Let's take a break from talking about franchising and talk to people who make franchising work. Welcome to my first blog for the "Whom to Know in Franchising" series. I hope to introduce you to some interesting people in the franchise industry and share with you their insight and experience.

For my first blog of the series, I interviewed Lisa Druxman, creator of Stroller Strides. Stroller Strides is the country's largest and fastest growing fitness program for moms. Druxman has more than 300 franchise units, has published a book, Lean Mommy, developed a weight-loss video series for women, started prenatal fitness classes fit for baby and is a mother of two. How does this amazing woman do it all? Well, I went to San Diego to meet Lisa and find out!

First of all, what is Stroller Strides?
Stroller Strides is a total fitness program for new moms that they can do with their babies. It includes Power Walking and intervals of body toning using exercise tubing and the stroller. But Stroller Strides is more than just a walk in a park with your baby. It is a community of women who can connect and help each other through the growing pains of motherhood.

Why do you think it has taken off so well?
Stroller Strides is a low-cost franchise, so people can open their own business without needing to get a loan. In this economy, with limited access to cash, Stroller Strides is affordable. More important, Stroller Strides is a great business for moms. A lot of moms don't want to go back to the strict schedules of the corporate world but still want to generate an income after they have a baby. Being a Stroller Strides franchisee allows you to own your own business,  have a flexible schedule--and we give you excellent support. You can even bring your kids to work. Most of our franchisees say they only work an average of three hours a day.

Why did you start Stroller Strides?
Stroller Strides was one of those "aha moments" in your life. I was a new mom on maternity leave, and every moment was precious to me. I loved working in the fitness industry but did not want to go back to work full-time in a traditional capacity. Unfortunately, I could not afford to be a stay-at-home mom. So while working out with my son, I realized that I could help other moms get back into shape if I put a class together. This would help me, too, because I didn't know any new moms and was looking for a way to connect. I came up with the name on that very walk. I started with just a few moms in my local neighborhood and word soon spread, and we grew quickly from there.

How do you advertise stroller strides for potential franchisees?
Stroller Strides has grown through word of mouth and PR. We don't advertise through typical marketing, like franchise websites. We advertise in certain magazines that fit our target market, and we buy Google words.

What do you look for in a franchisee?
All of our franchisees are moms. Being a mom is a full-time job. We look for people who cannot only handle the full time job as mom but also be able to be organized and committed to find time for work as well. We look for people with the ability and willingness to learn, a passion for fitness and motherhood and a determination to succeed!

Why did you franchise your business instead of growing through corporate-owned locations?
I believed that we had a business model that was truly turnkey and a great opportunity for any mom who was looking to have her own business.

How do you balance it all?
It isdefinitely a challenge. I get up before 5 a.m. every morning to get in a few hours of work before the kids wake up. I used to do everything! Now I have a team of 12 great employees who do excellent work. I stay focused on work when I am at work, and I focus on my kids when I am with them.

What are your goals?
I want to make Stroller Strides a household name. I also want to expand internationally and grow our program throughout Canada.

What was your biggest mistake?
Lawyers! I didn't research our first lawyer, and it cost. She didn't specialize in franchising and she didn't give me the best advice. Since then we had to redo our legal work and pay fines. It's all cleared up now, but it was very expensive. I definitely recommend using a lawyer who specializes in franchising.

Last but not least, if you could have a meeting with any executive, who would it be and why?
I hate not be original, but it would be with Oprah. I want to know her secret on how she balances her work, projects, employees, philanthropy and time for herself.