We are all shaped and influenced by the experiences that happen in our lives. While going to college I worked at a hospital ward for burn patients. It was three years I can never forget and singularly shaped my life by witnessing the shaping of lives around me. Some experiences were glorious and others beyond heartbreak. These are a few of those experiences. The Music for this podcast was created by me using GarageBand and Apple loops under the fair use licensing. All content is protected an ...
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Tom Ashby Podcasts
Most sane people have given up hope that the finance industry can be a catalyst for positive change, but not Sloane Ortel and Ashby Monk. Since Free Money launched in 2019, they have helped listeners understand the true power (and immense potential) of long-term investing through accessible, authoritative, and deeply irreverent conversations with others pushing for progress. In the process, they’ve helped literally dozens of listeners understand root causes of the industry’s misalignment wit ...
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Bay Area theatre reviews with KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky, plus interviews with local Artistic Directors, actors and directors. Older posts include interviews witth former associate KPFA theatre critic C.S. Soong. Dates when reviews airs can be found at http://bookwaves.homestead.com/Theatre_Reviews.html
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Welcome to the Best of the Best in Franchising Podcast where in each episode, we talk with a specific leader in franchising who has accomplished remarkable feats and led the way in their franchise brand. We'll discuss how they got started in franchising, a little bit about their chosen franchise brand, what they love most about franchising, and more about what has helped them to be one of the best of the best in the franchise industry.
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Interview with Betsy Hamm, CEO of Lifted Studio and Host of the Loud and Lifted Podcast
37:05
37:05
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37:05In this episode, I talk with Betsy Hamm, who is a the CEO of Lifted Studio and host of the Loud and LIfted Podcast. Betsy shares her story about how she went from working in marketing at Hershey Entertainment to becoming involved in franchising. She worked with the founder of Duck Donuts, became its COO and then CEO and led the franchise from about…
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Interview with Richard Yoerk of Express Employment Professionals
38:22
38:22
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38:22In this episode, Richard Yoerk of Express Employment Professionals shares his story about how he and his wife got into the staffing business with Express Employment Professionals and build a multi-unit operation starting in Champaign, Illinois in April of 2008. Today, they have five territories and nine offices. Richard shares lessons he has learne…
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Review: “Sunday in the Park with George” at Shotgun Players Ashby Stage
6:55
6:55
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6:55KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Sunday in the Park with George” at Shotgun Players Ashby Stage extended through January 31, 2026. Text of Review: The late great composer lyricist Stephen Sondheim tackled a variety of subjects in his work, from an examination of relationships in Company to obsession in Passion, to gun culture in Assass…
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James Lapine on his collaboration with Stephen Sondheim
7:15
7:15
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7:15A short excerpt from a 2019 interview with James Lapine, who collaborated with Stephen Sondheim on “Sunday in the Park with George” and “Into The Woods.” Sunday in the Park with George plays at Shotgun Players Ashby Stage through January 31, 2026. “Into the Woods” plays at San Francisco Playhouse through January 17, 2026. The post James Lapine on h…
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Interview with Barb Volk and Doug Birer, Multi-Unit KidStrong Operators in Florida, North Carolina, and New York
35:27
35:27
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35:27In this episode, we talk with Barb Volk and Doug Birer, who run a multi-unit KidStrong operation in Florida, North Carolina, and New York. They talk about how their partnership started, lessons they've learned as they've been scaling their business, leadership advice on growing a team, and what they love most about being a part of the Kidstrong fra…
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Interview with Ben Kiser of Fireside RV in Gulf Shores, Alabama
35:27
35:27
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35:27In this episode, I talk with Ben Kiser, who owns a Fireside RV franchise in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Ben shares his story about how he got into franchising, why he chose Fireside RV, lessons he has learned that help him minimize his time in the business so he can spend more time working on it, what he enjoys most about business ownership, how he maxim…
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KPFA Theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Sally and Tom” by Suzan Lori-Parks at Marin Theatre through November 23, 2025. Text of Review: All Men Are Created Equal. Or so Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence. It’s kind of weird then, to know that Jefferson owned slaves. And it’s even weirder to realize that one of them, Sall…
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Review: “A Driving Beat” at TheatreWorks Mountain View
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6:05KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “A Driving Beat” by Jordan Ramirez Puckett, directed by Jeffrey Lo, at TheatreWorks Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts Second Stage through November 23, 2025. TEXT OF REVIEW The nature of identity puzzles all of us. Who are we exactly? Are we ourselves, or the tribe to which we belong? Are…
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Review: “Stereophonic” at the Curran Theatre
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6:01KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews the national tour of “Stereophonic” at Broadway SF Curran Theatre through November 23, 2025. TEXT OF REVIEW What does it take to put together a hit rock album, especially if the band itself seems to be falling apart, particularly the two couples that comprise most of the group? How do you separate t…
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Review: “Suffs” at the BroadwaySF Orpheum Theatre
5:53
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5:53KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews the national touring company of “Suffs,” now at BroadwaySF Orpheum Theatre through November 9,, 2025. REVIEW TEXT: Imagine a political movement that seems to be on the ropes. Demonstrations aren’t doing it, talks with political leaders fall on deaf ears. There’s no elected way forward, and the only thing…
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Interview with Phillip Morrison of Kitchen Tune-Up in Kansas City Metro Area
36:20
36:20
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36:20In this episode, I talk with Phillip Morrison, who started a Kitchen Tune-Up franchise in Olathe, Kansas who opened his doors in January of 2022. He shares his story, how he got into franchising with Kitchen Tune-Up, details about how he has scaled his business, unique things they do to make their experience unique for their customers, and why he i…
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Interview with TJ Azores, a Multi-Unit Owner of 1Heart Caregiver Services in Southern California
38:10
38:10
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38:10In this episode, TJ Azores, who currently owns four franchise territories with 1Heart Caregiver Services shares his story about how he got an E2 visa with 1Heart after completing an MBA and PhD on a student visa. TJ shares his story, what attracted him to the senior care industry, what he likes most about being a franchisee with 1Heart, and his vis…
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Review: “Little Women” at TheatreWorks Mountain View
6:12
6:12
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6:12KPFA theatre critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Little Women,” adapted by Lauren Gunderson, at TheatreWorks Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts through October 12, 2025. Little Women Review The classic pre-twentieth century books never die, on stage or on film. A Christmas Carol keeps coming back in December, year after year after year. Mayb…
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Interview with Benjamin Gregg of 1-800-PACKOUTS in Southeast Tennessee
36:42
36:42
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36:42In this episode, I talk with Benjamin Gregg, who owns a 1-800-PACKOUTS franchise in Southeastern Tennessee (specifically the Knoxville and Chattanooga area). Benjamin shares his story of how he became an entrepreneur and decided to get into franchising and choose to be a part of the cleaning and restoration industry with 1-800-PACKOUTS and Five Sta…
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Interview with Kamran Ghasri, Owner of 1Heart Caregiver Services Franchise in Beverly Hills, California
31:50
31:50
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31:50In this episode, I talk with Kamran Ghasri, who is the first franchisee of 1Heart Caregiver Services located in Beverly Hills, California. He joined 1Heart in early 2015. Kamra shares his story about how he got into the non-medical senior care business with 1Heart Caregiver Services and shares lessons he has learned, how he has grown his business, …
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Review: “The Motion” at Shotgun Players Ashby Stage
6:14
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6:14KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “The Motion” by Christopher Chen at Shotgun Players Ashby Stage through October 12, 2025. TEXT OF REVIEW THE MOTION With so much news in the world today, and with a CDC corrupted by politics and mentally ill cranks, the subject of animal testing seems to fall by the wayside. But the discussion about…
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Interview with Jon Ostenson, CEO of FranBridge Consulting
30:03
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30:03In this episode, I talk with Jon Ostenson, who is the CEO of FranBridge Consulting, on his remarkable career as one of the top 1% of franchise consultants in the United States. He is a frequent contributor on the topic of "non-food franchising" for outlets such as Inc., Forbes, The Franchise Journal and Franchise Connect. Jon is a multi-brand franc…
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Review: “The Reservoir” at Berkeley Rep Peets Theatre
6:20
6:20
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6:20KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “The Reservoir” by Jake Brasch, at Berkeley Rep Peets Theatre through October 12, 2025. The post Review: “The Reservoir” at Berkeley Rep Peets Theatre appeared first on KPFA.By KPFA
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KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews the national touring production of “Shucked” at the BroadwaySF Curran Theatre through October 5, 2025. The post Review: “Shucked” at the Curran Theatre appeared first on KPFA.By KPFA
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KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Eureka Day” at Marin Theatre, in partnership with Aurora Theatre, through September 28, 2025. The post Review: “Eureka Day” at Marin Theatre appeared first on KPFA.By KPFA
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Interview with Caty Witt, a Multi-Unit PostNet Franchise Owner in Arizona and California
28:26
28:26
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28:26In this episode, I talk with Caty Witt, who is a multi-unit PostNet franchise owner in Arizona and California. Caty shares her story, how she got started and how she started scaling into multiple stores. She also shares lessons she has learned from scaling her business, working with others to review and enhance performance, and what she's most exci…
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Review: “The Return,” at the Garret at ACT’s Toni Rembe Theatre
6:17
6:17
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6:17KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “The Return,” a Golden Thread production at the Garret at ACT’s Toni Rembe Theatre through August 24, 2025. The post Review: “The Return,” at the Garret at ACT’s Toni Rembe Theatre appeared first on KPFA.By KPFA
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Interview with Jason Wong of Studio Pilates International in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York
45:17
45:17
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45:17In this episode, I talk with Jason Wong, who with his wife Wati started a Studio Pilates International franchise in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York. Wati comes from the corporate world as a management consultant in banking and Jason spent the last two decades building and operating businesses in the hospitality and wellness industries across New Y…
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Interview with Steve Buors, CEO and Co-Founder of Reshift Media
29:45
29:45
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29:45In this episode, I talk with Steve Buors about how he and his partner got into franchising and started providing digital marketing services with Reshift Media to franchisors and franchisees. Steve shares lessons he has learned in his business about marketing and promotion, the impact AI is already having on marketing for franchising today, and what…
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Review: “My Fair Lady” at San Francisco Playhouse
6:12
6:12
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6:12Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “My Fair Lady” at San Francisco Playhouse through September 13, 2025. The post Review: “My Fair Lady” at San Francisco Playhouse appeared first on KPFA.By KPFA
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KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews the national touring company of “& Juliet” at the BroadwaySF Orpheum Theatre through July 27, 2025. The post Review: “& Juliet” at the Orpheum appeared first on KPFA.By KPFA
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Interview with Cathy Trlica and Lara Harris of Caring Senior Service in New Braunfels, Texas
31:10
31:10
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31:10In this episode, I talk with Cathy Trlica and Lara Harris, a mother / daughter team that own a Caring Senior Service Franchise in New Braunfels, Texas. They share their story, how they chose the Caring Senior Service franchise, how they have scaled and grown their business, secrets to leadership, retention, and getting great referrals from clients,…
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KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews the world premiere of “Aztlan” by Luis Alfaro, at the Magic Theatre through July 13, 2025. The post Review: “Aztlan” at the Magic Theatre appeared first on KPFA.By KPFA
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Review: “Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” at TheatreWorks Mountain View
6:14
6:14
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6:14KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean,” a new musical, at TheatreWorks Mountain view Center for the Performing Arts through July 13, 2025. The post Review: “Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” at TheatreWorks Mountain View appeared first on KPFA.…
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Interview with Rich Schepler and TJ Chillot of AlphaGraphics in Charlotte, North Carolina
36:30
36:30
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36:30In this episode, I talk with Rich Schepler who started his AlphaGraphics franchise in December of 2015 and TJ Chillot, who is his Client Relationship Manager. Rich shares his story about how he went from working for a big commercial printer in Rochester, New York to moving to Charlotte, North Carolina and acquiring an AlphaGraphics franchise. He sh…
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KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Co-Founders” at ACT’s Strand Theatre through July 6, 2025. The post Revew: “Co-Founders,” at ACT Strand Theatre appeared first on KPFA.By KPFA
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Review: “The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise” at the Orpheum
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6:00KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise” at BroadwaySF Orpheum through June 22, 2025. The post Review: “The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise” at the Orpheum appeared first on KPFA.By KPFA
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Interview with Rachel Leuck of Gotcha Covered with Five Star Franchising in Sugarland, Texas
31:15
31:15
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31:15In this episode, I talk with Rachel Leuck of Gotcha Covered in Sugarland, Texas. Rachel shares her story of how she and her brother got into franchising and why they selected the Gotcha Covered franchise, lessons she has learned about scaling and retaining great independent contractors to help her build the business, awards that she has won, and wh…
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Review: “Pacific Overtures” at Brava Theater Center
6:11
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6:11KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Pacific Overtures” at Brava Theater Center through June 15, 2025. The post Review: “Pacific Overtures” at Brava Theater Center appeared first on KPFA.By KPFA
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KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews the touring production of the Broadway revival of the musical “Parade” at BroadwaySF‘s Orpheum Theatre through June 8, 2025. The post Review: “Parade” at BroadwaySF Orpheum appeared first on KPFA.By KPFA
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Interview with Matt Drescher of The Grout Medic and Kitchen Wise Closet Wise Franchises with Premium Service Brands in Minneapolis, Minnesota
44:39
44:39
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44:39In this episode, we talk with Matt Drescher, who recently opened The Grout Medic franchise to their existing Kitchen Wise Closet Wise franchise with Premium Service Brands in January of 2025. Matt shares how he and his family got started in the original business, the benefits that he has found with stacking on another brand to their business, how P…
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Interview with Rich Marzan of House Doctors with Premium Service Brands in McLean, Virginia
32:21
32:21
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32:21In this episode, we talk with Rich Marzan, who owns a House Doctors franchise with Premium Service Brands in McLean, Virginia. Rich shares his story about how he started his House Doctors franchise after twenty-seven years of service in the Army, lessons he has learned about retention and management of great team members, how he has scaled his busi…
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Review: “Yellow Face” at Shotgun Players Ashby Stage
6:14
6:14
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6:14KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Yellow Face” by Henry David Hwang, at Shotgun Players Ashby Stage through June 14, 2025. The post Review: “Yellow Face” at Shotgun Players Ashby Stage appeared first on KPFA.By KPFA
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Review: “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” at San Francisco Playhouse
6:12
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6:12KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” at San Francisco Playhouse through June 21, 2025. The post Review: “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” at San Francisco Playhouse appeared first on KPFA.By KPFA
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Interview with Pete Throndson, Franchise Owner of Wonderly Lights and CertaPro Painting in Red Bank, New Jersey
37:56
37:56
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37:56In this episode, I talk with Pete Throndson, who is a franchise owner of Wonderly Lights and CertaPro Painting in Red Bank, New Jersey. Pete shares his story about how he got into franchising, lessons he has learned about employee retention and growth, what he likes most about adding the Wonderly Lights franchise to his existing franchise operation…
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Interview with Roland Ligtenberg, Co-Founder and Senior Vice President of Growth and Innovation at Housecall Pro
30:35
30:35
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30:35In this episode, I talk with Roland Ligtenberg, who is the co-founder and Senior Vice President of Growth and Innovation at Housecall Pro, which is the #1 rated easiest to use and most reliable field service management app for franchisors and franchisees in the home services industry. Roland shares his story about how they got started, how Housecal…
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Interview with Todd Tyler of 1-800-PACKOUTS in San Diego, California
33:32
33:32
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33:32In this episode, I talk with Todd Tyler, who owns a 1-800-PACKOUTS franchise in San Diego, California. Todd shares his story about his background prior to joining the franchise, his initial skepticism to being a part of a franchise and ultimately the value that he found in being a franchisee with 1-800-PACKOUTS. He also shares his story about how h…
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Review: “Two Trains Running” at ACT Toni Rembe Theatre
5:57
5:57
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5:57KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Two Trains Running” by August Wilson, a production of The Acting Company, at ACT Toni Rembe Theatre through May 4, 2025. The post Review: “Two Trains Running” at ACT Toni Rembe Theatre appeared first on KPFA.By KPFA
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Interview with Matt Forbush, Founder and CEO of Zignyl
28:56
28:56
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28:56In this episode, I talk with Matt Forbush, who is the founder and CEO of Zignyl, a revolutionary new software that helps multi-unit franchise owners to signal when a particular location or team member may need some particular help or attention. Zignyl is a digital platform designed for QSR franchisees, integrating scheduling, labor management, empl…
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Review: “Here There Are Blueberries” at Berkeley Rep Roda Theatre
6:19
6:19
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6:19KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “Here There Are Blueberries” by Moises Kaufman and Amanda Gronich, conceived and directed by Moises Kaufman, a Tectonic Theater Project, at Berkeley Rep Roda Theater through May 11, 2025. (Photo: Matthew Murphy). The post Review: “Here There Are Blueberries” at Berkeley Rep Roda Theatre appeared first on…
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Interview with Heather Ripley, Founder and CEO of Ripley PR
29:07
29:07
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29:07In this episode, we talk with Heather Ripley, who is the founder and CEO of Ripley PR, based in Maryville, Tennessee. Heather shares her story about how she got into advertising and public relations, lessons she has learned from helping to promote many top franchise brands, how she helped a client get featured on the Celebrity Apprentice TV show, w…
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Review: “The Heart Sellers” at TheatreWorks Mountain View
6:19
6:19
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6:19KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “The Heart Sellers” by Lloyd Suh, at TheatreWorks Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts through April 27, 2025 (previously at Aurora Theatre in Berkeley). The post Review: “The Heart Sellers” at TheatreWorks Mountain View appeared first on KPFA.By KPFA
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Interview with Pete Whittier of Rubbish Works with Premium Service Brands
27:29
27:29
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27:29In this episode, we talk with Pete Whittier who started a Rubbish Works franchise with Premium Service Brands in March of 2024. Pete shares his story about how he got started, lessons he has learned from starting his own business within a franchise, mistakes that he made, and why he is so excited about the future with Premium Service Brands.…
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Interview with Mark Boyd Who Operates 6 Brands with Premium Service Brands (House Doctors, 360° Painting, Kitchen Wise / Closet Wise, Window Gang, ProLift Doors, and Grout Medic) in Augusta, Georgia
40:45
40:45
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40:45In this episode, I interview Mark Boyd who owns a House Doctors and 360° Painting franchise in Evans, Georgia (just outside of Augusta, Georgia). Additionally, he has just added four new brands with Premium Service Brands (Kitchen Wise / Closet Wise, Window Gang, ProLift Doors, and Grout Medic). Mark shares his story about how he got started with H…
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Interview with Jessica Cartwright, Owner of Royal Restrooms Mountain West in Salt Lake City, Utah, Denver, Colorado, and Albuquerque, New Mexico
46:53
46:53
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46:53In this episode, I talk with Jessica Cartwright about how she decided to join the Royal Restrooms franchise and acquire an existing business that was operating in Salt Lake City, Utah and Denver, Colorado. She has since expanded operations in both markets and is in the process of opening a third market in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jessica shares val…
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