From A to Franchisee: The Podcast for Smarter Franchise Buying
Aug 24, 2026 · 1 hr 17 min · 14 segments
Send us Fan Mail From a scrappy startup to the top of Franchise Business Review's satisfaction rankings for over a decade, Kona Ice founder Tony…
Tony LambGuest
Eric StitesGuest
Michelle RowanHost
Welcome back to From A to Franchisee, and we have a very special episode for you all today.
Now, Eric, today's episode is actually a conversation between you and Tony Lam, the founder and CEO of Roll Brands, which is the force behind Kona Ice Trucks and Travel and Tom's Coffee Trucks.
He talked a lot about his brands, but also gives a lot of advice on how candidates can look at unit economics across other franchise systems as well.
When franchising is done right, it's such a great vehicle for both the franchisor and the franchisee to find success.
And I just love the people in their organization and just what they're doing there.
And I think it'll set a high bar for people that are considering joining a franchise system to help uncover kind of what they're looking for from their leadership and from the vision that's set by that founder.
Because I think it's pretty clear when Tony isn't at the head of that organization, I think he's really built something that's going to sustain those brands well beyond him being the CEO of them both.
With over 20 years of research and data, FBR is the definitive source for unbiased insights into franchise ownership.
This podcast will build your franchise toolbox so you can make the right investment for you.
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Welcome back to From A to Franchisee, and we have a very special episode for you all today.
Now, Eric, today's episode is actually a conversation between you and Tony Lam, the founder and CEO of Roll Brands, which is the force behind Kona Ice Trucks and Travel and Tom's Coffee Trucks.
He talked a lot about his brands, but also gives a lot of advice on how candidates can look at unit economics across other franchise systems as well.
When franchising is done right, it's such a great vehicle for both the franchisor and the franchisee to find success.
And I just love the people in their organization and just what they're doing there.
And I think it'll set a high bar for people that are considering joining a franchise system to help uncover kind of what they're looking for from their leadership and from the vision that's set by that founder.
Because I think it's pretty clear when Tony isn't at the head of that organization, I think he's really built something that's going to sustain those brands well beyond him being the CEO of them both.
With over 20 years of research and data, FBR is the definitive source for unbiased insights into franchise ownership.
This podcast will build your franchise toolbox so you can make the right investment for you.