Meet the Franchisee
Meet the Franchisee
1851 Franchise | Everything Franchising Resource
Welcome to Meet the Franchisee, the podcast dedicated to sharing real-life franchisee stories and the invaluable lessons they've learned. Hosted by Nick Powills of 1851 Franchise, each episode is a direct conversation with small business owners who have found franchise success. Go beyond the headlines to get honest, practical advice from business owners on their journey—from initial investment to daily operations. These candid success stories are your guide to the realities of entrepreneurship and offer the inspiration you need to build your own business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a current franchisee, tune in to hear from the people who have been there.Get equipped for your journey! Discover how to buy or grow a franchise with Growth Club!
From McDonalds Operations Management To Right At Home Owner with Jobin Mathai
Before taking the leap into business ownership, Jobin Mathai spent over two decades mastering the fast-paced world of franchise restaurant management. He dedicated 23 years to climbing the ranks at McDonald's, starting as an entry-level crew member and working his way up to Director of Operations before serving as the Director of Operations, Training, and Development for Smoothie King. No stranger to franchising, Mathai evaluated several businesses when he decided to build a business himself. Choosing a Right at Home franchise felt like a "no-brainer". The financial evaluation, franchisee support, and reputation of the brand made the decision easy. Mathai successfully launched two South Dallas territories. He immediately scaled the business by hiring a dedicated office staff from day one, allowing him to work on the business rather than in it, rapidly driving local community engagement and building a sustainable framework for long-term growth. If you are an executive or sophisticated investor looking to diversify your portfolio with high-yield franchise investments, this interview provides the ultimate proof of proof-of-concept execution with Right at Home! Learn more about franchising with Right at Home: https://1851franchise.com/rightathome/texas-jobin-mathai-franchise-owner-2732538
Jun 30
33 min
Why This San Antonio Family Chose To Buy An Escapology Franchise
The market is shifting, and consumers are increasingly interested in active, social experiences that can't be replicated in the digital space. From teens to corporate executives and young professionals, escape rooms have been a go-to in the entertainment sector for everyone, but that market is splintered. As the leading escape room franchise, Escapology is uniquely positioned to soak up the market share left behind by independent operators who lack the resources to keep up as the market shifts. In this episode, Thomas and Whitney Hughes join 1851 Franchise publisher Nick Powills to share their unique journey from skydiving teachers to the owners of the San Antonio location, which recently entered the top 3 grossing franchise venues in the country. They share the exact framework they used to scale their business within the first six months, moving from hands-on daily management to true semi-absentee ownership. Whether you are a corporate executive looking for an exit strategy or an investor seeking wealth preservation through multi-unit operations, this interview provides a realistic, data-driven look at what it takes to successfully launch and scale an entertainment franchise.Deep Dive on Escapology (Cost, Fees, Return on Investment details, etc)
Jun 8
31 min
From Physical Therapist to Multi-Unit Home Care Business Owner With Right At Home
Learn more about franchising with Right at Home: https://1851franchise.com/rightathome After balancing the high-touch world of physical therapy with the transition to being a stay-at-home mother, Stephanie Humphries reached a crossroads where she desired a professional reentry on her own terms. Seeking a path that merged her clinical expertise with business autonomy, Humphries found Right at Home, a powerhouse in the in-home care sector with over 780 units globally. Since her start in 2017, Humphries has evolved from a single-unit operator into a multi-unit leader, expanding her footprint across Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, and Des Moines. Humphries continues to look for growth opportunities while strengthening the offices she already owns. Her approach remains rooted in the same lesson that shaped her as an employee: strong businesses are built by people who feel supported enough to stay, grow, and take ownership of the work in front of them. Interested in franchising? Join the Growth Club to find your franchise!
Jun 1
40 min
A Look Back At 30 Years At Beef 'O' Brady's: A Multi-Generational Family Owner
What does 30 years of restaurant franchising teach an entrepreneur? 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills interviews Multi-Unit Franchisee Don Bosko, to explore his incredible franchising story with Beef 'O' Brady's, the family-oriented sports pub franchise that has served local communities for four decades. Don shares the raw, unfiltered reality of moving from the corporate ladder to semi-absentee ownership, detailing the "hustle and grit" required to scale a family sports pub concept into a multi-generational legacy. We dive deep into the mechanics of multi-unit operations, the importance of community-integrated marketing, and how to maintain an owner's mindset when facing economic or personal turbulence. Whether you are looking for your first investment or seeking to optimize an existing portfolio, Don's 35-year journey offers a masterclass in professional business ownership.Interested in franchising? Join the Growth Club to find your franchise!
Apr 16
29 min
Engineer and Aviator Turned Home Care Business Owner With Right At Home
Vladimir Zarkhin, owner of Right at Home of Boston Metro West, spent years as a successful engineer in the telecom industry before he eventually reached a point where he was no longer fulfilled. Looking for a franchise in the booming in-home senior care industry, Right at Home, the over-750-unit in-home care franchise, became a clear choice for Zarkhin. After 20 years with the brand, Zarkhin joins the countless other entrepreneurs who found their passion and were able to make a real impact on their local communities while building an asset and legacy for themselves and their families. Need help finding a franchise to own? Join the Growth Club now https://bit.ly/4rgUwRV
Mar 6
19 min
Meet Dillas Quesadillas First Franchisee | Pete John
Meet Pete John, the first franchisee to ever own a Dillas Quesdillas location. When Pete John first walked into a Raising Cane's as a shift manager, he never imagined it would one day lead him to meeting Kyle and Maggie Gordon, a couple about to make history with their QSR+ concept Dillas Quesadillas. After more than a decade in restaurants and a call to former colleague Kyle Gordon, John became Dillas Primo Quesadillas' very first franchisee. John's territory covers all of Louisiana and parts of East Texas, with a development plan of 13 total stores.Interested in franchising? Join the Growth Club to find your franchise!
Feb 11
23 min
Unlock Growth: From Real Estate to Multi-Unit Ownership with Sola Salons
1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills speaks with Sola Salons franchisees Marc Barber and Wesley Staples as they share their inspiring journey from commercial real estate to multi-unit salon suite ownership. / wesley-staples-69b90226 / marc-barber-597b3812 Marc and Wesley will reveal how they leveraged their industry expertise to identify Sola Salons as a strong real estate play and scalable franchise opportunity, including:
Sep 29, 2025
29 min
Corporate Leader Turned Successful Franchisee: Donn Kramer’s 10-Year Journey With Right at Home
1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills from 1851 Franchise for an insightful conversation on Donn's decision to leave the private sector after a distinguished 40-year career to choose a new direction: entrepreneurship with Right at Home. https://www.linkedin.com/in/donn-kramer-977050113/ In just ten years, Donn has transformed his Cleveland-based Right at Home franchise into a top performer. Now, you have a unique opportunity to learn directly from his experience. Read more: https://www.rightathome.net/cleveland-southwest/about-us/our-people https://1851franchise.com/rightathome/info
Sep 2, 2025
26 min
Personal Experience to Ownership: Jennifer Selden's Right at Home Journey
Have you ever considered a career where you can make a profound impact while building a successful business? Jennifer Selden, owner of Right at Home of Wilmington, North Carolina, found her calling in the in-home care industry, sparked by her own family's caregiving needs. Now, with nearly a decade of experience as a Right at Home franchisee, she's ready to share her insights and inspire your entrepreneurial journey. / jennifer-selden-a19b30126
Aug 13, 2025
27 min
Discover the Secrets to Building a Lasting Franchise Business
Are you considering franchise ownership, especially in the growing in-home care sector? This is your chance to learn from a seasoned expert! Gregory Brewer, owner of Right at Home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, will join 1851 Franchise Publisher Nick Powills to discuss how personal experience, strong community ties, and a proven business model helped him build a thriving and impactful business.
Aug 5, 2025
31 min
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