S10 E2: The 3 Most Interesting Franchises of 2024

Ever wonder how a franchise can keep growing without a ceiling in sight?  Cory Lyons, the CEO of Koala Insulation and a 20-year veteran in the franchise world, will give us his insights. In this episode, Cory reveals what drew him to Koala Insulation, how they’ve managed explosive growth since franchising in 2020, and why they’re only scratching the surface of their potential.  We dive into the key systems that impressed him, how he balances franchisee and franchisor support, and the KPIs driving Koala's success.  Plus, Cory shares why the unknown future of the brand keeps him excited every day. 00:01:41 - The Journey to Becoming the CEO of Koala Insulation 00:04:30 - What Systems Did Koala Insulation Have that Impressed Cory? 00:07:30 - The Trajectory of Koala Insulation Since Cory Joined 00:12:39 - Balancing Support Between Franchisees and Franchisors 00:17:05 - What Services do Koala Insulation Actually Provide? 00:24:17 - An Insight Into Koala Insulation’s 4 Big KPIs 00:26:57 - The Future and Potential of Koala Insulation’s Growth Trajectory Follow Cory: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-lyons-6a9ab919/ Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.  And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Ever wondered what it takes to stand out in a saturated niche like health and fitness? Tune in as The Wolf chats with Tom Dowd and Janina Czado, the dynamic duo behind F45 Training's exciting transformation and the birth of their new brands, FS8 and VAURA.  They're shaking up the fitness world with a clever hub and spoke model but not without the hiccup of naming their latest venture.  Tom and Janina dive into how they're enhancing the sensory experience in their Pilates studios and setting bold visions for F45 Training, FS8 and VAURA. They also share how they're standing out in a crowded market by delivering impactful content that truly empowers their community. Discover their groundbreaking reciprocity program by F45 Training, which opens doors for members across studios, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the robust support system uniting their brands. 00:01:20 - Bringing Pilates to Mainstream Market 00:05:44 - How Janina Became Involved With F45 Training 00:7:18 - When was F45 Training launched in the US? 00:08:40 - Differentiating Fitness Concepts in Pilates 00:14:05 - Brand Differences in VAURA, FS8 and F45 Training 00:19:01 - Breaking Down Financial Metrics 00:22:32 - How Are the Three Brands Structured? 00:24:50 - Restructuring All the Brands Into a Single Platform Follow Tom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-dowd-9092981/ Follow Janina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janinaczado/ Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

The Wolf’s bringing it back to another solo episode, and this time he’s got all of Twitter wondering why he’s been MIA for so long. He explains where he’s been all this time, and how his game-changing franchising platform, Krokit has been keeping him busy these past few months. Plus, remember how the Wolf called out Nothing Bundt Cakes as an important franchise to keep your eye on? Well, this week, he’s got another franchise to pay attention to and it’s *definitely* one you’re not expecting. And later, with Games Day Men’s Health testosterone clinics claiming they’ve sold over 700+ units, what exactly does it mean if they’ve only managed to open 100 units thus far? The Wolf breaks down some of the most common franchise marketing tactics brands use to lure prospective franchisees into the system before going over the basics incentive structure of the franchisor/franchisee relationship.   00:00 Milkshake Factory 06:00 Krokit 08:21 Game Day Men’s Health   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Who’s the brains behind one of the world’s most cutting-edge VR franchises? Step into the immersive world of Sandbox VR with The Wolf and its Founder/CEO, Steve Zhao. Steve explains how Sandbox VR revolutionized the entertainment industry by combining technology, community, and an incredible VR experience. From their state-of-the-art AI and computer vision technology to their commitment to removing barriers and fostering innovation, Steve shares the secrets behind Sandbox VR's success. Learn how they’re creating a seamless and immersive experience for customers by utilizing both internal software tools and third-party vendors to drive franchise development. Plus, Steve breaks down Sandbox VR’s future potential for a membership-based model and reveals how its community-driven environment has paved the way for it to become a major player in the franchise industry.   Join the fastest-growing VR franchise in the world and be among the first to bring premium immersive VR experiences to your community. Invest in the future of entertainment by visiting franchise.sandboxvr.com. 00:01:09 - Bootstrapped Mobile Gaming Company Founder Explores VR 00:03:49 - Revolutionizing Gaming with Sandbox VR 00:06:03 - Company's Evolution: From Licensing to Ownership 00:07:20 - Franchising Plans Pre and Post-COVID 00:11:02 - Comparing Corporate and Franchise Stores 00:16:47 - Exploring Revenue Models in Business 00:23:08 - Franchise Management Software: Build or Outsource? 00:25:05 - Future Plans for Immersive VR 00:26:45 - Learn About Sandbox VR Online   Follow Steve: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhaosaurus/   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

The Wolf’s reaching into the listener mailbag and answering some of your most pressing franchise questions for this special edition episode. What are the top three franchises he’s keeping his eye on this year? NGL but… the answers might shock you (no hype cycle or fad brands in this list)! And speaking of hype cycles, what are some major red flags to avoid in potential franchises? The Wolf tackles some of the most common traps new franchisees fall for before diving into the importance of due diligence and speaking to your franchisees. Join the fastest-growing VR franchise in the world and be among the first to bring premium immersive VR experiences to your community. Invest in the future of entertainment by visiting franchise.sandboxvr.com. 00:00:00 - Franchise World Mailbag: Answering Questions 00:04:18 - The Top 3 Most Interesting Franchises of 2024 00:09:11 - Avoiding Franchise Sales Traps: Tips 00:14:14 - Franchisee Feedback Key in Due Diligence   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Nothing will change after the baby comes… right? Err— not exactly, folks. But what if there was a class out there that could explain everything new moms should expect after the expecting period ends? From teething to nursing to working remotely and everything in between (why do baby heads always smell so good anyway?), discover how New Mom School has grown from a local mom group into a successful franchise with over eleven locations and counting. Founder Alexandra Spitz talks with the Wolf about New Mom School’s mission and discusses how her passion for helping women blossomed into a successful franchise opportunity. Plus, how does New Mom School stand out from the competition? Alexandra reveals the roles and responsibilities of franchisees at New Mom School and explains how the program offers flexibility for moms to balance work and family life. Imagine owning a business that genuinely transforms lives—sounds fulfilling, doesn’t it? That's what you get with F45 Training, FS8, and VAURA Pilates.  If you’ve ever wanted to lead a movement towards healthier living in your area, this is your chance. Visit https://www.F45training.com/invest to learn more!    00:00:51 - Expanding to Eleven Locations Successfully 00:01:16 - Postnatal Education Company Founded Quickly 00:13:35 - Emotional Support for Couples in Childbirth 00:19:27 - Creating a New Mom School 00:25:50 - Franchise World: Opportunities for Women 00:30:44 - Franchisees Don't Need to Be Moms 00:32:28 - New Mom School Empowers Entrepreneurs 00:39:36 - Follow Our Journey on Socials   Learn More About New Mom School: Website: https://newmomschool.com/franchise-opportunity/   Follow Alexandra: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandraspitz/   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Why take advice from just anyone when you can hear it from the best in the biz? From the master of locations, Dinesh Goswami, to the mad genius behind the cult sensation, Dave’s Hot Chicken, we’ve had so many master-level franchisors on the podcast this year, that I just had to share some of their hottest insights. So, I compiled the best advice and insights into one special episode. Whether you're new to franchising or a seasoned pro, these clips are packed with valuable lessons that anyone in the industry needs to hear.   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

It seems like anyone and their mom is ready to give you advice about franchising. But why not take advice from franchising’s greatest who successfully scaled from the bottom to the top of the industry? This week, we’re mixing it up and compiling some of the best bits of advice and wisdom from franchising’s finest minds. I’ve hand-picked some of my favorite, most impactful highlights from the past year that every entrepreneur needs to hear. From scaling over 90+ McAlister’s Delis to owning 60+ Zaxby’s and becoming the Gaz Biz King of Twitter, these next few guests are some of the biggest industry experts that you simply can’t afford *not* to listen to. Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel. Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Join The Wolf as he sits down with Bron Launsby, the mastermind behind Slick City, a thriving franchise in the recreation center space. Learn the secrets behind their success, from innovative performance slides to exceptional customer experiences. Bron shares ambitious expansion plans, aiming to open up to 40 new locations by 2025, with a vision of reaching 500 across the U.S. Find out how Slick City’s unique business model emphasizes attractions that encourage parent participation—appealing to everyone from toddlers to grandparents. In a business where children are the target audience, how did Slick City manage to make 20% of their patrons adults, significantly higher than any other family entertainment center? Bron explains how his focus on inclusive, family-oriented fun helps keep everyone (even people usually glued to their phones) engaged and active. Tune in to explore the growth opportunities within the franchise, including investments in slide manufacturing and various concept expansions. Don’t miss this in-depth discussion on building a successful franchise empire with Slick City. Join the fastest-growing VR franchise in the world and be among the first to bring premium immersive VR experiences to your community. Invest in the future of entertainment by visiting franchise.sandboxvr.com. 00:00:28 - Transitioning into Franchise Recreation Centers 00:01:15 - The Transition from Corporate Retail to Trampoline Parks 00:05:37 - A Big Part of Success Being a Trampoline Park Operator 00:09:01 - The Science Behind Testing Slides 00:13:36 - What Was The Thought Process Behind Investing in a Slide Manufacturer? 00:18:23 - Slick City’s Revenue Breakdown Revealed 00:23:37 - The Biggest Chunks of Revenue  00:28:27 - Who is the Ideal Franchisee for Slick City? 00:31:48 - Building a Franchise With Previous Experience 00:36:26 - Bron’s Ambitious Expansion Plan for Slick City Follow Bron Launsby: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bron-launsby-7637b6250/  Learn more about Slick City: https://slickcityfranchise.com/ Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!

Who can forget being shuffled around to soccer games in the back seat of mom’s minivan, eagerly waiting to find out what post-game snacks awaited you at the end of your little league matchup? What if there was a franchise that could capture that same magic? The Wolf talks to Adam Geisler and John Erlandson, the co-founders of Youth Athletes United, which represents brands like Soccer Stars and Amazing Athletes, about the plan behind their youth sports immersion platform. With over 130 locations and 76 owners, they share their unique insights on scaling the business and the potential of selling more franchises. The Wolf also chats with Kevin and Chelsea Meyer, two owners of the Soccer Stars franchise, about the challenges they faced in converting businesses into successful franchises. What was the importance of hiring a GM? And how has the growth of soccer in the US contributed to the astounding success of Soccer Stars? Tune in to find out John, Adam, Kevin, and Chelsea’s insights into what just might be the most fun franchise in America to own! Soccer Stars is one of the nation's leading youth educational soccer programs in the country. We are a mobile-based franchise focused on teaching the fundamentals of soccer while having fun. Our programs are class and game-based activities focusing on kids starting at 1 and up to 14+ years of age. You can learn more about us at soccerstarsfranchise.com. 00:00:50 - Youth Sports Platform Expands Franchise 00:06:26 - Discovering Soccer Stars Brand Journey 00:10:35 - Balancing Full-Time Jobs with Franchise 00:16:16 - The Power of People in Business 00:18:26 - Hiring a GM for Scaling Success 00:22:32 - Adapting to Franchisee Growth Challenges 00:29:14 - Developing Long-Term Goals for Soccer 00:30:54 - Lionel Messi Joins MLS, World Cup 2026 in America 00:36:10 - Connecting with MLS Franchise Opportunities 00:38:46 - Challenges of Starting a Franchise 00:40:57 - Franchise Challenges: Staffing and Retention Follow Adam: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-geisler-1442697/   Follow John: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-erlandson-62409b4/   Follow Kevin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-meyer-4168632a4/   Follow The Wolf: Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/the-wolf-of-franchises/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewolfoffranchises Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchisewolf Website: https://www.krokit.com   And for exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel.   Are you a future franchise entrepreneur? Find all of the tools you need to launch, operate, and expand your franchise empire with the platform created by The Wolf himself, Krokit.com.   And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Franchise Empires, I’d be so grateful if you could drop me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast. Thank you so much!