Stars of Franchising
“How do I find and choose the right franchise opportunity?” “How do I overcome the obstacles and bounce back from the setbacks?” “How do I achieve the scale I’m after?”
Join hosts Ab Igram and Vini Onyemah to learn from the global pioneers, innovators, and visionaries who are realizing their entrepreneurial dreams through the franchise business model.
New episodes every other week.
Episodes
52 episodes
Joseph Attia: Seasoned Entrepreneur, Franchise Owner, and Value Growth Advisor
Building a business isn’t just about revenue—it’s about creating lasting value, empowering your team, and preparing for what’s next. Whether you’re scaling, planning your exit, or simply striving for balance, this mindset transforms your journe...
Stacy Bahrenfuss, Founder of Soul Charge
In this episode of Stars of Franchising, Stacy Bahrenfuss—founder of Soul Charge—shares a powerful perspective on leadership, growth, and sustainability in franchising and entrepreneurship. Drawing from her journey from real estate suc...
Jamie Lavigne, Ever Smith Brands
“You have to choose your hard—and then embrace it.” On the latest episode of Stars of Franchising, we sit down with Jamie Lavigne—franchise development leader at Ever Smith Brands—to dig into what separates great franchisor...
David Owasi: Systems, Speed, and Scale: Applying AI in Franchise Operations
How can franchise systems leverage artificial intelligence to enhance operational consistency while improving financial performance? In this episode, David Owasi offers a systems-oriented perspective on AI adoption in franchising, emphasi...
Aaron Harper, Rolling Suds Founder & Chairman
“Everything I do, personally and professionally, is to enhance the lives of my family.” – Aaron HarperIn this episode, Aaron Harper shares a deeply personal and practical perspective on franchising, scaling, and leadership. Grou...
Elyse Lupin - Elysium Marketing Group
Elyse (Elysium Marketing Group) shares how she built and scaled a franchise-focused marketing agency—why she chose franchising, what franchise development marketing requires, and how she leads a high-trust team while using AI as an efficiency t...
Colleen Upham, Co‑Founder & CEO, Oh Deer
This week, we sit down with Colleen Upham, co‑founder of Oh Deer, the all‑natural deer, tick, and mosquito control franchise redefining eco‑friendly home services across the country. Colleen’s story is a powerful blend...
Patrick Cunningham: Chief Development Officer, Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay
“Your role is to build the business… You can have any conversation with a franchisee if you have a solid relationship. That’s the foundation of everything I’ve learned in the franchise business.” — Patrick Cunningham In this ...
Ruzanna Queenan: Building Wealth Beyond the Franchise
Learn how successful franchise owners build wealth, protect their financial future, and scale with confidence in this powerful episode of Stars of Franchising. Ab sits down with financial strategist and franchise‑focused advisor Ruzanna Queenan...
Scott Greenberg: The Franchise Performance Edge
“Great franchisees aren’t born — they’re built. And it always starts with how they think, not just what they do.” In this standout episode, we sit down with Scott Greenberg — international speaker, best-selling author of The Wea...
Alex DiPietro: Legacy in Motion
“If you can sell, you can build. And if you can build, you can lead.” In this special episode, we welcome Alex DiPietro, Babson alum, former hockey player, and the first undergraduate Babson grad featured on Stars ...
Mateo and Tadeo Acosta-Rubio, Churromania & Clave
"We’ve been lucky to grow up in a playground of entrepreneurship — churros just happen to be the medium." In this energizing episode of Stars of Franchising, we sit down with Mateo and Tadeo Acosta-Rubio, Venezuela...
Fernando López de Castilla Elías, Founder of GNF Worldwide & Formula X
"Franchising is not just a business model. It’s an ecosystem of shared success." As the founder of GNF Worldwide, Fernando López de Castilla Elías has helped shape the franchise landscape across more than 10 countries. From...
Rob Branca, Dunkin’ Franchisee, Real Estate Developer, and National Franchise Advocate
"If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re probably on the menu." Rob Branca is more than just a multi-unit Dunkin’ operator — he’s a legal mind, real estate investor, second-generation franchisee, and one of franchisin...
Lindsey McFadden, CMO of Stretch Zone
"Our business is about helping people feel better — whether that’s in body, in mindset, or through entrepreneurship." Lindsey McFadden didn’t just join the wellness franchising movement — she’s helping shape the future of i...
Victor Berny, Multi-Brand Franchise Operator & Babson Alum
"You don’t need to be an expert in everything — you just need vision, leadership, and great people." Victor Berny grew up in his family’s hardware store business in Mexico. Today, he’s the visionary behind one of the region...
Somia Farid Silber, CEO of Edible Brands
"It's about creating a lasting culture while embracing growth for the next generation." Somia Farid Silber grew up with entrepreneurship in her DNA — starting at the age of nine working at Edible Arrangements, the iconic brand found...
Debra Strougo, Row House Founder, Fitizens Partner
“It’s a beautiful form of entrepreneurship to be a franchisee, because you have so much stability and support but you still are the maven of your own market.”Debra Strougo worked for the New York City mayor’s office in brand de...
Vanessa Yakobson, Blo Blow Dry Bar CEO & Partner
“If a franchisee invents a practice that is serving them really well, we want them to let us know so we can package it up and share it in the system.”The beauty market is one of the hottest in franchising, and with more than 10...
Shane Franson-Evans, Massage Heights Co-Founder & CEO
“When you’re protecting an emerging brand, you’re protecting the stakes of all the people who’d invested in the brand.”From taking care of her own back pain to taking care of the owners of more than 100 Massage Heights location...
Justin Willingham & Monica Fonseca: An International Perspective on Franchising
“Let’s not be copycats. Create a new demand for new products. Don’t be afraid. Go for it. And if you fail, just get up and do it again.”Our most in-depth look at international franchising yet! Based in Honduras, Justin and Moni...
Mark Kushinsky, MaidPro & Threshold Brands Founder/CEO
“There are a lot of things people misunderstand about franchising. People tend to think that if they buy a franchise, their success is going to be guaranteed.” It took Mark Kushinsky a year and a half as a department store mana...
Scott Wendrych, FYZICAL Chief Development Officer
“The better and more diverse backgrounds of the people in your system, the better your brand’s going to be.”A must-listen for current ‘zees, ‘zees of tomorrow, and anyone else contemplating a startup business venture. As the gu...
Annie Tselikis, Cousins Maine Lobster Alumna
“The franchisee/franchisee relationships are critical for the success of our system.Annie Tselikis said, “You’re crazy” when her brother Jim and cousin Sabin Lomac hatched the idea of a food truck in Los Angeles serving Maine l...
Ramzi Daklouche, Edible Brands Chief Commercial Officer
“If you just come in as a franchisee and expect to be employed by the franchisor, and just wait for the franchisor to give you direction, that’s a sure way to fail.”Five years as a franchisee for 4 US retail brands taught Ramzi...