Risks, Rewards, and Legal Advice - With Alaina B. Karsten Artwork

The Franchise Hot Seat Podcast with Dr. John P. Hayes - Director, Titus Center for Franchising

Internationally recognized speaker, personal business coach and Amazon best-selling franchise author Dr. John Hayes offers an honest look at everything involved in researching, evaluating and purchasing a franchise business. On this podcast, Dr. John P Hayes interviews Franchisors, Franchisees, and has solo episodes giving valuable advice in the Franchise Industry. Since 1979, John Hayes has worked in the franchise community as a consultant, franchisee and franchisor. He’s one of an elite group worldwide that has actually owned and operated franchises, including serving as CEO of a major American franchisor company, and advised franchisors and franchisees. He is the author of several franchise-related books and countless articles that have appeared in media worldwide. Dr. Hayes has served for many years as an advisor to franchisors, franchisees and small business owners internationally. His areas of expertise include management development, marketing, customer service, training and strategic planning. He is the author or co-author of 18 non-fiction books including Franchising: The Inside Story, Start Small, Finish Big, You Can’t Teach A Kid To Ride A Bike At A Seminar, and most recently Buy “Hot” Franchises Without Getting Burned. Keywords: franchise tax board , chick fil a franchise , the franchise guy , best franchise to own , franchise business , buying a franchise , franchise opportunities , opening a franchise , owning a franchise

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The Franchise Hot Seat Podcast with Dr. John P. Hayes - Director, Titus Center for Franchising

Risks, Rewards, and Legal Advice - With Alaina B. Karsten

August 18, 2025 • Dr. John P Hayes • Season 1 • Episode 65

DESCRIPTION:

John Hayes, host of Franchise Hot Seat, engages in a detailed discussion with Alaina

B. Karsten from McDonald Hopkins, a professional with significant experience in

advising franchisors and franchisees and handling litigation. The conversation

revolves around the intricacies and potential risks associated with franchising,

underlining the necessity of carefully examining franchise agreements and fully

comprehending the long-term commitments and responsibilities they entail. Alaina

underscores the importance of franchisees performing due diligence, seeking legal

counsel, and fully understanding their contracts, particularly in relation to

termination, renewal, and the use of advertising funds. She provides insights into

frequent legal issues such as curable and non-curable defaults, franchisor price

control, and the rights of franchisees in the event of disputes. The discussion also

covers the challenges and possible advantages of franchise investment, highlighting

the benefits of economies of scale and the significance of comprehensive franchisor

support and training.

- With Alaina B. Karsten.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro

00:22 Franchising realities vs expectations?

03:07 Does franchising offer advantages?

04:26 Biggest franchising risks/costs?

07:12 Key franchise agreement clauses?

12:14 Curable vs non-curable defaults?

17:00 Franchisee due diligence checklist?

21:04 Trademark requirements for franchisors?

23:28 Resolving franchise disputes how?

33:45 Advertising fund obligations fair?

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