What Jenga Taught Me About Life and Change
Recently, I was playing Jenga with my granddaughter and suddenly realized… this game looked a lot like my week. In just a few days,…
Read more, What Jenga Taught Me About Life and Change →Build a business of your own, without sacrificing the lifestyle you’ve earned.
Franchise Business Advisor for professionals looking for a meaningful career that fits their life.
Most of my clients have spent 20+ years climbing the corporate ladder as directors, VPs, executives, practice leaders, and partners, achieving the highest levels in their chosen field.
Until something shifts.
A leadership change after an acquisition. A back-to-office mandate they couldn’t stomach. Sometimes they’re blindsided by a layoff that comes out of nowhere. Or a gut-realization that there’s nowhere left to grow.
They come to me at a crossroads, looking for a fulfilling path that doesn’t jeopardize what they’ve worked so hard to earn.
As a FranNet Business Advisor, I help accomplished professionals explore business ownership that fits their lifestyle.
I’ve been on every side of the transaction you’re considering.
I’ve owned franchises and sold my franchises. And since 2014, I’ve been helping accomplished professionals figure out whether business ownership is the right next chapter for them.
My job is not to sell you a franchise. I’ve told qualified buyers to slow down, and underfunded buyers not to move forward. I’d rather lose a deal than watch a family struggle with a hasty decision. My clients trust me because I’m not afraid to ask the hard questions and tell them the truth.
Franchise exploration is a learning journey that sometimes turns into a buying journey. Both are valid outcomes.
I’ve owned businesses and sold businesses myself. When I make a recommendation, it’s grounded in my own experience.
I represent over 200 franchise brands and meet one-on-one with franchisors to stay current on their leadership and culture.
Most consultants make an introduction and disappear. I stay in three-way contact with you and the franchisor throughout the entire process, and long after the sale.
The kinds of buyers and goals Terese specializes in:
Let's start with a conversation
Book a free consultation“Terese was an incredible partner to me as I explored entrepreneurship and ultimately chose to launch my WSI Digital Marketing consulting firm. When I first started talking with her, I wasn't 100% sure what direction I wanted to go but I knew I wanted to build something that truly aligned with my experience, values, and long-term goals. Terese took the time to understand who I am as a leader and what I wanted to create. Throughout the entire process—from initial exploration, to evaluating multiple business models, to due diligence, to making a confident decision—Terese was thoughtful and patient. She brought structure, clarity, and honest perspective to what can otherwise feel like an overwhelming process. I never once felt pushed. Instead, I felt supported, educated, and empowered to make the right move for me. Thanks to her, I stepped into this next chapter with confidence and a clear understanding of why this was the right move. I highly recommend Terese. She’s the kind of partner you want—strategic, honest, and genuinely invested in your success.”
“Terese did an outstanding job guiding me through the process of exploring franchise ownership. She took the time to understand my goals and family considerations before presenting opportunities that aligned with my background. I always felt educated and supported throughout the process. She was always available to answer questions and help me evaluate the best fit, including the possibility that franchising might not be right for me and my family. I highly recommend her to anyone exploring franchise ownership.”
“I remember the day when we decided to purchase a business. My wife and I agreed on the criteria for our search. The first thing I did was call Terese. We had built a relationship over 4 years and I knew she was the person we could trust. Her approach was precise and lazer focused. She took the time to get to know us personally beyond our desire to be business owners. Our search lasted a year and she showcased 10 businesses based on our criteria. Once we decided to move forward, Terese was a champion during the negotiations of purchasing a current business. It's been 4 years and I am still smiling and she still continues to reach out. What a lovely process from a wonderful professional. Thank you, Terese!”
“I wholeheartedly recommend Terese to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, dedicated, and compassionate advisor in the franchising world. I had the pleasure of meeting Terese 10 years ago when she joined a volunteer group of which I was a part. From the moment we met, it was clear we shared similar values and beliefs, which made us hit it off instantly. We've been co-volunteers over these years and Terese's selfless passion and dedication to others has been evident. Terese's expertise in helping people explore franchising opportunities has been helpful to many others over the years. Last year I engaged Terese, and her guidance and support throughout the franchise evaluation process were invaluable. She took the time to understand my skills, education, and passion for assisting individuals to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Her coaching and honesty throughout the process continued to keep me true to my core beliefs and goals. Thanks to Terese's unwavering support and insightful guidance, I am thrilled to announce the opening of Assisting Hands Northern Summit Homecare in Ohio. Terese's ability to match my capabilities with the perfect franchise opportunity has been instrumental in making this venture a reality. https://assistinghands.com/NS”
“Working with Terese at FranNet was an outstanding experience. As our franchise consultant, she was collaborative, honest, and incredibly thoughtful throughout the entire process. From the very beginning, Terese took the time to truly understand both me and my husband—our goals, values, and what we were looking for in a business. She never rushed us, instead guiding us with insightful questions and steady support that helped us feel confident and informed every step of the way. Her weekly check-ins and curated content were invaluable in preparing us for each stage of the journey. Most importantly, we always felt that she had our best interests at heart. Terese is a trusted advisor and a true professional—I’d recommend her to anyone exploring franchise ownership.”
Recently, I was playing Jenga with my granddaughter and suddenly realized… this game looked a lot like my week. In just a few days,…
Read more, What Jenga Taught Me About Life and Change →I want to share a quick story. Ten years ago, I helped a woman named Darlene find the right franchise fit. She had actually…
Read more, My dog just reminded me of why I love my job! →I had the privilege of attending the grand opening of Jungle Driving School, owned by my clients, Jessica Hanzie Leonard, CPA, MBA, and Joseph…
Read more, When Business Ownership Becomes a Mission →A proven, no-pressure process backed by FranNet's 35+ years, so you evaluate real options against your goals, budget, and lifestyle.
We get clear on your goals, budget, and strengths, before looking at any brands.
You review vetted franchise options that actually fit, with the numbers explained.
Meet franchisors, talk to owners, and review disclosures with guidance.
Guidance through evaluation, validation, funding, and the franchise agreement, so you reach a confident signing decision.
Nothing. Working with Terese McGroarty and FranNet is completely free. Franchise brands pay a fee to FranNet, not you. You get local, expert franchise guidance in Northeast Ohio at no cost, and franchise pricing is federally regulated, so there's never a mark-up for working with a consultant.
Yes. Terese McGroarty works with aspiring owners across Northeast Ohio, matching local candidates with vetted franchise opportunities that fit their goals, budget, and lifestyle, and knowing which concepts tend to perform in this market.
It starts with a free consultation to understand your goals, budget, and strengths. From there Terese 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.
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 Northeast Ohio is right for you.
Let's start with a conversation