The Business Growth Show

By: Ford Saeks
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  • Summary

  • Welcome to The Business Growth Show, where each week we bring you in-depth interviews with the leading voices in business success. Hosted by Ford Saeks, the show provides valuable insights and strategies for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone looking to grow their brand. From top CEOs to experts in sales, marketing, operations, customer experience, entrepreneurship, and success, our guests share their personal experiences, lessons learned, and advice to help you achieve your goals. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, The Business Growth Show offers practical and actionable advice to help you take your business to the next level. Tune in and join Ford as he explores the stories and strategies of the most successful business leaders of our time on The Business Growth Show.
    2024
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Economics Marketing Marketing & Sales
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Episodes
  • 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, ...
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    27 mins
  • 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 ...
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    52 mins
  • 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...
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    32 mins

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