American Kolache: Russell Clark on Scaling a Comfort Food Franchise

Frank Fiume and guest co-host Drew Alfano sit down with Russell Clark, founder of American Kolache, a fast-growing franchise redefining breakfast with hand-stuffed, comfort-filled kolaches. From steakhouse dreams to viral sausage-and-gravy success, Russell shares how he built a business with low overhead, high demand, and deep local roots. Learn why American Kolache offers big opportunity in a wide-open category—and how they’re scaling smart with culture, care, and kolaches.GUEST: Russell ClarkWEBSITE: https://www.americankolachefranchising.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction to American Kolache and Its Unique Offerings04:34 The Journey from Pizza to Kolache06:55 Franchising: The Next Step for American Kolache09:45 Finding the Right Franchisees14:26 Keys to Success in the Kolache Business16:08 Building a Franchise Network17:31 The Founder’s Journey and Challenges19:10 Adapting to Change: Lessons from COVID-1921:28 Growth Plans and Regional Expansion22:41 Crafting a Unique Menu Experience24:58 Franchise Investment and Operational Insights27:07 Catering and Business Verticals27:47 Why Invest in American Kolache?29:41 Future Vision: A Household Name31:14 The Founder’s Personal Insights34:54 Introduction to Kolache and Its Uniqueness34:55 Russell's Journey from Pizza Franchisee to Franchise OwnerDOWNLOAD FRANK'S FREE FRANCHISE TIPS E-BOOK!https://hovqr.to/cd790850For More Information and Extra Resources Visit:https://emergingfranchisebrands.com/Books Mentioned in this Episode:The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About Ithttps://amzn.to/4l3aGLQPODCAST LINKShttps://efbpodcast.com/https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/emergingfranchisebrandsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/35Frm7tIXHKYXWTDdmqKa4Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emerging-franchise-brands/id1701687149SOCIALInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingfranchisebrands/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emergingfranchisebrandsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emerging-franchise-brands-podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/frankfiume------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Shot and Edited at BlueBox Studios Tampahttps://blueboxdigital.com/

Frank Fiume interviews Ashley and Femi Shillingford, co-founders of Rewax and Unwine, a candle-making pour party franchise that blends fragrance, fun, and community connection. From bootstrapping in their kitchen to being featured on the TODAY Show, they share how they built a unique experience-based brand with strong systems and multiple revenue streams. Learn how this husband-wife duo is bringing good vibes, custom scents, and franchise opportunity to cities nationwide.GUEST: Ashley & Femi ShillingfordWEBSITE: https://www.rewaxandunwineevents.com/DOWNLOAD FRANK'S FREE FRANCHISE TIPS E-BOOK!https://hovqr.to/cd790850For More Information and Extra Resources Visit:https://emergingfranchisebrands.com/Books Mentioned in this Episode:The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About Ithttps://amzn.to/4l3aGLQPODCAST LINKShttps://efbpodcast.com/https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/emergingfranchisebrandsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/35Frm7tIXHKYXWTDdmqKa4Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emerging-franchise-brands/id1701687149SOCIALInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingfranchisebrands/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emergingfranchisebrandsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emerging-franchise-brands-podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/frankfiume------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Shot and Edited at BlueBox Studios Tampahttps://blueboxdigital.com/

Frank Fiume interviews Stefan Figley, President of 1-800-Packouts, to explore how the brand became a leader in the restoration industry's overlooked middle phase: content recovery and storage. From fire damage and floods to hoarding and odor removal, Stefan explains how the franchise handles delicate belongings with empathy, efficiency, and precision. Learn how 1-800-Packouts supports franchisees through catastrophic events and why it’s an ideal business for owners who want to scale with purpose.GUEST: Stefan Figley WEBSITE: https://www.1800packouts.com/DOWNLOAD FRANK'S FREE FRANCHISE TIPS E-BOOK!https://hovqr.to/cd790850For More Information and Extra Resources Visit:https://emergingfranchisebrands.com/Books Mentioned in this Episode:The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About Ithttps://amzn.to/4l3aGLQPODCAST LINKShttps://efbpodcast.com/https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/emergingfranchisebrandsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/35Frm7tIXHKYXWTDdmqKa4Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emerging-franchise-brands/id1701687149SOCIALInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingfranchisebrands/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emergingfranchisebrandsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emerging-franchise-brands-podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/frankfiume------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Shot and Edited at BlueBox Studios Tampahttps://blueboxdigital.com/

Frank Fiume interviews Dustin Miller, founder of Swing Bays, to explore how a Denver-based indoor golf clubhouse turned into a purpose-driven franchise. With Trackman simulators, pro-level instruction, a bar, retail, and fitness all under one roof, Swing Bays is more than a place to hit balls—it’s a second home for golf lovers. Dustin shares how relationships drive retention, why business acumen beats golf skills, and how the brand is teeing up national growth.GUEST: Dustin Miller WEBSITE: https://theswingbaysfranchisee.com/DOWNLOAD FRANK'S FREE FRANCHISE TIPS E-BOOK!https://hovqr.to/cd790850For More Information and Extra Resources Visit:https://emergingfranchisebrands.com/Books Mentioned in this Episode:The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About Ithttps://amzn.to/4l3aGLQPODCAST LINKShttps://efbpodcast.com/https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/emergingfranchisebrandsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/35Frm7tIXHKYXWTDdmqKa4Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emerging-franchise-brands/id1701687149SOCIALInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingfranchisebrands/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emergingfranchisebrandsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emerging-franchise-brands-podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/frankfiume------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Shot and Edited at BlueBox Studios Tampahttps://blueboxdigital.com/

Frank Fiume interviews David Bitan, founder and brand president of Bumble Roofing, to discuss how he built a roofing company focused on customer experience, modern tech, and market clarity. From launching during uncertain times to partnering with Empower Brands, David shares how Bumble Roofing became one of the fastest-growing home services franchises—with 70+ territories awarded in just two years. Hear how focus, branding, and deep local presence are changing the game.GUEST: David BitanWEBSITE: https://bumbleroofingfranchising.com/DOWNLOAD FRANK'S FREE FRANCHISE TIPS E-BOOK!https://hovqr.to/cd790850For More Information and Extra Resources Visit:https://emergingfranchisebrands.com/Books Mentioned in this Episode:The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About Ithttps://amzn.to/4l3aGLQPODCAST LINKShttps://efbpodcast.com/https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/emergingfranchisebrandsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/35Frm7tIXHKYXWTDdmqKa4Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emerging-franchise-brands/id1701687149SOCIALInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingfranchisebrands/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emergingfranchisebrandsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emerging-franchise-brands-podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/frankfiume------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Shot and Edited at BlueBox Studios Tampahttps://blueboxdigital.com/

Frank Fiume sits down with Aaron Locks, founder and CEO of the National Academy of Athletics, to explore how he’s built a franchise by partnering with parks and rec departments instead of competing against them. From learning under Coach John Wooden to pioneering community-first programming, Aaron shares how NAofA delivers accessible, multi-sport programs while scaling with integrity and purpose. Learn why now is the time to join this low-investment, high-impact youth sports brand.GUEST: Aaron LocksWEBSITE: https://nationalacademyofathletics.com/DOWNLOAD FRANK'S FREE FRANCHISE TIPS E-BOOK!https://hovqr.to/cd790850For More Information and Extra Resources Visit:https://emergingfranchisebrands.com/Books Mentioned in this Episode:The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About Ithttps://amzn.to/4l3aGLQPODCAST LINKShttps://efbpodcast.com/https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/emergingfranchisebrandsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/35Frm7tIXHKYXWTDdmqKa4Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emerging-franchise-brands/id1701687149SOCIALInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingfranchisebrands/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emergingfranchisebrandsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emerging-franchise-brands-podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/frankfiume------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Shot and Edited at BlueBox Studios Tampahttps://blueboxdigital.com/

Frank Fiume sits down with Tamara Galinsky, founder of JETSET Pilates, to discuss how she turned a personal wellness journey into one of the fastest-growing boutique fitness franchises in the country. From teaching classes while pregnant to building a 26-person corporate team, Tamara shares the lessons behind JETSET’s unique model, experiential growth strategy, and explosive expansion across 7 states with 125+ units in development.GUEST: Tamara GalinskyWEBSITE: https://jetsetpilates.com/DOWNLOAD FRANK'S FREE FRANCHISE TIPS E-BOOK!https://hovqr.to/cd790850For More Information and Extra Resources Visit:https://emergingfranchisebrands.com/Books Mentioned in this Episode:The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About Ithttps://amzn.to/4l3aGLQPODCAST LINKShttps://efbpodcast.com/https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/emergingfranchisebrandsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/35Frm7tIXHKYXWTDdmqKa4Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emerging-franchise-brands/id1701687149SOCIALInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingfranchisebrands/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emergingfranchisebrandsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emerging-franchise-brands-podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/frankfiume------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Shot and Edited at BlueBox Studios Tampahttps://blueboxdigital.com/

Frank Fiume interviews Ernie Padalino, co-founder of Cool-Binz, the first portable climate-controlled storage franchise. After a frustrating personal storage experience, Ernie set out to build a better solution—one that now serves contractors, restaurants, and event operators across the U.S. Backed by Belfor Franchise Group, Cool-Binz is redefining what mobile storage can be. Hear how Ernie turned innovation into a scalable business and why now is the right time to join.GUEST: Ernie PadalinoWEBSITE: https://www.cool-binz.com/DOWNLOAD FRANK'S FREE FRANCHISE TIPS E-BOOK!https://hovqr.to/cd790850For More Information and Extra Resources Visit:https://emergingfranchisebrands.com/Books Mentioned in this Episode:The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About Ithttps://amzn.to/4l3aGLQPODCAST LINKShttps://efbpodcast.com/https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/emergingfranchisebrandsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/35Frm7tIXHKYXWTDdmqKa4Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emerging-franchise-brands/id1701687149SOCIALInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingfranchisebrands/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emergingfranchisebrandsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emerging-franchise-brands-podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/frankfiume------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Shot and Edited at BlueBox Studios Tampahttps://blueboxdigital.com/

Frank Fiume interviews Natasha Cornstein, CEO of Blushington, a premium beauty services brand offering professional makeup, blowouts, and skincare under one roof. Natasha shares how she went from brand admirer to CEO and now franchisor, blending luxury service with inclusivity and kindness. Hear why now is the moment to join Blushington as it expands from New York to Boca Raton and beyond—with systems, heart, and style.GUEST: Natasha CornsteinWEBSITE: https://blushington.com/DOWNLOAD FRANK'S FREE FRANCHISE TIPS E-BOOK!https://hovqr.to/cd790850For More Information and Extra Resources Visit:https://emergingfranchisebrands.com/Books Mentioned in this Episode:The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About Ithttps://amzn.to/4l3aGLQPODCAST LINKShttps://efbpodcast.com/https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/emergingfranchisebrandsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/35Frm7tIXHKYXWTDdmqKa4Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emerging-franchise-brands/id1701687149SOCIALInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingfranchisebrands/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emergingfranchisebrandsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emerging-franchise-brands-podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/frankfiume------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Shot and Edited at BlueBox Studios Tampahttps://blueboxdigital.com/

Frank Fiume sits down with David Nibley, CEO of Melty, a gourmet grilled cheese franchise that blends nostalgic comfort with modern branding and efficient operations. David shares how he went from agency partner to owner, why simple systems matter, and how Melty is scaling across the U.S. without losing its soul. If you love smart design, crave-worthy sandwiches, and strong franchise support, Melty may be your next big opportunity.GUEST: David NibleyWEBSITE: https://www.meltyfranchises.com/DOWNLOAD FRANK'S FREE FRANCHISE TIPS E-BOOK!https://hovqr.to/cd790850For More Information and Extra Resources Visit:https://emergingfranchisebrands.com/Books Mentioned in this Episode:The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About Ithttps://amzn.to/4l3aGLQPODCAST LINKShttps://efbpodcast.com/https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/emergingfranchisebrandsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/35Frm7tIXHKYXWTDdmqKa4Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emerging-franchise-brands/id1701687149SOCIALInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingfranchisebrands/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emergingfranchisebrandsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emerging-franchise-brands-podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/frankfiume------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Shot and Edited at BlueBox Studios Tampahttps://blueboxdigital.com/