The Franchise Brokers Association has always made it a goal to promote excellence and integrity in the industry. As we continue that mission, we are excited to launch our latest initiative, the "Rising Stars" program - a group of Franchise Brokers who will lead us toward a brighter future in franchising.
This program represents a significant step in our ongoing effort to enhance our community and membership by providing a platform for innovation, collaboration, and elevation.
From here on out, every FBA Member’s voice will be heard.
So, how will all of this work and how will you be able to contribute?
A myriad of factors went into selecting our Rising Stars, and FBA is thrilled to announce that we have 16 Brokers to pioneer this initiative.
Each Rising Star is tasked with an important role: to be an advocate for every Broker and Franchisor they are paired with. Yes, there will be designated groups!
These new groups will consist of 1 Rising Star leader, 10 Franchise Brokers within our association, and 10 Franchisors who attended our most recent FBCE.
The goal of these groups is to foster more community, open the dialog for feedback, and spread the word about GOOD franchising. With that, your Rising Star leader will be hosting quarterly FBA facilitated meetings, where you will get the chance to join an open forum and brainstorm with other Members of our community on how to elevate your brand and Broker business.
These groups will be vital in building a network of support and advocacy for every member involved - so all we ask is that you remain open to the idea of collaborating with us on this new adventure to greater GOOD!
In today’s email communications you will receive a survey that we kindly ask you complete before the end of day on 12/22/2023.
The purpose of this survey is to get your vote on which Rising Star you would like to collaborate and join forces with. You will get the opportunity to select your top three Brokers, and FBA will take your selections into consideration when pairing groups.
So without further ado, let’s meet the Rising Stars of FBA!
Known affectionately as "That Franchise Guy," John Anderson is an inspiration to many in the franchising world, with his journey beginning in 2006. His expertise is showcased in his 2017 book about finding a great franchise, making him a go-to resource in the industry. With over 16 years of hands-on experience as a franchisee and a decade in corporate mortgage banking, John combines his diverse background to guide others in franchising since 2016. His approachable and knowledgeable demeanor has earned him a spot on many leaderboards and a reputation as a LinkedIn personality. As a serial entrepreneur with multiple franchise ownerships, John's appeal spans from seasoned investors to first-time business owners, making him an invaluable participant in any venture.
Brenan stands out as an award-winning franchise owner with a rich tapestry of experiences that shape his approach to franchising. His journey includes starting multiple businesses, serving on corporate advisory boards, and experiences as a government employee and educator. Brenan's passion lies in guiding individuals toward achieving their professional dreams, especially in the realm of business ownership. He recognizes the excitement and challenges of this path and leverages his vast experience, analytical skills, and industry knowledge to help prospective franchisees. Brenan's approach is grounded in a proven process, matching candidates with the best franchise opportunities available to them. Known for his humility, seriousness, and ability to challenge and bring out the best in people, Brenan is adept at helping individuals confront their fears and grow.
With over 20 years of experience in the franchising sector, T.J. Corey has become a respected figure as a Franchise bBroker. His journey encompasses a wide range of roles, from assisting with market research to aiding franchise owners in launching their businesses. T.J. is known for his practical approach to franchise selection, pairing his keen strategic insight with an innate ability to identify ideal business concepts for his clients. He uses his extensive experience to help aspiring business owners find opportunities that align with their strengths, goals, and values. T.J.'s positive demeanor, coupled with a strategic and thorough approach, exemplifies his commitment to the franchising process, leading to his notable success. His collaborative nature and openness in both sharing and receiving knowledge make him an excellent facilitator of conversations, ensuring comfort and productivity in discussions.
With over three decades in the financial services industry, Bill Eastin has established himself as an expert in helping clients and financial advisors research and select profitable, successful companies. His experience extends to coaching and mentoring hundreds of financial advisors, not just in conducting thorough research, but also in growing their advisory practices and enhancing client experiences. This skill set is crucial in guiding candidates through the franchise search and selection process. Bill's role as a franchise leader within the FBA is marked by his strong financial understanding and business acumen, which have significantly elevated the knowledge of many brokers in explaining franchise opportunities. Known for his practical and giving nature, Bill engages in substantive, investor-type conversations, providing insights that are both practical and invaluable, rather than merely theoretical.
Beau Eckstein brings over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial finance, along with business consulting, to the franchising world. As a licensed California real estate broker, he leads a consulting firm offering commercial mortgage advisory services. Beau's extensive network in the banking sector and his expertise in business optimization are invaluable for both new and established business owners and real estate investors. He is the driving force behind Emerge Lending Group, Emerge Franchise Group, and ExpenseSavvy. Known for his social media presence and YouTube insights, Beau specializes in lending and finance, guiding prospects in leveraging franchising opportunities through strategic financing.
Erin Gilliam, a seasoned franchise expert, has a commendable track record of consulting hundreds of clients, guiding them to find the right franchise. Her experience extends beyond consultancy, as she has owned and successfully sold several franchise businesses, and served as a Director of Marketing for an international franchise brand. Erin's firsthand experience as a franchisee equips her with a profound understanding of the candidate's perspective, ensuring that they have access to the best information and guidance. Her approach is deeply reflective and pure-hearted, combined with an astute understanding of the value of systems in building successful businesses. As a former franchisee, current business broker, and Franchise Broker, Erin brings a wealth of knowledge in business assessment and processes. Her ability to engage in conversations about overcoming fear and strategy captivates her candidates, ensuring they feel confident that their interests are well understood and protected throughout the discovery process.
William Huffine, a seasoned professional with over 30 years in the corporate world, primarily in senior business development roles with major media companies, brings a wealth of experience to the FBA. After retiring young from the corporate sector, William embarked on building his own businesses in travel, transportation, and business coaching. His journey includes personal ownership of a franchise and a stint as a franchise development manager, guiding aspiring entrepreneurs in starting their franchises. William's philosophy revolves around helping people rediscover their purpose and freeing them to pursue it passionately, with a strong belief that life should be spent doing work one enjoys. He is deeply committed to supporting aspiring business owners in achieving a quality of life that they and their families deserve. Known for his successful career in franchising and coaching, William has developed a significant online following. His openness in sharing insights, willingness to try new things, and a combination of intelligence and humor make him a standout figure in the franchising community.
Derek Ilich combines his role as a broker with the Franchise Brokers Association with hands-on experience as a current franchise owner. He owns and operates a successful staffing franchise in Michigan and is enthusiastic about sharing his insights with franchise candidates. Derek's firsthand experience as a franchisee equips him with a deep understanding of the candidate's journey, ensuring they receive the best information and guidance. His significant social media presence as an influencer on platforms like Instagram and TikTok demonstrates his ability to connect and engage with a wider audience. Derek is known for his direct approach and focus on tasks, qualities that make him an extremely strong producer.
As a seasoned entrepreneur with a successful background in educational consulting, Farah Khaja brings a wealth of business acumen to the franchising world. Her deep understanding of the nuances of starting and running a business is complemented by her academic achievements, including executive programs in analytics and data-driven consulting from Kellogg, one of the top business schools. With a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, Farah applies a scientific and methodical approach to problem-solving. This, along with her data-driven strategies, aids in pinpointing the most suitable franchise opportunities that align with her clients' goals. Additionally, as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), she possesses exceptional skills in managing complex processes, an invaluable asset in guiding clients through the franchise acquisition journey. Farah is known for her authenticity, practicality, and drive, blending process expertise with strategic insight, making her an exemplary figure in the franchising community.
Keith Liscio's journey in franchising is deeply rooted in a passion for connecting entrepreneurs with successful franchise opportunities. His expertise in helping prospective business owners assess their goals and navigate their path to financial independence and work/life balance through franchise ownership is unparalleled. With a rich background in small, family-run businesses, Keith developed a keen understanding of entrepreneurship from a young age. His career spanned roles at Fortune 500 companies like Procter & Gamble, Nabisco, and Kraft before embracing entrepreneurship, including importing ceramics from Italy and running an Executive Recruiting firm for nearly 20 years. His diverse experience also includes stints at McDonald’s and Management Recruiters International. Keith is recognized for his depth, reflective nature, and acute awareness of his impact. His generosity and openness in sharing knowledge and assisting others further underscore his significant contribution to the franchising community.
As a dedicated professional in the franchise industry, Greg McCartney's primary role is to assist candidates in identifying the best franchise opportunities that align with their personal values, skills, needs, location, and investment range. His journey in franchising began with a bold decision to leave the security of corporate America to build his own business. This experience has fostered a belief in the transformative power of franchising to empower individuals to take control of their future. Greg's personal venture into searching, operating, and scaling a successful franchise is central to his methodology in assisting others to find their ideal business opportunity. As a multi-unit franchisee, Greg is known for his laid-back yet methodical approach, combined with diligence and humility. His warm, caring personality, coupled with clarity and authenticity, makes interactions with him both enjoyable and inspiring.
Gilbert Saguid, a Navy Surface Warfare Officer & Enlisted Nuke Machinist Mate Veteran, brings a wealth of leadership and experience to the franchising industry. He is a Ph.D. Leadership Studies Candidate at the University of San Diego and an MBA graduate from the University of Southern California. Gilbert has excelled in the corporate sector and as an entrepreneur post-Navy, and now focuses on mentoring veterans in franchising. With 8 years in the industry, he is known for his strong contributions in mentoring, especially in veterans’ business development, combining his military discipline with his business acumen to guide veterans toward successful business ownership.
Jaime Sanchez embarked on his entrepreneurial journey after working in an immigration law firm, aiming to help investors establish and grow their businesses successfully. A graduate in Economics from the University of Texas and an experienced franchise owner, Jaime brings a wealth of knowledge to the franchise industry. His notable achievements include earning the title of FBA's Influencer of the Year in 2023 and being a consistent presence on the leaderboard as a broker. With a focus on the Spanish E2 visa market, Jaime has made a significant impact, successfully guiding numerous foreign investors in the United States. His rapid ascent in the industry as a franchisee and broker highlights his exceptional dedication and effectiveness in the franchising sector.
Renowned as an award-winning Franchise Broker and FBA’s national Franchise Broker trainer, Amanda brings a unique blend of skills to the franchising world. Her extensive work in the international and immigration arena includes assisting immigrants with franchise selection and visa processes, as well as overseeing the build-out and management of franchise locations across the country. Amanda leverages her vast experience to guide individuals in determining the franchise opportunities that best match their strengths, goals, and values. As the FBA representative in the Rising Stars program, Amanda acts as a pivotal bridge between the Rising Stars and the Million Dollar Producer program. She places a strong emphasis on communication strategy and leadership in her brokering process, underscoring her commitment to excellence and effective client guidance.
David Whalen, an award-winning Broker with the Franchise Brokers Association, brings a rich history of business ownership and development to his role. His entrepreneurial journey includes being an area developer for his first business, successfully expanding it to 17 locations over 20 years before selling. David's unique perspective as a franchise consultant is enriched by his experience as a client in 2011, providing him with a deep understanding of the candidate’s needs and concerns. His commitment to ensuring that candidates have access to the best information and feel confident in their decisions is a testament to his dedication. David's mission is centered on delivering exceptional service to his candidates. Known for his drive and humility, David is an extremely hard worker and a team player. His innovative approach has earned him recognition as the Broker of the Year in 2023, along with a consistent presence on the leaderboard for many years.
Vicki Hamp plays an important role as a Rising Star, focusing on supporting new incoming members in the association. Her invigorating and inviting personality makes her ideally suited for helping onboarding members feel welcomed and inspired to contribute positively to the franchising world. She is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethical practice. We are excited to work with Vicki and witness how her excellence will enhance the experiences of new members, encouraging them to be the 'GOOD' in franchising.
We strongly encourage our members to embrace the collaboration that will come with working with our Rising Stars. Your active participation is crucial in making this initiative a success. And in doing so, if you’re a Franchise Broker, you could earn a spot as a future Rising Star!
Keep an eye out for FBA Communications today, and thank you for your participation as a valued Member of our association.
Find the best franchise opportunity for you: https://www.franchiseba.com/find-franchises/
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