The Leadership Strength of Strategic Franchising Systems

At the core of Strategic Franchising Systems’ success is a dynamic leadership team with decades of experience across multiple industries. These seasoned professionals have a unified vision: to help franchisees build thriving businesses by offering unparalleled support, training and expertise. Each member of the leadership team brings unique skills and insights, making Strategic Franchising Systems a powerful partner for franchisees at all stages of their journey.

Meet the Team

Dan Murphy: Co-Founder & CEO, Strategic Franchising Systems

Dan Murphy is a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich background in both business coaching and franchising. As co-founder and CEO of Strategic Franchising Systems, Murphy has been instrumental in building the five-brand portfolio, which includes Fresh Coat Painters, Caring Transitions, TruBlue, The Growth Coach and Pet Wants. With decades of leadership experience, including his tenure as the CEO of The Growth Coach, Murphy’s expertise has helped guide the company toward sustained success. His deep understanding of business development, marketing and franchise funding has been key to empowering entrepreneurs to scale their businesses effectively. Murphy’s belief in mentorship and his personal motto, Feed Your Dreams, Starve Your Fears®, continues to inspire franchisees to chase success fearlessly.

“We are a nation of small business owners,” said Murphy. “They are the backbone of our nation and the lifeblood of our economy. With Strategic Franchising, we want to support those ordinary folks looking to follow their entrepreneurial dreams to achieve extraordinary lives. I absolutely love what I do each and every day. I get to help people feed their dreams, starve their fears and move forward to become business owners to enjoy greater control, freedom, fulfillment, financial success and being a force for good in their communities.”

Chris Seman: President, Strategic Franchising Systems

Chris Seman’s hands-on experience as a franchise owner has shaped his leadership style at Strategic Franchising Systems. Before joining the team, Seman successfully operated his own Mr. Handyman franchise, giving him firsthand knowledge of the challenges and rewards franchisees face. He later transitioned into executive roles, most notably as president of Caring Transitions, where he drove significant growth for the brand. Now, as president of Strategic Franchising Systems, Seman focuses on delivering world-class support to franchisees, helping them build strong businesses with the right tools and training. His leadership ensures that franchisees across all five brands receive the resources they need to succeed from day one.

“We are really focused on giving middle-class individuals more opportunity to go into business ownership from themselves,” said Seman. “In the past, those opportunities have been limited because entrepreneurs didn’t have the financial means or experience to start their own business. We provide a lot of support to lead you to the best path to success so you can achieve that entrepreneurial dream.”

Ray Fabik: President, Caring Transitions

With over 25 years of experience in senior care and franchising, Ray Fabik brings a wealth of knowledge to his role as president of Caring Transitions. Fabik’s leadership has been instrumental in driving growth for the brand, supporting franchise owners through a tailored and strategic approach. Before joining Caring Transitions, Fabik served as vice president of operations at Comfort Keepers, where he honed his expertise in senior care and franchise operations. His focus on providing both operational and strategic guidance allows Caring Transitions franchisees to excel in a competitive and growing industry.

“Our franchisees are all about finding a small business where they can really see the impact of making a big difference. People connect with the brand and what it is about,” said Fabik. “Our model is ideal for those committed to giving back and positively impacting seniors’ lives and their communities.”

Sean Fitzgerald: President, TruBlue Total House Care

Sean Fitzgerald’s extensive background in franchising spans more than 25 years, working with brands from start-ups to large international systems. As president of TruBlue Total House Care, Fitzgerald leverages his experience with brands like BrightStar Senior Care and FYZICAL Therapy to drive franchise development and operational success. His comprehensive understanding of marketing, development strategies and operational efficiency helps franchisees grow their businesses with confidence. Fitzgerald’s leadership at TruBlue reflects his dedication to ensuring that every franchisee has the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the home care industry.

“The number one reason franchisees choose us is because they want a business with a purpose,” said Fitzgerald. “It’s about more than just making money, although that's a driver for all of us. I could work in any industry within franchising, but I knew this space and felt I could help build something more meaningful than just a handyman business. That’s what attracts people to it.”

DeNita Carani: President, Pet Wants

DeNita Carani’s experience on both sides of the franchise equation gives her a unique perspective as president of Pet Wants. Having owned a successful franchise herself before leading the operations team at Jovie, Carani understands the intricacies of running a franchise business. Her passion for franchising lies in helping everyday people achieve financial independence and business growth. With Pet Wants operating in the booming pet industry, Carani focuses on ensuring franchisees have the resources to capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality pet nutrition.

“I’ve been on both sides of the franchising equation,” said Carani. “I love that franchising allows everyday people to build a lifestyle for themselves and grow wealth for their families in a structured environment. I have owned a business previous to franchising as well, so I’ve seen how hard it is to be completely independent. The support, structure and best practices that a franchise brings are incredibly valuable.”

Lisa Hudson: President, Fresh Coat Painters

Lisa Hudson’s career is a testament to her commitment to servant leadership. With over 30 years of experience in retail and franchising, Hudson’s journey began at Macy’s, where she led teams to significant sales achievements. Later, she joined The Growth Coach, part of Strategic Franchising Systems, as a franchise owner before rising to an executive leadership position. Now as president of Fresh Coat Painters, Hudson is dedicated to helping franchisees grow their businesses through a strategic, franchisee-centric approach. Her focus on customer service, accountability and process improvement has been pivotal in driving growth for Fresh Coat.

“You buy a franchise because you want to invest in a system,” Hudson said. “We support the franchise journey and keep them on track in following the system through coaching times and both regional and national conferences. I have been a franchisee, so I understand what they need to succeed and drive profitability.”

Peter Eberly: Vice President of Brand Development, Strategic Franchising Systems

Peter Eberly brings over two decades of experience in B2B marketing and brand development to Strategic Franchising Systems. His diverse background — including leadership roles at both established companies and start-ups — equips him with the skills to drive innovation and growth across the franchise portfolio. Eberly’s expertise in lead generation, branding and marketing strategy ensures that each brand under Strategic Franchising Systems has a solid foundation for continued success.

"What excited me about Strategic Franchising Systems was the impressive diversity of the five brands and their strong market fit,” said Eberly. “TruBlue and Caring Transitions services the aging demographic, for example, while Pet Wants serves the growing number of pet owners in the country. From a marketing and brand development perspective, you have to believe there is growth potential in the products and the brands.” 

A Unified Vision for Franchisee Success

The leadership team at Strategic Franchising Systems is united by a shared mission: to help franchisees build sustainable, profitable businesses. With a combination of in-depth industry knowledge, firsthand franchise ownership experience and a commitment to franchisee success, the leadership team is uniquely positioned to offer the support and guidance needed for growth. Their collective expertise spans marketing, operations, development and strategy, ensuring that franchisees across all five brands have the resources and tools to thrive.

With such a powerful leadership team at the helm, franchisees can feel confident in their journey toward building a successful and rewarding business.

For more information on Strategic Franchising Systems and its franchise opportunities, visit Strategic Franchising Systems.