Gerson Advisory Services

At Gerson Advisory Services, we help franchisors make smarter growth decisions by combining more than 50 years of franchise leadership experience with investment-grade analysis and practical execution.

Whether we’re evaluating a franchise system for a private equity group, conducting a competitive FDD analysis, improving franchise sales performance, strengthening unit-level economics, auditing marketing effectiveness, or developing operational playbooks, our focus is always the same: helping franchise brands grow responsibly, profitably, and sustainably.

Unlike traditional consultants who rely on theory, we bring the perspective of operators, executives, franchisors, franchisees, and investors. We don’t just identify opportunities and risks—we provide clear, actionable insights that help leadership teams improve performance, increase franchisee success, and create stronger enterprise value.

Our clients range from emerging brands to some of the most recognized names in franchising, private equity firms evaluating acquisitions, and leadership teams seeking an experienced advisor who has successfully sat in their chair and understands what it takes to scale.

Keith Gerson, CFE

Chief Executive Officer, Gerson Advisory Services

Keith Gerson, CFE, is one of the best-known experts in the world of franchising, and is well known for his thought-leadership and expertise. Keith brings 50 years of franchising expertise to Gerson Advisory Services (GAS), offering unparalleled insights and strategic guidance for franchisors. As President & CEO, Keith’s leadership and visionary approach have shaped successful franchise system worldwide.

Gerson has developed a reputation as being a “super-connector” as he has the ability to contact the CEO’s of many of the best known and highest regarded franchisors, and the CEO’s will almost always take his calls. This has served his clients well as he is able to create introductions and bring them into conversations on how these executives have addressed similar challenges.

His webinars consistently attracts thousands of attendees based on the world-class guests and topics that are on the minds of our audiences and his articles in publications such as Franchise Update Magazine, World Franchise Magazine, Franchising.com, etc. have some of the highest read and share rates.

And his work in publishing the FranConnect Franchise Sales Index Report has garnered him a massive following.

Keith’s Recognition

  • 2024: Voted “Top Franchise Consultant” by Franchisors in Entrepreneur Magazine 2024
  • Nominated as a finalist for the Women’s Franchise Committee for the Crystal Compass Award honors for exemplifying leadership.
  • 2020-2024: Voted in as an IFA Franchise Supplier Board Member 2018 – 2024: Board of Advisors at The Titus Center for Franchising at Palm Beach Atlantic University 2019-2024:
  • Received 1,130 Franchisor Endorsements on LinkedIn
  • 2018-2023: Voted Top Franchise Technology Supplier while serving as President of Franchise Operations at FranConnect
  • 2015: Franchise Times Twenty to Watch: “Franchise Trend Setters” 2015: Executives to Know, 1851 Franchise Magazine

See More: Keith’s Press

Testimonials That Matter

Jesse Gerson, Chief Franchise Experience Officer

Jesse Gerson brings proven expertise in transforming franchise relationships through customer-focused strategies that drive measurable results. As our new Chief Customer Experience Officer, Jesse specializes in:

Building Stronger Franchise Partnerships Jesse creates systems that guide franchisees through the critical evolution from dependence to independence to interdependence—where the most successful franchise brands thrive together.

Enhancing Every Touchpoint By identifying friction points and implementing tailored solutions, Jesse ensures both franchisee and customer experiences improve at every stage of their journey with your brand.

Delivering Tangible Outcomes Jesse’s approach leads to what matters most: stronger retention, deeper loyalty, and sustainable growth across your entire franchise system.

With experience across service, technology, and operational environments, Jesse aligns your business objectives with practical strategies that work for both franchisors and franchisees—creating the foundation for lasting success throughout the franchise lifecycle.