Épisodes

  • S1Ep254 Franchise Growth and Leadership that Builds Stronger Brands with Todd Treml
    Oct 30 2025
    Franchise growth and leadership are at their best when they blend business performance with human connection. Growth on paper can look impressive, but the true measure of a brand's success lies in how it serves its people — both the customers who trust it and the teams who carry its mission forward. Great leaders understand that sustainable expansion is built not only on systems and strategy but also on empathy, purpose, and shared values. For leaders who have scaled hundreds of franchise locations, the challenge is never just about numbers. It is about creating frameworks that deliver consistent results while still leaving room for individual ownership, community connection, and personal pride in the work. Balancing structure and soul is the hallmark of effective franchise growth and leadership, and it is a balance Todd Treml knows well. As CEO of Touching Hearts at Home, Todd brings a lifetime of franchise leadership experience to one of the most meaningful industries in business today: senior care. His path spans from helping grow household names like Play It Again Sports and Plato's Closet to guiding mission-driven brands like Snap Fitness, Pedal Pub, and now Touching Hearts. Each of these ventures offered different challenges and lessons, but they all shared a common thread — the importance of people-centered leadership. Across every chapter, Todd has focused on empowering franchise owners, supporting local success, and strengthening the connection between brand values and community impact. Todd's leadership style is grounded in clarity, accountability, and compassion. Having worked across industries ranging from retail and wellness to experiential services and now healthcare, he understands that the best franchises are built on trust and transparency. Under his guidance, Touching Hearts at Home continues to expand nationwide while holding firmly to its purpose: helping people stay independent, safe, and connected through compassionate in-home care. This combination of operational discipline and heartfelt service exemplifies what modern franchise growth and leadership should look like — results-driven yet people-focused. Ford Saeks, who recently spoke at the Touching Hearts annual convention, has long emphasized the same philosophy. In his view, true leadership happens when strategy and culture align. Systems, processes, and marketing drive scalability, but purpose is what gives growth staying power. When organizations prioritize relationships between franchisors and franchisees, leaders and teams, and brands and customers, they create loyalty that cannot be replicated. Franchise growth does not happen by accident. It is built on trust, consistent communication, and a clear vision for the future. Todd's approach centers on supporting franchise owners not just as operators but as entrepreneurs. By providing tools, training, and mentorship, Touching Hearts empowers its network to deliver exceptional service while maintaining profitability. That balance of purpose and performance is what distinguishes the brand in a competitive market. The senior care industry is growing rapidly as populations age, but success requires more than meeting demand. It takes leadership that understands both the operational complexity and the emotional impact of the work. Todd's decades in franchising have shown that when leaders focus on the "why" behind the business, they inspire teams to deliver at the highest level. For business owners and executives alike, the lesson is clear: franchise growth and leadership are inseparable from culture. A company that leads with authenticity, invests in people, and embraces innovation builds more than a brand. It builds a legacy. Touching Hearts at Home continues to prove that profitability and purpose can go hand in hand. Under Todd's guidance, the company is not just expanding; it is setting a new standard for what it means to grow with compassion and lead with integrity. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Join Fordify LIVE every Wednesday at 11 a.m. Central on your favorite social platforms and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Todd Treml Todd Treml is the CEO of Touching Hearts at Home, a leading national in-home care franchise dedicated to providing compassionate, professional support for seniors and adults with disabilities. With decades of experience in franchise leadership, Todd has guided major brands including Play It Again Sports, Plato's Closet, Snap Fitness, and Pedal Pub. His commitment to empowering franchise owners and leading with purpose continues to drive the growth and impact of Touching Hearts at Home. Learn more at TouchingHearts.com. About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator who has helped generate more than a billion dollars in sales worldwide, working with companies from start-ups to Fortune 500s. As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., he specializes ...
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    35 min
  • S1Ep253 Scale with Purpose, with Outsource Access Founder & CEO Brad Stevens
    Oct 23 2025
    Scale with purpose is a concept many leaders talk about, but few execute at the level of Brad Stevens. As Founder and CEO of Outsource Access, a virtual staffing firm that has grown to over 500 employees in just four years, Stevens has built a business that blends systems thinking with social impact—and he's just getting started. A lifelong entrepreneur, Brad Stevens has launched and scaled multiple domestic and international businesses, with distribution across 18 countries. His journey with Outsource Access began with a mission to solve a common problem facing modern businesses: how to grow efficiently without compromising on values or burning out internal teams. What started as a lean operation has quickly become one of the most recognized firms in the virtual staffing space, earning accolades from Inc. Magazine, Real Leaders, and other respected organizations. The phrase scale with purpose isn't a catchphrase—it's a discipline. It's reflected in the way Outsource Access operates, from its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to its intentional community impact in the Philippines, where its workforce is based. Under Brad's leadership, the company became the only outsourcing firm to receive the Inc. Magazine Best in Business Award for impact across industries, society, and the environment. What separates Brad's approach from others in the outsourcing world is his relentless focus on systems and leadership. While many companies struggle to delegate, automate, or operationalize their growth, Brad has designed a model that makes scaling accessible, affordable, and aligned with long-term vision. His firm not only provides virtual talent, but also supports clients in building efficient workflows, implementing tech tools, and optimizing their business operations at every level. Scale with purpose also means knowing what not to do. Brad is the creator of the podcast Automate & Delegate – What Should You NOT Be Doing, where he interviews leaders on how to eliminate the distractions that hold them back. His insights draw from years of experience building high-performance teams, often on the other side of the globe, without ever stepping foot onsite due to global restrictions. Brad's thought leadership extends beyond business strategy. He's worked directly with figures like Martin Luther King III, co-founded a software platform for membership organizations, and was selected to lead a think tank at the United Nations headquarters in New York focused on the Sustainable Development Goals. He's also a TEDx speaker with more than 230,000 views and a published course author with a global reach across Entrepreneurs' Organization. As a member and leader within both Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) and Young Presidents' Organization (YPO), Brad serves as a connector, strategist, and advisor for some of the most dynamic entrepreneurs in the world. He's helped hundreds of businesses rethink how they scale—removing bottlenecks, identifying efficiencies, and building virtual teams that deliver real results. Behind every strategy is a purpose-driven mindset. Brad lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Cindy and their two children, balancing a global business with a deeply personal commitment to making a positive impact. In an age where growth can feel chaotic or overwhelming, the ability to scale with purpose has never been more essential. Whether it's through delegation, automation, or outsourcing, leaders who embrace this mindset are better positioned to grow sustainably, serve their customers more effectively, and build businesses that make a difference. Watch the full episode on YouTube. About Brad Stevens Brad Stevens is a global entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and the Founder and CEO of Outsource Access, a virtual staffing firm that has grown to over 500 employees in just four years. With a background in launching international businesses and building high-performance systems, Brad helps companies delegate, automate, and scale with purpose. His firm has earned recognition from Inc. Magazine, Real Leaders, and other leading organizations for combining business growth with social impact. Brad is also the co-founder of 1-ON-1 Connections, a software platform for membership organizations, and the creator of the podcast Automate & Delegate – What Should You NOT Be Doing. A sought-after speaker and advisor, Brad has shared stages with thought leaders like John Maxwell and Deepak Chopra and has led strategic initiatives with figures including Martin Luther King III. He is a longtime member of Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) and Young Presidents' Organization (YPO), where he actively contributes to leadership development and impact-driven entrepreneurship. To learn more about how Brad Stevens and Outsource Access help organizations delegate smarter and scale with purpose, visit OutsourceAccess.com. About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator with more than 20 years of ...
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    47 min
  • S1Ep252 Debrief to Win with Fighter Pilot and VMax Group Founder Robert "Cujo" Teschner
    Oct 16 2025
    Debrief to win isn't just a military practice—it's a business imperative. At least, that's how Robert "Cujo" Teschner sees it. A retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and the founder of VMax Group, Cujo spent years training elite teams to perform under pressure, make split-second decisions, and lead with accountability. Now, he works with businesses across industries to bring those same high-performance principles into the boardroom. Before launching his leadership consultancy, Cujo served as an F-15 and F-22 fighter pilot, Weapons School instructor, and F-22 squadron commander. He also held a senior role on the Joint Staff and earned advanced degrees in operational art and national security strategy. But what set his military career apart was his deep expertise in the debriefing process—the structured, forward-focused method used by top military teams to learn, adapt, and improve. The idea behind debrief to win is simple but powerful: every mission ends with a disciplined review of what happened, what worked, what didn't, and what must change. It's not about blame—it's about learning. That same mindset, Cujo argues, is desperately needed in today's fast-moving business environment. The transition from fighter pilot to entrepreneur came with its own challenges. After a cancer diagnosis forced him into early retirement, Cujo found himself navigating civilian life without a playbook. But what began as a difficult detour became the foundation for his next mission. He founded VMax Group with the goal of teaching businesses how to "really team"—how to communicate, lead, and operate with the kind of clarity and purpose that's often missing in corporate environments. Debrief to win became the centerpiece of that work. Unlike traditional accountability models in business—often reactive, fear-based, and backward-looking—this approach is proactive, structured, and focused on building a stronger next iteration. Whether a project succeeds or fails, teams are trained to extract insights that improve future performance. What sets Cujo's model apart is the emphasis on learning, discipline, and tone. In high-stakes environments, the way a debrief is conducted can make or break trust. Leaders are taught to approach the process with curiosity, not criticism. That shift in mindset opens the door for honest conversations, stronger alignment, and real improvement—without triggering defensiveness or blame. Organizations that embrace the debrief to win model often see changes well beyond performance metrics. Communication improves. Teams become more resilient. People take greater ownership of outcomes. And over time, a culture of continuous learning begins to take hold. It's not just about fixing mistakes—it's about building the kind of high-functioning teams that don't settle for average. VMax Group, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, works with clients across North America, ranging from fast-growing startups to established enterprises. Cujo's background resonates with organizations seeking not just leadership development, but transformation. His work brings structure to chaos, purpose to process, and accountability to action. In a marketplace filled with disruption—from AI to economic uncertainty to shifting workplace dynamics—the ability to debrief to win is more important than ever. Teams that build learning into their culture are better positioned to navigate change, recover from setbacks, and seize opportunity. And as Cujo often reminds clients, the best time to debrief is not after something goes wrong—it's every time. Whether the goal is scaling a business, strengthening leadership, or improving execution, the path forward starts with a simple question: what can we do better next time? For teams willing to ask—and answer—that question consistently, the results speak for themselves. Watch the full interview on YouTube. Join Fordify LIVE every Wednesday at 11 a.m. Central on your favorite social platforms and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Cujo Teschner Robert "Cujo" Teschner is a retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and the founder of VMax Group, a leadership consulting firm based in St. Louis, Missouri. During his distinguished military career, he served as an F-15 and F-22 pilot, Weapons School instructor, squadron commander, and senior Joint Staff officer. He is a combat veteran with advanced degrees in Operational Art and Science and National Security Strategy. From 2004 to 2006, Cujo was the Air Force's subject matter expert on post-mission debriefing—a methodology used by elite military teams to drive continuous improvement. Today, he brings that same system to the business world, helping organizations build high-performing teams through accountability, clarity, and structured learning. Through his work at VMax Group, Cujo has become a trusted advisor to executives, teams, and organizations looking to lead ...
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    35 min
  • S1Ep251 Franchisees First with PuroClean's President & COO, Steve White
    Oct 9 2025
    Franchisees first is more than a leadership philosophy—it's a measurable strategy that has driven real results across one of North America's leading franchise systems. For Steve White, President and COO of PuroClean, this approach has become the foundation for building a high-performance brand with strong franchisee alignment and sustainable growth. With over 35 years of experience in the franchise sector, White has held senior leadership roles at brands like Domino's Pizza and Allegra Network. Since taking the helm at PuroClean in 2013, he has led the company through a period of extraordinary growth. PuroClean has more than doubled its number of franchise locations and achieved significant increases in system-wide sales and profitability. The common thread across all of this progress is a consistent focus on putting franchisees first. This mindset is embedded into the way the organization operates. Franchisees are treated as strategic partners, not just operators. Their input is actively sought out and turned into actionable change. From onboarding and training to marketing support and technology implementation, the goal is to equip every owner with the tools and support they need to succeed in their local markets. Listening is a key component of this approach. Through structured feedback channels like system-wide surveys and franchise advisory councils, leadership is able to understand what's working, identify pain points, and make data-driven decisions that benefit the network as a whole. This level of responsiveness helps strengthen trust and contributes to higher franchisee satisfaction and retention. While many brands talk about culture, PuroClean has built its growth strategy around it. The franchisees first model reinforces accountability, improves communication, and increases performance across the system. That alignment between leadership and operators helps drive efficiency, consistency, and customer satisfaction. Technology also plays a role. With documentation and compliance being critical in the property restoration space, PuroClean is investing in AI and operational tools to reduce manual workloads and improve accuracy. These innovations are implemented with franchisees in mind, allowing them to focus more on service delivery and customer relationships. What makes this approach particularly impactful is that it scales. Whether supporting a brand-new franchisee or a multi-unit operator, the same principles apply. The company provides individualized guidance to help each location grow based on its unique goals and local conditions. That flexibility has helped PuroClean build a network that performs consistently across regions and continues to expand in both new and established markets. Steve White's background as a U.S. Army Captain and his leadership within the International Franchise Association further reinforce the values behind the franchisees first model. His involvement in veteran initiatives, industry advocacy, and franchise education speaks to a broader commitment to service, ethics, and impact. That credibility has helped position PuroClean not just as a successful brand, but as a respected voice in the franchise community. PuroClean's national presence, rooted in South Florida and operating in over 500 locations across North America, demonstrates the geographic scalability of this model. Franchisees are thriving in large metro areas and regional markets alike, supported by systems that are both adaptable and proven. Franchisees first is not a slogan—it's a strategic operating model that produces results. By aligning leadership, field support, and individual owner goals, PuroClean has built a franchise system that delivers consistent growth while staying grounded in purpose. For other franchise brands looking to improve performance and network engagement, this case illustrates the power of putting people at the center of the business. As the industry continues to evolve, models that prioritize franchisee success will be best positioned to grow, innovate, and lead. Watch the full episode on YouTube. About Steve White Steve White is the President and Chief Operating Officer of PuroClean, a leading property restoration franchise with over 500 locations across North America. With more than 35 years of experience in the franchise industry, Steve has held executive leadership roles at Domino's Pizza, Allegra Network, and Signs Now. Since joining PuroClean in 2013, he has led the brand through significant growth in both scale and profitability by focusing on franchisee success and operational excellence. A former U.S. Army Captain, Steve brings a disciplined, service-driven approach to leadership. He serves on the Executive Committee of the International Franchise Association's Board of Directors, is the current Chair of the IFA Foundation's Board of Trustees, and is a past Chair of the VetFran Committee. His work has earned numerous accolades, including the Gold International ...
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    33 min
  • S1Ep250 Lessons in Championship Leadership with Ross Bernstein
    Oct 2 2025
    Championship leadership is rarely about talent alone. It's about consistency, values, and the willingness to do the unglamorous work—especially when no one is watching. For Ross Bernstein, a Hall of Fame speaker and best-selling author of nearly 50 sports books, that truth has been reinforced across thousands of interviews with the world's top athletes and coaches. The most successful leaders, whether in sports or business, operate by a code—one built on trust, culture, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way. Bernstein's work focuses on decoding what separates winning teams from the rest. His research draws not only from statistical trends, but from raw, behind-the-scenes conversations inside locker rooms, press boxes, and dugouts. Championship leadership, he explains, isn't about flash or status. It's built on daily habits, strong relationships, and a team-first mentality that fuels performance over the long haul. Integrity is a recurring theme in Bernstein's message. Drawing parallels between sports and business, he emphasizes that true leaders are defined by how they win—not just whether they win. "Anyone can cheat," he points out. "But being a champion is about doing things the right way, even when it would be easier not to." That distinction between gamesmanship and character is where trust is built, and where long-term success takes root. In high-performing teams, the culture often mirrors that of the locker room. There's a shared commitment, a sense of personal responsibility, and an understanding that no one wins alone. Whether it's a quarterback investing in private coaching to stay competitive well into his 40s or a top-producing business executive building meaningful client relationships beyond the sales pitch, the edge comes from discipline, preparation, and a relentless work ethic. Bernstein often points to examples like Tom Brady—not because of his accolades, but because of the less visible effort that fueled them. While most people see the highlight reels, they don't see the nutritionists, neurologists, and sleep coaches behind the scenes. That level of commitment is what championship leadership requires: doing the work that others won't, without cutting corners, and without needing applause. In the business world, the lesson is the same. Top performers don't simply show up when it's convenient. They stay ahead by consistently executing the fundamentals. They invest in their teams. They show up with curiosity and ask questions. They visit their clients' operations in person. And perhaps most importantly, they build relationships that aren't transactional—they're built on trust and value. For leaders aiming to build stronger cultures, Bernstein encourages shifting the mindset from hiring the "best" people to hiring the right people. He recalls how legendary coach Pat Summitt built her championship legacy not by recruiting the top-ranked players, but by finding those who shared her values, work ethic, and team-first mentality. It's a powerful reminder that championship leadership begins with alignment—not just with skills, but with culture, attitude, and mission. Trust, according to Bernstein, isn't given. It's earned through behavior, consistency, and shared experience. It also requires a willingness to teach, not just manage. He recalls how Summitt saw herself more as a teacher than a coach—a subtle but powerful shift that cultivated loyalty, performance, and team cohesion. The idea that "will beats skill" echoes throughout Bernstein's work. While some athletes are born with undeniable gifts, most reach the top through effort, sacrifice, and resilience. It's the same for business leaders. Talent might open the door, but championship leadership is what keeps it open—and expands the path for others. Ultimately, leadership isn't about being the loudest voice in the room or the name at the top of the org chart. It's about showing up every day, doing the work, and holding yourself to a higher standard. Bernstein's insights serve as a reminder that greatness leaves clues—and that those clues are often hidden in plain sight. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Fordify LIVE airs every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Central across all social media platforms. New podcast episodes of The Business Growth Show drop every Thursday. About Ross Bernstein Ross Bernstein is a Hall of Fame keynote speaker and the best-selling author of nearly 50 sports books. With over 25 years of experience studying championship teams, Ross shares powerful insights on leadership, integrity, and performance drawn from thousands of interviews with elite athletes and coaches. His signature program, The Champion's Code, explores the DNA of what makes great teams and individuals successful—both in sports and in business. Ross has spoken on all seven continents to audiences ranging from Fortune 500 companies to global associations, delivering high-energy presentations that challenge leaders to ...
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    30 min
  • S1Ep249 YouTube Lead Generation Tactics with Nate Woodbury
    Sep 25 2025
    YouTube lead generation is no longer reserved for influencers chasing millions of views or creators banking on viral content. For service-based professionals, coaches, and course creators, YouTube has become one of the most tactical, scalable platforms for attracting high-quality leads—when used with strategy and purpose. Nate Woodbury has made a name for himself by helping experts do exactly that. As the founder of Be the Hero Studios and a YouTube Producer for numerous 7-figure brands, Nate has built a system that moves beyond content creation hype and focuses instead on predictability, precision, and long-term positioning. His approach helps business owners who are tired of spending hours on social media and walking away with nothing to show for it. Instead, he positions YouTube as a search-based ecosystem designed to connect experts with their ideal audience—people actively searching for what they offer. Unlike many content strategies that rely on trend-chasing or broad visibility tactics, Nate's methodology zeroes in on the behavior of searchers. People aren't just browsing YouTube for entertainment; they're asking specific, detailed questions. YouTube lead generation works best when those questions are answered clearly by someone positioned as a knowledgeable authority. That's where Nate's well-known Leaf Strategy comes in. His approach begins by identifying not just general keywords, but ultra-specific search phrases—questions real people are typing into YouTube and Google right now. These aren't vague topics or buzzwords. They're long-form search queries that reflect both intent and need. By targeting these highly focused "leaves" on the content tree, Nate helps experts stand out in a sea of generalists. What makes this approach so effective is that it bypasses the need to go viral or pour money into paid advertising. Instead, it aligns perfectly with how users consume content today: through search, relevance, and trust. When someone finds a video that addresses their exact question—delivered by a credible expert—they're more likely to watch it through, subscribe, and take action. That creates not just views, but true engagement and qualified leads. YouTube lead generation through Nate's lens is about building momentum over time, not gambling on quick wins. His clients typically release consistent content with carefully researched titles, structured metadata, and thoughtful thumbnails—each component playing a vital role in the YouTube algorithm's ability to recommend and elevate content to the right viewers. And once those videos begin performing in search, they continue to bring in traffic long after they're posted, making YouTube one of the few content platforms where the shelf life of a video can extend for years. But perhaps one of the most powerful aspects of this strategy is that it's designed with the expert in mind. Many professionals resist YouTube because they believe they need to become entertainers or video editors. Nate's system removes that friction by focusing on clarity, structure, and scalability. His clients don't need to be flashy—they just need to show up with intention, speak to their audience, and let the strategy handle the rest. This approach has quietly transformed businesses across industries. Coaches who once struggled with inconsistent lead flow now receive steady inquiries. Consultants who were buried in the noise are now easily found. And brands that were hesitant to dive into YouTube are reaping the benefits of search-based visibility and authority. As the digital landscape continues to shift, the ability to attract clients without relying on paid traffic becomes more valuable by the day. YouTube lead generation offers that leverage—if it's used with precision. And Nate Woodbury continues to prove that you don't need to be viral to be visible. You just need to be strategic. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Don't miss future episodes that spotlight the strategies, stories, and experts helping growth-minded leaders accelerate success. Join Fordify LIVE! every Wednesday at 11AM Central on your favorite social platforms and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Nate Woodbury Nate Woodbury is a YouTube Producer and the founder of Be the Hero Studios. Behind the scenes of many 7-figure influencers, Nate helps experts, coaches, and course creators transform their YouTube channels into highly effective lead generation engines. With a deep understanding of search behavior and content strategy, he guides his clients to create consistent, search-optimized content that attracts their ideal audience—without relying on paid advertising or viral content. Known for developing the Leaf Strategy, Nate focuses on helping professionals position themselves as the go-to expert by answering the exact questions their target audience is already asking. His method is rooted in clarity, efficiency, and ...
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    42 min
  • S1Ep248.5 How Small Business Owners Use AI to Work Less & Earn More | Ford Saeks & Randy Gage AI PODCAST
    Sep 22 2025

    Discover the AI strategies that let business owners work smarter while growing faster. Get the rest of the special event details after listening to this joint-podcast episode at:
    https://ProfitRichResults.com/ai-powered-empire

    Listen until the end for BLOOPERS In this comprehensive 90-minute conversation, Hall of Fame keynote speaker Ford Saeks and business strategist Randy Gage reveal the precise AI implementation strategies that are transforming the way independent professionals and small business owners operate.

    🎯 Perfect for: Business consultants and coaches Professional speakers and authors Independent service providers Small business owners Anyone wanting to scale without hiring more staff 💡

    What You'll Learn: The AI Business Equalizer - How smaller operations now compete with larger companies using smart automation and AI tools. Automated Content & Research Systems - Proven workflows that handle background tasks while you focus on high-value client work. Implementation Strategies That Work - Real-world examples, common pitfalls to avoid, and where to start your AI integration.

    🚀 Ready to Implement These Strategies? Join our comprehensive AI-Powered Empire Masterclass: https://ProfitRichResults.com/ai-powered-empire

    Discover the comprehensive approach to integrating AI into your business operations, marketing, and client delivery.

    📚 Resources Mentioned: Ford's "AI Mindshift" book AI implementation frameworks Automation tools and workflows

    👥 About Your Hosts: Ford Saeks - Hall of Fame keynote speaker, author of "AI Mindshift," and business growth expert who has helped generate over $1 billion in client sales.

    Randy Gage - International business strategist, bestselling author, and expert in helping entrepreneurs build profitable, scalable businesses.

    💬 What's your biggest challenge with implementing AI in your business? Let us know in the comments! 🔔 Subscribe for more practical business growth strategies and AI implementation insights.

    Watch the full episode on YouTube.

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    1 h et 16 min
  • S1Ep248 Franchise Growth Strategies and Brand Storytelling with Nick Powills
    Sep 18 2025
    Franchise growth strategies have never been more critical. In an era where consumer attention is fragmented and competition is fierce, the brands that thrive are those that go beyond selling products and services—they tell stories that resonate. Few people understand this better than Nick Powills, founder of No Limit Agency and publisher of 1851 Franchise, a platform dedicated to bridging the gap between franchisors, franchisees, and the media. For more than a decade, Powills has championed an approach that blends creativity, data, and authenticity to position franchises for sustainable growth. His philosophy is rooted in a simple but powerful truth: every brand has a story, but not every brand knows how to tell it effectively. By helping brands articulate their purpose and align that message across multiple channels, Powills has helped hundreds of franchise systems grow stronger and scale faster. Franchise growth strategies today require a departure from the transactional marketing mindset. Gone are the days when success was measured solely by ad spend and impressions. Modern consumers—and prospective franchisees—crave transparency, relevance, and connection. Powills argues that storytelling is the foundation for building these connections. "If you can't explain why you matter, neither will anyone else," he says. Ford Saeks, business growth strategist and host of The Business Growth Show, echoes this sentiment. Saeks often stresses that marketing is not about shouting louder—it's about speaking directly to the needs and aspirations of your audience. Whether attracting franchise candidates or acquiring customers, the message must be clear, consistent, and emotionally engaging. This is where the intersection of branding and franchise growth strategies becomes most powerful. Powills' work at No Limit Agency illustrates this intersection in action. His team partners with brands to integrate public relations, digital marketing, and content creation into a unified growth plan. It's an approach that moves beyond vanity metrics and focuses on impact—measured in leads, conversions, and long-term brand equity. One of his biggest innovations is leveraging storytelling not just for consumer-facing campaigns, but also for franchise development. Prospective owners aren't buying a logo; they're investing in a vision. By humanizing the brand and showcasing real success stories, franchisors can attract partners who align with their culture and values. Another cornerstone of Powills' franchise growth strategies is adaptability. The marketing playbook that worked five years ago is obsolete in today's landscape. Social media platforms evolve, search algorithms shift, and consumer expectations rise. Brands that cling to old tactics risk falling behind. Instead, Powills advocates for an agile approach that embraces experimentation and continuous improvement. This mindset mirrors the advice Saeks often gives his clients: test, measure, and refine. Growth isn't static—it's iterative. The human element, however, remains irreplaceable. Technology may amplify reach, but relationships build trust. Powills emphasizes the importance of authentic engagement—whether through thought leadership, personalized content, or meaningful interactions on social media. These efforts signal to both consumers and franchise prospects that a brand values more than transactions; it values community. As the publisher of 1851 Franchise, Powills has also created a platform for dialogue and education within the industry. By spotlighting best practices and sharing stories from across the franchise ecosystem, he fosters collaboration that benefits everyone from emerging brands to established players. This commitment to transparency and knowledge-sharing reflects his belief that the rising tide lifts all boats—a philosophy that resonates with leaders like Saeks, who champion innovation and peer-to-peer learning. The future of franchising will belong to brands that combine strategic vision with compelling storytelling. For leaders seeking to elevate their growth strategies, the lesson is clear: clarity of purpose drives clarity of execution. When you know your story—and tell it well—you position your brand to attract the right people, forge stronger connections, and achieve sustainable growth. Franchise growth strategies are no longer optional—they're a necessity. And for those willing to invest in authenticity, creativity, and adaptability, the opportunities are limitless. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Fordify LIV! streams every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Central on all major social platforms, featuring conversations with top business leaders. New podcast episodes of The Business Growth Show drop every Thursday. About Nick Powills Nick Powills is the founder of No Limit Agency and publisher of 1851 Franchise, where he helps brands grow through integrated storytelling and strategic communications. With over 15 years of experience in...
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    50 min