Trevor Rappleye Archives

Trevor Rappleye

CEO & Storyteller

91�� Leadership Network® Contributor

Trevor Rappleye began filming stories at just 13 and has filmed over 300 weddings. Now, his team helps franchisors grow through authentic storytelling. Having worked with over 85 franchise brands, FranchiseFilming creates powerful storytelling videos with zero stock footage — just real stories.

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More From Trevor Rappleye

Marketing

Most Founders Ignore This Hidden Advantage in the Age of AI

When we hear a story that reflects truth, struggle and resilience, something in us activates. We don't just understand it. We feel it.

Buying a Franchise

What Two Adopted Puppies Taught Me About Breaking Through the Noise

One simple shift — from building a booth to creating a real emotional moment — turned passing foot traffic into meaningful conversations and lasting brand connections.

Buying a Franchise

I Was Quietly Burning Out. This One Question Changed My Entire Approach to Success

I was exhausted and convinced I couldn't keep going, but one night and one conversation changed how I showed up as a founder.

Building a Business

I Walked Away From Hustle Culture. Niching Down Changed My Business

Hustle had convinced me I was successful when, in reality, I had built a high-stress job with thin margins and no leverage. I wasn't running a business. I was trapped inside one.

Building a Business

How Frustrated Customers Shaped the Way I Run My Business

My first job taught me lessons about customer experience that shaped every business decision I've made since.

Building a Business

How to Turn Ordinary Customers Into Your Most Loyal Advocates

Why the most overlooked part of the customer journey determines whether people stay, leave or talk about you.

Buying a Franchise

How to Turn Your Franchise Conference Into a Year-Round Growth Engine

How to turn a three-day event into twelve months of storytelling, culture-building and brand momentum.

Buying a Franchise

Uncover the Hidden Edge Top Franchisors Use to Win (And It’s Not More AI)

The real edge franchisors are using today — and why most entrepreneurs overlook it.

Buying a Franchise

This Simple Strategy Will Help Franchisees Get Customers and Scale Faster

From senior care to plumbing to schools, localized video storytelling shortens the ramp-up time to revenue and gives franchisees confidence from day one.

Buying a Franchise

This LGBTQ+ CEO Built a Brand on Honesty. It Started With One Personal Video.

I spent years helping people show the heart behind their business — but I wasn't showing mine, and the day I finally did changed how I lead.

Buying a Franchise

A.I. Could Destroy the Power of Video Marketing — But Only If We Allow It

From emotional franchisee stories to leadership testimonials, real video still works — but only if people believe it's real.

Buying a Franchise

This Is The One Video Every Emerging Franchise Should Start With

Emerging franchisors are often told to prioritize sales decks, FDDs and digital ads. But if you're not capturing this story on video, you're skipping the one thing that builds trust faster than anything else.

Buying a Franchise

‘A Bride Called Me Crying, That’s When I Had to Quit.’ This Nightmare Job Taught Me Everything About How Not to Run a Business.

I got scammed into working at a company that scammed brides. Here is what I learned.

Buying a Franchise

Why Your Franchise Leads Are Ghosting You — And How to Win Them Back

Leads disappear for a reason. If you're not telling the right stories, you're making franchise sales harder than they need to be.

Buying a Franchise

Franchise Networking That Actually Works — Why Industry Leaders are Heading to the Mountains This June

The Service Franchise Summit was created to bring franchise leaders together through shared experiences — not boring ballrooms and forced networking.

Buying a Franchise

How I Went From $80K in Debt to $1 Million in Business in Just 3 Years

Success doesn't come from trying to be everything to everyone — it comes from narrowing your focus, finding your niche, and going all in.

Buying a Franchise

5 Expert Tips to Make the Most of the IFA Convention

After several years of attending, filming, and connecting with franchisors at IFA, I've gathered insights that can turn your first experience from overwhelming to unforgettable.

Buying a Franchise

5 Founders Who Transformed Franchising — And the Powerful Lessons Behind Their Success

Each of these franchise founders faced setbacks that could have ended their dreams. But they pushed through, creating brands that today feel like a part of our daily lives.

Buying a Franchise

The Secret Power of Video Content for Franchise Growth — 4 Types of Videos You’re Probably Missing

Video isn't just a "nice to have" for franchise brands anymore — it's essential. But not all video does this equally well and too many franchises aren't using it to its full potential.

Buying a Franchise

What I Learned About Leadership as a NCAA Division 1 Soccer Referee

In the high-pressure moments of Division 1 soccer games, I've made split-second decisions — a skill that is invaluable in business. Here are some key leadership lessons from my experiences.

Buying a Franchise

How to Create Franchise Videos That Inspire — And Convert Interest Into Action

The best franchise videos don't just inform, they connect emotionally. To capture those kinds of stories, you need to do more than just scripted interviews and staged office shots.

Buying a Franchise

Authenticity Beats AI — Why Using Real People in Your Content Can Generate 35% Higher Conversion Rate Compared to AI-Generated Content

The allure of quick solutions like AI-generated faces and stock footage is stronger than ever. But as tempting as it may be to take these shortcuts, are you willing to sacrifice authenticity for convenience?