S1Ep248 Franchise Growth Strategies and Brand Storytelling with Nick Powills
The Business Growth Show
Franchise growth strategies have never been more critical. In an era where consumer attention is fragmented and competition is fierce, the brands that thrive are those that go beyond selling products and services—they tell stories that resonate. Few people understand this better than Nick Powills, founder of No Limit Agency and publisher of 1851 Franchise, a platform dedicated to bridging the gap between franchisors, franchisees, and the media. For more than a decade, Powills has championed an approach that blends creativity, data, and authenticity to position franchises for sustainable...
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S1Ep247 Leadership and Wealth Management Strategies with Paul Carroll
The Business Growth Show
Wealth management is often seen as a numbers game—assets under management, returns, tax exposure—but for Paul Carroll, it’s always been about people first. As the CEO and founder of Avion Wealth, Carroll has spent nearly two decades building a firm that redefines what it means to serve high-net-worth individuals and families. With a philosophy rooted in trust, leadership, and strategic clarity, he has grown Avion Wealth into a firm that manages over $850 million in assets, while maintaining a deep personal connection to clients and team members alike. Carroll’s approach to wealth...
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S1Ep246 Leading with a Growth Mindset in Franchising with Larisa Walega
The Business Growth Show
Leading with a growth mindset isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a transformative approach that defines how businesses adapt, innovate, and thrive in competitive markets. For Larisa Walega, Chief Growth Officer at Ziebart, this mindset has been the foundation of a remarkable career and a driving force behind the evolution of a 65-year-old global brand. Ziebart is a name many associate with automotive protection, but under Larisa’s leadership, the brand has become much more. Today, it operates in 37 countries with over 400 locations, serving millions of customers worldwide. That level of scale...
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S1Ep245 Authentic Personal Branding with Prince EA
The Business Growth Show
Authentic personal branding has never been more important—or more misunderstood. In an era where AI-generated content floods the internet and social media algorithms reward superficial engagement, how can entrepreneurs, founders, and creators cut through the noise and actually connect? That’s the question at the heart of this powerful episode of Fordify LIVE! The Business Growth Show, featuring internationally acclaimed filmmaker, spoken word artist, and entrepreneur Prince EA. If you've ever wondered how to build a brand that resonates on a human level, this episode is for you. Prince EA...
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S1Ep244 Supporting Healthy Employees and Team Members with Cody Beard
The Business Growth Show
Supporting healthy employees isn’t just about offering perks—it’s about creating a workplace culture where well-being translates into productivity and long-term success. Few understand this better than Cody Beard, owner of Prime IV Hydration & Wellness in Wichita. With years of leadership experience in manufacturing and a deep commitment to health, Beard brings a unique perspective on why wellness strategies should be at the core of every business. Employee well-being has evolved far beyond casual mentions in mission statements. Today, businesses face growing challenges with burnout,...
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S1Ep243 AI Hearing Technology, Leadership & Legacy with Brandon Sawalich
The Business Growth Show
AI hearing technology is redefining what it means to stay connected, healthy, and high-performing in today’s fast-moving world. Leading that transformation is Brandon Sawalich, President & CEO of Starkey—the only American-owned major hearing aid manufacturer and a global pioneer in intelligent hearing solutions. With over 30 years at Starkey, Sawalich has led the company from legacy roots to a billion-dollar enterprise operating in over 100 markets. His focus? Making hearing health a frontline conversation in wearable tech and wellness. “We wanted to go from incremental improvements...
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S1Ep242 Spa Franchise Growth & Purpose-Driven Leadership with Allison Langenderfer
The Business Growth Show
Spa franchise growth is evolving beyond the basics of service menus and storefront expansion. Today, the most successful wellness brands scale by blending luxury with purpose—offering not just treatments, but experiences that restore, connect, and inspire. One brand leading this shift is Spavia Day Spa, founded by Allison Langenderfer. What began as a single-location concept has grown into a nationwide franchise known for elevated guest experiences, thoughtfully curated retail, and a culture deeply rooted in care. In the world of franchising, many chase unit growth without laying the...
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S1Ep241 Customer Experience Franchise Growth with Scott Ball
The Business Growth Show
Customer experience franchise growth has become the difference-maker for brands that aim to scale in today’s competitive market. It’s no longer enough to have a recognizable logo or a trendy product. Brands that grow—and stay relevant—are the ones that build a following through memorable, customizable customer experiences. At the center of this movement is FiiZ Drinks, a soda-centric franchise that’s making waves by bringing back nostalgia and wrapping it in a modern, crave-worthy experience. With more than 25 years in franchising and hospitality, Scott Ball brings deep industry...
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S1Ep240 Franchise Business Growth and Leadership That Scales with Ryan Parsons
The Business Growth Show
Franchise business growth isn’t just about systems and strategy—it’s about building a model that scales while staying rooted in purpose. The challenge? Most entrepreneurs either chase fast expansion without infrastructure or lose momentum by over-engineering before gaining traction. So how do you strike the balance between rapid scale and sustainable leadership? Franchise leaders often face the friction of growing a brand while supporting franchisees who expect results and structure. The balancing act between operational excellence, scalable systems, and human-centered leadership is what...
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S1Ep239 Scaling Franchise Growth with Troy Hooper
The Business Growth Show
Scaling franchise growth in today’s competitive and tech-driven economy is no small feat. If you're a brand looking to expand nationally or internationally, how do you structure your business to support sustainable growth without sacrificing brand consistency or operational quality? That’s exactly the kind of question this week’s episode of Fordify LIVE! The Business Growth Show sets out to tackle. This episode dives deep into the world of franchise development with Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palette America and one of the driving forces behind Pepper Lunch’s rapid expansion throughout...
info_outlineScaling franchise growth in today’s competitive and tech-driven economy is no small feat. If you're a brand looking to expand nationally or internationally, how do you structure your business to support sustainable growth without sacrificing brand consistency or operational quality? That’s exactly the kind of question this week’s episode of Fordify LIVE! The Business Growth Show sets out to tackle.
This episode dives deep into the world of franchise development with Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palette America and one of the driving forces behind Pepper Lunch’s rapid expansion throughout North America. With over three decades of experience in hospitality and restaurant operations, Troy has helped revitalize legacy brands, roll out high-performing new concepts, and build franchise systems that are not only scalable but also rooted in operational excellence. His leadership is responsible for adding over 85 new units to the Pepper Lunch pipeline in just a few short years—all while ensuring franchisees are set up for long-term success.
Troy joins host Ford Saeks for a timely, high-impact discussion on what it really takes to build and scale a brand that performs in any market. They explore what brand leaders need to consider before pursuing franchise growth and why creating a strong infrastructure behind the scenes is just as critical as selecting the right franchisees. From building effective systems and processes to working with vendors and suppliers in a way that supports aggressive expansion, Troy pulls back the curtain on the realities of modern franchise leadership. If your goal is scaling franchise growth without losing the DNA that makes your brand special, this episode brings fresh insight from the trenches of the restaurant and hospitality world.
The conversation also touches on what makes a franchise model work—and more importantly, what can cause it to stall out. With candid stories and sharp business strategy, Troy shares how his team built a system that works not just for today’s market but for the evolving consumer and tech landscape ahead. And while the episode centers on the restaurant industry, the strategies discussed are applicable to any brand serious about building something that lasts.
Throughout the episode, Troy emphasizes the importance of leading with empathy, clarity, and a commitment to operational rigor. Whether you're working with a team of ten or managing hundreds of units across continents, the principles behind scaling franchise growth remain consistent: strong leadership, proven systems, strategic partnerships, and a mindset focused on constant improvement. Ford and Troy explore how businesses can prepare internally to support external expansion—and why the readiness of your infrastructure can make or break your ability to grow effectively.
The episode also highlights how technology, including AI and automation, plays a growing role in franchise operations. From improving guest experience to scaling brand messaging at a local level, Troy shares how his team has adopted AI tools to stay ahead of the curve while still delivering on the core promise of hospitality.
This conversation is a must for entrepreneurs, franchisors, and executives thinking about growth beyond their current footprint. It offers thought-provoking ideas and a refreshing look at what’s possible when you combine experience with innovation, and vision with execution.
Don’t miss this impactful episode featuring Troy Hooper. The strategies discussed will shift the way you think about building your brand and give you a broader lens for what’s possible in today’s marketplace.
Watch the full episode on YouTube.
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About Troy Hooper
Troy Hooper is the CEO of Hot Palette America and a leading expert in franchise development and hospitality operations. With over 30 years in the industry, he has transformed underperforming restaurant brands, launched innovative new concepts, and built scalable franchise models that drive sustainable growth. As one of the global CEOs for Pepper Lunch, Troy is leading the brand’s expansion across North America, with over 85 new locations in development.
He brings a sharp focus on operational excellence, strategic leadership, and brand integrity—ensuring that growth doesn't come at the expense of quality. Troy is also the host of The Pineapple Perspective Podcast, where he shares insights from his extensive experience in hospitality and franchising.
To learn more about Troy and his work, visit:
PepperLunchRestaurants.com
The Pineapple Perspective Podcast
About Ford Saeks
Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator with a proven track record of driving over a billion dollars in sales for businesses ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. With more than 20 years of hands-on experience, Ford is known for helping organizations attract loyal customers, boost brand visibility, and spark innovation that leads to measurable results.
As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., Ford brings a powerful mix of entrepreneurial insight and marketing expertise to every project. He has founded more than ten companies, authored five business books, earned three U.S. patents, and received numerous industry awards for his contributions to business strategy and innovation.
Ford is also a recognized leader in AI prompt engineering and digital marketing. His recent appearance at the “Unleash AI for Business Summit” highlighted how AI tools like ChatGPT are transforming operations, marketing, sales, and the overall customer experience.
To explore more of Ford’s work, visit ProfitRichResults.com and watch his business TV show at Fordify.tv.