Franchise Interviews 4.0

What drives a franchise industry insider to take the leap into pet care? In this episode, we sit down with Kim Musso, who spent 21 years with Primrose Schools—rising from franchise assistant to Director of Franchise Recruitment and franchisee—before spotting a major opportunity right in her own neighborhood.
Kim shares how noticing local trends led her family to capitalize on the booming $70 billion pet industry by opening a Dogtopia franchise with her son and daughter. She breaks down the power of family entrepreneurship, what makes Dogtopia's daycare, boarding, and socialization model stand out, and how her deep corporate background shaped her transition into franchisee ownership. Plus, in Part Two, stay tuned for a featured clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising series!
Through our weekly franchise radio show and podcast, Franchise Interviews has built a library of more than 1,000 franchise interviews featuring leading franchisors, franchise experts, franchise attorneys, franchisees, consultants, and authors. Each episode provides insights into franchising, entrepreneurship, leadership, and business growth. Listen to more episodes at www.franchiseinterviews.com.
Dr. Martin McDermott is also the author of Rock Star MBA, a book that explores the lessons learned from rock stars, musicians, actors, artists, and other creative professionals. Drawing from decades of interviews and research, Dr. McDermott discovered that many successful performers have developed valuable insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, creativity, and personal growth. Many of the insights featured in Rock Star MBA originated from conversations and interviews conducted through Franchise Interviews. Rock Star MBA challenges readers to see art and business not as opposites, but as complementary ways of understanding innovation, value creation, and human connection. Learn more at www.rockstarmba.com.

What does it take to revolutionize a multi-billion-dollar pet care industry? In this episode, we sit down with Central Bark co-founders Jackie Jordan and Chris Gaba to trace their 15-year journey from a simple vision—providing safe, clean, top-tier care for every dog—to pioneering the modern "UnKennel" franchise concept.
Jackie and Chris break down their signature "Whole Dog Care" approach, which balances a dog's physical, mental, and emotional health across every stage of life. Then, in part three, franchise expert Chris Simnick joins the conversation to analyze how Central Bark built a high-growth franchise model. With over 2 million dog visits under their belt, discover how diversifying into grooming, training, and retail creates multiple revenue streams while delivering an unparalleled standard of safety and care.
 
Through our weekly franchise radio show and podcast, Franchise Interviews has built a library of more than 1,000 franchise interviews featuring leading franchisors, franchise experts, franchise attorneys, franchisees, consultants, and authors. Each episode provides insights into franchising, entrepreneurship, leadership, and business growth. Listen to more episodes at www.franchiseinterviews.com.
Dr. Martin McDermott is also the author of Rock Star MBA, a book that explores the lessons learned from rock stars, musicians, actors, artists, and other creative professionals. Drawing from decades of interviews and research, Dr. McDermott discovered that many successful performers have developed valuable insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, creativity, and personal growth. Many of the insights featured in Rock Star MBA originated from conversations and interviews conducted through Franchise Interviews. Rock Star MBA challenges readers to see art and business not as opposites, but as complementary ways of understanding innovation, value creation, and human connection. Learn more at www.rockstarmba.com.

Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing legendary bassist Rudy Sarzo for my Rock Star MBA podcast.
Like many rock fans, I first became a fan during Rudy's years with Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot. But what inspired me to reach out wasn't just his remarkable career, it was his memoir, Off the Rails.
There are books that tell you what happened, and then there are books that make you feel like you're sitting across the table from the author. Off the Rails does exactly that. As I read it, I honestly felt as though Rudy was speaking directly to me. I found myself filling the margins with notes, not because I wanted to remember the concerts, but because nearly every chapter contained lessons that apply to leadership, business, marketing, entrepreneurship, and life.
If you haven't read Off the Rails, I highly recommend it.
What impressed me even more than the book, however, was Rudy himself. One of the things that connected me most was our shared belief that faith can provide a foundation for gratitude, integrity, and perseverance. Qualities that shape not only our personal lives but also how we lead, serve, and build lasting careers.
You can order Off the Rails by Rudy Sarzo on Amazon.com.

How do you take a luxury wellness concept and successfully scale it nationwide? In this episode, we sit down with Jeni Garrett, the Founder, President, and CEO of The Woodhouse Day Spa. Named the "Best Day Spa Chain in America" by DAYSPA magazine, Woodhouse has revolutionized the upscale wellness industry. Jeni shares her insider secrets on building a high-end franchise model, maintaining premium quality across locations, and why sustainability is at the core of their massive success. Whether you're an aspiring franchisee or a seasoned entrepreneur, this interview is packed with actionable growth insights.
Through our weekly franchise radio show and podcast, Franchise Interviews has built a library of more than 1,000 franchise interviews featuring leading franchisors, franchise experts, franchise attorneys, franchisees, consultants, and authors. Each episode provides insights into franchising, entrepreneurship, leadership, and business growth. Listen to more episodes at www.franchiseinterviews.com.
Dr. Martin McDermott is also the author of Rock Star MBA, a book that explores the lessons learned from rock stars, musicians, actors, artists, and other creative professionals. Drawing from decades of interviews and research, Dr. McDermott discovered that many successful performers have developed valuable insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, creativity, and personal growth. Many of the insights featured in Rock Star MBA originated from conversations and interviews conducted through Franchise Interviews. Rock Star MBA challenges readers to see art and business not as opposites, but as complementary ways of understanding innovation, value creation, and human connection. Learn more at www.rockstarmba.com.

How do you take a single wellness retreat and scale it into a national brand? In this episode, we sit down with Scott Schubiger, Chief Development Officer of Heights Wellness Retreat (formerly Massage Heights). We discuss their recent brand evolution, their family-owned roots, and how they’ve successfully scaled to over 100 locations across the U.S. and Canada by offering resort-quality wellness.
Bonus: Stick around for Part Two, where we share a fan-favorite clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast!
 
Through our weekly franchise radio show and podcast, Franchise Interviews has built a library of more than 1,000 franchise interviews featuring leading franchisors, franchise experts, franchise attorneys, franchisees, consultants, and authors. Each episode provides insights into franchising, entrepreneurship, leadership, and business growth. Listen to more episodes at www.franchiseinterviews.com.
Dr. Martin McDermott is also the author of Rock Star MBA, a book that explores the lessons learned from rock stars, musicians, actors, artists, and other creative professionals. Drawing from decades of interviews and research, Dr. McDermott discovered that many successful performers have developed valuable insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, creativity, and personal growth. Many of the insights featured in Rock Star MBA originated from conversations and interviews conducted through Franchise Interviews. Rock Star MBA challenges readers to see art and business not as opposites, but as complementary ways of understanding innovation, value creation, and human connection. Learn more at www.rockstarmba.com.
 

Welcome back to Franchise Interviews! Today, we are diving into the booming beauty and wellness industry with a true industry pioneer. We’re sitting down with the team behind Jon’Ric International—the brand that revolutionized the upscale 'Specialty Spa' and co-branding franchise model.
With decades s of experience, Jon’Ric takes a highly selective approach to growth, partnering only with top-tier business minds. Today, we’re exploring how they set their franchise owners up for success with complete financing and budgeting support. Plus, we're talking about their game-changing financial model: a flat weekly royalty fee starting at just $100, with absolutely no percentage cuts and zero hidden fine print. If you want to know what it takes to build a successful luxury spa business, stay tuned!
Through our weekly franchise radio show and podcast, Franchise Interviews has built a library of more than 1,000 franchise interviews featuring leading franchisors, franchise experts, franchise attorneys, franchisees, consultants, and authors. Each episode provides insights into franchising, entrepreneurship, leadership, and business growth. Listen to more episodes at www.franchiseinterviews.com.
Dr. Martin McDermott is also the author of Rock Star MBA, a book that explores the lessons learned from rock stars, musicians, actors, artists, and other creative professionals. Drawing from decades of interviews and research, Dr. McDermott discovered that many successful performers have developed valuable insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, creativity, and personal growth. Many of the insights featured in Rock Star MBA originated from conversations and interviews conducted through Franchise Interviews. Rock Star MBA challenges readers to see art and business not as opposites, but as complementary ways of understanding innovation, value creation, and human connection. Learn more at www.rockstarmba.com.

Welcome back to Franchise Interviews! We have a fantastic show lined up for you today. Joining us is Todd Leff, the CEO and President of Hand & Stone. He's diving deep into how they've mastered the wellness industry by providing top-tier, personalized therapeutic massages, alongside a look at the history and growth of the organization.
But that's not all—later in the show, we’re featuring our very own 'Diamond' Don Johnson from a recent CBS Radio interview. Don is breaking down his absolute favorite topic: the ins and outs of franchise financing. You won't want to miss it, so let's jump right in!
Through our weekly franchise radio show and podcast, Franchise Interviews has built a library of more than 1,000 franchise interviews featuring leading franchisors, franchise experts, franchise attorneys, franchisees, consultants, and authors. Each episode provides insights into franchising, entrepreneurship, leadership, and business growth. Listen to more episodes at www.franchiseinterviews.com.
Dr. Martin McDermott is also the author of Rock Star MBA, a book that explores the lessons learned from rock stars, musicians, actors, artists, and other creative professionals. Drawing from decades of interviews and research, Dr. McDermott discovered that many successful performers have developed valuable insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, creativity, and personal growth. Many of the insights featured in Rock Star MBA originated from conversations and interviews conducted through Franchise Interviews. Rock Star MBA challenges readers to see art and business not as opposites, but as complementary ways of understanding innovation, value creation, and human connection. Learn more at www.rockstarmba.com.

Today, we are diving into a massive lifestyle shift that is completely changing the face of franchising: the rise of the "Dadpreneur."
According to U.S. Census data, the number of work-from-home and stay-at-home dads has more than doubled over the last decade, showing a major shift in how modern families approach work and childcare. Joining us today is a man living this trend every single day—Rick Werner of Unishippers.
Based out of Auburn, Alabama, Rick launched his home-based Unishippers business in January. But he’s not just building a business; he’s doing it while serving as the primary caretaker for his 18-month-old daughter.
Rick is here to share his honest journey of balancing spreadsheets and diaper changes, and how a franchise model like Unishippers gave him the flexibility to put family first without sacrificing his career.
Here is our conversation with Rick Werner!
Through our weekly franchise radio show and podcast, Franchise Interviews has built a library of more than 1,000 franchise interviews featuring leading franchisors, franchise experts, franchise attorneys, franchisees, consultants, and authors. Each episode provides insights into franchising, entrepreneurship, leadership, and business growth. Listen to more episodes at www.franchiseinterviews.com.
Dr. Martin McDermott is also the author of Rock Star MBA, a book that explores the lessons learned from rock stars, musicians, actors, artists, and other creative professionals. Drawing from decades of interviews and research, Dr. McDermott discovered that many successful performers have developed valuable insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, creativity, and personal growth. Many of the insights featured in Rock Star MBA originated from conversations and interviews conducted through Franchise Interviews. Rock Star MBA challenges readers to see art and business not as opposites, but as complementary ways of understanding innovation, value creation, and human connection. Learn more at www.rockstarmba.com.
 

Think back to the last time you moved to a brand-new city or neighborhood. How did you figure out where to get your morning coffee, find a reliable mechanic, or choose a new dentist? You had to start entirely from scratch.
Welcome back to Franchise Interviews! Today, we are exploring a franchise that has turned that exact transitional moment into a massive growth driver for local businesses. We are sitting down with Brian Mattingly, CEO of Welcomemat Services.
Welcomemat has developed an innovative marketing concept that perfectly blends digital tools with targeted print marketing. By reaching out to individuals and families the second they arrive in a new region, Welcomemat helps businesses extend a warm welcome and capture lifelong, loyal customers right when they are actively looking to build new daily habits.
Brian is breaking down how this highly rewarding hyper-local business model works. Then, stick around for Part Two, where we’ll switch gears for our Great Quotes in Franchising segment featuring an interview with the President of AlphaGraphics.
Let’s get started!
Through our weekly franchise radio show and podcast, Franchise Interviews has built a library of more than 1,000 franchise interviews featuring leading franchisors, franchise experts, franchise attorneys, franchisees, consultants, and authors. Each episode provides insights into franchising, entrepreneurship, leadership, and business growth. Listen to more episodes at www.franchiseinterviews.com.
Dr. Martin McDermott is also the author of Rock Star MBA, a book that explores the lessons learned from rock stars, musicians, actors, artists, and other creative professionals. Drawing from decades of interviews and research, Dr. McDermott discovered that many successful performers have developed valuable insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, creativity, and personal growth. Many of the insights featured in Rock Star MBA originated from conversations and interviews conducted through Franchise Interviews. Rock Star MBA challenges readers to see art and business not as opposites, but as complementary ways of understanding innovation, value creation, and human connection. Learn more at www.rockstarmba.com.

When you think of a successful coworking space, you probably think of good coffee and comfortable chairs. But what happens when fifty people try to jump on a video call at the exact same time and the Wi-Fi crashes?
Welcome to Franchise Interviews! Today, we are talking to Jason Anderson, President of Venture X—the fastest-growing coworking franchise in the industry. Venture X is on a massive mission to bring upscale, flexible, and highly collaborative workspaces to every major city in the US and select global markets.
But Jason isn’t just talking about beautiful design today. We are diving into a major trend that separates the rookies from the pros: technology. While independent operators often skimp on tech infrastructure to save a buck, Venture X ensures their franchisees start strong. From massive bandwidth capabilities to "smart" conference rooms and high-end video gear, they build spaces designed to attract premium clients.
Stay tuned to learn how Venture X is redefining the industry. Plus, in Part Two, we’ll play a favorite clip from our Great Quotes in Franchising Podcast.
 
Through our weekly franchise radio show and podcast, Franchise Interviews has built a library of more than 1,000 franchise interviews featuring leading franchisors, franchise experts, franchise attorneys, franchisees, consultants, and authors. Each episode provides insights into franchising, entrepreneurship, leadership, and business growth. Listen to more episodes at www.franchiseinterviews.com.
Dr. Martin McDermott is also the author of Rock Star MBA, a book that explores the lessons learned from rock stars, musicians, actors, artists, and other creative professionals. Drawing from decades of interviews and research, Dr. McDermott discovered that many successful performers have developed valuable insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, creativity, and personal growth. Many of the insights featured in Rock Star MBA originated from conversations and interviews conducted through Franchise Interviews. Rock Star MBA challenges readers to see art and business not as opposites, but as complementary ways of understanding innovation, value creation, and human connection. Learn more at www.rockstarmba.com.