Lee SmithsonBased in London, Ontario · serving clients nationwide
I am the President and owner FranNet SWO, since 2005 I have been helping entrepreneurs start, build and scale their businesses. I bring hands-on experience in business planning, finance, and business development across broad technology, life science and grass roots business. I have experience assisting these companies, with expertise in business planning, finance, and business development. I’ve co-founded several technology businesses and have worked extensively with lifestyle, technology, and growth companies. I’m also a longtime leader in the non-profit sector here in the region. I know what it takes to evaluate an opportunity clearly, and I help candidates do exactly that. If you’re curious about franchise ownership and want a structured, no-cost way to explore your options, let’s talk.
- 19Years Experience
- $0Cost to You
My Journey
My focus on entrepreneurs in a variety of sectors and the leadership roles I held all contributed to my pathway to becoming a FranNet franchisee and consultant. In leadership I was not working directly with entrepreneurs but focused on founders, board directors, ecosystem partners and political supports. Frannet offered to put me back to working directly with clients one on one, the part of my career I enjoyed most.
Why work with Lee
Expertise you can trust
I have supported entrepreneurs throughout North America for 20+ years to start, build, and scale their enterprises
Proven Process
We move at your pace. Our clients determine the timeline for the entire process, from research through decision
Free to you always
My services are free to you always- Franchisors pay me a finders fee when clients make a purchase decision on a franchise I have introduced them to.
Leverage my experience
I have been a business owner in several sectors, I have had successes and failures. I leverage the extensive experience and network of professionals to my clients advantage.
Who Lee helps
The kinds of buyers and goals Lee specializes in:
- Corporate exit / displaced executives
- Corporate career-changers (in transition)
- Multi-unit & area development
- Home-based / flexible-lifestyle businesses
- Wealth-building & diversification
- First-time / first-generation owners
- Couples & family businesses
Curious to learn more? Let's talk
Book a free consultationHow working with FranNet works
Frannet’s client focused process , their reputation in the franchise world and the world class franchisor partners all supported my decision to choose Frannet. Best of all their model ensures my clients never pay out of pocket for my services!
- 1
Consult & assess
We get clear on your goals, budget, and strengths, before looking at any brands.
- 2
Match & research
You review vetted franchise options that actually fit, with the numbers explained.
- 3
Introduce & validate
Meet franchisors, talk to owners, and review disclosures with guidance.
- 4
Decide & sign
Guidance through evaluation, validation, funding, and the franchise agreement, so you reach a confident signing decision.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to work with Lee?
Nothing. Working with Lee Smithson and FranNet is completely free. Franchise brands pay a fee to FranNet, not you. You get local, expert franchise guidance in Franchise and self employment curious potential entrepreneurs at no cost, and franchise pricing is federally regulated, so there's never a mark-up for working with a consultant.
Do you help people find franchises in Franchise and self employment curious potential entrepreneurs?
Yes. Lee Smithson works with aspiring owners across Franchise and self employment curious potential entrepreneurs, matching local candidates with vetted franchise opportunities that fit their goals, budget, and lifestyle, and knowing which concepts tend to perform in this market.
What's the process for working with Lee?
It starts with a free consultation to understand your goals, budget, and strengths. From there Lee presents vetted franchise options that fit, facilitates introductions and validation with franchisors and existing owners, and supports you through evaluation, funding, and a confident signing decision.
How do I get started?
Book a free, no-obligation consultation using the scheduling link on this page. There's no cost and no pressure. It's simply a conversation about whether franchise ownership in Franchise and self employment curious potential entrepreneurs is right for you.
Book your free consultation
Curious to learn more? Let's talk