About Us
Through its original print magazine and digital coverage, Franchise Times illuminates the people, ideas and brands that make franchising the dynamic industry it is. That means engaging the franchise community with lively and informative content, features and profiles that spotlight the many personalities and concepts that make up the franchise industry. Our in-depth reporting and useful analysis helps franchisors, franchisees and industry suppliers improve their businesses. Plus, in print and online, Franchise Times is known for its one-of-a-kind coverage that provides insight into every facet of franchising.
Mary Jo Larson
Publisher/Vice President
With one of the best networks in the franchising business, Mary Jo forms deep relationships with clients who have become friends, and gains the trust of fascinating people ready to share their stories.
Reach her at [email protected]
Laura Michaels
Editor in Chief
Laura leads the overall editorial direction of Franchise Times, including its print magazine and digital platform. Drawing on a strong network of sources and with more than a decade spent reporting on franchising, she brings readers in-depth coverage that helps them make decisions for their businesses. Her team of reporters provides unmatched franchise research and analysis.
Reach her at [email protected]
Writers
Joe Halpern
Senior Writer
Joe draws on his decades of journalism experience to craft compelling stories with eye toward the personal connections in business. Also a data-focused researcher, he loves digging into the numbers to help readers understand the deeper story.
Reach him at [email protected]
Matthew Liedke
Senior Writer
Matthew has more than a decade of experience in journalism, and has extensively covered business, economic development and franchising in his career. At Franchise Times he helms the Legal Eagles coverage in the April issue, and writes the lead stories for the magazine’s Restaurant 200 and Top 400.
Reach him at [email protected]
Emilee Wentland
Managing Editor
Emilee is a business reporting pro who loves interviewing quirky, passionate franchisees and founders. Her M&A coverage keeps readers informed and engaged, and yields fascinating content for FT’s Dealmakers program.
Reach her at [email protected]
Alyssa Huglen
Reporter
Alyssa Huglen loves a good emerging brand story. Drawing on her community news background, she captures the highs, lows and lessons learned in her coverage of founders and those leading the charge at growing franchises. Her Executive Ladder reporting spotlights promotions and new hires in franchising.
Reach her at [email protected]
Alicia Miller
Columnist
Alicia Miller is the founder and managing director of Emergent Growth Advisors. Her Development Savvy column covers smart ways to market and grow a franchise. She is also the author of the forthcoming book, “Big Money in Franchising: Scaling Your Enterprise in the Era of Private Equity.”
Reach her at [email protected]
Conference Sponsorships & Advertising Sales
Mary Jo Larson
Mary Jo is vice president and publisher of Franchise Times Corp., which produces both the Restaurant Finance Monitor and Franchise Times magazine. In addition to her publishing duties, she also heads up the sales and planning efforts for the Restaurant Finance & Development Conference.
Kevin Pietsch
Kevin is known for the gift of gab, generosity and sincere dedication to his advertisers, helps franchisors craft the perfect campaign.
Lucas Wagner
Lucas enjoys aiding his sophisticated clients in law, accounting, technology and other services. He works diligently to help marketers design the best plan for their business.