Alesia Visconti joins us on this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast. She talks about the âmoreâ. Why money should never be our sole motivator. There must be more and for Alesia it is to advocate, edify, and empower others.
Raised by an abusive and alcoholic mother, Alesia made a conscious decision that her life would be different. She would not âbuy intoâ or believe the horrible words her mother flung at her. Instead, she would live a life proving her wrong.
Alesiaâs conviction has led to hundreds of individuals joining the ranks of business ownership. Donât let the tough New Jersey exterior fool you. Alesia has a tender heart, especially for veterans and women. In fact, even as you read this she is penning her book: The Pink Tsunami: Womenâs Rise in Franchising due out later this year. Listen to the full episode here.
Meet Alesia Visconti
Alesia has 10 years with FranServe Inc, and started as a franchise consultant with them. With more than 20 as a President & CEO, driving organizational development and taking companies to the next level, she and her Team grew FranServe to what it is now: the largest franchise consulting company in the world! Earlier this year, Inc. Magazine named FranServe recognized FranServe one of the Fastest Growing Companies in America.
Highly active in the International Franchise Association (IFA), Alesia is on more than 6 boards and committees, and travels to Washington DC every year to speak with legislators on the laws impacting franchising and small business ownership. An author, professional speaker, owner of a leading franchise magazine, and true entrepreneur, her motto in life is âWork hard, play hard, help others, repeat.â She is currently writing her first book in franchising, âThe Pink Tsunami: Womenâs Rise In Franchising.â
Angela Olea is a true pioneer in the elder care space having founded Assisted Living Locators more than 20 years ago. Her daughter Angelica was often in tow as she worked with elders and their families. As the franchise system grew the franchisees became part of Angelicaâs family. Angela suggests franchising is in Angelicaâs DNA.
Angelica jokingly told us that when she was younger Assisted Living Locators was the sibling she never wanted. It was that younger brother or sister who can be annoying and distracting but you love them. She found her momâs work as a nurse and entrepreneur fascinating and filled with purpose.
Today, mother and daughter work closely together. Angelica as VP of Operations and Angela as Brand President of Assisted Living Locators. In this interview, youâll see chemistry, clear boundaries, mutual respect, and love. Each brings their unique, yet complementary talents and perspective to Assisted Living Locators. Listen to the full episode of The Franchise Woman podcast here.
Meet Angela Olea
Angela Olea, a trailblazing business leader and fervent advocate for senior care, has made remarkable strides in the industry. With an extensive background as a registered nurse, Angela has earned her reputation as a respected authority on senior housing and care options, frequently sharing her insights at state and national conferences on aging. As the visionary founder of the nation’s premier senior placement and referral franchise, she established Assisted Living Locators in response to a pressing need for community support and a solution to prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions for seniors.
Under Angela’s stewardship as CEO, Assisted Living Locators has burgeoned into one of the largest senior placement and referral services in the nation. Through a vast network of over 140 franchisees across 36 states and the District of Columbia, the company provides invaluable, cost-free assistance to seniors and their families in finding top-rated in-home care, independent retirement options, assisted living communities, and memory care. Notably, Assisted Living Locators is the first and only senior placement franchise with system-wide dementia care certification.
As a top-performing franchise organization, Assisted Living Locators has received accolades in Entrepreneur’s 2021 Franchise 500Âź issue and ranked on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. Now part of the Evive Brands family and backed by The Riverside Company, Angela continues to actively shape the company’s future as Brand President.
Angela Olea’s impressive achievements and dedication to her community have earned her recognition as one of Arizona’s most influential businesswomen. As a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) from the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Institute of Certified Franchise Executives, Angela leverages her expertise to bolster her franchise system and guide franchisees in growing their businesses. The program is widely respected within the franchising community, fostering opportunities for education, networking, and best practice sharing.
Angela has also been instrumental in creating the National Placement and Referral Alliance (NPRA), a unified resource and advocate organization for the senior care industry. As a founding member of the Board of Directors, she actively collaborates with other professional placement and referral businesses to strengthen this strategic industry alliance.
A passionate senior care advocate, industry pioneer, and dedicated leader, Angela Olea is resolute in her mission to treat the elderly with the dignity they deserve, while providing others with opportunities to join one of today’s fastest-growing industries.
Meet Angelica Olea
Angelica Olea is a dynamic leader in the franchising world, holding dual roles as the Senior Vice President of Growth and Development at Assisted Living Locators and co-owner of Grasons of Gilbert franchise.
With over a decade of experience at Assisted Living Locators, a nationally acclaimed senior care placement and referral agency, Angelica has been instrumental in guiding franchisees across the nation in their mission to help seniors find ideal living solutions. In her executive role, she manages all aspects of strategic partnerships, business growth, development, training, coaching, and operations. Angelica plays a crucial part in high-level organizational decisions and daily operations, adeptly solving internal issues and maintaining the company’s operating philosophies and policies.
Known for her ability to ‘connect the dots’ in franchise services and development, Angelica has a proven track record of delivering high-quality service in a fast-paced environment. Her dedication to streamlining operational functions and improving company processes has contributed to Assisted Living Locators’ top rankings in Entrepreneur’s “Franchise500Âź” and Franchise Business Review’s “Top Franchises Report.”
Recently, Angelica expanded her entrepreneurial portfolio by launching Grasons of Gilbert, an estate sale franchise, alongside partner Derrik Roberts. This venture, part of the Evive Brands family, showcases her ability to apply her franchising expertise across different sectors and demonstrates the synergy between brands within the same family.
Angelica’s educational background includes studies at Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business, where she honed her business communication skills that continue to benefit her professional endeavors.
Ali McElroy is a recognized franchise industry leader with demonstrated success over nearly two decades in franchise and international businesses that span more than two dozen brands, over thirty countries, and thousands of franchised units.
Ali is the founder and CEO of Kaleidoscope Growth Advisors LLC, a woman-owned, full-service franchise advisory firm. Ali leads the companyâs franchise incubation program, an innovative new model offering a hands-on partnership that provides know-how, connections, and capital to aspiring franchisors. Kaleidoscope also offers strategic advisory and specialty project services focusing on high-potential multi-unit, franchise and growing businesses.
Before founding Kaleidoscope Growth, Ali held executive leadership roles at Lift Brands spanning development, operations, strategic relationships, human resources and legal beginning as the first general counsel of Snap Fitness USA and ultimately serving as President, International and Chief Legal Officer for global, multi-brand parent company Lift Brands. Ali started her career as a corporate transactions attorney with the law firm Faegre & Benson LLP (now Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP).
Ali has served on a number of industry boards and committees, spoken at numerous programs on franchising and international business, and written several publications on franchising. She was named one of 100 Influential Women in Franchising in 2020 by Global Franchise magazine. The Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal named Ali a â40 Under 40â honoree in 2018 and a âRising Starâ in 2015 in recognition of her professional accomplishments and community leadership.
Ali holds an MBA from Northwesternâs Kellogg School of Management, a JD from the University of Minnesota Law School and a BA from the University of Notre Dame. She currently serves on the board of directors of The Advocates of Human Rights, a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization dedicated to human rights and the rule of law. Ali is also a member of the International and Franchise Relations Committees of the International Franchise Association and is a Certified Franchise Executive.
Meet Casey Cooley, Director of Franchise Development of Real Estate at Jeremiahâs Italian Ice and President of Pivotal Growth Partners,, and Michael Keller, president and CEO of Jeremiahâs Italian Ice.
Casey is naturally geared to think in terms of effectiveness. His background working with emerging brands taught him the importance of a strong foundation. He believes well thought out systems and processes are literally what result-driven and sustainable franchises are built on.
Michael is geared towards the people side of the business. He believes clear values and a team aligned with and committed to those values provide the framework (building blocks) of a successful business. A team with shared values is more synergistic, productive, and professionally fulfilled.
Both Michael and Casey are in essence architects, visionaries, and leaders. Listen in to their full interview on The Franchise Woman podcast.
Meet Casey Cooley
A native of McKinney, Texas, Casey Cooley launched his career in the franchise industry in 2012, when he joined the franchise development team at Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt. Within three short years he moved from Franchise Sales to Director of Business Development. During that time, Casey helped launch Sweet Frogâs franchise program and grow the chain to 380 units in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Egypt.
He played an integral role in identifying and executing new lines of business including merchandising, catering, and mobile franchising options for the company. During his time there, Sweet Frog reached over $34.4 million in revenue, having grown by 10,372 percent between 2010 and 2013 and earning #22 on the 2014 Inc. 500 list and #20 on Entrepreneurâs Fastest Growing Franchise list in 2015.
After his success at Sweet Frog, Casey sought new challenges and moved into a different field. As General Manager of Sports Reality Performance Training, he helped launch a training center in Richmond, VA and managed all aspects of the business. In that role, he worked with athletes of all ages and skill levels, from elementary school to professional athletes and teams, including the Washington Redskins.
Later, he met PGP founders Cam Cummins and Bryon Stephens when he transitioned to Marcoâs Pizza, where he held the role of Director of Franchise Development. Casey helped launch the brand into new emerging markets in the Midwest and West Coast. He handled franchise development and real estate for the regions and directed new franchisees through the development process, including site acquisition, training, architecture and engineering, construction, and grand opening procedures.
Now, Casey has rejoined Cam and Bryon to offer his expertise to Pivotal Growth Partners, assisting and enabling business owners to achieve their goals and aspirations through franchising and looks forward to sharing his vision and passion for the companyâs culture-based growth perspective with businesses of all shapes and sizes.
Casey currently serves as the Director of Franchising and Real Estate at Jeremiahâs Italian Ice, and has served in that capacity since 2019. During that time Casey has led the development of the brand to over 100+ locations open, and another 150 locations under development.
Casey resides in Murrells Inlet, SC with his wife, Lauren, their son, Brooks, and their hound dog Harley. In his spare time he enjoys fitness and golfing.
Michael Keller currently serves as the CEO and President of Jeremiahâs Italian Ice, based in Orlando, Florida, a position he has held since May 2023. Prior to joining Jeremiahâs, Michael was the Business Development and Marketing Leader at Pinnacle Performance Group, a change implementation consulting firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Before that, he spent seven years as CEO and President of Pearson Candy Company, a private equity-owned confections manufacturer in St. Paul, Minnesota. Michael’s extensive marketing career also includes a decade as Chief Marketing Officer at American Dairy Queen, and leadership roles at Jamba Juice, Baskin Robbins USA, and Homestore.com.
Residing in Minneapolis with his wife Gina and their two rescue dogs, Michael is a proud father of three children, aged 24, 22, and 20. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College (Class of 1987) and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth (Class of 1991). Michael is also an accomplished author, having penned the award-winning childrenâs book The Legend of Jet the Gerbil. His dedication to community service is evident through his extensive non-profit work, including serving as Governing Board Chair for Childrenâs Miracle Network Hospitals. He is currently a board member of the YWCA of Minneapolis.
Erin Fletter was raised by a free-spirited mother who instilled in her an insatiable curiosity about the world, food, people, and culture. They traveled the world together staying for extended periods of time to truly immerse within that culture. Naturally, food was a large part of enjoying festivals, holidays, and other culturally diverse get-togethers.
Today Erin Fletter, founder of Sticky Fingers CookingÂź and five-time cookbook author, has brought these same worldwide experiences to over 150,000 students. Sticky Fingers CookingÂź classes combine fresh ingredients, global flavors, math, geography, nutrition, food historyâand a big dash of tasty fun! Listen in to this weekâs episode of The Franchise Woman podcast here.
Meet Erin Fletter
Erin Fletter is a serial entrepreneur and five-time cookbook author with a 30-year food and hospitality industry history. She founded Sticky Fingers CookingÂź, a franchise brand that spans coast to coast, teaching over 150,000 students. Sticky Fingers CookingÂź classes combine fresh ingredients, global flavors, math, geography, nutrition, food historyâand a big dash of tasty fun!
Living in Colorado with her husband and three daughters, Erin also co-owns the world-renowned Barolo Grill in Denver. Known for her terrible food jokes, Erin’s passion for food brings people together, one groan-inducing pun at a time. Speaking of which⊠What vegetable should you never bring on a boat? A leek.
When asked what advice she would give women in business or considering business ownership, Natasha Cornstein, the CEO of Blushinton, answered: Your next hello can be your future. She shares personal stories of how her open mindset, curiosity, and talent for listening led to opportunities and friendships. So how does one do just that and do so without a hidden agenda?
Listen to Natasha Cornsteinâs interview on this weekâs episode of The Franchise Woman podcast where she provides leadership insights on how a harsh negative performance review in her earlier career opened her eyes to things she still needed to learn.
Blushington, the luxury blowout and makeup lounge, is disrupting the beauty industry by offering the most in-demand express beauty services all under one roof including blowouts, makeup application, and skincare.
Meet Natasha Cornstein
From January 2015 to January 2024, Natasha Cornstein served as President and CEO of Blushington LLC, a brick-and-mortar and digital beauty services and retail business. She led the national expansion of the brand and its pivot from a pure play brick-and-mortar beauty services business to a technology-driven beauty education and e-commerce platform. She continues to reinvent the business by creating the first of its kind platform for beauty professionals. In January 2024 she became CEO of Blushington Holdings Inc and led the development and launch of Blushington Franchising. Natasha is a trusted colleague in the beauty industry and a champion for emerging beauty brands and up and coming talent.
Natasha is a passionate advocate for nurturing women in business and was named a Beauty United Mentor for women of color. In 2020, she was named to the Glossy 50 list of the top 50 executives in the beauty industry in their leadership category. She is the Founder of the Beauty & Wellness Forum that brought together 100+ CEOS of beauty & wellness companies to collaborate during COVID-19. She has regularly been featured in WWD, Beauty Independent, The New York Times, and Allure among other publications.
Natasha served as an Independent Director on CF Acquisition Corp. V and currently serves as an Independent Director on CF Acquisition Corp. VII.
Prior to joining Blushington, Natasha served as Director of Brand Management for CIRCA (April 2012 -December 2014) where she led the companyâs re-branding initiatives across traditional and digital platforms and served as the brandâs spokesperson during their international expansion.
Before joining CIRCA, she served as Vice President of Client Services and Media Relations at Pinnacle Management Corp (February 2003 â March 2012), a boutique athlete representation firm specializing in NBA and international basketball players. She also served as Associate Producer at The Fox News Channel (June 2001 â February 2003), where she oversaw segment development, booking, and producing for the number one news show on cable television.
Natasha is the Co-founder of the Courts of Dreams Foundation, dedicated to restoring outdoor basketball courts in underserved neighborhoods in New York City. Natasha is a graduate of the CORO Fellows Program in Public Affairs and earned a B.A. in Latin American Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. She currently resides in New York City with her beloved husband and son.
Today’s special guests on The Franchise Woman podcast are life partners and kingdom workers, Todd Recknagel and Kristi Mailloux.
Todd and Kristi talk openly about their faith and how it determines what projects and investments they make. Faith impacts everything they do including their marriage and charitable endeavors.
Their company name, Three20 Capital Group, clearly demonstrates their mission:
Ephesians 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.
Todd and Kristi are the managing partners of Three20 Capital Group, a private investment firm focused on franchise, distribution and multi-unit investments. They have strong operational backgrounds and industry relationships. Three20 Capital Group excels in situations where they can partner with founders, management teams, and co-invest with other investment firms to build a platform that will scale and generate long-term value for all business stakeholders.
Listen to their story here.
Meet Todd Recknagel
With acumen in strategy, finance, and deal-making, Todd Recknagel has consistently elevated the companies he’s engaged with to market leadership. His roles have spanned from CEO, Board Member, Board Chair, Operating Partner, to Co-investor – in a variety of growth enterprises.
Currently, he serves as an Operating Partner & Board Member for PCRK Group, the largest franchisee of Massage Envy; the Board Chair & Partner for Salon Freedom, the top franchisee for Sola Salons; a Board Member & Partner at Office Pride; and a Managing Partner and Board Member for Specialty Tile Products. He also has served many years on the Board of the International Franchise Association and serves on the Executive Committee.
Todd was the CEO & Partner for Mr. Handyman International; the CEO & Partner for AM Conservation Group, the nation’s leading energy efficiency product supplier; a Board Member & Partner for Take 5 Oil Change; and a Board Member & Operating Partner at Quatrro Business Support Services.
Todd earned his MBA in finance from the Eli Broad School at MSU.
Meet Kristi Mailloux
Throughout her diverse career across various industries, Kristi Mailloux has amassed a multifaceted skill set. Her expertise spans departmental leadership, marketing, and operations, which she applied hands-on implementations within portfolio companies. She holds roles such as Operating Partner for PCRK Group, the largest franchisee of Massage Envy; Board Member & Operating Partner in Salon Freedom, the largest franchisee for Sola Salons; and Operating Partner at Office Pride.
In her past, Kristi served as the President of Molly Maid, the nation’s second-largest maid service franchise, where she led the company to its peak dollar growth. She also held the presidency at 1-800-DryClean, one of the country’s rapidly expanding dry-cleaning franchise brands. Her tenure as the Chief Marketing Officer at AM Conservation Group drove growth at the nation’s leading energy efficiency company serving utilities. Additionally, she was the Chief Operating Officer for a major multi-unit operator in Massage Envy. Kristi holds a degree from the University of Michigan and a CFE from the International Franchise Association.
Bridging the gap between franchise brokers and franchisors
Today’s episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast highlights Ari O’Brien and Jason O’Brien. Husband and wife team Ari O’Brien and Jason O’Brien specialize in bridging gaps and building relationships. Jason has experience as a franchise broker and franchisor and Ari is a whizbang sales professional.
Together they founded Red Rock Franchise Ventures LLC where they specialize in working with franchise consultants and Emerging Franchise Brands to grow/scale with right-fit franchisees. There are several takeaways in this interview many dealing with the importance of authentic, win-win business relationships. Listen in.
Meet Ari O’Brien
Boasting a sterling sales and marketing track record, Ari OâBrien has been the dynamo fueling franchise growth for over a decade. Her career prior to franchising saw her excel as a top sales performer in the nationâs largest food distribution company, playing a vital role in aiding independent and national restaurant concepts to expand their horizons.
In 2013, Ari dipped her toes into the exhilarating pool of business ownership, co-founding Red Rock Franchise Ventures LLC, a franchise consulting brokerage firm based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Applying her innate knack for sales and deep-seated passion for helping others succeed, she swiftly established herself as a top producer in one of the worldâs most respected franchise consulting networks.
Since 2019, Ari has channeled her expertise and experience into nurturing numerous emerging franchisors and franchise consultants, creating a legacy as a relationship specialist with a âget it done nowâ mindset and a ceaseless sense of urgency.
Today, as the lead of the development team at Red Rock Franchise Development, Ariâs focus is firmly on fostering a successful franchise system for franchisors by helping establish the essential infrastructure needed to ensure consistent franchisee growth.
For Ari, her work in franchise development boils down to a single, simple passion: to empower current and future franchisors in building a team of thriving franchisees. She embodies Red Rockâs unwavering ethics of standing tall in a sea of franchise development brands and genuinely caring. She cares about your franchise as much as you do, and sheâs committed to its success.
Meet Jason OâBrien
Possessing over 25 years of progressive leadership, Jason has navigated his way through various industries, occupying numerous high-ranking executive positions. His journey led him to the franchise industry over a decade ago, and it quickly became his calling.
Jasonâs venture into franchising began in 2013 when he decided to swap his corporate career for the adventurous path of business ownership. Leveraging his robust background in food and beverage, he discovered the role of a Franchise Consultant while exploring various franchise opportunities. Just weeks after completing his training with one of the largest franchise consulting networks in the nation, he and his wife Ari launched their own franchise consulting business, Red Rock Franchise Ventures LLC.
Seeking to broaden his knowledge and expertise, Jason ventured into the franchisor side of the business. Juggling his consulting business, he stepped into the shoes of a Franchise Development Manager, gaining invaluable experience working with several franchisors in different industries.
In 2015, he joined a nascent crime-scene cleaning franchise as a Development Manager. Jasonâs tenacity and strategic approach enabled the company to expand to 24 locations, after which he was appointed to President and CEO. Under his leadership over the next four and a half years, the company grew into the worldâs largest crime-scene cleaning franchise.
Throughout his career, Jason has found profound fulfillment on both sides of the franchise coin. Since 2014, he has mentored and trained franchise consultants at all levels, equipping hundreds of consultants worldwide with the tools they need for success.
Jasonâs unyielding passion for franchising and his genuine commitment to helping others succeed has culminated into the creation of Red Rock Franchise Development. Jason is not just in the business of franchising; heâs in the business of fostering dreams and empowering success.
Spencer Sabatasso, the dynamic VP of Franchise Development at The Red Chickz, joins us today on The Franchise Woman podcast. Itâs a lively, laughter-filled conversation about growing up in Newport Beach, California in the limelight of Sabatasso Pizzeria founded by his family.
Spencer’s journey began in culinary arts, owning and operating successful restaurants since the mid-1990s, and holding key roles such as VP of Operations, President, and CEO. His deep industry knowledge, combined with hands-on experience as both a franchisee and franchisor, provides him with a unique perspective on what it takes to build and sustain a thriving franchise.
Spencer shares the story of losing everything due to addiction and rebuilding his life through recovery. Today he shares his life and business lessons with others, and he has truly become a thought leader in the fast-casual restaurant industry. Listen to his fascinating story here.
Meet Spencer Sabatasso
Spencer Sabatasso, the dynamic VP of Franchise Development at The Red Chickz, whose extensive background in the hospitality industry and franchise development has positioned himself as a thought leader in the field. Spencer’s journey began in culinary arts, owning and operating successful restaurants since the mid-1990s, and holding key roles such as VP of Operations, President, and CEO. His deep industry knowledge, combined with hands-on experience as both a franchisee and franchisor, provides him with a unique perspective on what it takes to build and sustain a thriving franchise.
Spencer’s notable achievements include growing Cookie Plug from 23 locations in California to over 200, showcasing his ability to scale businesses effectively. His strategic approach to franchise development emphasizes three core components: readiness to franchise, selecting well-capitalized partners who share the brandâs vision, and targeting the best-emerging markets. Spencer believes in creating franchises that are well-supported and dedicated to ensuring the success of franchisees.
At The Red Chickz, Spencer is spearheading a methodical expansion strategy aimed at establishing 50-100 stores over the next 5-6 years. He prioritizes quality over quantity, seeking multi-unit operators who are committed to the brandâs long-term vision. The Red Chickz stands out in the fast-casual sector with its superior product, exceptional support system, and careful selection of franchisees, ensuring synergy and growth.
Esther Cromwell, Founder and CEO of Avendelle Assisted Living joins us on this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast.
Esther Cromwellâs life started in Sri Leone, Africa where she attended a catholic boarding school. It was a cultural shock when her family moved to New York City where she attended public school.
When she met and married her husband Doug, she was in for some valuable life lessons including how to budget and plan for the future. Although complete opposites personality wise, they shared core values and found they complemented each other in many ways. Their mutual admiration and love became the foundation where Esther knew together they could accomplish anything.
When they moved to Maryland, Esther befriended an elderly, widowed neighbor. Estherâs kindhearted nature immediately jumped in to help her neighbor and it wasnât long before Esther knew she had found her calling! Listen in to the whole story and how Esther now mentors others to grow their businesses.
Meet Esther Cromwell
Esther Cromwell founded her first family care home in 2005 after realizing her passion for senior care through helping an elderly, widowed neighbor. She began researching what goes into senior care facilities and realized more could be done. With that, a spark was ignited, and Esther had found her calling in life. This led Esther to start Avendelle Assisted Living, a unique senior housing option offering care in the comfort of one of their residential homes. Esther earned her Masters of Social Work from North Carolina State University in 2013, as well as Bachelorâs degrees in business administration and accounting from North Carolina Wesleyan College in 2004. That first facility has turned into many, and she couldnât be prouder to work with her residents.
