Stars of Franchising

David Owasi: Systems, Speed, and Scale: Applying AI in Franchise Operations

How can franchise systems leverage artificial intelligence to enhance operational consistency while improving financial performance? In this episode, David Owasi offers a systems-oriented perspective on AI adoption in franchising, emphasizing the importance of structured processes and rapid lead engagement. The conversation explores how AI-driven tools can reinforce established playbooks, reduce variability across units, and enable franchisees to capture opportunities that would otherwise be lost due to capacity constraints. Owasi also discusses implementation strategies, including pilot programs, franchisor-led standardization, and tiered adoption models. The episode concludes with reflections on the enduring importance of systems thinking in franchising, particularly as AI becomes an integral component of operational infrastructure. “We don’t rise to the level of our goals—we fall to the level of our systems.” –David Owasi

Aaron Harper, Rolling Suds Founder & Chairman

“Everything I do, personally and professionally, is to enhance the lives of my family.”  – Aaron Harper In this episode, Aaron Harper shares a deeply personal and practical perspective on franchising, scaling, and leadership. Grounded in family, purpose, and discipline, Aaron walks through what it really takes to build a fast‑growing franchise system—financially, emotionally, and structurally. From pre‑investing millions before launch to “firing yourself” as the business evolves, Aaron offers an unfiltered look at sustainable growth in franchising.

Elyse Lupin - Elysium Marketing Group

Elyse (Elysium Marketing Group) shares how she built and scaled a franchise-focused marketing agency—why she chose franchising, what franchise development marketing requires, and how she leads a high-trust team while using AI as an efficiency tool (not a substitute for judgment).  “Entrepreneurship is not a straight line… everything in this journey is just a phase. So you’ve gotta push through that phase, and then you get to the next part.” -Elyse Lupin

Colleen Upham, Co‑Founder & CEO, Oh Deer

This week, we sit down with Colleen Upham, co‑founder of Oh Deer, the all‑natural deer, tick, and mosquito control franchise redefining eco‑friendly home services across the country.  Colleen’s story is a powerful blend of mission, resilience, and heart. From mixing formulas in a basement while raising newborn twins to building a franchise system rooted in community and care, she shares what it takes to grow the right way—with intention, values, and a commitment to franchisee success.  We cover:  ✔️ Building a purpose‑driven brand  ✔️ Knowing when to pause growth to strengthen systems  ✔️ Selecting franchisees who align with your mission  ✔️ How innovation often comes from the field  ✔️ Balancing entrepreneurship and family  ✔️ Why “all‑natural” is more than a trend—it’s the future  One of my favorite takeaways from Colleen: “Never give up. Take a breath, reevaluate, and move forward stronger.”  🎧 Listen now and get inspired: Stars of Franchising (Babson College)

Patrick Cunningham: Chief Development Officer, Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay

“Your role is to build the business… You can have any conversation with a franchisee if you have a solid relationship. That’s the foundation of everything I’ve learned in the franchise business.” — Patrick Cunningham  In this episode of Stars of Franchising, hosts Ab Igram and Vinnie Onyemah sit down with veteran franchise executive Patrick Cunningham, whose nearly 30‑year career spans Domino’s, Dunkin’, Baskin Robbins, Little Caesars, and now Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay.  Patrick shares how he went from selling molecular sieves to becoming one of franchising’s most respected development leaders, discussing the power of relationship‑driven franchising, the realities of operational challenges today, and what makes Bobby Flay’s brand such an exciting emerging concept.  He offers candid insights on:  * Building trust between franchisors and franchisees  * How ownership changes (private equity, public companies) affect systems  * What great operators look like — and why they matter more than markets  * The biggest myths about franchising  * Growth challenges around labor, capital, and real estate  * Leadership lessons, mentorship, and why “family comes first”  Whether you're a franchisor, franchisee, operator, or aspiring leader in multi‑unit retail, this conversation is loaded with wisdom, honesty, and practical takeaways.