Steven Cooper ~ S.D. Cooper Company

Steven D. Cooper, President, has 25 years of Benefits Consulting and Pension Administration experience. Steve popularized The ERSOP(tm) Plan by being the first to make it accessable for franchisers and business brokers in 2000. He coined the term "ERSOP(tm)(Entrepreneur Rollover Stock Ownership Plan)" in 2001. He has owned and operated his own pension consulting and administration firm since 1984, designing several thousand plans over the years.

Susan Mell ~ The Entrepreneur's Source

Susan Mell's background includes 17 years as a business owner with four retail locations, 42 employees with 3 million in annual sales in the wireless industry. As a member of the Tampa Chamber of Commerce, she participated for 18 months in their Mentor/Protégé program. She had the great fortune to have as her Mentor, Chris Sullivan of Outback Steakhouse. With his guidance and support, he helped her to grow her business until she sold it September 2001. She has her Masters in Social Work Administration and is passionate about helping people achieve their dreams of self-employment. Her value is to help people to discover options that they may not discover on their own. She coaches, educates, and assists clients in their exploration of their options and possibilities in self-employment and franchises. There is no cost or obligation for her services since the franchise community pays our fees. Also, she helps Veterans attain a discount on the franchise fees.

Scot Cummin ~ The Entrepreneur's Source

Scot Cummin has over 27 years experience in Leadership, Management and Business Ownership. The value he brings to his clients is that he understands what it takes to go from Corporate America to self-sufficiency successfully…he's been there.

Veronica Wallace, Lead Lender Relations Specialist ~ U. S. Small Business Administration

Veronica Wallace has been with the Small Business Administration since 1975. She graduated from Peck High School in Fernandina Beach, Florida in 1966 and Cortez Peters Business School in Washington, D.C. in 1968. Upon graduating from business school, she began her career in the Federal Government with the Department of Commerce – National Marine Fisheries Service. She currently resides in Fernandina Beach with her husband, daughter and grandson.

Annette Paulson, Business Development Specialist ~ U. S. Small Business Administration

Annette Paulson has been with the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) North Florida District Office since June 1985 (23 years). As Business Development Specialist, Mrs. Paulson is responsible for marketing the Small Business Administration programs, oversees a portfolio of 8(a) firm and is responsible for coordinating with SCORE chapters in the north Florida area. Mrs. Paulson was born and raised in Chicago, IL.  She and her husband are the parents of one child.

Scott Kern ~ Franchise Law Source

Scott Kern practices franchise law nationwide from offices in New Haven, Connecticut. Mr. Kern’s franchise industry practice is a broad mix: drafting franchise agreements and disclosure materials, transactional work, regulatory compliance matters and franchise litigation.

Mr. Kern’s firm provides counsel to franchisors on all legal matters they face and also represents franchisees in acquiring and starting franchised business and leasing real estate for their new enterprises.

He is a frequent speaker and facilitator for the International Franchise Association, Franchisor Association of Florida and many other various franchise and business seminars. He has also served as a member of the Board of Advisor's for the Institute of Franchise Management graduate school, University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, MN and is a three time graduate of their MBA program for Franchise Management. In 2002, he became a designated CFE (Certified Franchise Executive), administered by the Board of Governors, International Franchise Association.

Daniel Trampas ~ Francorp Inc.

Mr. Trampas is an expert in identifying businesses with franchise potential. He speaks daily with business owners seeking answers to questions about franchising, about Francorp’s services and the qualifications a business must have to begin a franchise development program. Mr. Trampas has traveled to Japan, Australia, Europe, and Jamaica, studying international business and entertainment. He has also worked for several Chicago entertainment venues. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Elmhurst College.

Marshall Reddy ~ Frannet Florida

Marshall Reddy is the president of Franchise Network, Inc based in Jacksonville, FL. a principal in the Frannet Group. Marshall's background includes over 22 years of business ownership. He is also licensed in the State of Florida as a franchise business broker/consultant and commercial real estate broker.