Speaker Biographies
Lisa A. Biase, Esq.
Law Offices of Lisa A. Biase, P.C.
Lisa A. Biase is President of the Law Offices of Lisa A. Biase, P.C., a full-service law firm specializing in franchise law. Lisa began her career in 1989, where she practiced franchise law as well as business law and civil litigation while as an associate for several large and prominent law firms in New Jersey. In 1996 through 2007, Lisa continued her franchise law career as in-house counsel for several large public companies. As Associate Counsel at Amerada Hess Corporation, Lisa advised the company on federal franchise laws such as the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act, and oversaw the legal aspect of its branded fast food program where numerous franchises were placed in Hess’ convenience stores throughout its markets. As Vice President – Legal at Cendant Corporation, the then-world’s largest franchisor, and as General Counsel and Vice President of one of its subsidiaries, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation, Lisa was responsible for all legal matters for two of Cendant’s flagship brands, Coldwell Banker® and Coldwell Banker Commercial®. Lisa opened the Law Offices of Lisa A. Biase, P.C., in January 2008, and has committed herself to providing effective and efficient service to all of her clients whether they are large public companies, small private businesses or individuals. The firm provides services to franchisors in creating and maintaining their franchise systems such as annual regulatory filings and daily operations advice, and to franchisees, who seek advice on disclosure items and franchise agreements. Lisa is an active member of the International Franchise Association and the American Bar Association’s Forum on Franchising.
Britt Schroeter
Dream Maker Franchising
Widely accepted as one of the top franchise consultants in the United States, Britton helps you figure out how to do what most people only dream about. Britton has spent more than 25 years as a franchisee, entrepreneur, franchise executive, and franchise consultant working for and owning franchises such as Kiddie Academy® Childcare Learning Centers, Molly Maid®, Sylvan Learning(SM) Centers, and SYNERGY® HomeCare.
Britton has captured her franchise expertise as author of a top-selling book on entrepreneurship titled, The Franchisee Workbook. Britton will teach you the tools and techniques to help you find your ideal match far beyond your expectations.
Tipton Shonkwiler
Accurate Franchising Inc
Tipton Shonkwiler is the Brand President for Accurate Franchising and also the President UFG Consulting Division. Tipton has been with United Franchise Group for more than 20 years. He has been working in the franchise industry for the past 30 years and has served in various capacities including franchise development, sales and marketing, international master license sales, international brand development, along with having the direct responsibility for the day to day operations for several UFG brands throughout his career. Tipton is a Certified Franchise Executive within the International Franchise Association and holds a Franchise MBA from Nova Southeastern University.
Scott Milas
ScottMilasFranchiseCoach.com
Scott has been an entrepreneur dating back to his teen years, where he started small businesses mowing lawns, raking leaves and shoveling snow. In his early twenties, he began a career with a major news organization as a cameraman for the White House Press Corp. Several years later, Scott could not ignore the calling of his entrepreneurial spirit, and so left the news industry to pursue a career in business. After 35+ years of experiences Scott has been a significant contributor in various senior leadership positions. Scott is a team player and recently utilized his expertise in development to help build a well-known national fast-casual concept. His tenure in franchising has landed him on leadership panels at several franchise conferences. Scott has also earned his certification as a CFE, Certified Franchise Executive. Scott’s major strengths include his listening skills, where he has the ability to tune in to what his clients’ needs are, and balance that with where their interests lie regarding a franchise business. He is exceptional at building relationships and earns the trust from his clients he needs to help them succeed. Scott truly believes that, “It’s all about my clients’ best interests, not mine”.
Chris Conner
Franchise Marketing Systems
Chris Conner has spent the last twenty years working in the franchise development field working primarily with startup and emerging franchise systems. Mr. Conner's work covers a variety of franchise categories including strategic planning, franchise operations, franchise training system development, franchise marketing and franchise sales. In 2009, Mr. Conner founded Franchise Marketing Systems based out of Atlanta, Georgia which today has grown to a team of 34 team members located in markets across the United States and Canada. Franchise Marketing Systems has developed over 700 franchise brands and supported clients in selling over 8,000 franchise units in North and South America, Asia, the Middle East, Canada and Southeast Asia. Franchise Marketing Systems has worked with a variety of well known brands and significant franchise systems including Baxter Healthcare, Anytime Fitness, Costco, Ford Motor Company, Delta Airlines, UPS Stores, European Wax Center, Junk King and others.
Mr. Conner’s vision was to develop a model that allowed for efficient, effective and performance based franchise development work to be completed for new and emerging franchisors. The combination of providing consulting and franchise development support along with the franchise sales and marketing model for new brands created more opportunities to more brands to scale and grow through franchising. Chris Conner holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Miami of Ohio and an MBA in Finance from DePaul University in Chicago. He is married to an amazing wife, Dr. Alaina Conner and has two great kids, Ashton and Jameson.
Gary Occhiogrosso
Franchise Growth Solutions
Gary Occhiogrosso is the Founder of Franchise Growth Solutions, a co-operative based franchise development and sales firm. His proprietary "Coach, Mentor & Grow Program" focuses on helping Franchisors with their franchise development, strategic planning, advertising, selling franchises and guiding franchisors in raising growth capital.
Gary started his career in franchising as a franchisee of Dunkin Donuts before launching the Ranch *1 Franchise program. He is the former President of TRUFOODS, LLC a 100+ unit multi brand franchisor and former COO of Desert Moon Fresh Mexican Grille.
Gary was selected as "Top 25 Fast Casual Restaurant Executive in the USA" by Fast Casual Magazine as well as begin named Top 100 Franchise Influencers in 2021, 2022, & 2023 by SEO Samba and 1851 Magazine.
In addition, Gary was an adjunct associate professor at New York University on the topics of Restaurant Concept Development, Entrepreneurship and Franchising. He has published numerous articles on the topics of Franchising, Entrepreneurship, Sales and Marketing. He is also the author of the E-Guide: Is Your Business “Franchiseable”?
He was the host of the NYC’s "Small Business & Franchise Radio Show" and currently the host of the podcast "MasterMind Minutes." Gary is also the publisher of the online magazine FranchiseMoneyMaker.com as well as a contributing writer for Forbes.com
Steve Bowles
Tenet Financial Group
Steve, a Texas native and Baylor graduate with a Business degree, brings 12 years of experience in the insurance industry, encompassing investments, sales, and claims. In 2011, he co-founded a business specializing in children's shoes. In 2014, Steve joined The Dwyer Group (now Neighborly), the world's largest parent company of 27 home service brands with 5000+ franchise owners across nine countries, as a consultant. There, he coached business owners in various aspects, including contracts, budgets, and marketing trends. After three years in financing, and assisting entrepreneurs with SBA loans, Steve joined Tenet Financial Group in September as a Senior Consultant, focusing on growing the SBA and vehicle/equipment lease program and enhancing the ROBS program. Outside of work, Steve is passionate about outdoor activities, construction, farming, and gardening. He also dedicates time to church, volunteering, and mission work, including providing medical services in Peru and participating in local prison ministry and aid efforts. Steve, married with two children, finds pride in his family and their achievements.
Boynton Weekes
North State Bank
Boynton has 35+ years of business experience in the Commercial Insurance Underwriting , and Franchising industries where he has worked and received numerous awards & achievements.
Boynton is currently the owner and CEO of BRW Franchise Consultants. As a Senior Franchise Consultant for Frannet of New York and New Jersey, he oversees program coordination of 21 SBDC’s and multiple SCORE chapters in both New York and New Jersey.
Stephanie Cordes
The Entrepreneur's Source
Stephanie Cordes- Prior to my coaching career, I worked in primarily in healthcare first in local hospitals and then later at large health plans. I now spend my time helping people clarify their goals in terms of lifestyle, income, wealth and equity and to explore different ways of reaching those goals. I enjoy meeting people from all walks of life and learning about what they want in their future.
Adam J. Siegelheim
Stark & Stark Attorneys at Law