TITLE: How He Modernized a “Boring” Industry Into a Scalable Brand | Dr. John P. Hayes - With Kevin DuBois

DESCRIPTION:

John Hayes interviews Kevin Dubois, the CEO of Clean Brands, which operates various brands including Lapels and Martinizing across approximately 500 locations in nine countries. Dubois discusses his transition from opening multiple restaurants during his teenage years to garment care, a shift that occurred after purchasing a restaurant from Lapels founder Larry Friedman. Friedman's experience in environmental cleanup led Lapels to implement GreenEarth’s silicone-based, eco-friendly dry-cleaning process. Dubois also highlights how an external perspective contributed to the modernization of dry cleaning through the introduction of boutique stores, enhanced marketing and operations, and the evolution of "convenience". This concept of convenience has shifted from co-location and drive-thrus to applications, pickup and delivery services, and unmanned kiosks. Clean Brands franchises Lapels and Martinizing based on their regional brand strength and is currently expanding its tech-enabled, cashless laundromats that incorporate wash-and-fold, dry cleaning, and B2B linen customers. The company screens potential franchisees through a multi-step process that includes DISC profiles and discusses the possibility of semi-absentee ownership through trained general managers. They also address labor and driver challenges, pricing influenced by labor, and investment ranges from approximately $100K for satellites to around $600K for plants and roughly $1M for laundromats.

- With Kevin DuBois.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Meet Clean Brands CEO

01:45 Going Green in Dry Cleaning

05:32 Learning the Industry Fast

07:07 First Taste of Franchising

10:36 How Garment Care Evolved

13:40 Tech Driven Convenience

16:37 Modern Laundromat Model

22:33 Franchisee Fit and Staffing

36:09 Costs and Final Takeaways

LINKS:

WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

DESCRIPTION:

Ray Titus, in an interview with John Hayes, discusses the common misconceptions about franchising, including the belief that franchises are run by large corporations. He points out that less than 1% of the approximately 1,600 franchisees under the United Franchise Group are corporate-owned. Titus talks about his family's long history in franchising and the significant changes in the industry from the pre-internet era to the current age of artificial intelligence. He emphasizes the importance of embracing technology, such as digital printing and AI, which he refers to as a ""thought partner"" that aids in decision-making processes, including acquisitions.

Titus credits his father Roy's approach to risk-taking and focus on increasing the number of franchisees to enhance support and purchasing power. He also discusses the process of evaluating potential franchisees, focusing on their compatibility with the brand and their work ethic. When asked which franchise he would invest in if he were 25 years old with $100,000, he shares his choice.

Titus also talks about his contribution to the Titus Center at Palm Beach Atlantic, a faith-based institution he endowed to educate students about franchising, foster career growth, and promote wider education about franchising. He underscores the importance of servant leadership, mentorship, and remaining grounded in the industry.

- With Ray Titus

TIMESTAMPS:

02:55 The Biggest Lie 99% Of People Believe About Franchising.

07:50 The One Skill That Determines If Your Business Dies Or Survives.

08:45 Why A General Manager Turned White When He Saw The Future.

14:20 The Brutal Reason 90% Of Franchisees Fail (It’s Not What You Think).

19:10 How A Trip To The Middle Of Nowhere Inspired A Million Dollar Donation.

31:10 The Fatal Mistake That Destroys 99% Of Franchise Startups.

34:50 Why The University President Said A 40-Person Board Was Impossible.

39:00 The One Sentence From A Warehouse Worker That Made Him Quit The Family Business.

49:00 The 80-Year-Old Dad’s One Rule That Keeps A $1 Billion Empire Humble.

LINKS:

WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

DESCRIPTION:

John Hayes interviews Sal Majzoub on Franchise Hot Seat, discussing Majzoub's transition from corporate work to franchising and business brokerage. Majzoub shares his experience of being confined in a Dubai hotel during the COVID pandemic while earning a substantial six-figure salary. During this time, he researched about 50 franchises and multiple Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), eventually choosing Transworld Business Advisors. Majzoub later took the master franchise for Quebec, but faced challenges in building awareness and income for 2-3 years. He then sold his share and relocated to Florida to work as an agent. Majzoub stresses the importance of daily networking for success in business brokerage. He also discusses the benefits of owning a National Lead Exchange (NLX) franchise, which aids in generating warm, trust-based referrals. This contrasts with the Business Network International (BNI) which requires more time commitment. The conversation also covers the reasons why absentee franchise ownership often fails, the availability of businesses for sale, foreign buyers utilizing E-2 visas, the increased demand for established businesses and service/trade companies. Majzoub also shares his perspective on the best and worst aspects of franchising.

- With Sal Majzoub

TIMESTAMPS:

03:25 Stuck in a Hotel… Built a New Career

04:30 He Walked Away from a Six-Figure Salary

06:45 He Studied 50 Franchises Before Choosing One

09:25 “I Thought 6 Months… It Took 3 Years”

12:45 Starting From Below Zero (No Network, No Safety Net)

16:00 Why Franchising Has a Higher Success Rate

29:20 Cold Outreach Is Dead — Here’s What Works Now

38:20 Why “Passive Franchise Ownership” Fails

50:50 The Business Models AI Won’t Replace

LINKS:

WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

DESCRIPTION:

John Hayes interviews Matthew Cancino, a Titus Center for Franchising graduate and former U.S. Marine, about his journey into the world of franchising. Cancino discovered franchising at Palm Beach Atlantic University, where he sought mentorship for his detailing business. His plans to attend fire school were disrupted by COVID, leading him to PBA where his entrepreneurial spirit and faith guided his decisions. Cancino's early consulting work led him to join the leadership team at Bright Pink. He also launched an app concept to scale local content, which eventually evolved into Candid, a full-service digital marketing agency with a focus on video. Candid, which was rebranded due to a trademark stop order, boasts clients such as Dove, DoorDash, and Dream Vacations. Hayes and Cancino discuss the community within franchising, the benefits of VetFran for veterans, common misconceptions about franchising, and networking through the National Lead Exchange. Cancino also shares about his upcoming show, "The Franchise", with MFE Expositions, which will highlight emerging brands.

- With Matthew Cancino.

TIMESTAMPS:

01:10 From Detailing to Franchising

04:29 Why PBA and New Doors

08:25 Post Grad Career Turns

11:23 Faith and Serendipity

12:59 Building Candid Agency

16:06 Franchising Community Mindset

24:13 Trademark Lesson and Rebrand

30:50 Franchise Show and Wrap Up

LINKS:

WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

DESCRIPTION:

Mitchell Nolan, a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University with an MBA and a focus on franchising, is the founder of consulting firm DJM Nolan and co-founder of Vetted, a company he established with Steve Lieber. Vetted's mission is to assess both franchisors and franchisees using five key principles derived from Junior Bridgeman. These principles include exceptional food and guest experience, simplicity of systems, robust labor and inventory control, outstanding marketing and operational systems, and positive unit economics. Nolan recounts the process of responding to a 60-page restaurant Request for Proposal (RFP) for NEXCOM Navy-base with a detailed 200-300 page document. After submitting the proposal in May, they won the contract in October and subsequently formed a partnership to operate on military installations. The first Mediterranean concept restaurant under this partnership opened in Coronado in August. Nolan attributes his success to the coursework, directed studies, the advisory network of the Titus Center, and the franchising community at PBA. He also emphasizes the importance of assessing the value of royalties through franchisee validation. Besides his professional achievements, Nolan volunteers as an assistant coach for PBA golf and has established the Birdie Fund scholarship.

- With Mitchell Nolan

TIMESTAMPS:

01:55 The five pillars Junior Bridgeman taught him about franchising.

04:25 How a 300-page government contract won on a Navy base.

09:00 The golf coach who accidentally launched a franchise career.

14:40 Why competing franchise brands actually help each other.

17:30 How Titus Center advisors invested in his business.

19:55 The five pillars every franchisee should use to evaluate a brand.

24:00 Why paying 8% royalties is worth it if you get 20% value.

26:40 Simplicity of systems means anyone can run it with a playbook.

29:55 Giving back to golf while building a franchise empire.

LINKS:

WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

DESCRIPTION:

The Franchise Hot Seat Podcast features an interview with Palm Beach Atlantic University students Leanna Carlson and Ethan Stayte, who are studying franchising at the university's Titus Center. Leanna, an international business, entrepreneurship, and franchising student, was inspired by her father's State Farm agency model and her aspiration to merge faith with business. Her focus is on international franchising, driven by her travel experiences and the potential of the global market. Ethan, a marketing major nearing graduation, chose PBA for its Christian community and franchising program. He has had several franchising-related marketing internships with companies like Grills, Bear Naked Kitchen, Retro Fitness, and United Franchise Group. His career goal is to work in franchise development or sales and eventually become a multi-unit franchisee. The host highlights the benefits of PBA’s franchising concentration, the high demand in the industry, access to franchising leaders, and the upcoming IFA convention. They discuss the reasons why more students don't pursue franchising, primarily due to lack of awareness and misconceptions that it only involves working at brands like McDonald’s. They propose better promotion of the program and the new entrepreneurship and franchising major. The discussion also touches on franchise affordability, financing options such as SBA loans, service-brand franchising, multi-unit/multi-brand growth, and franchising as a means to long-term and generational wealth. - With Leanna Carlson and Ethan Stayte.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Meet the Student Guests

00:40 Leanna Finds Franchising

01:40 Ethan Transfers for the Program

02:40 Why PBA Titus Center Stands Out

06:16 International Franchising Dreams

10:51 Ethan’s Career Path and Internships

13:39 Networking and Mentorship Wins

22:39 Growing the Program Awareness

30:43 Franchise Ownership Myths and Wrap-Up

LINKS:

WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

DESCRIPTION:

John Hayes, host of the Franchise Hot Seat Podcast, interviews Martha Flynn, the new director of the Titus Center. Flynn shares her journey into franchising, which began unexpectedly at Burger King and evolved into various roles at Dunkin' and Panera. The discussion touches on the scarcity of formal franchising education and how Flynn mastered franchise law and operations. The importance of internships for students is also discussed. The conversation also explores the changing role of women in franchising, the advantages of an academic focus in franchising, and the unique opportunities this provides for students at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Both Flynn and Hayes underscore the vital role of practical internships and hands-on experience in equipping students for successful careers in franchising.

- With Martha Flynn.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro

00:37 How did Martha start franchising?

01:58 What was learned at Burger King?

06:17 Why move to Dunkin' and Inspire?

08:52 What challenges did Panera present?

09:44 Why transition to academia?

12:20 How does franchising education impact students?

16:47 What opportunities exist for students?

22:07 What is the future of franchising internships?

LINKS:

WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast

DESCRIPTION:

John Hayes, host of the Franchise Hot Seat Podcast, converses with Keith Gerson, a member of the Titus Center Advisory Board and a veteran in the franchising industry. Keith shares his franchising journey, beginning with McDonald's, then owning a Mrs. Fields Cookies franchise, and finally becoming a franchise coach and executive. They delve into the challenges and opportunities in franchise development, the surprising deficiency in franchising education, and the urgent need to advocate for the franchise model. Keith stresses the significance of comprehending franchise disclosure documents, particularly financial representations in item 19, and effective lead generation tactics. The discussion also covers the function of franchise brokers and the growing application of AI in franchising operations, emphasizing its ability to boost decision-making and enhance transparency. The dialogue highlights franchising as a feasible career choice and discusses ways franchisors can more effectively attract both single-unit and multi-unit operators.

- With Keith Gerson.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro

00:29 How did Keith Gerson start franchising?

04:45 What are common franchising misconceptions?

09:00 How is franchise development changing in 2025?

11:57 Why is Item 19 important?

17:52 How do you attract multi-unit operators?

22:41 What are real franchise failure rates?

24:33 Why are Franchise Disclosure Documents crucial?

34:52 What are effective trade show strategies?

41:39 What are current franchise development challenges?

LINKS:

WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast