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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.

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

FranchiseU! 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
FranchiseU! Episode 127: Navigating Multi-Brand Franchising with Jon Utterback

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

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

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

FranchiseU! 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.
Donny Bradley
FranchiseU! Episode 123: From Medical Devices to Mocha Lattes – Donny Bradley's Unique Entrepreneurial Journey with Lola Beans

FranchiseU! Episode 123: From Medical Devices to Mocha Lattes – Donny Bradley's Unique Entrepreneurial Journey with Lola Beans

Kathy Gosser interviews Donny Bradley on founding Lola Beans – his Alaska-inspired entrepreneurial shift, brand culture, franchising challenges, selecting franchisees and the family support driving the company’s growth.
Garrett and Eli
Franchiseu! Episode 122: Garrett Reed and Eli Cohen — A Deep Dive Into a Fast-Growing QSR

Franchiseu! Episode 122: Garrett Reed and Eli Cohen — A Deep Dive Into a Fast-Growing QSR

Kathy Gosser, Garrett Reed and Eli Cohen explore major tech advancements shaping the business landscape of the Layne’s Chicken Fingers franchise, including AI innovations, blockchain growth and the challenges and opportunities created.
Brian Goldstein
FranchiseU! Episode 121: From Taco Bell Team Member to Multi-Brand Franchise Owner

FranchiseU! Episode 121: From Taco Bell Team Member to Multi-Brand Franchise Owner

Brian Goldstein shares his rise from Taco Bell team member to leading 160 restaurants, offering insights on leadership, culture, franchising success and his deep commitment to people, community and service.
FranchiseU! Podcast guest Ryan Parsons
FranchiseU! 120: Leadership, Transparency and Grit

FranchiseU! 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.

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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