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FranchiseU! Podcast

A bi-weekly podcast brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence.

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About the Series

The FranchiseU! Podcast provides education and inspiration to those in, or considering careers within, franchising. This podcast is produced by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville. The Center’s vision is to empower communities to create and sustain generational wealth using the franchising business model.

Kathy Gosser - Podcast Host

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Dr. Gosser originally joined the College of Business in 2019. Before joining UofL, Dr. Gosser spent 35 years at Yum! Brands. Her last role with the company was as Director of Learning & Organizational Development and the Chair of the KFC Foundation. She earned her PhD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development from the University of Louisville, her MBA from UofL, and her BA in Journalism from Indiana University.

FranchiseU! Podcast guest Ryan Parsons
FranchiseU! Episode 120: Leadership, Transparency, and Grit

FranchiseU! Episode 120: Leadership, Transparency, and Grit

Ryan Parsons, co-founder of 'The Brothers that Just Do Gutters' and current CEO of Evive Brands, shares his unconventional career journey from graphic design to leading a family of five franchise systems aimed at improving home care and home.
David Blackburn
FranchiseU! Episode 119: Building a Franchise Legacy

FranchiseU! Episode 119: Building a Franchise Legacy

David Blackburn, founder, former CEO and current chairman of Southern Rock Restaurants, the nation’s largest McAlister’s Deli franchisee, shares his remarkable journey of growth, leadership and purpose.
Ed Muransky
Episode 118: From Gridiron Glory to Franchise Empire—The Journey of Ed Muransky

Episode 118: From Gridiron Glory to Franchise Empire—The Journey of Ed Muransky

In this episode, Ed Muransky, founder and CEO of the Muransky Companies, shares shares the lessons he carried from the field to the boardroom and reflects on his leadership across Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon and Jamba Juice.
Nicholas Jewell on red essence background
Episode 117: From Combat Controller to Crumbl Cookies - The Journey of Nicholas Jewell

Episode 117: From Combat Controller to Crumbl Cookies - The Journey of Nicholas Jewell

Nicholas Jewell, a multi-unit Crumbl Cookies franchisee in the Louisville Metro area, shares his path to franchising–spanning military service, entrepreneurship, logistics and cookie domination.
Ally Van Iten
FranchiseU! Episode 116: Finding Your True Colors

FranchiseU! Episode 116: Finding Your True Colors

Ally Van Iten, CEO of House of Colour USA, explores how a personal color analysis business from the 80s has grown into a thriving global franchise with over 400 stylists.
Woman in blazer on red graphic background
Episode 115: From BrightStar to Founder 2 Founder

Episode 115: From BrightStar to Founder 2 Founder

Shelly Berkowitz, the esteemed founder of BrightStar Care, shares her inspiring journey from her early days working in corporate jobs to founding BrightStar, a premier home healthcare and medical staffing service franchise.
Ron Taylor headshot on red background
Episode 114: Breaking Records & Building Brands–Ron Taylor's Franchise Story

Episode 114: Breaking Records & Building Brands–Ron Taylor's Franchise Story

With almost two decades in the franchise industry, Ron Taylor, founder of Franchise Authentic, shares his journey from working in the pharmaceutical industry to becoming a leading franchisee.
Bobbie Lloyd and Jason Mattes on red essence background
Episode 113: Inside Magnolia Bakery with Bobbie Lloyd and Jason Mattes

Episode 113: Inside Magnolia Bakery with Bobbie Lloyd and Jason Mattes

Magnolia Bakery CEO and Chief Baking Officer Bobbie Lloyd and Vice President of Domestic Franchise Development Jason Mattes discuss international success, domestic franchising and strategies for maintaining the quality and charm of their brand.
Episode 112: Exploring the Role and Impact of the International Franchise Association With Matt Haller and Jennifer Brandeen

Episode 112: Exploring the Role and Impact of the International Franchise Association With Matt Haller and Jennifer Brandeen

Both Haller and Brandeen share their personal journeys into franchising and highlight the IFA's advocacy, education and support initiatives that benefit franchisors, franchisees and suppliers.
Episode 111: Agape Capitalism and a Family’s Legacy with Jane Abell and Tony Capuano

Episode 111: Agape Capitalism and a Family’s Legacy with Jane Abell and Tony Capuano

The episode highlights the integration of love and capitalism at Donatos, their growth in franchising, innovative automation efforts and the rewarding aspects of working with family in the business.
Scott Svilich FranchiseU Podcast 110
Episode 110: Revolutionizing Wellness

Episode 110: Revolutionizing Wellness

Scott Svilich, the Chief Operating Officer of Next Health, shares his extensive experience in the fitness and wellness industry, highlighting his journey from a personal trainer to COO.
Amy Leclerc - FranchiseU 109
Episode 109: Finding your Niche

Episode 109: Finding your Niche

Amy Leclerc, co-founder of Sit Still Kids Salon franchise, discusses her journey from advertising to leading a kids’ hair salon franchise.
James Hilovsky - FranchiseU Episode 108
Episode 108: Navigating the Franchise World

Episode 108: Navigating the Franchise World

James Hilovsky, a dedicated franchise broker and the CEO of FranDream, shares his journey from spending 25 years at Del Taco to transitioning to franchise brokering.

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Kathy Gosser, host of the Small Bites of Business Insights podcast, alongside Barb Nuss, and Rebecca McDade

Interested in more?

Check out the Small Bites of Business Insight Podcast, another show hosted by Dr. Gosser providing valuable tips to improve your business practices.

Learn More