Subscribe & Stay Franchise Informed
Franchise Brief Writers & Contributors
Tim Katsch is a former EVP of a national franchisor, where he led operations, real estate, construction, and marketing across a multi-unit system. He is the publisher of Franchise Brief and now works as a franchise talent partner and advisor, helping franchise brands build strong franchisor teams, develop unit-level general managers, and scale with intention and care.206 Articles
Franchise Brief Editorial represents the newsroom voice of Franchise Brief. This byline is used for timely updates, press-release summaries, menu launches, leadership announcements, and short industry briefs. Each piece published under this name reflects editorial review and a commitment to accuracy, clarity, and relevance across the franchising ecosystem.64 Articles
Jim Lusardi is a senior operations executive and franchise operator with over a decade of experience scaling PE-backed and high-growth service brands across franchising, home services, and multi-unit retail. He has led operations across 10+ states, managed $26M+ P&Ls, and supported networks ranging from early-stage concepts to mature systems with hundreds of operators.1 Articles
Blake Martin owns FranNet of The Heartland, a franchise brokerage, sales, and consulting firm that provides coaching and consultation for entrepreneurs and small business owners. He’s a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and a graduate of the University of Michigan’s Psychology Program. During his two decades in the franchising industry, Blake has provided practical advice in building franchise systems from the ground up, while helping hundreds of entrepreneurial clients become small business owners.1 Articles
Gretchen Johnson is a Franchise Business Development professional at Top 2 Bottom Business Solutions, where she partners with franchisors to develop standardized bookkeeping procedures for their franchisees. By creating consistent financial reporting systems, she enables accurate analysis, actionable insights, and scalable unit growth across franchise networks. With a strong background in consultative sales and strategic support, Gretchen is passionate about helping brands strengthen their infrastructure and grow with confidence.1 Articles
Valeriia is a tech consultant who focuses on operational excellence in the franchising space. She lives in Denver and loves anything business, technology, and outdoors.1 Articles
Munjal Patel is a former mechanical engineer who successfully transitioned into the dynamic world of franchising, owning multiple Retro Fitness locations in New Jersey. With a robust background in STEM, Munjal leverages his analytical and problem-solving expertise to thrive as a franchisee, combining his passion for fitness with his knack for strategic decision-making.1 Articles