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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
The Franchise Leaders Forum Podcast
How Purpose-Driven Leadership Builds Thriving Franchise Brands w/ Emma Dickison
What if the secret to sustainable franchise growth isn’t speed but steadfast values?
In this episode, Emma Dickison, CEO and President of Home Helpers Home Care, shares her journey from teaching to leading one of the nation’s most trusted senior care brands. With roots at Blockbuster during its explosive rise and nearly two decades at the helm of Home Helpers, Emma offers a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership.
She opens up about the defining lessons that shaped her from single motherhood and mentorship to leading through a global pandemic, and how those experiences strengthened her belief that “doing the right thing” always comes before doing things right. Emma also reveals the origin of Home Helpers’ BOLD values and how these principles guide every franchise decision, from who joins the system to how they show up in their communities.
You’ll also hear how Emma and her team foster innovation through their Innovation Council, collaborate with franchisees to develop new programs like Cared-4, and lead industry-wide advocacy efforts through the Home Care Association of America and International Franchise Association (IFA). This episode is equal parts inspiration and strategy, a reminder that lasting growth begins with integrity, collaboration, and listening as you lead.
So, if you’re building a franchise rooted in purpose, this episode is your reminder that real growth comes from doing the right thing, every time.
Resources -
The Beginnings of the McDonalds Filet o Fish sandwich in Cheviot, OH - https://www.wcpo.com/money/local-business-news/mcdonalds-filet-o-fish-invented-by-cincinnati-franchise-owner-who-was-losing-business-during-lent
Connect with Emma:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmadickison/
Home Helpers - https://homehelpershomecare.com/
Home Helpers Franchise - https://www.homehelpersfranchise.com/
Episode Highlights:
- Emma’s early career at Blockbuster and what she learned about leadership and culture
- How single motherhood shaped her resilience and servant-leadership style
- The founding principles behind Home Helpers’ BOLD values
- Building trust and credibility in a crowded senior care market
- Leading through the pandemic and the importance of advocacy
- How innovation councils keep franchise systems agile and collaborative
- The story behind Home Helpers’ Cared4 program and its impact
- Lessons in collaboration, mentorship, and listening as a leader
- The importance of IFA involvement for emerging franchisors
- The growing presence and impact of women in franchising
Connect with Tracy
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/
JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale
JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/
Email: podcast@jbfsale.com
Connect with Shannon
Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/
JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale
Website - https://shineexecutivecoaching.com/
Email - shannon@shineexecutivecoaching.com