The 2026 Ronald E. Harrison Award winners are Omar Simmons and Raynya Simmons. They join the podcast to discuss their vision for making the franchise space bigger and more inclusive with the IFA Ascension Initiative.

Omar and Raynya share how the Ascension Initiative has grown from 17 graduates in 2024 to 45 graduates in 2025! And we’ll discuss how the program will grow over the next few years.

Next, we’ll learn from some of the most influential suppliers in Franchising: Abby Schmidt and Ben Rush of Paychex and Jonathan Hill of Morrow Hill. These subject matter experts share the latest trends in the economics of franchising and small business ownership.

Today’s podcast is sponsored by City Lifestyle.

Special Guests: Abby Schmidt, Ben Rush, Matthew Montoya, Omar Simmons, and Raynya Simmons.

Emma Dickison is the President & CEO of Home Helpers with a 30 year history in Franchising. She’s this year’s winner of the IFA Women’s Leadership Award and is the new Chair of the IFA Franchisor Forum.

Emma shares her journey to leading Home Helpers, her turning point with the Women’s Franchise Committee, and her mentors along the way. She discusses her intentionality, how the direction of her career has evolved, and her personal leadership style.

Next up, Contact Contact’s Matthew Montoya chats about the recent changes in digital marketing for both Franchisees and Franchise brands. How does a successful system currently balance brand control and local needs? And how are franchisors using AI to help the franchisees improve their local marketing results?

Today’s podcast is sponsored by City Lifestyle.

Special Guests: Emma Dickison and Matthew Montoya.

Catherine Monson, CEO of Propelled Brands and former Chair of the IFA, discusses the increased energy and the evolution at IFA2026. She also shares the latest on the status of The American Franchise Act and the Coalition to Save Local Businesses.

We’ll also chat with Franchise subject matter experts Karen Booze of AnswerConnect and Dan Bedell of Scorpion about how their teams are helping Franchisors and Franchisees with the rapidly changing realities in customer experience and franchise marketing.

Special Guests: Catherine Monson, Dan Bedell, and Karen Booze.

IFA President & CEO Matt Haller discusses the Evolution of The IFA Convention including more networking and more value for new members. he also share upcoming priorities for the Franchise community.

Next, we’ll chat with Franchise subject matter experts Ali Kraus, CMO of Benetrends, and Mark Spencer, CGO of Consumer Fusion, about how they’re helping brands with current industry issues.

Special Guests: Ali Kraus, Mark Spencer, and Matt Haller.

Host Jack Monson and guests dive advocacy issues including how changes in regulations have affected franchise owners, including the improvements in the Joint Employer situation, the effects of the One Big Beautiful Bill, and the tremendous momentum of the bi-partisan American Franchise Act.

A special THANK YOU to The International Franchise Association’s Preferred Vendors for your support this year: AnswerConnect, Benetrends, Constant Contact, Consumer Fusion, Morrow Hill, Paychex, and Scorpion.

For more information and contacts mentioned on this episode, please visit franchise.org

Special Guests: Michael Layman and Tamra Kennedy.

We’ll dive into:
• Why Veterans and Franchising are such a good fit
• What makes the Veteran community so unique
• How VetFran is helping individuals and franchise brands

To get involved, visit vetfran.org

Next up, Brynn Gibbs, CEO of Consumer Fusion, discusses the impact that AI has on your brand’s reputation management.

Reviews play a huge role in AI search results, especially for Franchise systems where the brand’s reputation and each location’s reviews can affect the entire system. Brynn shares tips on keeping your franchisees, teams, and customers knowledgeable in a rapidly changing marketing landscape.

Special Guests: Brynn Gibbs, Sean Falk, and Wendy Kunz.

Matt discusses how the changes in DC since last year’s Summit are affecting our agenda on Capitol Hill including a proposed permanent solution to Joint Employer.

We also run down the speakers at the Summit including CNN’s Scott Jennings, entrepreneurship advocate Codie Sanchez, and Senator Roger Marshall.

One of the challenges in the franchise community is complacency; let’s not let up on the momentum we’ve gained and join your peers in Washington, DC September 15 – 17!

Register now!

Today's episdoe is sponsored by ActiveCampaign.

This year’s FLDC Chair is Shawn Caric, VP of Franchise Development at Smoothie King. He joins today’s podcast with a preview of one the best annual events in the Franchise Community.

Shawn also shares:
• How candidates and franchise opportunities have changed over the past few years
• Fran Dev trends he’s watching for the rest of ’25 and early ’26
• Advice for franchisors who may need to recharge
• Tips for networking with your Franchising peers

If you haven’t yet registered for FLDC 2025, reserve your spot today and hear compelling speakers like futurist Morris Morrison and many franchise leaders.

Register now at https://www.franchisedevelopmentconference.com/

See you in October!

Today' episdoe is brought to you be Wisetail - please visit https://wisetail.com/franchise-ifa/

Special Guest: Shawn Caric.

Host Jack Monson chats with several top franchise leaders to share competitive advantages, why franchising works for their brands, and forecasts for franchising for 2025 and 2026.

Today’s guests:
Jim Holthouser, CEO, GoTo Foods
Sally Facinelli, CEO, Salty Dawg Pet Salon
Jerry Akers, Multi-Brand/Multi-Unit Owner and Founder of ZDynamix
Craig Sherwood, SVP Development, The Joint Chiropractic

Host Jack Monson chats with several prominent franchise leaders to discuss their brands, why franchising is working for so many, and projections for the remainder of the year.

You’ll hear from:
Amy Elder, Papa Johns
Nadeem Bajwa, Multi-Unit Franchise Owner
Chris Patel, Multi-Unit Franchise Owner
Jack Wilson, HomeWell Care Services
Melinda Emerson, SmallBizLady

-John Peyton, CEO of Dine Brands

Today’s Franchise Voice podcast is presented by Wisetail and features more conversations from the floor of The IFA World Franchise Show in Miami.

Host Jack Monson speaks with many of today’s top franchise leaders about their brands, why franchising is making such an impact, and what’s up next for the rest of this year.

You’ll hear from:
John Peyton, Dine Brands
Ethan Albrecht-Carrié, Lime Fresh Mexican Grill
Josh Minturn, Authority Brands
George Knauff, My Perfect Franchise
David Berg, Reef Health
Chase Dalton, Silicon Signs

IFA President & CEO Matt Haller shares an update on the state of franchising and the hottest topics for the rest of 2025.

Then we’ll chat with relatively new franchisee Clarence Howell on small business ownership and some timely info on an upcoming deadline for Franchise Asension Initiative.

Today's episode is brought to you by IFA Preffered Vendor, AnswerConnect.

Special Guests: Clarence Howell and Matt Haller.

The IFA is partnering with exciting new franchise expos this year offering franchise opportunities globally.

Today we’ll learn about The International Franchise Show London in April from show producer Simon Chicken. And we’ll chat with Matt Hallman, event manager for The World Franchise Show in Miami this May,

Today’s podcast is brought you by Vendasta and ActiveCampaign.

And learn more about these events at https://www.ifafranchiseshow.com/ and https://www.thefranchiseshow.co.uk/

Special Guest: Simon Chicken.

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Vendasta and ActiveCampaign

Special Guests: Dave Mortensen and Jon Visser.

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Vendasta and ActiveCampaign

Special Guests: Clarence Howell, David Smith, Omar Simmons, and Raynya Simmons.

Today you’ll hear from Javier Solis, CEO of Toro Taxes Franchise and winner of this year’s Ronald E Harrison Award. Javier has had an impressive journey from starting his own tax business to building a franchise system with over 250 units to being a voice for millions of business owners in the US through the IFA and the Latino Leadership Council.

Next, we’ll chat with Dawn Kane, Co-Founder and CEO of Hot Dish Advertising. Dawn is this year’s winner of the Bonnie Levine Award and shares her thoughts on where franchising has been and where we’re going in 2025!

Thanks to ActiveCampaign and Hughes.

Special Guests: Dawn Kane and Javier Solis.

Today you’ll hear from Dan Monaghan, CEO of Clear Summit Group, and winner of the William Rosenberg Leadership Award. Dan shares his view on franchising’s future and the impact of AI and other innovations on the space.

Next, we’ll chat with Richard Weissman, Co-Founder, CEO, and Chair of The Learning Experience. Richard is also this year’s IFA Entrepreneur of the Year and discusses the business climate he sees for fellow entrepreneurs in 2025.

Thanks to ActiveCampaign and Hughes.

Special Guests: Dan Monaghan and Richard Weissman.

First, host Jack Monson speaks with Nadia Carta of Google who will lead a session at the convention on AI for Franchises. Next, author and keynote speaker Nick Westergaard will preview his session about Scrappy Marketing for Franchises.

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Hughes, and Xpressdocs.

Special Guests: Nadia Carta and Nick Westergaard.

Matt also gives a preview of the 2025 IFA Convention with speakers James Clear, Danny Hughes, and incoming IFA Chair Mary Thompson.

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Hughes.

Register now for IFA 2025:
https://www.franchise.org

Read the brochure for this exciting event:
https://issuu.com/franchise411/docs/convention_brochure_2025

Michael shares ideas on what to expect at the upcoming IFA Advocacy Summit in DC September 9 – 11 including relationship-building for the future with our representatives. We’re positioning Franchising for a big 2025 including tax reforms for small businesses after the current provisions expire in the coming year.

Also on this episode, we welcome Alex Porter. Alex is the CEO of Location3, a digital partner of many multi-location brands and a member of the IFA Supplier Forum Advisory Board. He joins us live today from Google HQ with the latest on what’s next for Franchise marketers!

Thanks to Hughes for your support.

Special Guests: Alex Porter and Michael Layman.

Today we’re speaking with IFA President and CEO Matt Haller and IFA Board member / multi-unit franchise owner Rob Branca. This conversation was recorded live at the IFA’s Summer Board Meeting in Nashville with host Jack Monson.

Matt and Rob share updates on several tax and financial issues that will soon affect small business owners.

Thanks to today’s sponsor, Xpressdocs.

Special Guest: Rob Branca.

On today's podcast, we will speak with the visionary of The Franchise Ascension Initiative, Omar Simmons, IFA Board Member and Managing Director of Exaltare Capital Partners.

Simmons says, “Franchising has been at the center of my journey and can provide a unique path to financial freedom for others. Now it is time to pay it forward so that even more people can have access to the same opportunities I had."

Interested candidates can apply now at https://www.franchise.org/franchise-ascension-initiative/

Special Guest: Omar Simmons.

Nick and Omar discuss their thoughts on the award, the evolution they've seen in 20 years in franchising, and what they want to share with the next generation of business leaders.

We'll also check in with Jamie Izaks of All Points PR on AI and other takeaways from this convention!

Special Guests: Jamie Izaks, Nick Friedman, and Omar Soliman.

We’ll speak with some of the top leaders in franchising including Tamra Kennedy of Taco John’s, Dr Kathleen Gosser and her students from the University of Louisville, and Tony Valle of Clear Summit Group! We’re discussing the theme of Franchise Smarter and what each of these individuals would like to tell the world about franchising!

Our specia guests:
Tamra Kennedy is a Multi-Unit Franchisee with Taco John’s, member of the IFA Board of Directors, and this year’s winner of The Bonnie Levine Award.

Dr Kathleen Gosser leads the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville. Today she is joined by her Program Coordinator Annie Nell Wadley and four top students who share their impressive stories of launching into the franchise space!

Tony Valle is the Managing Partner of Clear Summit Group and is the winner of this year’s William Rosenberg Leadership Award.

Special Guests: Kathleen Gosser, Tamra Kennedy, and Tony Valle.

On this special edition of Franchise Voice, host Jack Monson speaks with some of the top leaders in franchising live at IFA 2024!

Catherine Monson, CEO of Propelled Brands, has just won the IFA Hall of Fame Award. Catherine shares her thoughts on the hall of famers who came before and those will lead franchising in the next generation. She also discusses this year’s theme of smart franchising, her advice for those just starting their entrepreneurial journey, and why franchising is the important means for wealth creation for all people.

Paul Pickett, CDO of Wild Bird Unlimited, is this year’s winner of the Ronald E Harrison Award recognizing Paul’s hard work in increasing diversity in franchising. He also shares his views as franchising as an important part of every local economy and community.

Plus, we have an update on Joint Employer, The NLRB, and other issues from Michael Layman, SVP of Government Relations, and Public Affairs at the IFA. Michael looks ahead to how this year’s presidential election will affect national and state public policies on which IFA is working. Learn more about the upcoming Senate vote and The IFA petition to the White House on the IFA site.

Special Guests: Catherine Monson, Michael Layman, and Paul Pickett.

For more info or to register, please visit The IFA Convention site today!

Special Guests: Emily George and Sandie Curtis.

First up: Graham Weihmiller, Chairman and CEO of BNI, the world's largest business networking organization. Graham shares thoughts on why networking is a crucial aspect of the franchising mode, how you can maximize your networking opportunities, and how to get started!

Next, Jamie Izaks, President of All Points Public Relations, joins us to discuss the current state of Franchise Lead Generation, his perspective on opportunities and threats for 2024, and his team’s plans for #IFA2024 and for The Northern Illinois Franchise Association.

Special Guests: Graham Wiehmiller and Jamie Izaks.

Matt also gives us a preview of the IFA Annual Convention Feb 17 – 20 in Phoenix and the event’s theme is Franchise Smarter
Next, Richie Huffman, CEO of Celebree School shares ideas on how a franchise system can become part of a new community.

Special Guests: Matt Haller and Richie Huffman.

Also on today’s show, a spotlight on supplier member Proposify. CEO Kyle Racki shares ideas on getting control of your sales process and trends with service brands.

First up, Matt Haller, President and CEO of the IFA, discusses why networking at this early stage of your franchise’s business is the most critical.

Next, Meg Roberts, CEO of The Lash Lounge and Emcee of the Emerging Franchisor Conference, discusses the event’s “unintimidating and intentional content.” She describes the show as the place you can approach anyone and where we lean in and help each other avoid some future mistakes.

Then, Richard Huffman, Founder and CEO of Celebree School gives advice to emerging brand leaders on the need to first build the team, culture, and processes before growing too fast.

Join us Nov 1 - 3 at the Emerging Franchisor Conference in New Orleans! Registration is open now at https://www.franchise.org/events/efc

Franchise Voice is brought to you by Celebree School https://www.celebree.com

Special Guests: Matt Haller, Meg Roberts, and Richie Huffman.

Special Guest: Matt Haller.

Please join IFA's CEO Matthew Haller; Michael Layman, IFA SVP of Government Relations and Public Affairs; and Sarah Faye Pierce, Head of Government Relations at Paychex.

Join us September 11 - 13 in DC! Register today at https://www.franchise.org/events/2023-ifa-advocacy-summit

Thanks to the team at Benetrends Financial for your ongoing support of Franchising!

Special Guest: Matt Haller.

Special Guest: Richie Huffman.

Special Guest: Vera Shafiq.

Catherine shares how she’s preparing her brands, teams, franchisees, and friends for future health-related crises as well as recessions, economic disasters, political turmoil, and other trouble that hurts small businesses. She also guides us how to plan for trouble while remaining calm and optimistic.

Special Guest: Catherine Monson.

Richie shares his own entrepreneurial journey and how he's now helping others on their own journey. Celebree is growing people big and small!

Special Guest: Richie Huffman.

Also, we have a conversation with Jamie Izaks, the President of All Points PR on local franchisee marketing. What channels are working best now? And does it make sense for franchisees and brands to engage with a local influencer or content creator?

Special Guests: Alesia Visconti, Jamie Izaks, and LaTonia Pouncey .

The refreshed and simplified CFE program is not just a list of boxes to check and get some points. The Foundations of Franchising courses genuinely include professional development you help you learn about business fundamentals, law, HR issues, growth, and leadership.

Learn how you can get involved immediately online and in-person. The next cohort starts next week so get more info now by emailing cfe@franchise.org. There are also many great sessions coming up at #IFA2023 in Vegas!

Thanks to Benetrends Financial. Shout-outs today to Denise Cumberland, Emily George, Mary Kay Liston, Mark Liston, and Jania Bailey!

Special Guest: Sandie Curtis.

Sandie Curtis, VP of Education, and Brittney Cosby, Sr Manager of Certification Programs at The IFA discuss the refreshed and simplified CFE program and how you can get involved immediately online and in-person.

Special Guests: Brittney Cosby and Sandie Curtis.

Steve is also a recent past chair of IFA’s VetFran committee and shares the vision of this group as well as his thoughts on leadership, having a sense of mission, and the importance of Veteran’s Day. Eric Johnson, Manager of VetFran is today’s moderator.

Special Guests: Eric Johnson and Steve White.

Allison Hill, Head of Diversity and Social Responsibility, ROARK Capital Group
Jenn Garner, Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Papa John’s
Moderator: Rikki Amos, Executive Director of The IFA Foundation

The panel discusses Roark’s history with philanthropy, the origin of Franchising Gives Back, and Papa John’s emphasis on community involvement.

Special Guests: Allison Hill, Jennifer Garner, and Rikki Amos.

Special Guest: Rikki Amos.

How can franchise systems create a more engaging environment and culture?
What are successful brands doing to combat changing expectations and needs?
And how can franchisees and other small business owners most effectively train and retain great teams?

Rikki Amos, Executive Director of The IFA Foundation leads a conversation with Earsa Jackson, Richard Snow, and David Smith.

Special Guest: Rikki Amos.

Tom shares new research about what franchise systems are thinking regarding passing processing fees and other fees onto the consumer as well as cryptocurrency, buy-now-pay-later, and other structures that are disrupting traditional payment processing.

Mark Jameson of Propelled Brands and Paul Pickett of Wild Birds Unlimited share the mission of IFA’s Pride Council, how franchise systems can be more inclusive of the LGBTQ community, and their own personal stories of rising to leadership positions in franchising while being authentic. And moderator Rikki Amos gives an overview of The IFA Foundation and The Diversity Institute.

Special Guest: Rikki Amos.

IFA’s CEO Matt Haller sits down with podcast host Jack Monson to discuss challenges he’s hearing from small business owners and an update on IFA’s Open for Opportunity program. Plus, we’ll chat about next week’s Franchise Customer Experience Conference in Atlanta.

Next, Charlie Chase, CEO of FirstService Brands shares his thoughts on the empowering nature of the franchise business model as well as his objectives as the new Chair of the IFA.

Special Guest: Matt Haller.

Join IFA Foundation Executive Director Rikki Amos, Senior Vice President of External Affairs at the Opportunity Finance Network Dafina Williams, and Principal of Liquid Capital of Greater Philadelphia Jack Wilson for a conversation on Community Development Financial Institutions and what you need to know to become a local business owner.

Want more? Listen to this May 2022 webinar for a deep dive on Community Development Financial Institutions and how to access capital for your entrepreneurial dream.

Special Guests: Dafina Williams, Jack Wilson, and Rikki Amos.

Special Guest: Robin Gagnon.

Special Guests: Greg Flynn, Jeff Hanscom, and Roy Gilad.

Special Guest: Connie Hill-Johnson.

Links:

• The Cleveland Foundation — The Cleveland Foundation’s mission is to enhance the lives of all residents of Greater Cleveland, now and for generations to come, by working together with our donors to build community endowment, address needs through grantmaking, and provide leadership on key community issues.
• Visiting Angels Cleveland — Every member of the Visiting Angels family has made it their mission to put seniors first, prioritizing the safety, security, and personal well-being of each and every client in our care.

William Edwards, CEO & Global Advisor to Senior Executives, Edwards Global Services, Inc.
Larry Weinberg, Partner, Cassels

Jack Monson, Host
Bill Meierling, Host

For more information on The Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence, please visit
https://business.louisville.edu/about/learning-at-cob/yumcgfe/

Join hosts Bill Meierling and Jack Monson for a conversation with IFA CEO Matt Haller. Matt shares his vision on how this podcast will integrate with other communications channels for the franchise community. We'll also preview the upcoming IFA Annual Convention and other events that will help small business owners grow in 2022!

Special Guest: Matt Haller.