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FranchiseU!

FranchiseU!

Written by: Dr. Kathy Gosser Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville
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FranchiseU! is your inside track to the franchise world—whether you’re a franchisee, franchisor, investor, entrepreneur, corporate exec, or just franchise-curious. Hosted by Dr. Kathy Gosser, a leading voice in franchise education, the podcast features insightful interviews with industry pros and rising stars, from franchise owners to C-suite leaders, support specialists, scholars, and students. Each episode dives into real stories, lessons learned, and strategies that shape the franchise industry. Dr. Gosser brings her expertise and energy to every conversation, unpacking key takeaways and offering personal insights that connect the dots between theory and practice. It’s part conversation, part classroom, and all about helping you understand and thrive in franchising.Copyright 2026 FranchiseU! Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Renovation Sells: Building Trust, Hospitality, and Hyper-Local Franchise Leadership with Amanda Valente

    Renovation Sells: Building Trust, Hospitality, and Hyper-Local Franchise Leadership with Amanda Valente
    Jun 30 2026
    In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser sits down with Amanda Valente, co-founder and COO of Renovation Sells, to discuss how her company is transforming the home renovation experience through a franchise model built on speed, transparency, quality, and predictability. Amanda shares her journey from legal marketing to franchise leadership and explains why Renovation Sells was founded to address many of the frustrations homeowners and real estate professionals commonly face during renovation projects. From missed deadlines and budget overruns to poor communication and uncertainty, the company was designed to provide a streamlined, white-glove renovation experience that meets the expectations of today's consumers. The conversation explores how Renovation Sells combines financing, design, and construction under one roof to simplify the renovation process for buyers, sellers, and real estate agents. Amanda discusses the company's budget-driven approach, which focuses on helping clients make smart investment decisions rather than encouraging unnecessary upgrades. She also explains how franchise owners serve as trusted advisors, helping clients maximize both home value and return on investment. Amanda and Kathy discuss the importance of building trust in an industry where communication and reliability often determine success. They examine how the company balances a proven operational playbook with the flexibility needed for franchisees to respond to the unique needs of their local markets. Amanda also shares insights into the company's thoughtful growth strategy, its commitment to empowering women leaders within the construction industry, and the importance of finding franchise owners who value relationships, service, and long-term customer success. Whether you're interested in franchising, entrepreneurship, real estate, construction, or business leadership, this episode offers valuable lessons on creating scalable systems, maintaining culture during growth, and building a brand that solves real customer problems. Key topics include:Why trust is the foundation of every renovation projectHow consumer expectations are changing the industryBuilding systems that scale without sacrificing local expertiseThe importance of culture and leadership in franchise growth 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!Instagram: @franchiseu_podcastFacebook: @FranchiseU PodcastTwitter: @franchiseupodTikTok: @franchiseupod Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser via LinkedIn. This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.
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    27 mins
  • How Franchise Education Creates Career Opportunities: The Direct Path From The Classroom To Franchise Leadership

    How Franchise Education Creates Career Opportunities: The Direct Path From The Classroom To Franchise Leadership
    Jun 16 2026
    In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser explores how franchise education can open doors to careers that many students and professionals never realize exist. Franchising supports millions of jobs, fuels entrepreneurship, creates pathways to generational wealth, and touches nearly every aspect of business; from operations and marketing to finance, legal strategy, and relationship management. Yet despite its economic impact, franchising remains largely absent from traditional business school curricula. Joining the conversation are two graduates of the University of Louisville’s franchise education programs who have built successful careers through the opportunities they discovered in the industry. Marlee Henson, a recent University of Louisville graduate and Franchise Management Certificate recipient, shares how a single class introduced her to the vast franchising ecosystem. Now working at FranNet at the intersection of franchise development and marketing, Marlee discusses how hands-on coursework, including analyzing Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), helped prepare her for a career dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs find the right path to business ownership. She also reflects on how internships, networking, and franchise education transformed her understanding of the business world. Shannon Iverson, Vice President of Franchise Growth at El Pollo Loco, brings a seasoned leadership perspective to the discussion. After beginning her career in manufacturing and global business development, Shannon transitioned into franchising, helping drive growth for brands including Marco’s Pizza and Taco John’s before joining El Pollo Loco. She discusses how earning the University of Louisville’s Graduate Certificate in Franchise Management and leveraging Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) credits accelerated her professional growth. Shannon also shares insights on franchise expansion, international development, leadership, and the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation of franchise professionals. Together, Kathy, Marlee, and Shannon discuss the value of franchise education, the diverse career opportunities available within the industry, the role of mentorship and networking, and why franchising offers one of the most overlooked pathways to professional and entrepreneurial success. Key topics include:The economic impact of franchising and its role across industriesThe University of Louisville’s franchise education programsHow franchise coursework prepares students for real-world careersCareer pathways beyond franchise ownershipReviewing and understanding Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs)The connection between franchise education, internships, and job placementTransitioning into franchising from other industriesInternational franchise expansion and development strategiesLeadership, mentorship, and professional growth in franchisingThe value of the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) programBuilding sustainable franchise growth through strategic partnerships Whether you're a student exploring career options, a professional considering a career pivot, or a franchise leader interested in developing future talent, this episode highlights the many ways franchise education can create opportunities and shape careers. 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!Instagram: @franchiseu_podcastFacebook: @FranchiseU PodcastTwitter: @franchiseupodTikTok: @franchiseupod Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser via LinkedIn. This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.
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    40 mins
  • 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
    Jun 2 2026

    On this episode of the FranchiseU! Podcast, host Dr. Kathy Gosser sits down with Alvaro Leal, Director of Business Development at 1-TOM-PLUMBER, 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!

    Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast

    Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast

    Twitter: @franchiseupod

    TikTok: @franchiseupod

    Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser via LinkedIn.

    This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.
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    30 mins
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