Hundreds of Consultants, Franchisors and Suppliers Gathered for Education and Networking
The 2025 IFPG Retreat, held last week at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Fla., brought together hundreds of franchise professionals for three days of education, networking and celebration. This year’s theme, “All In,” was chosen to highlight the spirit of those in franchising and the mindset they have to succeed.
“Whatever role you have in franchising, you have to go all in to get the best results,” said IFPG President Red Boswell.
Named one of the top franchise events for the second consecutive year by Entrepreneur, the 2025 IFPG Retreat drew more than 800 attendees. Adding to the excitement, IFPG earned Entrepreneur’s No. 1 spot among franchise broker organizations for the seventh straight year.
Many IFPG members return year after year, with some having attended every single Retreat since the first one in 2017. Sherri Seiber, President of franchise funding company FranFund, said the Retreat is a must-attend for her and her team. “We go all in on the IFPG Retreat because every year it proves to be one of the most impactful events for building genuine connections in the franchise community,” Seiber said.
Even after more than 35 years in franchising and 25 years as a franchise consultant, Karol Mercurio (above) attends the IFPG Retreat every year to continue learning and networking. “I always look forward to the IFPG Retreat,” she said. “It’s like a family reunion each year. I love seeing my existing ‘family’ and welcoming new members.”
IFPG founder and CEO Don Daszkowski (above) said the aim of each Retreat is to create an environment where people can build real relationships that lead to opportunities. “The IFPG Retreat has always been about connection and celebrating success together while helping each other grow.”
Networking and Collaboration
The 2025 Retreat combined engaging discussions, hands-on learning and social events that encouraged relationship building. Franchise consultants, franchisors and suppliers from across the U.S. and beyond came together to share insights and strengthen partnerships.
Networking took center stage throughout the event. During the fast-paced speed networking sessions (above), consultants and franchisors connected in a series of eight-minute meetings that sparked new relationships and shared brand highlights. Franchise consultant Pankaj Kumar said the connections made at the Retreat help him better serve his candidates. “The Retreat reenergizes us,” he said. “Meeting people, understanding their process and connecting directly with franchisors and sales teams gives us exposure and perspective. This event helps us make the right connections to guide our candidates.”
To keep the momentum going, the Retreat team even assigned seating at breakfast and lunch tables, ensuring attendees built new connections over every meal. “People often sit with those they already know, so we get them out of their comfort zones a bit,” Boswell said. “By assigning seats for breakfast and lunch, we make sure everyone connects with someone new. That’s where some of the best relationships begin.”
New to this year’s Retreat, the executive partner roundtables brought together C-suite leaders, investors and private equity executives for candid discussions on trends, funding and the future of franchising. These sessions offered valuable insights into the forces shaping the franchise economy and helped strengthen connections between franchise development and the investment community.
A supplier showcase provided IFPG partners with an opportunity to share their expertise and connect with attendees seeking new ways to support franchise growth.
Networking carried into the evening with lively social events that brought everyone together beyond the sessions. A Bavarian-themed party (below) featured interactive exhibits and a full spread of German favorites — from knockwurst and hot pretzels to frothy beer — all set to the cheerful sounds of a polka band. Some attendees even donned lederhosen and German-themed T-shirts to get into the spirit of the occasion. The fun continued at the “White Out” dockside party (cover photo), where attendees dressed in all white and gathered by the water for an evening of music, laughter and connection.
Panels and Fireside Chat with the IFA
The collaboration continued on the main stage, where panel discussions featured franchise founders, executives and consultants sharing practical insights on leadership, brand growth and innovation. Each panel offered fresh ideas on how franchisors, consultants and suppliers can work together more effectively to drive franchise success.
Another highlight of the event was the “fireside chat” with Matthew Haller (below), president and CEO of the International Franchise Association (IFA). “We protect, we enhance and we promote franchising,” Haller said. “That means keeping government out of small business, providing education and professional development, and sharing the story of how franchising supports local communities.”
He also discussed the IFA’s new “Franchising is Local” campaign, which spotlights the impact of local franchise owners, and the bipartisan American Franchise Act, which aims to preserve the franchise model by clarifying the Joint Employer Rule.
“Behind every franchise is a small-business owner who’s invested in their community,” Haller said. “Franchising isn’t big business — it’s local business.”
The Power of Franchise Consultants
Franchise consultants are the heart of IFPG, and the Retreat highlighted their vital role in helping entrepreneurs find the right business opportunities. Through networking and discussions, consultants explored new brands, sharpened their skills and built relationships to better support future franchise owners.
“I love franchise consulting because it allows me to help people become business owners and experience the kind of freedom and lifestyle I’ve been fortunate to enjoy — the ability to coach my kids in sports, be present for life’s big moments and build businesses that provided both purpose and flexibility,” says veteran franchise consultant and IFPG Head of Consultant Traning Mike Handy (below, center). “I’ve helped train and certify hundreds of consultants who now guide individuals through life-changing transitions from corporate careers to business ownership. I’ve attended every IFPG Retreat since the very first one, and it’s always a highlight to reconnect with so many of the consultants I’ve trained, hear their success stories and celebrate the impact we’re all making together. Every day I’m grateful that I get to do what I love, with people I admire and with a genuine sense of purpose and passion.”
“I absolutely love what I do,” said IFPG consultant Anna Wilds, who has more than 20 years in franchise consulting. “Coming to the IFPG Retreat is always special because we work from home, and this is our chance to meet colleagues, share best practices and learn from each other. It’s energizing to be part of such a collaborative group.”
For Chelsie Charnet Maltez (below), who recently transitioned into consulting after two decades in other areas of franchising, the event offered a valuable learning opportunity. “I’ve worked on every side of franchising — from the franchisor side to franchise law — and I finally decided it was time to become a consultant,” Maltez said. “I wanted to use my experience to help others. I came to the Retreat to refresh my mind, learn about new brands and prepare to help people find their dreams.”
Husband-and-wife consulting team John and Anisha Klauer (below) also attended with a shared mission. “We’ve started and run many businesses in the past,” John said. “We love helping people get started in business. The Retreat helps us learn more so we can help candidates find a franchise that fits their goals and set them up for success.”
Recognizing Industry Leaders
The Retreat also honored outstanding achievements within the IFPG network with the Franchise Consultant Choice Awards, which recognized brands and individuals who go above and beyond in innovation, passion and teamwork.
A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to longtime IFPG consultant Ron Kuhlman (below, center), who works alongside his son Brian. With a career in franchising spanning almost 25 years, Kuhlman was recognized for his mentorship, professionalism and many years of dedication to the IFPG community. “IFPG is home to many of the very best in the franchise consulting business. I am honored to even be in the conversation with those considered for this amazing award,” said Kuhlman.
“Our members truly go all in — not just for their businesses, but for each other,” said Chief Operating Officer Matt Otskey (below, second from left). “They share ideas, lend support and push franchising forward. This Retreat showcased that passion in every conversation, panel and partnership.”
