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.

Franchise ResourcesTom ScardaMay 24, 2025ceo leadership, Exit StrategyComment

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.

Franchise ResourcesTom ScardaMay 13, 2025Recruiting, HR OutsourcingComment

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.

Franchise ResourcesTom ScardaApril 27, 2025franchising, CyberSecurity, Business TipsComment

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.

Franchise Opportunities, Franchise ResourcesTom ScardaApril 12, 2025FranChoice, Franchise lawComment

Building a Franchise Empire at 25

Joe Garvey is a multi-unit franchisee of Pause, an experiential wellness studio designed to optimize recovery, enhance self-care, and promote a better lifestyle.

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.

Franchise ResourcesTom ScardaMay 19, 2024business leadership, Tom Scarda, UPS StoresComment

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.

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.

Franchise ResourcesTom ScardaFebruary 13, 2024franchise manuels, creating franchise docuementsComment

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.

Franchise ResourcesTom ScardaNovember 28, 2023Franchise Secrets, Unbiased Franchise Information, the franchise academyComment

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.

Franchise ResourcesTom ScardaSeptember 24, 2023momentum marketing, Brooke Budke, momentum, the big mo, the franchise academy, tom scarda podcastComment

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

Franchise ResourcesTom ScardaSeptember 17, 2023#emotionalintelligence, Leadership, Success, #executive, #managementComment

How to Make Any Business Successful with Jim Wilcox, Sandler Training

Jim Wilcox is the President and Owner of Wilcox & Associates, a Sandler Training, Coaching & Consulting company. As a serial entrepreneur and a clinically trained healthcare professional, Jim brings a unique perspective and passion for business.

Military Spouses - Feel Good Stories with Surinder Goode

Surinder Goode is an entrepreneur with work experience in the U.K., the Middle East and the
United States.

Born in England, at a young age, the family decided to move to Scotland. After graduating college, she moved to the Middle East, working as a flight attendant on commercial and private flights.

It was in 1998 while visiting a friend in Coronado, CA that she met her future husband who was on active duty.

‘I had no idea what the life of a military spouse looked like; I wasn’t briefed on what I should expect or how to overcome the new challenges that are a part of this lifestyle. The saying is true…If only I knew then what I know now.”

Acting on an impulse to provide a service to the U.S. military and seeing a mutually beneficial opportunity, she drafted and presented a business plan to NEXCOM (Navy Exchange Command) to open and operate coffee stands on naval bases throughout San Diego. Starting with one cart in 2002 on Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, her business expanded to thirteen carts and a staff of twenty-eight employees. This venture gave her a better understanding of the military from both genders.

In April 2023, Surinder launched her podcast The Goode Show. This is a platform dedicated to highlighting Veteran and Spouse entrepreneurs, talking with retired Vets about their military experience, and talking with kids about growing up as a military child.

Surinder is the mother of two teenagers, Jake and her daughter Jordan. She’s also a dog mom to two German Shepherds.

Her husband served 30 years before retiring as a CMC.

She has been married for 25 years.

How to Market a Service Franchise with Mark Montini

Mark Montini is a Marketing Maverick. Say that three times fast! Mark is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Premium Service Brands (PSB). PSB is currently operating nine different and distinct service-based concepts that focus on home services. Mark has led organizations such as Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Floor Coverings International, and Naranga. Mr. Montini is also a sort after speaker in the world of business and franchises. Listen to this episode to hear more about Mark’s forward-thinking and disruptive business leadership best practices.

Franchise ResourcesTom ScardaMay 28, 2023Marketing, digital marketing, franchise marketing, Marketing to gen zComment

Woman In Franchising Featuring Nora Farhat, Multi-Unit/Brand Owner

Nora Frahat is a highly accomplished professional with a proven track record in creating excellent working relationships with internal and external customers, significant profit improvements, business process development, and achievements in management. She gave up corporate America and now controls her destiny and her family’s bright future with three different franchise brands, British Swim Schools, Pool Scouts, and Mathnasium.

Franchise ResourcesTom ScardaMarch 27, 2023woman in franchising, franchises for woman, franchises for 2023Comment

Heather Hakes - The Mindset Coach

Heather Hakes couldn’t fathom dreading another Monday and cheering on Friday for the rest of her life. In 2017, Heather took a HUGE leap of faith and followed an intuitive nudge. She said goodbye to the corporate world knowing there had to be a better reality.

She learned about the power of mindset and how to shift paradigms from many teachers along her journey. She knows that a shift in perception will literally change your reality.

Heather is now on a mission to be a lighthouse for humanity to re-mind you to take your innate power back through awareness and self-empowerment.

Heather’s vision is to help you to unlearn all of the false beliefs holding you in fear, lack, and limitation.

Diane Pleuss - The Franchise Fitter

Since 2004, Diane Pleuss has matched hundreds of entrepreneurs with their perfect fit franchise opportunity, while successfully guiding them to avoid rookie mistakes – at no cost to her candidates. As a result, they are creating wealth, making an impact in their community, and enjoying the systems already in place to accelerate their path to success.

Franchise ResourcesTom ScardaJuly 17, 2022Diane Pluess, Franchoice, Tom Scarda, Franchise Fitter, Franchise OpportunitiesComment

How to Evaluate Opportunities with Level 5 Capital Principal, Danny Kenny

Danny Kenny joined L5 in 2018 and is a principal on the Investment Team. In this role, Danny is involved in deal sourcing and diligence, portfolio company operations, overseeing portfolio company integration with AS, investor relations, and day-to-day management of the Investment Team.

David Weaver - Franchise Your Freedom

David Weaver has a diverse and comprehensive entrepreneurial background to draw on as a FranChoice consultant.

Having honed his business skills in a variety of ways, he now looks forward to sharing his knowledge and experience with others interested in business ownership.

David embodies the Midwestern values of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life. He was born and raised in Indiana and got his first taste of business ownership by watching both parents build and operate successful businesses.

Alicia Miller, CFE - Understanding Private Equity and Franchising

Alicia Miller is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Catalyst Insight Group a boutique investment bank and strategic advisory firm focused on franchising. She supports franchise brands facing growth or transformation challenges. She also works with platforms, private equity firms, and family offices investing in franchises.

She currently serves on the Board of the International Franchise Association’s certification program (CFE), and writes a monthly column in Franchise Times about franchising best practices.

Alicia holds an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Science from the University of Maryland. She graduated from Smith College, and also earned a Graduate Certificate in Franchise Management from Georgetown University.

Subscribe to The Franchise Academy

4107 S. Tamiami Trl, Suite 116, Venice, FL 34293

©2020-2025 The Franchise Academy, Inc. All rights reserved.