Tag: podcast guest

On a recent episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast: Where Passion & Purpose Collide, host Rebecca Monet welcomed Allison Welch, Founder of As You Wish, for a conversation that beautifully highlighted how passion, organization, and service can create life-changing impact. Allison is redefining what it means to live stress-free through her bespoke personal assistant franchise.

From Concept to Community Support

Allison Welch founded As You Wish 15 years ago with a clear vision: to provide on-demand, à la carte lifestyle support for busy individuals and families. Drawing from her background in executive assistance, client management, and high-level organizational roles, Allison saw an opportunity to create a service that gave people back their most precious resource—time.

Today, As You Wish handles everything from everyday errands and vehicle services to relocation management, holiday prep, and event planning. Whether it’s picking up prescriptions, finding a last-minute swimsuit, or managing a family move across the country, Allison and her team ensure clients can focus on what matters most.

A Business Built on Relationships

At the heart of As You Wish is connection. The team refers to their employees as lifestyle coordinators—trusted professionals who often become deeply embedded in their clients’ lives. From having access to door codes and personal calendars to celebrating special occasions with thoughtful gestures, the brand prioritizes confidentiality, trust, and personal touch.

This commitment extends to franchisees, who are trained not only in systems but also in relationship-building. Networking with luxury realtors, home builders, and other referral partners is baked into the onboarding process. Personal touches—like delivering flowers on Mother’s Day or gifting barbecue supplies for Father’s Day—set As You Wish apart as a high-touch, people-first business.

The Decision to Franchise

The idea of franchising came naturally as Allison noticed her Denver-based team serving clients in other markets. From opening homes in Palm Springs to managing pro-athlete relocations, it became clear that the need for As You Wish services stretched across the country. With her operational expertise and vision, Allison created a model ready to scale—one that allows franchisees to thrive while staying true to the brand’s mission of elevating everyday life.

What Makes an Ideal Franchisee

Allison emphasizes that ideal franchisees don’t necessarily need direct industry experience, but they do need to be:

• Passionate about entrepreneurship
• Outgoing and eager to network
• Community-minded and relationship-driven
• Comfortable leading lifestyle coordinators with integrity and trust

Franchisees can choose to work in the business directly or hire coordinators and operations managers while serving as brand ambassadors. Either way, success lies in fostering genuine client relationships and maintaining the company’s high standards of confidentiality and care.

Looking Ahead

With new markets launching, including Tucson, Arizona, the future looks bright. Allison envisions As You Wish becoming a recognized leader in the personal assistant industry, integrated into corporate wellness programs and employee benefits. By offering flexible, hourly services instead of rigid contracts, the brand meets clients where they are—whether they need one errand handled or ongoing weekly support.

As Allison summed up, the mission is simple but powerful: to remove stressors so clients can enjoy more of what they love, whether that’s skiing with family, focusing on work, or simply savoring life’s everyday moments.

On a recent episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast: Where Passion & Purpose Collide, hosts Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sat down with Dida Clifton, Founder of TheOfficeSquad. With her trademark honesty, discipline, and heart for small business, Dida shared her journey from the Air Force to entrepreneurship, and how her vision is reshaping the way small businesses grow in America.

From Fighter Squadrons to Business Squads

Dida’s entrepreneurial philosophy is deeply rooted in her military background. Serving in an F-15 fighter squadron, she quickly learned the value of discipline, teamwork, and accountability. To her, small business owners are like fighter pilots—laser-focused on flying the mission but often overwhelmed by back-office tasks like bookkeeping, admin, and phone calls.

When she transitioned into civilian life, Dida realized that many entrepreneurs struggled with the same lack of support she once experienced. In 2001, she launched a home-based bookkeeping business that eventually grew into TheOfficeSquad, a full-service back-office support system built on military-inspired processes and structure.

Why a Squad Mentality Works

TheOfficeSquad operates with a simple principle: don’t hire a person, hire a squad. Instead of overburdening a single office manager with phones, bookkeeping, and admin, TheOfficeSquad brings together a team of specialists who each focus on their area of expertise.

This model not only improves efficiency but also saves business owners 50–60% in payroll costs compared to hiring in-house staff. Clients range from startups using virtual mail and phone services to established businesses outsourcing complete back-office operations. The squad mentality ensures that no one person is overwhelmed and every client gets professional, accurate, and timely support.

Systems, Structure, and the 10-Point Assessment

To help business owners move from chaos to clarity, Dida developed her 10-Point Business Assessment. This tool evaluates systems, processes, and overall business health, helping entrepreneurs identify weak spots and areas for improvement. For many clients, it’s the first time they’ve had their operations looked at holistically—and it often reveals how disorganization is quietly draining profit.

By pairing this assessment with scalable support services, TheOfficeSquad helps entrepreneurs avoid the pitfalls that lead to small business failure—most often within the first five years. Dida’s goal is clear: to lower that failure rate by giving business owners the squad they need to succeed.

Scaling Through Franchising

After more than 20 years of perfecting her systems, Dida has turned to franchising as the next step. Her dream is to see TheOfficeSquad in every major city, providing local entrepreneurs with affordable, professional support they can trust. “There should be a squad on every corner,” she explained, emphasizing that small businesses need both the personal touch of a local team and the structure of proven systems.

For Dida, franchising isn’t just about growth—it’s about leaving a legacy. She wants to create a network where small businesses feel supported, where franchisees succeed with tried-and-true methods, and where community and camaraderie thrive.

Coffee in the Morning, Cocktails at 4:30

True to her Air Force roots, Dida has also built a culture of camaraderie into her business. At TheOfficeSquad, the day starts with coffee and ends with a bell ringing at 4:30, when the coffee bar turns into a cocktail bar—a nod to the fighter pilot debriefing tradition. For Dida, it’s more than just fun; it’s about building connection, support, and team spirit into every part of the business.

A Legacy of Helping Small Businesses Thrive

Dida Clifton’s story is one of resilience, discipline, and heart. She took the structure of the military and paired it with her passion for helping others, creating a model that changes the way small businesses operate. As she scales TheOfficeSquad through franchising, her mission remains simple yet powerful: to help entrepreneurs grow smarter, faster, and stronger—one squad at a time.

✨ Learn more about TheOfficeSquad at theofficesquad.com.

On a recent episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast: Where Passion & Purpose Collide, hosts Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa spoke with Natalie Black, CEO of Comfort Keepers. Known for her warm but decisive leadership style, Natalie shared how both professional and personal experiences shaped her mission to lead with compassion while building one of the most respected senior care franchises in the world.

From Finance to Franchising

Natalie’s career began in finance, but she found herself longing for more purpose in her work. Joining Comfort Keepers gave her the opportunity to combine business acumen with meaningful impact—helping seniors live independently and joyfully at home. For Natalie, franchising wasn’t just a business model; it was a way to build strong, values-driven communities of caregivers and entrepreneurs.

Lessons in Resilience

One of the most pivotal moments in Natalie’s life came when she navigated divorce while raising a toddler and expecting her second child. This experience taught her the importance of boundaries, flexibility, and empathy—skills that have since become hallmarks of her leadership. Today, she brings those lessons into Comfort Keepers, fostering a culture that supports caregivers, franchisees, and clients alike.

People First, Always

Natalie believes that “profits are best when you focus on the people”. By prioritizing caregivers and creating a culture of inclusion, Comfort Keepers has strengthened both retention and client satisfaction. She also highlighted the importance of diversity, noting that different voices and perspectives make businesses stronger. Mentorship, collaboration, and peer-to-peer support are woven into the fabric of Comfort Keepers’ franchise community.

A Legacy of Joy and Dignity

For Natalie, leadership is about more than numbers. It’s about creating a legacy where seniors are given the dignity of choice, where caregivers feel valued, and where leaders can embrace both career and family without compromise. Her hope is to leave behind a culture that proves compassion and profitability can grow side by side.

✨ To learn more about Comfort Keepers, visit comfortkeepers.com.

On the latest episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast: Where Passion & Purpose Collide, hosts Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa welcomed Johanna Bialkin, Founder & CEO of Aldea Home & Baby. Johanna’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to community.

From New York Roots to San Francisco Dreams

Raised in New York by parents who instilled in her the importance of impact and community, Johanna always saw the world a little differently. Struggling with dyslexia as a child, she learned to remake the world in her own vision—a gift that later shaped her entrepreneurial spirit. After moving to San Francisco, she dreamed of creating not just a store, but a space where people could connect, learn, and feel supported. Aldea was born from that vision.

More Than a Store: A Community Hub

For over 20 years, Aldea has provided carefully curated, eco-conscious baby products and stylish home décor. But Johanna emphasizes that Aldea is “less about the stuff and more about the connection.” The store has hosted everything from mommy-and-me classes to art events, making it a gathering place where parents can learn, share, and grow together. Even the name “Aldea,” which means “village,” reflects Johanna’s mission to create a supportive community.

Lessons in Resilience and Expansion

When the Covid pandemic hit, Johanna pivoted quickly—delivering strollers to homes, hosting Zoom consultations, and even holding Facebook Live story times. This adaptability not only kept Aldea thriving but also revealed how much people longed for authentic connection. Looking forward, Johanna envisions franchising Aldea across the U.S. and internationally, creating local “villages” that embody her values of sustainability and community care.

A Legacy of Connection

Johanna’s journey is also deeply personal. She shared her reflections on family, self-worth, and the importance of learning to say, “I am enough.” For Johanna, building Aldea is about much more than business—it’s about leaving behind a legacy of compassion, creativity, and meaningful relationships.

✨ To learn more about Aldea Home & Baby, visit aldeahome.com. For franchise opportunities, check out aldeafranchise.com.

What started as a single neighborhood pizza shop in Texas has grown into a thriving franchise brand known for its quality, consistency, and community connection. At the heart of this story is Carl Comeaux, co-founder of Crust Pizza, who has played a central role in transforming a local favorite into a growing franchise force.

From the beginning, Carl and his partners had one goal: deliver authentic, high-quality pizza in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. By focusing on fresh ingredients and making everything from scratch, Crust Pizza quickly built a loyal following. The buzz spread, and soon customers weren’t just asking for more pizza—they were asking how they could be part of the brand.

That organic demand for expansion laid the foundation for franchising. But Carl knew that success in franchising meant more than great food. It required systems, processes, and most importantly, the right people. As he explains, the company’s guiding principle is simple: “Do what you say, and say what you do.” This philosophy has shaped not only customer relationships but also the way Crust supports its franchisees.

Scaling a brand without losing its soul is never easy. For Carl, the key has been staying rooted in community values while building the operational backbone needed for growth. From training and support to maintaining culture across locations, Crust Pizza has worked hard to ensure consistency without sacrificing authenticity.

Today, Crust Pizza is expanding across multiple states, bringing its signature flavors and family-first atmosphere to new communities. For Carl, the journey is about more than numbers; it’s about impact. Each new franchise location is a chance to create jobs, support local causes, and bring people together over a great meal.

As Carl looks ahead, his focus remains on sustainable growth—partnering with franchisees who share the same passion for quality and community. The future of Crust Pizza is bright, and its recipe for success is clear: passion, perseverance, and pizza made the right way.

When Shannon O’Dore first discovered Aussie Pet Mobile 17 years ago, she was looking for more than just a business—she was looking for a way to balance entrepreneurship with family life. After years in retail and the music industry, Shannon knew she wanted a proven system, a business she could grow without reinventing the wheel. What she found was a franchise that combined her love for animals with her business acumen.

Starting in 2008 during an economic downturn, Shannon quickly learned the importance of resilience. When groomers called out, she stepped in herself. When vans broke down, she found creative solutions to keep going. Through it all, her commitment to clients and their pets created deep, lasting relationships—some families have stayed with her through multiple generations of pets.

As the business grew from one van to seven, so did her vision for the future. Enter Ashley, her daughter, who quite literally grew up with Aussie Pet Mobile. From hanging door hangers as a child to answering phones as a teenager, Ashley absorbed the business from the ground up. Though she pursued a career in exercise physiology, it wasn’t long before she returned to the family business—this time with a clear role in operations and a passion for taking the company to the next level.

Ashley and her husband Rylan now stand alongside Shannon, preparing to take the reins. With Ashley’s organizational skills and Rylan’s technical expertise, the O’Dore family is positioning Aussie Pet Mobile Tucson for continued growth—aiming to expand beyond 10 vans while maintaining the intimate, family-centered culture that clients love.

Their story is more than a business transition; it’s about trust, communication, and the shared grit that defines successful entrepreneurs. Shannon and Ashley’s bond has grown stronger through their work together, and their advice to other families in business is simple: communicate openly, trust each other’s strengths, and never lose sight of the passion that started it all.

As Shannon looks ahead to eventually stepping back—though she admits she’ll never fully retire—Ashley is ready to carry the legacy forward, with a little one of her own already being raised around the family business.

The O’Dores remind us that franchising isn’t just about profits. It’s about people, passion, and the paw prints left on our hearts.

When Lori Morgan purchased a Kitchen Tune-Up franchise in 1994, she and her husband were ready for a change. After her husband was laid off for the second time, they decided they were done letting others control their future. With no safety net — and three young children at home — they invested in themselves, choosing a franchise that blended their shared accounting backgrounds with their love for woodworking.

“It was do or die,” Lori recalls. “We didn’t have a second income, so the business had to work.” She handled bookkeeping while raising the children, and her husband managed both sales and the hands-on work. In that first year, through long days and relentless determination, they turned a profit — a milestone that confirmed they were on the right path.

Over the years, the business evolved alongside the franchise. Kitchen Tune-Up grew from a wood care company into a full-service kitchen remodeling brand, offering everything from cabinet refacing to custom cabinetry, painting, and “redooring.” The Morgans embraced these changes, always focused on meeting each customer’s needs rather than pushing a single product. Their flexibility and customer-first mindset became the hallmark of their reputation.

In 2018, their son Chad joined the business as Operations Manager. Having spent years in hotel management, Chad brought leadership, marketing skills, and a fresh vision. “Hospitality taught me how to run a business and take care of people,” he says. With his influence, the business expanded its offerings, took on more ambitious projects, and experienced significant growth — earning the title of Kitchen Tune-Up Franchise of the Year in 2020.

Working together wasn’t without challenges, but both Lori and Chad say it’s strengthened their relationship. At work, Chad calls her “Lori” instead of “Mom” to keep boundaries clear. They credit their success to mutual respect, honest communication, and a clear division of roles — Lori managing operations and finances, Chad leading marketing and project vision. “Whoever has the most passion or conviction about an idea usually wins the debate,” Chad says with a smile.

Their shared purpose is simple but powerful: serve people well. It’s a philosophy that extends beyond clients to their employees and community. Lori says she often thinks, “What would I want my child’s employer to do?” and then applies that same care to her team. This service mindset is why so many client stories stick with them — like the elderly couple upgrading their kitchen as a final gift from husband to wife, or the woman who wanted her kitchen redone before her terminally ill husband passed away. For the Morgans, these moments are reminders that they’re not just remodeling kitchens — they’re impacting lives.

Design trends come and go, but in Colorado Springs, the Morgans see a consistent love for neutral tones, natural woods, and styles that bring the outdoors in. White kitchens remain popular but are often warmed with wood accents, while gray tones have softened. Their ability to balance trend-awareness with timeless design keeps their work fresh and appealing.

Looking back, Lori says her biggest lesson was to invest in people sooner. “We wore too many hats for too long,” she admits. “Hiring earlier would have helped us grow faster.” Chad’s advice to his younger self? Be willing to say yes more often — and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks.

Now, as Lori looks toward retirement and Chad plans for the future, their goals are aligned: keep building a thriving business they can be proud of, one that will continue to serve their community with excellence for years to come.

🎧 Hear the full conversation, including more personal stories, lessons learned, and insights on running a successful family franchise, in this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast.

What happens when entrepreneurial grit meets franchise expertise? You get Brittney Lincoln.

On this week’s episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Brittney Lincoln—co-founder of Limitless Franchise Growth and the visionary behind Females in Franchising—for an energizing, insightful conversation on business, leadership, and community.

A Journey Rooted in Resilience

Brittney’s path into entrepreneurship began in 2010, in the wake of the 2008 economic downturn. Armed with a business degree, firsthand experience from working in a women-owned boutique, and an “if not now, when?” attitude, she opened her first business. Though it didn’t work out as planned, the lessons she learned became the foundation for a thriving career in franchising.

Responsible Growth Starts with the Right People

Today, Brittney leads Limitless Franchise Growth—a team dedicated to helping emerging franchisors scale with integrity. She emphasizes the importance of profitability, operational support, and founder alignment as cornerstones of responsible growth. “Just because someone took your money and made you a franchise doesn’t mean you’re ready to start selling franchises,” she says candidly.

Her goal? Help brands avoid costly missteps, grow intentionally, and attract the right people to their system—not just any people.

Introducing: Females in Franchising

Brittney’s passion for building community and elevating women led to her newest venture: Females in Franchising, an online membership platform launching soon. Designed to connect, mentor, and uplift women in franchising—from executives to franchisees to vendors—the platform offers:

• A networking hub with intentional reciprocity (a “give and get” wall)
• A job board to help women find opportunities and companies discover top-tier talent
• Mentorship “office hours” where experienced leaders provide advice and support

With less than 30% of franchise businesses owned by women, and even fewer in executive roles, Brittney’s goal is to fill the gap and offer what she wishes she had 13 years ago—a sisterhood of support and understanding.

Final Thoughts

Brittney’s story is one of resourcefulness, perseverance, and purposeful leadership. Whether she’s helping a brand find its first franchisee or launching a movement to empower women, she leads with heart and strategy.

🎧 Catch the full episode now and discover why responsible franchising and meaningful community can change everything.

When Mike Bahun reflects on his life, he doesn’t focus on the obstacles he faced growing up in inner-city Omaha. He focuses on how those hardships became the foundation for his success—and how they fuel his passion for helping others do the same.

On the latest episode of The Franchise Woman: Where Passion & Purpose Collide, Mike shares his raw and inspiring journey from an under-resourced youth to college baseball coach, and ultimately, the founder of Fundraising University. It’s a business that has raised over $150 million for high school teams, bands, and student programs across the country, while also building life skills, character, and leadership in the students and franchisees it serves.

From Struggle to Strength

Mike’s childhood lacked the structure, mentorship, and stability many of us take for granted. But sports became his safe place—a structure that taught him discipline, perseverance, and the value of community. It was on the baseball field that Mike first learned the life-changing lesson of focusing on process over outcome.

“I realized that struggle wasn’t something to avoid—it was something to embrace,” Mike says. “That mindset changed everything for me.”

This belief became the cornerstone of Fundraising University and the leadership model Mike now teaches franchisees, student-athletes, and business owners alike.

Lessons from the Field and the Franchise World

Mike’s approach to business, coaching, and life is deeply rooted in these core principles:

• Do the hard things first. It’s easy to get stuck in busywork or chase quick wins. Mike teaches the power of tackling the most challenging tasks first, creating momentum, confidence, and growth.
• Focus on the process, not the outcome. Whether you’re raising funds, growing a business, or leading a team, staying committed to the daily process—not fixating on instant results—builds sustainable success.
• Build ownership, not entitlement. Mike is passionate about helping students and franchisees take ownership of their journey, their performance, and their future.
• Develop mental skills, not just strategies. From student-athletes to business owners, Mike believes that emotional intelligence, resilience, and mental toughness are just as critical as technical skills.

Fundraising with Heart

Fundraising University isn’t your typical franchise. There are no upfront fees, no product inventory to buy, and no barriers to getting started. Mike and his team partner directly with schools, providing a turnkey system that allows students to raise much-needed funds—while learning life and leadership skills along the way.

Whether it’s helping a football team afford new helmets or giving a band the chance to travel to a competition, Mike sees each fundraiser as an opportunity to create transformation, not just transactions.

“It’s not about selling a product,” Mike says. “It’s about building confidence, teamwork, and ownership in these students. And the same is true for our franchisees.”

A Purpose-Driven Mission

Mike’s story is more than a business success story—it’s a call to action. A call for leaders, parents, and entrepreneurs to stop looking for shortcuts and start doing the hard work that leads to real growth.

His message is clear: Be good at the hard things. Embrace the struggle. Build the ownership spirit. That’s where transformation—and true success—happens.

What’s really holding franchisors back from scaling beyond 20 or 30 units?
It’s not their business model.
It’s not their marketing.

It’s their leadership.

That’s the tough truth Stephane Breault, franchise leadership coach and founder of Imagine Franchise, shares in our latest episode of The Franchise Woman: Where Passion & Purpose Collide.

Leadership Is the Differentiator

With decades of experience in the C-suite and coaching more than 100 franchise brands across North America and Europe, Stephane has seen it all. And he’s clear: franchising is first and foremost a people business.

Franchisors who focus only on transactions, units, and systems miss the real opportunity—to build partnerships, trust, and leadership cultures that empower franchisees to thrive.

“If you don’t build leadership into your system, you will plateau,” Stephane warns. “You can’t manage your way to 100 units. You have to lead.”

Trust, Rituals, and Accountability

Stephane outlines three pillars every franchisor must master:

1. Competence: Know your craft—franchising done right is non-negotiable.
2. Connection: Build rituals that create authentic, two-way engagement with franchisees. This could be regular calls, personal check-ins, or systemwide gatherings—but they must be consistent, meaningful, and intentional.
3. Trust & Accountability: Trust isn’t given—it’s earned through transparency, humility, and action. And accountability must flow both ways. Franchisees are business owners, but franchisors must own their leadership role.

Case Study: Poulet Rouge

Stephane shares the remarkable transformation of Canadian franchise Poulet Rouge.
When their CEO shifted from a controller mindset to a leadership mindset, everything changed. Franchisees now audit themselves, growth is fueled by internal leaders, and the brand has a waiting list of franchisees eager to join.

Their secret?
A relentless focus on values, leadership development, and trust-based systems.

A Challenge to Franchisors

Stephane’s message is clear:
If you want to grow, you must lead. And if leadership isn’t your strength, build a team that fills that gap.

Franchisors who ignore this truth will hit the wall—and stay there.
Franchisors who embrace it will unlock scalable, sustainable success.

As Stephane says: “Franchising is not about selling businesses. It’s about helping people build the life they never thought possible.”

Learn more about Stephane’s coaching and grab his book at ImagineFranchise.com.