In this episode of The Franchise Academy Podcast, host Tom Scarda sits down with franchise veteran Jordan Levine, Chief Operating Officer of Stretch Zone, to explore what makes this wellness franchise a standout in the industry.

With 25 years of experience in top franchise brands like Cold Stone Creamery, Massage Envy, and Sola Salons, Jordan shares the key ingredients that make Stretch Zone not just another fitness concept—but a strategic business opportunity. From its recurring income model to corporate-trained staff, Stretch Zone is built for franchisees looking for scalable growth and ongoing support.

This episode also busts common myths about franchising—like the belief that you’re either on your own or that the franchisor will do everything for you. Jordan emphasizes that while Stretch Zone provides the structure, systems, and training, you still have to wear your entrepreneur hat and drive success.

👉 Listen now to learn:

What makes Stretch Zone’s business model unique
Why recurring revenue is a game-changer in franchising
The level of training and support you can expect
The truth about what it really takes to succeed as a franchisee

Franchise Resources, Franchise OpportunitiesTom ScardaSeptember 3, 2025franchising, Franchise opportunites, Franchise SecretsComment

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!

Franchise OpportunitiesTom ScardaApril 12, 2025Franchise opportunites, franchisingComment

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.

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.

Franchise OpportunitiesTom ScardaJuly 22, 2024franchising, franchise sales company, EntrepreneurshipComment

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.

How to Transition Into a Franchise with Bob Barber

Bob has 36 combined years of business ownership over 33 years. 12 years of a pizza delivery company and 24 years of a business consulting/coaching/training with Sandler. He and his wife have an adult son and daughter as well as a comical English Lab, Walter. He and Marnie love entertaining, dining, and traveling.

Franchising: Steps to Take in a Crisis - Dave Keil, President, Franworth

Dave Keil is President and COO of Franworth, a growth equity firm that partners with and accelerates the growth of emerging franchise brands. Most recently, Keil was CEO of The Lash Lounge, a Franworth brand that offers eyelash extensions and other beauty services, in locally-owned, luxurious salons. Keil led the national expansion of the organization - from 19 units, to 100 franchised salons opened.

Franchise OpportunitiesTom ScardaMarch 22, 2020coronavirus, Covid-19, franchising

Gary Findley, The Redneck CEO

Gary Findley, the self-proclaimed “Redneck CEO”, oversees one of the fastest-growing multi-brand franchise chains –Restoration 1 and bluefrog Plumbing + Drain. Both headquartered in Waco, Texas, Restoration 1 is an award-winning brand with more than 250 locations, while bluefrog, acquired in 2017, serves as the perfect complement to Restoration 1.

Zoom Room Dog Training Franchise

At Zoom Room, they don’t train dogs, they train people who love them.

How to NOT Buy the Wrong Franchise

There are no rules or laws that dictate which businesses can be a franchise. Find out how to avoid buying into a bad business model.

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