🎙️Episode 14

Powering Franchise Excellence:

How Batteries Plus Trains Experts in Charge

Hosted by Jeff Walter, Founder and CEO of LatitudeLearning

In this episode of the Training Impact Podcast, host Jeff Walter sits down with Jason Moss, Vice President of Store Development and Training Operations at Batteries Plus, to explore how franchise training can drive business growth, brand consistency, and employee retention.

Jason shares his unlikely path into training—beginning as an entrepreneur running a carpet cleaning and disaster recovery business, then moving into property management, real estate, and ultimately to Batteries Plus. That entrepreneurial foundation shaped his belief in the power of systems, processes, and training as the backbone of scalable businesses.

Batteries Plus, founded in Wisconsin and now with nearly 750 locations (80% franchise-owned), is the nation’s largest specialty retailer for batteries, lighting, and related services such as device repair and key fob programming. Jason explains that while many customers come in for a simple product, they almost always need guidance: Which battery fits my ATV? Do I need OEM parts or aftermarket? What’s the lifespan of this power solution? Answering these questions with confidence is what sets Batteries Plus apart. Their motto, “Experts in Charge,” underscores the strategic role training plays in maintaining customer trust.

Jason outlines Batteries Plus’ multi-layered training model:

• Franchisee Onboarding: Two weeks of instructor-led training at the dedicated Training Center in Pewaukee, Wisconsin—covering both commercial sales and retail operations. Owners often begin building B2B client relationships before their stores even open.
• Hands-On Support: New franchisees work alongside corporate stores, ambassadors, and field trainers who coach them through real transactions and technical skills.
• Associate Training: Delivered through Batteries Plus University, their updated LMS, blending eLearning modules, interactive activities, and on-the-job coaching guided by store managers. Associates progress through levels—Learn It, Master It, Expert—with plans to reintroduce visual status markers like pins or badges.
• Skill Development: Complex technical proficiencies, such as wiring golf cart batteries or repairing phones, are reinforced with practice, coaching, and now gamified challenges.

Perhaps the most innovative initiative is the “Plus Games,” a system-wide competition blending sales metrics, online modules, and hands-on challenges. Modeled after March Madness brackets, stores competed locally, regionally, and finally at the national convention in Las Vegas. The result: a 60% increase in LMS engagement, stronger camaraderie across the network, and heightened motivation among associates.

Jeff and Jason also discuss the unique challenges of franchise training: unlike employee training, franchisors can’t mandate completion. Success requires franchisee buy-in, involvement in content creation, and showing clear value. By involving owners in program design and using gamification, Batteries Plus turns training into a shared investment rather than a top-down directive.

Looking forward, Jason highlights regional instructor-led sessions, manager-specific development tracks, and integrating AI tools directly into their POS system—allowing associates to access training content instantly at the point of sale. This innovation helps bridge the gap between learning and customer interaction.

The conversation reinforces a key theme: training is not an overhead expense—it’s a strategic differentiator. By ensuring every franchisee and associate can deliver expert advice, Batteries Plus strengthens its brand promise, improves retention, and builds lasting customer loyalty.

Batteries Plus’ training program is built for strategic impact. 

👉 Learn more about Batteries Plus at www.batteriesplus.com.