Meet your source for franchise executive talent.
Sean Falk
President and COO
Sean Falk, CFE, formerly held the role of Client Executive /Franchise Development Leader with Hylant Insurance, focusing on the franchise community. He has served as Vice President of Franchising at SafeWay Driving and was instrumental in awarding Safeway Drivings’ franchise business model to 21 locations in the 15 months following launch.
Sean has many years of experience as a franchisee of eight different brands across the U.S. He is active with the International Franchise Association (IFA) earning his Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) credentials, serving on the VetFran Committee, Franchisee Forum Committee, Franchise Supplier Advisory Board, and serving on the Board of Directors. He was the Chairman of the Multi Unit Franchise Conference in 2013 and still leads as a member of their Advisory Board. He graduated from the University of Michigan and is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
Scott Lehr
Managing Partner
Scott has served the franchise community for many years in numerous positions with the International Franchise Association related to membership, marketing, advertising, international and conferences. In his most recent role as Executive Vice President, Development, Marketing & Conferences, he was responsible for the recruitment and retention of franchisor, franchisee, and supplier members of the IFA. He also oversaw the Membership, Advertising, Marketing, Conferences, and International departments of the IFA.
Scott is a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE), a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and graduated from the United States Chamber of Commerce’s Institute of Organizational Management (IOM).
Gary Gardner
Partner
Gary is Chairman and Co-Founder of Franchise Update Media, a multi-media company that delivers unmatched reach and scale across multiple platforms. Since 1988, Gary and his wife and partner Therese Thilgen, have influenced and motivated the largest audience of franchise professionals through their content, magazines, and conferences. He has extensive strategic and tactical experience in franchise development, sales, marketing, and media. Under his tenure, he has been directly involved in the development of several franchise development and educational products including Franchise Update Magazine, Multi-Unit Franchising Magazine, Franchise Leadership & Development Conference, Franchise Consumer Marketing Conference, Multi-Unit Franchising Conference, European Master & Multi-Unit Conference, Franchising.com and several digital newsletters.
Tom Portesy
Partner
Tom is a principal of Business Show Media, which produces a number of events including The International Franchise Show in London, as well as the Business Shows taking place in London, Los Angeles, Miami and Singapore. Prior to that, Tom served as President and CEO of MFV Expositions for over 20 years. During his time at MFV Expositions, he oversaw and adapted to the ever-changing marketplace. Tom remains exceptionally active in the franchise industry and is a Board Member of the International Franchise Association.
During his career, Tom was also responsible for events in several other industries, as well as managing a global network of partners. Tom has participated as a panelist and moderator in countless educational seminars and symposia. Prior to joining MFV Expositions, Tom owned an advertising and PR firm and was a founder and Group Vice President of an instant printing franchise.
