From a rebellious youth to a seasoned entrepreneur, Lance Graulich’s journey to today’s victorious reign as president and CEO of iON Franchising, a FranServe affiliate has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Growing up thinking he might be “unemployable,” Graulich embraced his entrepreneurial spirit early on. “I loved to beat to my own drum. I didn’t mind taking the “existing path,” but I truly enjoyed venturing “off road” and creating my own path,” said Graulich. He began selling sweatsuits at 14 and hustled through odd jobs until a chance call changed everything.
A life-changing call offered Graulich a role in building a billion-dollar restaurant franchise that Graulich happily accepted. He jumped toward the opportunity and buckled up for a wild ride that started with managing TGI Fridays and later spearheading Krispy Kreme expansions across Nevada and Utah. With a knack for fixing problems and fostering growth, he soared as a franchisee, even founding his own successful gourmet burger and frozen custard brand, CREATE.
But Graulich needed more than just one success story. He delved into Wingstop, Pinkbox Donuts, and more, each venture a testament to his ingenuity and drive. With Pinkbox, he birthed a legendary brand, later passing the torch to new hands. But retirement wasn’t in his cards.
Instead, Graulich ventured into podcasting, sharing his experience with eager listeners. As a FranServe consultant, he found his niche, helping others navigate the world of franchising. Now celebrating his fifth year with FranServe, Lance continues to make waves with his Eye On Franchising podcast and Franchise Road Trip series.
Supported by his wife Shanteel, herself a retired educator turned FranServe consultant, Graulich is on a mission to #changinglives through franchising. Whether training new consultants or sharing insights with budding franchisepreneurs, he’s committed to giving back and shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
For Graulich, the next 20 years are all about paying it forward and empowering others to follow their dreams. And with his boundless energy and passion, there’s no telling where his journey will lead next.
Rose Mango