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Top Franchise Influencers: 100–91

After reviewing more than 100 nominations, 1851 Franchise and SeoSamba have broken down our list of franchise influencers you should know.

By Nick Powills1851 Franchise Publisher
1:13PM • 02/16/21

Franchising is tough. Good thing there are so many professionals who have been fighting the good franchise fight to figure out the best practices for franchisors and ‘zees in every industry.

Whether buying a franchise, franchising your business, growing your franchise, or looking for general information on franchising, tapping into the franchise world’s thriving community is vital to your journey. So, with the help of SeoSamba we’ve curated a list of the most influential people in franchising.

No, these are not rankings, simply our collection of 100 influencers you should know, and frankly, who you should be connected to (good thing we’ve provided their LinkedIn links).

Over the next 10 days, we will release the entire list so you can get busy getting connected.

Lisa Welko

Have you ever said:

 

  • I want to start my own business, but don’t know where to begin.
  • I don’t want to quit my job, but I want to diversify my income and own a business for long-term benefits. What business out there can I trust?
  • I've looked at lots of businesses. I've even worked with brokers who showed me brands that didn't meet my needs. I want someone that can actually help me.

I was there. Just like you.

 

I know the ins and outs. With 20 years of business ownership experience and over 15 years of franchise experience and hundreds of happy clients - some who bought businesses and others who determined it wasn’t a good fit - I have the skills, tools, knowledge and soft touch you NEED to make this decision. I’ve worked with corporate executives and budding entrepreneurs from all walks of life who were looking for the opportunity to create a business that would yield residual incomes and an asset they could sell.

 

I have access to over 600 business opportunities. My system will jumpstart your success in finding the right business fit. I WILL save you time, money and potentially from making a devastating mistake.

 

I get to know the people I work with, not only to assist in finding them a brand but first to determine whether business ownership makes sense. There is no magic formula or a perfect business. By understanding a person’s background, skill set, and history we get a good understanding of which business models fit the client. The brands we discuss are proven with others who were in your shoes.

David Barr

David Barr is a dynamic thought leader and strategic operating executive with significant experience in accelerating growth and transformation, with specific industry experience in franchising, retail, multi-unit operations, and mergers & acquisitions.
 

Barr currently serves on a variety of boards of directors of public and private companies, both domestically and internationally, including Franworth, Capriotti's, Domino's Pizza China, Chicken Salad Chick and BrightStar (home health care). Barr has served on numerous boards during his career, many of which he has been the Chairman, with a focus toward achieving clear strategic objectives that ultimately create shareholder value.
 

In addition, utilizing his own private equity, Barr is Chairman of PMTD Restaurants and Affiliates, the owner and operator of 39 KFC and Taco Bell restaurants, as well as 4 Capriotti's Sandwich Shops. Barr has also invested in various commercial real estate projects in Georgia and Alabama and various small private equity ventures along side the private equity firms for which he works.
 

Barr resides in the metropolitan Atlanta area. 

Erik Van Horn

I became a franchisee because I wanted...FREEDOM

 

I wanted the freedom to control where and how I spent my time and effort - to have a lifestyle business.

 

I didn't have anybody in my immediate circle who could truly help me figure out what to do

So I had to expand my circle.

 

I started to seek out other top performing franchisees and entrepreneurs. Sometimes I had to pay money just to get in the same room as those people, but let me tell you - IT WAS WORTH IT EVERY PENNY.

 

Quickly, whether the lessons were taught or caught, I started to learn:

- How to hire A-players who can run the day to day operations for me

- How to network in and outside of franchising, to learn from the brightest minds in marketing, sales, tax strategy, investing, etc.

- How to build to my franchises to sell from day one

 

And that's why I started the Franchise Tribe...

 

I wanted to create a mastermind where ambitious, growth-minded franchisees could...

 

1. Belong to a community of peers who are committed to helping each other win

2. Leverage my network of experts to access quick solutions, strategic investments, and best practices.

3. Learn how to shortcut the path to success without sacrificing your lifestyle

As a father of three daughters, I am a family man first and design my life around the things that are most important to me.

Alesia Visconti

As the CEO and President of FranServe Inc, the world's largest franchise consulting & expansion organization, and the CEO and Publisher of Franchise Dictionary Magazine, a digital and print publication, Alesia provides vision and leadership to two extraordinary franchise industry organizations. She has 20+ years of experience as a CEO & President, driving organizational development and taking companies to the next level, both domestically and internationally. An author, professional speaker, and entrepreneur, her motto in life is “Work hard, play hard, help others, repeat.”

 

A savvy entrepreneur, Alesia acquired the struggling start-up publication, Franchise Dictionary Magazine shortly after it was formed, and turned it around in record time. The magazine is now one of the leading sources of information that potential franchise owners turn to for information and advice. It receives praises and accolades by experts throughout the franchise industry.

 

Alesia is passionate about the franchise industry as well as ensuring people have the opportunity to take control of their future and find career bliss. To that end, she never loses sight of her mission: to help others achieve their dreams of business ownership through franchising!

Steve Strickland

Keith Dziki

Skilled in the art of team development, Keith has more than 15 years of experience in business development and operations in a variety of industries. As the Executive Director of Development, he builds and maintains relationships with key personal at Verizon Wireless and prospective Wireless Zone® franchisees, providing expertise in operational management, lead generation and the recruitment of entrepreneurs. Known for his ethical and high energy approach, Keith’s history of outstanding business building and proven interpersonal skills allows him to effectively communicate with entrepreneurs and educate them on their suitability for the franchise.

Charlie Morrison

Matt Friedman

Matt Stanton

Matt Stanton is the Chief Development Officer for WellBiz Brands, Inc.® - the manager of Elements Massage®, Amazing Lash®, and Fitness Together®. As an experienced multi-unit real estate and franchise executive, he oversees franchising and unit development for all three brands, which combined currently have over 600 locations across the United States.

 

Matt has over 10 years of retail and consumer industry experience, having served as the Vice President of Strategy and Development for Smashburger where he oversaw the brand’s unit growth. He played a vital role in building the chain from 100 units in 2011 to over 350 units by 2016 in 36 states and eight countries. Most recently, he was the Vice President of Real Estate and Franchise Development for Taco Bueno Restaurants. In this role, he built the franchise and real estate development functions from the ground up and delivered on franchise and corporate unit growth. Prior to these roles, he was a Consultant with Bain & Company in Dallas.

Lauren Wanamaker

Lauren Wanamaker is a franchise development professional with an extensive range of expertise. Her early career was centered on marketing planning, brand development/management and media relations and ultimately led to franchise development. She enjoys working with prospective candidates to help them find the best solution for their future.

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