It’s hard to believe we’re celebrating 8 years on Franchise Today. I’d like to thank all that have made this show, not only possible but what it is today as one the leading podcasts dedicated specifically to sensible, sustainable franchising.

I’d especially like to thank my co-host for the past two years, Stan Friedman who encouraged me to continue with the show at a time when I was losing interest. He pushed until he got the answer he was looking for, knowing it was the right thing to do. It’s definitely an honor getting to work weekly with Stan and developing a bond that is truly special. Of course, I cannot forget Stan’s organization, FRM Solutions who along with Franchise Foundry sponsor the show.

Thank you to the great PR firms in franchising who continue to introduce us to some of the brightest stars in franchising today, and especially to the fantastic team at Fishman Public Relations who have been bringing us guests for well over five years, sometimes on a moment’s notice.

Certainly, I must also thank Joel Libava, The Franchise King who was a co-host in the early years and as franchising’s earliest blogger really did teach me a thing or two – not to mention all his retweets which helped spur more and more to follow our announcements on Twitter. Along those same lines, thank you to Jerry Darnell who is always the first to LIKE and SHARE show announcements on Facebook.

I think back to the early years and I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank Joe Caruso as it was Joe who truly helped reshape the show’s format for the better as producer of the show five or six years ago. Not only did he schedule a new wave of guests, including many great franchise attorneys and finance professionals, but Joe was also instrumental in introducing Franchise Today to the International Franchise Association. Since then we’ve had on the show a number of then current and former IFA Chairpersons as well as the last two to hold the position of IFA CEO & president. To that end, a special thanks goes out to the IFA for continuing to recognize Franchise Today as highly relevant to the franchise community.

And what would Franchise Today be without such fantastic franchise professionals who unselfishly share their time, knowledge and experience so that others may learn the right way, the best way to succeed at this great thing we call franchising? The list goes on and on and without being able to name all for fear of missing just one, I’ll just say I’m blown away by the list as it is truly a Who’s Who in the world of franchising!

Last, but certainly not least I’d like to thank all of our loyal listeners who either listen LIVE or on-demand week in and week out, many without fail, even taking us on vacation with them. Yes, you truly are the reason we’re still here today. Your notes of appreciation and comments across social media make me want to continue Franchise Today for years to come.

To all I’ve referred to above and to all I may have left out, I say, Thank you!