The Franchise Scale Up Show with Guy Coffey
Welcome to The Franchise Scale Up Show hosted by Guy Coffey. Guy is an entrepreneur, franchise veteran, and co-founder of a successful franchise brand.
Join Guy as he dives into real-world stories, strategies, and insights from inspiring entrepreneurs, industry experts, and thought leaders.
Discover actionable advice on launching, scaling, and sustaining a meaningful business while thriving in life. From solo episodes breaking down simple, effective strategies to candid interviews uncovering challenges, breakthroughs, and success secrets, this podcast is your go-to for honest, practical guidance.
Whether you’re just starting out or scaling to the next level, The Franchise Scale Up Show will empower you to build a business, and life, you love.
The Franchise Scale Up Show with Guy Coffey
Franchise Law 101: Legal Requirements Every Emerging Franchisor Must Know with Kevin Hein
Before you grow your franchise, make sure your legal foundation is built to last. Because one wrong move in compliance could cost you more than a lawsuit—it could cost you your entire brand.
In the first episode of a special franchise law series, host Guy Coffey kicks things off with Kevin Hein, co-chair of the Franchise and Licensing sector team at Akerman Law Firm — one of the top franchise law practices in the country.
This conversation marks the start of an ongoing series designed to help emerging franchisors understand the legal side of scaling — from compliance to contracts to franchisee relationships. In this opening discussion, Kevin and Guy unpack the essential legal foundations every franchisor needs before selling their first unit.
Kevin breaks down the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), explains the 14-day disclosure rule, and highlights why “cheap” legal shortcuts can lead to major long-term risks. Whether you’re an emerging franchisor or preparing to expand into new markets, this episode lays the groundwork for the legal conversations to come.
Key Takeaways:
- The 23 FDD disclosure items that every franchisor must include.
- Why it’s illegal to collect payments before the 14-day disclosure period.
- How to tell the difference between a license and a franchise — and why it matters.
- The risks of “hidden franchises” and personal liability.
- Why partnering with an experienced franchise attorney is the best investment you can make.
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome and Introduction to the Series
00:26 Meet Kevin Hein: Franchise Legal Expert
01:35 Understanding Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs)
04:40 Legal Pitfalls in Franchising
07:58 The Importance of Proper Legal Counsel
10:38 Long-Term Planning for Franchise Success
12:34 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics
This is just the beginning. Follow The Franchise Scale Up Show for more episodes in this franchise law series featuring Kevin Hein of Akerman Law Firm, where we’ll continue breaking down the complex legal side of franchising — in language every founder can understand.
Connect with Guy Coffey:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/guycoffey
Website: www.guycoffey.com
Instagram: @guycoffey
YouTube: @guycoffey