The PR Power Play: Growing Franchises the Smart Way with Heather Ripley
FranchisOR Bust - Franchise Marketing
Release Date: 02/09/2026
Why Influencer Marketing is the Next Franchise Growth Engine with Angela Olea and Liberty Bernal
FranchisOR Bust - Franchise Marketing
In this episode of FranchisOR Bust, host Trevor Emerson kicks off Season 4 with Angela Olea (CEO & Founder) and Liberty Bernal (President & COO) of Sweet Influencers. Together, they explore how influencer marketing is transforming local marketing for franchise systems—and why it’s becoming a powerful, scalable tool for growth. Drawing from their experience as franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers, Angela and Liberty share how Sweet Influencers connects brands with authentic local micro- and nano-influencers to drive real community engagement—often at a fraction of the cost of...
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The PR Power Play: Growing Franchises the Smart Way with Heather Ripley
FranchisOR Bust - Franchise Marketing
In this episode of FranchisOR Bust, host Trevor Emerson sits down with Heather Ripley, founder of Ripley PR, for a unique conversation on how public relations plays a critical role in franchise growth and long-term brand success. Heather shares her journey from working inside a major franchisor to launching an agency focused on serving the franchise and skilled trades industries. She dives into how strategic PR can drive franchise development, build credibility, and create momentum for both franchisors and franchisees—often serving as a more powerful and cost-effective lead generation tool...
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Why Franchise Culture Is Everything with Ryan Parsons
FranchisOR Bust - Franchise Marketing
In this episode of FranchisOR Bust, host Trevor Emerson engages in a compelling conversation with Ryan Parsons, the CEO of Evive Brands. With a long history in the franchising business, Ryan and his brother founded The Brothers That Just Do Gutters, offering insight into starting a business from the beginning, growing a local company, franchising, and more. Throughout this episode, Ryan discusses the lessons and experiences he has taken away from franchising, as well as the culture he has built in the companies he has been a part of. Discover valuable takeaways on entrepreneurship,...
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What It Takes To Scale: Lessons from Mosquito Shield with Michael Moorhouse
FranchisOR Bust - Franchise Marketing
In this episode of FranchisOR Bust, host Trevor Emerson sits down with Michael Moorhouse of Mosquito Shield for an insightful conversation about growth, grit, and getting started in franchising. Michael dives into the key strategies, challenges, and milestones that shape the success of new franchise locations. From his early days in the industry to leading and supporting new franchisees, he shares lessons learned and what it really takes to thrive. Whether you're an aspiring franchisee or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with valuable insights and expert perspectives on...
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Franchise Fuel: What Drives Growth at 1-800 Packouts with Stefan Figley
FranchisOR Bust - Franchise Marketing
In this power-packed episode of FranchisOR Bust, host Trevor Emerson sits down with Stefan Figley, President of , to explore the real drivers behind franchise growth and operational success. With a strategic mindset and a proven track record of growing EBITDA and leading high-performing teams, Stefan dives into the transformative leadership practices and community-focused strategies fueling 1-800-Packouts’ national expansion. From omni-channel marketing execution to building franchisee trust, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to scale a purpose-driven franchise....
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Importance of Home Service Franchising with Empower Brands
FranchisOR Bust - Franchise Marketing
In this episode of FranchisOR Bust, host Trevor Emerson engages in a compelling conversation with Scott Sutton, the Chief Development Officer at Empower Brands. With a career spanning over 30 years in strategy, franchising, and corporate development, Scott offers invaluable insights into the art of franchise growth and sustainability. Throughout the discussion, Scott delves into the nuances of franchise development, sharing his experiences from his tenure at Empower Brands—a leading franchise platform encompassing ten world-class franchise brands, including Archadeck Outdoor Living,...
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Mastering Franchise Operations with Elite Franchise Capital
FranchisOR Bust - Franchise Marketing
In this exciting episode of FranchisOR Bust, host Trevor Emerson sits down with John Patriarca and Robert Tobias, Directors at Elite Franchise Capital, to delve into the intricacies of franchise operations. John and Robert share insights from their vast experience in providing financing solutions to franchisees, discussing how Elite Franchise Capital empowers entrepreneurs to succeed. They’ll explore strategies for scaling businesses, securing funding, and navigating the challenges of franchise ownership. Whether you're a seasoned franchisee or just exploring the possibilities, this episode...
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Sustainable Franchise Growth with Rusty Amarante of BELFOR Franchise Group
FranchisOR Bust - Franchise Marketing
Welcome to another episode of FranchisOR Bust, the podcast where host Trevor Emerson dives into the world of franchising with industry leaders! In this episode, Trevor interviews Rusty Amarante, CEO at BELFOR Franchise Group. Join us as Rusty shares his extensive knowledge and experience in the property restoration and home services franchising industries. Explore the growth and success of BELFOR Franchise Group, the unique challenges they encounter, and the strategies that have fueled their expansion in recent years. Whether you're an experienced franchising professional or just starting your...
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The Wild Cookie Ride with Bennett Maxwell of Dirty Dough
FranchisOR Bust - Franchise Marketing
In this episode, our host Trevor Emerson sits down with Bennett Maxwell, the visionary behind Dirty Dough. Bennett Maxwell brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his entrepreneurial journey, transforming Dirty Dough into a standout brand in the competitive cookie industry. Together, they delve into the intricacies of building and growing a successful franchise, sharing practical advice and offering guidance on navigating the business world effectively. Whether you're a seasoned franchisor, a budding entrepreneur, or simply curious about the franchise industry, this episode is packed...
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Franchise Guidance with Laura McDonald and Joel Buckberg of Baker Donelson
FranchisOR Bust - Franchise Marketing
In this episode, our host Trevor Emerson sits down with two esteemed experts from Baker Donelson, Laura McDonald (Of Counsel) and Joel Buckberg (Shareholder). Laura and Joel bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from their extensive careers at Baker Donelson, a renowned law firm with a strong reputation for guiding clients through complex business landscapes. Together, they discuss the intricacies of franchising, share practical advice, and offer guidance on navigating the business world effectively. Whether you're a seasoned franchisor, a budding entrepreneur, or simply curious about the...
info_outlineIn this episode of FranchisOR Bust, host Trevor Emerson sits down with Heather Ripley, founder of Ripley PR, for a unique conversation on how public relations plays a critical role in franchise growth and long-term brand success.
Heather shares her journey from working inside a major franchisor to launching an agency focused on serving the franchise and skilled trades industries. She dives into how strategic PR can drive franchise development, build credibility, and create momentum for both franchisors and franchisees—often serving as a more powerful and cost-effective lead generation tool than many paid channels.
From managing brand messaging across franchise systems to understanding the evolving role of PR in the age of AI and modern search, Heather offers practical insights on why proactive reputation-building is essential—even when there’s no crisis to manage.
Whether you're looking to grow your franchise system, strengthen your brand presence, or better understand how PR supports long-term business success, this episode is packed with valuable perspective and actionable takeaways. FranchisOR Bust is also a proud partner with LSM, a leading full-service digital advertising agency. At LSM, we understand the needs of business owners, and facilitating those needs is our top priority. LSM is a true partner, and we consider ourselves to be an extension of your team.
With LSM by your side, you can trust that our dedicated team of specialists will be bold in the strategies we employ, always consider industry best practices, and take pride in the results we produce. Why? Because your goals are our goals, and your success is our success.