Episodios

  • S1Ep229 Redefining Success Through Return on Life with Randy Dyck

    S1Ep229 Redefining Success Through Return on Life with Randy Dyck
    May 1 2025
    Business owners are often told that growth is the ultimate measure of success. Revenue, units sold, hours worked—these metrics dominate boardrooms, coaching programs, and strategy sessions. But what happens when all that growth still leaves you feeling burned out, disconnected, and unfulfilled? What if the real target wasn’t just a return on investment, but a return on life? Randy Dyck, a real estate veteran with more than 7,000 homes sold over the course of 30 years, knows that question all too well. After reaching the pinnacle of professional success, he found himself asking what it all really meant. The numbers were there. The accolades were there. But something was missing. That realization became a turning point, reshaping his entire outlook on business, leadership, and personal fulfillment. Return on life isn’t a rejection of financial success—it’s an expansion of it. It’s a mindset shift that challenges entrepreneurs to pursue not just profit, but purpose. To build businesses that serve their lives, not consume them. For Randy, this means aligning his coaching and leadership around fulfillment, energy, and authenticity. Through his Scientific Scaling Systems, he now helps real estate professionals grow their businesses without sacrificing the things that matter most—time, relationships, health, and meaning. Throughout the conversation, it becomes clear that this shift isn’t just philosophical—it’s strategic. Entrepreneurs often believe they need to choose between success and satisfaction. But Randy argues that when you prioritize alignment, everything improves: clarity, performance, and yes—profit. When you operate in your zone of genius, when your goals are rooted in your deeper why, business growth becomes not just sustainable, but enjoyable. That shift starts with awareness. Randy shares how a personal exercise—what he calls an “energy audit”—can reveal where your time and effort are truly going. By tracking which tasks drain energy and which fuel it, entrepreneurs can begin to design their day, team, and business structure around what gives them life. From there, it becomes easier to delegate, automate, or eliminate the rest. This idea of self-alignment also ties into how Randy views leadership. It’s not about declaring authority; it’s about modeling curiosity, growth, and service. His leadership equation—learner, leverage, legacy—flips the typical script. The goal isn’t just to scale a company, but to elevate others along the way. When leaders focus on being lifelong learners, sharing what they’ve learned, and helping others create their own legacy, they create businesses that thrive with purpose. In a time where burnout is rampant and “busy” is worn like a badge of honor, return on life offers an alternative—a model where success includes health, family, freedom, and fulfillment. Entrepreneurs don’t have to sacrifice everything to grow. They simply need to redefine what growth means. If you're tired of chasing metrics that don’t deliver meaning, if you’re ready to design a business that energizes rather than drains you, Randy’s perspective will resonate. Success is more than just scale—it’s significance. And when you start building for both, the return on life is exponential. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes of Fordify LIVE! every Wednesday at 11 AM Central, streaming on your favorite social platforms. Catch new episodes of The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Randy Dyck Randy Dyck is the CEO and Founder of Scientific Scaling Systems, a coaching program designed to help real estate professionals grow their businesses with purpose and clarity. With over 30 years of experience and more than 7,000 homes sold, he brings unmatched expertise in sales performance and business leadership. Today, he focuses on helping entrepreneurs shift from chasing return on investment to creating a return on life—building success that’s not just profitable, but personally fulfilling. Learn more at RandyDyck.com. About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator who has helped generate over a billion dollars in sales for companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500s. As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., he focuses on customer acquisition, brand visibility, and innovation. With over 20 years of experience, Ford has founded more than ten companies, authored five books, and holds three U.S. patents. His expertise also extends into AI-driven content strategy, showcased at the Unleash AI for Business Summit. Learn more at ProfitRichResults.com and watch his TV show at Fordify.tv.
    Más Menos
    27 m
  • S1Ep228 The Power of Entrepreneurship and Longevity with Blair LaCorte

    S1Ep228 The Power of Entrepreneurship and Longevity with Blair LaCorte
    Apr 24 2025
    Entrepreneurship and Longevity aren’t often discussed in the same sentence, but that’s exactly where the future of high-performance leadership is headed. In a time when business moves faster than ever and disruption is the norm, those who sustain success aren’t just building companies—they’re building resilience from the inside out. Blair LaCorte, Managing Director of LaCorte Ventures, brings a rare perspective on what it takes to lead over the long term. His career spans executive roles across aerospace, artificial intelligence, tech, entertainment, defense, and private equity. From startup growth to IPOs and complex mergers, LaCorte has not only built companies—he’s rebuilt them, restructured them, and prepared them for sustainable scalability. It’s this unique lens that positions him as a standout voice in the intersection of entrepreneurship and longevity. LaCorte’s approach to leadership is rooted in operational excellence, but it’s also deeply informed by neuroscience, systems thinking, and human performance. He doesn’t just advise organizations—he helps rewire how leaders think about health, decision-making, and the environments they operate in. The topic of longevity often focuses on lifespan. LaCorte challenges that by shifting the conversation to healthspan—how long a leader can operate at their peak, not just how long they live. For entrepreneurs, executives, and founders constantly managing pressure, stress, and uncertainty, this distinction is critical. Peak performance isn’t about grinding harder. It’s about creating a foundation that allows for clarity, recovery, and sustainability. Throughout his career, LaCorte has worked with over 100 companies as an investor, board member, and adviser. His experience includes leading major transformations and pioneering innovation in fields that rarely cross paths—an advantage he attributes to his curiosity and pattern recognition across industries. From co-founding mastermind networks to helping companies navigate explosive growth, his perspective on entrepreneurship and longevity is not theoretical—it’s hard-earned. What sets LaCorte apart is his commitment to systems-level thinking. He views business as a sport—one that demands preparation, precision, and performance, but also recovery, connection, and alignment. His emphasis on building value-based teams, fostering deep connections, and operating with authenticity isn’t just cultural advice—it’s a competitive edge. This mindset extends into how LaCorte advises leaders to manage themselves. It’s not just about productivity hacks or strategic frameworks. It’s about building internal infrastructure—mental, emotional, and physical—that allows leaders to make better decisions, manage complexity, and stay adaptable over time. Entrepreneurship and longevity, in his view, are inextricably linked. Without personal optimization, professional growth eventually hits a ceiling. LaCorte’s leadership philosophy also underscores the power of community. He’s a firm believer in the role of masterminds, not just as a tool for knowledge exchange, but as a critical piece of human connection. In an age of information overload, it’s not about accessing more data—it’s about curating the right voices, having trusted peers who challenge your assumptions, and staying accountable to continuous growth. His work in launching the Pinnacle Performers Elite Mastermind reflects this belief. By bringing together leaders from diverse industries, LaCorte facilitates a space where pattern recognition, vulnerability, and innovation intersect. These environments are engineered for growth—not just in revenue, but in mindset and mission. The conversation around entrepreneurship and longevity is only becoming more urgent. As business leaders face rising demands and ever-faster innovation cycles, the ones who thrive will be those who build with endurance in mind. It’s no longer enough to scale fast. It’s about scaling with intention, clarity, and care—for your business, your people, and yourself. Blair LaCorte is part of a new wave of business thinkers who recognize that long-term impact doesn’t come from burnout. It comes from balance, recovery, and relentless alignment to purpose. He’s lived it, led it, and continues to guide others to do the same. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes that feature powerful conversations and actionable insights from today’s top business minds. Join Fordify LIVE! Every Wednesday at 11AM Central on your favorite social platforms and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Blair LaCorte Blair LaCorte is a transformational leader, entrepreneur, and strategic advisor with a career that spans executive roles across aerospace, AI, tech, defense, entertainment, and private equity. As the Managing Director of LaCorte Ventures, he brings decades of ...
    Más Menos
    49 m
  • S1Ep227 Transforming Culture Through Caregiving in the Workplace with Sue Ryan

    S1Ep227 Transforming Culture Through Caregiving in the Workplace with Sue Ryan
    Apr 17 2025
    Caregiving in the workplace is a conversation too few leaders are having—and it’s costing businesses more than they realize. Hidden behind turnover rates, disengaged employees, rising healthcare costs, and inconsistent performance is a workforce silently struggling to manage dual roles. Employees at every level, from entry-level staff to the C-suite, are balancing the demands of their careers while caring for aging parents, children with special needs, or loved ones facing health challenges. Yet most organizations aren’t equipped to support them, and many employees never speak up. Sue Ryan, Chief Inspirationalist and a strategist for workplace caregiving solutions, brings this challenge into sharp focus. Drawing from over 30 years of personal caregiving experience and professional leadership, Sue shines a light on what she calls the workforce blind spot—an exponentially growing crisis that's costing U.S. businesses an estimated $33 billion annually in lost productivity and turnover. The issue isn’t just personal—it’s systemic. And it’s avoidable. As the U.S. population ages rapidly, with those over 65 set to outnumber those under 18 by 2030, the pressure on working caregivers is increasing fast. The fastest-growing demographic in the country is now adults over 85. This demographic shift is creating ripple effects in every industry, affecting employee well-being, engagement, and long-term retention. Leaders who ignore this trend risk falling behind—not just in compassion, but in performance. Supporting caregiving in the workplace doesn’t mean overhauling business models or adding burdensome policies. In fact, many solutions already exist within organizations; they just haven’t been adapted to meet this need. Sue breaks down how simple shifts in culture—starting with top-level leadership—can make a meaningful difference. It begins with normalizing the conversation. When employees feel safe acknowledging their caregiving responsibilities, it opens the door to flexibility, planning, and improved collaboration. Business leaders often assume caregiving is an HR issue. That’s a costly mistake. When the executive team leads with clarity and openness, human resources can activate systems, provide training for managers, and integrate caregiving into team planning and scheduling. But without visible, top-down acknowledgment, the conversation stalls before it ever starts. Employees who can’t speak up often leave, taking their skills and institutional knowledge with them. Sue also draws attention to what she calls the “sandwich generation”—employees, often in their 40s or 50s, who are supporting both aging parents and dependent children while maintaining full-time roles. These team members bring valuable experience and insight to their companies, but their capacity is being stretched thin. Ignoring their reality leads to burnout, disengagement, and missed opportunity. Normalizing caregiving in the workplace can be as straightforward as updating onboarding conversations, creating safe spaces for disclosure, and encouraging leadership to model openness. Organizations like Deloitte, Starbucks, and Amazon are already seeing measurable results from acknowledging and addressing this reality—improvements in productivity, employee satisfaction, and retention. The shift doesn’t require large financial investments—it requires intention. Companies already have many of the operational, legal, and financial structures in place to support this evolution. The missing piece is leadership. When executives set the tone, the culture follows. It becomes easier for teams to adapt, cross-train, and collaborate in ways that support both business goals and employee well-being. This is more than a human resources initiative—it’s a business growth strategy. Addressing caregiving in the workplace is about keeping your best people, increasing engagement, and reducing the hidden costs of turnover. With the right awareness and tools, organizations can create environments where employees bring their full selves to work—without hiding a critical part of their lives. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes of Fordify LIVE! every Wednesday at 11 AM Central, streaming on your favorite social platforms. Catch new episodes of The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Sue Ryan Sue Ryan is a speaker, strategist, and Chief Inspirationalist dedicated to transforming how organizations support family caregivers in the workplace. With over 30 years of experience navigating her own caregiving journeys while maintaining a professional career, she equips business leaders with the tools and insights to turn caregiving from a hidden liability into a competitive advantage. Sue helps organizations reduce turnover, improve engagement, and build cultures of empathy and performance. Learn more at SueRyan.Solutions. About Ford Saeks Ford ...
    Más Menos
    26 m
  • S1Ep226 Mastering Scalable Franchise Operations with Ryan Farris

    S1Ep226 Mastering Scalable Franchise Operations with Ryan Farris
    Apr 10 2025
    Scaling a franchise network is often seen as the ultimate benchmark of success—but what happens when growth outpaces execution? For franchisors and franchisees alike, the challenge isn’t just growth, it’s sustaining scalable franchise operations that drive consistent results across locations, regions, and countries. When systems falter and support lags behind expansion, the cracks begin to show—profitability dips, brand reputation takes a hit, and momentum slows. Ford Saeks sits down with Ryan Farris, President, COO, and Region EVP at Fortidia, who brings firsthand insight into the infrastructure, culture, and leadership required to build franchise systems that scale without sacrificing quality or performance. With experience overseeing more than 3,000 franchise locations across 50+ countries, Ryan’s perspective is rooted in operational depth and a results-driven mindset. Execution—not ambition—is often the defining factor in whether a franchise system thrives or stalls. While organizations frequently rally around lofty mission statements, Ryan Farris points to the everyday actions that shape a brand’s culture and determine its trajectory. Systems, coaching, and accountability—not slogans—are what sustain performance. Ford Saeks and Farris highlight how many franchise brands falter when growth outpaces their ability to implement and support consistent operational standards. Without a strong foundation, scale becomes a liability rather than a strength. Central to this discussion is what Ryan refers to as the Wheel of Excellence—a framework used to assess and support franchisees across four key pillars: marketing, sales, operations, and finance. This approach allows franchisors to diagnose strengths and weaknesses quickly, offering tailored guidance based on the needs of each owner. Ford expands on the importance of knowing where franchisees excel, where they need support, and how accountability paired with coaching can unlock system-wide success. Scalable franchise operations are not achieved through one-size-fits-all strategies. The episode highlights the differences between owner-operators, owner-managers, and owner-CEOs, and how each stage requires a different level of systemization, delegation, and leadership. Ryan shares why the most successful franchisees are those who can clearly identify their strengths and hire to support their weaknesses—whether in marketing, finance, or day-to-day operations. The idea that franchisees should navigate growth entirely on their own often leads to breakdowns in performance and consistency. Scalable franchise operations require more than a solid business model—they demand clear guidance, structured support, and continuous feedback. Growth without attention to unit-level economics can lead to fragile systems, where expansion masks underlying issues. Sustainable success comes from franchise systems that perform at the unit level, backed by infrastructure designed to reinforce execution at every stage. Technology, particularly AI, emerges as a powerful enabler throughout the episode. Ryan shares how AI is being implemented across Fortidia’s portfolio of brands—from analyzing customer calls to improving lead response times and simplifying franchisee support. Rather than replacing the human element, these tools are used to create clarity, enhance training, and ensure that service quality remains high even as the network grows. There’s a clear call for leaders to pause and examine whether their current systems truly support long-term growth. Are franchisees following the playbook? Are they receiving actionable insights that drive improvement? And most importantly—are the fundamentals being executed consistently at scale? Mastering scalable franchise operations isn’t just about systems or strategy—it’s about alignment. Between franchisors and franchisees. Between vision and execution. Between growth and performance. With Ryan Farris bringing grounded insights and Ford Saeks guiding the conversation with experience and clarity, this episode offers a high-value perspective for anyone responsible for leading or scaling a franchise brand. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes of Fordify LIVE! every Wednesday at 11 AM Central, streaming on your favorite social platforms. Catch new episodes of The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Ryan Farris Ryan Farris is the President, COO, and Region EVP at Fortidia, where he leads operational strategy and brand growth across a portfolio of global franchise systems. With experience overseeing more than 3,000 franchise locations in over 50 countries, he brings deep expertise in scalable franchise operations, leadership development, and system-wide performance. Known for implementing frameworks like the Wheel of Excellence, he focuses on driving accountability, strengthening unit-level economics, and leveraging ...
    Más Menos
    47 m
  • S1Ep225 Conflict Resolution for Leaders with Natalia Trodhal

    S1Ep225 Conflict Resolution for Leaders with Natalia Trodhal
    Apr 3 2025
    Conflict is an unavoidable part of leadership. Whether managing a team, navigating workplace dynamics, or handling high-stakes negotiations, leaders constantly face moments of tension. How they respond in these situations determines not only their effectiveness but also the success of their teams and organizations. Without the right approach, unresolved conflicts can damage morale, decrease productivity, and create a toxic work environment. Conflict resolution for leaders isn’t about eliminating disagreements—it’s about transforming tension into productive conversations and stronger relationships. Too often, leaders view conflict as a problem to avoid rather than an opportunity to foster collaboration and innovation. Natalia Trodhal, a Conflict Converter™ and Leadership Impact Strategist, has built her career on helping leaders reframe conflict and use it as a tool for growth. With a background in law enforcement and social services, Trodhal understands high-pressure environments where conflicts escalate quickly. Early in her career, she relied on traditional de-escalation tactics, only to realize that real transformation starts with self-regulation. Leaders who struggle with conflict often focus on controlling others rather than managing their own reactions. Trodhal’s approach flips that mindset, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a structured framework for handling workplace tension. At the core of her conflict resolution strategy is a three-step framework: Evaluate, De-escalate, and Navigate. Leaders who master these steps gain the ability to assess their own emotional responses, take control of their reactions, and guide conversations toward positive outcomes. Instead of reacting impulsively, they develop the skills to pause, assess the situation, and approach conflicts with clarity and composure. One of the biggest challenges in conflict resolution for leaders is navigating difficult conversations without triggering defensiveness. A poorly handled confrontation can escalate tensions, leading to disengagement or even turnover. Trodhal emphasizes that leaders must shift their approach from blame and control to curiosity and collaboration. Asking better questions, acknowledging different perspectives, and setting clear expectations can turn what feels like a standoff into a breakthrough moment for teams. Unresolved conflict is one of the most damaging forces in any organization. It creates resentment, stifles innovation, and erodes trust. Leaders who avoid addressing problems directly often find themselves dealing with bigger issues down the road. By approaching conflict with confidence and a proven strategy, they foster a culture where team members feel heard, respected, and motivated to contribute. The future of leadership will be defined by those who can navigate workplace challenges with confidence, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to engage in tough conversations. As workplaces evolve, remote teams grow, and AI shifts how businesses operate, human connection and strong leadership skills will remain irreplaceable. The ability to turn workplace tension into collaboration will set great leaders apart from the rest. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes of Fordify LIVE! every Wednesday at 11 AM Central, streaming on your favorite social platforms. Catch new episodes of The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Natalia Trodhal Nat is a speaker, consultant, and IT professional who draws from her personal journey and years of professional expertise to help individuals and organizations master their emotional responses, leading to stronger teams and better outcomes. Born to immigrant parents and having faced the uncertainty of life as an undocumented resident, Nat brings a unique perspective to her work. She offers consulting services that help clients overcome obstacles, set meaningful goals, and create fulfilling lives both personally and professionally. As a speaker, Nat delves into the heart of resilience, providing insights, strategies, and inspiration to conquer obstacles and emerge stronger. Find out more about Natalia at NatTrodhal.com. About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator who has helped companies—from startups to Fortune 500s—generate over a billion dollars in sales. As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., he specializes in customer acquisition, brand expansion, and innovation. A serial entrepreneur, Ford has founded over ten companies, authored five books, and been awarded three U.S. patents. His expertise also includes AI-driven content strategy, which he showcased at the Unleash AI for Business Summit. Learn more at ProfitRichResults.com and watch his TV show at Fordify.tv.
    Más Menos
    26 m
  • S1Ep224 Dual-Branded Franchise Strategy with Dine Brands' Scott Gladstone

    S1Ep224 Dual-Branded Franchise Strategy with Dine Brands' Scott Gladstone
    Mar 27 2025
    Restaurant franchising has always been a game of margins, efficiency, and maximizing customer demand. But with rising real estate costs, shifting consumer expectations, and an increasingly competitive market, franchise operators face a critical challenge—how to drive profitability while delivering an exceptional dining experience. For decades, the industry has relied on single-brand locations, but a bold strategy is reshaping the landscape. The dual-branded franchise model is emerging as a game-changer, providing operators with a smarter way to scale, optimize resources, and attract a broader customer base. Dine Brands, the powerhouse behind Applebee’s, IHOP, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, is leading the charge with this innovative approach. By bringing two well-known restaurant brands under one roof, they are redefining operational efficiency and customer convenience while creating new opportunities for franchisees. Scott Gladstone, Chief Development Officer & President of International at Dine Brands, is at the helm of this expansion, guiding franchisees through the advantages and unique considerations of adopting this model. The concept of a dual-branded franchise is simple yet highly strategic. Instead of building two separate locations, franchisees can operate both Applebee’s and IHOP within a shared space. Customers experience the best of both brands while back-of-house operations remain streamlined, maximizing labor efficiency, inventory management, and overall cost savings. The approach also allows for more flexibility in site selection, making it possible to enter markets where a standalone restaurant may not have been viable. For franchise owners, this model presents a compelling opportunity to diversify revenue streams without doubling overhead expenses. By aligning two brands with distinct peak dining times—IHOP’s strong morning traffic and Applebee’s thriving lunch and dinner business—franchisees can generate a steady flow of customers throughout the day. This strategic alignment addresses a common issue in the industry, where restaurants often struggle with downtime during off-peak hours. Instead of letting valuable square footage sit idle, operators can optimize their footprint and drive profitability across multiple dayparts. While the dual-branded franchise strategy offers significant financial advantages, it also comes with unique challenges that require thoughtful execution. Maintaining brand integrity within a shared space means ensuring a seamless customer experience, from signage and restaurant layout to menu offerings and service expectations. Each brand has its own identity, and successfully merging them under one roof requires careful design and operational planning. Gladstone and his team at Dine Brands have worked through these complexities, creating a system that balances efficiency with a clear distinction between the two dining experiences. The early success of dual-branded locations has sparked interest from both new and existing franchisees. Some operators are exploring conversions of their current restaurants to adopt the model, while others see it as an opportunity to enter new markets with a stronger competitive edge. Whether through new development or retrofitting existing locations, the flexibility of the dual-branded approach allows franchisees to make strategic investments tailored to their market conditions. As the restaurant industry evolves, the ability to adapt and capitalize on new growth strategies will separate thriving brands from those struggling to keep pace. The dual-branded franchise model is proving to be a forward-thinking approach that benefits both franchisees and consumers alike. By leveraging shared infrastructure, reducing operational costs, and offering guests greater variety, this strategy is paving the way for the future of franchising. For those exploring franchise opportunities or looking for ways to strengthen their current operations, understanding the dual-branded franchise strategy is essential. The shift toward multi-brand concepts is more than just a trend—it’s a smart business move that aligns with the realities of today’s market. As industry leaders continue to refine and expand this approach, it will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the next phase of restaurant growth. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes of Fordify LIVE! every Wednesday at 11 AM Central, streaming on your favorite social platforms. Catch new episodes of The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Scott Gladstone Scott Gladstone is the Chief Development Officer at Dine Brands Global, leading franchise development and strategic expansion across Applebee’s, IHOP, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. He also serves as International President, overseeing the company’s global portfolio. Since joining Dine Brands in 2016, he has played a key role in brand growth, ...
    Más Menos
    27 m
  • S1Ep223 Crack the Code to Franchise Success with Entrepreneur Guy Coffey

    S1Ep223 Crack the Code to Franchise Success with Entrepreneur Guy Coffey
    Mar 20 2025
    Building a successful business is no small feat, and in the world of franchising, the stakes are even higher. Entrepreneurs who enter the franchise space—whether as franchisees or franchisors—often find themselves navigating complex systems, balancing operational challenges, and working to stand out in a competitive market. For those looking to grow, the right leadership mindset and strategic approach can make all the difference between success and struggle. Few people understand franchise leadership better than Guy Coffey. With over 17 years of experience, he has built, scaled, and sold multiple businesses in the franchising space. As one of the first 100 Anytime Fitness franchisees, he expanded across six territories, mastering the fundamentals of business growth, operational efficiency, and brand development. Later, he co-founded and scaled Frenchie’s Modern Nail Care, which he and his wife, Stephanie, successfully exited after selling the franchise system to private equity. Now, Guy is using his experience to advise emerging franchisors and franchisees, helping them break through common obstacles and accelerate their success. The path from franchisee to franchisor brings unique challenges. Many aspiring business owners underestimate what it takes to scale, often focusing on growth without establishing the right foundation. From structuring franchise agreements to developing support systems for operators, leading a franchise brand requires more than just a great concept—it demands vision, adaptability, and a commitment to operational excellence. Guy’s journey highlights the importance of strategic planning and building sustainable systems that empower franchisees while ensuring brand consistency. One of the most overlooked aspects of franchise leadership is the ability to develop strong relationships. A franchise system is only as strong as the people within it, and long-term success depends on fostering collaboration between franchisees and the corporate team. Guy’s background in both roles gives him a unique perspective on the communication, support, and accountability necessary for a thriving franchise network. Too often, struggling franchisees isolate themselves instead of leveraging the experience of others who have found success within the same system. Guy emphasizes the importance of staying engaged, being coachable, and focusing on execution rather than excuses. Franchising is not just about following a system—it’s about actively participating in its evolution. The most successful franchisees don’t simply rely on brand recognition; they take ownership of their local marketing efforts, build strong community connections, and find ways to differentiate themselves in their markets. Guy has seen firsthand how those who embrace this mindset achieve far greater success than those who expect the franchisor to do all the heavy lifting. Business owners who take initiative, engage with their teams, and continually refine their processes position themselves for long-term growth. Beyond franchising, Guy’s entrepreneurial mindset has led him to new ventures, including his latest business in the construction services industry. His experience demonstrates that the principles of franchise leadership—systems thinking, strategic execution, and a focus on relationships—apply across industries. Whether scaling a franchise or launching an independent business, the fundamentals remain the same: establish a strong foundation, build the right team, and stay adaptable in an ever-changing market. Franchise leadership is about more than just running a business—it’s about fostering a growth mindset, building a network of support, and continuously improving. Entrepreneurs who embrace these principles set themselves apart in the competitive world of franchising and position their businesses for sustainable success. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes of Fordify LIVE! every Wednesday at 11 AM Central, streaming on your favorite social platforms. Catch new episodes of The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Guy Coffey Guy Coffey is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 17 years of experience in franchise leadership. As one of the first 100 Anytime Fitness franchisees, he expanded across six territories before co-founding and scaling Frenchie's Modern Nail Care, which was successfully sold to private equity. Currently, Guy advises emerging franchisors and franchisees, helping them overcome growth challenges and build successful businesses. For more information, visit his website at GuyCoffey.com.​ About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator who has helped companies—from startups to Fortune 500s—generate over a billion dollars in sales. As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., he specializes in customer acquisition, brand expansion, and innovation. A serial entrepreneur, Ford has ...
    Más Menos
    52 m
  • S1Ep222 Creating a Winning Company Culture with FASTSIGNS Franchisee Todd Helfer

    S1Ep222 Creating a Winning Company Culture with FASTSIGNS Franchisee Todd Helfer
    Mar 13 2025
    Company culture is often the silent force behind a business’s success or failure. It attracts top talent, retains employees, and ultimately shapes the customer experience. For many business owners, the challenge lies in creating a culture that fosters growth while maintaining high performance and accountability. Todd Helfer, President of FASTSIGNS Jacksonville, has achieved this at an elite level, leading his location to become the #3 FASTSIGNS franchise out of 750 locations worldwide. Helfer’s journey in the signage industry started early. After leaving college as a freshman, he immersed himself in business, learning the industry from the ground up. In 2017, he took ownership of his own FASTSIGNS location and has since scaled it into one of the most successful franchises in the system. His approach to growth isn’t just about sales and operations—it’s about building a workplace where employees thrive and customers receive exceptional experience. At the core of Helfer’s success is a carefully built company culture that drives performance and growth. He believes that culture outweighs talent when it comes to hiring and retaining employees. No matter how skilled someone may be, if they don’t align with the company’s values, they won’t be a good fit. This mindset has led to a deliberate hiring process that prioritizes cultural alignment and work ethic over experience alone. A strong company culture thrives on accountability. Helfer has created an environment where expectations are clear, and performance is measured not just by results but by engagement and contribution to the team. He emphasizes the importance of setting employees up for success by providing them with the right tools, training, and leadership. When challenges arise, he looks inward first, asking what could be improved within leadership before placing blame elsewhere. Exceptional customer service is a direct reflection of a company’s culture. Helfer understands that in a competitive industry like signage, businesses must differentiate themselves through the experience they provide. His philosophy revolves around over-communication—ensuring clients are informed at every stage of the process to eliminate uncertainty and build trust. From the moment a project begins to the final installation, his team is trained to create “moments of wow” for customers, reinforcing the reputation FASTSIGNS Jacksonville has built over the years. Scaling a business while maintaining strong cultural values is no easy feat. As FASTSIGNS Jacksonville has grown, Helfer has adapted his leadership style, moving from being involved in every decision to empowering a team that can execute at a high level. The transition hasn’t always been smooth, and he acknowledges that mistakes along the way have been some of his greatest learning experiences. One of the biggest lessons came from hiring a sales manager too early in the company’s growth. While it seemed like the right move at the time, Helfer realized that sales was a function he needed to oversee personally to maintain the high standards that had driven their success. For franchisees, entrepreneurs, and business leaders alike, the foundation of a thriving business isn’t just in the systems or products—it’s in the people who bring it to life. Company culture determines whether employees show up just to collect a paycheck or whether they take ownership of their roles, push for excellence, and contribute to long-term growth. Helfer’s approach demonstrates that when culture is built intentionally, it can become a company’s greatest competitive advantage. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Fordify LIVE! airs every Wednesday at 11 AM Central on your favorite social platforms. Catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for insights from top industry leaders and business growth experts. About Todd Helfer Todd Helfer is President of FASTSIGNS Jacksonville, the third-largest franchise out of more than 750 FASTSIGNS locations worldwide. With a lifelong career in the signage industry, Todd began his entrepreneurial journey after leaving college as a freshman. Guided by a commitment to leadership, team-building, and exceptional customer service, he transformed his franchise into one of the most successful in the FASTSIGNS network. Todd’s philosophy is rooted in fostering a strong company culture where accountability, clear communication, and employee engagement drive sustained growth. His hands-on approach and dedication to excellence have earned him recognition as an industry leader, making him a sought-after voice on topics of franchising, business scaling, and company culture. Outside of work, Todd enjoys spending quality time with his family, coaching and attending his son’s sports practices, and engaging in his favorite pastimes—basketball, golf, boating, and supporting the Jacksonville Jaguars. Learn more about FASTSIGNS. About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth...
    Más Menos
    32 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro768_stickypopup