Advertise on podcast: Dynamic Disruption

The CEO of Home Services at Phoenix Franchise Brands, Kevin Longe, joined us for this episode of Dynamic Disruption. We unpacked how in-house development, 10-year franchise contracts, and strong franchisee relationships have fueled rapid growth. We also dive into how AI and smart marketing strategies are giving home service brands a serious competitive edge. A must-listen for entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to scale with purpose.

In this episode of Dynamic Disruption, we sat down with Chad Palmer, CMO of United Franchise Group (UFG), one of the world's largest franchise development organizations. Chad pulls back the curtain on how UFG is harnessing AI and digital transformation not just to market franchises — but to fundamentally reimagine how they support franchisees, create brand synergy across 40+ diverse concepts, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.

In this episode, Marc Torres, CEO of Cheba Hut, shares his journey from frontline worker to CEO, emphasizing the importance of authentic culture, local community engagement, and strategic growth. Discover how staying true to core values and fostering pride among staff can drive brand success.

In this episode, we sit down with Emily Hazard, Retail Network Development Marketing Director at Fortidia, the company behind global franchise brands including AlphaGraphics, PostNet, and World Options. With more than 3,200 locations worldwide, Emily shares how Fortidia grows franchise networks while maintaining a strong culture and local community connection. We discuss the importance of selecting the right franchise owners, how AI and technology are shaping marketing and operations, the role of sustainability in modern business, and the key metrics that drive success across a global franchise system.

In this conversation, Mallory Pruitt, the Executive Director of Ellianos Coffee, shares her inspiring journey from a barista to a leader in the coffee industry. She discusses her diverse career path, the strategic growth of Ellianos over the years, and the importance of networking and persistence in achieving career goals.

Don Champion, SVP of Sales and Development for Penn Station East Coast Subs, joins us this episode to explore the major shifts in the fast-casual dining industry and how brands are adapting to changing customer expectations. We dive into strategies for growth, maintaining brand identity, and the critical role of franchise owners in delivering value and engagement.

In this episode, Mary Wehrer, VP of Marketing and Merchandising for Floyd's 99 Barbershop, shares how her team thoughtfully blends digital channels with traditional tactics to drive growth and stay connected to diverse customer groups. She breaks down why community engagement, grassroots partnerships, and continuous innovation remain core to their strategy.

This episode features Chad Offerdahl, President and Co-CEO of Big Biscuit, who shares his philosophy on building an enduring brand through people-first leadership. He explains that excellent customer experience is directly fueled by employee satisfaction and talks about Big Biscuit's commitment to sustainable growth, which means prioritizing a "small company mindset" and the right franchisees over rapid scaling. Learn how the brand maintains its integrity by sticking to timeless core values and how the breakfast ritual drives customer loyalty, offering key insights into the future of values-driven franchising.

In this episode of Dynamic Disruption, host Mary Hanula welcomes Matt Labuda, Vice President of Marketing at LINE-X, to discuss how the company has grown from a truck bed protection provider into a comprehensive vehicle customization brand. Matt shares how LINE-X adapted during economic challenges, embraced digital transformation, and built a loyal customer base through authenticity and quality. The conversation highlights the brand’s marketing strategies, customer engagement tactics, and continued household name status in vehicle customization.

Discover the unique approach that sets Aroma Joe's apart in the competitive QSR space, focusing on authentic customer connections and community engagement. Carrie McAleese Riley, CMO of Aroma Joe's, shares insights on leadership, advocating for oneself in male-dominated industries, and maintaining work-life balance.

Amita Balla, VP of Brand Excellence for Crunch Fitness, came on the show to share what she's learned from her 35-year journey in the fitness industry. Gain insights on the importance of leadership and mentorship in personal and professional growth, learn how to curate a culture of authenticity, and hear why feedback and recognition are crucial for a great work environment.

BaseCamp Franchising, consisting of Uptown Cheapskate and Kid to Kid, is run by a dynamic sibling duo, Co-CEOs Tyler and Zach Gordon. The two are revolutionizing the thrift store model by prioritizing franchisee success, integrating customer feedback, and leveraging proprietary software for enhanced operations. Hear about their mission of sustainability and community impact and how they challenge misconceptions about shopping secondhand.

This episode features Michelin-starred Chef Anthony Amoroso, Vice President of Innovation and Growth for Maggiano's Little Italy, who discusses his role and the brand's exciting culinary evolution. He shares how Maggiano's elevates the dining experience through exceptional ingredients, quality, and service. Discover Maggiano's future growth plans, including restaurant refreshes and menu innovations, all aimed at making luxury dining accessible to everyone.

Welcome Anna Khayet, CMO of Padgett Advisors and Founder of Mastermind HQ as she discusses her journey, along with the complexities of marketing for accounting firms and the role of technology in the industry. Learn about the industry's dynamic new concept — Mastermind HQ, a platform aimed at bridging the gap in technology adoption among accountants and gain valuable advice on marketing strategy.

Today's guest is Rick Mayo, CEO of Alloy Personal Training. This episode unpacks the brand model's distinctive strategy in the fitness world, how they reach their target demographic, their marketing journey evolution, and how they've fostered a thriving and inclusive community. We'll also highlight the critical role empathy plays in their customer care, revealing best practices and how to achieve impressive growth by prioritizing personal connections and unwavering integrity.