FranNet Colorado welcomes Cheryl Martinez as a new consultant to growing franchise consulting business.

Stacy Swift, owner of FranNet Colorado, is pleased to welcome Cheryl Martinez to the organization. "Cheryl comes to FranNet Colorado with an extensive business ownership and management background. I'm excited to have her join the team. We've seen a demand and growth in Franchise ownership here in Colorado and Cheryl will continue our mission to match clients with the right franchise investment."

FranNet Colorado is an affiliate of Franchise Network (FranNet), the world's original, premier network of franchise brokers and consultants with over 80 associates across the U.S., in Canada and internationally. Martinez, in partnership with Swift, provides franchise consulting services to potential franchise owners in the Colorado market.

Martinez brings 15 years of small business ownership experience to her new role with FranNet Colorado. Her husband, Roy Martinez, is a local attorney, investment banker and business broker. Between the two of them, they have owned a variety of businesses during that time including an RV dealership and a parking lot company.

Previously, Martinez was an Account Executive with a major airline, calling on C-level executives for a number of years. Prior to that, she was in Operations Management for over a decade with responsibility at times, for up to 80 employees.

Martinez explains what drew her to FranNet Colorado. "As a consultant with FranNet, I have the opportunity to essentially be my own business again. I love that flexibility. And I'm excited about the growth we're seeing in the marketplace right now. Denver is a very entrepreneurial market so the opportunity couldn't be better for people to start their own businesses. The new Fast Tracks [light rail] project will bring lots of business to those routes. I basically saw the writing on the wall and decided to jump in."

Swift and Martinez both agree that there is a growing opportunity in business ownership, especially with franchising. Martinez states that, "Franchising is historically a very successful way to experience that growth. I know from experience that independent businesses have a high rate of failure within the first eight years of operation. With franchising, about 90% of franchise businesses succeed well beyond that eight-year timeframe."

Swift explains, "Franchising is a proven method of reducing risk in small business ownership. Investors pay for a marketing and operation system that supports and structures their business so they have a solid foundation from the very beginning."

"Having owned independent businesses, I learned the hard way. When you get in trouble, you have to figure out how to do this on your own, and it is tough place to be," explains Martinez.

This experience led Martinez to where she is with FranNet. "A solid franchise network makes painful periods more predictable. I have a lot of faith in the Denver market, and feel that many franchises are recession resistant."

Martinez has just started working with clients in the Denver area. "I've just been through FranNet's excellent training program in San Diego, and I know I'm in a great position working with Stacy. She's been one of the top FranNet consultants in the country for several years running. I have the opportunity to learn from the very best."

The next step for Martinez is to build her clientele. She plans to work with former corporate executives who are looking for a different kind of opportunity. She'll be working with Swift conducting seminars at outplacement agencies and with the general public, contacting executives and CEOs, and growing their extensive e-mail and direct mailing list. Their goal is to keep in touch with people who might be looking to purchase a franchise. Martinez says, "It can sometimes take several years for someone to be ready for business ownership. We'll just be here for them when they are ready."

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About FranNet Colorado and Stacy Swift
We are the Franchise Matchmakers in Colorado. Stacy Swift is owner ofFranNet Colorado located in Denver. FranNet Colorado is an affiliate of Franchise Network (FranNet), the world's original, premier network of franchise brokers and consultants with over 90 associates across the U.S., in Canada and internationally. Our consulting services are free to our clients. Ethical and experienced consultants like Stacy provide guidance, information and support while helping clients achieve their goals of business ownership safely and affordably. Stacy offers free monthly webinars and seminars on franchising and franchise opportunities. Contact Stacy Swift at 303-715-0397 or sswift@frannet.com. Visit her website at www.frannetcolorado.com.