SMB Franchise Advisors Adds Navigator Investors

SMB Franchise Advisors has received a minority investment from principals of Navigator Partners and formed a four-member board to guide its next stage of growth. The franchise consulting firm’s existing leadership will remain responsible for strategic decisions and daily operations. The new board includes SMB Founder and CEO Steve Beagelman, Chief Growth Officer Brian Luciani, and Navigator Managing Partners Bernard Markey and William Stewart. The investment is intended to add funding for SMB’s services for franchisors, including brands preparing to franchise and established systems seeking operational and growth support.

New Board And Investment

SMB advises entrepreneurs on the finance, operations, marketing and development work involved in building a franchise system. The firm said the capital and Navigator’s operating experience will support broader offerings as it serves emerging and maturing brands.

Steve Beagelman, Founder and CEO at SMB Franchise Advisors, said:

“We have worked closely with Navigator for over a decade, the better part of SMB's existence, to support select franchise brands in the ways we each do best, and in that time we've built a partnership grounded in common values and genuine mutual respect. With this investment, we will continue to do what we've always done – providing the best possible service to help our clients grow through franchising – now with the capital and expertise to scale and broaden our offerings while serving a growing pipeline of emerging and maturing brands.”

Decade Long Working Relationship

SMB and Navigator first partnered in 2016, when SMB brought in Navigator to invest in and help scale K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotels. Navigator has also co-invested with SMB’s Stadium Ventures investment division in Almera Tech Services, Pure Sweat Studios and Story Time Chess.

Founded in 2009, SMB says it has worked with more than 600 companies across virtually every industry. Its team of more than 20 subject matter experts supports both new and established franchisors.

Bernard B. Markey, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Navigator Partners, said:

“We've seen firsthand what SMB's team is capable of, and we've always shared values and believed in the mission behind their work. Bill and I are thrilled to join the board, giving us an opportunity to contribute what we've learned building franchise systems together and serve founders for years to come.”

Support For Franchisees

Navigator’s principals said the investment will be used to build franchisee support infrastructure. For business owners considering franchising, SMB is accepting new clients seeking help evaluating their brand and planning strategies for growth and scale.

William Stewart, Managing Partner at Navigator Partners, said:

“Importantly, we are all aligned on and work towards the mission that franchisors need to provide strong support to ensure their franchisees' success. We are glad that this investment will be used to build great franchisee support infrastructure to responsibly drive franchise system growth.”