15 Years of Franchising: Lessons Learned Building Transworld

Andy and JT welcome you to another episode of The Deal Board Podcast. This week, Andy and JT reflect on a major milestone: 15 years of franchising and the journey that took Transworld from a regional firm to a global brand. They walk through the limits of growing on their own, the need for partners with real ownership, and why franchising emerged as the right structure for sustainable expansion. The conversation breaks down what franchising actually requires, from documented systems and training to ongoing support and consistency across markets. Andy and JT also share lessons learned along the way, including early skepticism, defining moments with franchisees, and the importance of continual improvement. For business owners thinking about growth, this episode offers a grounded look at what it takes to scale without losing control. Tune in to hear how long-term vision and shared effort drive lasting growth! 

 

Listing of the Week: 

JT Harp, President and CEO of Transworld Business Advisors of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, presents a fully outfitted brewery and taproom opportunity in a prime, high-traffic location. This turnkey space offers a complete build-out less than two years old, including a full bar, tap system, professionally designed kitchen, and an audio-visual setup with a private room for events. While no beer is currently brewed on site, the space is ideal for continuing a proven taproom model or introducing a new brand, menu, or concept. With strong area demographics and excellent visibility, this opportunity is ready for an owner with a fresh vision to step in and make it their own. For more information, call JT at [phone] or email [e-mail]. 

 

Deal of the Week: 

A Boston-area swim school franchise with five operating locations has successfully closed with a new owner. Built around a mission of water safety and swim education, the business attracted wonderful local families. After five years of ownership, the sellers chose to step back to spend more time with their children. The buyer, a local entrepreneur with a shared passion for swimming and water safety, proved to be a great fit. Despite the complexity of franchisor approval and coordinating leases with five pool facilities, the deal crossed the finish line smoothly. To learn more, call Brook Hartnett at [phone] or email [e-mail]. 

 

Key Takeaways From This Episode: 

• [01:05] Looking back at the last 15 years of franchising at Transworld. 

• [03:52] Realizing they lacked the expertise to franchise and needed experienced partners. 

• [09:25] Why systems, documentation, and manuals are essential to franchising. 

• [12:00] How franchising helps you improve your processes over time. 

• [14:27] Reflecting on standout franchise moments over the past 15 years. 

• [16:54] What it took to grow Transworld into a global brand. 

• [20:33] Deal of the Week: Brook Hartnett (Boston) closed a five-location swim school franchise focused on water safety. 

• [23:03] Listing of the Week: A fully outfitted brewery and taproom in a high-traffic location, ready for a new owner’s concept. 

 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 

The Deal Board Podcast  

Subscribe to The Deal Board Podcast YouTube Channel  

United Franchise Group  

Transworld Business Advisors 

Transworld on LinkedIn  

Transworld on Facebook  

Call us — [phone]  

Email us [e-mail] 

Brook Hartnett 

JT Harp 

Outfitted Brewery & Taproom Asset Sale – Fully Equipped, Turnkey 

 #thedealboard #transworldbusinessadvisors #realestate #commercial 

 

Quotes: 

“You need systems. You need something scalable. You need something that's reproducible.” — Andrew Cagnetta [0:03:33] 

“We realized we really needed someone to help us franchise, and quickly [realized] that franchising was a completely different industry.” — Andrew Cagnetta [0:04:00] 

“As you begin franchising, over time, you start getting better at your processes, because your franchisees are out there doing it, and they're coming up with another way that you didn't think of.” — JT Tatem [0:12:08] 

“Business isn't perfect. People aren't perfect. But once you get the systems, and you get everybody following it, it’s magic.” — Andrew Cagnetta [0:19:21]