---
title: "The Next Generation"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/917e1d92-fba2-4a85-9b10-b94dabcd4abd
source: "Franchise Dictionary Magazine"
original_url: https://franchisedictionarymagazine.com/the-next-generation/
author: "Paul Zboichyk"
category: "Suppliers"
industry: "Franchise Industry"
segment: "Suppliers"
published: 2026-09-30T06:34:54.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T13:16:14.863Z
image: https://franchisedictionarymagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Clayton-_Oct26.jpg
---

# The Next Generation

**TL;DR:** A Certified Franchise Consultant (CFC) plays a role in educating and mentoring the next generation of franchise entrepreneurs, as seen in Don Clayton's experience mentoring college intern Kailyn Pinder. Don Clayton is a franchise consultant with over 23 years of experience, currently serving as Chief Talent Officer at FranServe.

*By Paul Zboichyk, originally published in Franchise Dictionary Magazine on 2026-09-30. [Read the original](https://franchisedictionarymagazine.com/the-next-generation/).*

## Story

The role of a Certified Franchise Consultant (CFC) is about so much more than matching candidates with franchise opportunities. It’s about educating, mentoring, and helping develop the next generation of franchise entrepreneurs. By Don Clayton

The role of a Certified Franchise Consultant (CFC) is about so much more than matching candidates with franchise opportunities. It’s about educating, mentoring, and helping develop the next generation of franchise entrepreneurs.

At the FranServe Disney Convention & Expo, I had the incredible opportunity to mentor college intern Kailyn Pinder from Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Here’s what Kailyn had to say about her experience: “Through this internship, I had the opportunity to meet and talk to hundreds of franchise brands and consultants working in the franchise community. I learned about different sectors of franchising that I didn’t even know existed, and franchise brands that I never would have thought of. I was able to sit in on consultant training sessions, break-out rooms, and even had the chance to speak in front of the entire convention. I learned about the various career paths and opportunities that franchising has to offer.”

Helping someone discover the possibilities within franchising is incredibly rewarding. Watching a young professional gain confidence, expand her perspective, and begin to see the many career paths available in this industry is something I’m proud to be part of.

Guiding the next generation into the exciting and ever-changing world of franchising is one of the many rewarding aspects of being a CFC.

And honestly, this is just a small part of what we, as franchise consultants, do every day.

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

- General (sector)
- Franchise Dictionary Magazine (publication)
- Paul Zboichyk (person)
- franchise consulting (topic)
- career development (topic)
- franchise education (topic)
- FranServe (company)
- mentorship (topic)
- Palm Beach Atlantic University (company)
- Don Clayton (person)
- Kailyn Pinder (person)

---
Originally reported by Paul Zboichyk, Franchise Dictionary Magazine (https://franchisedictionarymagazine.com/the-next-generation/). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/917e1d92-fba2-4a85-9b10-b94dabcd4abd).