About Us

Franchise Grade is the authority on franchise system information, providing research that has helped thousands of prospective franchisees Find The Best™ franchise.

Buying a franchise is a way for people to fulfill their dreams. It can enable people to achieve their financial goals and enjoy a new lifestyle. Thousands of people have bought a franchise and grew it into financial success.

Owning a franchise can change your life and help you to live the dream you wanted.

Buying the right franchise will enable you to leverage your skills, abilities and interests and own a profitable business.

Owning and operating a franchise can give you more freedom and control of your life.

But it's not for everyone.

Let Franchise Grade help you find out if owning a franchise is right for you. Let us help you Find The Best™ franchise for you.

The Team

Our research, analytical, franchise investment and grading services gather, correlate information and analyze franchise data from a diverse cross-section of stakeholders in different franchised industries: retail, manufacturing, finance and service — to name just a few. In order to meet our objectives and service our clients, we've assembled a talented group of dedicated professionals into key teams. Our Advisory Board is listed separately.

The Franchise Grade team will help to drive your business to franchising success.

Management Team

Jeff Lefler

Founder of the company who leads our Management Team as our Chief Executive Officer with fifteen years of small business experience, ten of those in franchising. Jeff has operated a successful franchise with Canada Bread since 2006. In 2008 Jeff created the National Bread Network, an Independent Franchisee Association representing Canada Bread Franchisees and was also a Member of the Strategic Committee of the International Association of Franchisees and Dealers.

Research Team

Our Research Team represents the foundation our company. The scope and accuracy of our reports is based upon a large amount of data and information collected from franchise documents, carefully screened Franchisee survey participants and other sources. In order to maintain our rapid growth we have recruited some of the top professionals in the fields of data collection and analysis. Our team is headed by a PhD consultant experienced in survey data collection and analysis specifically relating to customer and employee satisfaction. His primary goals are to ensure our strict compliance with data collection standards and protocols.

Technology/IT Team

Employing industry standards and leading technologies in our data facility and online, our IT Team has designed and operates our proprietary “analysis engine” we use to process our data into valuable reports. They continue to enhance the technology we rely upon to provide meaningful and accurate data for our users. This team is also responsible for the integrity of our data and the way it is presented and visualized to end users.

Communications Team

Our interaction with franchised business interests and individual and multi- unit franchisee investors requires a thorough and deep understanding of franchising and how to achieve success. We combine this knowledge base with creativity and the skills needed to deliver relevant content to our franchise investors, clients and the franchise industry. With decades of experience in digital, print and online technologies, our Communications Team works to maintain the clarity and to meet the goals of our mission, message and our brand.