About

Big Sky Franchise Team

Our leadership has been helping owners franchise their businesses for more than 20 years. We believe WHY we do business is just as important as HOW and WHAT we do.

Our WHY is our purpose which is to:  Inspire and Foster Greatness.

What this means is that we believe that every person has the ability to be great.  Each of us has our own unique qualities, talents, skillset, and perspective and we should each be striving to maximize our ability each and every day. This is why we created Big Sky Franchise Team. To help entrepreneurs, CEO’s, and business leaders be their best by growing and expanding through franchising. As a result of our focus, effort, and determination we have won some recent awards and recognition, including the Best Franchise Consultancy and Top Franchise Supplier, in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

A black square on a black background.
Franchise consultancy firm receiving recognition.
2023 Global 100 award logo with a gold leaf and bold text on a transparent background.
Entrepreneur Magazine 2023 'Top Franchise Suppliers' award with a black and gold design.

Awards & Associations

Best Franchise Consultancy - USA for 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 & 2019
as recognized by M & A Today

Top 3 Franchise Supplier - USA for 2023, 2022, 2021 & 2020
as recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine

Best Franchise Consultancy - USA for 2021, 2019 & 2018
as recognized by Corporate Vision Magazine

Top 100 Small Business Visionaries 2019 & 2018
as recognized by the Best of Small Business Awards

Our Values

We have three values that guide everything we do. From our Client’s, Staff, Consultants, and Suppliers, we try to live and work by these three ideals:

  • Win-Win Relationships

    We believe that we do business with people first and we have to go into our relationship together asking how we can serve and support you first.

  • Professional Excellence

    We strive to be professional in all we do, from the small things, to the big things, and everything in between. Most notably, we won’t stop until we get it right.

  • Continuous Improvement

    We are always looking for new ways to improve and innovate to provide better service and support.

Our Team

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Dr. Tom DuFore

CEO

Atlanta, GA

Dr. Tom DuFore is the CEO of Big Sky Franchise Team, where he is responsible for the company strategy, vision, and growth.  In his role, he also supports and consults with Big Sky Franchise Team’s Clients on their expansion and franchise efforts.

Tom’s depth and breadth of experience is expansive having personally consulted with and advised hundreds of businesses ranging from the start-ups to some of the largest companies in the world. Some of those companies include: Jamba Juice, Two Men & A Truck, Massage Envy, Ford, The Bimbo Group, Berlitz, Blimpie, L.A. Insurance, Matco Tools, Spherion Staffing, Criterium Engineers and many others.  Tom has also led Big Sky Franchise Team to be an award-winning and nationally recognized company by receiving the ‘Best Franchise Consultancy in the USA’ award, a ‘Top 100 Small Business’ in the United States award, and as being recognized as a ’50 Most Innovative Companies to Watch’ award.

Tom is unique in franchising in that he has the “Franchise Trifecta” having been a franchisee, a franchisor, and a franchise supplier.  As a franchisee, he led his company to be recognized as the #5 restoration contractor in the state of Georgia as well as one of his amazing team members receiving the Office Professional of the Year Award from the franchisor.

Prior to starting Big Sky Franchise Team, Tom spent more than 10 years as a Franchise Consultant working for multiple consulting companies. He also served as the Vice President of National Business & Franchise Development for the Rabine Group, a National Facilities Maintenance Construction Company with 15 business units. In his role he oversaw companywide Sales, Marketing, and National Expansion initiatives, helping the company expand from $125 million to $185 million in annual revenue in just 2 years. He helped the company become regionally and nationally recognized three consecutive years as a Crain’s Fast 50 Company, and an Inc. Magazine 500|5000 Fastest Growing Company in the United States.  Tom has been a guest speaker at the International Franchise Expo, International Food Service Show, Franchise Expo South, a presenter for S.C.O.R.E., the BOSS Doctors Conference, and many other conferences and educational settings.  Tom has led multiple companies, including Big Sky Franchise Team, to be nationally and/or regionally recognized in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Tom believes strongly in giving back as well.  He ensures that Big Sky Franchise Team donates a percentage of its revenue to charity every month.  He donates his time by actively participating and supporting the FranPAC which works to protect the integrity of franchising for both franchisees and franchisors on a local and national level.  Previously served on the Alumni Board of Elmhurst College and on the Board for the Schaumburg Business Association.

Dr. DuFore holds a B.S. Degree in Management from Elmhurst College, an M.B.A. degree from DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business and a D.B.A degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. 

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Thomas Walker

Senior Consultant & Franchise Development Manager

Las Vegas, NV

Thomas Walker is a visionary leader with a distinguished career in franchise sales and business operations, where his strategic foresight and dedication to innovation have propelled companies to remarkable growth and success. With over two decades of leadership experience, Thomas has mastered the art of driving revenue growth, negotiating lucrative deals, and establishing enduring professional networks.

In his capacity as COO, Thomas demonstrated unparalleled leadership, significantly increasing sales and spearheading brand development initiatives. His efforts were instrumental in guiding the company through a phase of 5X growth. Thomas's strategic involvement in business and financial planning further contributed to operational excellence and the expansion of franchise operations across multiple states, showcasing his competency in enhancing business development and operational efficiency.

As SVP of Franchise Sales, Thomas’s strategic acumen led to the formation of pivotal industry partnerships, achieving ambitious sales targets through his exceptional negotiation skills and customer relationship management. His ability to align company goals with customer outcomes has not only enhanced satisfaction but also resulted in the successful cultivation of new customer relationships, thereby securing the company's position in the market.

Throughout his career, Thomas has showcased his exceptional operational management skills, driving performance, profit optimization, and growth while establishing and maintaining franchise programs on a global scale. His leadership excellence has been recognized through prestigious awards, highlighting his remarkable operational expertise and ability to achieve business objectives.

Thomas's deep understanding of franchise sales, combined with his proficiency in CRM platforms and a continuous commitment to professional development, makes him a forward-thinking leader adept at navigating the complexities of the modern business landscape. His leadership philosophy emphasizes team collaboration, strategic planning, and fostering positive, proactive professional relationships, ensuring the achievement of both short-term wins and long-term strategic goals.

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Aubrey Janik

Senior Consultant

Dallas, TX

Aubrey Janik is a Senior Consultant with Big Sky Franchise Team and is an expert franchise and marketing professional. In her critical role she guides and advises entrepreneurs and new franchisors through the franchise process. Aubrey also supports the growth and development of new and emerging franchise brands. Since joining Big Sky, Aubrey has built Big Sky's FranLeadership program and Franchise Sales Training Workshop, a full-day program to teach new franchisors how to sell franchises.

Ms. Janik is also a successful entrepreneur, having built several different companies. She began her journey in franchising by becoming the youngest franchisee in a national franchise system and grew her local restaurant until an unexpected fire forced the restaurant's closure. Aubrey has also built her own car rental company and is a social media expert. She has created a collective social media following of more than 155,000 followers between YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram!

Aubrey is based in the Dallas, TX, area. Aubrey is an endurance athlete in her free time and enjoys time with her rescue dog and fiancé.

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Brian Arnet

Marketing Consultant

Chicago, IL

Mr. Arnet brings three decades of experience in franchising and marketing to the Big Sky Franchise Team. Brian spent 16 years with United Airlines as an International Franchise Relations Manager and Marketing Manager. It was there that he led and helped pioneer the United Vacations program. He traveled the world extensively working with both domestic and international franchisees/licensees that were utilizing the United brand. Brian has a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Eastern Illinois University and earned his MBA from Roosevelt University.

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Joseph Lambraia

Client Development Manager

Atlanta, GA

Joseph Lambraia is the Client Development Manager with Big Sky Franchise Team.  In his critical role, he is responsible for helping guide business owners and business leaders through the initial steps of franchising their business.  He is also responsible for working with Big Sky Franchise Team’s clients in helping them find, screen, and qualify prospective franchisees. Prior to joining the Big Sky Franchise Team, Joseph has a background in sales and marketing having been a top performer his entire career.  He started early, by helping his family business grow from a local company into an international learning and training organization.  He has also worked with international mid-sized marketing and technology company based in the Atlanta area.  Joseph earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing from Kennesaw State University.  He currently resides in the Atlanta area.

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Jennifer DuFore

Project Manager

Atlanta, GA

Ms. DuFore works as the Project Manager helping keep client projects on track. She previously worked in Student Affairs at a private liberal arts college, organizing large-scale events for the undergraduate and graduate student population. Recently, she organically grew a social media following for a small business to nearly 30,000 members in just two years, and runs several private groups which focus on personal development, personal finance, planning, and organization. Ms. DuFore holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration and Economics and earned her MBA from North Central College. She has completed additional graduate coursework at Loyola University Chicago.

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Delasi Agbotui

Franchise Consultant

Dallas, TX

Delasi Agbotui bring years of experience in the health, wellness, and medical fields. She has over 10 + years in clinical, medical and administrative support in various health care settings such as hospitals, home health and wellness centers. She has spent the last couple of years managing Medicare compliance and regulation documents, participating in strategic planning with Business development teams and managing sales organizations in improving quality of care. Ms. Agbotui has worked with franchise Synergy Homecare and many other franchise companies. She has consulted with hundreds of companies through the franchising process during her career. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and Management and is currently pursing advanced degrees.

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Terra Argo

Technical Writer

Norman, OK

Terra is a passionate communicator and connector of people. She has a gift to connect, identify, motivate, and bring people of diverse backgrounds and interests together as a team to overcome obstacles and achieve mission objectives creatively and successfully. 

Terra has 15+ years of corporate experience most recently representing one of the largest industries in Oklahoma. She is a forward thinking and passionate leader who solves problems and promotes growth and advancement. Her core values include faith, family, integrity, authenticity and people and she is all about building genuine and authentic relationships. 

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Donald Krause

Business Expansion Consultant

Chicago, IL

Don cut his teeth in the EOEM industry working for and servicing some of the top companies in the world. Don held positions including sales, marketing, advertising, engineering, & shop floor control. This varied & rich upbringing allowed him to open his own advertising business whose clients included some these same world leading companies.
The crash of market conditions at the end of the first decade of the 21st century opened new doors of opportunity in the business brokerage market. Don’s many skills and business knowledge are a big benefit to clients in what he terms, Business Ownership Entrance & Exit Strategies.”
“The alliance with Tom & the Big Sky Franchise Team has been a blessing through the expansion of capabilities with the very talented individuals in the organization.”

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Evonne Barrier

Marketing Coordinator

Oklahoma City, OK

Evonne Barrier brings with her knowledge and experience from a multitude of industries including hospitality, management, finance, education and immigration. She currently supports Mr. DuFore as his Executive Assistant and helps Big Sky clients implement their marketing lead plans. Her care and focus is always on the client to ensure they have a wonderful experience every time. She has earned a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Oklahoma. Her passion lies in supporting others and helping them realize their dreams.

 
 
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TJ Cencula

Videographer & Editor

Chicago, IL

A graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a degree in Film/Video, TJ Cencula's passion for content creation led him to Hollywood, CA where he wrote, directed, and performed for film, television, live events, and new media. Back in his hometown of Chicago, TJ continues to produce his own new media content, as well as providing editing and post-production services.

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Roberta Wilson

Manual Writer

Guthrie, OK
Specializing in technical and creative writing alike, Roberta is skilled in providing value through the written word. She has made a career of writing since 2018. Having loved writing since childhood, she has nurtured her skills for over 20 years and has been writing professionally for over five years.
 
Roberta has a background in technical science, achieving degrees in both Microbiology and Biology. These skills transferred to her writing standard operating procedures and quality manuals for multiple laboratories in her areas of expertise.

Roberta prides herself in taking the stress of copywriting and technical jargon off her client's shoulders while ensuring their message resonates with them and is heard by their audience.

A mother of two rambunctious boys and an Anatolian shepherd rescue, when not writing, she can be found at the park or enjoying a lake day with her husband.

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Christine E. Wilson

Franchise Consultant

Phoenix, AZ

Christine has been in the franchise world since 2010. She has performed many different tasks in franchising, such as sales & marketing and writing operations manuals for developing new franchises. She has sold about 100 franchises and has written about 200 franchise operations manuals to date. She comes out of a teaching and publishing background. She loves to write and to edit and is founder/CEO of a small literary agent business. She also founded and ran her own publishing-services business for a number of years in working with authors of textbook manuscripts, primarily in foreign languages, to bring them to fruition. She speaks, reads, and writes French and Spanish. Her education includes a B.A., M.A., and most of the coursework for a Ph.D. She has been an entrepreneur for a long time and now works as an independent contractor primarily in the franchise world.

 
 
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Crystal Oakes

Graphic Designer

Oklahoma City, OK

Crystal Oakes is an experienced graphic designer specializing in print or web media for small businesses poised for growth. Her in-depth understanding of business comes from growing up in a family of successful craftsmen, artisans and business owners. Crystal established her own business before graduating with honors from the University of Oklahoma in 2011 with a BFA degree in Visual Communications. Her professional skills also include photography, event planning, branding, social media, email marketing, on-line marketing and merchandising. She has vast experience in corporate global marketing and brand management in 22 countries in 3 continents and eight languages.

 
 
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Terri Brooks

Real Estate Site Selection Specialist

Atlanta, GA

Terri leverages her past experience in project management and renovations to advocate and match businesses with the right property based on their budget, exit strategy and target audience. She thrives on matching businesses with complimentary tenant mixes to allow businesses to be competitive and thrive. She is a proud alumna of Florida A&M University and a member of the Atlanta Black Chamber of Commerce and Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors.

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Kealey Clark

Content Creator

Oklahoma City, OK

Kealey is a Content Creator with superpowers in copy writing and social media management.

There was really no other path for Kealey. She was born a creative and with a love for diversity. Being involved in building up projects & companies bigger than herself is something she is passionate about! She loves using her skills & talents so that those who love the spotlight are portrayed in their best light. She gets to do this by immersing herself in the client's brand voice and style so that the graphics and content she creates.

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David T. Smith

Strategic Planning & Leadership Consultant

Atlanta, GA

David has enjoyed a progressive career in franchising that includes respected companies such as the Honey Baked Ham Company, Heavenly Ham, Rising Roll Gourmet and most recently Global Franchise Group, where as Vice President and Brand Director he led their 300+ unit Pretzelmaker brand through a turnaround strategy that resulted in its highest sales growth and EBITDA return in almost a decade. David excels at strategic and annual business planning, concept and product development, operational enhancements, and building high performing brand teams that deliver financial results. David has performed in entrepreneurial settings as an investor, leading two brands from start up through successful sale and substantial ROI. Additionally, David has navigated brand growth in large company environments and has successfully led brands through private equity relationships. David lives in the Atlanta, Georgia

Our Clients

Listed below, are some of the clients members our team of consultants have worked with in the past. As you can see, we cater to businesses of all sizes:
Anytime fitness logo.
Two men and a truck logo with cartoon truck
Sperion staffing & recruiting logo
A logo for tacoway mexican restaurant.
The lost cajun restaurant logo.
Matco tools logo on a white background.
Groupo bimba logo on a white background.
The logo about criticum engineers.
The kido logo on a blue background.
World impact real estate logo.
The iconic logo for Jamba Juice.
The logo for mad science on a white background.
The logo for rosati's chicago pizza.
Gateway newsstands logo.
The logo for 57 physique.
massage envy logo
Blimppie america's sub shop logo.
Restoration 1 logo on a white background.
Zoom drain logo.
Ford's garage logo on a white background
La weight loss logo
The Berlitz logo features prominently on a clean white background.
La insurance logo on a white background.
Ivybrook Academy logo
The creamstry logo on a white background.
ninja academy logo
Ice b cone magic logo on a white background.
Oggi's sports brewhouse pizza logo.
Andy on call logo.
The logo for energy performance international.
A logo for facilitas.
A logo for persona wood fired pizza.
Sweets 4 treats logo.
The school communications agency logo.
blue and silver supply point logo
Red sombrero logo
Wingers Restaurant logo
The original hot dog factory logo.
The fashion class logo on a white background.
IDFF Fresh Mediterranean logo
Locals Only Gifts and Goods logo in green and white with Chattanooga, TN inscription.
PostcardMania logo with a colorful burst graphic, tagged as 'SMALL BUSINESS MARKETING EXPERTS'.
Shichida logo with yellow sun
Tin drum asian kitchen logo - description, logo
The binit logo with a blue arrow.
The american debate league logo on a white background.
The logo for veganites can healthy.
The ceo institute a meeting of minds.
Fuel pizza & wings logo.
Love juice living organic vegetable juice logo.
Bizzy girl power girls logo.
Lean kitchen company logo.
Slutty Vegan logo
Jump Bunch logo with vibrant colors and dynamic design, emphasizing quality children's athletic programs.
Tin drum asian kitchen logo
Cookie dough Magic logo
Elite Ops Exterminators logo
Full service bbq logo red with stars
The logo for jump bunch sports fitness fun is all about fun and fitness.
Mimosas Gourmet logo with orange accent, text 'Breakfast, lunch & cocktails'.
Quality personal care, inc logo.
Colorful ice cream cone for Scoops ice cream shop logo.
A logo badge with the word zooga on it.
Suite partners logo on a white background.
Sweet charlie's just roll with it logo.
Shape's brow bar logo.
The logo for modani furniture.
The blue crate logo on a white background.
French fry heaven logo.
A logo for romproll gym art music.
Town money saver logo.
Woody's bar & bq logo
Midnight cookies & cream logo
Epic Sleepover logo
Cerealphoria logo featuring a bunny drawing
Epaga home care logo with purple and yellow feather
GoWell Benefits logo
The kido logo on a blue background.
National Trichology Training Institute logo
Rabine america logo on a white background.
The shubh beauty logo in Indian inspired font.
ZoomDran logo featuring a blue and orange stylized bird.
Bar - b clean logo.
Children's miracle network logo.
A logo for growler usa.
Squeeze in breakfast lunch logo.
Balloon kings logo on a white background.
Avr van rental logo.
Maui tacos mexican surf grill logo.
Mobalin logo
Cloud 9 Smoke and Vape Co. logo representing quality smoking and vaping experiences.
Supreme logo on black background.
The city's master barbers logo on a black background.
1 heart caregiver services logo featuring red and blue heart
Engineering Express logo on a white background.
Grand Junction logo featuring a man in a hat.
Kidstown learning center logo with building
About Apricot Lane Boutique logo.
Primera Insurance & Tax Services logo with a yellow swoosh.
Blue and silver supply point logo on a black background designed.
The logo for bikanervala on a white background.
Executive care your home care company logo.
The bhs logo on a white background.
Eye on your home home watch for peace of mind.
The logo for bakers bodega.
X golf logo on a white background.
A logo for living juice cold pressed.
The logo for fiero mexican grill.
Kangaroo's indoor play center logo.
The logo for slimming studios.
Royal restrooms logo
Coastal caretakers logo design incorporating elements of the beach.
A place to grow logo with a tree
Donna's Caribbean restaurant logo.
About Greg Sargent Restoration made simple: a logo design.
The lk logo with a chef's hat is all about showcasing our brand's passion for culinary excellence.
Logo for new again houses in blue, yellow and gray
Rockin' Pets, Rollin' Vets logo with a teal silhouette of a running dog.
The About logo for tacos y masas.
All about kids logo.
The original tcc cheese course logo.
Paint and pour logo.
The country maid logo on a white background.
Medfast medical providers logo.
Romeo's pizza logo.
Stumpers stump grinding and lawn installation.
Suburban solutions pack move junk clean logo.
Grand junction logo on a white background.
Piara Pizza logo
Senior Care Authority Logo
Cru Catch a Vibe Logo electric seafoam green
Back bay group logo
Lattes on location logo featuring a coffee cup.
Les Moulins La Fayette logo.
The logo for living women owned.
About Schelle brothers logo on a white background.
The yellow team combat tactical laser tag experience logo.

I chose Big Sky because I knew I was doing business with a human being, not a company. They understood what we were talking about and were flexible to work with us on franchising while we were also still running our business.

Peter Ackerman
Wrap City Sandwich Company

About Description: A man in a black shirt standing in front of a wrap city banner.
Big sky franchise team logo inspired by the Old West.

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