Ryan Farris shares how Fortidia is reshaping global franchising through innovation.
-- Franchise Now has announced the release of a special feature episode on Franchise Marketing Radio, spotlighting Ryan Farris, Executive Vice President of Fortidia and President and COO of AlphaGraphics and PostNet. In this interview, Farris provides a detailed look at Fortidia’s strategic emergence as a unified franchise platform, its role in global expansion, and its use of AI as a transformative force in modern franchising.
The full episode and further insights are available at: https://franchisenow.media
Fortidia is not just a rebrand but a strategic repositioning of a global platform that integrates powerhouse names including AlphaGraphics, PostNet, World Options US and UK, Parkinson UK and ANZ, MultiCopy Netherlands, and Mail Boxes Etc. Across more than 3,200 locations in 52 countries, Fortidia is working to deliver scalable support in logistics, print, shipping, marketing, and e-commerce. The vision is about empowering small and medium enterprises with a unified and tech-enabled franchise system that combines local market knowledge with global infrastructure.
Learn more at https://www.fortidia.com
Farris explains that Fortidia emerged from the need to simplify an increasingly complex organizational footprint. Having integrated over a dozen brands, the company needed a shared identity to streamline communication, internal operations, and value delivery. Under his leadership, Fortidia has become the platform through which franchisees access enterprise-grade tools while maintaining the entrepreneurship central to the franchise model.
The interview delves into the AI transformation taking place across Fortidia’s global footprint. Fortidia developed a structured, four-track implementation strategy: functional enablement, utility consolidation, branded GPT development, and full operational and sales transformation. Departments were trained on how to use AI for their roles—from marketing to finance. Embedding AI into the headquarters team ensured fluency across functions.
Utility consolidation standardized tools for note-taking, content generation, and analysis. This allowed for consistent training, easier onboarding, and fewer inefficiencies. Fortidia then developed brand-specific GPTs that allow franchisees to perform functions like quoting and onboarding using conversational AI. These tools now support tasks such as vehicle wrap estimates and CRM optimization.
Fortidia has implemented AI-powered voice agents that act as 24/7 brand representatives. These agents answer inquiries, qualify leads, and book appointments—reducing delays that cause interest to fade. This alone has helped lower the franchise sales cycle from 90 days to under 60. Conversion rates have doubled in the U.S. market, now approaching 3%, showing that AI is driving tangible business growth.
In marketing, AI is used to generate updates and localized content more efficiently. Franchisees use tools embedded in platforms like Adobe and Canva to improve turnaround and creative quality. This level of enablement has improved satisfaction, communication, and productivity throughout the system.
AI also enhances data analytics. Intelligence tools help executives and franchise coaches evaluate performance in real-time. With AI summarizing data and offering recommendations, the leadership team responds to market shifts with greater agility. Farris calls this “cognitive enablement,” enabling smaller teams to operate at enterprise speed.
Farris emphasizes that successful AI adoption has been rooted in people. Contrary to assumptions, many older team members embraced AI once they understood how it amplified their expertise. Training programs celebrated wins and fostered innovation. AI wasn’t imposed—it was embraced.
The strategy includes investing in technology brands that support the ecosystem. Fortidia owns PrestaShop, Print Speak, and logistics tech firms like Spedingo and Gel Proximity. These acquisitions allow Fortidia to offer SMBs a full-stack solution—from online orders to last-mile delivery.
These moves align with Fortidia’s vision of becoming the most comprehensive, franchise-powered B2B platform globally. Future plans include acquiring more franchise and tech solutions across shipping, printing, logistics, and marketing. Their roadmap features deeper automation and expanded AI integration.
For emerging franchisors under 100 units, Farris advises immediate action. Start simple—train internal teams and adopt foundational AI tools. The investment is often more about time than money. AI is no longer a luxury. It’s the key to operating like a 500-unit brand while under 50.
He warns that waiting too long could mean falling behind in a market where tech fluency and personalization are non-negotiable. Franchising remains a people business—but it now requires smarter tools to support smarter operators.
Franchise Now’s feature on Ryan Farris and Fortidia is a case study in aligning leadership, vision, and execution around transformative technologies. The results are clear: shorter sales cycles, improved franchisee performance, stronger marketing, and global scale. For those exploring the future of franchising, it’s a must-listen.
Learn more about Franchise Now at https://blog.franchisenow.ai
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Source: NewsNetwork
Release ID: 89160269
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