
Generational Evolution: Kate Kohler's Journey Through Her Family's Franchise Success
08/12/24 • 26 min
How does a family's investment in a franchise evolve from one generation to the next? Join us as Kate takes us on a heartfelt journey through her family's Sandler legacy. From her father's bold move into the franchise world in 1990 to her transformation from a helpful child doing administrative tasks to a pivotal figure in the company, Kate's story is one of dedication, growth, and unexpected career paths. Listen as she shares the expectations set by her father, the intensive training she underwent, and the invaluable lessons learned from best practices.
Fast forward to today, and the second generation is running the show. Kate and Kelly have navigated the company through the founder's retirement and the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Kelly's role has expanded dramatically, moving from behind-the-scenes administrative work to front-line sales and customer experience. You'll hear about the uncertainty of the third generation's involvement and the deep, multi-generational relationships that have blossomed with their clients. These stories highlight the enduring trust and personal connections built over the years.
In this episode, we also explore the profound influence of IR theory and Sandler's sales tactics on their career success. Kate sheds light on the balance between personal and professional life and the unique challenges of working in a small market while starting young in sales. The episode underscores the importance of a supportive network within the Sandler community and the significant impact of David Sandler's principles on their business. Kate expresses immense gratitude for the collective efforts of her family and the anticipation of future successes, celebrating the milestones they've achieved together.
(00:00) Family Legacy in Business Growth
(11:13) Generational Impact in Business Relationships
(20:04) Building a Successful Business Career
(24:50) Parental Influence on Business Success
Sandler is regularly recognized as one of the top franchises, top training companies, and most effective training solutions in the world. Learn more about our award-winning franchise system and answers to frequently asked questions about owning a franchise at: https://www.sandler.com/franchising/
How does a family's investment in a franchise evolve from one generation to the next? Join us as Kate takes us on a heartfelt journey through her family's Sandler legacy. From her father's bold move into the franchise world in 1990 to her transformation from a helpful child doing administrative tasks to a pivotal figure in the company, Kate's story is one of dedication, growth, and unexpected career paths. Listen as she shares the expectations set by her father, the intensive training she underwent, and the invaluable lessons learned from best practices.
Fast forward to today, and the second generation is running the show. Kate and Kelly have navigated the company through the founder's retirement and the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Kelly's role has expanded dramatically, moving from behind-the-scenes administrative work to front-line sales and customer experience. You'll hear about the uncertainty of the third generation's involvement and the deep, multi-generational relationships that have blossomed with their clients. These stories highlight the enduring trust and personal connections built over the years.
In this episode, we also explore the profound influence of IR theory and Sandler's sales tactics on their career success. Kate sheds light on the balance between personal and professional life and the unique challenges of working in a small market while starting young in sales. The episode underscores the importance of a supportive network within the Sandler community and the significant impact of David Sandler's principles on their business. Kate expresses immense gratitude for the collective efforts of her family and the anticipation of future successes, celebrating the milestones they've achieved together.
(00:00) Family Legacy in Business Growth
(11:13) Generational Impact in Business Relationships
(20:04) Building a Successful Business Career
(24:50) Parental Influence on Business Success
Sandler is regularly recognized as one of the top franchises, top training companies, and most effective training solutions in the world. Learn more about our award-winning franchise system and answers to frequently asked questions about owning a franchise at: https://www.sandler.com/franchising/
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Welcome to the No Guts, No Gain! (TM) Podcast with David Mattson
What does it really take to leap into the world of entrepreneurship and control your destiny? Subscribe to No Guts, No Gain! to listen in as Dave Mattson, Executive Chairman and President of Franchising at Sandler, uncovers the real stories behind the boldest career transitions. This show features firsthand accounts from business owners and franchisees who have made that formidable decision to become their own bosses. With diverse backgrounds ranging from the military to the corporate world, our guests share their unique experiences, challenges, and the pivotal moments that shaped their entrepreneurial journeys.
Dave will uncover the actionable wisdom these entrepreneurs have gained and probe into what they might do differently if given a second chance. From navigating the franchising process with Sandler to building various types of businesses—from solo ventures to larger operations with multiple salespeople—this podcast is packed with valuable lessons for anyone considering entrepreneurship. Subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode, and start learning from those who have already walked the path to franchise ownership.
Sandler is regularly recognized as one of the top franchises, top training companies, and most effective training solutions in the world. Learn more about our award-winning franchise system and answers to frequently asked questions about owning a franchise at: https://www.sandler.com/franchising/
Next Episode

Empowering Serbian Businesses with Sandler: How Dragan Vojvodić Transformed a Skeptical Market
How do you transform skepticism into opportunity? Join us for a powerful conversation with Dragan Vojvodić from Serbia, who shares his extraordinary journey of introducing the Sandler to a market initially resistant to American sales techniques. Dragan reveals how he focused on human behavior and psychology to overcome challenges, master the Sandler approach, and build a thriving business. His story is a testament to the power of becoming 'a product of the product,’ and he offers invaluable insights into establishing credibility and avoiding common pitfalls like price objections.
We'll also explore the strategic nuances of working with small and medium businesses (SMBs) in Serbia. Dragan provides a candid look into the motivations of Serbian business owners eager to make global contributions while investing in their sales teams’ success. He emphasizes the need for efficient decision-making, robust training programs, and creating a structured sales system that ensures team loyalty and long-term success. This segment sheds light on how the Sandler methodology can be a game-changer for business and personal growth, delivering dreams that might have seemed out of reach.
Lastly, Dragan’s journey underscores the unparalleled value of collaboration and authenticity in sales. He shares how he conquered significant obstacles to achieve his dream of owning a franchise, highlighting the critical role of mindset and resilience. Dragan illustrates the profound impact of education and mentorship through personal stories and professional insights. His narrative inspires us to sell with confidence and authenticity, demonstrating that projecting a desirable image can help clients aspire to emulate your success. Tune in for an episode packed with transformative advice and heartfelt reflections. Special thanks to Dragan for sharing his remarkable story and expert knowledge.
(00:00) Building a Business With Sandler Sales
(10:03) Global Sales Strategy and Support
(18:58) The Power of Collaboration in Business
(24:53) Overcoming Challenges in Business
(31:33) Selling With Confidence and Authenticity
Sandler is regularly recognized as one of the top franchises, top training companies, and most effective training solutions in the world. Learn more about our award-winning franchise system and answers to frequently asked questions about owning a franchise at: https://www.sandler.com/franchising/
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