Level-Up Franchise Operations with Technology Tips for 2022

Are you looking for the edge over your competition when it comes to investing in technology? More important now than ever before, franchisors need to rely on new technology platforms to run efficient franchise operations in 2022. By leveraging technology, franchisors are able to make better use of their data to drive decision-making and stay ahead of their competition.

Watch as Keith Gerson sits down with a panel of seasoned franchisors who chose to lean on technology in order to well-position themselves in the ever-changing landscape of franchising. They’ll share the technology platforms that took their brands to the next level and give expert advice to those growing their business.

Learn about the technologies that our experts use for addressing their franchisee's recruiting needs
Find out about tech that can improve Franchise Business Consultants' location visits
Discover how our panelists are using business intelligence (BI) to analyze the performance of franchisees and improve franchisee profitability

About the Presenters

Keith Gerson-1

Keith Gerson, CFE, President of Franchise Ops, FranConnect

Keith Gerson brings 40+ years of executive level expertise as a passionate and driven Franchisor and Franchisee with a proven track-record in building rapid-growth, and highly profitable franchise organizations. Over the last eight years, Keith has served as President and Chief Customer Advocate for FranConnect where he has been able to work closely with many Executive Boards and Leadership Teams that are part of FranConnect’s portfolio of 800+ brands and 148,00 locations. His focus is on helping franchisors to get to their desired future state in sales, operations, communications, and engagement. Recognized in franchising circles for his extensive leadership experience, and ability to drive execution, Keith is a highly-rated keynote speaker and has had the rare opportunity to have created several leading franchise systems from their very conception through launch and sustained growth taking these systems from micro-emerging status to that of successful enterprise level brands.

Mary-Kennedy-Thompson-1

Mary Thompson, COO, Neighborly Brands

As Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mary oversees the ongoing business operations within Neighborly. Working hand-in-hand with 13 brand presidents, she leads the execution of strategies. Prior to her appointment as COO, Mary served as executive vice-president of Neighborly and president of Mr. Rooter® for nine years.

Under Mary's leadership, Mr. Rooter® was included in Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500, Franchise Business Review's Franchisee Satisfaction Award, PHC News Top 100 Contractors and USA Today's Top 50 Franchises for Veterans. As president of Mr. Rooter®, U.S. Business Review selected Mary as one of its Editor's Choice Executives of the Year.

The International Franchise Association (IFA) awarded Mary the Bonny Levine Award, IFA’s highest award for women who have made an impact on franchising and the Crystal Compass award for extraordinary leadership in franchising. A certified franchise executive, Mary serves as a trustee for the IFA’s Educational Foundation.

Scott Harvey

Scott Harvey, VP of Franchise Operations at Franchise Group, Inc. (Sylvan Learning, The Vitamin Shoppe, Pet Supplies Plus, Buddy’s Home Furnishings, American Freight and Badcock Furniture)

Scott Harvey has served as Vice President of Franchise Operations of Franchise Group, Inc. since September 18, 2020. Prior to joining Franchise Group, Scott Harvey was Vice President of Franchise Operations for Aaron’s Inc. from July 2014 to September 2020. From June 2009 to July 2014 Mr. Harvey was Vice President of Management Development and Operations Support. Prior to that Mr. Harvey served as Director of Franchise Operations for Aaron’s Inc. from March 2001 to June 2009. Mr. Harvey attended DeVry University for Electrical Engineering.

Justine Malpica-1

Justine Malpica, Senior Director, Operations Systems, European Wax Centers

Justine Malpica has supported the growth of European Wax Center for the last 15 years while founder led, private equity backed and now as a public company. She has worked in almost all areas of the business from technology, learning and development, operations, and business development. Her focus has always been to implement processes and systems to improve daily operations at the center and corporate level, to enhance the guest & franchisee experience, drive top lines sales and grow EBITDA at all levels.