Meet Our Team

Dan Glaser

Founder & President

“I believe in building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships, starting with a strong foundation of trust and transparency.”

Dan launched his career in franchising in 2007 when he joined DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen. During his time there, he was responsible for recruiting several of the largest conversion franchise owners in the company’s history. He attributes much of his success from countless hours spent learning the franchising business from his mentor, Doug Dwyer, DreamMaker’s President & CSO. Dan then spent the next 15 years with Neighborly Brands – the world’s largest group of home services franchises and was responsible for growing several of their most successful brands, including Rainbow International Restoration and Window Genie. When he finished his career at Neighborly, Dan was VP of Development for Neighborly’s two real estate brands - HouseMaster Home Inspection and Real Property Management. Both brands set records for growth of new locations under his leadership.

In 2022, Dan started FranGrowth because he believed that the industry was hungry for a different kind of Franchise Development Company. He’s brought industry leaders together who are passionate about changing lives and blessing generations through franchise entrepreneurship. Dan believes that a great franchise business is less about the product or service and more about what the business can do for the franchise owner.

Dan, his wife Stacey and their children Jude & Julie love living in Waco, TX – known as the “Heart of Texas” and home of Baylor University as well as HGTV’s Fixer Upper/Magnolia. They are deeply involved in their local church where they lead several ministries, including a weekly home group with other families. They have been on several mission trips with their church to different countries, including Bulgaria, Haiti, & Columbia. ...and on weekends, Dan is an avid BBQ’er!

Alesha Yankie

Director of Franchise Development

Alesha has worked in franchising since 2008. She started her franchising journey in the fitness/weight loss industry. Over the course of 8 years she supported Franchise Owners in selling their business, oversaw the New Franchise Owner Onboarding Program, and was the Project Manager responsible for executing the national roll-out of combining two franchise brands into one consumer offering. Along with a partner, Alesha purchased 3 existing fitness franchise locations that were failing and ran them remotely stabilizing operations until they were able to successfully sell each of the three locations.

Alesha spent 7+ years as VP of Resales and Franchise Development for Neighborly Brands, the largest service brand franchisor in the world, where she lead a team of 6 Resale Franchise Developers that support Franchise Owners through the selling process and assist potential buyers through the mutual evaluation process for 17 brands. Over her career she has assisted in over 1,000 Resales including sales to Private Equity groups.

“I love processes and systems that can create efficiencies and improve results. The Franchise Model does just that and provides Business Owners the tools to accelerate growth. I enjoy helping others achieve their personal goals through business ownership.”

Alesha is a graduate of Tarleton State University, earning both a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees.  Alesha and her husband Chase have three children – Connor (5) and Alivia “Liv” (3) and Cooper (3 Months). They love to travel and enjoy adventurous activities like skydiving, bungy jumping, rock climbing, and white water rafting.

Spencer Wilson

Director of Franchise Development

After spending several years in the telecom industry, specializing in business development and operations, Spencer transitioned into launching a business of his own. He started AZ Design Pros, where he found a niche in helping construction and repair businesses in the Phoenix area with their customer-facing digital media and online resources.  A few years later he was given the opportunity to take his first steps into the world of franchising when he joined Neighborly Brands – the largest home service franchise organization in the world, working to help grow several of Neighborly’s top concepts, including Mr. Electric and Mr. Rooter.  He finished his career at Neighborly as an Internal Broker, helping lead their multi-brand concept team, where he assisted franchise candidates through the process of exploring and evaluating various brands simultaneously.

In 2022, Spencer seized the opportunity to work with industry leaders at FranGrowth to continue helping entrepreneurs find the perfect franchise business as well as help franchisors grow and develop their network of successful owners. Spencer has a passion for helping people reach their goals through business ownership. 

Spencer and his wife Alysha met in high school and live with their 4 children Isaiah, Benjamin, John, and Emily in Tempe, AZ. They enjoy spending time as a family whether at church, hiking through the numerous trails in and around the Valley of the Sun, or relaxing at home with music and a book.

Gary Landon

Director of Franchise Development

“Purpose is greater than Passion. Passion fuels the drive toward Purpose.”

Gary has owned several businesses including a non-franchise business as well as a multi-million-dollar franchise business.  He also spent 18 years as VP Franchise Development for Neighborly Brands, the largest service brand franchisor in the world.  In his career, Gary has had the privilege of assisting entrepreneurs in starting their first businesses as well as helping existing business owners enhance the systems within their company by converting into a franchise.

“What I truly enjoy in life is seeing others succeed in all areas of life.  I love helping others develop their businesses and implement proven systems so they can reach their personal and professional goals. My passion is helping others reach that place in life they call success."

Gary and his wife, Debbie, live in Waco, Texas. Gary & Debbie have 4 adult children and have been blessed with 2 granddaughters and 1 grandson. As people of faith and family, Gary and Debbie lead a small group at their Church and in the local business community. Gary, Debbie, their children and grandchildren are all very physically active as well, doing everything from working out at the gym daily to training for triathlons and marathons. 

Russ Jacque

Director of Franchise Development

Russ has worked in franchising since 2005 in a variety of industries. Over the last 18 years, he has helped hundreds of people achieve the dream of owning their own business. For many, starting a business can seem very scary and intimidating.  "I want to help make that process exciting and fun. I have a passion for guiding people through the process, and take great pride in the friendships I’ve developed over the years."

In his spare time, Russ enjoys volunteering with the youth ministry at his church, spending time with his beautiful wife Julie, and hanging out with their four kids, Emma, Jackson, Allan and Campbell.

Mark Elson

Director of Franchise Development

Mark lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with his wife of 30  years, while  their two sons are beginning their own careers.

Mark’s franchising experience started 25 years ago when he piloted the launch of a bicycle shop franchise. That franchise organization grew into more than 125 locations, becoming the largest volume Trek, Specialized and Schwinn dealer in the country.  Mark sold his interest in the organization and began consulting with other young franchisors on their operational, training and recruiting programs.  Some of the brands Mark worked with, like CertaPro Painters and Monster Tree Service, grew to become national brands or sold to private equity companies.   While working with HouseMaster Home Inspection the brand was acquired by Neighborly, and Mark along with it.   Neighborly is the largest home services franchise management group in the nation, and Mark set new growth records for HouseMaster while there.

Today, Mark works with FranGrowth where he coaches people on alternatives to traditional careers and the possibility of business ownership.  Using his knowledge of the industry and FranGrowth’s database of franchises, Mark helps his clients to quickly find the right fit, get financed, and become successful entrepreneurs in industries they enjoy. 

Adrian McCauley

Director of Franchise Development

Before FranGrowth, Adriane spent five years working with 19 different home-service franchise brands developing territories and recruiting new franchise owners.  She also served in women's ministry at a church in Texas in a pastoral role discipling women in addiction recovery.  Adriane has many years of experience in Real Estate as a listing agent for several master planned communities, and at one time, ran key accounts for Xerox for all of North America.

Adriane lives in Virginia close to her daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren. S he attends a local church and loves being part of her local community. 

Adriane believes in empowering people one by one to make a difference in the lives of others.  Change happens one person at a time. These principles are key to living life on mission. By keeping this in mind with every person we meet, we can change people’s lives forever.

Donna Gibson

Sr. Qualification Specialist

Donna has over 15 years of experience in franchising and has worked for some of the largest franchisors in the world including Neighborly Brands and Stellar Service Brands.  Her expertise is in recruiting, qualifying and assisting entrepreneurs in understanding the process of evaluating franchise opportunities.  Donna joined FranGrowth in 2022 and leads the qualification specialist team.  

Daisy Flores

Qualification Specialist

Daisy Flores began her work in customer service in 2007 and she loves building relationships with clients. She takes pride in ensuring a positive and personable experience with everyone she comes in contact with.

She was born and raised in Waco, Texas. The granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, and a first generation graduate of University High School. 

Daisy is the mother of four children Ayanna, Jeremiah, Abigail and Michael. On her free time she enjoys spending time outdoors, gardening, and reading. 

Emily Perkins

Qualification Specialist

Emily began her customer service journey at a young age, spending her summers working for her mom at a local hardware store in her small East Texas town.  It was there that her passion for customer service and community development began.

Emily played competitive softball throughout her life and continued in college. She later started her own private lessons business before moving to Waco in 2020 to begin a life with her husband. Her franchising career began at Neighborly in 2022 as a franchise candidate qualifier, assisting individuals from various backgrounds in becoming franchise owners. Today, She works as a Qualification Specialist at FranGrowth, helping entrepreneurs achieve their dream of business ownership.

Emily and her husband Josh have two dogs and a cat. They spend their weekends listening to live music, enjoying outdoor activities, and hosting friends and family. When they’re not hosting, they love hunting in South Texas, spending time on the ranch, and fishing together on the Brazos River.

Kristy Higginbotham

Executive Assistant

Kristy, a Waco-area native, joined the FranGrowth team in 2023. Having spent the last 15 years serving the community alongside some of Waco's most trusted attorneys, Kristy left the legal field to pursue budding interests in the franchise development industry.  She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in running a smooth behind-the-scenes workplace.

Kristy and her husband, Joe, raise their two sons in beautiful Bosque County!

D. Brandon Haire

Industry Advisor

Brandon joined FranGrowth 2024 and works closely with the leadership team to evaluate acquisition opportunities and enhance portfolio companies’ franchise development efforts. Brandon served as the Senior Vice President of Development at Neighborly, the world’s largest home services franchisor, where he led a team of up to 130 franchise development members for their 19 domestic franchisor brands which comprised over 4,800 franchisees. Brandon is passionate about helping growth companies and changing peoples’ lives through franchising.

When you realize the person staring back at you in the mirror is BOTH your problem AND your solution- your whole world will change.

– Calvin B. Petersen