Episode #292: Franchising: From Daycare to Kilts with Rachel Southard

In this podcast episode, host Joanne Victoria interviews Rachel Southard, President of Men in Kilts and Brand President of Emerging Brands at Threshold Brands. Rachel discusses her passion for creating innovative customer experiences and helping companies grow. She shares her journey into the franchise world, starting from her first job at a women’s fitness center and eventually joining Anytime Fitness. Rachel explains why she joined Threshold Brands and emphasizes the importance of allyship, authenticity, and transparency in entrepreneurship. She also highlights the significance of investing in customer experience and mentions the geographical spread of their franchises.

I am thrilled to share with you the latest episode of The Sanity Project Podcast, where I had the pleasure of hosting Rachel Southard, the dynamic President of Men in Kilts and Brand President of Emerging Brands at Threshold Brands.

We also delved into Rachel’s fascinating journey into the franchise world. Starting from her first job at a women’s fitness center, she climbed the ladder to the franchisor side of Anytime Fitness, gaining invaluable experience in brand growth. Her story is a masterclass in career progression and the potential of franchising.

Rachel’s advice for women entrepreneurs? Be authentic. She encourages women to stay true to their mission and not conform to stereotypes. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to make their mark in the business world.

We also explored Rachel’s portfolio of brands, including Patio Patrol and Granite Garage Floors. She shared her perspective on the home services industry, a typically male-dominated space, and the role women play as key decision-makers.

Finally, Rachel shared that their franchises span over 250 locations across the US and Canada, with plans for expansion. If you are curious about the geographical spread of successful franchises, you do not want to miss this!