About
Big Sky Franchise Team
Our leadership has 100+ years of combined experience helping owners franchise their businesses. 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.
Awards & Associations
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lisa Villafane
Director of Operations- SkyBound Strategies
Atlanta, GA
Lisa Villafane is the Director of Operations at SkyBound Strategies, a division of the Big Sky Franchise Team.
With over 25 years of experience across advertising, marketing, and event production, Lisa has built a career defined by innovation, strategic insight, and entrepreneurial drive. Originally from New York City, she was a director at a global advertising agency for 10 years. During this time, Lisa sharpened her skills in managing a nine-figure budget on behalf of clients such as Toyota, Kimberly-Clark, Mattel, and Domino's while consistently delivering exceptional results.
After relocating to Atlanta with her family, Lisa launched her own small business, sparking a passion for entrepreneurship. This journey led to a successful partnership with Lauryn Wang, resulting in two flourishing ventures: a large-scale live event business featuring notable keynote speakers like Martha Stewart, and an innovative online course platform that engages a vibrant community of professionals and enthusiasts.
Guided by core values of ingenuity, precision, and integrity, Lisa tailors creative solutions to meet each client's unique needs and prioritizes attention to detail.
Lisa lives in Atlanta with her husband and two daughters. When she’s not cheering on her youngest at basketball games or visiting her oldest in college, she enjoys traveling, watching crime documentaries, and tackling creative projects.
Lauryn Wang
Creative Director - SkyBound Strategies
Phoenix, AZ
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.
Roberta Wilson
Manual Writer
Guthrie, OK
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.
Angelica Garcia
Podcast Manager & Marketing Assistant
Dallas, TX
Angelica has accumulated diverse professional experience across several sectors including healthcare, government contracting, and financial institutions. Her background includes roles in investigation and administration, where she honed her skills in analytical thinking, problem-solving, and efficient management. Through her varied career, she developed a comprehensive understanding of both the strategic and operational aspects of these industries, enabling her to contribute effectively to the organizations she worked at. Angelica holds an MBA from UNT Dallas with a concentration in Strategic Management, complemented by a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas of Arlington.
Outside of work, she’s passionate about exploration. Whether it’s hiking a new trail or traveling the world. Every travel adventure enhances her skills in problem-solving, adaptability to cultural awareness, and resourcefulness, all of which apply to her professional life.
Julia Boese
Executive Assistant
Minneapolis, MN
Julia currently supports Dr. DuFore as his Executive Assistant and coordinates events for Big Sky. For more than 10 years, Julia has held several titles ranging from office manager to administrative assistant, project manager, and small business owner. Her ability to work in structured and “scrappy” environments, obsess over the details, anticipate problems, and handle sensitive documents and communications with care and confidentiality have earned her the trust of top executives and fellow team members. Her passion is problem-solving and leaving things better than she found them.
Outside of work, she’s passionate about exploration. Whether it’s hiking a new trail or traveling the world. Every travel adventure enhances her skills in problem-solving, adaptability to cultural awareness, and resourcefulness, all of which apply to her professional life.
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
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.
Our Clients
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
