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Gabby Wong of FranConnect Elected to International Franchise Association Board of Directors

Gabby will help lead the world’s oldest and largest franchise association, bringing a wealth of experience in franchising and dedicated commitment to the betterment of the business model

WASHINGTON, Oct 24, 2024 – The International Franchise Association (IFA) today announced Gabby Wong of FranConnect was appointed to serve on its Board of Directors. Joining along with fifteen other new directors, Gabby will start her term at the 2025 IFA Annual Convention in February, representing the franchising sector’s oldest and largest global trade association. 

“IFA’s volunteer leadership is integral in driving the association and our mission forward at a pivotal time for franchising,” said Matt Haller, IFA President and CEO. “Gabby’s expertise and experience in franchising will help take the association to new levels so we can further support our members and the opportunities they create in local communities. These new directors bring unique contributions and perspectives, and we look forward to the leadership they will provide to the entire franchise community and the millions of people it serves in the years ahead.” 

 Gabby is a seasoned operator with nearly 30 years of experience in positioning private equity-backed software and SaaS businesses for high-growth. She has deep experience in all aspects of growing technology businesses, including M&A, corporate strategy, product innovation, customer success, marketing and sales. Gabby has held successive leadership roles within FranConnect, joining first in 2016 as EVP of Operations and took the helm as CEO in 2018. 

Over the last six years, under her leadership, FranConnect’s revenue has grown by 5X and continues to lead the market in providing best-in-class sales, operations, and marketing solutions for franchise and multi-location businesses. After completing three acquisitions in four years, FranConnect has over 300 employees globally across US, Canada, India, and Australia, and serves nearly 1500 brands and 1 million locations worldwide. Gabby has been named a finalist for EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award Mid-Atlantic in 2022 and 2023. Prior to FranConnect, Gabby held executive leadership positions with worldwide operating roles at Primavera Systems (now Oracle), Trusted Computer Solutions (now EverFox/ForcePoint), Vovici (now Verint Systems), and Clarabridge (now Qualtrics). 

“I am honored to join the IFA Board of Directors,” said Gabby Wong, CEO of FranConnect. “For over two decades, FranConnect has been committed to helping brands achieve operational excellence, growth and success. I am thrilled to work alongside such a distinguished group of franchise leaders as we continue to address the industry’s most significant opportunities and challenges.” 

 The 2025 IFA Board of Directors is comprised of franchisor, franchisee, and supplier members, with a diverse representation of industries and background, who provide critical guidance to the IFA on the association’s key initiatives.  

“Serving on the IFA Board is one of the greatest ways to contribute to the future of franchising,” said Steve Hockett, Chair of the IFA Board of Directors and CEO of Great Clips. “This is a remarkable group who have shown their dedication to the franchise business model and its incredible reach into nearly every community in the U.S. Their leadership will undoubtedly continue to drive the success of franchising worldwide for generations to come.”  

The new directors will assume their positions in February 2025 and serve an initial three-year term. 

 About The International Franchise Association:  

 Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 806,270 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.7 million direct jobs, $858.5 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and supplier companies that support the industry. 

About FranConnect 

FranConnect is the leading enterprise software provider for franchise and multi-location businesses. For over 20 years, the FranConnect platform has served as the backbone for sales, operations, and marketing for over 1,500 brands and one million locations worldwide. Iconic brands such as SPARC/Authentic Brands (Forever 21), Tropical Smoothie CafĂ©, Authority Brands, and Papa John’s rely on FranConnect to expand locations, streamline unit operations, enhance collaboration, and improve profitability. Backed by private equity investor Serent Capital, FranConnect is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, with global offices in Australia, India, Colombia, and Canada. For more information, visit www.franconnect.com.  

e-learning content creator

FranConnect Launches New Operator and Frontline Employee Engagement Solution to Elevate Operational Excellence for Multi-location Businesses

HERNDON, VA: August 5, 2024 — FranConnect, a leading provider of sales, operations, and marketing solutions for franchise and multi-location businesses, announces the launch of its new Operator and Frontline Employee Engagement solution. This strategic initiative follows FranConnect’s acquisition of World Manager, a global provider of learning management and front-line employee engagement solutions. By seamlessly integrating World Manager’s complementary, enterprise learning management and content creation capabilities to FranConnect’s best-in-class operational platform, it revolutionizes how multi-location businesses drive team engagement, brand consistency, and unit performance.

This robust new solution empowers multi-location businesses to develop and deploy highly customized branded content to support operator and front-line employee training for improved onboarding and engagement, enabling brands to track engagement success at the unit level. Operation teams will be better equipped to deliver and monitor best practice training, access up-to-the-minute data, staff training results, performance appraisals, and satisfaction surveys with benchmark reporting.

Unlike traditional Learning Management Systems (LMS), FranConnect’s solution leverages core best practices already embedded in its platform to inform how brands need to deploy frontline and operator training. The result is highly engaged team members who not only adhere to the brand standards but also elevate customer experiences and unit performance.

Key features include:

  • Comprehensive Operational Support:
    • Personalized learning paths integrated with daily workflows
    • Mobile access for on-the-go learning and application
    • Real-time performance insights linked to relevant training modules
  • Enhanced Employee Engagement and Development:
    • Custom eLearning modules for various roles
    • Gamification elements to boost motivation
    • Mobile accessibility for flexible learning
    • Career development pathways for all staff levels

“We are addressing a huge barrier to growth for multi-location businesses, which is poor customer experiences stemming from ineffectively trained operators and frontline employees,” said Gabby Wong, CEO of FranConnect. “Most LMS work as standalone, siloed applications disconnected from performance data. Our core philosophy is that a strong learning and development function is an essential channel for driving operational success. Our learning and development capabilities are now fully embedded into FranConnect’s operational platform, and therefore employee development playbooks, learning pathways, and engagement best practices can be informed, created, and deployed based on operational goals and performance analytics from across the brand.”

FranConnect is sponsoring FCXC 2024! Image features the FCXC logo on a blue background with orange and white accents.

FranConnect’s Presence at FCXC 2024

Welcome to the world of franchising excellence! This year, FranConnect is proud to be a key sponsor at the 2024 Franchise Customer Experience Conference (FCXC), taking place from June 17-20 at the InterContinental Buckhead Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.  

Why Attend FCXC 2024? 

This year’s Franchise Customer Experience Conference offers dedicated learning tracks in marketing, operations, and technology to foster growth and collaboration. It’s ideal for franchise and multi-location business leaders seeking new ideas, brand leaders aiming for career growth through experience management, and emerging franchisors looking for strategies to accelerate brand growth. CEOs, Presidents, and Chief Revenue Officers will find targeted content to lead cross-functional teams effectively in a dynamic environment.  

Here’s why you should attend: 

Networking Opportunities 

  • Meet industry leaders: Connect with C-Suite Executives, Presidents, and other leaders in franchise development, operations, marketing, and technology. 
  • Plan connections: Join the community, find out who is attending, and pinpoint potential connections. Socialize, communicate with fellow attendees, and connect on your social networks. 

Learning and Growth 

  • Keynote Speaker: Gain insights from Mike Walsh, CEO of Tomorrow, who will share his expertise on future trends. 
  • Workshops and sessions: Participate in sessions that cover a wide range of topics, including marketing, operations, and technology. 
  • Exclusive insights: Get the latest on managing customer experience in a rapidly changing environment. 

Key Themes and Topics 

FCXC 2024 focuses on several essential themes that are crucial for franchise success: 

  • Marketing: Learn how to leverage marketing resources to enhance your brand. 
  • Operations: Discover strategies to optimize operational efficiency. 
  • Technology: Understand the latest technological trends and how they can transform your franchise. 

FranConnect’s Role and Sponsorship 

FranConnect is excited to sponsor this year’s FCXC. With over 20 years of experience, serving 1,500+ brands and 1.3 million locations, FranConnect offers a comprehensive platform for franchise management, ensuring quality and compliance. Customers and iconic brands like SPARC, Tropical Smoothie Café, and Papa John’s utilize FranConnect to drive growth and profitability through enhanced collaboration and technology. 

What FranConnect Brings to FCXC 2024 

1. Expert Curation: 

  • Our team has unrivaled expertise in franchise management. We understand the unique challenges you face and offer solutions tailored to your needs.

2. Operational Excellence: 

  • From enhancing franchise sales efforts to managing global territories, FranConnect ensures seamless operations across all levels of your franchise. 

3. Tasting Notes Included: 

  • Like fine wine, we believe in offering detailed insights. Our platform comes with comprehensive data analytics and real-time dashboards, ensuring you have all the information you need at your fingertips. 

4. Exclusive Insight: 

  • Attendees will receive exclusive insights from FranConnect experts. Engage with us at our Table 14 for giveaways and a custom demo tailored to your needs. 

5. Community Engagement: 

  • Join our community of franchise leaders and see how we can help you drive better results by working together. 

How to Make the Most of FCXC 2024 

To maximize your experience at FCXC 2024, here are some tips: 

  • Plan Ahead: Review the agenda and mark your favorite sessions. Be proactive in scheduling meetings and connecting with other attendees. 
  • Engage: Don’t just attend—participate! Ask questions, join discussions, and network actively. 
  • Visit FranConnect’s Table: Stop by Table 14 in the Networking Area to learn more about our services, grab some exclusive swag, and hear the success stories of our newest customers. 

Conclusion 

The 2024 Franchise Customer Experience Conference is more than just an event—it’s an opportunity to propel your franchise into the future. With industry-leading insights, unparalleled networking opportunities, and the support of sponsors like FranConnect, this is one conference you can’t afford to miss. 

Ready to take your franchise to the next level? Join us at FCXC 2024 and discover how FranConnect can help you achieve operational excellence and exponential growth. 

—> Get Started with FranConnect Now 

We look forward to seeing you there!

A laptop screen shows 'FranConnect + rizepoint"

FranConnect Announces Acquisition of RizePoint, A Leading Provider of Quality Management Systems for Multi-Location Businesses

Acquisition brings advanced QMS capabilities to brands and multi-unit operators and demonstrates FranConnect’s continued path toward becoming the largest and most comprehensive growth and operational platform for multi-location businesses worldwide.

HERNDON, Va., February 27, 2024 – FranConnect, a market-leading provider of sales, operations, and marketing solutions to franchises and multi-location businesses announced today it has acquired RizePoint, a leading provider of quality management systems (QMS) serving global restaurant, retail, and hospitality brands. This is FranConnect’s third acquisition over a four-year period and marks another significant milestone for FranConnect in extending its reach beyond franchise brands to serve the operational needs of the broader ecosystem of multi-unit owners, locations, front-line employees, and suppliers.

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A screenshot if FranConnect's Analytics

FranConnect Launches Analytics to Improve Performance & ROI Across Franchises and Multi-Location Businesses

Release of Analytics and next generation Royalty Manager extend end-to-end insights and process & operations management.

HERNDON, Va., February 27, 2024 – FranConnect, the leading provider of franchise and multi-location management solutions for driving success in sales, operations, and marketing, announces the launch of FranConnect Analytics to provide brands with powerful, on-demand, and timely insights pulled from all areas of the business. Additionally, FranConnect has revamped its Royalty Manager application to address finance teams’ biggest pain points.

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Headshot of Austen Asadorian

FranConnect Appoints Austen Asadorian as Chief Revenue Officer

Hospitality and restaurant technology executive joins the company to fuel its next phase of growth

HERNDON, Va., September 27, 2023 – FranConnect, the leading provider of sales, operations, and marketing technology to franchises and multi-location businesses, announces the appointment of Austen Asadorian to its executive leadership team as Chief Revenue Officer. Asadorian will oversee FranConnect’s global go-to-market and revenue organization, including new customer acquisition, customer expansion, new market development, pre-sales consulting, and revenue operations, bolstering FranConnect’s continued year-over-year growth.

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FranConnect's NEW AI-FIRST Sales Agent: Candidate Coach is now LIVE
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