Finding the right franchise for sale consultant can be the difference between merely buying a business and building a lasting legacy. The best consultants don’t just help you choose a franchise, they help you design a life of independence, fulfillment, and success.
Here are five of the most inspiring and trusted franchise consultants leading the way in 2026.
1. Conor Godfrey – Trinity Advisory
With nearly two decades on Wall Street, Conor Godfrey understands the challenges of Corporate America and the courage it takes to step into entrepreneurship. Having guided numerous professionals transitioning into business ownership, Conor’s approach is deeply rooted in strategy, self-development, and empowerment.
His corporate experience has given him the ability to help candidates identify and pursue opportunities that align with their skills, lifestyle, and goals. Conor believes that it’s never too late to rewrite your story and franchise ownership can be the perfect chapter.
Contact:
📞 (203) 233-1540
📧 conor@trinityadvisory3.com
2. Mike Welch – Evolution Franchising
“I believe in the power of franchising. You don’t have to be Zuckerberg, Gates, Jobs, or Musk to be an entrepreneur.”
That quote perfectly encapsulates Mike Welch’s philosophy.
As a dedicated family man and passionate franchise advocate, Mike’s 20-year journey through franchising proves that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary success. He began his career in advertising before joining AllOver Media, where he helped expand their franchise network nationally.
Since then, Mike has owned and managed multiple franchise businesses, founded a consulting company that scaled brands nationwide, and served as VP and Managing Equity Partner at Regis Corp for Roosters Men’s Grooming Centers. Today, he continues to invest in and guide franchise brands with unmatched enthusiasm and authenticity.
Contact:
📞 (320) 291-8141
📧 mike@evolutionfranchising.com
3. Corey Stender – Navigate Franchising
A former Airborne Infantryman in the US Army, Corey Stender brings discipline, leadership, and teamwork to every candidate he mentors. His extensive background in hotel brokerage, overseeing 200+ transactions for REITs and investors, has shaped his expertise in business analysis and deal-making.
Now, as a FranChoice consultant and multi-unit franchisee himself, Corey uses his firsthand knowledge to help individuals achieve financial independence through business ownership. His mentoring doesn’t stop at franchising; he also supports veterans transitioning to civilian life, embodying his mantra: “Always Forward.”
Contact:
📞 (952) 223-7369
📧 cstender@franchoice.com
4. Anna Dey – The Franspot
For Anna Dey, franchising isn’t just a career, it’s a way of life. At only 35, she has become one of the most accomplished multi-brand franchisees in the country.
Her first venture, an Anytime Fitness franchise, ranked in the top 5% nationwide, earning multiple national awards. From there, she built a diversified portfolio including Clean Eatz, Smoothie King, Vitamin Shoppe, Barrio Tacos, and goGLOW, with several locations opening in 2026.
Anna’s success story demonstrates that franchising offers real, scalable opportunities for determined entrepreneurs. Beyond business, she leads a charitable organization, The 24 in 24, which has raised over $2.6 million for children battling life-threatening illnesses.
Whether you’re new to entrepreneurship or expanding your portfolio, Anna’s insights and mentorship can help you thrive.
Contact:
📞 (440) 339-1050
📧 anna@thefranspot.com
5. Dan Lorenz – Guerrilla Franchising
A decorated U.S. Army Special Forces Officer turned multi-unit franchise owner, Dan Lorenz is the founder of Guerrilla Franchising, a precision-guided platform helping executives, veterans, and investor groups break free from corporate life and build lasting wealth through franchise ownership.
With over 20 years of leadership experience spanning military operations and entrepreneurship, Dan brings a tactical, brutally honest approach to franchise advising. His mission: help people buy their time back, not just buy a business.
From the Battlefield to the Boardroom
Dan’s turning point came after returning from deployment to a corporate job that drained his purpose and autonomy. Within two months of deciding to change course, he launched his first Mosquito Authority franchise. Since then, he’s scaled, exited, and diversified into other brands like CYCLEBAR NoMa, proving that systems and leadership, not passion alone, create profit.
For Dan, freedom means more than money, it’s about time, relationships, and control. As he puts it:
“If you’re crushing Q4 numbers but missing your kid’s birthday, you’re failing.”
He’s leading the charge to professionalize franchise advising with data-driven insights and practical systems through Guerrilla Franchising.
📞 (970)-763-4256
📧 dan.lorenz@guerrillafranchising.com
Why Work With a Franchise Consultant in 2026?
The franchise landscape in 2026 is more dynamic than ever, offering opportunities across industries like fitness, food, senior care, education, and technology. A skilled franchise consultant bridges the gap between ambition and execution, helping you:
- Identify franchise models that align with your skills and finances
- Avoid costly mistakes by assessing legal and operational risks
- Gain insider insights into brand reputations and performance
- Navigate funding, training, and territory opportunities
Final Thoughts
The best franchise consultants are more than advisors, they’re mentors, strategists, and partners in your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you’re seeking freedom from corporate life or looking to grow your investment portfolio, working with trusted experts like Conor Godfrey, Mike Welch, Corey Stender, Anna Dey and Dan Lorenz can help you design the business and life you truly want.