Social Geek

It’s the Marketing and Innovation Update for June, 2025. Entrepreneur, Podcaster, and now Franchisee Richard Snow shares an update on the IFA Franchise Ascension Initiative. Next, Sherry McNeil of the Canadian Franchise Association joins the podcast to wish all of you a Happy World Franchise Day! Today’s show is brought to you by Vendasta (https://www.linkedin.com/company/vendasta/), Franzy (https://www.linkedin.com/company/franzy/), Hughes (https://www.linkedin.com/company/hughesconnects/), and Thunderly (https://www.linkedin.com/company/thunderlymarketing/) ⚡ Special Guests: Richard Snow and Sherry McNeil.

“There are two types of Franchises…” Jon Taffer, restauranteur, entrepreneur, and host of Bar Rescue. Jon Taffer joins the podcast to share stats visits to restaurants, the branding behind Taffer’s Tavern, and why it’s a Tavern, NOT just a bar. Our friends Josh Halpern and Sam Stanovich from Craveworthy Brands also join us for a compelling conversation about how connectivity makes an establish great. Recorded live at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago! Listen now on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and more. Thanks to Vendasta, Franzy, Hughes, and Thunderly ⚡ Shout outs to Gregg Majewski, Big Chicken, Shaquille O’Neal, IFA, The IFA World Franchise Show, and Franchise Freaks. Special Guests: Jon Taffer, Josh Halpern, and Sam Stanovich.

Welcome to Just Jania, the podcast hosted by Jania Bailey and powered by FranNet. Today Jania welcomes Jason Feifer, Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, back to the podcast for conversation about opportunity  management, championing innovation, and the relationship between content & connection.

Bad Bosses. We’ve all had them and we don’t wanna be them. Today The Franchise Rock Stars are here to share some horror stories and some advice. Join Ali Kraus, Danielle Wright, Derrick Ableman, Kristen Pechacek, and Scott Greenberg! For more details on the amazing new certification program Scott mentioned, please visit www.hemsworldwide.com Thanks to Vendasta, Franzy, Hughes, and Citrin Cooperman http://vendasta.com/franchise https://franzy.com/socialgeek http://hughes.com/franchise https://www.citrincooperman.com/Franchising Special Guests: Ali Kraus, Danielle Wright, Derrick Ableman, and Scott Greenberg.

2015 called and wants its marketing strategy back. It's the Social Geek Marketing & Innovation update for May with outspoken innovative marketer, Maresa Friedman. Maresa joins host Jack Monson for a round of venting about some bad trends in marketing especially for franchise brands including: AI-generated LinkedIn posts LinkedIn “heroes” Marketing personas Sales funnels Vanity metrics Pre-scripted podcasts And … best of all … AI “experts” What else are we missing? What misguided tactics make you roll your eyes and speed past on your feed? Listen now on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and more. Thanks to Vendasta (http://vendasta.com/franchise), Franzy (https://franzy.com/socialgeek), Hughes (http://hughes.com/franchise), and Thunderly (https://thunderlymarketing.com/podcasts/) ⚡ https://franzy.com/socialgeek http://vendasta.com/franchise http://hughes.com/franchise https://thunderlymarketing.com/podcasts/ Special Guest: Maresa Friedman.

Shelly Sun Berkowitz joins a One On One conversation with Social Geek host Jack Monson. She describes her recent sale of her successful franchise brand BrightStar Care to a Private Equity partner, moving from CEO to Executive Chairwoman of the Board, and remaining involved in the home care industry and franchising. Shelly shares advice for leaders regarding: Turning over “your baby” to new owners Identifying your potential buyers and partners Honoring your own legacy Walking away from a deal when it doesn’t feel right Considering your customers and franchisees And being present for your family and your business Thanks to Franzy (https://franzy.com/socialgeek) , Vendasta (http://vendasta.com/franchise), Hughes (http://hughes.com/franchise), and Thunderly (https://thunderlymarketing.com/podcasts/). https://franzy.com/socialgeek http://vendasta.com/franchise http://hughes.com/franchise https://thunderlymarketing.com/podcasts/ Special Guest: Shelly Sun Berkowitz.

It’s Part 2 of our Social Geek Podcast series recorded live at Franchise Expo Charlotte. In this double-sized episode, we’re talking to franchise development pros, CEOs, and founders about what makes their brand unique and getting their take on the what’s up in franchising for the rest of 2025. You’ll hear from: Raj Bhasin, Autism Center of Excellence Shannon Wilburn and Brian Luciani, SMB Franchise Advisors Blaine Young, NaturaLawn Christian Collucci, Instant Imprints Paul Dorsey, Jantize Richard Prout, Eat Gather Love Brian Glynn, Village Idiot Pizza Gavin Lantzy, Daisy Joe Colucci, Dirty Dogs Spa & Boutique Jamie Brooker, Brooker’s Founding Flavors Ice Cream Thanks to our partners at MFV Expositions and Comexposium. We’ll see you next in NYC at IFE 2025! Thanks to Vendasta, Franzy, Hughes, and Thunderly. http://vendasta.com/franchise https://franzy.com/socialgeek http://hughes.com/franchise https://thunderlymarketing.com/

AI Sherpa is back on Social Geek. This month, Robert Mitchell welcomes guest Eric Cook, Franchise Owner with WSI. Robert and Eric discuss the consulting side of WSI’s AI work with a focus on how AI is impacting community banks and other local businesses.   Also, our monthly update on the latest AI tools for Franchises including Robert’s take on DeepSeek, the completive landscape for apps, and some AI voice agents. Thanks WSI! Special Guests: Eric Cook and Robert Mitchell.

This is the Marketing and Innovation Update for April 2025 focusing on LinkedIn. This special edition features AJ Wilcox, Course Instructor from LinkedIn and founder of B2Linked.  AJ shares the latest tips and best practices for LinkedIn content, ads, and formats for Franchise brands. Thanks to Vendasta (http://vendasta.com/franchise), Hughes (http://hughes.com/franchise), and Franzy (https://franzy.com/socialgeek). http://vendasta.com/franchise http://hughes.com/franchise https://franzy.com/socialgeek Special Guest: AJ Wilcox.

Welcome to Just Jania, the podcast hosted by Jania Bailey and powered by FranNet. Franchise icons Bill Edwards & Keith Gerson join Jania in a conversation about: Lessons from the experts with insights gleaned over a lifetime of business excellence Operational strategies that businesses can use to foster sustainable growth Their new joint-venture: The Franchise Consortium - helping franchisors find the right suppliers, who actually do what they say they can do Their supplier accreditation program that includes education, awards, and proven results