With the celebration of Mother’s Day in May, FranServe, Inc. would like to recognize four women who balance their franchise-consulting business with the busy life of being a mother.
Brandi Johnson
Brandi Johnson, certified franchise consultant (CFC) since 2014, was formerly a geriatric health-care executive working long hours. After finally getting time off for a Disney vacation, Johnson’s defining moment came when her daughter innocently said: “It’s so nice that you’re 
here with us and not on the phone all of the time, Mommy.” Having already been searching for a business that would provide a better balance, Johnson decided on the spot to join FranServe, and Nova Franchise Services was formed.
Now Johnson has time to enjoy with her five children and five grandchildren. She said: “I have found the work-life balance along with the financial freedom to enjoy life and my family while actually being able to help others.” Additionally, Johnson’s daughter, Amanda Blair, became a FranServe CFC in 2020.
Ari O’Brien
Ari O’Brien worked in corporate sales for 15 years before realizing there was more to life than letting someone else decide her fate. Nine
years ago, her husband, Jason O’Brien, started Red Rock Franchise Ventures, and she moved from providing part-time help to jumping in full time three years ago.
A mother to three stepsons and one daughter together with Jason, Ari O’Brien said: “I have the flexibility to take my daughter to school and pick her up every day. I can attend school functions, and I can set my schedule to what works best for me and my family.” Additionally, the O’Briens were able to invest in two additional franchises, building upon their family empire to pass along to their children.
Jessica Melendez
Jessica Melendez, a CFC for six years with her company West Star Franchise Group, is also a trainer and mentor for FranServe. She and her husband, Rigo Melendez, are both longtime entrepreneurs and investors.
Melendez, also a busy volunteer and mom to two daughters active in extracurricular activities, said: “FranServe is perfect because I make my own schedule and can block off my calendar when I need to. I don’t know of anything else that allows me to work my own hours on my terms and allows me to bring in a lucrative income.”
Jill Johnson
Jill Johnson’s prior background was in marketing/advertising before joining FranServe and starting The Franchise Insiders with her
husband five years ago. They run their business as a partnership and a family, which includes their son.
The Johnsons work around the clock for their clients and integrate their lives as business owners and parents simultaneously. Family dinners involve discussing their son’s school day, along with client updates. Additionally, each time they help a client achieve their dream of franchise ownership, they celebrate together as a family. Jill said: “The beauty of franchise consulting with FranServe is that you can incorporate it into any lifestyle. With the support and backend system of FranServe, you can work your schedule around your mom duties. It is 100% possible to be successful at what you do and enjoy being a mom at the same time.”
“We are thrilled to help women everywhere find a rewarding, lucrative and flexible career as a FranServe Affiliate Consultant,” said Alesia Visconti, CEO and President of FranServe, Inc. “And we are honored that we have the largest number of female franchise consultants!”
~ Cindy Charette