Scaling Success: Drew McWilliams on Building Ivybrook Academy Franchise | S1E3

Jerod Evanich, co-founder of A Place at Home, joins the podcast to share the story behind this rapidly growing senior care franchise. What started as a personal need to care for aging family members has evolved into a national brand with locations across 20 states. Jerod explains how he and his co-founder, Dustin DeStefano, created a multi-service senior care model that stands out in a competitive industry. From caregiver recruitment to supporting franchisees with proven systems, Jerod opens up about the challenges, breakthroughs, and the vision to reach 250 locations by 2030.GUEST: Jerod EvanichWEBSITE: https://aplaceathome.com/franchise/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/

Jolita Brilliant, founder of Brilliant Massage & Skin, shares how she built Vermont’s highest-rated spa and is now offering franchise opportunities across New England. From her beginnings as a solo massage therapist to becoming a wellness-focused entrepreneur, Jolita's mission is rooted in empowerment, community, and quality. In this episode, she discusses why she prioritizes employee satisfaction, how her spa delivers five-star service, and the thoughtful strategies behind choosing smaller markets and spa professionals as franchise partners. GUEST: Jolita BrilliantWEBSITE: https://brilliantmassageandskin.com/franchise/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/

Dr. Talonda Thomas, founder of the New York Musician’s Center, joins the podcast to share how she transformed her passion for music into one of New York's top-tier music schools—and now an emerging franchise. From humble beginnings teaching piano from her living room to launching a multi-location business with 1,200 weekly students, Dr. Thomas explains what sets NYMC apart. She discusses her unique red-carpet experiences for students, her path to franchising, and the kind of owner she believes is perfect for this model. GUEST: Dr Talonda ThomasWEBSITE: https://nymcmusicfranchise.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/

In this episode of Emerging Franchise Brands, host Frank Fiume sits down with Marina Mentzel, founder of urSwim, to discuss her journey from running corporate swim locations to franchising a flexible, non-brick-and-mortar swim business. Marina shares how she built a scalable model that provides high-quality swim instruction while reducing overhead costs, the importance of community relationships in her franchise system, and the unique ways urSwim is making swim education accessible to all—including adults. She also talks about the role of technology in enhancing customer experience and how she’s carefully selecting franchisees to ensure long-term success.If you're interested in franchising with urSwim, visit swimmingschoolfranchise.com.GUEST: Marina MentzelWEBSITE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinamentzel/For 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/4ckNZxUPODCAST 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/

In this episode of Emerging Franchise Brands, host Frank Fiume sits down with Alex Filipuk, founder of Ideal Siding, to discuss how he built a thriving home services franchise from the ground up. With a background in digital marketing, Alex identified a gap in the siding industry and leveraged his lead generation expertise to turn Ideal Siding into a fast-growing franchise with over 77 locations across North America.GUEST: Alex FilipukWEBSITE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/idealsiding/https://idealsiding.com/franchise/For 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/4ckNZxUPODCAST 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/

In this episode of Emerging Franchise Brands, host Frank Fiume sits down with Irena Azaraev, co-founder and CEO of BYou Laser Clinic. Irena shares her journey from corporate executive at Pandora Jewelry to launching a thriving aesthetics business in both Canada and the U.S. She discusses the strategic decisions behind BYou Laser Clinic’s expansion, the importance of building strong franchisee relationships, and how she ensures operational excellence in a highly competitive market.GUEST: Irena AzaraevWEBSITE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irena-azaraev-604bb317/https://www.byoulaserclinic.com/For 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/4ckNZxUPODCAST 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/

In this episode of Emerging Franchise Brands, host Frank Fiume sits down with Mike Harley, founder of Franchisor Advisor, to discuss the challenges and strategies for building a successful franchise. With decades of experience in franchising—including turning around struggling businesses, leading international expansions, and advising emerging brands—Mike shares valuable insights on what makes a franchisor thrive.GUEST: Mike HarleyWEBSITE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeharley/https://franchisoradviser.com/For 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/4ckNZxUPODCAST 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/

In this episode of Emerging Franchise Brands, Frank Fiume sits down with John Gelastopoulos, CEO of Broken Yolk Café, to hear the incredible story of how he turned a single restaurant into a thriving franchise with 40 locations. From using credit cards to buy his first restaurant to implementing a simple but powerful marketing strategy, John shares the key moments that led to his success. GUEST: John Gelastopoulos WEBSITE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gelastopoulos-10409349/ https://www.thebrokenyolkcafe.com/franchising/ For 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 It https://amzn.to/4ckNZxU PODCAST LINKS https://efbpodcast.com/ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/emergingfranchisebrands Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/35Frm7tIXHKYXWTDdmqKa4 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emerging-franchise-brands/id1701687149 SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingfranchisebrands/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emergingfranchisebrands LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emerging-franchise-brands-podcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/frankfiume ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Episode Shot and Edited at BlueBox Studios Tampa https://blueboxdigital.com/

In this episode of Emerging Franchise Brands, Frank Fiume sits down with Jared Solomon, co-founder of Five Iron Golf, the franchise that is changing the way people experience golf. Jared shares how he and his team pioneered the concept of blending golf simulators with a bar and restaurant, creating a space for both serious golfers and casual entertainment seekers. GUEST: Jared Solomon WEBSITE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-solomon-3b7586169/ https://franchising.fiveirongolf.com/ For 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 It https://amzn.to/4ckNZxU PODCAST LINKS https://efbpodcast.com/ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/emergingfranchisebrands Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/35Frm7tIXHKYXWTDdmqKa4 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emerging-franchise-brands/id1701687149 SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingfranchisebrands/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emergingfranchisebrands LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emerging-franchise-brands-podcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/frankfiume ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Episode Shot and Edited at BlueBox Studios Tampa https://blueboxdigital.com/

In this episode of Emerging Franchise Brands, Frank Fiume sits down with Karen Frank, co-founder of Greenlight Mobility, to discuss how her company is transforming homes for individuals with mobility challenges. Karen shares how her background as a physical therapist, along with her husband Greg’s expertise as an occupational therapist, led them to start a business dedicated to home modifications—allowing people to stay in the homes they love safely and comfortably. GUEST: Karen Frank WEBSITE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenfrank1/ https://greenlightmobility.com/ For 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 It https://amzn.to/4ckNZxU PODCAST LINKS https://efbpodcast.com/ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/emergingfranchisebrands Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/35Frm7tIXHKYXWTDdmqKa4 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emerging-franchise-brands/id1701687149 SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingfranchisebrands/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emergingfranchisebrands LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emerging-franchise-brands-podcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/frankfiume ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Episode Shot and Edited at BlueBox Studios Tampa https://blueboxdigital.com/