The Team Behind Your Franchise Breakthrough

Meet the experienced, hands-on advisors trusted by the fastest-growing franchises in the world.

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Partner With a Team of Experts

Real Results. No Theories. Just Growth.

Our advisors and partners have launched and scaled hundreds of units across hospitality, food service, and retail, guiding brands through every stage: concept development, franchise documents, international expansion, and franchisee recruitment and onboarding—while ensuring robust tax strategies and audit compliance to protect your business and maximize profitability.

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Real stories of growth

What our amazing customers, partners, and friends are saying

“SL Franchise Group did an amazing job helping Better Blend navigate their initial growth phase. Their expertise and guidance was invaluable, leading us to the success we have achieved today. We are very thankful for their help!”

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Isaac Hamlin
Founder & CEO Better Blend Smoothies

“We have been working with SL for a number of years as we’ve grown our brand and they have been instrumental in preparing us for franchise growth as well as managing our entire sales process. In an industry rife with charlatans, they are a group that truly cares about us, a people and a brand, and always put our needs first. With their help we’ve doubled the size of our company within 2 years, and I look forward to many more years working together. Can’t say enough about the integrity of the team at SL Franchise Group!”

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Bryce Rademan
Founder & President: Spitz Restaurants

“SL Franchise Group consistently demonstrates the ability to assist new and reemerging franchisors to start on their franchise journey with a solid, realistic plan and infrastructure, then be well positioned to grow at their chosen pace.  The dedication of the entire SLC team to each client creates a cooperative, informed and focused atmosphere that supports successful launch and early stage activity.  We really enjoy and appreciate working with these professionals.”

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Joel Buckberg
Shareholder, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC

“SL’s strategy and advice on international development is robust, uncomplicated and effective – and they are a pleasure to work with.”

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Andrae Marrocco
Co-Chair of the Franchise & Distribution Law Group McMillan LLP

“SL Franchise Group has been an invaluable partner in our USA franchise development journey. Their strategic insight, industry knowledge, and hands-on support have helped strengthen Gelatissimo’s US growth across key markets. From market assessment, franchise recruitment to system development, their team consistently delivers results with professionalism and care.”

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Anthony Shina
Chief Development Officer, Gelatissimo

“Working with SL Franchise Group was a turning point for our business. Their guidance and expertise helped us navigate every step of the franchising process with confidence. From developing our franchise documents to ensuring our brand was franchise-ready, their support was thorough, strategic, and tailored to our goals. Thanks to their help, we feel fully prepared to grow through franchising.”

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Kristin Armeson
Co-Founder, Stemville STEM Play Centers

“We have been working with SL for a number of years as we’ve grown our brand and they have been instrumental in preparing us for franchise growth as well as managing our entire sales process. In an industry rife with charlatans, they are a group that truly cares about us, a people and a brand, and always put our needs first. With their help we’ve doubled the size of our company within 2 years, and I look forward to many more years working together. Can’t say enough about the integrity of the team at SL Franchise Group!”

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Laina Sullivan
Certified Franchise Executive, Retail Food Group

“SL is a valued partner and resource for Pokeworks. The team’s remarkable experience and knowledge in franchising has helped us to grow exponentially. They are the highest-caliber people you’d ever want to do business with. I love them like family.”

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Peter Yang
Co-founder, Forbes 30 Under 30 2018, Pokeworks

“SL has been a key part of our team’s work to expand the Laughing Man Coffee concept into the franchise marketplace.  As true partners they’ve been nothing short of amazing to work with.”

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Kevin LaBonge
President, Laughing Man Coffee Franchising

“We have been working with SL for a number of years as we’ve grown our brand and they have been instrumental in preparing us for franchise growth as well as managing our entire sales process. In an industry rife with charlatans, they are a group that truly cares about us, a people and a brand, and always put our needs first. With their help we’ve doubled the size of our company within 2 years, and I look forward to many more years working together. Can’t say enough about the integrity of the team at SL Franchise Group!”

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Barry Kurtz Chair
Franchise & Distribution Law Practice Group, Lewitt Hackman
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Our Team of Franchise Experts

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PARTNER

Larry Schwartz

Larry brings 30+ years of corporate and business development experience to the franchise landscape. Starting as a health and fitness small business owner, he led a successful multi-location concept later acquired by a national luxury fitness club. Transitioning to franchising, Larry served as a Development Agent, steering national franchise development and launching a high-profile brand. His expertise includes crafting national rollout strategies, emphasizing sales, marketing, and real estate procurement.

As a Regional Vice President for a 1500-unit multinational franchise, he oversaw brand development in the Southwestern U.S. Since 2009, Larry has excelled as a senior franchise consultant, aiding startups and established franchises in critical areas. Now, as lead Partner & Practice Leader of SLFG’s Franchise Consulting Group, he continues fostering new concepts and facilitating franchise system growth.

SR. FRANCHISE SALES CONSULTANT

Vince Blumetti

Vince is a seasoned marketing and sales executive with over two decades of experience in franchise and license consultation, brand positioning, and business development, having held pivotal roles at companies like Bally’s Total Fitness, The Sporting Clubs of America, Initial Contract Services, and Atlanta Dining; his diverse expertise spans fast-casual and full-service restaurants, health, fitness, nutrition, home and personal services, event services, retail, and commercial cleaning.

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CONSULTING PROJECT COORDINATOR

Sarah Conroy

With a BA in Marketing and over 20 years of experience, Sarah has driven startup growth for internet companies and emerging franchise brands, leveraging her marketing and sales expertise to support emerging and mid-size franchisors by connecting, evaluating, educating, and exciting franchisee candidates; known for outstanding customer service, meticulous follow-up, and a relentless work ethic, Sarah consistently secures business, boosts profitability, expands market share, and exceeds client growth goals as a key member of our executive sales team.

STRATEGIC ADVISOR, CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT

Lauren Fernandez

Former General Counsel of FOCUS Brands turned restaurant operator, Lauren brings nearly 20 years of experience in brand licensing, franchising, and consumer product development, with specialties in restaurant operations, brand strategy, product development, franchise administration, brand licensing, intellectual property, M&A, commercial contracts, and supply chain and distribution.

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Christopher Stone
Director, Assurance & Advisory

Christopher Stone

Chris is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 16 years of experience in public accounting. He graduated Cum Laude from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Economics and a minor in Accounting. Chris provides assurance services to clients and performs technical consulting, including audit, review, compilation, and agreed-upon procedures engagements.

Chris has developed a deep passion for the franchise industry, where he has built relationships with franchisors and franchisees across a wide range of sectors. He is particularly committed to helping franchise businesses navigate complex financial reporting requirements, maintain compliance, and optimize operational efficiency. His experience and industry insight allow him to deliver tailored solutions that support sustainable growth and scalability for franchise organizations.

Sr. Franchise Operations Consultant

Mark Bailey

With over 35 years of experience as a Franchise Consultant and Executive for diverse full-service, fast-casual, and QSR brands, Mark has been instrumental in conceiving, organizing, and overseeing numerous franchise concepts globally. He navigated an international career overseeing 250+ locations, generating $300M in annual revenue, and handling operations, training, marketing, construction, risk management, contract negotiation, and supply chain development. Starting in the restaurant industry as a teenager, Mark progressed from bussing tables to senior executive roles in major national and international chains.

Noteworthy achievements include expanding Taco Maker into Saudi Arabia and the Caribbean/Latin America, transforming Mr. Gatti’s Pizza into the successful Gattiland concept, and spearheading Subway’s market leadership in Southern California. Mark’s expertise extends to developing new training programs for Subway, earning national recognition, and contributing to the growth and expansion of various exciting concepts nationwide.

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Daniel Levine
Sr. Hospitality & Operations Consultant

Daniel Levine

Daniel Levine is a seasoned hospitality operator and strategist with nearly two decades of leadership across independent restaurants, multi-unit groups, and hotel F&B. He has held executive roles for top-grossing operations and now advises owners and investors on operational systems, concept development, and scalable growth.

o Technology, Entertainment & Media, Construction, Food & Beverage, Professional Services, Nonprofit Entities.

Lara Buitrago

Lara is a highly experienced accounting professional with an impressive educational background. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from California State University Northridge and is an active member of professional organizations such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of CPAs. With over 20 years of experience in accounting, Lara has developed a strong expertise in performing audits and reviews for both public and private companies. Before joining the Business Solutions Group,

Lara worked as the chief financial officer for a fabrication company, where she gained extensive experience in compliance, financial reporting, budgeting/forecasting, and other accounting advisory services. Lara’s commitment to excellence and her broad range of skills make her a valuable asset to any organization looking to improve their financial operations. Whether working with public or private companies, Lara has a proven track record of success and a dedication to delivering exceptional results.

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Daniel Trousdale
Franchise (Franchisee & Franchisor), Global Funds (Fund of Funds), Real Estate, Manufacturing, Distribution and Supply Chain Services, Marketing and Public Relation services.  

Daniel Trousdale

Daniel is a Tax Director in the SL Franchise Group and International Tax Services Group, specializing in various domestic and international tax matters. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the state of Georgia, and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Experience

Daniel began his accounting career with Deloitte’s Global Funds Services Group based out of Atlanta, GA. During his tenure at Deloitte, Daniel serviced clients of various sizes, with a focusing on inbound/outbound international compliance and reporting, as well as domestic and foreign private equity/fund tax structuring. Since joining SingerLewak, Daniel has broadened his experience to include closely held businesses, high net-worth individuals, and franchise networks. He serves and advises on inbound U.S. tax structuring considerations for foreign franchisor expansion. Daniel also supports U.S. and foreign-based franchisees/franchisors, including multi-unit McDonald’s operators, with tax compliance, planning, and consulting. In additional to traditional tax expertise, Daniel carries 5 years of practical experience in a manufacturing capacity, having worked as a National Aerospace Standard (“NAS”) quality control analyst.