Andrea Dobkin launched her career in franchising more than 20 years ago, working in franchise development for an emerging brand – an experience she calls life-changing. However, franchising had been part of her story long before that first job. By Jesicca Petrucelli
Bringing Clarity and Creating a Strong Foundation
Andrea Dobkin launched her career in franchising more than 20 years ago, working in franchise development for an emerging brand – an experience she calls life-changing. However, franchising had been part of her story long before that first job.
“My father owned a franchise in the 1970s while keeping his full-time job. The business ultimately failed, and it was the first time I had ever seen my dad cry. That experience stayed with me,” Dobkin said. “Looking back, I believe it shaped why I’m here today. It created a deep respect for what business ownership truly requires and how important the right expectations, guidance and support are.”
Prior to launching her career in franchising, Dobkin was a stay-at-home mom. When two close friends invited her to join a business they were building, she accepted and quickly grew into the role.
“Even though I had no prior experience in franchising, I learned quickly and discovered how much I loved the industry, especially working with people who were exploring business ownership,” she said.
Dobkin worked in the franchising industry for more than 12 years across multiple brands. In September 2024, she became a certified franchise consultant and officially launched her own business, Guide to Franchising.
“I jumped in with both feet,” she said. “It was a very intentional decision, and I’ve never looked back.”
What Dobkin loves most about consulting is building relationships while guiding people toward thoughtful, informed decisions about business ownership.
“Having worked on the brand side for many years, the focus was always on finding candidates who fit a specific model,” she explained. “Along the way, strong relationships formed, even with candidates who ultimately said no. That experience made something very clear: the relationship mattered just as much as the outcome.”
For Dobkin, franchise consulting brings the best of both worlds. It allows for deep, trusted relationships with candidates while offering the flexibility to explore a range of options. With access to a large portfolio of brands, the focus stays where it belongs: helping each person find an opportunity that truly aligns with their goals, lifestyle and long-term vision.
Her process, which she defines as intentionally personal, structured and guided, begins with getting clear on the individual, not the brand. A business ownership assessment designed specifically for franchise candidates helps bring clarity early on and creates a strong foundation for the process. Dobkin said this approach is unique because it slows the process down.
“Franchising can feel overwhelming when someone starts with Google, brand websites or inbound sales calls that aren’t aligned with their goals,” she said.
That’s why she evaluates opportunities realistically rather than emotionally. Her goal is to help people make informed decisions, not pressure-driven ones.
Dobkin’s plans for the future include continuing to consult as long as the work remains meaningful.
“Helping people step into business ownership with clarity, confidence and realistic expectations is deeply fulfilling,” she concluded. “Every day brings new conversations, new stories and the opportunity to positively impact someone’s future.”
For Dobkin, that sense of purpose makes the work so rewarding.
Jessica Petrucelli