Omar Simmons: Franchising 101 and How Smart Operators Exit

Описание: For Episode 2 of NEXT, Host Michael Sonnenfeldt sits with Omar Simmons, Managing Partner of Exaltare Capital Partners and former CEO of ECP Planet Fitness, to break down what actually drives performance in franchising: hiring the right people, managing risk, and building operating systems that scale. Drawing on his experience growing Planet Fitness from 15 to more than 100 locations, Omar explains how he assesses talent, when he knew it was time to take chips off the table, and where operators maximize value in franchising. He also shares practical frameworks for interviewing, onboarding, and reducing employee turnover in highly decentralized franchise environments.

Omar also offers a clear-eyed view of risk from an operator-investor perspective, arguing that risk is less about models and more about judgment, execution, and experience. He unpacks why franchising works when it works, various models for scaling, and how centralized learning paired with local ownership creates leverage. The conversation ends with an introduction to the Franchise Ascension Initiative, an accelerator focused on expanding franchise ownership opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs.

This episode is essential listening for franchise operators, private equity investors, and business leaders focused on building durable, scalable franchise platforms.

Mentioned:
Join this season's philanthropic giving moment where every donation made in Q1 2026 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $100 per gift ($10,000 per organization). Donate at www.muus.com/giving.

TIGER 21 (www.tiger21.com)⁠ is the premier peer membership organization for ultra-successful entrepreneurs, investors, and executives. Through confidential forums and shared experience, members gain perspective on wealth, leadership, and life beyond success.

Omar's Podcast Recommendation: The Rest is History

Ascension Franchise Initiative: https://pages.franchise.org/ifa-franc...

Follow and Connect:

Omar Simmons | ⁠https://exaltarecapital.com/omar-simm...
Michael Sonnenfeldt | ⁠ / michael-sonnenfeldt-84072225 | E-mail: [email protected]
NEXT with Michael Sonnenfeldt Podcast | ⁠www.muus.com/podcast