In this dynamic two-part feature of Empire Builders, host Tommy Yionoulis dives into the iconic legacy and bold future of Potbelly Sandwich Works, interviewing two major players shaping its resurgence: Lynnette McKee, SVP of Franchising, and Hampton Keil, a second-generation franchisee with deep family ties to the brand.

In Part 1, we explore the history and rebirth of Potbelly, from its 1977 origin as an antique store serving sandwiches to a beloved public brand with over 440 locations. Lynnette shares how Potbelly's franchising efforts, once stagnant, have been reignited under the leadership of CEO Bob Wright, driven by a strategy focused on quality, tech, systems, people, and franchise growth.

Hampton, whose father expanded Potbelly into a national name, reflects on his family’s return to the brand after a decade away, now operating stores in Maryland and Northern Virginia. He shares both nostalgic ties and fresh perspectives on running a modern franchise in a rapidly evolving food industry.

In Part 2, the conversation zooms into real-world franchise operations — from selecting ideal candidates to the launch of a compact store prototype aimed at boosting ROI through reduced costs and optimized layouts. Lynnette outlines Potbelly’s “three-legged stool” evaluation method for franchisees: financial strength, operational know-how, and business acumen.

We also unpack the power of trust and alignment between franchisor and franchisee, illustrated by war stories, hard-won lessons, and examples of Potbelly’s hands-on support model. Hampton recounts chaotic opening weeks, break-ins, and HVAC meltdowns—but also how Potbelly’s culture, systems, and corporate team helped weather the storms.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Why Potbelly’s brand identity still centers around the iconic stove and heartfelt service
• How “The Potbelly Way” infuses franchise culture, hiring, and team development
• The newly launched “50/50 Incentive” for multi-unit developers
• Franchisee financial expectations and why net worth is about more than dollars
• The shift from one-off units to cluster development and strategic expansion
• Hampton’s advice for future franchisees — and how to reach him for opportunities in the DMV area

Whether you're a seasoned operator or considering franchising for the first time, this powerful double-episode delivers transparency, wisdom, and a candid view into what makes Potbelly a compelling comeback story in the world of food and franchising.

Links And Resources:

• Potbelly
• Potbelly on Linkedin
• Hampden Keil on LinkedIn
• Lynette McKee on LinkedIn

• Tommy Yionoulis on Linkedin
• OpsAnalitica

At OpsAnalitica, we empower organizations to overcome operational challenges, ensuring sustained efficiency, quality, and productivity for unmatched success.

Ready to see how we can optimize your operations? Schedule a Demo.

Are you a franchise owner with an inspiring success story? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us...

In this episode of Empire Builders, host Tommy Yionoulis sits down with Jeff Hill, a multi-franchise owner in the 1-800-GOT-JUNK space and co-founder of Repurpose Center. Jeff shares his journey from corporate management to entrepreneurship, discussing the complexities of junk removal, recycling, and building a sustainable business model.

The Hidden Costs of Junk Removal & Recycling

Jeff breaks down why diverting junk from landfills is more expensive than most people realize. With transportation, storage, and processing costs, businesses often struggle to make recycling profitable. He shares insights into the industry’s challenges and inefficiencies.

Surviving Economic Downturns in Business

Jeff reflects on growing his junk removal business during the 2008 financial crisis, only to face a major downturn in 2010. He discusses how external economic factors can make or break businesses and how he adapted to stay afloat.

Scaling a Franchise: Lessons from 1-800-GOT-JUNK

Starting with a single truck, Jeff strategically expanded his business across Western Washington and into new markets. He shares insights into scaling, acquiring neighboring franchises, and the importance of operational efficiency.

The Recycling Industry’s Broken System

Despite efforts to recycle, many materials still end up in landfills. Jeff and Tommy discuss systemic issues in waste management, including corporate sustainability challenges and misleading recycling practices.

Building a Business That Aligns with Sustainability

Jeff’s passion for sustainability led him to launch Gone, a new venture focused on recycling and reselling high-end furniture. He explains how this business model keeps valuable goods in circulation and attracts investors.

Overcoming Financial & Personal Challenges

From liquidating his 401(k) to make payroll to navigating a cancer diagnosis, Jeff’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to resilience. He shares hard-earned lessons on overcoming adversity and making tough business decisions.

The Future of Waste Management & Circular Economy

Jeff envisions a world where recycling is built into product design. He highlights global innovations, such as Singapore’s waste-to-energy systems, and discusses how businesses can drive meaningful change in the industry.

Join Tommy and Jeff as they dive into the realities of junk removal, the business of recycling, and how entrepreneurs can build profitable, sustainable ventures in the waste management space.

Links And Resources:

• Repurposecenter
• 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
• Jeff Hill on LinkedIn
• Tommy Yionoulis on Linkedin
• OpsAnalitica

At OpsAnalitica, we empower organizations to overcome operational challenges, ensuring sustained efficiency, quality, and productivity for unmatched success.

Ready to see how we can optimize your operations? Schedule a Demo.

Are you a franchise owner with an inspiring success story? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us at info@opsanalitica.com to be a guest on our podcast!

Thank you for joining us this week! Are you interested in subscribing to Empire...

In this episode of Empire Builders, host Tommy Yionoulis welcomes Arthur Cummins, co-founder of The Real Food Academy, to discuss how he and his wife Maria built a thriving cooking school after facing financial hardship. Arthur shares how they transitioned from real estate and financial services into the food industry by accident, starting with Maria’s children’s cooking classes in 2008. What began as a side project grew into a full-fledged business, teaching kids and adults about healthy eating and nutrition.

Turning Passion into a Business:

Arthur explains how Maria’s passion for teaching kids about healthy eating became a business that flourished organically. After losing their real estate investments during the 2008 recession, they leaned into their growing demand for cooking classes and expanded beyond schools into community spaces.

Scaling and Franchising a Unique Model:

The couple rebranded as The Real Food Academy in 2014 to accommodate adults and corporate clients. With demand soaring, they moved into a larger facility and began exploring franchising in 2023. Arthur shares the challenges and complexities of franchising, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right franchise partners and ensuring quality control.

The Financial Struggles of Entrepreneurship:

Arthur recounts their early struggles with no investors, operating on tight margins, and overcoming an unethical contractor who inflated their buildout costs. He and Tommy discuss the unpredictable nature of business, the costly lessons learned, and the resilience needed to push through setbacks.

The Power of Persistence in Business:

Tommy and Arthur reflect on the entrepreneurial journey, stressing the importance of perseverance. Tommy shares an analogy about sailing—once you've committed to a direction, there's no turning back. They discuss how success often comes from persistence, making strategic decisions, and staying committed even when the road gets tough.

Join Tommy and Arthur for an inspiring conversation about resilience, growth, and building a business that makes an impact. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with valuable insights into navigating financial challenges and scaling a purpose-driven business.

Links And Resources:

• The Real Food Academy
• Arthur Cummins on LinkedIn
• Tommy Yionoulis on Linkedin
• OpsAnalitica

At OpsAnalitica, we empower organizations to overcome operational challenges, ensuring sustained efficiency, quality, and productivity for unmatched success.

Ready to see how we can optimize your operations? Schedule a Demo.

Are you a franchise owner with an inspiring success story? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us at info@opsanalitica.com to be a guest on our podcast!

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