From Operator to Visionary: How CEOs Build Self-Sustaining Businesses

Dave Lorenzo, an entrepreneur, podcast host, and business growth strategist who specializes in helping business owners transform their companies from main street businesses into high-value investments. Known as The Godfather of Growth, Dave is a master at helping leaders unlock their potential and scale their businesses strategically.

Dave is the co-founder of Exit Success Lab, a consulting firm dedicated to helping CEOs grow and scale their companies so they have more options when they exit.

On his podcast, The Inside BS Show, Dave shares actionable insights on leadership, sales, productivity, and exit strategy. 


When he’s not guiding businesses to success, you’ll find Dave leading a group of business people in Florida called: The Giving Group, where he connects professionals while supporting local charities. Known for his energy, expertise, and knack for building meaningful relationships, Dave brings a unique blend of strategy and storytelling to every conversation.

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The Secret to Attracting and Retaining Top Part-Time Talent

In this enlightening episode of The Franchise Academy Podcast, host Tom Scarda sits down with HR visionary Cindi Filer and her son Matt Filer from Innovative Outsourcing. With over two decades of experience revolutionizing the staffing industry, Cindi has made it her mission to help businesses find the perfect talent while ensuring employees achieve a fulfilling work-life balance.

The conversation dives deep into the evolving landscape of HR—how companies can successfully transition back to on-site work, making jobs "commute-worthy" by offering meaningful roles that employees genuinely want to accept. Cindi and Matt reveal the secrets to recruiting and retaining top-tier part-time talent, emphasizing the power of storytelling in making job offers irresistible.

From helping businesses build strong HR policies to sharing strategies for maintaining employee engagement and satisfaction, this episode is a must-listen for business owners, CEOs, and anyone passionate about building a winning team.

Cindi's unique journey from a corporate career to becoming a trailblazer in part-time staffing brings a refreshing perspective on how businesses can think outside the box to achieve sustainable growth. Whether you are struggling to find reliable talent, looking to enhance employee retention, or simply curious about how HR can drive business success, this episode will leave you inspired and informed.

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Cybersecurity 101: Safeguarding Your Franchise Today

On this episode of The Franchise Academy Podcast, host Tom Scarda welcomes Cathy Miron, CEO of eSilo and a cybersecurity expert with over 15 years of experience in IT and audit. As cyberattacks grow more frequent and sophisticated, Cathy shares the essential knowledge every business owner needs to protect their data and financial systems.


From phishing to wire fraud, Cathy shares real stories, practical tools, and clear action steps you can take right now to secure your systems—without needing to be a tech expert.

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Franchising 101:Myths, Success Strategies & Private Equity

In this episode, Tom Scarda chats with Colt Florence, SVP of Five Star Franchising, about how their proven, recession-resistant model helps franchisees succeed—regardless of experience. Learn how sales, marketing, and private equity support fuel franchise growth and why Five Star’s brands offer a strong investment opportunity. Listen now!

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Are You Franchise Ready? Expert Insights from a Franchise Attorney

Is your business ready to become a franchise? In this episode, Tom Scarda interviews franchise attorney Elias Correa Menendez to explore the key steps to franchising, insights from experienced franchise owners, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you're considering franchising or already on the journey, this episode is packed with expert advice to set you up for success!

Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Elias had always had an interest in practicing law. After receiving his JD from the Catholic University of Puerto Rico, magna cum laude in 2002, and his LL.M. from Tulane University in Commercial Law, Elias was mentored by an experienced business attorney and has since then had a passion for working with entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes.

Having an influential mentor inspired Elias to be a critical thinker and problem solver. Elias understands that the function of law is to promote an environment of growth and security. What Elias truly enjoys is getting to know his client’s business in depth and use this knowledge to improve their corporate structure, anticipate potential issues, and solve ongoing disputes. His preferred area of practice includes franchise law, negotiation and structuring acquisitions of businesses, including membership interest purchase agreements and disposition of corporate assets. He has also represented clients in structuring subscription agreements and private placement memorandums.

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Unlocking Franchise Success

Stefan Figley is president of 1-800-Packouts, a leader in the contents and personal property restoration franchise industry since 2016 and part of the Five Star Franchising platform of home service brands. Figley has nearly 30 years of experience in the franchise and marketing industries, with a focus on brand growth. He has held executive and leadership positions with nationally recognized companies such as Terminix, Steamatic, Merry Maids and Jani-King International, as well as prominent international roles in the marketing industry.

Since 2015, 1-800-Packouts has been franchising and quickly becoming the category leader in property content restoration. During stressful times, it delivers expert inventory management, packing, cleaning, and climate-controlled storage services for homes and businesses. From floods to fires and everything in between, property owners and the largest insurance carriers trust and rely on 1-800-Packouts to rapidly and expertly secure and protect valuable possessions when disasters happen. Backed by Five Star Franchising, 1-800-Packouts is well-positioned to expand rapidly and meet the growing consumer demand for disaster-related home content restoration services across North America.

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Franchising In-Home Care with Jen Chaney, VP of Right at Home

Jen Chaney is the Vice President of Franchise Development at Right at Home. With nearly 20 years of experience in sales and development, Jen is responsible for the company's growth by awarding incredible franchise opportunities to interested and eligible candidates. Jen has direct oversight of all franchise sales and development as well as existing franchise growth to drive the organization’s overall success. She serves as a strategic thought leader, analyzing various opportunities to grow the business for years to come. Jen oversees franchise legal documentation, lead generation and strategy, as well as a team of outstanding sales and development professionals. As a caregiver to her own mother in the last stages of her life, Jen has a personal mission to help others become entrepreneurs in a business that is rewarding in so many ways. Jen lives in Omaha, Nebraska, with her husband, Brian, and children, Gavin and Reese.

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Crush Franchise Marketing: Tips from Halle O'Neill

Halle O'Neill is a content guru and consumer behavior aficionado, currently serving as the Brand Director of Momentum Brands, a fractional CMO services company specializing in the franchise space. With a dynamic background that includes ad agency roles and experience working internally with brands, Halle now brings a wealth of knowledge to the consulting side of the franchise industry. Her advanced skills in copywriting and brand strategy, and her fixation on content consumption and pop culture trends enable her to support Momentum Brands' partners in attracting the right consumer, curating brand messaging, producing content that aligns with the brand, and so much more. In her free time, Halle enjoys making playlists, experimenting in the kitchen, and continuing her lifelong quest for the perfect margarita.

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How Dinesh Goswami Built a Franchise Empire in Just 10 Years

In this episode of the Franchise Academy Podcast, Dinesh Goswami, a successful multi-unit franchisee of Taco Bell, Popeyes, Pizza Hut, and Checkers, shares how he built a thriving franchise empire in just 10 years. With a background in credit, lending, and business development, Dinesh explains how he transitioned from working in the corporate world to mastering the art of franchising. He dives into the key factors in choosing the right franchise, the strategies that helped him scale his business across multiple states, and what true success looks like. Listen in for valuable insights on how to run a top-performing business and grow quickly in the world of franchising.

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Building Momentum in your Franchise Jessica Bisher, President of redbox+ Dumpsters of BucksMont

Jessica Bisher is the President & Owner of redbox+ Dumpsters of BucksMont, a successful franchise she has led since June 2020. With a civil engineering degree from the University of Notre Dame and extensive experience in the construction industry, Jessica brings a unique perspective to her business. As a mother of three boys, she decided to take her expertise to the next level by purchasing a Kenworth and launching redbox+ of BucksMont, providing an innovative solution that combines dumpster rentals with portable toilets for residential and commercial worksites in northern Philadelphia. Jessica is dedicated to making construction projects smoother and more efficient for her clients.

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Unlocking Sales Mastery with David Mattson

David H. Mattson is the CEO and President of Sandler Training. He is also a bestselling author, keynote speaker, sales and management thought leader, and global provider for sales training seminars around the world. Mattson first met the famous founder of Sandler Training, David H. Sandler, in 1986, went to work for him in 1988, and was eventually chosen to lead the company.

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The Surprising Transformation of UPS Store Franchises

After an illustrious career spanning more than  45 years focused on supply chain, logistics and transportation, retail, sales, and operational excellence strategy at UPS – including The UPS Store franchise network and UPS Supply Chain Solutions – Rocky Romanella became the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Director for UniTek Global Services, a provider of engineering, construction management, and installation services to companies specializing in the telecommunications field.

Rocky is currently the Founder and CEO of 3SIXTY Management Services, LLC, a management consulting firm specializing in Executive Speaking, Leadership Development and Consulting Services, and author of the book Tighten The Lug Nuts, an Amazon Best seller and Critically Acclaimed book.  

Rocky is an experienced CEO who led one of the largest rebranding initiatives in franchising history – The UPS Store, revolutionizing the $9 billion retail shipping and business services market.

Rocky steered UPS’s entry into the health care industry and created the mantra, “It’s a patient, not a package. ®”  

 He also led the integration of more than 20 acquisitions to improve financial performance, capabilities and global network footprint of UPS Supply Chain Solutions.

Rocky has the rare ability to see a clear vision of the changing business landscape and the passion to develop strategies, tactics, and metrics that drive desired results. 

Rocky is also a member and contributor to the Forbes Business Council, an invitation-only professional organization.

 

 

 

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From Army Vet to 14 Unit Franchise Owner

Patrick Elgin is the owner/operator of 14 Sola Salon locations in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis. Patrick currently chairs Sola’s Franchisee Advisory Board with a prime role in defining the national brand and strategy. He also received the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) ‘Franchisee of the Year’ award for 2023. Mr. Elgin formerly served as a Captain in the Minnesota National Guard. His last assignment was as the commander of the 200 Soldiers of the 34th Military Police Company based in Stillwater, Minnesota. Mr. Elgin holds a bachelor’s and a master’s Degree from the University of Richmond, Virginia, and a law degree from the University of Minnesota.

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The Keys to a Winning Business with Rick Meekins

Rick Meekins is the Managing Partner at ABCG, Inc. and the Relentless Pursuit of Winning podcast host.

Rick’s expertise lies in operations management, business analysis, process enhancement, and software implementation, such as ERP and CRM systems. Notable recent projects include customizing and deploying ZohoONE for an international team-building firm, selecting and implementing CRM solutions for a supplement manufacturer, and crafting a strategic roadmap for a skincare company.

Mr. Meekins's career has included launching ventures, guiding businesses to operational excellence, and leveraging technology for strategic advantage.

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Creating Franchise Owner Manuels

Penny Hopkinson is founder of Manual Writers International® and has an extensive background in journalism as a trade and specialist journalist, international editor, and in various correspondent roles. She launched Manual Writers International® in 1986 to bring a fresh perspective to the operations manuals needed to underpin quality management systems for organisations that didn’t need BS5750 (ISO9001) accreditation.

Penny Hopkinson joined the British Franchise Association in 1989 as an affiliate professional advisor, having developed operations manuals for three franchisors, and in 2011 she was appointed a Companion of the BFA. Her experience working with franchisors and franchisees in almost every sector has provided unique insights into the challenges faced by both parties and the power of a well-crafted Operations Manual that evolves with the times.

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Franchise Secrets With Erik Van Horn

Erik Van Horn is known for his expertise in franchising and has become one of the most coveted advisors in the niche. He is a family man, master connector, mentor to early-stage brands, and lifestyle investor.

Erik’s first business was a franchise that grew to 42 locations in Austin, TX. After learning how to leverage the franchise model, he bought seven more bands as a franchisee, started one as a franchisor, and had successful exits, including an 8-figure exit to private equity.

Erik grew his network and net worth through masterminds. Seeing the value of being in the right room, he founded two masterminds for franchisees and franchisors.

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Create Momentum in Your Franchise with Brooke Budke

Momentum Brands is a marketing consulting company specializing in fractional CMO agreements with franchise brands.

The founder, Brooke Budke, is a sought after Keynote Speaker. She is a Marketing Expert, and founder of Momentum Brands.

Brooke’s early days in franchising was spent as the head of marketing and eventually the President of an emerging franchise brand. She was pivotal in taking the concept from 20 to 200 units in eight years. Today, she has consulted on more than 20 franchise brands, successfully leading companies through acquisitions, franchise development initiatives, consumer marketing strategies, and local store sales growth.

She now leads a team at Momentum Brands that simplifies the success model for growing franchise brands.

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Why You're Stuck - Learning to Deal With Change

Our decisions are made out of either love or fear. Or, as I say, uncertainty or unhappiness. Phil Johnson says you can never fail if you never give up. But, you are more likely to give up and fail at what you do not love or what makes you unhappy. So you may as well make a change.

The passion and emotional intelligence you or your company demonstrate in the service of others will determine the value of your relationships and exchanges. This is your true source of wealth. Doing what you love will ensure your ultimate success. However, you must choose uncertainty to make the change. That is scary.

The transition to choosing uncertainty often takes place somewhere in the middle of confusion, disappointment, and for some, it occurs when they get the “brass ring” and realize they are unhappy anyway. So many of us choose our path out of fear disguised as practicality. That is choosing Unhappiness. Take the leap of faith in doing what you love by choosing uncertainty. The world is starving for your leadership.

#emotionalintelligence #leadership #executive #success #management #innovation

Phil Johnson, Founder & CEO

Master of Business Leadership Program

https://calendly.com/mblcoach/chat-with-phil

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