Mike Halpern began his career in franchising in 2001, and his ascent was swift. Beginning as a sales associate at a prominent franchise sales organization in Northern Virginia, he quickly climbed the ranks, ultimately being promoted to vice president of franchise development at 29 years old.
As much as he enjoyed this comfortable corporate franchise role, he always had dreams of business ownership. So, after becoming a father in 2006, he decided it was the right time to take a calculated risk. With the support of his wife, Carrie, Halpern founded Franchise Freeway.
The company’s main goal: helping early-stage, independent restaurant concepts become franchises. Over its 15-year operating history, Franchise Freeway represented several successful regional brands such as Paisano’s and Glory Days Grill.
Eager for a fresh challenge and looking to diversify into new industry segments, Halpern decided to become a FranServe affiliate in 2020. He made it his mission to help others achieve their American dreams of creating wealth and independence through franchise ownership.
During his tenure as a certified advanced franchise consultant, he has worn many hats including trainer, validator, convention team leader, and keynote speaker. He especially enjoys traveling the country to meet face-to-face with Franchisors and their leadership teams. By touring facilities and better understanding business models and cultures, he can make informed franchise recommendations for his clients.
Halpern is an advocate of the responsible franchising movement. He does his part as a franchise consultant by making sure that his clients have sufficient business acumen, capital, and education before making a franchise investment.
He attributes much of his success to collaboration with his fellow FranServe consultants, Franchisor partners, funding specialists, vendors and the entrepreneurs that trust him to guide their franchise search.
He has also recently launched a podcast called “Franchise QB,” which features interviews with leading Franchisors, Franchisees and vendors that support the industry. He recently dropped his 25th episode and looks forward to publishing many more.
Halpern’s 20-year franchising journey is just the beginning. As he continues to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of franchising, one thing remains abundantly clear – the best is yet to come.
Rose Mango