Rydel is overhauling its coaching model from a siloed, meeting-heavy structure to a single-coach model, freeing up franchisee time and focusing support on their weakest areas.

The new model combines generalist coaches with on-demand Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for deep expertise, using a "traffic light" KPI dashboard to quickly identify problem areas.

The CEO's recent meeting demonstrated a powerful moderation technique: enforcing a strict agenda and no-slides rule to cut meeting time by ~50% while increasing critical discussion.

A debate on franchising vs. corporate-owned growth highlighted the trade-off between rapid expansion (franchising) and higher profit margins (corporate), with the key differentiator being the owner-operator's long-term commitment.

Austin owns two of Rydel's eight strategic initiatives:

1. File Drive Cleanup:

   • Problem: An informal Google Drive system with incorrect permissions and redundant documents became unmanageable for the 80-person team.

   • Solution: Migrate all files to a new "Shared File Library" with G Suite-managed permission groups, creating a single source of truth and a virtual ops manual.

2. Coaching Team Development:

   • Problem: The previous model of specialized coaches (sales, production, business) led to redundant meetings for high-performing franchisees and failed to focus support where it was most needed.

   • Solution: Implement a new model with a single, generalist coach per franchisee, supported by a pool of on-demand SMEs for deep expertise.

Old Model:

• Specialized coaches (sales, production, business) met with franchisees on a fixed schedule (e.g., 7 meetings/month).

• This created redundancy for high-performers and didn't focus support on a franchisee's weakest areas.

New Model:

• One generalist coach per franchisee.

• Coaches are cross-trained on all business pillars (sales, production, finance) for "whole thinking."

• Coaches use a "traffic light" KPI dashboard to quickly identify red/yellow areas and prioritize support.

• For deep expertise, coaches can deploy on-demand SMEs (e.g., a production manager) to provide targeted, hands-on help.

John's Question: Why franchise, given the heavy support infrastructure, instead of growing with corporate-owned stores?

Austin's Rationale:

• Faster Growth: Franchising enables more rapid location expansion.

• Owner-Operator Commitment: Franchisees have significant sunk costs (financing, 5-year minimum term), creating a stronger, longer-term commitment than an employee.

• Entrepreneurial Profile: The model attracts owner-operators, not managers, who are willing to take on risk for greater reward.

The CEO's meeting demonstrated a highly effective moderation technique:

• Strict Agenda & No Slides: Enforced a firm end time and banned slide decks, forcing concise, critical discussion.

• Efficient Moderation: Guided the conversation to stay on-topic, cutting meeting time by ~50% while increasing productivity.

• Unique Ability: The skill to listen for what matters and remove signal from noise.

Project Management: A Udemy course on project management.

Hiring: Who by Geoff Smart.

Integrity: A shared document defining integrity as:

1. Keeping your word.

2. Notifying all parties if you cannot keep your word.

3. Cleaning up any resulting mess.