In this episode, host Courtney Stephen sits down with James Hilovsky, CEO of The FranDream, to delve into the world of franchising and its unique benefits. James explains how franchising offers a business playbook and ongoing support, providing a structured pathway to success for franchisees. He also discusses how franchising extends beyond the restaurant industry, touching on various sectors including home services, health and wellness, and entertainment. The conversation covers key considerations for aspiring franchisees, such as investment ranges, location, and ongoing costs, and highlights the importance of following the proven system to achieve success. Whether you’re an athlete transitioning to business or simply curious about franchising, James offers invaluable insights and practical advice on making informed decisions in the franchise world.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding Franchising: James breaks down the concept of franchising, explaining how it provides a business playbook and ongoing support for franchisees.
• Diverse Franchise Opportunities: Exploring how franchising is not just limited to restaurants but spans various industries like home services, health and wellness, and entertainment.
• Key to Success: Insights into what makes a successful franchisee – the ability to follow directions, adhere to the playbook, and hire the right team.
• Franchise Investment Considerations: Important factors when buying a franchise, include investment ranges, location, and ongoing costs.
• Popular Franchise Options: A look at trending franchise industries and what makes them appealing to new business owners.
• ROI and Profitability: Discussion on the expected time frame for earning back the initial investment and achieving profitability in a franchise.
• Advice for Aspiring Franchisees: James offers practical tips on conducting thorough research and crafting a clear plan before diving into franchising.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Definition of Franchising

03:02 Franchising Beyond Restaurants

06:01 Keys to Success in Franchising

08:20 Considerations for Buying a Franchise

15:03 Popular Franchise Options

18:31 Earning Back the Initial Investment

21:45 Advice for Individuals Interested in Franchising

Usama Mujtaba, head strength and conditioning coach for the Toronto Argonauts, shares his journey from being an engineer to a coach for professional athletes. He emphasizes the importance of being a jack of all trades and developing skills like public speaking and sales. Mujtaba discusses his goals of growing the culture of strength and conditioning in the CFL and creating a facility that provides comprehensive training for athletes. He also highlights the significance of financial literacy for athletes and encourages them to educate themselves on money management. Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

06:50 Building Trust and Culture in Professional Sports

11:38 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

20:01 Feed the Fam: Affordable Luxury Clothing

28:10 Growing the Culture of Strength and Conditioning in the CFL

36:29 Favorite Athletes

Danielle, the founder of Boxout Brand, shares her journey in the sports industry and her passion for basketball. She talks about how she fell in love with the sport and combined fashion and basketball to continue her dream of working in sports and entertainment. Danielle also discusses the growth of the WNBA and the positive changes happening in the league. She shares details about the event she is organizing called Drip Social, which celebrates the intersection of basketball and fashion during the WNBA All-Star Event in Phoenix. Danielle emphasizes the importance of intention, teamwork, and collaboration in creating successful events. She also talks about her plans, including a digital platform to assist people interested in working in sports and entertainment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

08:15 The Growth and Positive Changes in the WNBA

10:35 Drip Social: Celebrating Basketball and Fashion

19:25 Creating Successful Events

28:21 Favorite Athletes

35:46 Future Plans and His and Hers Pop-Up

• Episode Summary: In this episode, Courtney Stephen delves into the dynamic world of sports marketing, sharing his wealth of experience and insights on the challenges of attracting fans to stadiums. The conversation touches on several key areas, including: Storytelling and Fan Engagement: Courtney emphasizes the critical role of creating compelling stories and memorable experiences to draw fans in and keep them engaged. Exclusive and Premium Fan Experiences: The growing trend of offering fans premium experiences, such as front-row seats and VIP areas, is explored, highlighting how these perks can enhance fan loyalty and excitement. Community and Atmosphere: The importance of fostering a lively and inclusive community atmosphere within stadiums is discussed, showcasing how a vibrant environment can enhance the overall fan experience. Marketing Strategies: Various strategies for effectively marketing sports events and engaging with fans are examined, providing valuable insights for anyone interested in the sports industry. Join us for an insightful discussion with Courtney Stephen as we explore the multifaceted world of sports marketing and discover innovative ways to fill the stands with enthusiastic fans.

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  Chapters

  00:00 The Challenge of Filling Up a Stadium

  02:19 Sports Marketing: Leveraging Athlete Influence

  05:41 The Rise of Premium and Exclusive Experiences

  08:57 Creating Unforgettable Experiences

  11:15 Community Experiences in Stadiums

  13:28 The Changing Landscape of Sports Viewing

  
  

Summary In this episode, Courtney Stephen interviews Edward Jones, a player development professional, about the importance of player development in sports. They discuss the growth and niche of player development, the challenges athletes face when transitioning out of sports, and the impact of name, image, and likeness (NIL) on player development. Edward shares his journey into player development and the pitfalls that athletes often encounter. He also explains the role of player development in welcoming and supporting athletes on campus. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the different roles and salaries in player development. In this conversation, Courtney Stephen discusses the importance of making connections and building relationships in player development. He emphasizes the skills needed in player development, including being a relationship builder, a lifelong learner, and adaptable. Courtney shares advice for breaking into player development, such as being great where you are, making memorable interactions, and being strategic in networking. He also talks about his podcast, the Player Development Pod, and his conference, the Player Development Conference, where he provides valuable content and resources for those interested in player development. Takeaways Player development is the enhancement of the athlete experience through holistic and intentional programming and initiatives. Athletes often struggle with their identity when transitioning out of sports, as they have been identified as athletes their entire lives. The introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) has both positive and negative impacts on player development, as it can help athletes become business-minded but also distract them from their development. Player development professionals play a crucial role in welcoming and supporting athletes on campus, providing them with the necessary information and resources to navigate their college experience. There are various roles in player development, ranging from student interns to senior associate athletic directors, with salaries increasing as individuals progress in their careers. Building relationships and making connections are crucial in player development. The skills needed in player development include being a relationship builder, a lifelong learner, and adaptable. To break into player development, be great where you are, make memorable interactions, and be strategic in networking. Courtney Stephen's podcast, the Player Development Pod, and his conference, the Player Development Conference, provide valuable content and resources for those interested in player development. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Edward Jones and Player Development 03:13 The Growth and Niche of Player Development 08:22 Challenges in Transitioning from Athlete to Non-Athlete 13:51 The Impact of Name, Image, and Likeness on Player Development 23:37 Roles and Salaries in Player Development 28:45 Building Relationships in Player Development 30:07 Skills Needed in Player Development 32:00 Making Memorable Interactions 33:22 Breaking into Player Development 38:36 The Player Development Pod and Conference 48:48 Favorite Athletes of All Time

Summary Kareem Rae, founder of One Soccer Nation, shares his journey from playing soccer to starting his own professional soccer team. He discusses the audacity and ambition it takes to pursue such a goal at a young age. Kareem highlights the challenges and requirements of starting a USL One franchise, including the need for a high net-worth individual and a strong ownership group. He emphasizes the importance of community relationships and authenticity in building a successful team. Kareem also shares his favorite athletes, including Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Neymar.