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Down to Business English

Skip Montreux, Dez Morgan & Samantha Vega | Business English Instructors

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A podcast for people who use English as a Second or Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) in their work environment and want to improve their overall language skills. In each episode, hosts Skip Montreux, Dez Morgan, and Samantha Vega discuss Business news making headlines around the world. Through their discussions, Skip, Dez and Samantha introduce English vocabulary & phrases related to business, review grammar, and identify cultural differences found in International business situations. An excellen ...
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Welcome to the Best of the Best in Franchising Podcast where in each episode, we talk with a specific leader in franchising who has accomplished remarkable feats and led the way in their franchise brand. We'll discuss how they got started in franchising, a little bit about their chosen franchise brand, what they love most about franchising, and more about what has helped them to be one of the best of the best in the franchise industry.
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show series
 
China is taking action to boost its slowing economy with different types of economic support. By lowering interest rates, making it easier to borrow money, and helping local governments buy unsold real estate, China hopes to increase growth. Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan talk about how the Chinese government is using economic stimulus to improve its…
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In this episode, we talk with Brad Ashby of 360° Painting in Nashville, Tennessee, who enjoyed a long career in television sports broadcasting prior to choosing to join the franchise. Brad shares his story, lessons he has learned as he has grown the business, and how he has grown his business since he acquired an existing 360° Painting franchise in…
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Big Tech is turning to an unexpected solution to meet the soaring power demands of artificial intelligence — nuclear energy. With Microsoft, Amazon, and Google investing heavily in nuclear technology, this move could reshape energy use in the tech industry. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega explore the surprising steps that Big Tech is taking to secu…
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Ponzi schemes are one of the most famous types of financial fraud, promising big returns but often leaving investors with huge losses. But where did the term "Ponzi scheme" come from, and how do these scams work? In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss the history of the Ponzi scheme and its infamous fou…
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Mars Inc., known for its chocolate products like Mars bars and M&Ms, is making a major move into the savory snack market. With a $35.9 billion deal to acquire Kellanova, Mars is positioning itself to compete with industry giants like PepsiCo. This acquisition could reshape the savory snack landscape and help Mars diversify beyond its traditional ch…
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In this episode, I interview David Manley of ProLift Doors with Premium Service Brands in Amarillo, Texas. David worked as a retail manager for Wal-Mart / Kroger for many years before he and his wife decided to start their own business. After investigating three franchise brands, they decided to join the Premium Service Brands family and join ProLi…
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Google’s dominance in internet search and advertising is under intense legal scrutiny. With two major antitrust lawsuits in the United States, these cases could reshape how we navigate the web and interact with digital ads. The results of these legal battles could have wide-reaching consequences, not just for Google but for the entire tech industry…
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Giant pandas are more than just cute animals—they're key players in China's global diplomacy. Known as "Panda Diplomacy," China has used its iconic bears to strengthen international relationships and influence global politics for centuries. Learn how these animals serve as soft power tools in China’s foreign policy, fostering diplomatic goodwill an…
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OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, has played a central role in the global oil market for over six decades. From the 1973 Oil Embargo to the rise of U.S. shale production, OPEC’s influence has evolved as the energy landscape has changed. Despite challenges, the organization continues to be a key player in determining global oi…
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In this episode, Belinda Wiesehan shares her story about how she and her husband John decided to join the 360° Painting franchise with Premium Service Brands. They started their business in Charlotte, North Carolina and ran both territories in both areas for a year and a half. They sold the Charlotte territory in May of 2022 and transitioned their …
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The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was established in 1960 to give oil-producing nations more control over their resources and influence global oil prices. Initially formed by five countries—Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela — OPEC has grown to include 12 member countries, with 10 additional nations cooperating u…
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In July, a global IT outage, known as the CrowdStrike Incident, disrupted businesses worldwide. A faulty software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike affected millions of devices, leading to significant financial losses across various sectors. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss the largest global IT outage in history, triggered by a fau…
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Over tourism is becoming a significant issue in popular destinations worldwide, with cities like Barcelona and countries like Japan struggling to balance economic benefits with the challenges of an increasing number of visitors. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega explore the impact of over tourism in Spain and Japan. They discuss how the surge in tour…
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In this episode, I talk with Barbara Reguero about her transition from working on Wall Street for 23 years to owning a Maid Right franchise with Premium Service Brands. Barbara shares her story about how she has grown her business since she started it in February of 2015, her thoughts on being awarded the Franchisee of the Year in 2020 during a cha…
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In this episode, I talk with Edwin Greer about his start in franchising after a career in the military and how he has grown his franchise portfolio with two brands to a total of 53 locations with his business partner. He shares lessons he has learned along the way, how he improved his leadership skills to have better employee retention, how he has …
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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) remains a vital benchmark for U.S. economic performance, despite being established in 1896. Today, the DJIA and Dow Theory continue to provide investors with valuable insights into market trends. Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan explore the history and significance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, often refer…
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In this episode, I talk with Dez and Jesse Herrera of 360 Painting and House Doctors with Premium Service Brands in Raleigh, North Carolina. They purchased an existing 360 Painting franchise and added on a House Doctors franchise. They share their story, how they got started, lessons they've learned since joining the franchise, and what they like m…
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Elon Musk’s social media platform X faces legal challenges in Brazil over content moderation, highlighting the difficulties global companies encounter with varying legal and cultural standards. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss the recent legal battle between Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter) and the Brazilian Supreme Court. They discuss the c…
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In this episode, I talk with Arica and Rodney Clay who started a Cheeky Monkeys franchise in Highland Village, Texas. They share their story about how they got started, why they chose Cheeky Monkeys, and the benefits they've found from being one of the first franchisees in the United States with the Cheeky Monkeys brand which was originally started…
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Copper — a critical industrial metal — holds the intriguing title of "Dr. Copper" for its ability to diagnose the health of the global economy. In this episode, we delve into how copper prices act as an economic barometer and explore the factors influencing its market trends. Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan discuss the concept of "Dr. Copper," examini…
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In this episode, I talk with Bruce Morgan, who started a Kitchen Tune-Up franchise with his wife in Colorado Springs, Colorado nearly 30 years ago and today is the franchise business coach for new franchisees in the Kitchen Tune-Up franchise system with Home Franchise Concepts. Bruce shares his story about how he got into franchising, lessons he ha…
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In this episode, I talk with Jesus Barrios about The Grout Medic franchise which he and his father Harold started in November of 2006 (which was acquired by Premium Service Brands in 2021). Since then, they have added a Kitchen Wise / Closet Wise franchise in May of 2024 and are opening a 360° Painting franchise in June of 2024. Jesus shares his fa…
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Turkey's hair transplant industry is booming, attracting international clients and reshaping the medical tourism landscape. This episode explores the factors driving this growth, including advancements in technology, social acceptance, and economic factors. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega dive into the rapidly growing hair transplant industry in Tu…
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In this episode, I talk with Frank Fiume, founder of i9 Sports about the start of his franchise, how he grew his business, lessons he learned from challenging times in the business, and key lessons that he shares in his excellent book Running with My Head Down. This is a fascinating discussion about what it takes to be successful in franchising and…
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In this episode, I talk with Dr. John Hayes, Titus Chair for Franchise Leadership at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida. Dr. Hayes talks about his background in journalism and how he got involved with franchising. Dr. Hayes was introduced to the franchise community in 1979 while an assistant professor at Temple University in…
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South Korea's economic landscape has been significantly shaped by its large family-owned conglomerates, known as chaebols. These entities have driven the nation's rapid development, but also face criticism for their dominant market position and governance issues. Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan examine the world of South Korean chaebols and the phenom…
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In this episode, I talk with Larry and Svetlana Fussell of the Gotcha Covered franchise, which they started in Winter Garden, Florida. They talk about their experiences of getting into franchising (which Svetlana did first with a tutoring franchise which she later sold) once Larry's Gotcha Covered franchise got started. They share lessons they've l…
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The United States government has taken unprecedented steps to ban the popular social media platform TikTok due to concerns over data security and potential influence from the Chinese government. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss the recent developments surrounding the US government's decision to ban TikTok unless its Chinese parent company, B…
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In this episode, I interview Mark Boyd who owns a House Doctors and 360° Painting franchise in Evans, Georgia (just outside of Augusta, Georgia). Additionally, he has just added four new brands with Premium Service Brands (Kitchen Wise / Closet Wise, Window Gang, ProLift Doors, and Grout Medic). Mark shares his story about how he got started with H…
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Egypt's economy is facing significant challenges, with key sectors like the Suez Canal and natural gas industry experiencing sharp declines in revenue. These difficulties are exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and internal economic issues, creating a complex landscape for the country's financial future. Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan report on the …
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In this episode, I talk with Terri Reiff, who started her first Stretch Zone franchise in 2017. She has owned as many as 11 franchise locations and recently has sold several locations so that she can focus on her granddaughter. Terri's story is an inspiring example of the power of franchising and growing a successful operation across multiple locat…
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The global chocolate industry is grappling with a steep rise in cocoa prices, leading to significant changes for producers and consumers alike. This unprecedented surge, driven by unusual weather patterns and long-standing structural challenges, has sent shockwaves through the market, forcing chocolate manufacturers to rethink recipes, pricing, and…
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In this episode, I talk with Matt Skellan of Kitchen Tune Up and Bath Tune Up in Columbus, Ohio. He acquired an existing Kitchen Tune Up franchise in June of 2022, added a Bath Tune Up franchise and has grown the business significantly from then until now. Matt shares his story about how he decided to get into franchising and why he chose to join K…
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In this episode, I talk with Ryan Laird, who started the association pillar with Property Management Inc. (PMI) with his father Paul Laird in early 2020. Ryan shares their story about how they got started, what they've like most about working with PMI as they've grown, lessons they've learned, and the advantages to starting a business with a franch…
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The Body Shop, once a leader in ethical consumerism and a pioneer in brand activism within the cosmetics industry, has faced a dramatic downturn. This episode of Down to Business English examines the rise and fall of a company that set the standard for corporate responsibility but has recently struggled with bankruptcy and ownership changes. Skip M…
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In this episode, I talk with Mike Nonelle with the Fibrenew franchise in Hollywood, Florida. Mike shares his story about his background in the film and TV industry and why he chose to join Fibrenew of the different business concepts that he considered. He discusses how he got started in March of 2020, what he loves most about the franchise, how the…
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In this episode, we talk with with Eduardo Esquivel and Gabriela Cerrillo in Cincinnati, Ohio and the northern Kentucky area who joined the 360° Painting franchise with Premium Service Brands in July of 2020. They talk about how they discovered 360° Painting and why they chose to join them and Premium Service Brands, how their business has grown si…
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In this episode, I talk with Bart Williams, who has been a House Doctors franchisee for 18 years. Bart talks about his decision to get into franchising with House Doctors and what he has loved most since Premium Service Brands purchased House Doctors. He also shares lessons that he has learned in leadership and retention and how he was able to incr…
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Learn how sports betting went from being a national concern to a booming industry in the USA, all while picking up sports-related idioms and expressions that cross over into business English. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega look at the world of sports betting in the USA. From the 1919 World Series scandal to the monumental shift in 2018 when sports…
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In this episode, I talk with Scott Tobin of Burn Boot Camp, who has built twelve locations (and getting ready to open his thirteenth this year), after being Burn Boot Camp's head trainer. He has seen the growth of Burn Brands since a few franchise locations to 400+ locations now across the country. Scott shares lessons he has learned in leadership,…
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Discover the latest economic developments in Japan, focusing on the Nikkei 225 index reaching a new high and the opening of a TSMC semiconductor plant in Kumamoto. This episode is a great chance to learn business English vocabulary related to important economic changes. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega examine recent economic milestones in Japan, in…
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In this episode, I talk with Jessica Cartwright about how she decided to join the Royal Restrooms franchise and acquire an existing business that was operating in Salt Lake City, Utah and Denver, Colorado. She has since expanded operations in both markets and is in the process of opening a third market in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jessica shares val…
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In this episode, we talk with Scott Goodger, who started his KitchenWise / ClosetWise franchise in The Villages, Florida in early 2021 and shares his experiences with starting the brand, his growth, and his perspective on the benefits that he has found in joining a franchise with Premium Service Brands.…
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In this episode, we talk with Kenneth Colson, who made the transition out of his full-time job into starting a Property Management Inc. (PMI) franchise in Greensboro, Georgia with a second location in Wilmington, North Carolina. Kenneth works in the short-term property management pillar with PMI and shares why he chose PMI, the benefits he has foun…
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In this episode, we talk with Mike Parrott of 360° Painting and House Doctors in St. Joseph, Missouri about how he joined the Premium Service Brand (PSB) family. He shares his diverse background and why he ultimately chose to start a 360° Painting and House Doctors franchise.By James Butler
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In this episode, I talk with Tom Dickerson of PMI4U in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Tom is in the residential pillar of the Property Management Inc. (PMI) franchise. Tom shares his story about how he got started and why he chose to join the PMI franchise as well as his successes that he has had in building his own property management business.…
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The Air Cargo and Freight industry has faced many challenges over the past few years. The COVID-19 pandemic, increasing operational costs, and fluctuating customer demand have all been issues the industry has had to deal with. In this episode of Down to Business English we look at all of these factors. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to …
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Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega explore the world of digital nomads in this enlightening episode of Down to Business English. As the concept of digital nomadism gains traction worldwide, this is a timely and relevant conversation. Listeners will gain valuable insights into this lifestyle choice while improving their business English vocabulary and …
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In a time when geopolitical tensions play a crucial role in shaping global economics, this episode of Down to Business English is very pertinent. Join co-hosts Dez Morgan and Skip Montreux as they explore the intricate dynamics of Russian gas exports to Europe. This discussion offers insights into current events while providing an opportunity to en…
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In today's world, where all of us are trying to be more environmentally responsible, this episode of Down to Business English is very timely. Co-hosts Samantha Vega and Skip Montreux not only talk about the important topic of carbon capture technology but also help you to improve your business English vocabulary and listening comprehension skills. …
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