’s a quality that has shaped every chapter of her career—from navigating her parents’ divorce as a child, to moving across the country after college, to building multiple businesses and helping grow The NOW Massage into one of the most recognizable wellness franchises in the country.

In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Gara shares candid lessons about entrepreneurship, leadership, wellness, and what it takes to scale a founder-led brand while staying true to its original vision.

Learning to Adapt

For Gara, adaptability wasn’t something she learned in business school.

It was forged through experience.

After graduating from college, she moved to Los Angeles and entered the entertainment industry, eventually working as an executive assistant to the president of Universal Television Group. The fast-paced environment demanded flexibility, resilience, and the ability to solve problems on the fly.

Those early experiences taught her a lesson that would become central to her entrepreneurial success:

You don’t always have to know exactly what you’re doing before you begin.

Sometimes you simply have to start.

The Entrepreneurial Mindset

Throughout the conversation, Gara repeatedly returns to a mindset many successful entrepreneurs share: a willingness to take calculated risks.

Whether launching a jewelry company in her twenties, investing in new ventures, or helping build The NOW Massage, she embraced uncertainty rather than waiting for perfect conditions.

She acknowledges that fear of failure exists. In fact, she believes it can be a powerful motivator.

The difference is that she refuses to let that fear stop her from moving forward.

Instead, she uses it as fuel.

Building The NOW Massage

When The NOW Massage launched in 2015, the wellness landscape looked very different than it does today.

Self-care wasn’t the cultural movement it has become.

Massage was often viewed as either a luxury reserved for vacations or a treatment sought only when someone was in pain.

Gara and her team saw an opportunity to change that narrative.

Their vision was simple:

Create an affordable, elevated massage experience that made wellness accessible and encouraged people to prioritize regular self-care.

The concept resonated.

Today, The NOW Massage has expanded to nearly 90 locations across the United States, creating a distinctive brand experience centered around relaxation, mindfulness, and connection.

Creating an Experience, Not Just a Service

One of the reasons The NOW Massage stands out is its intentional approach to the customer experience.

Every detail—from the signature jasmine coconut scent to the nature-inspired design elements and calming ocean-wave soundscape—was carefully selected to help guests disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with themselves.

The goal isn’t simply to provide a massage.

It’s to create a journey.

That commitment to experience has become a key differentiator for the brand and an important factor in its growth.

Self-Care as a Leadership Strategy

While many people view self-care as an occasional indulgence, Gara sees it as an essential leadership practice.

Her daily routine begins early with meditation, movement, and intentional quiet time.

For more than a decade, she has maintained a consistent commitment to practices that support both mental and physical well-being.

She believes that leaders cannot effectively care for teams, customers, or businesses if they fail to care for themselves first.

It’s a philosophy that influences both her personal life and the culture of the companies she helps lead.

Scaling Without Losing the DNA

As brands grow, maintaining consistency becomes increasingly difficult.

For founder-led organizations, the challenge becomes even more personal.

Gara describes herself as part of the DNA of The NOW Massage. That DNA includes the brand’s values, aesthetic, customer experience, and overall vision.

Protecting that identity requires strong systems, clear standards, and a leadership team committed to preserving what made the brand successful in the first place.

Whether a guest visits a location in Los Angeles, Dallas, or Miami, the experience should feel familiar and consistent.

That’s not accidental.

It’s intentional.

Lessons About Partnerships

One of the most candid moments in the interview comes when Gara discusses business partnerships.

Looking back, she acknowledges that excitement and passion can sometimes cloud judgment.

She encourages entrepreneurs to trust their intuition, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and invest time in building healthy communication practices.

Her advice is refreshingly honest:

Business partnerships are a lot like marriages.

They require trust, communication, transparency, and ongoing effort.

When challenges arise—as they inevitably do—having support systems, mentors, coaches, or even therapists can make all the difference.

Working With a Spouse

Gara also shares insights from building businesses alongside her husband and business partner, Jason.

The experience has brought tremendous rewards but also unique challenges.

Over time, they’ve learned the importance of boundaries, communication, and understanding when to approach a conversation as spouses versus business partners.

One question her husband often asks has become a valuable tool:

“Do you need me to be your husband right now, or do you need me to be the CEO?”

That simple distinction has helped them navigate the complexities of blending business and family life.

Technology and the Future

Like many modern business leaders, Gara recognizes the growing influence of technology and artificial intelligence.

She sees tremendous value in using technology to better understand customers, improve operations, identify franchise candidates, and strengthen marketing efforts.

At the same time, she believes some things should never be replaced by technology.

Human connection remains at the heart of The NOW Massage experience.

Technology can enhance that connection—but it shouldn’t replace it.

Final Thoughts

Gara Post’s story is a reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t about having all the answers.

It’s about staying adaptable.

It’s about being willing to learn, evolve, and grow through challenges.

It’s about taking risks while remaining grounded in your values.

And perhaps most importantly, it’s about remembering that success is not just measured by revenue or location count.

It’s measured by the lives you impact, the relationships you build, and the experiences you create.

For entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty, Gara’s message is both simple and powerful:

Stay adaptable. Keep moving forward. Trust yourself. And don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way.

Success stories are often measured by growth, revenue, and achievement.

But for Valencia Hagos, success looks a little different.

For the veteran, mother, and owner of BODYBAR Pilates Shadow Creek, success is rooted in relationships. It is found in friendship, community, faith, and the intentional use of time.

In this inspiring episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Valencia shares her deeply personal journey from military service and federal government work to franchise ownership, while navigating profound personal loss and building a business centered on connection and belonging.

A Life Built on Service

Before becoming a franchise owner, Valencia served in the military and later worked in the federal government. She also spent time as a flight attendant with American Airlines, a role she still remembers fondly.

Her experiences took her around the world, including a period living in Kuwait with her husband and children. While the move brought unique experiences and strengthened family bonds, it also highlighted something that would become a recurring theme throughout her life: the importance of relationships.

Living far from family and familiar support systems reinforced how much community matters during life’s challenges and transitions.

Friendship as a Foundation

When Rebecca Monet asked Valencia about the common thread running through her life, her answer was immediate: friendship.

For more than fifteen years, Valencia has been part of a women’s church group that evolved from a simple gathering into a true sisterhood. The relationships formed through that group became a support system through marriages, parenting, celebrations, challenges, and loss.

What began as monthly meetings and shared activities eventually became something much deeper.

The women became family.

Their spouses became friends. Their children grew up together. They supported one another through life’s highest highs and lowest lows.

For Valencia, those relationships became proof that community isn’t something that simply happens—it is something intentionally built over time.

Navigating Loss Through Faith

One of the most moving parts of the conversation centers around the loss of Valencia’s husband.

Rather than glossing over the pain, she speaks openly about the reality of grief.

There were difficult days. There were tears. There were seasons where simply moving forward felt overwhelming.

Yet through it all, faith remained a constant source of strength.

Valencia describes relying on prayer, trusting God’s guidance, and looking for signs that she was moving in the right direction. She credits both her faith and her support network with helping her continue to move forward while raising her children and rebuilding her life.

Her story serves as a reminder that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship. It’s about finding the strength to keep going through it.

Finding BODYBAR Pilates

Entrepreneurship was not originally part of Valencia’s plan.

Following her husband’s passing, she stepped away from her government career to focus on her family and her own healing. While exploring investment opportunities, she began researching franchise concepts.

That’s when BODYBAR Pilates appeared.

What followed felt almost providential.

During conversations with the franchise team, she connected with people who understood grief, service, and perseverance. Multiple interactions reinforced her belief that this opportunity was aligned with where she was supposed to be in that season of life.

For Valencia, the decision to invest in BODYBAR wasn’t simply a business decision.

It was a calling.

The Value of Time

Another recurring theme throughout the interview is Valencia’s perspective on time.

After experiencing loss, she developed a much deeper appreciation for how precious time truly is.

She speaks candidly about how easy it is to assume there will always be more time—more time for conversations, more time for relationships, more time to pursue dreams.

Now, she approaches life differently.

She makes time for her children. She prioritizes meaningful relationships. She intentionally reaches out to friends and family, even if it’s as simple as sending a text message or a heart emoji to let someone know they are loved.

Her message is powerful:

Don’t wait.

Have the conversation. Make the call. Take the opportunity. Spend time with the people who matter.

Tomorrow is never guaranteed.

Creating Community Through Business

One of the reasons Valencia has been successful as a franchise owner is because she approaches business through the lens of relationships.

At BODYBAR Pilates Shadow Creek, community isn’t a marketing strategy—it’s a core value.

She encourages her team to learn members’ names, discover their interests, and help create connections between people. She wants members to feel seen, valued, and welcomed every time they walk through the door.

She believes people stay where they feel appreciated.

That philosophy extends to her employees as well. Birthdays are celebrated. Milestones are recognized. Team members are treated like family.

For Valencia, business is ultimately about people.

When people feel connected, they thrive.

Leading as a First-Time Business Owner

Like many entrepreneurs, Valencia admits there were countless lessons she learned along the way.

Construction delays, permits, operational systems, hiring decisions, financial management—each challenge presented a new learning opportunity.

Her favorite phrase became:

“You don’t know what you don’t know.”

Rather than pretending to have all the answers, she embraced learning, leaned on experienced mentors, and surrounded herself with people who could help fill knowledge gaps.

That humility has become one of her greatest strengths as a leader.

Building a Legacy

Perhaps the most inspiring part of Valencia’s story is her commitment to leading by example.

Today, she is pursuing a Doctorate of Business Administration—not because she needs it to run her business, but because she wants to demonstrate to her children that growth never stops.

She wants them to understand that setbacks do not define their future.

She wants them to see what perseverance looks like.

And she wants them to know that no matter where you start, you can accomplish extraordinary things when you commit yourself fully.

Final Thoughts

Valencia Hagos’ story is ultimately about much more than business ownership.

It’s about choosing faith in difficult seasons.

It’s about investing in relationships.

It’s about recognizing the value of time.

It’s about creating community wherever you go.

And it’s about showing others what’s possible through your example.

As Valencia reminds us, life is precious, time is limited, and the relationships we build along the way are often our greatest source of strength.

That’s a lesson every entrepreneur—and every person—can benefit from remembering.

Success stories often begin with opportunity. Haley Haar’s began with a challenge.

When Haley and her husband purchased an AlphaGraphics location in downtown Kansas City in 2009, they weren’t stepping into a thriving business. Instead, they inherited a location with a poor reputation, limited market share, and strained customer relationships. Many prospective franchise owners would have walked away. Haley saw possibility.

In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Haley shares the story of how determination, leadership, and a commitment to serving others helped transform a struggling franchise into a respected business and trusted community partner.

Betting on Themselves

One of the most interesting aspects of Haley’s journey is that she knowingly purchased a business that needed significant work.

Part of the decision came down to affordability, but it was also rooted in confidence. Haley and her husband had extensive experience working within the AlphaGraphics system and understood the industry. Rather than viewing the business’s challenges as obstacles, they saw them as opportunities.

They knew they weren’t starting from scratch. They already understood the business model, customer needs, and operational side of the printing industry. That experience gave them the confidence to tackle a turnaround.

Rebuilding Trust

After taking ownership, Haley quickly learned just how damaged the business’s reputation had become.

Some former customers were willing to give the new ownership team a chance. Many were not.

Rather than spending all their energy trying to win back every dissatisfied customer, Haley made a strategic decision. She focused on building relationships with businesses that had never worked with AlphaGraphics before.

Instead of looking backward, she looked forward.

By introducing new customers to the company’s capabilities and focusing on service excellence, Haley steadily grew market share and rebuilt the brand’s reputation throughout Kansas City’s business community.

Learning the Power of “No”

One of the most valuable lessons Haley learned came during the early growth phase of the business.

Like many entrepreneurs, she initially said yes to every opportunity that came through the door. More projects meant more revenue, and more revenue meant survival.

Over time, however, she discovered that not every customer or project was a good fit.

Some jobs generated little profit. Others consumed valuable resources that could have been better invested elsewhere.

Her advice to business owners is simple: learn what not to say yes to as quickly as possible.

Growth isn’t just about adding business. It’s also about understanding which opportunities align with your goals and which ones distract from them.

The Transformational Power of Mentorship

A major influence on Haley’s leadership development came through the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentorship Program in Kansas City.

The three-year mentoring experience paired her with an experienced business mentor while also connecting her to an extensive network of entrepreneurs and subject matter experts.

The timing couldn’t have been better.

During her participation in the program, Haley faced significant challenges, including losing a key employee and one of the company’s largest customers. Having a mentor helped her maintain perspective and navigate those setbacks without losing sight of the bigger picture.

Her experience highlights an important lesson for entrepreneurs: success doesn’t happen in isolation. Strong mentors and supportive networks can provide invaluable guidance during difficult seasons.

Kindness Versus Niceness

Perhaps the most memorable part of the conversation centered on Haley’s leadership philosophy.

She believes strongly in kindness. However, she also draws a distinction between kindness and niceness.

Kindness means treating people with respect, supporting employees, and doing what is right. Niceness, on the other hand, can sometimes become people-pleasing.

For Haley, true leadership requires the courage to stand up for employees, establish boundaries, and address difficult situations directly.

Sometimes the kindest thing a leader can do isn’t the easiest or most comfortable.

This philosophy has shaped both her company culture and her approach to leadership.

Breaking Barriers as a Female Business Owner

When Haley entered the printing industry, she often found herself as one of the few women in the room.

As a young business owner in a traditionally male-dominated field, she frequently encountered assumptions that she wasn’t the real decision-maker.

Rather than allowing those perceptions to define her, she used them as motivation.

Over time, Haley established herself as a respected leader by consistently demonstrating expertise, confidence, and results. Her story serves as a powerful example for women entrepreneurs navigating industries where they may still be underrepresented.

Innovation in a Changing Industry

Many people assume printing is an old-fashioned industry. Haley strongly disagrees.

She describes today’s printing world as one of rapid innovation and technological advancement.

Digital presses, automation, sophisticated color management systems, and workflow software have transformed how modern print businesses operate. What once required extensive manual labor can now be accomplished with remarkable speed and precision.

At the same time, Haley believes technology has created opportunities for greater creativity. Her team regularly collaborates with artists and organizations to bring complex ideas to life while maintaining exceptional quality and attention to detail.

Final Thoughts

Throughout the episode, one theme remained consistent: determination.

From competing in trap shooting as a young girl to rebuilding a struggling franchise and establishing herself in a male-dominated industry, Haley has spent a lifetime proving that challenges can become opportunities.

Her journey reminds us that successful leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to learn, adapt, stay true to your values, and continue moving forward when others might quit.

For franchise owners, entrepreneurs, and business leaders alike, Haley’s story offers a powerful lesson:

Success isn’t determined by where you start. It’s determined by what you’re willing to build.

Success doesn’t always look the way we expect.

For many professionals, career success is measured by promotions, compensation, titles, and recognition. Yet even when those boxes are checked, something can still feel missing.

That was the reality for Sabrina Martin.

After a highly successful corporate career in healthcare, Sabrina found herself asking a question that many professionals eventually face:

Is this really how I want to spend the rest of my life?

Her answer led her down a path toward entrepreneurship, creativity, community involvement, and a renewed sense of purpose.

A Successful Career That No Longer Felt Right

By traditional standards, Sabrina had achieved remarkable success.

She advanced quickly through the corporate ranks, earning promotions, leadership opportunities, financial rewards, and professional recognition. She was respected, valued, and successful.

But beneath the surface, she began noticing something was changing.

Her work had become her identity.

The demands of corporate leadership required extensive travel and long hours. As her responsibilities grew, other important parts of life received less attention.

Relationships.

Community involvement.

Personal fulfillment.

Time with family and friends.

The things that mattered most were slowly being crowded out.

The Warning Signs We Often Ignore

One of the most powerful moments in the conversation centered around self-awareness.

Looking back, Sabrina realized there were clear signs she wasn’t happy long before she left her corporate role.

The most surprising observation came from her husband.

After she left, he told her he was relieved because she had spent months walking around the house sighing.

She hadn’t even noticed it herself.

That realization led to an important lesson.

Sometimes the people closest to us notice our dissatisfaction before we do.

Sabrina encourages people to ask themselves several important questions:

• Has your personality changed?
• Do you feel fulfilled at the end of the week?
• Are you excited about Monday morning?
• Are you becoming the person you want to be?

If the answers are consistently negative, it may be time to evaluate other opportunities.

Escaping the “Golden Handcuffs”

Like many professionals, Sabrina experienced what she calls the “golden handcuffs.”

The salary was good.

The title was impressive.

The benefits were strong.

Walking away felt risky.

Yet she came to realize something important:

Staying can be a risk, too.

Remaining in a role that no longer aligns with your values may cost you relationships, personal growth, fulfillment, and time—things that can never be replaced.

This perspective helped Sabrina reframe entrepreneurship not as reckless risk-taking, but as a thoughtful pursuit of a more meaningful future.

Why Franchising Made Sense

Sabrina wasn’t new to business ownership.

Earlier in life, she had built a business from the ground up.

While that experience was valuable, she knew she didn’t want to start over completely from scratch.

This time, she wanted a proven model.

A support system.

A roadmap.

A playbook.

Franchising offered exactly that.

After exploring various opportunities, she ultimately chose Gotcha Covered, a custom window treatment franchise that allowed her to combine business ownership with her long-standing passion for design and home improvement.

Building a Business Around Creativity

Long before entering franchising, Sabrina had a love for interior design.

She originally studied design and spent years renovating and redesigning homes.

Her entrepreneurial journey gave her the opportunity to reconnect with that passion.

Today, she helps homeowners transform their spaces through customized window treatments, balancing aesthetics, functionality, energy efficiency, and personal style.

What sets her approach apart is her commitment to understanding each client’s goals before making recommendations.

Rather than focusing on quick transactions, she focuses on long-term relationships and helping clients make decisions they’ll be happy with for years to come.

The Power of Transferable Skills

Many people hesitate to explore entrepreneurship because they believe their experience doesn’t apply.

Sabrina disagrees.

Her background was healthcare.

Her current business is home improvement.

Yet many of the same skills transfer seamlessly:

• Strategic planning
• Sales and relationship building
• Market analysis
• Customer service
• Leadership
• Team development
• Communication

She emphasizes that every prospective business owner should evaluate both their strengths and the areas they may need to develop or outsource. No entrepreneur possesses every skill necessary for success.

Finding Purpose Through Community

One of the biggest surprises after becoming a business owner was discovering how much local communities depend on small businesses.

Today, Sabrina actively participates in her Chamber of Commerce, supports youth sports, attends charitable events, and volunteers with organizations that provide transportation for seniors.

The impact has been profound.

In fact, she admits that helping others often provides more fulfillment than the bonuses she once received in corporate America.

Those experiences reinforced a lesson she wishes she had learned earlier:

Purpose often comes through service.

Advice for Women Considering Entrepreneurship

Sabrina offers particularly powerful advice for women who may be considering business ownership.

Too often, women feel responsible for being the stable force in the household.

They may hesitate to take risks.

They may feel pressure to avoid failure.

They may underestimate their abilities.

Her message is simple:

Don’t let fear stop you from exploring possibilities.

You don’t have to quit your job tomorrow.

You don’t need all the answers.

You simply need the willingness to learn.

Explore the opportunities.

Ask questions.

Understand what’s available.

Give yourself permission to consider a different future.

Growth Is Energizing

One of the most inspiring parts of Sabrina’s story is the enthusiasm she has rediscovered.

After years of feeling stagnant, she’s once again learning new skills, solving new problems, and challenging herself in new ways.

She describes the experience as energizing.

Rejuvenating.

Even transformative.

Her husband certainly notices the difference.

The woman who once spent her days sighing is now excited about her work, her clients, and the future she’s building.

Final Thoughts

Sabrina Martin’s journey reminds us that success isn’t just about what appears on a résumé.

It’s about fulfillment.

It’s about relationships.

It’s about purpose.

It’s about becoming the person you want to be.

For anyone feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or curious about entrepreneurship, her advice is worth considering:

If the thought keeps crossing your mind, there’s probably a reason. Don’t ignore it. Explore it. Learn about it. Give yourself permission to imagine what’s possible.

Sometimes the biggest risk isn’t making a change.

It’s staying exactly where you are.

When Carolyn Williams talks about fitness, she’s not really talking about fitness.

She’s talking about community.

She’s talking about longevity.

She’s talking about leadership.

And perhaps most importantly, she’s talking about the courage to stop trying to do everything alone.

In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast: Where Passion & Purpose Collide, Carolyn Williams, owner of three Bar Method studios in Vancouver, shares how a fitness class she took with her mother transformed not only her physical health, but also her philosophy on life, business, and relationships.

From Retail Executive to Franchise Owner

Before becoming a franchise owner, Carolyn spent a decade working in retail buying for large organizations. Along the way, she developed a passion for fitness and became an avid marathon runner.

Everything changed when she attended her first Bar Method class with her mother in 2007.

The workout challenged her in a way she hadn’t experienced before. As someone naturally drawn to difficult goals, Carolyn embraced the challenge. What surprised her even more was how dramatically it improved her marathon performance.

She became stronger, faster, and less injury-prone.

But the physical benefits weren’t what ultimately mattered most.

The experience gave her something she could share with her mother—a workout that challenged a woman in her twenties while remaining accessible and beneficial for a woman in her sixties.

That realization sparked a deeper appreciation for fitness as a tool that transcends age and life stages.

Learning to Do Hard Things

One recurring theme throughout the conversation was Carolyn’s willingness to embrace difficult challenges.

Interestingly, she doesn’t attribute that mindset to childhood.

Instead, she believes it developed through experience, particularly through marathon running.

With each challenge completed, her confidence grew.

Run a marathon.

Qualify for Boston.

Open a studio.

Lead a team.

Raise a family.

The lesson became clear: difficult things are often far more achievable than they initially appear.

One memorable strategy Carolyn shared was her practice of turning personal goals into daily reminders—even using them as passwords. A favorite example was “Be Bold 2023,” a phrase she typed repeatedly throughout the year as a reminder of the person she wanted to become.

The Myth of Doing It All

When asked how she manages multiple businesses, motherhood, marriage, community involvement, and fitness, Carolyn offered a surprisingly simple answer:

She doesn’t do it alone.

Rather than wearing busyness as a badge of honor, she actively builds systems of support.

She relies on her husband.

She depends on her managers.

She works with other parents.

She asks for help.

And she gives help in return.

Her philosophy is rooted in the idea that life works best when people operate as part of a village rather than as isolated individuals.

This perspective stands in stark contrast to the common narrative that successful women must somehow juggle everything themselves.

Carolyn rejects that idea entirely.

“I am not a superhero,” she explains.

Instead, she focuses on creating sustainable systems that allow her to thrive personally while still achieving her goals professionally.

Lessons Learned from Watching Her Mother

One of the most emotional moments of the interview came when Carolyn discussed her mother.

As a child, she watched her mother sacrifice many of her own ambitions to focus on raising a family.

While Carolyn deeply appreciates everything her mother did, witnessing those sacrifices shaped her own views on work, family, and fulfillment.

In fact, there was a period when Carolyn wasn’t sure she wanted children at all because she believed motherhood and a meaningful career couldn’t coexist.

Eventually, she and her husband intentionally chose a different path.

They committed to approaching parenting as equal partners.

They built support systems.

They created a family structure that allowed both individuals to pursue meaningful work while remaining actively involved parents.

That decision has become one of the defining foundations of Carolyn’s life and leadership philosophy.

Why Community Matters More Than Ever

Community is at the heart of everything Carolyn does.

It’s at the heart of her family.

It’s at the heart of her business.

And it’s at the heart of The Bar Method experience.

Her studios celebrate milestones in extraordinary ways.

Members reaching 100 classes are recognized.

One client recently completed 3,000 classes and received flowers, gifts, and a personal celebration.

Every year, hundreds of women participate in a 100-day fitness challenge culminating in a large celebration event that brings together hundreds of participants.

Why go to such lengths?

Because Carolyn believes women don’t celebrate themselves often enough.

She sees these events as opportunities to recognize strength, commitment, growth, and personal achievement.

The result is something far more meaningful than a fitness program.

It’s a community.

Redefining Longevity

Many people think of longevity strictly in terms of physical health.

Carolyn takes a broader view.

Yes, strength matters.

Balance matters.

Flexibility matters.

Bone density matters.

But she argues that relationships and community are equally important.

Her mother, now approaching 80, continues taking classes not only for the physical benefits but also for the social connections.

The friendships.

The conversations.

The sense of belonging.

Longevity isn’t simply about living longer.

It’s about maintaining the physical, mental, and social well-being that makes life enjoyable.

Leadership Through Example

As a multi-unit franchise owner, Carolyn believes culture begins with leadership.

She still teaches classes.

She knows members by name.

She spends time working directly with clients.

She remains visible and engaged.

Rather than expecting employees to uphold values she doesn’t demonstrate herself, she models the behaviors she wants to see.

The same philosophy applies to instructor development.

The training process is demanding, and candidates are told from the beginning that it won’t be easy.

But the goal isn’t simply to create better instructors.

The goal is personal transformation.

Confidence.

Communication.

Resilience.

Growth.

These qualities ultimately benefit every area of life—not just fitness.

Independence vs. Isolation

Perhaps the most powerful insight from the entire conversation came when Carolyn challenged a common assumption.

Many people view independence as doing everything themselves.

Carolyn sees it differently.

She argues that independence doesn’t require isolation.

You can be capable.

You can be strong.

You can be self-sufficient.

And still rely on others.

Still ask for help.

Still build community.

That distinction resonated deeply with both Rebecca and Tracy and serves as one of the episode’s most memorable takeaways.

True strength isn’t refusing support.

It’s having the confidence to seek it when needed.

Final Thoughts

Carolyn Williams’ story isn’t just about fitness, franchising, or entrepreneurship.

It’s about creating a life that is both successful and sustainable.

A life built on partnership rather than sacrifice.

Community rather than isolation.

Strength rather than burnout.

Her message is simple but profound:

You don’t have to do it all alone.

And perhaps that’s exactly what makes lasting success possible.

Many entrepreneurs start a business seeking freedom.

Freedom of schedule.

Freedom of income.

Freedom of choice.

Yet somewhere along the journey, many discover they’ve unintentionally built something very different.

Instead of owning a business, the business owns them.

That reality became painfully clear for Mike DeJong during what should have been a relaxing vacation in Mexico. What happened next would reshape his entire approach to business ownership and eventually inspire his work helping entrepreneurs build companies that operate without constant owner involvement.

The Vacation That Changed Everything

Like many business owners, Mike believed owning a company would provide flexibility and freedom.

So when winter in Wisconsin became too much, he booked a last-minute trip to Mexico.

The vacation lasted only moments.

Shortly after landing, his phone rang.

His manager was quitting.

Instead of enjoying the beach, Mike spent much of the trip handling business issues remotely, answering calls, solving problems, and trying to keep operations running.

The experience forced him to confront an uncomfortable truth.

Everything depended on him.

Or on one key manager.

Neither scenario was sustainable.

That realization sparked his commitment to creating systems, processes, and teams that could function independently.

The Operator Trap

According to Mike, many entrepreneurs fall into what he calls the “operator trap.”

They start by doing everything themselves.

Sales.

Marketing.

Operations.

Hiring.

Customer service.

Problem solving.

At first, that hustle helps build the business.

Over time, however, it creates dependency.

The owner becomes the answer to every question, the solution to every problem, and the bottleneck behind every decision.

The result?

Long hours.

Difficulty taking vacations.

Constant interruptions.

And ultimately, a business that cannot scale efficiently.

Why Entrepreneurs Become Bottlenecks

One of the most insightful moments of the conversation came when Mike described how owners unintentionally create their own limitations.

Most entrepreneurs are highly capable.

They’re often faster than everyone else.

They know the answers.

They know the shortcuts.

They know how things should be done.

Because of that, they continue taking responsibility for tasks they should have delegated long ago.

Eventually, the business grows beyond what one person can reasonably handle.

The owner becomes overwhelmed, but continues believing nobody can do the work as well as they can.

That mindset creates the very bottleneck that limits growth.

The Three Business Archetypes

Throughout the interview, Mike introduces a simple framework for understanding team dynamics.

He believes most people naturally fit into one of three business archetypes:

The Hunter

Hunters pursue opportunities.

They love growth, sales, networking, and finding the next big opportunity.

They’re energized by possibility and movement.

The Architect

Architects build systems.

They create structure, processes, plans, and organization.

They ensure ideas become repeatable and scalable.

The GSD

The GSD (“Gets Stuff Done”) person excels at execution.

They turn plans into reality and keep operations moving forward consistently.

Mike argues that successful organizations need all three archetypes working together. While individuals may lean toward one category, strong teams combine all three strengths.

The Myth of Doing It All

Many entrepreneurs believe they need to master every aspect of business.

Mike disagrees.

One of his biggest leadership breakthroughs came when he stopped searching for people who thought like him and started hiring people who were better than him in specific areas.

Rather than creating a team of “mini-Mikes,” he focused on finding individuals whose strengths complemented his weaknesses.

That shift allowed him to build stronger teams while reducing his own workload.

Fear Disguised as Stress

Another powerful insight centered on fear.

When entrepreneurs avoid hiring, delegating, expanding, or making major decisions, they often describe themselves as stressed.

Mike suggests that stress is frequently a symptom of something deeper.

Fear.

Fear of failure.

Fear of making the wrong decision.

Fear of losing money.

Fear of disappointing others.

Fear of not being good enough.

Recognizing that fear is often the real issue allows business owners to address the root cause instead of simply managing symptoms.

Building Systems Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

One of the most practical sections of the conversation focused on documentation and process creation.

Many owners assume they need extensive manuals before delegating work.

Mike recommends something much simpler.

Record yourself doing the task.

Using tools like Loom or other screen-recording software, talk through the process while completing it.

Explain what you’re doing.

Explain why you’re doing it.

Explain the decisions you make along the way.

Then hand the recording to someone else and let them follow the process.

As questions arise, refine the documentation.

Within a few iterations, a repeatable system begins to emerge.

Small Wins Create Big Progress

Mike also emphasizes the importance of breaking large challenges into smaller actions.

Entrepreneurs frequently become overwhelmed because they’re focused on the entire project.

Hiring an employee.

Writing a book.

Building a process.

Launching a new initiative.

Instead of focusing on the entire outcome, Mike encourages identifying the smallest next step that can be completed quickly.

Success creates momentum.

Momentum builds confidence.

Confidence creates progress.

Lessons from Failure

Mike is refreshingly honest about his journey.

His success didn’t come from avoiding mistakes.

It came from learning through them.

Throughout his career, he experienced failures, setbacks, and difficult business seasons.

Those experiences eventually became the foundation of his coaching, consulting, and writing.

Today, his mission is helping others avoid the same pitfalls and accelerate their path to business freedom.

The Path from Operator to Owner

The central message of Mike’s work is simple:

Business owners don’t need to do everything.

They need to create systems that allow others to succeed.

They need to build teams with complementary strengths.

They need to delegate responsibility.

And most importantly, they need to stop being the bottleneck.

When that happens, businesses become more scalable, more profitable, and far less dependent on a single individual.

The owner gains something many entrepreneurs seek but few achieve:

Freedom.

Final Thoughts

Mike DeJong’s story serves as a reminder that growth isn’t simply about working harder.

It’s about working differently.

It’s about replacing dependence with systems.

Replacing fear with action.

Replacing bottlenecks with empowered teams.

And ultimately, transforming from an operator trapped inside the business into an owner capable of leading it.

For entrepreneurs striving to build something sustainable, scalable, and fulfilling, Mike’s message is one worth remembering:

The goal isn’t to become indispensable. The goal is to build a business that thrives because of your leadership—not your constant presence.

What does an aspiring journalist, an airline employee, an event planner, and a franchise executive have in common?

For Melissa Davis, the answer is simple:

People.

In this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast: Where Passion & Purpose Collide, Melissa Davis, Vice President of Franchising for Express Employment International, shares an inspiring and unexpected career journey that ultimately reveals a powerful truth: success in business begins with understanding people.

An Unexpected Path to Franchising

Melissa’s career journey was anything but linear.

Originally, she planned to become a journalist. Drawn to writing, storytelling, and human-interest pieces, she pursued journalism before transitioning to a communications degree.

What attracted her most wasn’t necessarily the writing itself.

It was the opportunity to learn people’s stories.

To understand what motivates them.

To uncover the experiences that shape who they are.

Those same interests would eventually become the foundation of a successful career in franchise development, even though Melissa didn’t realize it at the time.

After college, a self-described “quarter-life crisis” led her from California to Oklahoma. What was supposed to be a short-term move turned into a permanent one after she met her future husband.

Along the way, she worked in event planning, catering, and customer service before accidentally discovering franchising through an interview for an executive assistant role.

Fortunately, the leadership team interviewing her recognized something she didn’t yet see in herself.

They saw someone uniquely equipped for franchise development.

And they were right.

The Common Thread: People

When Melissa looks back at her various career experiences, she sees one consistent theme.

Every role centered around people.

Whether helping travelers during airline delays, supporting families during milestone celebrations, or guiding entrepreneurs through business ownership decisions, she was always connecting with people and helping them navigate important moments in their lives.

Those experiences taught her empathy.

They taught her resilience.

Most importantly, they taught her that everyone has a story.

That understanding would eventually become one of her greatest strengths as a franchise development leader.

Everyone Is an Onion

One of the most memorable moments of the interview came when Melissa described her perspective on people.

“Everybody is an onion.”

Everyone has layers.

Everyone has experiences.

Everyone has motivations, fears, goals, and challenges that aren’t immediately visible.

The key is being curious enough to discover them.

For Melissa, curiosity isn’t simply a personality trait.

It’s a leadership skill.

It’s a relationship-building tool.

And it’s something she believes could make the world a kinder place.

If people spent less time making assumptions and more time asking questions, many misunderstandings could disappear.

Why does someone hold a particular belief?

Why are they frustrated?

Why are they hesitant?

Why are they excited?

Curiosity helps bridge gaps that judgment often widens.

The Art and Science of Franchise Development

Melissa offers a fascinating distinction between the science and art of franchise sales.

The science is the process.

Discovery calls.

Validation.

Financial reviews.

Legal documentation.

Decision-making milestones.

The art is everything in between.

Building trust.

Developing rapport.

Asking questions.

Creating relationships.

Understanding motivations.

Helping candidates make informed decisions.

For Melissa, franchise development isn’t about convincing someone to buy a franchise.

It’s about determining whether the opportunity is genuinely the right fit.

Sometimes the answer is yes.

Sometimes the answer is no.

Either outcome can be a success if it leads to the right decision.

What Makes a Great Franchise Owner?

At Express Employment International, Melissa and her team have refined the characteristics they look for in successful franchise owners.

One of the most important requirements is full-time owner involvement.

Express has learned through decades of experience that owner-operators consistently achieve the strongest outcomes within their model.

Beyond operational commitment, they seek people who:

• Love working with people
• Enjoy building relationships
• Have leadership potential
• Can coach and mentor teams
• Possess ambition and drive
• Are energized by human interaction

The common denominator?

People skills.

Because staffing isn’t simply about filling positions.

It’s about connecting businesses with individuals and creating opportunities that benefit both.

Emotional Intelligence Matters

One of the most insightful discussions focused on emotional intelligence.

Melissa acknowledged that business acumen, financial expertise, and operational skills are important.

But they’re not enough.

A person may be highly successful as an individual contributor while struggling to lead a team.

The ability to manage relationships, build trust, communicate effectively, and develop others often determines whether a business owner can scale successfully.

For staffing businesses in particular, emotional intelligence is critical.

Clients want familiar faces.

Employees want strong leadership.

Communities respond to genuine relationships.

Without those foundations, long-term success becomes much harder to achieve.

The Challenge of Leadership

Melissa also shared a personal leadership lesson.

As a high-performing individual contributor, she excelled at achieving her own goals.

But transitioning into leadership required developing entirely new skills.

Delegation.

Coaching.

Empowering others.

Shifting focus from personal success to team success.

Rather than asking:

“How do I hit my goal?”

The question became:

“How do I help my team hit theirs?”

That mindset shift transformed the way she approached leadership and ultimately strengthened her effectiveness as a leader.

The Future of Staffing

Looking ahead, Melissa sees significant opportunities within the staffing industry.

While economic cycles inevitably create fluctuations, staffing has historically demonstrated remarkable resilience.

One area she believes will experience substantial demand is skilled trades.

As labor shortages continue, businesses will increasingly need qualified workers with specialized skills.

She also addressed concerns surrounding artificial intelligence.

Rather than replacing workers outright, Melissa believes AI will increase demand for individuals who understand how to use these tools effectively.

Organizations will need employees who can leverage technology to improve productivity and efficiency.

The future workforce won’t compete against AI.

It will work alongside it.

Lessons Beyond Business

While the conversation centered on franchising and staffing, its lessons extend far beyond either industry.

Melissa’s message is ultimately about people.

It’s about asking better questions.

Being more curious.

Giving grace.

Looking beneath the surface.

And recognizing that every individual has a story worth understanding.

In a world that often moves too quickly, Melissa reminds us that meaningful relationships are built one conversation at a time.

Final Thoughts

Melissa Davis may have started her career pursuing journalism, but in many ways, she never left it behind.

Today, she still tells stories.

She still helps people navigate important life decisions.

She still asks questions.

And she still remains deeply curious about the people she serves.

That curiosity has become the foundation of her leadership philosophy—and perhaps the secret to her success.

Because as Melissa reminds us:

Everyone is an onion.

And every layer has a story worth discovering.