Are you trying to grow your business at local meetups and chambers but unsuccessful at landing clients?
Is Your Networking Not Working?
Learn how to go from dreading your networking
to being excited and ready to show up!
JOIN THE FREE LIVE ONLINE TRAINING
Thursday, February 23, 2023
1 PM ET | 12 PM CT
Connecting Entrepreneurs, Franchisors & the Future of Business
📅 Saturday, November 22, 2025
9 - 5 PM CT📍Virtual Only
FREE REGISTRATION!!!
Ready to Own Your Future?
Welcome to Franchise Connect Live — your launchpad into ownership and opportunity!
This 1-day virtual event is designed for aspiring and current entrepreneurs who want to unlock the power of franchising. Whether you’re exploring business ownership for the first time or ready to expand your portfolio, you’ll discover how to choose the right franchise, fund your dream, and connect with franchisors, franchisees, and industry experts. It’s not just another online event — it’s a focused day of education, empowerment, and connections to help you take the next big step.
Who should attend?
Franchise Connect Live is designed for go-getters, changemakers, and legacy-builders who are ready to take control of their financial future through franchising.
This event is for:
Aspiring entrepreneurs exploring their first business opportunity
Current business owners looking to expand or franchise their existing brand
Corporate and government professionals preparing for a career pivot or early retirement and want to own their next chapter
Franchise-curious individuals who want education, exposure, and expert insights before making a move
Community leaders and influencers who want to connect others to business ownership opportunities
From beginner to seasoned entrepreneur, this event equips you with everything you need to confidently step into franchise ownership.
🗓️ Event Details
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time: 9 - 5 PM CT
Virtual Only
Join Us Online 💻
Experience Franchise Connect Live from anywhere in the world!
What You’ll Experience
Expert
Insights
Learn directly from franchisors and successful franchisees.
Workshops
& Breakouts
Gain clarity on financing, franchise types, legal steps, and ownership models.
Power
Speakers
Be inspired by franchise representatives and legacy builders, including Toni Harris Taylor herself.
Live
Q & A Breakouts
Get your most pressing questions answered on the spot.
📢 Don’t Miss the Chance to Be in the (Virtual) Room Where Ownership Happens!
Build a Legacy Through Franchising – Join Us Online! 💻
MEET THE SPEAKERS
Industry leaders, franchisors, and experts who are ready to share their insights
and help you take your next step toward ownership
(click photo for LinkedIn profile)
Home Services
Rachel Poulin
Rachel Poulin is the Franchise Development Manager at Authority Brands, supporting growth for The Cleaning Authority. She helps aspiring entrepreneurs build successful businesses while promoting eco-friendly cleaning solutions that create cleaner homes and a cleaner planet.
Walter Nunez
Walter Núñez is the co-founder of A&P Painting & Flooring, launched with his wife Carmen after mastering both trades. A native of Peru, he built a strong franchise background before creating a company known for quality, integrity, and family values.
Chad Harrison
Chad Harrison leads Franchise Development at DoodyCalls, helping entrepreneurs build thriving businesses with America’s leading pet waste removal franchise. He is passionate about guiding candidates through the franchise process and supporting their journey to ownership.
Clyde Rucker
Clyde Rucker is the CEO of Rucker Restaurant Holdings, leading a multi-unit portfolio of Jack in the Box and Denny’s. A veteran franchise executive with past leadership roles at Burger King, Quiznos, and KFC, he is also Chair of the Valero Alamo Bowl Board of Directors.
LaVonna Williams
LaVonna Williams is the Team Leader of Franchise Development at Dryer Vent Wizard, with over a decade of experience nurturing franchisees, spearheading launch strategies, and championing women’s empowerment in the home-services industry.
Julie Davis
Julie Davis, CFE is a Franchise Development Executive at Neighborly, based in the Austin, Texas area. With deep expertise in sales, market planning, and management, she helps prospective franchisees find the right fit and drives growth for brands like Molly Maid and Junk King.
James Calabrese
James Calabrese is currently the Franchise Director for Mr. Handyman, part of Neighborly Brands, where he serves as a Franchise Candidate Qualifier and franchise leadership executive. He brings deep industry expertise to supporting franchisee recruitment and development across the network.
Samantha Wallace
Samantha Wallace, CDCS is a Franchise Development Manager with Authority Brands, supporting growth for Homewatch CareGivers. She is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs succeed in the senior care industry while making a positive impact in their communities.
Otis Wellborn
Otis Wellborn Jr. is a Cincinnati-born serial entrepreneur, former police officer, award-winning realtor, and motivational speaker who builds impactful personal brands and business growth strategies through his platform, The Wellborn Experience.
Youth Brands
Hao Lam
Hao Lam is the Founder, CEO & Chairman of Best in Class Education Center, a tutoring franchise with over 60 locations across the U.S., grounded in his remarkable transformation from Vietnamese refugee to entrepreneur. With a proprietary curriculum and tech-driven approach, he mentors franchisees and leads with purpose—empowering students and educators alike.
Mike Bahun
Mike Bahun is the Founder & CEO of Fundraising University, a fast-growing franchise that has helped schools and sports teams nationwide raise over $150 million. A former collegiate coach, he combines his passion for athletics with entrepreneurship to build leaders and strengthen communities.
Sal Longo
Sal Longo is the CEO and Franchisor of Busy Bee Jumpers, a party rental company he started as a high school delivery driver in 2002 and went on to acquire in 2022. Under his leadership, the business has evolved into a $5.5M seasonal powerhouse and is now expanding through franchising—with multiple territories launched and more on the way
Kenny Crump
Kenny Crump is the Founder & Visionary of Gym Skills and the Kid’s Lifestyle Center, based in Columbus, OH. As a former competitive gymnast, he turned his passion into a thriving franchise that emphasizes inclusivity, confidence-building, and youth empowerment.
Women and Food Brands
Verena Arus
Verena G. Arus is the CEO of Açaí Brasil USA Franchise, leading the brand’s growth across the U.S. She is passionate about bringing authentic Brazilian flavors to communities while helping entrepreneurs build successful businesses through franchising.
Pankaj Kumar
Pankaj Kumar, CFC is the founder of Bowl’d Masala and an Amazon bestselling author. After leaving his 9–5, he has successfully scaled more than 10 food brands and now helps entrepreneurs franchise the right way, combining hands-on experience with proven strategies.
Jami Stigliano
Jami Stigliano is the Founder & CEO of DivaDance®, the first pop-music inspired dance franchise for adults, now with 30+ locations across the U.S. and Mexico, empowering communities through confidence and connection.
Kristen Christian
Kristen Christian is the Co-Founder & CMO of Bee Organized, a fast-growing home-organization franchise with 45 locations nationwide, where she leads brand growth and marketing.
Resource Partners
Earsa Jackson, Esq.
Earsa Jackson, CFE is a member and Chair of the Franchise & Licensing team at Clark Hill Law, where she structures franchise systems, handles transactional matters, and litigates business claims. A Certified Franchise Executive, she regularly speaks on franchise law issues and serves on the American Bar Association’s Forum on Franchising.
Mike Dang
Mike Dang brings over 20 years of experience in commercial lending, sales, and relationship management to his role with one of the nation’s largest SBA Community Advantage lenders. Specializing in business loans of $350K and under, he helps small businesses nationwide access funding when traditional banks say no.
Ready to learn directly from these powerhouse leaders?
Don’t just read about them — hear them LIVE at Franchise Connect Live!
Meet Your Host: Toni Harris Taylor
(Click Photo to Visit LinkedIn Profile)
"My mission is to help entrepreneurs to get DRASTIC in entrepreneurship through franchising so that they can create generational wealth."
Franchise Coach, Drastic Results Training and Marketing & Sales Coach
Franchisee, Network in Action Global Partners
Franchise Consultant, Drastic Franchise Matchmakers
Executive Director & Visionary, Multicultural Franchise Connectors (501c3)
Toni Harris Taylor is a dynamic force in the world of entrepreneurship, networking, and small business empowerment. As a keynote speaker, franchise owner, and networking strategist, Toni is known for helping entrepreneurs take DRASTIC™ steps to increase visibility, build powerful relationships, and grow profitable businesses.
With over 20 years of experience in business development and marketing, Toni’s superpower is connection — and she’s using it to bridge the gap between aspiring entrepreneurs and franchisors who are looking for driven, diverse leaders.
She’s a franchise owner of Network in Action, where she coaches entrepreneurs on how to leverage relationships to grow faster and smarter. Her story of overcoming adversity and stepping into franchise ownership herself gives her a unique perspective that resonates with anyone seeking freedom, purpose, and legacy through entrepreneurship.
Through her events, speaking, and mentorship, Toni is building a movement of multicultural entrepreneurs who are breaking barriers, creating wealth, and making a difference.
