Franchise Now features Rick Grossmann on FMR—discussing tech, leadership, and scalable systems.
Franchise Now recently launched a new podcast episode on Franchise Marketing Radio, featuring industry strategist and Franchise Bible co-author Rick Grossmann. With decades of experience guiding brands through every stage of franchise development, Grossmann brings a thoughtful, practical perspective to what franchise growth really demands in 2025.
In this episode, Grossmann explores the layered challenges facing franchisors today—from rapidly shifting consumer expectations to the rising complexity of supporting multiple units with consistent service, marketing, and training. But instead of painting a bleak picture, the conversation delivers a clear and achievable roadmap for brands that want to scale smarter and faster—with a firm foundation in both technology and leadership.
Building the Right Systems Before Scaling
One of the most important themes from the episode is the need for replicable, predictable systems before any brand attempts to scale. Grossmann emphasizes that franchising is not just about expansion—it’s about consistency. Without standardized operational playbooks, onboarding protocols, and communication frameworks, growth can amplify inefficiencies rather than success.
He encourages emerging brands to invest early in building infrastructure that supports both the franchisor and the franchisee. From field support tools to local marketing templates, success hinges on ensuring that every unit can deliver the same brand experience without reinventing the wheel.
Technology as a Strategic Advantage
Grossmann dives into how technology is revolutionizing the way franchise brands operate—not by replacing people, but by enhancing their ability to execute.
He highlights platforms like FranchiseNow.ai that are helping franchisors automate lead engagement, respond to inquiries within seconds, and maintain consistent communication across every step of the sales journey. These tools empower sales and development teams to spend more time on qualified conversations, shorten the time from inquiry to close, and reduce drop-off throughout the recruitment funnel.
The episode makes it clear: technology, when used strategically, is a powerful enabler. It creates space for relationship-building, enhances brand consistency, and allows franchise leaders to focus more energy on growth—not just administration.
Operational Visibility at Scale
As franchise brands grow, visibility becomes increasingly critical. Grossmann explains how real-time dashboards, centralized data systems, and templated reporting allow franchisors to identify bottlenecks quickly, provide support proactively, and ensure alignment between corporate goals and local execution.
Franchisees, in turn, benefit from clear expectations, easy-to-access resources, and metrics that help them track performance. These systems drive accountability on both sides of the relationship and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
The Role of Servant Leadership
While technology and systems are vital, Grossmann also touches on the importance of leadership philosophy—specifically, servant leadership. He explains that leaders who put franchisee needs first often see higher engagement, better feedback loops, and stronger systemwide loyalty.
Servant leadership isn’t the only success factor, but when paired with the right tools and structure, it creates an environment where franchisees feel supported, heard, and motivated to grow with the brand.
Growth Requires Alignment
Grossmann reinforces that sustainable franchise growth requires alignment across people, processes, and platforms. A brand that grows without preparing for operational consistency will eventually feel the strain. But a brand that blends systems, technology, and a strong leadership culture can scale successfully—and adapt quickly to market changes.
This episode of Franchise Marketing Radio, launched by Franchise Now, is a must-listen for anyone involved in franchise development, operations, or marketing. It offers clear strategies, real examples, and practical takeaways that can be implemented immediately.
🎧 Listen to the full episode now here
