Franchise FastLane’s Senior Vice President of Franchise Development Supports Candidates with Firsthand Experience
TJ Kissane understands the nerves and excitement that come with investing in a franchise because he’s been there himself. Before working with candidates in his role as senior vice president of franchise development at Franchise FastLane, he and his wife, Julie, were franchise owners. “There’s no better crash course in business than owning one yourself,” he says. That firsthand experience shaped how he approaches candidates and explains why they feel so comfortable working with him.
He meets candidates during the final stretch of the process, stepping in once they commit to Confirmation Day. “My main role comes at the end of the sales process where I serve as an extra resource,” he says. From there, he helps candidates navigate final questions, funding options and legal conversations. He also plays a key role in onboarding new brands to Franchise FastLane and identifying “the ideal franchise candidates and the key traits that lead to success.”
Franchising has been part of TJ’s life since childhood. He grew up attending conferences with his father, who served as CEO of multiple franchise brands. “He always told me, ‘Franchising is the best business idea America ever produced.’” Watching franchise ownership change lives up close made a lasting impression and set the course for his career.
Before joining Franchise FastLane in 2018, he spent more than a decade working across operations, training and field support for top franchise brands. That experience gave him what he calls a “360-degree view of franchising — the good, the bad and everything in between.” He understands how each part of the system fits together, and how to best support franchisees. His unique perspective helps him guide candidates through what ownership really looks like beyond the initial decision.
TJ’s experience as a franchise owner adds another layer of credibility. “When I tell candidates that even with all my years in franchising, my wife and I still felt doubt and fear before we took the leap — that’s genuine,” he says. “They know it’s coming from experience, not a script.”
Q&A: TJ Kissane, Franchise FastLane
“I believe in showing up every day with intention.”
1. What do you love most about franchising?
Every day, I get to work with people experiencing one of the most exciting moments of their lives — achieving the dream of business ownership. I hear stories like, ‘This has been our dream for 30 years,’ or ‘I promised my dad I’d own my own business one day.’ Being part of that journey never gets old. Sure, there are tough days, but every time we sign a new franchisee, I know we’ve changed a family’s life — sometimes for generations. It truly doesn’t get better than that.
2. What should franchise consultants know about Franchise FastLane?
At Franchise FastLane, we do things the right way. We work hard and hustle every day, but we never put deals or commissions ahead of people. Our focus is on building genuine relationships with candidates — understanding their why for business ownership and helping them find the right fit. We don’t just run people through a standard process; we take the time to truly listen. We also block out the noise so our directors can have real, honest conversations during the sales process. Our team is motivated by matching the right franchisee with the right brand —not by chasing deals. That’s why our results are so strong and our relationships last.
3. Please share your favorite mantra or motto.
‘Failure is not an option.’ To me, that doesn’t mean you’ll never fail — because you will. It means that giving up isn’t an option. Every setback is just a chance to learn, grow and come back stronger. That mindset has carried me through every challenge in business and in life. I believe in showing up every day with intention — personally, professionally and in service to others — so that each decision moves you closer to the life and legacy you’re striving for.
4. Who do you admire most in franchising?
I’ve always admired the founders — the people who took their original idea, built systems around it and then had the courage to franchise it. Those individuals took the ultimate risk, betting everything on the hope that their concept could not only succeed for themselves but also create opportunity for others. What inspires me most about them is that shared mindset: they want to bring others along on their journey of success. That’s the heart of franchising — creating a path for others to achieve financial freedom while building something meaningful.
Learn more about Franchise FastLane.
