Modern Business

In this episode, Zack chats with the founder of the automotive franchise space’s most exciting brand, Tint World. We delve deep into his meteoric rise, how his heritage of a multi-unit franchisee has helped his growth with fellow MUMBOs, how technology has played a role, why automotive after-market is the surest bet in the industry today and exciting news for 2025.

Modrn Business welcomes franchise technologist and CEO of Serviceminder, John Keene, onto the show discuss all facets of the franchise technology world. Between PE in franchising, AI, point solutions vs. all-in-one and everything in between, this episode covers all of the major topics franchise brands grapple with when it comes to tech!

In this Supplier Wire Series episode of Modrn Business Podcast, Ryan Hicks chats with Kyle McEuen, SVP of ProfitKeeper. ProfitKeeper is the ultimate franchise analytics platform that empowers every franchisor and franchisee to achieve more. Ryan & Kyle discuss how ProfitKeeper turns financial and operational franchise data into actionable insights, and why ProfitKeeper is trusted by some of the largest franchise brands. Connect with today's guest: franchisesuppliernetwork.com/featured-s…salesdesk/ Register for the Franchise “UnConferences” at www.franchisors.com

The Incredible Story of Stephen Shields: The multi-unit Express Employment Professionals Franchisee put everything on the line at 26 years old. He moved to Joplin MO (where he knew nobody) and built the American Dream. Listen to this episode to hear his playbook. Share it with someone you know! This story needs to be told. Episode Summary: In this special edition of Modrn Business Podcast, Ryan Hicks sits down in person with Stephen Shields, a multi-unit franchisee and area representative for Express Employment Professionals. Steven shares his incredible journey coming from a small town in Missouri, moving to Joplin with a loan from family and friends to buy the territory and build an empire. They discuss the importance of following proven systems, staying disciplined, and "doubling down on the hustle" during tough times. Key topics include: - The early struggles of entrepreneurship and how Steven overcame them. - The value of the franchise support system and how Express University shaped his success.

In this episode, Zack hops on with Bun Mee’s CEO & Founder, Denise Tran. We discuss her founding story, how she went about educating consumers on Vietnamese cuisine, where she believes her best opportunities for growth are, where she sees the brand in 3-5 years and how she’s creating franchising’s first Vietnamese food powerhouse.

In this episode, Zack dives into all things “eatertainment” with one of franchising’s foremost investigate journalists, Laura Michaels, Editor-In-Chief of Franchise Times. We discuss the industry’s viability, which modulars will emerge, the international influences of the category, the types of franchisees these brands should target and the pitfalls we’ve already seen.

In this episode, Zack chats with the CEO & Founder of Best In Class, Hao Lam, to learn the inside scoop on his founding story, how they use AI in their business to educate children, their ideal franchisee profile and how they measure up to their competitors.

In this episode, Zack catches up Franchise Update Media’s EVP & Chief Content Officer, Diane Phibbs. We dive deep into all things franchise marketing and franchise development; covering trends that have evolved the space for better (and for worse). Additionally, we get into how to take the data the Annual Franchise Marketing Report & Annual Franchise Development Report and make it actionable, how technology has helped in implementing these changes and how managing up has allowed brands to become more nimble.

In this MB episode, Zack dives into a vast array of topics with the Queen of Fast Casual (also the Editor of Fast Casual Magazine), Cherryh Cansler. We discuss technology within F&B, trends with sweets/treats, the rise (and fall) of different food trends and all about the events Fast Casual puts on each year.

In this episode, Zack discusses the role Bach To Rock, America's 2nd largest music education brand for children, plays in the massive influx of capital going into children's services today. We get into Bach To Rock's typical franchisee, why the market is so hot currently, the role children's enrichment plays in today's society and their plans for potentially starting to expand internationally.

In this episode, Zack dives into the world of private equity with one of franchising’s biggest experts, Alicia Miller of Emergent Growth Advisors. We discuss her most recent book, Private Equity In Franchising, along with many of the concepts within that she explores. If you’re looking to learn about the inner-workings of how this side of franchising works, this is the perfect episode to find out!

In this Modrn Business episode Ryan speaks with the Chair of the Supplier Advisory Forum, Thomas Portesy and the VP of development, Paul Rocchio on all things IFA.

Children’s education is an inflection point. America’s children are falling behind in reading, math and science like never before! In this episode, Zack chats with CEO & Founder of Brooklyn Robot Foundry, Jenny Young, about the role they’re playing in trying to combat this issue. By teaching kids to fail gracefully, work with their hands and think critically; Brooklyn Robot Foundry is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about brands in franchising's children’s education sector.

In this Modrn Business episode, Ryan chats with the CEO of Evive Brands, Ryan Parsons.

In this episode of Modrn Business, Zack chats with Co-Founder of K9 Resorts, Jason Parker, on all things pet services. We get into their differentiators vs others in the pet hospitality space, their recent $10M investment for a current franchisee, why the pet services industry has PE so interested and why pet services is one of franchising’s best bets.

In this episode, Zack “slides” into the family entertainment center space with Bron Launsby of Slick City. Why is PE so interested in this space? What made this former franchisee become a franchisor? Why slides? We answer this and more in this interview!

In this Supplier Wire Series episode of Modrn Business Podcast, Ryan Hicks chats with Morgan Smith, President of SalesDesk. SalesDesk provides lead generation for franchise development and commercial lead generation for franchisees. Ryan & Morgan discuss how SalesDesk drives success for franchise systems through innovative lead generation strategies and impactful email marketing campaigns. Connect with today's guest: franchisesuppliernetwork.com/featured-supplier/salesdesk/ Register for the Franchise “UnConferences” at www.franchisors.com

In this Modrn Business episode, Zack sits down with QSR & FSR’s Editorial Director, Danny Klein, to talk about all things restaurant M&A so far in 2024. We go through the deals that surprised us, the deals we loved, the reasons behind some of these bankruptcies and the rumors we’re seeing in the space. M&A in the restaurant space is back, baby!

In this episode, Zack chats with REP'M Group Co-Founders Rob Cambruzzi and Nick Sheehan about the trends within franchising's health, wellness & beauty space. What's makes a brand grow? What prohibits one from taking off? What is PE looking for? All is that is covered here!

In this Supplier Wire Series episode of Modrn Business Podcast, Ryan Hicks chats with Brad Stevens, Founder & CEO of Outsource Access. Outsource Access helps franchisors and franchisees redefine how they scale with highly talented, affordable talent from the Philippines to drive revenue & profitability. Ryan & Brad discuss why Outsource Access was founded, their "fanatical" focus on customer service, and what the future holds after ranking in the top 7% of the fastest growing private businesses in America on the Inc 5000 list. Connect with today's guest: franchisesuppliernetwork.com/featured-supplier/outsource-access/ Register for the Franchise “UnConferences” at www.franchisors.com