Why the Next Generation Is Betting on the Trades: Alvaro Leal on Franchising

Why the Next Generation Is Betting on the Trades: Alvaro Leal on Franchising

On this episode of the FranchiseU! Podcast [https://business.louisville.edu/research-and-centers/yum-center-global-franchise-excellence/franchiseu-media/franchiseu-podcast], host Dr. Kathy Gosser sits down with Alvaro Leal [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvaro-leal-ms-70a4b7182/], Director of Business Development at 1-TOM-PLUMBER [https://www.1tomplumberfranchise.com/], to explore why franchising and the home services industry are attracting a new generation of entrepreneurs. Leal shares his journey from marketing work with Chick-fil-A to the fast-growing plumbing franchise sector, drawn by the power of scalable systems, operational consistency, and recession-resistant demand. He explains how 1-TOM-PLUMBER built a nationally recognized brand around 24/7 emergency plumbing services, while intentionally creating a customer-first identity shaped by the fact that more than 80% of plumbing service calls come from women.   The conversation also dives into what separates successful franchise owners from the rest, including the importance of hands-on leadership, following proven SOPs, understanding the FDD, and developing strong sales and customer service skills. Leal discusses the company’s rapid expansion to more than 113 awarded territories across 28 states, the support franchisees receive through in-house marketing, technology, training, and operational systems, and how the brand’s growth within Eversmith Brands is creating new national opportunities in the home services space. This episode offers an inside look at one of franchising’s fastest-growing industries and the business systems driving its momentum.   Key topics include: ·     Alvaro Leal’s path from Chick-fil-A marketing into franchising and home services. ·     Overview of 1-TOM-PLUMBER and its 24/7 emergency plumbing business model. ·     The appeal of scalable franchise systems that can be replicated across markets. ·     Professionalism, customer trust, and clean branding as differentiators in the home services industry. ·     The importance of relationship-building and dedicated salespeople in commercial accounts. ·     What the role of Director of Business Development looks like in a franchise organization.     Click below to listen and subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you enjoy your favorite shows.   Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!: Website: FranchiseU! [https://business.louisville.edu/learnmore/franchiseu/] Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast [https://www.instagram.com/franchiseu_podcast/] Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568459969743] Twitter: @franchiseupod [https://x.com/FranchiseUPod] TikTok: @franchiseupod [https://x.com/FranchiseUPod]   Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-gosser-ph-d-aa971510/] via LinkedIn.   This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence [https://business.louisville.edu/about/learning-at-cob/yumcgfe/] at the University of Louisville College of Business [https://business.louisville.edu/].

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

In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser interviews Kevin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-curtis-03987b346/] and Kayla [https://www.instagram.com/kayla.curtisotf/] Curtis about their journey from athletics, coaching, and education into multi-unit franchise ownership with seven Orangetheory Fitness studios [https://www.orangetheory.com/en-us/franchising] across the Phoenix, Arizona metro area. Kevin, a former NFL player and longtime collegiate football coach, and Kayla, a former Fresno State basketball player, educator, and coach, discuss how they stepped away from the demanding world of college athletics to build a business focused on family, leadership, health, and long-term impact.   The conversation explores why franchising appealed to them as entrepreneurs, particularly the structure, brand recognition, marketing support, and operational systems provided by Orangetheory Fitness. Kevin and Kayla explain the unique Orangetheory workout experience, including coach-led group fitness classes, heart-rate based performance tracking, and scalable workouts designed for all fitness levels. Listeners will also hear valuable insights into multi-unit franchise leadership, team communication, accountability, and creating a people-first culture across seven locations in the competitive Phoenix fitness market. The Curtises discuss balancing entrepreneurship with family life, building businesses that positively impact local communities, and teaching their children the value of leadership, ownership, and service.   Whether you are interested in franchising, fitness entrepreneurship, multi-unit operations, leadership development, or building a mission-driven business, this episode offers practical lessons from two operators who have successfully transitioned from sports leadership into franchise ownership.   Key topics include: • Multi-unit franchise ownership • Fitness franchising and entrepreneurship • Leadership and team culture • Orangetheory Fitness business operations • Transitioning from athletics into business • Family entrepreneurship • Phoenix, Arizona franchise growth • Community impact through fitness • Coach-led fitness models • Franchise systems and scalability   Click below to listen and subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you enjoy your favorite shows.   Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!: Website: FranchiseU! [https://business.louisville.edu/learnmore/franchiseu/] Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast [https://www.instagram.com/franchiseu_podcast/] Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568459969743] Twitter: @franchiseupod [https://x.com/FranchiseUPod] TikTok: @franchiseupod [https://x.com/FranchiseUPod]   Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-gosser-ph-d-aa971510/] via LinkedIn.   This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence [https://business.louisville.edu/about/learning-at-cob/yumcgfe/] at the University of Louisville College of Business [https://business.louisville.edu/].

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

Dr. Kathy Gosser interviews Robin Gagnon [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robingagnonrestaurantbroker/], Co-Founder and CEO of We Sell Restaurants [http://wesellrestaurants.com/], on what drives successful franchise restaurant sales and the trends shaping the resale market.   Robin shares her path from broadcasting to entrepreneurship, later earning her MBA and building a national restaurant brokerage with her husband, Eric. Under her leadership, the company has expanded nationwide and earned recognition on the INC 5000 and Franchise Business Review rankings.   They discuss how niche focus, proprietary technology, and AI tools differentiate their model, and why franchise resales appeal to buyers seeking proven systems and faster entry. Robin also outlines common exit mistakes emphasizing the importance of planning 2–4 years in advance. The conversation includes the impact of retiring owners on the market.   Robin also reflects on her leadership and industry involvement through the International Franchise Association. Her advice to emerging leaders is direct: raise your hand earlier and take action before you feel fully ready.   Episode Highlights:   ·     Franchise restaurant resales attract buyers seeking proven systems, existing revenue, and faster entry compared to starting from scratch ·     Specialized focus, proprietary data, and technology (including AI and the BOS platform) create a competitive advantage in restaurant brokerage ·     Many owners delay exit planning, reducing value and limiting options at the time of sale ·     Preparing 2–4 years in advance leads to stronger outcomes and smoother transactions ·     Industry shifts, including a wave of retiring owners, are increasing resale opportunities while reinforcing the need for proactive leadership and decision-making   Click below to listen and subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you enjoy your favorite shows.   Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!: Website: FranchiseU! [https://business.louisville.edu/learnmore/franchiseu/] Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast [https://www.instagram.com/franchiseu_podcast/] Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568459969743] Twitter: @franchiseupod [https://x.com/FranchiseUPod] TikTok: @franchiseupod [https://x.com/FranchiseUPod]   Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-gosser-ph-d-aa971510/] via LinkedIn.   This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence [https://business.louisville.edu/about/learning-at-cob/yumcgfe/] at the University of Louisville College of Business [https://business.louisville.edu/].

How AI Is Transforming Franchise Coaching (Without Replacing People)...

Artificial intelligence is reshaping franchising by turning data into real-time insights that improve performance and strengthen relationships. In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser speaks with Mike Skitzki [http://www.linkedin.com/in/skitzki], COO of Goldfish Swim School [https://goldfishswimschool.com/], and Gary Liskovich, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-liskovich/] CEO of Harmonize [http://harmonyze.com/], about how AI is transforming franchise coaching.   They discuss how systems are moving beyond dashboards to analyze both structured data and call notes, allowing franchise business coaches to focus less on spreadsheets and more on supporting franchisees. The conversation highlights how AI uncovers patterns across locations, improves conversion and retention, and enhances collaboration without replacing the human element central to franchising.   Mike Skitzki is a franchise operator known for scaling multi-unit systems through disciplined execution and strong unit economics. As COO, he oversees operations, technology, and performance across 200+ locations and more than 200,000 weekly lessons. His background includes leadership roles with Franworth, TITLE Boxing Club, and Belfor Franchise Group.   Gary Liskovich, an engineering graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, previously worked at Deloitte and Evolution IQ, where he built AI-driven solutions. He co-founded Harmonize to help franchise systems unlock unstructured data, reduce administrative burden, and enable more effective, human-centered decision-making.   Click below to listen and subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you enjoy your favorite shows.   Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!: Website: FranchiseU! [https://business.louisville.edu/learnmore/franchiseu/] Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast [https://www.instagram.com/franchiseu_podcast/] Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568459969743] Twitter: @franchiseupod [https://x.com/FranchiseUPod] TikTok: @franchiseupod [https://x.com/FranchiseUPod]   Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-gosser-ph-d-aa971510/] via LinkedIn.   This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence [https://business.louisville.edu/about/learning-at-cob/yumcgfe/] at the University of Louisville College of Business [https://business.louisville.edu/].

Why a Chief Medical Officer Bet on Paris Baguette AND Louisville

In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser sits down with Dr. Arif Nazir [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arif-nazir-690ab541/], a nationally recognized geriatrician and physician executive, as he prepares to open Louisville’s first Paris Baguette [https://ownaparisbaguette.com/]. His career has focused on improving quality of life for older adults through person-centered care models that strengthen teams, reduce hospitalizations, and preserve dignity and independence.   Dr. Nazir shares why franchising provided the structure and support he needed to expand his impact beyond healthcare, and how his experience in geriatrics (centered on trust, listening, and community) translates directly into hospitality and business leadership.   The conversation explores:   * Why franchising (not independent ownership) was the right path  * How customer trust applies across healthcare and food service  * What drew him to the Paris Baguette concept and global brand  * How he evaluated Louisville’s market demand through direct community input  * The operational and emotional realities of launching a new venture  * His approach to building a people-first culture for employees and customers    Believing innovation happens at the intersection of disciplines, Dr. Nazir is applying his healthcare lens to create more than a bakery. His vision is a culturally vibrant gathering space where exceptional food, human connection, and meaningful employment create lasting value for the community.   With plans for multiple locations, this episode offers a detailed look at the mindset, preparation, and purpose behind a transition into franchise ownership.   Click below to listen and subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you enjoy your favorite shows.   Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!: Website: FranchiseU! [https://business.louisville.edu/learnmore/franchiseu/] Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast [https://www.instagram.com/franchiseu_podcast/] Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568459969743] Twitter: @franchiseupod [https://x.com/FranchiseUPod] TikTok: @franchiseupod [https://x.com/FranchiseUPod]   Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-gosser-ph-d-aa971510/] via LinkedIn.   This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence [https://business.louisville.edu/about/learning-at-cob/yumcgfe/] at the University of Louisville College of Business [https://business.louisville.edu/].