---
title: "WHAT THE HECK IS A FRANCHISE CONSULTANT?: Don Clayton, FranServe, Inc."
url: https://burnaze.com/article/1583085e-8a13-4fab-80a2-a797978d50fa
source: "Franchise Dictionary Magazine"
original_url: https://franchisedictionarymagazine.com/terrifying/
author: "Paul Zboichyk"
category: "Suppliers"
industry: "Franchise Industry"
segment: "Suppliers"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2026-05-31T22:52:44.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T22:32:26.999Z
image: https://franchisedictionarymagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Clayton-_June26.jpg
---

# WHAT THE HECK IS A FRANCHISE CONSULTANT?: Don Clayton, FranServe, Inc.

**TL;DR:** Don Clayton, Chief Talent Officer of FranServe, Inc., discusses the importance of working with a Certified Franchise Consultant for those considering entrepreneurship through franchise ownership. Clayton highlights the benefits of franchise consulting as a career path, offering flexibility and the chance to impact others' lives.

*By Paul Zboichyk, originally published in Franchise Dictionary Magazine on 2026-05-31. [Read the original](https://franchisedictionarymagazine.com/terrifying/).*

## Story

I recently came across a quote from Aaron Harper, Founder and Chairman of Rolling Suds, that perfectly captures why anyone considering entrepreneurship through franchise ownership should seriously explore working with a Certified Franchise Consultant. By Don Clayton

I recently came across a quote from Aaron Harper, Founder and Chairman of Rolling Suds, that perfectly captures why anyone considering entrepreneurship through franchise ownership should seriously explore working with a Certified Franchise Consultant (CFC):

> “Franchisee entrepreneurship is about ruthless execution. Those who execute ruthlessly CRUSH it! And no matter what business you start, the first couple of years will be terrifying, franchised or non-franchised.” – Aaron Harper

It’s true.

Too often, people approach entrepreneurship with glossy eyes – imagining rainbows, sunshine, unicorns, and roses. The reality? Success requires discipline, consistency, and yes… ruthless execution – especially in those critical first few years.

That’s where working with a Certified Franchise Consultant makes a difference.

A great consultant brings clarity, structure, and realistic expectations to the process – helping reduce unnecessary frustration and fear as you step into franchise ownership. They’ve seen the road ahead and can guide you through it with purpose.

Franchise consulting itself can also be a compelling opportunity. It offers flexibility, a virtual business model, and the chance to truly impact others’ lives. If you’re likable, coachable, trustworthy, and driven to help people, this could be a path worth exploring.

Don Clayton has spent more than 23 years helping others achieve their dream of business ownership – starting as a business broker in 2002 and then as a franchise consultant for FranServe in 2012. His passion for the business led Clayton to the position of Chief Talent Officer, where he is committed to recruiting qualified candidates who are likely to succeed as FranServe Certified Consultants. franserve.com, connect@franserve.com

## Entities

- franchise ownership (topic)
- Multi-Unit (sector)
- entrepreneurship (topic)
- Franchise Dictionary Magazine (publication)
- Paul Zboichyk (person)
- franchise consulting (topic)
- FranServe (company)
- Rolling Suds (company)
- Aaron Harper (person)
- Don Clayton (person)
- certified franchise consultant (topic)

---
Originally reported by Paul Zboichyk, Franchise Dictionary Magazine (https://franchisedictionarymagazine.com/terrifying/). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/1583085e-8a13-4fab-80a2-a797978d50fa).