#United States #Palm Coast #We Sell Restaurants #IFA #Robin Gagnon

Robin Gagnon: Illuminating the Franchise Path

It was a momentous occasion at the recent International Franchise Association (IFA) Convention in Palm Coast, Florida. Robin Gagnon, a remarkable female entrepreneur, was awarded the prestigious Crystal Compass Award. Gagnon has dedicated years of her career to the franchise industry, showcasing her commitment to empowering others and driving change.

As the co-founder and CEO of We Sell Restaurants, Robin has been a pivotal figure within the franchise landscape. Her journey into the franchise world began alongside her husband Eric Gagnon when they recognized an underserved niche in the market—restaurant brokerage. Established in 2001, We Sell Restaurants has since grown into the country’s largest business broker franchise dedicated solely to the restaurant sector. In 2024, the company's sales revenues surpassed a staggering $90 million, underscoring the success of their model and their mission to “Sell More Restaurants Than Anyone Else.”

Receiving the Crystal Compass Award is more than just an accolade for Robin; it is a recognition of her unwavering contributions to the franchise community. She expressed, "This award is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the IFA," emphasizing her passion for supporting fellow entrepreneurs, particularly women in franchising.

Robin's involvement with the IFA has been extensive. She has actively participated in the IFA since We Sell Restaurants commenced franchising. Notably, she led the revitalization of the Women's Franchise Network in Atlanta, a key initiative aimed at fostering connections among industry professionals and advocating for women’s issues in franchising.

From 2017 to 2024, Robin chaired and vice-chaired the national Women's Franchise Committee, which was formed to inspire and elevate women's roles within the sector since 1996. Her leadership has been instrumental in creating a supportive environment for aspiring franchise leaders. In 2023, she joined the IFA's Franchisor Forum and was announced as the 2025 Chair during this year's convention. This forum focuses on discussing pertinent issues and providing a platform for franchisors to collaborate and innovate.

Matt Haller, President and CEO of the IFA, praised Robin for her outstanding leadership, stating, "Robin is a leader in all aspects of franchising. She has been a dedicated member who goes the extra mile to support others in their franchise journey and advocate for the entire business model." This acknowledgment highlights her exceptional commitment to enhancing the franchising experience and serving as a role model for others in the industry.

The success of We Sell Restaurants can largely be attributed to Robin's rich background in marketing and branding. With years of experience in the restaurant sector, she has adeptly structured a comprehensive approach to brokerage, establishing a unique system that allows kitchen-centric businesses to thrive. The results speak for themselves—over $425 million worth of restaurant listings are now available through their extensive marketplace, which also includes franchise opportunities.

In addition to running a successful business, Robin is focused on encouraging a new generation of franchise leaders. She believes in the importance of empowering women and has showcased her dedication by actively mentoring others in the industry. By nurturing talent and providing resources to aspiring entrepreneurs, she hopes to inspire a wave of innovation and creativity across the franchising landscape.

As she reflects on her journey, Gagnon remains optimistic about the future of franchising, particularly in fostering inclusivity and diversity. She continues her work with the IFA, where her influence is widening with each initiative she undertakes. With visionaries like Robin Gagnon leading the charge, the franchise industry is poised for continual growth and engagement.

For Franchise Opportunities
If you're interested in exploring the fulfilling world of franchising, visit We Sell Restaurants to learn more about the various opportunities available.

About We Sell Restaurants
We Sell Restaurants specializes in the sale of restaurants across the United States. With over two decades in the franchise realm, they maintain an impressive listing inventory. Robin and Eric Gagnon's pioneering effort in restaurant brokerage has redefined industry standards.

About the IFA
For more than 60 years, the International Franchise Association has championed franchising through education, advocacy, and support to both franchisors and franchisees globally. Representing a vast network, the IFA has made significant contributions to the economic framework of the United States.

Robin Gagnon's recent achievement at the IFA Convention is emblematic of the important role women play in franchising and the enduring impact of dedicated leaders in the industry.