Consultants Who Give Back Paying it Forward

One of the best parts of running a franchise consulting business is having the opportunity and flexibility to impact lives. In addition to helping people find a new path through business ownership, consultants make a difference every day in many other ways.

Below, we talk to two superstar consultants who have found purpose through paying it forward.

CONSULTANT JON OSTENSON LOVES TO SHARE his knowledge and experience in franchising with aspiring business owners. Through his book, NonFood Franchising: The Better Path to Business Ownership, he helps people understand the many opportunities available in franchising outside of fast food. But his book does even more than that. Its proceeds are donated to Hope International, a nonprofit organization that empowers under-served communities through sustainable business programs.

Ostenson and his 11-year-old son visited entrepreneurs in the Dominican Republic on a Hope International mission trip last year to see the impact of the organization firsthand. Pictured left, Ostenson and his son pose with a Dominican woman who grows and sells produce thanks to one of Hope International’s micro loan programs.

Brands that give back are always on Ostenson’s radar. “Stewardship of resources, clients and reach is important to me, and I value franchise companies that share this priority,” he says.

SUE BENNETT IS ONE OF THE TOP CONSULTANTS IN THE business. With almost 16 years of experience, she has ushered hundreds of hopeful entrepreneurs into franchise ownership and helped launch dozens of franchise consulting careers. Her amazing success has driven her to dedicate her time and energy into ensuring that other consultants succeed. In addition to serving as a mentor, she assists with new franchise consultant training and shares insights on IFPG’s monthly educational webinars. “I love to help new franchise consultants understand how to navigate the sales process and provide tremendous value to their candidates,” she says.