Best Babson College Podcasts (2025)

1
Alex DiPietro: Legacy in Motion 43:05

Play Pause

3d ago43:05

43:05

“If you can sell, you can build. And if you can build, you can lead.” In this special episode, we welcome Alex DiPietro, Babson alum, former hockey player, and the first undergraduate Babson grad featured on Stars of Franchising. Alex brings a dynamic mix of tech sales grit, deep family legacy, and second-generation franchise leadership to the tabl…

1
Mateo and Tadeo Acosta-Rubio, Churromania & Clave 43:08

16d ago43:08

43:08

"We’ve been lucky to grow up in a playground of entrepreneurship — churros just happen to be the medium." In this energizing episode of Stars of Franchising, we sit down with Mateo and Tadeo Acosta-Rubio, Venezuelan-American brothers and second-generation leaders of the beloved global franchise Churromania. From childhood shifts behind the register…

1
Fernando López de Castilla Elías, Founder of GNF Worldwide & Formula X 34:14

1M ago34:14

34:14

"Franchising is not just a business model. It’s an ecosystem of shared success." As the founder of GNF Worldwide, Fernando López de Castilla Elías has helped shape the franchise landscape across more than 10 countries. From consulting and sales outsourcing to franchise-focused investment banking, Fernando’s firm has completed over 10,000 deals — ma…

1
Rob Branca, Dunkin’ Franchisee, Real Estate Developer, and National Franchise Advocate 50:49

1M ago50:49

50:49

"If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re probably on the menu." Rob Branca is more than just a multi-unit Dunkin’ operator — he’s a legal mind, real estate investor, second-generation franchisee, and one of franchising’s most active advocates on Capitol Hill. Rob sits down with Ab and Vini to unpack his journey from law school to leadership, …

1
Lindsey McFadden, CMO of Stretch Zone 28:36

2M ago28:36

28:36

"Our business is about helping people feel better — whether that’s in body, in mindset, or through entrepreneurship." Lindsey McFadden didn’t just join the wellness franchising movement — she’s helping shape the future of it. As Chief Marketing Officer at Stretch Zone, Lindsey brings her sharp eye for strategy and a people-first approach to one of …

1
Victor Berny, Multi-Brand Franchise Operator & Babson Alum 44:21

2M ago44:21

44:21

"You don’t need to be an expert in everything — you just need vision, leadership, and great people." Victor Berny grew up in his family’s hardware store business in Mexico. Today, he’s the visionary behind one of the region’s fastest-scaling franchise portfolios — including Little Caesars, Wingstop, and Dunkin’ — with dozens of units across the Yuc…

1
Changing the Game 31:23

2M ago31:23

31:23

If you watched the Paris Olympics in 2024, it was hard to miss the coverage on sports and mental health. Specifically, the amazing comeback story of Simone Biles, who became the most decorated Olympic gymnast of all time after withdrawing from the Tokyo Games due to mental health issues in 2020. The narrative around sports and mental health require…

1
Somia Farid Silber, CEO of Edible Brands 40:32

3M ago40:32

40:32

"It's about creating a lasting culture while embracing growth for the next generation." Somia Farid Silber grew up with entrepreneurship in her DNA — starting at the age of nine working at Edible Arrangements, the iconic brand founded by her father, Tariq Farid. Now, after years of learning every aspect of the company, Somia steps into her own spot…

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Do Well by Doing Good 31:56

3M ago31:56

31:56

If you live in the U.S., chances are you have a lot of stuff. Or at least you want to have a lot of stuff. As the MIT Press Reader notes in their brief history of consumer culture 'consumption is now frequently seen as our principal role in the world.' We've been trained in a way to want more stuff, and that stuff takes a lot of resources to make, …

1
Brand Love: Representation in Media 35:47

4M ago35:47

35:47

Even though the advertising and entertainment industries have made strides in trying to be more inclusive and speak more directly to different consumer groups, work remains to be done. Research done by the Geena Davis Institute shows that representation for women, LGBTQIA+ race, disability, age and body size was actually shrinking for some audience…

1
Trust the System 32:50

4M ago32:50

32:50

The way leaders are problem solving in the world we live in today is changing. The World Economic Forum has been touting the practice of systems thinking for years, which you can loosely define as a way of viewing problems and the path to their solutions in a multi-dimensional approach, as opposed to a linear path. Similarly, the concept of biomimi…

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Believe Them, Include Them, Fund Them 39:29

4M ago39:29

39:29

According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor’s 2023/24 Women’s Entrepreneurship Report, startup activity among women has risen steadily over the past 25 years, even as they face headwinds related to cultural perceptions of women in business and limited access to capital. One of the effects of this activity is women entrepreneurs who are taking …

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What is Entrepreneurial Leadership? 20:35

4M ago20:35

20:35

What is entrepreneurial leadership? And how can entrepreneurial leaders solve the problems that have perplexed so many others? New research from Babson College faculty proposes that entrepreneurial leadership is a paradigm-shifting model that could have a long-term impacts for businesses and organizations of all kinds. To outline how entrepreneuria…

1
From Problems to Possibilities 0:42

4M ago0:42

0:42

The world is evolving. The problems we’re facing are too big to be solved by any organization alone. A lot is uncertain, but one thing is for sure: change is coming. And the people driving it are entrepreneurial leaders. Welcome to From Problems to Possibilities: Entrepreneurial Leadership in Action, presented by Babson College. On this podcast we’…

1
Debra Strougo, Row House Founder, Fitizens Partner 44:54

1y ago44:54

44:54

“It’s a beautiful form of entrepreneurship to be a franchisee, because you have so much stability and support but you still are the maven of your own market.” Debra Strougo worked for the New York City mayor’s office in brand development for “the greatest brand in the world.” But over time her unquenchable passion for fitness beckoned and in 2017 w…

1
Vanessa Yakobson, Blo Blow Dry Bar CEO & Partner 35:46

1+ y ago35:46

35:46

“If a franchisee invents a practice that is serving them really well, we want them to let us know so we can package it up and share it in the system.” The beauty market is one of the hottest in franchising, and with more than 100 locations in the US and Canada, Blo Blow Dry Bar is one of the hottest beauty franchises. CEO and partner Vanessa Yakobs…

1
Shane Franson-Evans, Massage Heights Co-Founder & CEO 31:28

1+ y ago31:28

31:28

“When you’re protecting an emerging brand, you’re protecting the stakes of all the people who’d invested in the brand.” From taking care of her own back pain to taking care of the owners of more than 100 Massage Heights locations, Shane (a member of the IFA board of directors) has priceless insights on building an emerging brand BIG while still kee…

1
Justin Willingham & Monica Fonseca: An International Perspective on Franchising 38:42

1+ y ago38:42

38:42

“Let’s not be copycats. Create a new demand for new products. Don’t be afraid. Go for it. And if you fail, just get up and do it again.” Our most in-depth look at international franchising yet! Based in Honduras, Justin and Monica have made their mark not only by importing multiple North American and European franchise brands to Central America, bu…

1
Mark Kushinsky, MaidPro & Threshold Brands Founder/CEO 36:07

1+ y ago36:07

36:07

“There are a lot of things people misunderstand about franchising. People tend to think that if they buy a franchise, their success is going to be guaranteed.” It took Mark Kushinsky a year and a half as a department store manager to realize he didn’t want to be an employee. He started his own residential cleaning business, then "ran into” franchis…

1
Scott Wendrych, FYZICAL Chief Development Officer 40:01

1+ y ago40:01

40:01

“The better and more diverse backgrounds of the people in your system, the better your brand’s going to be.” A must-listen for current ‘zees, ‘zees of tomorrow, and anyone else contemplating a startup business venture. As the guy with the final say on who gets a FYZICAL Therapy & Balance franchise, Scott Wendrych is an undisputed authority on what …

1
Annie Tselikis, Cousins Maine Lobster Alumna 49:05

1+ y ago49:05

49:05

“The franchisee/franchisee relationships are critical for the success of our system. Annie Tselikis said, “You’re crazy” when her brother Jim and cousin Sabin Lomac hatched the idea of a food truck in Los Angeles serving Maine lobster rolls. But when they tapped into her deep fisheries expertise to shape their business model, Cousins Maine Lobster …

1
Ramzi Daklouche, Edible Brands Chief Commercial Officer 32:06

1+ y ago32:06

32:06

“If you just come in as a franchisee and expect to be employed by the franchisor, and just wait for the franchisor to give you direction, that’s a sure way to fail.” Five years as a franchisee for 4 US retail brands taught Ramzi Daklouche a lesson that informs his work today at Edible: It’s always all about the local markets. We’re thrilled to welc…

1
Jeff Klein, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop Multi-Unit Franchisee 40:24

1+ y ago40:24

40:24

“Franchisee unit-level economics has to be the most important thing a franchisor thinks about. If they don’t, the system doesn’t work.” The energy is AMPED in this episode, and no wonder: Guest Jeff Klein is a go-go ‘zee for Dunkin’, Auntie Anne’s, The Gents Place, and biggest of all, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shops, with 14 locations — #1 in the system…

1
Alex Faigel, Dr. Dental Founder and Co-CEO 36:29

1+ y ago36:29

36:29

“There’s no such thing as failure. You just didn’t get there yet.” Alex founded Dr. Dental in 2004 with the vision of retailizing dental care by providing convenient, accessible, quality care via retail dental clinics in convenient neighborhood locations. Now with 57 locations across the northeast, Dr. Dental isn’t a franchise in the strict sense, …

1
Winn Claybaugh & John Kanski of Paul Mitchell Schools & Salty Dawg Pet Salons 46:54

1+ y ago46:54

46:54

“You can’t fire your way into building a better team of people. That’s why culture matters.” Our 25th episode is our hairiest yet! In 2018 they asked themselves, “Why not?” and began extending the “Be Nice” culture of Paul Mitchell Schools (Winn as dean and co-founder, John as a ‘zee) to a new venture, Salty Dawg Pet Salons. Now they’re creating mo…

1
Christo Demetriades, Managing Partner at Conscious Capital Growth 35:07

1+ y ago35:07

35:07

“As a franchisor, you’re entrusting your franchisees to continue the growth of your brand, and putting the essence of the brand in their hands.” A proven entrepreneur, visionary and leader, Christo Demetriades has spent 3 decades as a CEO, CFO, and COO for franchising, restaurant, entertainment, and self-care brands. His superpower: Building and nu…

1
Gary Raphael: The Mid-Career Pivot to Franchising 38:04

1+ y ago38:04

38:04

“Franchising is like politics: It’s all local.” After a 35-year career as an insurance executive, Gary Raphael found himself “on the short end of a merger” and embarked on a new entrepreneurial journey that has led him to the QSR (quick-service restaurant) franchising model with Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard. How did his high-level business…

1
Jonathan Epstein, Planet Fitness Mega-Franchisee 46:24

1+ y ago46:24

46:24

“Sometimes, franchising is MORE entrepreneurial, because in the larger franchises all of the great ideas that the customers are experiencing come from the franchisees.” Was Jonathan Epstein born to follow the franchise model to phenomenal success? With a dad who owned 37 Midas Muffler shops, it’s possible! But as he embarked on his own ventures as …

1
Restaurant Franchising 2024 Outlook with Dan Bonoff of Goode Partners 35:25

1+ y ago35:25

35:25

“Unit economics is what makes investing in restaurants compelling and exciting.” Dan Bonoff, a partner at Goode Partners, has been a private equity investor with a focus on the consumer sector for nearly 20 years. During his private equity career, he’s participated in platform investments and add-on acquisitions totaling more than $800 million of e…

1
Heather Elrod, Managing Partner at Conscious Capital Growth 31:54

1+ y ago31:54

31:54

“As a franchisee, you have to work ON the business as well as IN the business. Heather's career spans 30 years in the franchise, beauty, and wellness industries. She’s held executive positions in multi-billion dollar as well as emerging companies — most notably and recently, Amazing Lash Studios, which she shepherded from 70 locations to more than …

1
Tim Vogel, Scenthound Founder & CEO 38:34

1+ y ago38:34

38:34

“Some people are not meant to franchise. Some people absolutely SHOULD franchise.” Talk about perfect timing: Tim Vogel opened the first Scenthound dog-care shop in 2020, just as pet ownership skyrocketed during the pandemic. Today, Scenthound boasts more than 50 franchises — so you can expect seriously actionable lessons in scaling from this episo…

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Elizabeth Roberts: Pure Barre’s #1 Franchisee 45:57

1+ y ago45:57

45:57

“I did everything you’re not supposed to do in finance to open my first studio.” For Redbird Fitness founder/CEO Elizabeth Roberts, it all started with a pair of “sticky socks” in 2015. Now operating a dozen Pure Barre locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut (scaling from 1 to 5 in her first 5 years), she’s the fitness brand’s top ‘Zee — AND a h…

1
Bryce Fluellen: Economic Mobility Through Social Equity Franchising 36:17

1+ y ago36:17

36:17

“You always have to be telling your story. If you’re doing good in the world you have to be just as loud and persistent as those who aren’t.” As President/Co-Founder of Arthur Lee Consulting & Advisory (named in honor of his father’s passion for food equity) and former Executive Director of Social Equity Franchising at Everytable, Bryce Fluellen is…

1
Bob & Karen Sommers, Citywide Facilities Solutions Franchisees 47:14

1+ y ago47:14

47:14

“We’ve seen the power of the system.” Required listening for current ‘Zees and wannabes! Seeking to bust out of their careers in tech and radio and do their own thing, Bob & Karen Sommers opened the 12th market for Citywide Facilities Solutions 15 years ago. But there’s a twist to the story: Franchising was NOT in their original entrepreneurship pl…

1
Andrea Mundie: Co-Founder & CEO, skoah; Principal, RDCP Consulting, Inc. 48:46

1+ y ago48:46

48:46

“There has to be something that’s bigger than just the product … it has to be about the impact it has on the person on the other side.” With a powerful management and franchising resume (including 19 years at the helm of skoah), Andrea now consults with numerous franchise enterprises on matters ranging from growth and international expansion strate…

1
Brian Belmont: FYZICAL CEO, Planet Fitness & Quiznos Franchisee 30:51

1+ y ago30:51

30:51

“You are only as good as the last unit you open.” That single statement speaks volumes about Brian Belmont’s powerful belief in franchisor/franchisee relationships. As CEO of FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers (with more than 500 locations in 46 states) he draws upon his experiences as a Quiznos and Planet Fitness franchisee “to help other people …

1
Kristin Kidd of School of Rock & The Lash Lounge 30:48

1+ y ago30:48

30:48

“What matters is that you’re a good person and you’re passionate about the business.” From operating 27 School of Rock locations, to now owning 2 of them AND simultaneously serving on The Lash Lounge’s leadership team as VP of Operations, Kristin Kidd has lived all sides of the franchising model. And she has a lot to say about what works (and what …

1
Omar Simmons, Planet Fitness Franchisee & Venture Investor 32:03

1+ y ago32:03

32:03

“As a franchisee, you’re in the business FOR yourself, but not BY yourself.” As owner of multiple Planet Fitness franchises and Managing Partner at Exaltare Capital Partners, Omar Simmons believes that there are many paths of entrepreneurship. Yet none do more than the franchise model to support the dreams of entrepreneurs from underrepresented com…

1
Amanda Bialek of Konnect Agency: 360-Degree Franchise Marketing 28:26

1+ y ago28:26

28:26

“Franchising provides the opportunity to tap into entrepreneurial spirit with the guidance of a great play book” Welcome to the intersection of marketing and brand-building! As President of LA’s Konnect Agency Amanda Bialek advises franchisors on national strategies and franchisees on local advertising — a true 360-degree perspective of the market …

1
Big Chicken CEO Josh Halpern: Big Fun and the ‘Zor/’Zee Partnership 32:13

1+ y ago32:13

32:13

“The best franchisors recognize that franchisees help make the franchisor system stronger.” Big Chicken in space? Someday for sure, if Josh Halpern has his way! Josh joins Ab and Vini to share how he’s leveraging his incredible brand, marketing, and operating experience to guide and lead Shaquille O’Neal’s new restaurant concept. A true entrepreneu…

1
Jim Tselikis & Sabin Lomac, Founders of Cousins Maine Lobster 1:00:00

1+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

“Time is more valuable than the money we lost. We can recover money, but we can't recover time lost.” Can lobsters and sharks get along? Jim and Sabin, our first Shark Tank-veteran guests, would say “ayuh,” having emerged from the CNBC show with Barbara Corcoran as a 15% equity partner! The real cousins behind Cousins Maine Lobster join Ab and Vini…

1
Neal Faulkner, Dunkin’ Multi-Franchisee: Gettin’ Down in the Trenches 56:48

2y ago56:48

56:48

“Franchisees have to work in the business and be ready to do every single task!” 24 years ago Neal literally rolled up his sleeves and began a 5-year stint in the trenches dirtying his hands and learning one of America’s leading franchise powerhouses from the inside out. Now a respected Dunkin Brands multi-unit franchisee, Neal has priceless though…

1
Elaine Chow, ChopValue Boston Founder: B2B Franchising Meets Social Entrepreneurship 34:36

2y ago34:36

34:36

“Don't underestimate the amount of work involved in being a franchisee. It’s full of grit, twists, and turns.” Our first guest from the B2B arena! Meet a pioneer in the green “circular economy” space and B2B franchising: Elaine Chow, founder of ChopValue Boston, which boasts a groundbreaking and fascinating value proposition: sustainable wood furni…

1
Soosie Lazenby, Club Pilates and StretchLab Franchisee: Going All-In on New Franchise Brands 49:05

2y ago49:05

49:05

“Franchises don’t run themselves. There’s no such thing as an semi-absentee owner.” What’s it like to be “first in” on a new, unproven franchise brand? Soosie Lazenby is principal owner and operator of 4 StretchLab franchises (under the XPonential Fitness umbrella) in the Tampa Bay metro area. Not only that, she was among the first to commit to thi…

1
Ken Doyle, Halifax Partners Founder: Private Equity LOVES the Franchise Model 54:06

2y ago54:06

54:06

“Innovation comes from the franchisees.” A must-listen not only for franchisee and franchisor owners, but also for other investors and potential investors in franchise brands! Ken Doyle brings an uncommon and valuable perspective to the podcast — as someone who has made successful investments not only in growth franchisors but also in franchisees. …

1
King Food Group (Thailand) Founder/President Dr. Ausanee Mahagitsiri Leonio: How Powerful Brands can Power Social Uplift 37:18

2y ago37:18

37:18

“You don't plan for opportunities. Rather, you work hard to be ready to take advantage of opportunities when they come.” Ab and Vini welcome our first international Star, Dr. Ausanee Mahagitsiri Leonio, founder and President of King Food Group (Thailand), a multi-franchise conglomerate. It all started with “love at first bite” when she tasted a Kri…

1
Nigel Travis, Author of The Challenge Culture, Former CEO & Chairman of the Board of Dunkin’ Brands (and that’s just for starters!) 40:33

2y ago40:33

40:33

“Franchising and entrepreneurship are great bedfellows.” With more than 40 years of leadership experience at Dunkin’ Brands, Papa John’s, Blockbuster, and currently Chairman and Co-Owner of London’s Leyton Orient Football Club and Principal at Challenge Consulting, Nigel has steered global organizations through both spectacular success and existent…

1
Franchising in the Fast Lane with Jiffy Lube co-founder Stephen Spinelli, Jr. 38:47

2y ago38:47

38:47

“Franchising is a way to scale value creation quickly.” As the founder of Jiffy Lube International, our guest Babson College President Stephen Spinelli, Jr. should know! Steve is an entrepreneur who grew up in the world of franchising. His experience in national and international franchising, coupled with his unique understanding of entrepreneurshi…

1
Savoring the Fruits of Franchising with Edible Brands founder & CEO Tariq Farid 41:00

2y ago41:00

41:00

Tariq Farid, Founder and CEO of Edible Brands, the company that includes Edible Arrangements joins the podcast to discuss his journey from small business owner starting with a single flower shop, to technology entrepreneur to launching and scaling Edible Arrangements to a global brand. So many great lessons not only about franchising but more impor…

1
Interview: Pam and Brian Barefoot

17y ago

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President Barefoot and his wife, Pam, reflect on their time at Babson with Vice President for Advancement Richard Voos.By [email protected]