Young Ones: Steve Beagelman

Name:  Steve Beagelman Rank: 8 Age: 42 Position: Founder + CEO Company: SMB Franchise Advisors*

The old saying goes that nice guys finish last. Well, whoever said that must have not known Steve Beagelman, often called the nicest yet best kept secret in franchising. The founder of SMB Franchise Advisors did not have any choice when it came to picking his career. His parents somewhat paved his passion when they had the then 16-year-old Beagelman begin selling franchises for their packaging company (his friends would tell you to imagine Alex P. Keaton from Family Ties). Then at 20-years old, he created his own franchise. Flash forward another 20 years and you can add CEO of Hollywood Tans and development guru for brands like Saladworks and Rita’s Water Ice to that resume. Beagelman is now focused on being the coach – helping franchisors franchise right (he teaches them to drive, says Adam Siegelheim, partner at Stark & Stark). I GOT INTO FRANCHISING: My parents started a packaging and shipping business back in 1986 when I was 16 years old and then they decided to franchise the concept, so I learned about the franchise industry at a young age. I LOVE FRANCHISING: I really enjoyed the concept of helping people follow their dreams of owning their own business.  I started my own company in 1991 (while still in college) called Black Tie Express, a restaurant delivery service that I franchised in 1993. By 1994, I grew it to over 35 franchisees.  That is when I realized I wanted to stay in the franchise industry for a long time. IN THE FUTURE: I would like to own a part of several franchise brands and continue to build a very successful franchise consulting company. DO YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE OPPORTUNITY:  I feel it is getting better.  The future of franchising is certainly in the next generation. FUTURE FRANCHISORS SHOULD: Take your time and do it right.  Don't rush to market and award franchisees to the wrong people.  That will come back to haunt you in the long run. FUTURE FRANCHISEES SHOULD: Work hard and follow the franchise system. That is what franchising is all about. --NICK POWILLS