Smith’s Extensive C-Suite Experience Spans Franchise Operations, Development, Technology and Relationship Management
FranchiseNow, a franchise development software as a service (SaaS) platform, has tapped Marni Smith as vice president of success and growth. FranchiseNow’s SaaS platform and DreamStart funding program help franchisors and franchise candidates navigate qualification and funding through a centralized process designed to improve communication and accelerate timelines.
Smith leads the brand’s onboarding, adoption, training, engagement and growth initiatives. Her background includes 25-plus years of C-suite experience with Great Clips, Propelled Brands, CarePatrol and Sandler.
“After spending years helping candidates navigate franchise opportunities, I knew firsthand how time-consuming traditional funding could be,” Smith said. “FranchiseNow takes an established process and reimagines it in a way that benefits franchisors, consultants and new franchisees. The ‘Now’ in FranchiseNow is significant because it changes the timeline entirely. When someone has made the decision to invest in a franchise, that’s when their excitement and commitment are at their highest. Instead of waiting 30, 45 or even 90 days to secure funding, franchisors get paid now, franchisees can begin onboarding and training now, and everyone can focus on building the business rather than navigating financing delays.
“I often describe it as franchise funding meeting at the intersection of Venmo and TurboTax. The best innovations don’t just improve a process. They help people succeed. If we can help more qualified candidates become franchise owners more quickly while enabling franchisors to grow with confidence, we’ll have made a meaningful impact,” she said.
Sam Phelps, president of FranchiseNow, said Smith’s experience and passion for helping franchisors succeed make her the ideal person for the role. “As we continue to scale our platform and support more franchise brands, Marni will play a critical role in helping our partners maximize the value of FranchiseNow while creating greater accountability, control and transparency throughout the franchise development and funding process,” Phelps said.
Franchise Development
Smith said franchise development is all about delivering an exceptional customer experience and investing in franchisees’ success. “When customers have a great experience, they come back and refer others. When franchisees are successful and profitable, they reinvest in their businesses, strengthen their communities and become your best ambassadors. Franchisee success ultimately drives franchisor success.”
When she’s not in the office, Smith can often be found on the golf course, out sailing, supporting the arts or playing fetch with her goldendoodle, Piper.
