What KFC and Starbucks Taught George Tinsley Sr. About Franchising

Franchise Secrets Podcast

How do you turn adversity into a thriving business empire? Today's conversation is a masterclass in resilience, determination, and vision.

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In this episode, Erik Van Horn welcomes George Tinsley Sr., whose journey from poverty in Louisville’s Smoketown to building a multimillion-dollar franchise empire is nothing short of remarkable. George shares his challenges, from his early struggles to overcoming the odds stacked against him. Today, Tinsley Family Concessions operates over 60 restaurant brands in airports across Florida and Kentucky, including household names like KFC, Chili’s, and Starbucks.

George’s insights on faith, tenacity, and seizing opportunities provide valuable lessons for entrepreneurs at any stage. His advice to young entrepreneurs emphasizes the importance of resilience and staying true to your vision, no matter the obstacles.

Tune in to hear George's powerful story and learn how you can turn challenges into opportunities on your entrepreneurial journey!

“That's the part about becoming a franchisee with a franchisor—the franchisor has a proven product, has resources to keep you in line, its procedures with cooking, serving, development, and so forth. If you deviate from that and want to do George Tinsley's fried chicken, that's on you. You're not gonna be successful.” ~ George Tinsley Sr.

In This Episode:

- How George built his franchise empire

- Lessons learned from Colonel Sanders

- Balancing experience with franchise systems

- The reality of franchising established brands

- George’s surprising success story

- Leadership structure and George’s current responsibilities

- Doing business in unfamiliar communities

- George’s advice for young entrepreneurs

- Profitability in food and restaurant businesses

- George’s advice for aspiring franchisees

Resources:

🌐 Consult with Erik - https://form.jotform.com/222685728939070

🌐 Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617

🌐 Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617

🌐 Franchisees and franchisors find proven tactics and strategies to scale YOUR businesses https://scalablefranchise.com/

🌐 The Determined Entrepreneur: The Story of Dr. George Tinsley and the Values that Guided His Journey to Success by James F. Grebey - https://tinsleyspeaks.com/books/

🌐 Catch as Catch Can: Building a Legacy by Finding Opportunity in Every Obstacle by George Tinsley Sr. - https://tinsleyspeaks.com/books/

Connect with George Tinsley Sr.:

🌐 Website - https://tinsleyspeaks.com/

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-wm-tinsley-sr/

Connect with Erik Van Horn:

🌐 Website - https://franchisesecrets.com/

📷 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikvanhorn/

👍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erik.v.horn/

💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhorn/