Robert Katz, managing director and senior franchise advisor for The Stanwood Group, is widely regarded as one of the leading franchise experts in the United States. This year, Katz is celebrating 25 years of tremendous success in the franchise industry. As a nationally recognized franchise developer and brand builder, Katz has helped hundreds of successful brands to expand through franchising.

The Stanwood Group is the only franchise development company of its kind in the United States. They partner with successful businesses to help them meet their expansion goals by removing the lion-share of excessive fees normally paid upfront to franchise developers in order to start franchising. Doing this allows the franchisor to preserve precious capital they will need as their company continues to expand. “We are representing tomorrow’s success stories today,” says Katz. “In the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of selling franchises for hundreds of incredible brands throughout the country.”

“One of the greatest benefits about my job is getting to work with so many amazing people, including hometown favorites like Anthony Cardullo of John’s Water Ice,” Katz explained. “As a kid, we always went to John’s Water Ice to beat the summer heat with our favorite lemon and cherry water ice. Today, I am privileged to partner with Anthony and his family in expanding John’s Water Ice into the next great Philadelphia franchise.”

“Robert and everyone else at The Stanwood Group have been great to work with,” said Anthony Cardullo, owner of iconic John's Water Ice. “I came into franchising with little knowledge and Robert has helped me through every step of the way. “Rob is a great guy to work with,” says Anthony Cardullo of John’s Water Ice.” In addition to John’s Water Ice, Katz also works with many of the nation’s next great emerging franchise brands.

Katz also represents Original Ricci’s Hoagies, a hoagie shop that has been serving local Philadelphians since 1920. “ He delivered everything he said he was going to,” says Michael Pagliarella, owner of Ricci’s. “He was great at helping us navigate all that was involved, but more importantly, he recognized how to leverage the strengths of our business and how to market that to find the right franchisees to keep our product consistent.”

Katz’s signature approach and innate passion for the industry has helped make franchising a viable path for many small businesses and his clients have experienced tremendous success with his support and guidance. “It’s incredible for me to watch my other favorite childhood brand, Original Ricci’s Hoagies, experience impressive initial franchise sales in just their first year of having officially launched their franchise,” says Katz. “With the national spotlight on brands such as Jersey Mike’s and Primo’s Hoagies, we are poised for national expansion,” says Katz.

Katz and his team work with numerous other successful emerging franchise brands including Santucci’s Original Square Pizza, The Tomato Shack, 17776Plumbing.com, Patelmo’s Pizzeria, Baja Smoothies, BAO Nine, Moustaki Authentic Gyros, Koibito Poke and Gouldsburger’s, among others.

While Katz’s success in the industry is undeniable, what drives him is his desire to make a real impact in the community. Katz does extensive pro bono work for Baby Otter Swim School, one of the fastest-growing swim schools in the country committed to ending accidental drownings. “Robert has been so instrumental in helping me develop the successful franchise for Baby Otter Swim School. His dedication is so inspiring. I do believe our success has been incredible due to his mentorship and experience.” says Mindy York, President of Baby Otter Swim School.