Anchored in Purpose
By FranFaith
New episode every Tuesday.
What If the Bible Is Your Business Manual? | Mike Isakson | FranFaith
What if the Bible could serve as your business manual?
In this episode of FranFaith, Todd Recknagel sits down with Mike Isakson, a longtime franchise leader, former CEO of ServiceMaster’s franchise business, franchisee, consultant, and respected voice in the franchising community. With nearly five decades of experience in franchising and leadership, Mike shares how faith, biblical principles, and strong relationships have shaped his approach to business and success.
Mike and Todd explore the powerful connection between faith and franchising, including how following a proven franchise system can mirror the discipline, accountability, and guidance found in the Christian faith. They discuss building generational wealth through business ownership, the responsibility franchisors have to their franchisees, and why profitable growth must be balanced with people development and ethical leadership.
The conversation also dives into what makes a great leader. Mike shares lessons from the mentors who invested in his life, why successful leaders need accountability, and the difference between commanding a room and demanding a room. At the heart of it all is a message about humility, giving back, serving others, and understanding that success comes with responsibility.
Mike also opens up about his personal faith in Jesus Christ and how the Bible provides an “operating manual” for navigating both business and life. From Christian business leadership and entrepreneurship to franchising, mentorship, and personal growth, this conversation offers practical wisdom for franchise owners, entrepreneurs, executives, and anyone looking to lead with greater purpose.
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Franchising Through the Lens of Abundance | Faizun Kamal | FranFaith
What does it truly mean to build a business rooted in abundance?
In this episode of FranFaith, Todd Recknagel sits down with Faizun Kamal, Co-Founder and CEO of Franchise Pros, to explore how entrepreneurship, franchise ownership, and faith can transform not only businesses, but the people who build them. After being laid off from corporate America, Faizun turned uncertainty into opportunity, growing Franchise Pros into a company that helps entrepreneurs invest in franchises, franchise their own businesses, recruit franchisees, and acquire companies. Her perspective on leadership, ownership, and personal transformation offers valuable insights for aspiring and experienced business owners alike.
Throughout the conversation, Faizun shares how embracing an abundance mindset has shaped every stage of her entrepreneurial journey. She explains why she believes ownership is about far more than starting a business, it's about taking ownership of your vision, your future, and ultimately your life. Whether you're considering franchise ownership, scaling a company, or searching for your next opportunity, her story is both practical and inspiring.
Todd and Faizun also discuss how AI is changing entrepreneurship, why authentic relationships continue to outperform paid lead generation, and how trust has become one of the most valuable currencies in today's business landscape. They explore leadership through service, building a company with purpose, and why genuine connection remains a competitive advantage in an increasingly digital world.
The conversation concludes with a powerful discussion about faith, abundance, and leading with love. Faizun shares how her spiritual journey influences the way she serves clients, makes business decisions, and defines success, offering encouragement for entrepreneurs who want to build businesses that create lasting impact while staying true to their values.
Whether you're a franchise owner, entrepreneur, business leader, investor, or someone exploring Christian business leadership, this episode offers practical wisdom on franchising, entrepreneurship, business ownership, leadership, AI in business, personal growth, and living with an abundance mindset.
Connect with us!
www.franfaith.com
Instagram: @ thefranfaith
Linkedln: franfaith
Circles (community-platform): https://franfaith-community.circle.so
Stop Selling Franchises Like Transactions | Dr. Ben Litalien | FranFaith
What separates thriving franchise brands from those that struggle?
In this episode of FranFaith, Todd Recknagel sits down with Ben Litalien, Founder and Principal of Franchise Well, franchise strategist, educator, and FranFaith co-founder. With decades of experience helping emerging franchise brands scale, advising some of the biggest names in franchising, and teaching franchise leadership at Georgetown University.
Ben shares the principles that have guided his career. His message is simple but powerful: stop treating franchises like transactions and start building long-term partnerships that create lasting success.Throughout this conversation, Ben explains why the best franchise systems prioritize people over numbers, purpose over profit, and relationships over rapid expansion. He discusses how choosing the right franchisees, leveraging system-wide data, building strong operational systems, and making decisions with integrity can transform a franchise brand. Ben also shares lessons from working with brands like Subway, ZeroRes, ExxonMobil, and emerging franchise concepts, while offering practical insights every franchisor, franchisee, entrepreneur, and business owner can apply.
The discussion also explores how Ben's Christian faith has shaped his leadership philosophy. He draws compelling parallels between faith and franchising, emphasizing stewardship, servant leadership, accountability, and building businesses that positively impact communities. Whether you're launching your first franchise, growing a multi-unit operation, or simply looking to become a stronger business leader, this episode offers valuable wisdom on sustainable growth and purpose-driven leadership.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why selling franchises like transactions creates long-term problems
• How great franchise systems choose the right franchisees
• The importance of data-driven decision-making in franchising
• Why purpose-driven businesses outperform profit-driven ones
• How faith influences leadership and business ownership
• The role of integrity in building successful franchise brands
• Lessons from decades of franchise consulting and entrepreneurship
If you're passionate about franchising, entrepreneurship, franchise ownership, leadership, Christian business, faith-driven leadership, business growth, franchise development, or building businesses with purpose, this conversation is for you.
Connect with us!
www.franfaith.com
Instagram: @ thefranfaith
Linkedln: franfaith
Circles (community-platform): https://franfaith-community.circle.so
The Million-Dollar Mindset Built on Faith | Kim Daly | FranFaith
In this episode of FranFaith, Todd Recknagel sits down with Kim Daly to discuss the powerful connection between faith, mindset, and entrepreneurship. Kim shares her incredible journey from being an average-performing franchise consultant to becoming a million-dollar producer by changing her identity, gaining clarity, and trusting God's direction in her life.
Kim Daly is the Founder and CEO of The Zee Suite, a coaching community dedicated to helping franchise owners unlock their potential through mindset, personal growth, and faith-driven principles. Known as The Daly Coach, Kim is a highly successful franchise consultant, entrepreneur, and speaker who has spent over 20 years helping individuals achieve business ownership and create lasting success. After building a multi-million-dollar career in franchise consulting, Kim created The Zee Suite to help franchisees bridge the gap between having the right business strategy and becoming the person capable of achieving true franchise wealth.
Kim explains how she went from earning around $250,000 annually to generating over $1 million by shifting her focus from chasing results to serving others, controlling what she could influence, and taking consistent daily action. She shares the importance of having a clear vision, believing in possibilities, and allowing faith to guide your decisions in business.
Together, Todd and Kim explore:
- How faith can shape your approach to business and leadership
- The mindset shift that changed Kim's career forever
- Why identity matters more than strategy
- The difference between striving and thriving
- Building wealth while staying rooted in biblical values
- The power of generosity and trusting God's provision
- How entrepreneurs can hear God's direction in their business
- Why serving others leads to lasting success
- Kim's mission through The Zee Suite to help franchise owners unlock their full potential
Whether you're a franchise owner, entrepreneur, business leader, or simply looking to grow in your faith and purpose, this conversation offers practical wisdom and inspiring stories that will challenge the way you think about success.
Connect with us!www.franfaith.comInstagram: @ thefranfaithLinkedln: franfaithCircles (community-platform): https://franfaith-community.circle.so...
Faith Meets Franchising in Washington D.C.
In this inspiring episode of the FranFaith Podcast, host Todd Recknagel sits down with Michael Layman, Michael Layman serves as the Chief Advocacy Officer of the International Franchise Association (IFA), where he leads the organization's advocacy efforts on behalf of the franchise community. With decades of experience in Washington, D.C., Michael is dedicated to protecting and advancing franchising while encouraging leaders to integrate faith, integrity, and servant leadership into every area of life.Michael shares his remarkable journey from a small-town upbringing in Illinois to working on Capitol Hill, serving through the aftermath of 9/11, and eventually becoming the leading advocate for the franchise industry in America. Along the way, he opens up about how his relationship with Jesus Christ transformed not only his personal life but also the way he leads, serves others, and approaches business.Together, Todd and Michael explore:
- Michael Layman's faith journey and personal testimony
- Leading with biblical principles in Washington, D.C.
- Why servant leadership is essential in business
- How faith impacts leadership in the franchise industry
- The importance of relationships in franchising
- Bringing Christian values into the marketplace
- Why business can be a powerful mission field
- Living out your faith while leading others
Whether you're a franchisee, franchisor, entrepreneur, business owner, executive, or Christian leader, this conversation offers practical wisdom and biblical encouragement for anyone seeking to honor God through their work.Connect with us!www.franfaith.comInstagram: @ thefranfaithLinkedln: franfaithCircles (community-platform): https://franfaith-community.circle.so...
How to Build Better Franchises
In this episode, Keith Gerson shares his 52-year journey in the franchising industry, starting from his early days working with major brands like McDonald’s, Jack in the Box, and Mrs. Fields Cookies, to later becoming President of FranConnect and now leading Gerson Advisory Services. He explains how his hands-on experience across operations, franchise development, marketing, and training shaped his understanding of what truly drives franchise success.
Keith dives into real examples, including how he helped launch the franchising model at Mrs. Fields Cookies during a financially difficult time. Instead of simply selling struggling locations, he focused on proper training, support, and accountability, which led many underperforming units to become successful. This story highlights the difference between rapid expansion and responsible growth.The conversation also explores key franchising strategies, such as:
-Why franchisors must think from the franchisee’s perspective
-The importance of training, systems, and ongoing support
-How poor communication and leadership can hurt growth
-Why technology (like franchise management software) only works if people actually use it
-The role of franchise advisory councils and testing systems before scaling
Keith also shares insights from his time at FranConnect, where he had visibility into multiple franchise systems across different industries. This gave him a unique understanding of best practices, common failures, and what separates high-performing brands from struggling ones.Beyond business, Keith opens up about a life-changing personal experience. As a teenager, he was on a destructive path involving poor decisions and risky behavior, which led to a severe car accident where he temporarily lost his life. He describes a powerful near-death experience that completely shifted his mindset, giving him a sense of purpose, clarity, and direction. After recovering, he turned his life around, focusing on personal growth, faith, leadership, and long-term impact.
Today, Keith uses both his business expertise and life experiences to help franchisors, private equity groups, and organizations grow the right way—by building systems that support people, not just profits.This episode is a mix of practical franchising advice, leadership lessons, and a powerful story about transformation, making it valuable for anyone interested in business, growth, and personal development.
Building Legacy Beyond the Game
In this conversation, Todd Recknagel sits down with Malcolm Smith, Super Bowl MVP of Super Bowl XLVIII — to talk about far more than football.
Malcolm shares his journey from being a seventh-round draft pick out of USC to becoming Super Bowl MVP with the Seattle Seahawks. He opens up about the fear and uncertainty of draft day, battling a rare medical condition (achalasia) in college, surviving roster turnover in the NFL, and learning how to persevere through seasons of doubt.
The conversation dives deep into:
Faith under pressure in the NFL
Praying for peace instead of victory
Humility in professional sports
“Enjoying the toil” — embracing the unseen hard work
Overcoming fear at the highest level
The Disney World MVP contract lesson in leverage
Transitioning out of professional sports
Identity beyond football
Why franchising appeals to him post-NFL
Malcolm’s story is ultimately about trusting God in uncertain seasons, persevering when overlooked, and staying humble whether you’re on the bench or on the biggest stage in sports.
This episode is for athletes, entrepreneurs, franchise leaders, and anyone navigating a transition season who needs encouragement to remain faithful, fearless, and disciplined in the process.
How to Faithfully Scale a Franchise
In this FranFaith episode, Todd Recknagel sits down with longtime friend and respected franchise leader Tim Evankovich, Chairman of Oasis Senior Advisors and former CEO of The Cleaning Authority.
Tim shares his remarkable journey from starting a business with just $300 and a small loan… to building a nationally recognized franchise brand that was ultimately acquired by private equity. He opens up about:
-Launching The Cleaning Authority in 1989
-Growing from a small independent business to 100+ franchise units
=Scaling through broker networks and smart infrastructure
-Selling to private equity and helping build what became Authority Brands
-Launching Oasis Senior Advisors and growing it to 160+ territories
-Navigating the devastation of COVID in the senior placement industry
-Rebuilding revenue through innovation, faith, and leadership
But this episode goes deeper than business. For emerging franchisors, franchisees, and faith-driven entrepreneurs, this is a podcast of resilience, humility, and long-term thinking. This conversation is a reminder that success isn’t built on pride, it’s built on perseverance, prayer, and people.
How Faith Restores Lives
In this powerful episode of the FranFaith Podcast, Todd Recknagel sits down with Joe Mohay, the President of the franchise group and the multi-unit organization at Ignite Visibility, to share a remarkable story of faith, perseverance, and leadership.
Joe opens up about building a digital marketing agency from the ground up, navigating years as a single father, experiencing deep seasons of isolation, and the spiritual wake-up call that changed everything. Through prayer, new habits, and renewed trust in God, Joe found balance, restored family relationships, and eventually led his company through a major acquisition, now helping scale one of the fastest-growing agencies in franchising.
You’ll hear how faith shaped Joe’s daily routines, his approach to leadership, and the way he now pours into his blended family and community. From business growth to spiritual renewal, this conversation is a powerful reminder that God’s timing is perfect and that true success starts with putting Him first.
How Integrity Drives Franchise Growth
In this episode of FranFaith, Todd Recknagel sits down with Red Boswell, President of IFPG, for an inspiring and insightful conversation on faith, leadership, and the realities of franchising.
Red shares his personal journey from early entrepreneurship to leading one of the most influential franchise consulting networks in North America. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories about how IFPG scaled to thousands of placements each year, what franchise consultants really do, and why integrity and transparency matter more than ever in business.
The discussion also dives into how faith shapes leadership, how Red integrates his beliefs into daily work, and why FranFaith exists to bring together franchise leaders through community, prayer, and mastermind groups.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How Red Boswell got started in franchising
• What franchise consultants (brokers) actually do
• How IFPG grew into a $100M network
• Why honesty and trust drive long-term success
• How faith influences leadership decisions
• What makes a franchise brand attractive to buyers
• How FranFaith is building a faith-based franchise community
Whether you’re a franchisor, franchisee, entrepreneur, or someone seeking purpose in your work, this episode offers practical insights and powerful encouragement.
www.franfaith.com
Marriage With God’s Intention
In this episode, Todd Recknagel and Kristi Mailloux sit down with Greg and Julie Gorman, founders of Married for a Purpose, to talk about faith, marriage, and God’s design for family.
Greg and Julie share their powerful journey—from broken beginnings and career success to a season of deep surrender that led them into marriage ministry. Together, they unpack how God used hardship, humility, and obedience to shape a movement that is now restoring marriages across the country and beyond.
You’ll hear practical wisdom on:
- How to move from good to great in marriage
- Why mindset and thought life matter in relationships
- Common challenges couples face (communication, parenting, intimacy)
- God’s original purpose for marriage and family
- How unity in marriage creates ripple effects in families, churches, and communities
Whether you’re newly married, empty nesters, or simply seeking to strengthen your relationship, this conversation is full of hope, truth, and practical encouragement.
👉 Learn more about Married for a Purpose: marriedforapurpose.com
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who could use encouragement in their marriage.www.franfaith.com
Building Big Without Losing Faith
In this powerful FranFaith episode, Todd Recknagel sits down with Carey Gille, co-founder of Franchise Fastlane, to unpack her extraordinary journey from entrepreneur to industry trailblazer and faith-driven leader. Carey shares how growing up as a pastor’s daughter shaped her view of calling and purpose, how she built and sold a tech company at just 25 years old, and how that experience led her into the world of franchisingCarey walks through the founding of Franchise Fastlane, explaining how she and Ryan Zink created a revolutionary franchise sales organization that now represents dozens of brands and has helped place more than 10,000 franchise territories across North America. She opens up about the challenges of scaling a fast-growing company, being a woman in a male-dominated industry, and balancing high-growth entrepreneurship with raising a family. You’ll also hear inspiring real-life franchisee stories, including how franchising changed the life of a young man who came to the U.S. from Kenya and how a family used franchising to rebuild their future after a tragic accident. Carey and Todd explore how franchising creates opportunity, stability, and purpose for families and communities alike. The conversation concludes with a deeply personal discussion of Carey’s faith journey — from being raised in a strict, legalistic church environment to discovering grace, freedom, and a personal relationship with Christ. Carey shares how her faith now centers on being “still and knowing” that God is in control, even though business growth, family transitions, and life’s uncertainties. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, franchising, leadership, and how faith can guide both business and life.www.franfaith.com
Serving God Through Medicine
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, FranFaith founder Todd Recknagel sits down with Dr. Andrew Pruitt, the cardiothoracic surgeon who quite literally saved his life.
Together, they walk through Todd’s heart surgery journey—from diagnosis and the reality of open-heart surgery to recovery, healing, and what can only be described as a miraculous turnaround. Dr. Pruitt shares how he was called into heart surgery, the role faith has played throughout his medical career, and what it means to serve patients with both clinical excellence and spiritual conviction.
The conversation also explores the intersection of faith and modern medicine, the power of prayer, unexplainable healings, and how God works through the hands of medical professionals every day. Dr. Pruitt offers insight into lifestyle, nutrition, and stewardship of the body—lessons that extend far beyond the operating room.
This episode is a testimony of grace, purpose, and the undeniable presence of God in moments that matter most.
www.franfaith.com
The Way God Plans Your Career
In this inspiring FranFaith episode, Todd Recknagel sits down with Dr. John Hayes to explore how God shapes our careers in ways we never expect. From accidental opportunities to life-changing doors only God could open, Dr. Hayes shares his remarkable journey through education, franchising, leadership, loss, and unwavering faith. His story is a reminder that even when our plans fall apart, God’s plan is always unfolding perfectly. If you’re seeking clarity, purpose, or encouragement in your own path, this conversation will speak straight to you.
Building a Culture with a Heart
In this episode of FranFaith, Todd Recknagel sits down with Joe Soltis, CEO of ChoiceLocal and co-founder of FranFaith, to share the story behind building a business rooted in faith, compassion, and purpose. Joe opens up about the personal loss that shaped his mission, the mentors who guided his leadership, and how ChoiceLocal grew into a national digital marketing agency serving over 60 franchise systems.You’ll hear how he built a culture centered on service, why helping others drives every decision, and how faith can transform leadership in franchising. If you’re interested in purpose-driven business, this episode brings insight, encouragement, and real-life examples of leading with heart.
Website: www.franfaith.comCircles: https://franfaith-community.circle.so...Instagram: @thefranfaith
Being A Faith-Based Franchisee
Meet Matt Mays: Franchisee of the Year, multi-unit builder, and now, full-time missionary. At 27, Matt bought an Office Pride franchise with no industry experience and grew it into a thriving, faith-based business with 150+ employees. But his real legacy? Hiring a staff pastor, launching prayer visits, and turning his company into a ministry that changes lives. Now he’s sold it all to follow God’s call overseas.
Website: www.franfaith.com
Circles: https://franfaith-community.circle.so...
Instagram: @thefranfaith
Finding Your Purpose
“Finding Your Purpose” with Lloyd Reeb, is the co-founder of the Halftime Institute and longtime friend to Todd Recknagel.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• What the Halftime framework is and why it changes lives
• How to shift from success → significance
• Why purpose requires reflection, honesty, and intentional design
• The importance of identifying what’s priceless in your life
• How to align your strengths and faith with meaningful impact
• The difference between busyness and true calling
• Steps for discerning your second-half purposeWebsite: www.franfaith.comCircles: https://franfaith-community.circle.so...Instagram: @thefranfaith
The Power of a Purposeful Franchise Leader
In "The Power of a Purposeful Franchise Leader" of this FranFaith episode, Todd Recknagel sits down with Nicole Neesen, an Omaha-based franchise owner, attorney, franchisee of Sola Salons and much more. Nicole’s life story is a journey of faith, compassion, and transformation, from her early years as a banker and public defender to her successful career as a multi-unit franchisee and life coach. Her early career in banking offered stability, but her calling to make a deeper impact led her to the courtroom as a public defender. Her work defending people facing incarceration reshaped her understanding of compassion, justice, and redemption.
Nicole’s visits to prisons showed her the profound impact of simple presence and listening, reminding her that no one is beyond God’s reach.Transitioning from law to franchising, Nicole and her husband Brian built a thriving Granite Transformations business from their dining room table. She shares moving stories from this time, including one client who urgently wanted to remodel his kitchen for his dying wife, and a young man they hired while he was still in drug court. Despite initial doubts, the hire became a long-term, trusted employee, crediting Nicole and Brian for giving him the second chance no one else would. That decision, Nicole says, reflected their belief that faith means seeing potential in others even when the world doesn’t. Later, the couple successfully ran a Wild Birds Unlimited franchise, which soared during the pandemic as more people stayed home. Nicole eventually transitioned again into Sola Salons, operating four locations across Nebraska and Iowa. Along the way, she also became a life and parent coach, combining her legal, business, and faith background to mentor and uplift others, including entrepreneurs in her salons who often seek her guidance during difficult life seasons.
Nicole also opened up about moments of personal struggle and sharing how total surrender to God led her to miraculous blessings. Her story is a reminder that faith doesn’t remove challenges, it transforms them into opportunities for growth and testimony. She believes being your own boss gives you “the power to do good” and that small acts of kindness can change entire lives. Website: www.franfaith.comCircles: https://franfaith-community.circle.so...Instagram: @thefranfaith
Becoming Rich in Spirit, Not in Things
In this episode of the FranFaith podcast, Todd Recknagel and guest Misha Hulett discuss the themes of finances, franchise, and faith, focusing on the concept of greed and its impact on society and personal life. They explore historical and biblical perspectives on greed, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's life with spiritual values and practicing gratitude and generosity. The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their relationship with material possessions and to seek a more meaningful and purpose-driven life.
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Instagram: @thefranfaith
Relationships Matter More Than Profits
In this podcast episode, Todd Recknagel interviews Paul Preston, co-founder and president of Aqua-Tots, a franchise of swimming schools. They discuss Paul's journey from managing golf courses to partnerships to transform Aquatots from a seasonal business into a year-round franchise. Paul shares insights into the challenges of franchising, the importance of maintaining core values like prioritizing relationships over profits, and how faith influences their business practices. The conversation also touches on the global expansion of AquaTots and the legacy they aim to leave in the communities they serve.
Building A Legacy in Faith and Enterprise
In this episode, Todd Recknagel interviews Greg Surratt, founder of Seacoast Church and ARC (Association of Related Churches), to discuss church planting, leadership, faith in business, and the importance of mental health and pastor support. Greg shares how Seacoast Church grew through innovation and community impact, how ARC helps new churches succeed, and why integrating faith-based values into both ministry and business drives church growth and positive culture. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in church leadership, Christian entrepreneurship, and community transformation.👉 Visit our Connect page to join the community at www.franfaith.com 📲 Follow us on LinkedIn ( https://lnkd.in/ev-eKipj ) and Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/thefranfaith ) for updates and encouragement.