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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.

Marlee Henson and Shannon Iverson on red background
Episode 135: How Franchise Education Creates Career Opportunities – The Direct Path From the Classroom to Franchise Leadership

Episode 135: How Franchise Education Creates Career Opportunities – The Direct Path From the Classroom to Franchise Leadership

Kathy Gosser explores how franchise education creates career opportunities, featuring Marlee Henson and Shannon Iverson sharing insights on growth, leadership and franchising success.
Alvaro Leal on red background
Episode 134: Why the Next Generation is Betting on the Trades – Alvaro Leal on Franchising

Episode 134: Why the Next Generation is Betting on the Trades – Alvaro Leal on Franchising

On this episode of the FranchiseU! Podcast, Kathy Gosser talks with Alvaro Leal of 1-TOM-PLUMBER about franchising, home services growth, leadership, scalability and recession-resistant business opportunities.
Kayla and Kevin Curtis on red background
Episode 133: Leaving College Football for Franchising – Orangetheory Fitness Growth in Phoenix, AZ with Kayla and Kevin Curtis

Episode 133: Leaving College Football for Franchising – Orangetheory Fitness Growth in Phoenix, AZ with Kayla and Kevin Curtis

Former coach Kevin Curtis and educator Kayla Curtis share how they built seven Orangetheory Fitness franchises in Phoenix through leadership, culture, community and entrepreneurship.
Robin Gagnon
Episode 132: Plan Early, Sell Better – Franchise Exit Strategy and Industry Trends with Robin Gagnon

Episode 132: Plan Early, Sell Better – Franchise Exit Strategy and Industry Trends with Robin Gagnon

Franchise resales offer faster entry and proven systems. Kathy Gosser and Robin Gagnon discuss how success depends on niche expertise, technology, early exit planning and adapting to rising opportunities from retiring owners.
Gary Liskovich and Mike Skitzki.
Episode 131: Building a Franchise Legacy

Episode 131: Building a Franchise Legacy

Gary Liskovich and Mike Skitzki discuss how AI transforms franchise coaching by turning data into insights, helping coaches improve performance and support franchisees while strengthening human relationships.
Arif Nazir, FranchiseU Podcast
Episode 130: Why a Chief Medical Officer Bet on Paris Baguette and Louisville

Episode 130: Why a Chief Medical Officer Bet on Paris Baguette and Louisville

Respected physician Arif Nazir transitions into franchising with Paris Baguette, sharing insights on customer trust, due diligence and building a people-first culture in Louisville’s evolving food scene.
Josh Patrick
Episode 129: From Startup Lessons to #1 Brand - Inside KidStrong's Franchise Strategy

Episode 129: From Startup Lessons to #1 Brand - Inside KidStrong's Franchise Strategy

KidStrong’s Josh Patrick discusses franchising growth, grit in franchisees, youth development through fitness and how disciplined systems and strong operators drive the brand’s rapid national expansion.
Richie Huffman
Episode 128: Growing People Big and Small – The System, Standards and Strategy Behind Celebree School’s National Growth

Episode 128: Growing People Big and Small – The System, Standards and Strategy Behind Celebree School’s National Growth

Kathy Gosser interviews Richie Huffman on building Celebree School, how he grew it from one location to franchising it nationally, all while maintaining quality standards and staying true to his original early childhood education Mission.
Jon Utterback
Episode 127: Navigating Multi-Brand Franchising with Jon Utterback

Episode 127: Navigating Multi-Brand Franchising with Jon Utterback

Kathy Gosser interviews educator and multi-brand franchise owner Jon Utterback on leadership, scaling service businesses, franchisor support and lessons from teaching, coaching and entrepreneurship.
Emily Bergman
Episode 126: From Dance Instructor to Multi-Unit Owner – The Journey of Emily Bergman at Arthur Murray Dance Studios

Episode 126: From Dance Instructor to Multi-Unit Owner – The Journey of Emily Bergman at Arthur Murray Dance Studios

Emily Bergman shares her journey from dance instructor to multi-unit franchisee and area director, highlighting culture, leadership, team development and the business skills behind growing Arthur Murray studios.
FranchiseU Episode 125 - Carriann Sillman
Episode 125: Balancing Franchise Law, Leadership and Life – A Conversation with Carriann Sillman

Episode 125: Balancing Franchise Law, Leadership and Life – A Conversation with Carriann Sillman

Kathy Gosser speaks with Carriann Sillman about her nontraditional path to legal leadership, balancing family and work and explains legal strategy, trust and brand protection within a franchise system.
FRicky Richardson
Episode 124: Scaling a Breakfast Brand with Heart – Insights from Ricky Richardson, CEO of Eggs Up Grill

Episode 124: Scaling a Breakfast Brand with Heart – Insights from Ricky Richardson, CEO of Eggs Up Grill

Kathy Gosser talks with Ricky Richardson about leading Eggs Up Grill, scaling franchises, fostering culture and guest experience, supporting new franchisees and building a community-focused, fast-growing breakfast brand.

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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