Cedar Rapids, IA
$7,500-$25000
Steak, Potatoes, Sweet Corn (all things Iowa)
Want a speaker who’s actually built what he teaches? Jerry Akers doesn’t just talk about franchise success – he’s lived it; scaling from a single Great Clips location to 34 thriving salons and becoming a regional developer for The Joint Chiropractic.
With battle-tested insights and a no-fluff approach, Jerry’s keynotes cut through the noise and deliver real, actionable strategies on scaling smarter, recruiting top talent, and running a high-performance business; without burning out.
A bestselling author and trusted advisor to multi-unit operators nationwide, Jerry has spent decades helping franchisees and business owners break through their growth ceilings. As a board member of the
International Franchise Association (IFA) and a former Chairman of the IFA Franchisee Forum, he’s at the forefront of the industry, shaping what’s next.
Audiences love him because he’s real. He’s been in the trenches, made the mistakes, and figured out what actually works. Whether he’s speaking to franchisees, corporate teams, or business leaders, he delivers engaging, highenergy sessions packed with strategies people can use immediately.
Book Jerry today and get a keynote that’s not just inspiring—but game-changing.
Looking for a speaker who energizes, inspires, and delivers real-world strategies? Jerry Akers doesn’t just talk about franchise success – he’s built it, scaling from a single Great Clips location to 34 thriving salons and becoming a regional developer for The Joint Chiropractic.
As a bestselling author of Live it 2 Own It and a trusted consultant to top-performing franchisees, Jerry’s insights are practical, proven, and designed for immediate action. He shares battle-tested strategies on recruiting top talent, retaining high-performing teams, and scaling efficiently—without sacrificing profitability or culture.
Beyond his success in franchising, Jerry is a nationally recognized voice in small business advocacy. He has been called to speak before Congress, work directly with
lawmakers in Washington, D.C., and champion policies that protect and empower franchise owners. His thought leadership is regularly featured in major industry press, and he serves as a Board Member of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and former Chairman of the IFA Franchisee Forum.
Audiences love him because he’s real. He’s been in the trenches, made the mistakes, and figured out what actually works. Whether he’s speaking to franchisees,
corporate teams, or business leaders, he delivers engaging, high-energy sessions packed with strategies people can use immediately.
FRIENDLY ALERT!
A speaker Bio is NOT a speaker INTRO! :) Once you book your perfect speaker, you will be provided a short sharp and compelling SPEAKER INTRO to use when bringing your speaker on stage!
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Transitioning your business is one of the most significant decisions you’ll face as a franchise owner. Whether you’re preparing to pass the reins to family members or planning a sale for a comfortable retirement, this session provides the insights you need to create a seamless and strategic transition. With decades of experience in franchising, Jerry Akers has navigated the complexities of succession firsthand, growing his portfolio to include 34 Great Clips locations and regional development for The Joint Chiropractic. Drawing from his expertise and personal journey, Jerry will guide you in crafting a plan that ensures your business thrives long after you step away. – Gain Clarity on Your Transition Vision: Participants will identify key factors to consider—such as financial stability, successor readiness, and legacy goals—when planning their business transition. – Understand the Importance of Timing: Attendees will explore the risks of delaying succession planning and the benefits of starting early to ensure a smooth transition. – Define and Prepare Your Successor: Participants will learn how to evaluate potential successors—whether family or outside talent—and outline the skills, training, and development needed for their success. – Create a Fair and Actionable Plan for Family Transitions: Attendees will leave with strategies to select the right family member and ensure fairness and transparency in family-based succession plans. – Develop Immediate Next Steps for Succession Success: Each participant will outline an action plan to begin or advance their succession strategy, ensuring momentum when they return to their business. |
Growing your franchise network takes more than ambition—it requires the right strategies for building a high-performing team, keeping them engaged, and scaling sustainably. Jerry Akers, who grew his Great Clips franchise from a single location to 34 units while leading additional franchises for The Joint
Chiropractic, knows what it takes to succeed. In this session, Jerry shares actionable insights and lessons from his experience as a growth and turnaround specialist. Learn how to overcome growth challenges and position your franchise for long-term success with strategies for recruiting, retention, and operational excellence.
Growth: Gain insights into the critical components of recruiting, retention, and scaling that drive franchise success. – Evaluate Your Readiness for Expansion: Discover key indicators to assess whether your franchise operations, team, and resources are prepared for growth. – Learn How to Build a Scalable Talent
Strategy: Explore strategies for recruiting top talent and retaining high-performing teams to support long-term expansion.
Walk Away with a Vision for Your Franchise’s Future: Use the tools to create a personalized growth strategy that aligns with your longterm goals and positions your franchise for enduring success.
Standing out in today’s crowded marketplace doesn’t always mean following the rulebook. Guerilla marketing—creative, unconventional, and cost-effective strategies—can help franchisees make a big impact while staying true to their brand. Jerry Akers, a bestselling author and franchise expert, built his success by thinking differently and pushing boundaries. From turning a potpourri startup into a thriving business to scaling two major franchise brands, Jerry’s journey exemplifies the power of innovation and bold ideas. In this session, Jerry will show you how to “color outside the lines” responsibly, connect with your audience in unique ways, and drive results without breaking the bank (or the rules).
Marketing in Action: See real-life examples of guerilla marketing campaigns that achieved big results with minimal budgets, and understand how to adapt them for your business.
Gain Confidence to Try Something New: Walk away with the tools and mindset to approach marketing in innovative ways, even if you’re new to the concept of guerilla tactics, ensuring you can take bold but calculated risks to grow your business.
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