Franchise Everything

Ep116 Chey Simpson, Urban Clean - Franchise Owner Journey

Chey Simpson is a franchise partner of Urban Clean in North Brisbane. Originally from the Philippines, Chey moved to Australia in 2018 and began her journey working in a small embroidery business. Despite being closely connected to Urban Clean, her husband Kirk is the General Manager, she initially lacked the confidence to run a business of her own.   Over time, exposure to the business and encouragement from her husband sparked the belief that she could do it. In 2020, Chey took on her own Urban Clean franchise, starting with no cleaning experience and just a few contracts. She handled most of the work herself in the early stages, gradually building confidence through direct customer interaction and learning from her mistakes.   Today, Chey manages a growing commercial cleaning business with over $20,000 in monthly contracts and a reliable team of cleaners. She plays an active role in operations, customer service, and quality control, while also managing additional income through supply logistics.   Looking ahead, Chey aims to double or triple the size of her business, expand her team, and eventually step back from the day-to-day operations. Her story is one of determination, steady growth, and belief in following the systems that support franchise success.   0:00 Introduction 2:35 Chey's first impression in Australia 3:54 Speaking English was the hardest part of Chey when moving to Australia 5:18 Worked in an embroidery business before starting with Urban Clean 7:42 Started the business with doubts, no cleaning experience, and only a few clients 8:34 The hardest adjustment when starting the Urban Clean franchise and learning the business 9:48 The key elements to success in an urban cleaning franchise 10:44 Transitioning from doing the cleaning to managing a team and gaining more time off 11:58 What Chey’s day looks like with a growing team and over $20,000 in contracts 13:46 Chey’s growth plans for Urban Clean, and when to bring in more staff as contract volume increases 15:40 Typical workday hours in an Urban Clean commercial franchise 17:52 Advice on what it takes to be successful in an Urban Clean commercial cleaning franchise 19:23 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4cz3y3t9 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/vj4xrwab Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/4eaz3zb6 YouTube: https://youtu.be/VKTDqNyD6-M  

Ep115 Shirley Chan, HIIT Pilates, Surry Hills - franchise studio owner journey

Shirley Chan is the first-ever franchise owner of HIIT Pilates, launching her studio in Surry Hills while still working full-time as a chartered accountant.   With a background in finance and international experience in Toronto and London, Shirley never imagined she’d find herself in the fitness industry, let alone owning a Pilates studio. But a long-standing connection with HIIT Pilates founder Carla Sconce, and a personal decision to try something new, set her on a very different path.   After completing the HIIT Pilates Academy training, Shirley began teaching on weekends while juggling her demanding career. What started as a side interest soon evolved into a serious conversation about franchising. Over the course of a year, she and Carla worked through the details, location, setup, support and eventually launched the first HIIT Pilates franchise in early January 2025.   In this episode, Shirley shares the full journey from training and startup challenges to marketing her studio, building community, and learning on the fly. She talks openly about time management, the benefits of a franchise model, and her long-term vision to grow into multiple studios with a strong team around her.   This is a real and relatable story about starting something new, backed by belief, structure, and plenty of late nights.   0:00 Introduction 1:14 What is HIIT Pilates 2:43  How Shirley discovered Pilates and met Carla Sconce, the founder 5:37 Studying commerce, becoming a chartered accountant, and moving abroad to Toronto and London 8:32 Discovering the HIIT Pilates Academy on Facebook and signing up to become an instructor while working full-time 11:12 Becoming an instructor without a set plan and how Carla’s support built her teaching confidence 13:51 Sharing her dream of owning a studio on day one of training and balancing teaching with a full-time career 16:36 No franchising background, learning the ropes, and a year-long conversation with Carla before opening her studio 18:30 Balancing full-time work with running a business and the importance of support from Carla and family 20:08 Benefits of franchising versus starting from scratch and the journey to finding the right studio location 24:25 Finding a creative outlet through marketing and building community in the studio 26:10 Shirley's vision for the future, growing to multiple studios and building a strong team 27:12 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2rwu2sb4 Apple Podcasts:  Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/y52428k4 YouTube: https://youtu.be/ifboXH9QUCI

Ep114 Profitable Partnerships, BEST SELLING book with Greg Nathan - EXPLAINER

Greg Nathan is the founder of the Franchise Relationships Institute and author of the influential book Profitable Partnerships, a cornerstone resource for franchisors and franchisees around the world.   Originally trained as a psychologist, Greg entered the franchising world as both a franchisee and later a franchisor executive, where he saw firsthand the emotional and relational challenges within franchise networks. These experiences led him to write Profitable Partnerships in 1999, a book that has since sold over 250,000 copies globally and remains a go-to guide for building strong franchise relationships.   In this episode, he shares how franchise companies still use it in training and induction, and how his approach to delivering workshops both in person and online has evolved with the times.   From the psychology of stress and change to the importance of down-to-earth communication, Greg’s work continues to shape how franchise brands foster trust, empathy, and collaboration across their networks.   With his trademark clarity and care, Greg reminds us that great franchise systems are built not just on operations but on relationships.   📘 Profitable Partnerships is available here: 🌐 franchiserelationships.com Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/mse4k6zb   0:00 Introduction 1:03 When the Profitable Partnership book was written 2:52 The broad themes of Profitable Partnerships book and why they resonate in franchising 3:56 Challenging the old view of stress as a strength in franchising 5:45 Helping franchise partners manage rapid change and technology shifts 7:00 Why Profitable Partnerships book still resonates with franchisors and franchisees 8:27 How Profitable Partnerships is used 25 years after it was written 9:39 Teaching franchisees practical tools for stress and relationship management in franchising 10:44 How technology changed the way Profitable Partnerships training is delivered  12:10 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au Listen or Watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2ajdu5r5 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/5xbe7jm9 Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ykwje9cj YouTube: https://youtu.be/wPntzl7zTh4

Ep113 Comeback of the Curly Fries King! Hog’s Breath re-imagined, with Tom Elliott, CEO

Tom Elliott, CEO of Hog’s Breath, joins us to share how he’s leading the transformation of one of Australia’s most nostalgic restaurant brands. With years of experience in franchising and hospitality, Tom stepped into the role to reignite growth and future-proof the business.   In this episode, Tom talks about repositioning the brand from rethinking restaurant formats and refreshing the Hog’s Breath identity, to implementing next-gen tech and launching aggressive franchise incentives.    He highlights how listening to long-time franchise partners and customers has shaped their strategic direction.   As the business focuses on sustainable expansion across Southeast Queensland, WA, and international markets like New Zealand, Tom offers an honest look at what it takes to rebuild momentum and create long-term value for both partners and customers.   0:00 Introduction 1:11 When the Hog's Breath brand started 4:26 The future of Hog's Breath with pink blood culture, restaurant of the future, and unit economics 6:01 How new tech and smaller spaces are changing the future of Hog's Breath 7:47 Upgrading POS systems and tech to future-proof the brand 8:49 Refreshing the Hog’s Breath brand to connect with a new generation 10:35 Turning ideas into action by listening at the coalface 12:48 Keeping costs competitive through smarter restaurant design and lower entry barriers 14:45 Lower fees and bigger support are opening the door for new Hog’s Breath franchisees 17:01 Long-term partnerships and serious growth plans are back at Hog’s Breath 18:09 Growth plans across Southeast Queensland, WA, South Australia and New Zealand 19:39 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au Listen or Watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/428hjhjh Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bddda27c Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/53uaevye YouTube: https://youtu.be/CDebhD_mWGw

Ep112 Brendan Brown, Poolwerx, Redland Bay & Shailer Park - Franchise Owner Journey

Brendan Brown is the multi-site franchise owner of Poolwerx Shailer Park and Redland Bay in Southeast Queensland.   With over two decades of experience in civil engineering and construction materials including major infrastructure and precast concrete projects, Brendan reached a turning point in his corporate career and decided it was time to pursue something of his own.   Motivated by a desire to return to hands-on, technical work, he explored various industries before the pool industry caught his attention. After months of research, secret shopping, and conversations with the Poolwerx team, Brendan took the plunge and acquired the Shailer Park store in mid-2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. A second opportunity soon followed with Redland Bay, expanding his territory without requiring additional financing.   Brendan now leads a growing team of retail staff and mobile service technicians, balancing store operations with on-site problem solving. From digital marketing and real estate partnerships to exceptional customer service, he’s focused on building trust in a competitive market.   Looking ahead, Brendan plans to expand further with more service vans and a third retail outlet, driven by a clear vision and the autonomy that comes with business ownership.   0:00 Introduction 0:37 Brendan's career journey from civil engineering to Poolwerx franchise ownership 2:18 Two decades in engineering and the shift from technical work to leadership 4:20 Transition from engineering to logistics through industry connections and opportunity 5:23 Managing factory relocation projects and the search for personal ownership and control 7:08 Crossroads moment and choosing the pool industry for its technical and growth potential 8:35 Attracted to the pool industry for its technical challenge and stable demand in Queensland 9:38 From due diligence to multi-site ownership with Poolwerx during the pandemic 11:20 Acquiring established Poolwerx franchises and expanding territory with minimal risk 12:59 Culture shock of becoming a business owner and managing cash flow firsthand 14:55 Building customer trust as the biggest challenge in taking over an existing store 16:22 Balancing store management and field work across two Poolwerx franchise locations 17:57 Generating sales through digital marketing, real estate networks, and local outreach 19:01 Expanding in a growing market while maintaining service excellence in established areas 20:37 Planning for growth with more service vans and a potential third retail store 22:38 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au Listen or Watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yzcmwht6 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yh3tkwa8 Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/5d2p24vv YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZggRIjCDxt4

Ep111 The Bedshed Franchise Business Model, with Greg Prussia

Greg Prussia is the National Business Development Manager at Bedshed, one of Australia’s longest-standing franchise brands, with over four decades of experience in retail franchising.   With a franchise model built on trust, collaboration, and consistent performance, Bedshed has created a network where many franchisees have stayed for decades, some since the 1980s and even passed their businesses on to the next generation.   Greg shares how the business supports both new and long-term franchise owners through open communication and shared decision-making. From participating in overseas product sourcing tours to influencing what appears on showroom floors, franchisees play a direct role in shaping the business.   The Bedshed model thrives on high transaction values, strong margins, and immediate product availability, allowing stores to succeed with fewer customers and lower overhead. With furniture making up 35–40% of revenue and next-day delivery often possible, franchisees gain a competitive edge in a space where timing and trust matter.   Greg’s insights highlight why Bedshed isn’t focused on rapid expansion, but on sustainable, and profitable growth.   0:00 Introduction 0:29 What is Bedshed 2:45 Support for franchise owners with 40 years of experience  3:31 Bedshed franchise performance and entry costs 5:05 Breaking down the entry costs of Bedshed's franchise business 6:33 High transaction value and repeat customers drive bedshed's steady revenue 7:51 Average spend makes bedshed profitable with fewer transactions 9:12 Bedshed stores focus on relationship-based and high value selling to build trust in every sale 11:04 Direct involvement in product development leads to better margins for franchisees 13:27 Giving franchisees a voice to create a stronger sales environment 14:21 In-store stock control of furnitures or matresses helps bedshed avoid long delivery delays 15:45 Immediate stock availability set bedshed apart from traditional furniture retailers 17:22 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au Listen or Watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/283m6p87 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/y7zwvfej Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/33s5rkcj YouTube: https://youtu.be/scL0tYpviKs

Ep110 How to run a $million ’chance to win’ prize promotion in your business, with marketing expert John Dwyer

Speak to JD directly to help you make more sales!  john@theinstituteofwow.com   Get JD’s free book: wowmanifesto.com/free   John Dwyer (JD), founder of The Institute of Wow, joins us live at the Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo for a high-energy conversation on one of the most powerful yet underused marketing tactics in business, insured prize promotions.   With decades of experience running successful campaigns for brands big and small, JD shares how businesses can offer customers the chance to win $50,000 or even $1 million in cash without actually paying out that amount themselves.   From turning around a struggling Fijian resort with a prize-driven promotion to boosting spend in local cafés, JD breaks down the mechanics, real-world results, and why this strategy is ideal for franchises looking to drive customer engagement and repeat purchases.   We also hear the backstory behind his oversized marketing book The Wow Manifesto, and his belief that if something works—rinse and repeat.   0:00 Introduction 0:46 The concept of giving away a chance to win large cash prizes 1:54 How small businesses can use insured prize promotions to offer big cash giveaways 3:18 Real-world examples of small businesses on using prize promotions effectively 5:55 Offering prize entries to boost average spend in cafes and local shops 7:32 Repeating successful promotions to keep sales momentum going 9:07 Tapping into the potential of high-value cash promotions in franchise marketing 11:36 The story behind JD’s marketing book 13:00 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au Listen or Watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc3v36cm Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdc4by36 Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/mjjyvp6k YouTube: https://youtu.be/sFJme4tvAfU

Ep109 Gabriel Lawyer, Lounge Repair Guys, ACT (+) - franchise owner journey

Gabriel Lawyer is the franchise owner of Lounge Repair Guys in ACT, as well as a service coverage to other territories that stretches across key areas in New South Wales including the Mid North Coast, and Wollongong as well.   Originally from California, Gabriel moved to Australia in 2001 and began his career in a family café in Canberra before transitioning into national operations roles in the commercial furniture industry. It was through this experience that he first encountered Lounge Repair Guys as a service provider and eventually saw the business opportunity first hand.   In 2022, amid the uncertainty of the post-COVID period and motivated by a desire for family security and greater control over his future, Gabriel stepped away from corporate life and officially joined the Lounge Repair Guys network. Drawing from his deep understanding of furniture, logistics, and customer service, he now leads a growing team of technicians while managing the day-to-day operations alongside his wife.   From training new staff and expanding territory coverage to balancing work and family life, Gabriel brings a thoughtful, hands-on approach to running a service-based franchise. His story is one of steady growth, strategic thinking, and a clear focus on long-term stability for his business and his family.   0:00 Introduction 0:31 What do the Lounge Repair Guys do 0:54 A brief background on Gabriel 2:23 Moved to Australia in 2001, worked in the café, and learned Aussie culture along the way 3:27 How Gabriel moved from the family café to managing national furniture projects 5:20 Gabriel spent five years managing national furniture logistics, fulfilment, and after-sales operations across major commercial clients 6:14 Gabriel saw the vulnerability of the world in 2020 and made a move to secure a more stable future for his wife and four daughters 9:00 Training time varies depending on the person’s confidence, social and communication skills, or mechanical mindset like understanding recliner mechanisms 11:10 With furniture in every home and a growing demand for repairs, Gabriel saw real potential in Lounge Repair Guys 14:01 Day-to-day life in a family-run business with Gabriel tackling complex jobs and his wife managing everything behind the scenes 16:07 Even with experience, Gabriel had doubts but taking the leap into business in 20:22 proved worth it 18:12 As demand grew from corporate clients, Gabriel expanded from a one-man operation to hiring technicians across Coffs Harbour, Canberra, and Wollongong 20:02 Gabriel expands into new regions to boost brand visibility and serve corporate clients without needing to own the territory 21:07 Wrap Up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au Listen or Watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/3n2efsmu Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/ac8vedst Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/39ab2fzw YouTube: https://youtu.be/8_Sv_XKA0s4

Ep108 The 5 Key things that have made the Urban Clean commercial cleaning franchise what it is today

Damien Boehm, founder of UrbanClean, and Kirk Simpson, General Manager, shared insights into the key factors that have contributed to the franchise’s success. UrbanClean’s journey began with a focus on direct response marketing, where they built strong business relationships and won cleaning contracts by addressing customer pain points.    The company later transitioned to a regional model, empowering local entrepreneurs to offer more personalized support and grow their businesses. Central to their success was shifting franchisees’ mindsets from being just cleaners to becoming business owners, focused on long-term growth.    UrbanClean also pioneered technology adoption, launching an app to improve communication and transparency for customers. As their franchisee base expanded, income expectations also grew, prompting UrbanClean to develop new systems and support to help franchisees scale operations and secure larger contracts.    Through these initiatives, UrbanClean has built a thriving business that caters to both small-scale and entrepreneurial franchisees.   0:00 Introduction 0:32 What is direct response marketing and its role in business 2:15 The shift to efficient franchise growth and cleaning contract acquisition through direct response marketing 3:56 Moving from a national-based model to a regional master franchise approach 6:50 Developing business owners, not cleaners, in commercial cleaning 8:21 How franchisees choose their path in commercial cleaning from small-scale operations to multi-million dollar opportunities 9:18 Why technology adoption transformed the way cleaning franchises deliver transparency and communication 12:20 The use of technology to serve customers better and solve business bottlenecks in the cleaning franchise industry 14:41 How income expectations in the cleaning franchise industry have evolved from part-time to full-time business opportunities 16:58 From side hustle to full time business mindset shift in cleaning franchise sales 19:45 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au   Listen or Watch on; Spotify: Apple Podcasts:  Amazon Music:  YouTube:       

Ep107 The Mobile Experts Franchise Business Model, with Varun Ashok and Stuart Cameron

Varun Ashok, CEO of Mobile Experts, started with a single kiosk and a vision to make phone accessories and repairs more accessible, reliable, and customer-focused. Over 12 years, he has scaled that vision into a national brand with over 65 locations across six Australian states, supported by Stuart Cameron, the brand’s General Manager.   Now entering the franchising space, Mobile Experts is offering a unique opportunity: a low entry cost franchise model, paired with ready-to-operate stores, exclusive products, and strong relationships with major landlords like Westfield.    The goal? Empower long-time team members and new entrepreneurs to take ownership without the steep costs and headaches of starting from scratch.   In this episode, Varun and Stuart share the journey behind their expansion, from overcoming costly fit-out challenges to launching their own high-margin product range, MVR, to stand out in a crowded market. They also explain how data-driven systems like Power BI give franchisees real-time business insight and help avoid guesswork.   With a growing presence in regional communities, strong landlord backing, and a customer-first culture, Mobile Experts is redefining what it means to scale smart in retail franchising.   0:00 Introduction 0:48 What is Mobile Experts 1:40 The services Mobile Experts offer and where they sit in the market 2:40 The reason behind turning a successful retail business into a franchise after 12 years of growth 3:38 Why franchising kicks in when growth, scalability, and local presence become a priority 4:55 Taking the business further by shifting from operations to ownership-driven growth 6:27 Avoiding the trial and error by giving franchisees the tools, data, and site access they need to succeed 8:20 The hidden risks of overseas fit-outs and the real costs of leasing delays 11:30 Data intelligence and business analytics used for decision-making in product range, pricing, and forecasting 14:10 Creating a unique product range and premium pricing strategy in response to rising rent, wages, and competition 17:58 Impulse buying strategy and in-store displays that increased sales during the Christmas period 18:55 Franchise entry cost structure and the opportunity behind existing and new store models 22:08 Making franchise ownership more accessible with low entry costs and exclusive site access 23:38 Leasing approach and flexibility in franchise partnerships based on applicant profiles and landlord requirements 25:25 Why landlords prefer strong retail brands and the importance of store upgrades for long-term success 27:54 Expanding brand presence through regional growth and community-focused franchise strategy 29:28 Repair demand in regional areas and building strong local connections through franchise ownership 30:49 Wrap up   Podcast Produced by: www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au Listen or Watch on; Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2ubz5wpy Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/44punuus Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/3datyw2h YouTube: https://youtu.be/yDrCFgSu7FY