Danessa Itaya is president of Bio-OneÂź, the most trusted crime and trauma scene cleaning franchise in the United States and part of the Five Star Franchising platform of brands.
Itaya has been a nationally recognized pioneer in the franchise industry for nearly 30 years and has more than 10 years of leadership experience with noteworthy franchisors such as Service Brands International, Maid Right, Molly Maid and Property Management Inc.
In addition to her own professional accomplishments, Itaya is a passionate advocate for the franchise industry and womenâs leadership, serving on the Women in Franchising Committee of the International Franchise Association. In 2022, Itayaâs achievements in the industry earned her a place on Entrepreneurâs list of Top Influential Women in Franchising.
Itaya is a graduate of San Jose University and the proud parent of an Eagle Scout.
The 1st law of psychology âwe do what is expectedâ was in full play in Dr. Shania Seibles life while growing up.
Her parents were born in the 1940âs. Both received their PhDâs. One in physical chemistry and the other in organic chemistry during a time when it was difficult for minorities to do so in our country. Whether her parentâs expectations were spoken or unspoken Shania knew she too would do something great one day.
There was never a moment where she decided to be a doctor, or entrepreneur, or for that matter rich. She just knew she would be.
Dr. Shania Seibles, an Atlanta area physician, a D.O. specializing in Maternal Fetal Medicine â OBGYN â believes in the healing power of massage therapy so much that she now owns her own MassageLuXe spa in Peachtree City, Georgia.
Listen to the full interview here.
Meet Dr. Shania Seibles
Dr. Shania J. Seibles is an Atlanta-area physician, specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Maternal Fetal Medicine. She was born and raised in Piscataway, NJ where she completed her education, achieving both medical and legal doctorate degrees. Her journey as a young physician found her exploring ways to find balance and wellness, and brought her to the doorstep of massage therapy. She strongly believes in the benefits of massage therapy, and decided to open her own MassageLuXe location in Peachtree City, GA.
The foundation for her drive, purpose, and passion was initially instilled within her by her parents, who also achieved doctorate level degrees in chemistry. She has utilized this foundation and financial platform to create an opportunity to not only honor their legacy, but create a space to cultivate wellness for other people.
This weekâs episode of The Franchise Woman podcast highlights the life, dreams and adventures of Kayla Bramlet.
At age 17, Kayla Bramlet got a job at a Frenchies Modern Nail Care franchise as a nail technician. At 19, she BOUGHT the nail salon and became one of the youngest franchise owners (of any brand) in the country!
Kayla is a wonderful example when passion and purpose collide, doors open and life unfolds in perfect timing.
Listen in to the full episode here.
Meet Kayla Bramlet
Kayla, the dynamic owner of Frenchies Modern Nail Care in Lakeville and the Director of Education and Training, has over ten years of experience as a Nail Technician. Her dual roles have positioned her at the forefront of the beauty industry, where she excels in both business operations and professional development.
At Frenchies, Kayla has created a thriving community that emphasizes creativity and top-notch service. Her role as an educator extends beyond technical skills, as she empowers beauty professionals with the confidence and business knowledge necessary for success.
As a featured guest on “The Franchise Women” podcast, Kayla offers invaluable insights into franchise growth and how to turn a passion for beauty into a fulfilling career. Her journey is a testament to effective leadership and the power of nurturing talent in the competitive beauty sector.
Olivia DiGirolamo is the Director of Marketing at ServiceMinder. ServiceMinder’s award-winning solution allows brands to acquire leads seamlessly with 24/7 scheduling, branded proposals, and targeted email campaigns. Before working with ServiceMinder, Olivia worked in marketing in the cosmetic industry. Olivia has been working in the franchise space for just over two years and is currently working to become a CFE.
Paul Dorsey and Chelsie Charnet Maltez join us on this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast.
Paul Dorsey, a seasoned professional in the world of business and franchising, boasts a rich tapestry of experiences that define his illustrious career. In fact, in many ways, Paul Dorsey was a franchisor at age 11. Today he is the majority shareholder of Jantize America.
Chelsie Charnet Maltez was born into franchising. At 3 years old she stood in front of an audience of business owners and introduced her Dad. She jokes that she went from janitor to salesperson during which time the company experienced its fastest growth and greatest diversity. Chelsie brought in the first female franchisee, the first African American franchisee, the first handicapped franchisee, and the first non-English speaking franchisee.
Listen to the full interview here.
Meet Paul Dorsey
Paul Dorsey, a seasoned professional in the world of business and franchising, boasts a rich tapestry of experiences that define his illustrious career. At 57 years old, he stands as the majority shareholder of Jantize America. His office, strategically located within the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway, reflects his commitment to excellence and innovation.
With profound expertise in franchise development, Paul Dorsey has played a pivotal role in expanding the Jantize empire. His visionary leadership has positioned Jantize America as a formidable player, setting industry standards for quality and service. As a managing member of Jantize America, he continues to spearhead initiatives that drive business growth and development.
Beyond the boardroom, Paul is known for his passion for golf and his dedication to business development. These interests seamlessly intertwine with his commitment to expanding the Jantize empire through franchise expansion. His strategic insights, coupled with a relentless pursuit of excellence, have established him as a luminary in the world of franchising.
Paul Dorsey’s journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of success, a commitment to quality, and an unwavering vision for the future of Jantize America. As a leader, entrepreneur, and majority shareholder, he continues to shape the landscape.
Franchise development and client relations professional with nearly two decades of experience, comprising of in-depth knowledge in franchise consulting, training, brand development, sales management, and networking. Respected for increasing sales, profits, and client retention, business acumen, and communication skills. Specialties include skills in providing valuable resources and introductions that lead to franchise deals, hands-on project management, broker/consultant/development group relationship building and networking, candidate brand matching, and deal (sales) mentoring.
After starting, growing, and successfully exiting numerous businesses in the health and fitness industries, Steven joined the AC Inc mission to help franchise brands maximize their Field Support.
As the President of AC Inc, Steven leads the sales and operations strategies for the AC team. His experience scaling and streamlining operations has helped the company blaze a trail in the industry.
Steven led the development of the AC Field Support Assessment: The first industry-wide benchmark for field coaches (the role that supports franchisees). This benchmark is backed by data and delivers an audit of the existing field support in a franchise system.
Angela Paules is the Chief Marketing Officer for Buzz Franchise Brands, the parent company for service brands Pool Scouts, Home Clean Heroes, British Swim School, and Wonderly Lights. Angela has been with Buzz since the company launched in 2012 with founding brand Mosquito Joe, which was sold to Neighborly in 2018 after growing to over 300 units. Her responsibilities span new brand development, corporate marketing and branding, franchise development marketing and marketing support for franchise partners. She started her career in advertising before transitioning into higher education marketing for the University of Texas at Austin and later to franchise marketing. Angela also co-founded and ran a successful coffee shop business in Austin, Texas. She is a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and has been named among Entrepreneur’s Top CMO Gamechangers.
Michael Moorhouse, President of Mosquito Shield, is a life changer. He has a passion for setting individuals free from less than satisfying jobs. He opens the door to business ownership and moves individuals from feeling stuck or on the fence to personal and professional freedom.
Michael has a passion for empowering others. Not just as a cheerleader but more importantly through understanding others and working with their strengths and weaknesses. He does so both at the corporate level and with each and every Mosquito Shield franchisee through open and honest communication.
Listen in to Michael Moorhouseâs full interview on The Franchise Woman podcast here.
Meet Michael Moorhouse
Michael Moorhouse is president of Mosquito Shield, Americaâs trusted provider of effective residential mosquito and tick control service and one of the fastest-growing franchises in the United States. With a proven track record in sales, marketing and business development, he was instrumental in transforming Mosquito Shield from an innovative local service provider to the leading mosquito and tick control franchise brand. Michaelâs expertise and extensive experience help him consistently build high-performance franchise teams through leadership, policies and procedures and accountability. Mosquito Shield, part of the Five Star Franchising platform of home service brands, was named the #1 Pest Control franchise in the United States by Entrepreneur in 2023.
Mary Anna Lewis joins us on this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast. Mary Anna is a Mosquito Squad franchisee and a Business Advisor with the parent company as well as a Clothes Bin franchisee. Our conversation was about how she juggles all 3 roles and grows her businesses.
This interview is power packed but I want to share at least 3 takeaways:
Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing. By applying the K.I.S.S principle and the 80/20 rule is required for business owners to stay focused and scale our businesses.
We were created for more than we can ever imagine. Faith and a knowingness of our purpose will inspire and energize us to do what is necessary to express our divine purpose.
Leave People with a Lift. We were created to be in fellowship and lifting others up lifts all of us. We all need encouragement and others to believe in us.
Listen to the whole interview here.
Meet Mary Anna Lewis
A South Carolina native and University of South Carolina graduate, Mary Anna started her career with a business consulting firm in Charleston, SC followed by several years as a medical sales representative for Matria Healthcare, Inc. A local, small business owner at heart, she spent over 25 years working as an independent business coach, primarily with privately-held business owners based in the Southeast.
Mary Anna has owned Mosquito Squad of the Lowcountry in Charleston, SC since 2011 and has been a Business Advisor with the parent company, Authority Brands, since 2021. In this position she serves 18-20 franchise owners in a support role to partner with each location in their success. Business Advisors act as a liaison between the corporate office and the owners to coach, set goals, develop action plans, encourage, strategize and problem-solve. In her time with Mosquito Squad, her location has been awarded Rookie of the Year Award, Top Sales Award and she has been a member of the Franchise Advisor Council.
As a devotee of the franchise model, she also owns a second franchise, Lowcountry Textile Recycling dba The Clothes Bin that she bought in 2018, where she also serves on their Franchise Advisor Council.
âI love serving others and giving backâ says Mary Anna. âMy work as a Mosquito Squad Business Advisor allows me to serve some amazing owners in a support role and my Clothes Bin business allows me to give back from a recycling effort as well as philanthropically as a fundraiser to dozens and dozens of schools and churches.â
Mary Anna has served as the President of The Charleston Breakfast Rotary Club, as the Philanthropy Chair for The Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce for 7 years, as a member of several boards including Oceanside Collegiate Academy, Life Resources, Wando Athletic Booster Club and various volunteer leadership positions at her church.
A lifelong Lowcountry resident, Mary Anna lives in Mount Pleasant with her husband, David, has two adult sons in college, loves yoga, is an avid pickleball player and has three dogs at home that are always ready for a walk!
Karen Wenning, business development manager at Suttle-Straus, wanted to be a farmer when she grew up. In many ways thatâs exactly what she has created at home with her many small animals including chickens, ducks and peacocks including one named Goose, who frequently is on the loose.
On this episode of The Franchise Woman podcast, Karen shares two power-packed philosophies that she lives her life by:
We are responsible for our own happiness.
Passion can be developed for something even when we have no initial interest.
She describes how she became passionate about health, fitness and nutrition through her sonâs love of sports. By becoming actively involved with the various sports her children were playing the bond between them benefited and her interest and passion grew.
Listen in to the full episode here.
Meet Karen Wenning
It is not easy being a Karen these days, but this Karen is a vibrant personality in the world of franchising. Her journey began with aspirations of being a cowgirl or a farmer, but destiny had a different path in mind. After graduating from college, she found herself immersed in the captivating world of crafting prose for well-known luxury brands at an advertising agency.
During her time in the advertising world Karen developed a deep-seated passion for collaborating with marketing professionals and graphic designers. Her knack for creating brand-right marketing strategies across extensive networks quickly became evident, setting her on an exciting course within the industry. For the past 15 years Karen has directed her expertise toward building value-add brand portal software for franchises. She affectionately describes herself as an accidental salesperson, driven by an unwavering mission to ease the burden on franchise marketing teams and provide localized marketing to franchisees. Her unique blend of creativity, communication, and dedication is what sets her apart in the franchising landscape.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Karen has a zest for acquiring unwanted pets. From peacocks to puppies, to felines, roosters and ducks the herd seems to change weekly. Three athletic teenaged children keep her entertained with football and lacrosse games, constant fitness challenges, downhill ski races and the never-ending need to produce healthy, high-protein meals for people who appreciate it.
Karen Wenning is an inspiring and fun-loving individual who infuses joy into every facet of her life. Connect with her to experience the exuberance and passion she brings to the franchising industry.
