From Franchise Development to the Corner Office

Making the leap from franchise development to the C-suite was the focus of a session at the 2025 FLDC. Shawn Caric, vice president of franchise development for Smoothie King, moderated a session called “CEO Q&A: Growth Path Through Franchise Development.” It featured Sean Fitzgerald, president of TruBlue Home Service Ally, and Kristen Pechacek, president and CEO of MassageLuXe.

Both leaders shared personal insights on their journeys and what it takes to move from development to executive leadership. Fitzgerald, a veteran of BrightStar Care, Wireless Zone/Verizon Wireless, and Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers, said the key is finding purpose over prestige. “Go where you can contribute,” he said. “I felt I could make a difference and have the license to make decisions” at TrueBlue Home Service Ally.

Pechacek emphasized courage and growth. “When you look at something [C-suite], it may seem overwhelming,” she said. “But don’t be afraid to go after it.” She added that cross-functional learning prepared her for leadership. “I was already doing some of the things when I was in frandev,” she said. “Learning other departments, like operations, helped me become well rounded.”

Fitzgerald agreed: “Be curious about how marketing works, how frandev works, what it takes to be a successful franchisee.” Both noted that relationships are at the heart of franchising. “A franchise development person already has relationships with the franchisees,” Pechacek said, “and that’s a great skill to have in the C-suite.”

Leadership also brings weight. “People’s financial lives are at stake,” Pechacek said. Fitzgerald admitted, “I still have imposter syndrome … but my focus is on keeping the brand growing.”

Their closing advice:

Pechacek: “Face it until you make it. You will get there.”
Fitzgerald: “Be curious and tenacious. Always grow, develop, and learn.”