Our Team

Rick Grossmann

  • Rick has been a leader in the franchise industry since 1994, launching and growing two successful franchise companies—one to 49 locations in 19 states and the other to more than 150 locations in less than three years. As CEO and CMO of both brands, he developed innovative systems for franchisee success and created a high-tech/high-touch approach to franchise recruiting and sales. Both brands earned spots on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 list. Over the years, Rick has also served as a consultant to small businesses, large enterprises, and companies seeking to franchise across the globe.

     

    He is the co-author of Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise Bible series, with the 9th edition released worldwide in 2021, and a contributor to Entrepreneur and other leading industry publications. Rick currently leads the Entrepreneur Franchise Advisors program, works as an executive coach and strategist for franchise clients, and co-hosts the Franchise Bible Coach Radio Podcast. Since 2021, he has been recognized as one of the Top Global Franchise Influencers, and his firm, Franchise Bible Coach, was named a top franchise development firm in Entrepreneur’s 2023 Top Franchise Suppliers ranking.

Carolyn Miller

  • Carolyn Miller is the author of the Amazon Bestseller Brick & Mortar Franchise Success: Know The Costs or Pay The Price.

    She brings decades of franchise expertise, having overseen more than 1,200 new brick-and-mortar openings for major national and international brands including McDonald’s, Chipotle, Red Robin, CiCi’s Pizza, and Carl’s Jr./Hardees. She specializes in process mapping and streamlining systems and processes to support consistent, scalable growth.  Her wide-ranging experience spans real estate, design, construction, project management, legal, procurement and supply chain management, marketing, and cost controls.

    As the Founder of the National Franchise Institute, Carolyn and a team of licensed business and franchise professionals have helped new and emerging brands establish solid foundations for successful franchise growth.

Stephanie Mejia

  • Stephanie, based in Lima, Perú, is part of our international advisor’s team and brings more than 15 years of international business and franchising experience to Creation Franchise Brands. 

    After excelling in corporate roles in Peru, including at the World Trade Center Lima, she transitioned to franchising, where she has become a pivotal part of our global marketing efforts. Stephanie’s digital marketing and project management expertise ensures our clients’ franchising ventures are executed flawlessly.

Michael J. Katz, Esq.

  • Michael Katz is a senior partner at Corporon & Katz, specializing in franchise, business, and real estate law. He is also the co-author of Franchise Bible.

    With more than 45 years in practice, he brings a wealth of knowledge and an authoritative perspective on legal matters in franchising. His guidance is crucial in helping Creation Franchise Brands clients navigate the intricate legal aspects of franchising across various jurisdictions.

Jesse Stoddard

  • Jesse is a seasoned marketing strategist and the driving force behind numerous successful campaigns. Jesse’s expertise in scaling businesses through targeted marketing strategies ensures our clients achieve and exceed their growth potential.

Rob Gandley

  • As a seasoned Digital Marketing Consultant, he specializes in crafting dynamic demand generation solutions across various business models, including B2C, B2B, and franchising. His approach is grounded in the strategic integration of marketing automation and the development of effective sales processes that align with the expectations of today’s digital consumer.

    His expertise also encompasses AI transformation and SEO consulting, allowing him to navigate the complexities of online visibility and help businesses amplify their digital footprint. At the heart of his professional mission is a commitment to driving small business growth through innovative marketing technology and strategic partnerships, ensuring his clients’ ventures thrive in a competitive digital landscape.