Maintaining Strong Relationships Through Rapid Franchise Growth with Josh Wall Artwork

The Franchise Leaders Forum Podcast

Welcome to "The Franchise Leaders Forum," the ultimate podcast for entrepreneurs navigating the intricate world of franchising, brought to you by industry veterans Tracy Panase and Shannon Wilburn. This podcast is your go-to resource for franchise leadership insights, practical strategies to build and scale your franchise, and firsthand experiences from those who live and breathe franchising every day.

Leading the conversation is Tracy Panase, the dynamic force behind the Just Between Friends Franchise System. Tracy, who previously excelled as a top franchisee, took over the leadership reins in December 2022. Under her guidance, the brand is reaching new heights, emphasizing a strong culture, supporting franchisees, and ensuring families across the country can say “YES” to everything their kiddos need and want. Her fresh perspective and unwavering commitment to excellence make her a formidable voice in the franchising community.

By her side is Shannon Wilburn, the visionary co-founder of Just Between Friends. Starting from a simple idea in her living room in 1997, Shannon grew the company into a thriving network of over 150 locations. Her decision to pass the leadership to Tracy has infused the company with new energy and direction, and together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the podcast.

In "The Franchise Leaders Forum," Tracy and Shannon dive deep into the good, the bad, and sometimes the ugly aspects of franchising. Each episode features candid discussions, expert interviews, and real-life stories from successful franchise leaders who have faced and overcome challenges. Listeners will gain valuable insights into effective leadership, growth strategies, and the nuances of franchise operations.

Whether you're a franchisor, franchisee, or aspiring to enter the franchising world, this podcast addresses the pain points and challenges you face. From understanding franchise dynamics to learning how to support and grow your franchisees, Tracy and Shannon provide actionable advice and inspiration.

Tune in to learn from the experiences of others, gain new perspectives, and equip yourself with the tools to navigate your franchising journey with confidence.

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This podcast will provide answers to questions and topics like:

Tips for Franchisees, Franchisors and vendor partners
How to scale a franchise business
Why is leadership important in franchising?
How do I grow my franchise business?
What are the trends in franchising?
What is the challenge of franchising?
How do I get involved in a franchise business?
Franchise success stories
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The Franchise Leaders Forum Podcast

Maintaining Strong Relationships Through Rapid Franchise Growth with Josh Wall

January 22, 2025 • Franchise Consultant and Franchise Coach - Tracy Panase and Shannon Wilburn • Episode 18

What’s the secret to building lasting, impactful relationships in the fast-paced world of franchising? And how does a whirlwind of acquisitions reshape an industry and serve families better?

In today’s episode we are joined by Josh Wall. Josh serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Unleashed Brands, a leading franchise platform accelerator focused on youth enrichment and family-centric brands. With a presence in over 1,300 operating franchise units and 700+ more in development across 15 countries, Unleashed Brands is dedicated to helping children learn, play, and grow.

Josh shares about spearheading significant acquisitions and expansions at Unleashed Brands and reflects on overcoming initial setbacks, including navigating the complexities of brand mergers, and navigating cultural integrations during rapid acquisitions. Josh shares how prioritizing trust and connection has been crucial to their explosive growth. Josh also dives into his philosophy of change management, including the importance of knowing your “why”, staying humble, and maintaining a sense of urgency.

Josh is a servant leader with a deep passion for developing future leaders within his team. He has cultivated an in-house franchise development team across recruitment and marketing; all focused on attracting top-tier franchise owners who are dedicated to making a positive impact on the next generation. Josh's commitment to nurturing talent ensures that his team is equipped to drive meaningful growth and leadership within the organization.

So, if you are ready to dive into leadership, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of growth, tailor-made for anyone passionate about franchising, business development, and youth enrichment, then this episode is for you!

Connect with Josh Wall:

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

Episode Highlights: