The Experienced Franchise Executive Oversees the FSO’s Daily Operations and Drives Growth Initiatives
Franchise FastLane, a leading franchise sales organization backed by Southfield Capital, has named Tim Koch president and chief operating officer. Koch is responsible for leading the FSO’s strategic direction, overseeing day-to-day operations, driving growth initiatives, fostering innovation, and building and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders. He brings two decades of franchising experience to the position.
“I’m very honored to join Franchise FastLane as president and COO,” Koch said. “This organization has earned a well-deserved reputation as the industry’s No. 1 franchise sales organization, and I intend to help them maintain their status as the go-to partner for new and emerging brands. I’d like to thank the search committee at both Southfield Capital and Franchise FastLane for giving me the opportunity to help lead one of the fastest growing companies in America, and I look forward to contributing to their further growth and achievements in the franchising industry.”
Koch said Franchise FastLane’s CarPool program, which brings training, tools, support and coaching to emerging franchisors, is a prime example of the FSO’s ability to innovate in the franchising space. “The response to this training and coaching program has been great as emerging brands and franchisors see significant value in the expertise and mentorship our CarPool team can bring to build their in-house franchise development teams,” he said.
Carey Gille, co-founder and CEO of Franchise FastLane, described Koch as an experienced executive who can lead the FSO forward. “In joining us as our new president and COO, he brings a fresh perspective and the knowledge and expertise we need during the next crucial phase of our company’s life cycle. We greatly look forward to his contributions as Franchise FastLane continues to drive even more integration and life change through responsible franchise growth on behalf of the high-performing brands in our portfolio,” Gille said.
Franchising and Private Equity Background
Koch’s first view of franchising was through the supply chain. During his time as a purchasing agent for CKE Restaurants Inc., a large quick-service restaurant brand, Koch worked directly with executive level leadership, franchise advisory boards and many levels of franchise ownership. “The experience was a master class in how to properly support franchisees through systems and processes, and how valuable collaboration, transparency and relationships can be to the success of our franchise community,” Koch said. “It really drove my passion for franchising.”
Koch also has served as COO of Gala Capital Partners LLC, a private investment firm based in Costa Mesa, Calif., which has a portfolio boasting established restaurant brands including Cicis Pizza, Del Taco, Jack in the Box and Applebee’s Grill and Bar.
Koch said Southfield’s financial expertise and extensive network provide many advantages for Franchise FastLane. “Southfield brings a unique balance of strategic and operational guidance and the open collaboration and sharing of ideas to contribute to our growth,” he said. “Overall, having the right equity partner that aligns with the goals and values of the organization is essential.”
Benefits of Working with FSOs
Koch’s time at Franchise FastLane also has made him a proponent of working with FSOs because the learning curve is expensive for emerging franchisors and navigating the landscape of franchise expansion can be challenging, he said. “We at Franchise FastLane recognize that managing franchise development internally diverts attention from fundamentally running the franchise business and supporting the franchisees. We strive to solve this all too common problem for franchisors. Simply put, we help make franchisors better,” he said.
An active franchising community member, Koch serves on Famous Dave’s Franchise Advisory Board, which represents a full-circle experience, he said, because his first job was as a line cook at the original Famous Dave’s location. “The representation of the FAC, working with a receptive and collaborative team at the franchisor level, is critical to any brand’s success. Every entrepreneur or franchisee involved with a brand should serve on their advisory board or have an open line of communication with their representatives on the FAC.”
Koch holds a master’s degree in business administration from Pepperdine University, and also gives back by mentoring students through the institution’s PeppConnect Program.
About Franchise FastLane
Founded in 2017 in Omaha, Neb., Franchise FastLane provides outsourced franchise development services to emerging franchisors. The FSO manages franchisee sales from lead generation to prospect qualification, as well as the entire deal closure process. To date, Franchise FastLane has helped franchisors award franchises in more than 7,300 territories to almost 3,000 franchise owners.
