Titus Center for Franchising selects panelists for Franchise Hot Seat web series

Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Titus Center for Franchising has announced the 15 members of its franchise Dream Team, who will serve as panelists on the center’s upcoming Franchise Hot Seat web series.

Akin to a franchising version of Shark Tank, the Franchise Hot Seat web series will provide a free outlet for contestants to pitch their business ideas to a panel of seasoned franchise leaders who will share their expert guidance with all applicants.

“We are excited to have these franchise experts offering their advice and experience to up-and-coming franchisors on this new web series,” said Dr. John P. Hayes, director of the Titus Center for Franchising. “Whether it’s a new franchisor or a franchisor that has been trying to find ways to grow their business for some time, the Dream Team is the perfect lineup of knowledgeable leaders to offer much-needed insight for creating a booming franchise company.”

The 15 Dream Team members will be divided into three panels of five panelists, each to review and feedback to contestant entries. The team comprises of the following franchise frontrunners:

• Ray Titus – CEO of United Franchise Group

• Brian Margolis – Co-Founder and Managing Director of Crank Enterprises

• Gary Findley – CEO of Restoration 1 and bluefrog Plumbing & Drain

• Jim Amos – Author and member of the Franchising Hall of Fame

• Mark Liston – Retired franchise executive/former president of Glass Doctor

• Mary Kay Liston – President of Molly Maid

• Seretha Tinsley – CFO of PenGeo Inc.

• Mary Ann O’Connell – President of Franchise Operations, FranConnect

• Ed Kobel – President and COO of DeBartolo Development

• Geoff Seiber – CEO of FranFund

• Lenny Valentino Jr. – Vice President of Global Franchise Development & Integration for TBC Corp.

• Tom Portesy – President and CEO of MFV Expositions

• Keith Gerson – President of Franwise

• Jennifer Kushell – CEO of EYN Ventures

• William Edwards – CEO of Edwards Global Services Inc.

Contestants will have a stake to win a partner, financial infusion, and the keys to a successful future of selling franchises and training franchisees. Filming is to take place over Zoom, and interested contestants can apply at www.titusfranchisehotseat.com.