Building Franchise Success Through a Growth Mindset with Jerry Akers 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.

Join us on "The Franchise Leaders Forum" and become part of a community dedicated to leadership, growth, and success in franchising.

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
Franchise marketing strategies

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The Franchise Leaders Forum Podcast

Building Franchise Success Through a Growth Mindset with Jerry Akers

April 30, 2025 • Franchise Consultant and Franchise Coach - Tracy Panase and Shannon Wilburn • Episode 25

How does a “farm boy from Iowa” grow one struggling salon into a thriving empire of 33 locations?

Today on the podcast, we have Jerry Akers who is diving deep into the realities and opportunities within the franchise industry, and he’s getting straight to the point when it comes to the grit and growth mindset that is required to excel. Jerry is sharing how he took a single Great Clips location and expanded to 33 locations, and how hands-on leadership, calculated risk, and a do-it-yourself attitude fueled his exponential growth.

And Jerry digs into what it is like to buy struggling franchises and learning the hard lessons that come from entering new industries and his passion for supporting and coaching other franchisees.

Jerry Akers is an author, Speaker, Mentor, Franchisee at Great Clips, and Regional Developer and Franchisee at The Joint Chiropractic. IFA Board Member and former Chairman of the IFA Franchisee Forum. In 2006, Jerry ventured into franchising by purchasing his first Great Clips, which has since expanded to 34 locations across two states. He later added The Joint Chiropractic to his portfolio as a regional developer and franchisee. Jerry's hands-on experience and expertise culminated in co-authoring the bestselling book “Live it 2 Own It,” providing practical guidance for aspiring franchise owners. He also founded ZDynamix, leading a team of franchise coaches who are experts in training, operations, marketing, and leadership. At ZDynamix, Jerry works with franchisees and franchisors aiming for the next level of success. His story is a testament to his adaptability, leadership, and commitment to helping others succeed in the franchise world.

So, if you are wondering how to scale fast, build a winning team and become a powerhouse in franchising and dive into what it takes to not just survive but thrive as a franchisee then this episode is for you!

Connect with Jerry

Email - jerry@zdynamix.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-akers-39599688/

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