Falk Brings More than 17 Years of Franchising Experience to the Role
Careertopia, a staffing and recruiting company that exclusively works with franchises, has named Kim Falk chief development officer. As CDO, she identifies brands seeking top talent and sources candidates to fill crucial roles. Her hiring comes as the staffing and recruiting brand expands its expertise to include trade shows and exhibits. Falk has spent more than 17 years in franchise development and sales roles for notable brands including Beans & Brews Coffeehouse, Primrose Schools, Global Franchise Group and Marble Slab Creamery.
“I am excited to join Careertopia! Everyone here has phenomenal experience and knowledge, and I am honored to be part of such an incredible group. This new adventure is an amazing chapter to embark upon,” Falk said.
She and her husband, Sean Falk, have longstanding relationships with founders Gary Gardner, Tom Portesy and Scott Lehr, who established the company in 2019. Sean has been Careertopia’s president and COO since 2022.
Managing partner Lehr said he is thrilled to have Kim on the leadership team. “Her extensive experience in franchising serving in numerous leadership roles has groomed her for this opportunity, and her vast connections in the franchise community will help her to ramp up quickly to help our clients find the right talent to add to their teams,” Lehr said.
Franchise Development Experience
Falk said she looks forward to collaborating with diverse brands and believes that franchise development comes naturally because she can utilize her relationship-building skills. “When you can integrate your strengths into your daily work, it feels less like a job and more like a fulfilling pursuit.”
She added that she evaluates candidates by deciphering their expertise and understanding their professional passions. “I see myself as a matchmaker in this process. When entrusted with filling a role for a brand, I prioritize comprehensive knowledge of their brand identity, the specific role requirements and their organizational culture,” Falk said. “Successfully pairing a candidate in the ideal fit is crucial for achieving long-term success in placements.”
Falk’s advice for prospects is to embrace the adventure. “Diving into franchising is like joining a dynamic, ever-evolving community. Learn from every success and setback, build strong relationships, understand the business model and stay adaptable. Franchising offers endless opportunities to innovate and grow.”
In her free time, Falk loves to waterski and surf behind the boat. She also enjoys live music and spending quality time with friends and family.
