1851

<p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-weaver-cfe-16762a121/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=frandev-players-natalie-weaver-director-of-franchise-development-at-the-franchise-connection-2715013" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Natalie Weaver</u></a> is a veteran in the franchise development space.&nbsp;</p><p>After starting her career in legal and compliance with <a href="https://www.outdoorlivingbrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=frandev-players-natalie-weaver-director-of-franchise-development-at-the-franchise-connection-2715013" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Outdoor Living Brands</u></a>, Weaver worked her way into franchise recruitment and development for the brand. And after becoming an Outdoor Living franchise owner herself, she realized her passion for connecting people with the right business opportunity. Now, as the director of franchise development for a firm called <a href="http://franchise-connection.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=frandev-players-natalie-weaver-director-of-franchise-development-at-the-franchise-connection-2715013" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>The Franchise Connection</u></a>, Weaver is helping to guide even more entrepreneurs toward the opportunities of their dreams. She also works closely with The Franchise Connection’s sister brand, <a href="https://theretailstrategy.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=frandev-players-natalie-weaver-director-of-franchise-development-at-the-franchise-connection-2715013" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>The Retail Strategy</u></a>, an innovative commercial real estate firm committed to a fresh new approach to retail expansion, helping retailers find optimal positioning through location intelligence and franchise guidance.</p><p>1851 Franchise caught up with Weaver to discuss what the most important elements of growing a franchise are and how The Franchise Connection is helping franchisees find the right brands that fit their goals.</p><h4>1851 Franchise: Tell me about The Franchise Connection.</h4><p>Natalie Weaver: The Franchise Connection takes on clients that want help through different stages of development. We help coach prospective franchisees through the discovery process, educating them about their brand, helping them with vendors and what they need to accomplish to get funding.&nbsp;</p><h4>1851: How did you get into franchising?</h4><p>Weaver: I started in Richmond, Virginia with Outdoor Living Brands, where I was working in legal — not even close to being a salesperson. I worked closely with our attorneys in compliance with the firm. Then, moved into what they called a franchise recruitment coordinator. Because I knew the background of the legal parts, I could construct the franchise agreement, check in and arrange travel and do the behind the scenes work. Eventually I moved up into development.&nbsp;<br><br>I’ve gotten the chance to see a little bit of everything. I even owned a franchise with Outdoor Living as well. After Outdoor Living, I worked with a crime scene cleanup franchise in Florida. My favorite part of the industry is the drive behind the entrepreneurs. Now I get to help people’s dreams come true and get them excited about a new opportunity.</p><h4>1851: Are there any keys to consistent franchise growth?</h4><p>Weaver: The one thing that’s important to always remember is these are people. They’re spending their life savings or their 401K. You have to have empathy and understanding. This is a really big milestone in their life and you get to know them on a personal level.&nbsp;</p><p>It’s important to not just be a salesperson, but an educator. They have to understand the model and know that the first year is going to be one of the hardest years of their lives. If you build that relationship and bond with those candidates, you’re going to go a long way.&nbsp;</p><h4>1851: What are the biggest hurdles to successful franchise growth right now?</h4><p>Weaver: A lot of franchises are holding off because of COVID, so it’s been a lot about making people feel comfortable again and like there's light at the end of the tunnel. The elimination of mom and pop stores and are creating opportunities in real estate especially. This time has been all about helping the client understand the benefits of opening a business right now. Things are opening back up and people are getting services done that they weren’t able to do before. The demand from customers is certainly there.</p><h4>1851: How did the COVID crisis affect franchise growth opportunities?</h4><p>Weaver: COVID may have helped some people realize they don’t like the spot they're in and they're reinvesting in things they do want to do.&nbsp;</p><p>But, people have been cautious because they just don’t know what’s next. They want to be certain when making business decisions that we’re not going to have to shut down again. I have a good feeling that once this year starts and the vaccines are widely available, things are going to open back up all across the country and people will reevaluate their life plans.</p><h4>1851: Are there any common mistakes you see franchisors making when trying to grow?</h4><p>Weaver: Outgrowing your support staff is by far one of the most common mistakes I see people make. It should be about scaling your staff and constantly making sure the best knowledge is available to the franchisees. If there’s no one to support your growth, things are going to start falling between the cracks. People buy into a proven business model to be successful, and without a direct contact on a support team that can be hard to achieve.</p><h4>1851: What are your biggest goals/plans for 2021?</h4><p>Weaver: Growth; but we want to make sure we’re doing it the right way. We want to make sure we’re finding the right franchisees for our brands. I love helping to coach someone along to get to be where they need to be to sign the dotted line.&nbsp;</p><p>The first 50 franchisees of any brand are going to be the brand ambassadors. They’re the face and the voice of the brand, that’s important to us as a part of the development process. Their success and happiness is the key to having a successful franchise. We're hungry to get people back to being successful. 2021 is going to be a booming year.</p>

FranDev Players: Natalie Weaver, Director of Franchise Development at The Franchise Connection

1851 Franchise

Natalie Weaver got her start in franchising in legal and compliance. Now she’s connecting entrepreneurs with the right brands to achieve their dreams.

frandev-players-natalie-weaver-director-of-franchise-development-at-the-franchise-connection

Busy Bee Jumpers

Top 10 Reasons To Buy a Busy Bee Jumpers Franchise in 2025

top-10-reasons-to-buy-a-busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-in-2025

Home Halo

home-halo-former-athletes-frachisees-image

Why Former College Athletes Can Make Winning Home Halo Franchise Owners

former-college-athletes-home-halo-franchise

TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue Featured in USA Today as Key Player in Helping Seniors Age Safely at Home

trublue-featured-in-usa-today-as-key-player-in-helping-seniors-age-safely-at-home

Right at Home

Right at Home Marks 30 Years With Continued Franchise Growth

Right at Home Marks 30 Years With Continued Franchise Growth, Tech Advancements, and Strong System Engagement in First Half of 2025

right-at-home-franchise-growth-2025

KidStrong Franchising, LLC

Unlocking Superpowers: How KidStrong Is Building the Next Generation of Confident Kids — and Thriving Franchise Owners

kidstrong-franchise-confident-kids

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Photo of Roof Scientist truck and trailer

Roof Scientist Expands Into Northern Indianapolis as Entrepreneur Dale Speckman Launches New Business in Fishers

roof-scientist-expands-into-northern-indianapolis

Image of Donald Trump pointing with red stripes in the background

August 1 Tariff Deadline Is Said to Have ‘No Extensions’: What This Could Mean for Franchises

august-1-tariff-deadline-franchise-impact

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Kelsey McManemin — Vice President of Marketing, HTeaO

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelsey-mcmanemin-vice-president-of-marketing-hteao

Photo of a large group of people standing in a circle, placing hands together in center

Franchise Opportunities for Minorities: Expanding the Franchise Network

franchise-opportunities-for-minorities

Amanda Evans - Stellar Service Brands - Franchise Marketing Leaders 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Amanda Evans — Senior Vice President of Marketing, Stellar Service Brands

stellar-service-brands-marketing-leader-amanda-evans

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery 

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery in Overland Park, Kansas

paris-baguette-franchise-overland-park-khandelwal

Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

From Corporate Careers to Community Roots: Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

kansas-couple-opens-childrens-lighthouse-gardner-olathe

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

FranDev Players: Natalie Weaver, Director of Franchise Development at The Franchise Connection

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS