Growth Leaders Network

A Peer-Driven Discussion for Senior Executives Exploring Business Ownership as a Next-Career Option

Date: September 17, 2026 

Time: 10:30am CST/11:30am EST/8:30am PST

Location: Zoom

Cost: Free

Event Overview

For experienced executives considering what comes next beyond the traditional corporate career path, business ownership can offer an attractive alternative to another corporate role.

But starting a company from scratch isn't the only path to entrepreneurship. Franchise ownership can provide experienced executives with the opportunity to become business owners while leveraging an established business model, brand, systems, and support structure.

Join B2B-VIP Executive Network for an interactive discussion exploring franchise ownership as a potential transition from successful corporate executive to entrepreneur, featuring franchise business attorney Laura Liss and business ownership/franchise career advisor Sarah W. Flanagan.

Laura Liss — Franchise Business Attorney
Laura will provide the legal perspective on evaluating franchise opportunities, including Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), franchise agreements, due diligence, contractual obligations, and common legal issues prospective franchise owners should understand before investing.

Sarah W. Flanagan — Business Ownership / Franchise Career Advisor
Sarah will share insights into how executives can explore franchise ownership as a career option, identify business models that align with their experience and objectives, and navigate the process of evaluating franchise opportunities.

Together, we'll cut through the sales pitches and examine the practical realities of evaluating, financing, buying, and operating a franchise—and how experienced executives can determine whether business ownership fits their skills, financial goals, lifestyle priorities, and risk appetite.

This is not a franchise sales presentation. It is a peer-level working session designed to help experienced executives better understand franchise ownership as a potential next-career option while encouraging candid discussion, practical learning, and meaningful networking.

Who Should Attend

• Senior executives in transition or considering their next career move
• CEOs, Presidents, and C-suite leaders exploring entrepreneurship
• Executives considering business ownership as an alternative to another corporate role
• Experienced leaders interested in franchise opportunities and established business models
• Executives evaluating career options that could provide greater independence and equity ownership
• Professionals interested in understanding the practical realities of transitioning from corporate leadership to business ownership

Discussion Topics

1. Understanding Franchise Ownership as a Career Option

Could Business Ownership Be Your Next Executive Role?

• Why experienced corporate executives are considering business ownership
• How executive skills and experience can translate to franchise ownership
• The potential advantages—and limitations—of buying an established business model
• Assessing your financial goals, lifestyle priorities, and appetite for risk
• Determining whether entrepreneurship is actually the right fit for you

2. Evaluating and Selecting the Right Franchise Opportunity

Finding a Business Model That Fits You

• How to evaluate industries, franchise concepts, and investment levels
• Understanding owner/operator requirements and day-to-day responsibilities
• What executives should look for when comparing different franchise opportunities
• Evaluating the business model, economics, support structure, and potential returns
• Understanding the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and what it can reveal about an opportunity

3. Due Diligence, Financing, and the Executive-to-Owner Transition

Understanding What Changes When You Own the P&L

• Legal and financial considerations before committing capital
• Franchise agreements, contractual obligations, and common legal issues
• Financing a franchise acquisition and understanding the investment required
• What changes when you move from leading within an organization to owning the business
• Lessons, surprises, risks, and rewards from executives who have made the transition

What You'll Walk Away With

• A realistic understanding of franchise ownership as a potential next-career option
• Practical strategies for evaluating franchise opportunities
• Insights into how executive experience can translate into business ownership
• A better understanding of the legal, financial, and operational considerations involved
• Guidance for determining whether a franchise fits your skills, goals, and lifestyle
• Actionable next steps for exploring business ownership without immediately committing to an investment

Session Format

• 15 min - Welcome and shared group networking successes
• 30 min - Facilitated panel discussion and Q&A: Carl Kutsmode, Laura Liss and Sarah W. Flanagan
• 10 min - Group Q&A
• 20 min - Group breakout conversations/networking – assigned topics
• 15 min - Group share of key takeaways, resource sharing and networking introduction asks 

Why This Matters Now

For many experienced executives, the traditional corporate career path is no longer the only—or necessarily the most attractive—option for what comes next.

Business ownership can provide the opportunity to leverage decades of leadership experience while building equity and having greater control over your professional and financial future. And while starting a business from scratch can be challenging, franchise ownership offers another potential path by combining entrepreneurship with an established business model and support infrastructure.

At the same time, franchise ownership is not a guaranteed path to success. Executives need to understand the financial commitment, operational demands, contractual obligations, lifestyle implications, and risks before deciding whether it is right for them.

Whether your goal is to create a new source of income, build an asset for the future, achieve greater independence, remain professionally engaged after leaving the corporate world, or simply explore alternatives to another executive role, understanding franchise ownership deserves consideration.

Join us for a candid conversation with experienced professionals and a former corporate executive who can provide different perspectives on what it really takes to make the transition from executive leader to business owner.