January 24-25, 2026: New York / New Jersey Meadowlands Expo Center

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.

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. ​Britt 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.

​Britt 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.

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.

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 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.

Maja Taylor is a Career Ownership Coach with The Entrepreneur’s Source where she helps people explore opportunities outside of the traditional job market including entrepreneurship and business ownership, through investments or licensing and franchising. She is passionate about positive transformations and continuous learning. She enjoys watching people experience AHA moments and live up to their full potential.

Maja is a certified professional coach with a background in talent development and science education. She has worked for global organizations across Europe and the United States as a team leader, scientist, strategic HR professional, trainer, coach and mentor. Her primary focus is for her clients to reach higher levels of success and happiness by helping them grow their dreams, wealth and equity on their path to self-sufficiency.

I’m passionate about helping people take control of their professional and personal future. As a Career Ownership Coach™ with The Entrepreneur’s Source®, I guide individuals who are navigating change—whether they’re seeking more flexibility, exploring a career transition, or considering business ownership as a path to greater fulfillment and freedom.

My coaching philosophy centers on creating a supportive, judgment-free environment where clients can safely explore their goals, values, and aspirations. Using TES’s proven Discovery Process, I help clients gain clarity around their Income, Lifestyle, Wealth, and Equity (ILWE) goals and uncover possibilities they may not have considered.

Rather than offering one-size-fits-all answers, I serve as a trusted guide and partner, empowering clients to make informed decisions and take confident steps toward a future they truly own.

If you’re ready to explore what’s next or simply curious about your options I’m here to help you move forward with clarity, purpose, and confidence.

I have repeatedly observed that people can achieve personal greatness if given the right support and encouragement. My true passion has always been to help people achieve goals they may not have thought possible. As a Career Ownership Coach, I empower people who are considering alternate lifestyles or who may be in career transition to look at the career options, including ownership, that are the right fit for their lifestyle goals. I work with them to discover how to use their current skills, education, and experience to impact their lives and gain them the financial freedom they may be seeking. This is all done in a safe, judgment-free environment where trust is achieved.

I am a 30-year internationally seasoned Business Development and Marketing Executive with a proven record of starting and managing incubator businesses through technical, strategic, and commercial avenues working locally and internationally. Throughout my career, I also learned about the challenges of a small business, starting a business, and then starting my own. In one of my current roles, I meet and engage with local entrepreneurs every day and marvel at their energy and passion. I realized my true passion is helping others define their best path forward to achieve success others thought impossible or could not imagine. This passion for helping others and supporting prior team members who decided to start up their businesses led me to join the wonderful team at The Entrepreneur’s Source.

My decision to join The Entrepreneur's Source was not a hasty one. I was searching for a way to give back and support others in their pursuit of lifestyle dreams. After careful consideration, I found that The Entrepreneur’s Source offered the ideal platform. It provides comprehensive coaching, tools, and a robust support system, catering to individuals at all stages of life. This aligns perfectly with my mission to help others achieve their goals, making it the right choice for me.

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