I was introduced to Rich by a friend who had built a nice franchise business and had really turned his life around. I had just turned 50, the company I worked for was flailing, and I knew that I had to make a meaningful change if I was ever going to achieve the things I wanted to in life. Rich took the time to get to know me, to ask me about my interests and my passions and my goals before suggesting any business opportunities. He presented me with an array of options that were tied into my expertise, and helped me as I narrowed them down – never any pressure, just a trust in the process that we will get to the right decision. On our weekly calls, he offered solid guidance, steady encouragement, and a compassionate hand. But what really makes Rich different is that he approaches his work with a fundamental kindness and decency that is hard to find anywhere, much less in business. I am extremely grateful for my time with Rich, and I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking to make a meaningful life change.
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During the late spring of 2022 I was contemplating the next steps in my career as after 25 years in the corporate world, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to return following a hiatus that I decided to take while building a home. Rich LeBrun reached out to me and the timing turned out to be fortuitous as I had not yet accepted any offers with larger financial companies.
Over the next several months, Rich walked me through a process where I explained what I liked and disliked about business, daily tasks, the type of work that I wished to do and various forms of franchise opportunities. Once a clear set of likes and objectives had been created, I was presented with a large list of possible franchises as well as some information about each including the type of business, the franchise fee, the competitive market and the companies that were selling those franchises.
I worked with Rich as well as the representatives of each of the companies over a 4-5 month period where I investigated each and determined slowly which ones to continue investigating and which to walk away from. After 6 months, I invested in a franchise and Rich was helpful in providing perspective and information throughout the journey.
Rich contacted me to inquire if I was open to look at opportunities in franchising. I had purchased and sold a franchise license in the past and I thought maybe I’m ready to pursue opening a business again.
From the first call we scheduled we had a good conversation. Rich was very good at providing information and guiding me through the decision of whether I wanted to make franchising an option. During our follow up calls he did a good discovery and really understood what I was looking for.
Working with Rich has been an unexpected gift. It all started with a cold call two years ago. While I, like you, receive several a day, this lady was pleasant, low pressure, and thoughtful, so I accepted her offer to visit with Rich. I knew from my first conversation that Rich is someone different. Rich made it clear, with sincerity, that he was out to serve my interests on my timeframe if I wished, and that if I chose not to speak further, he was fine with it.
Rich and I began a journey that had many twists and turns over two years. Not many people who earn a living through commissions have the patience for a two-year journey, but Rich made it clear that he gets pleasure from serving, and sometimes he even gets paid for it, but that getting paid, clearly, is secondary to service. I came to look forward to our bi-monthly conversations as Rich became more than a broker, as he became a valued member of my support group. His wisdom, patience, and generosity became frequent gifts he offered. Rich knew that if it was meant to be, I would find a good business fit. I’m pleased that I finally found a deal that engaged me, and that Rich finally earned something for his tireless support. While I am now beginning a new part of the journey, and I don’t know where it will lead, I will keep in touch with Rich as he remains a role model for integrity, tenacity, discipline, faith, and generosity.
If you are reading this, consider yourself fortunate to have the opportunity to have a partner like Rich. You will not regret it.
Richard LeBrun, with The Franchise Consulting Company connected with me early in April 2020. Those were times of true uncertainty…it was just the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We were all learning a new reality. Most people were “forced to work from home”, most to perform their regular job functions, but many others, like me, forced to figure it out what and how to do whatever was necessary to begin a new professional future after losing my job being suddenly laid off as a consequence of it.
Rich explained to me that his goal is to help those in life’s transition, like me, to successfully navigate through the exciting journey of selecting their franchise opportunity to find freedom and true passion in owning our own business. And I believed him…
Then, Rich started to apply with me a very systematic process that allowed him to get to know me better; my long term priorities and goals, my personality, my style, my sweet spots and pain points, and with all of that, together we selected a short list of available franchise opportunities that were the closest match with my persona. His process really works! We shortened the list even further to the four best opportunities for me. He connected me with an executive of each of those businesses and let me go through the discovery process for each of them, checking in with me every week where we discussed my findings, thoughts and doubts, and to help me out, he always was objective and straight forward and constantly provided me with advice, references and materials to read, consult and research to make sure I was able to make intelligent decisions.
Finally, in exactly 8 weeks of having started, I had chosen two out of those last four franchises, that based on the timing required to set them up, don’t interfere with each other. I am excited and busy opening my first new franchise business in September this year and the second one by the beginning of next year.
I am really grateful to Rich and strongly recommend him to anyone who is interested in exploring starting their own new franchise business.
In my experience, there are lots of people that you meet in life who claim their core value is to help you succeed. Most have a sales pitch and most disappear after a sale or when the sale fails. So far I can count on one hand those who actually live by this value and I can emphatically say that Rich LeBrun lives by this value.
I met Rich while at a crossroad in my life. His approach was simply to listen, guide me to answer my own questions and to offer up advice from his own experiences. At no point did Rich try to sell me anything. We simply reviewed opportunities and built an understanding of what my life needed. I decided to stay in the corporate world and Rich became a sounding board. Did he disappear no. In fact, we talked more but now on business leadership. When opportunities came along Rich would check-in to seek my advice and we would debate fit. Again, at no point was Rich selling me. He wanted me to be successful knowing that ultimately the key to a long term relationship is to support you to achieve the goals that you desire both today and tomorrow.
If you are at a crossroad in life and want an experienced business professional and expert franchise consultant to talk with, I strongly recommend that you reach out and connect with Rich LeBrun.
Rich,
I wanted to thank you for the time you spent with me while searching for a franchise. The process you use to determine the best match for the individual was wonderful. Your questions were thought-provoking and helped me determine the best match for my skills and interests. You have been so patient as I learned what my interests were and the monetary limits I was comfortable with. I know we had many iterations as I learned more about myself as well as the process of evaluating a franchise.
I value the time you spent with me, the patience you showed me, and the encouragement you gave me. I couldn’t have done this without you!
Thank you so much!
Rich was instrumental throughout my discovery process. From the very beginning, Rich provided me with a realistic view of expectations, options
For anyone considering buying a franchise, I would absolutely recommend having Rich as your partner for the discovery process. You would be hard challenged to find someone with
“When I first received Rich’s email targeting ‘executives like you (me) in transition’ I wondered what he knew that I didn’t; fortunately, the answer to this question proved to be a considerable amount, especially in relation to our ultimately successful entry into the world of franchise ownership.
Rich was patient, methodical and, more importantly, a pleasure to talk with as we progressed along the path of what was for me, as corporate warrior of many years standing, a completely new experience. As our conversations moved from exploration into evaluation and eventually through to selection and closing, Rich was great in being able to bounce ideas off in helping us reach a successful and positive conclusion. His willingness to retain involvement and even take action on matters not necessarily his own responsibility made, for my wife & I, a refreshing change and is a key reason why we are wholeheartedly recommending Rich to anyone interested in exploring the world of franchise ownership.”
“I am a stay at home mom with several years of prior work experience in engineering and project management. My youngest child is going to school next year, and I was looking for an opportunity through which I could utilize my skill set and experience, while still being available for my family. I didn’t want to spend years building a business from the ground up, so I started exploring franchise businesses. The idea of opening a franchise was alluring and overwhelming at the same time. Rich LeBrun clarified and simplified the whole journey of selecting a franchise. We had several phone conversations about my background and what I truly wanted in terms of desired income, time commitment, and investment. Rich worked with me to find an opportunity that worked for me and my family. Rich also provided candid feedback. He was very helpful in answering any questions and working through uncertainties with me. I consider Rich a great resource, and I would recommend him to anybody at a career crossroads or in transition.”
“Rich contacted me with an offer of help exploring the world of franchises at just the right time. My job had recently been eliminated and I was sure that another corporate gig was not for me and that a business of my own through franchising was next but I had little idea how to proceed. Rich led me through an exploration process that helped refine my personal goals and what I really wanted out of a franchise business opportunity. With that clarity, I explored 4 options — 2 in great depth– and ended up choosing one that best met my needs and goals. Throughout the process, Rich was knowledgeable and supportive and very clearly had my best interests in mind. He is a true professional and I wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone looking to take on a new journey through franchising. His coaching makes a complicated process doable!”
“I had been contacted by Rich while I was thinking about my professional life re-invention. Looking for a job at 57 for a while … with very little corporate new opportunities
From the get-go, I felt a genuine conversation with him; like a good coach. From the beginning, Rich came with concrete solutions.
He understood my expectations. His propositions were smart and cutting edge. After gauging various options, I finally became a distributor for the Automotive industry.
Very excited about my new game plan and financial perspective. I highly recommend chatting or exchanging with Rich. It is like switching headlights on your personal path.”
“I began looking into owning my own franchise 3 years ago and I could not have made it happen without the guidance and expertise of Rich LeBrun. He was able to remain patient with me and never made me feel rushed. He made it clear that I needed to find what was right for me at the right time. Rich is a wonderful person, so full of franchise industry knowledge, and so willing to get me through the difficult task of finding the right franchise.”
“I made the decision to leave a 23-year career because I knew it was time; however, what I didn’t know was what I would do next. I am beyond grateful that a colleague connected me to Rich LeBrun and The Franchise Consulting Company. Rich took the time to understand not only my background and expertise, but also helped me to gain clarity on my goals and what was most important to me. Rich provided a range of options that each would have been a good fit. Ultimately with Rich’s kind guidance and encouragement I was able to find the “one” for me and I am now a franchise owner! Additionally, with the depth and breadth of Rich’s professional network I have been able to engage with legal and finance professionals that have helped me through the franchise purchase journey and are now trusted advisors to me. I highly recommend Rich LeBrun to anyone going through or considering going through a career transition. Rich will uncover opportunities you may have never even thought possible.”
“I came in contact with Rich, via LinkedIn, a few years ago. At that time, I was not considering a franchise. Earlier this year, I decided to start exploring. Rich was the first and only Franchise Consultant I contacted. As a current franchise owner, I was familiar with the process, having my gone through it in 2010.Rich spent a great deal of time learning about my requirements and preferences. He respected the fact that I already had franchising experience and did not waste my time going over things I already knew. He presented options that were on point and appropriate. He was never pushy and was always objective and straightforward. He was readily available and responsive when I had questions or concerns and always scheduled calls to accommodate me during evenings and weekends since I still work full time.I’m very excited to open my new Franchise business by the end of the year. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Rich to anyone who is interested in exploring franchise opportunities.”
“We can’t say enough about how easy and wonderful it has been working with Rich LeBrun of The Franchise Consulting Group. The process has been totally painless and very informative!! He took the time to learn about us, our goals, and what we are looking for in a franchise opportunity. He has presented us with many amazing franchise opportunities to consider. While we haven’t found the perfect fit yet, we know we will with Rich’s help!!”
“Thank you for finding me on LinkedIn Rich! It has been an educational and satisfying experience, finding this business opportunity. You have made it very easy for me to get the answers I have needed along the way. I am excited for my future with British Swim School.”
“Rich LeBrun assisted us with our franchise search in the healthcare sector. He was outstanding to identify the best fit for both my background in healthcare and for my husband. He assisted us with the proper questions and tools to make the selection process both economical and successful.”
“I am the owner of a software consulting company in the Silicon Valley who was looking to expand and grow my business. I looked at purchasing a franchise as it was suggested by friends and relatives. I got to work with Rich LeBrun who provided in-depth knowledge, expertise, and guidance towards purchasing my first franchise, Huntington Learning Center and my second franchise, Young Chef Academy. He not only provided references for acquiring small business loans, contacts within the industry for information about franchising, and he answered all of my questions and addressed any concerns. He followed my progress through Discovery Day, reviewing FDD (provided a reference to a Franchise Attorney), and a plethora of books, materials, and conference calls. He is very thorough in his knowledge, knows the franchise process deeply, and is wonderful to work with and has a very helpful personality.”
“We could not have been more pleased with the help and support from Rich LeBrun with The Franchise Consulting Company. Rich took what first seemed like an overwhelming task of finding the right business and helped us keep the process simple and efficient. There was never any pressure to close a deal and he supported us at our pace. Rich listened closely to our feedback and found us the perfect business. Thank you Rich, for helping us turn our dreams of business ownership into a reality!”
“I had the pleasure of meeting Rich LeBrun at a franchise show in Minneapolis MN. I entered the event open minded and curious. Rich apparently saw something in me where he could be helpful. Rich and I talked about my experiences and what I was contemplating for the future. In our follow-up telephone conversation, Rich ask questions about my work experience and how that would relate to a franchise and what type of business’ I would be interested in. Rich was going to process the information and follow up with a phone call seeking more information in order to get our list of potential franchises narrowed. I was impressed with Rich’s questioning where he stated, “Andy answer honestly you are not going to hurt my feelings.”
Rich put me in touch with the key people from a specific franchise that meet my interests. After a thorough due diligence, I proceeded to purchase a HouseMasters Franchise.
This process could not have been accomplished without the help of Rich LeBrun. Throughout this journey I found Mr. LeBrun to be professional, thorough, and prompt. When Rich said he would look into something, call, connect me with the proper people, or take care of any detail it was done.”
“Rich is a wonderful facilitator. He strives to understand the needs and wants of his customers, then works diligently to find the best franchise to satisfy those criteria. When he first reached out to me, I was very hesitant, though after two or three contacts, and once I heard a little bit more about the franchises he was suggesting, I decided that using his services was the way to go. And once I finally decided on a franchise, his network, knowledge, and expertise helped put me in touch with companies that would help me secure financing for my venture. Rich was diligent, precise, and went the extra mile for me. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend his services to a friend or family member, and I’d definitely use his services again if something else comes up.”
“My business partners and I approached Rich a number of months ago for his help as we were considering purchasing a franchise in the disaster restoration industry. We did not have any experience in the franchise world and there were many companies from which to choose. Rich started out by asking us about our business goals and educating us on how franchises work in general. He then presented us with a few companies in the restoration industry that fit with our budget and business goals in a no pressure way. Once we found the right fit, Rich walked us all the way through the process until we signed the final papers.
Rich’s experience and expertise were extremely valuable to us. He made a very complicated process understandable. We highly recommend using Rich to help you reach your business goals!”
“As an award-winning entrepreneur and franchise expert I recognize the importance of working with experienced and knowledgeable experts. Richard brings a great deal of expertise, training and experience that makes him an EXTREMELY VALUABLE resource for anyone considering business ownership. In a community with THOUSANDS of options, having an EXPERIENCED and TRAINED EXPERT to filter the best from the rest can be extremely valuable! Richard knows his way around the business and franchise communities. If you are considering business ownership. working with Richard will be one of your BEST decisions!!! Unfortunately, there is no longer any security in the J-O-B. Best wishes in living your dream of business ownership.”
“Facing the prospect of an early exit from my career, my wife and I began to explore the possible directions for our future. Our search took us to Rich LeBrun and his Franchise consulting group. Rich worked closely with us to identify franchise opportunities that fit with our skill set and our interests. He provided us with useful information and insight into the process of entering into a franchise agreement. Throughout the working relationship Rich was always professional and supportive with no undue pressure. He encouraged us to be patient in our pursuit and to remain true to our core values. It was a pleasure to work with Rich and his team.”
“I would highly recommend Rich to anyone who is considering buying a franchise. He was very engaging and did the necessary research in all areas of my interest. He shortlisted the franchises in the industries I was interested in and organized conference calls so I could directly talk to the owners and get the necessary information. He was also very receptive to my input and ideas, and coached me and offered suggestions which helped me make my decisions. It was great working with him and I highly recommend him to anyone who wants to explore franchising opportunities.”
“This letter serves as a testimonial to my experience during my recent purchase of my Engineering for Kids franchise. Rich LeBrun held my hand every step of the way. At the beginning, he worked with me to identify several options for franchises based on my interests. Once we narrowed the search down to a few options, he was extremely helpful in arranging conversations with franchisors, helping me with questions that I should ask, and with thinking through the best option for me. I appreciate the support and help and am excited about my journey! Thank you, Rich LeBrun!”
“Richard LeBrun is truly an excellent Business Coach. He brings keen listening and wise insights to a wide variety of business clients. Rich assists client teams to rapidly and accurately speak and listen to each other to identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in a non-threatening manner. The end result is that team members engage in powerful discussions that result in COORDINATED actions to maximize each team’s competitive advantages.Richard has a very patient manner and meets each team exactly where it is at. That is to say, if a client team is stable and can most benefit from long range strategic planning and implementation then that is exactly where he engages with them and that is the direction in which he guides them.
Should an organization be more in a state of emergency, Richard helps team members agree on immediate goals and outcomes, prioritize actions, and mitigate threats while simultaneously taking advantage of previously unseen opportunities.
It is commonly accepted that change creates opportunity and vice-versa. Richard LeBrun empowers his clients to deal powerfully with all of their options and CAUSE CHANGE rather than merely responding to circumstances.
One of his greatest strengths is the calm manner in which he facilitates communication amongst team members. Where once there was posturing and lack of direction, Richard is able to elicit cooperation that leads teams to an authentic commitment to a shared future.
In addition to business groups, Richard LeBrun has also helped hundreds of individuals and families through a similar process. He is a unique individual who has gone through his own trials and has learned highly effective ways to get folks to “the other side”. Anyone will be well served to have Rich LeBrun as his or her coach and guide in their journey to achieving their personal and professional goals.”
“Rich Lebrun has the gifts and talent to challenge executives and individuals unlock the door to change. He accomplishes this by leading people or organizations through a calculated process towards results oriented goals. Rich asks key questions in the process and includes ethical and moral values. He is effective in his communications which leads to successful end results.A few years ago the board of Food For Friends was seeking a Management Consultant to accomplish the goal of developing and writing a mission and vision statement for our charity organization.
Rich LeBrun was consulted to lead us through this process. He established a plan which included a few meetings with our board. Rich’s methodology of seeking the heartbeat of the board was both inspiring and compassionate. He asked thought provoking questions, then listened and engaged.
This lead to the penetrating truths of what we believed in. The wisdom and sound principals taught by Rich LeBrun empowered our board to develop our core values of what we do and how we serve others.
Rich worked hard to listen, and bring out our passion of cause and put it to words.
He was able to articulate, then encourage us, which flushed out our passion to write our Mission and Vision.
He taught us the principal value of preparing our “elevator story” so that in 30 seconds or less we can share our mission with a stranger.
Recently our board consulted with Rich LeBrun to lead us through a re-calibration of the Mission and Vision to ensure we are on track with our goals and take our organization to the next level.
Rich Lebrun’s vision and integrity will add great value to any individual or organization who seeks solutions and improvement.”
