Guidant Financial Group announced today that franchising expert Lori Kiser-Block will be joining the small business financier’s advisory board.
As a member of Guidant’s advisory board, Kiser-Block will provide insight into the franchising community’s needs from, and expectations of, a small-business financing provider.
“I am excited to be joining forces with a company that, over the last several years, has been at the forefront of introducing creative financing solutions to the franchise community,” says Kiser-Block, part owner of national franchisor Rapid Refill Corp., and former president of the national franchise consulting firm FranChoice, Inc. “For years I have watched [Guidant Cofounders] David Nilssen and Jeremy Ames use their knowledge, creativity, energy and enthusiasm to build a strong company, all-the-while keeping the entrepreneurs’ best interests at heart, regardless of industry pressures.”
The announcement of Kiser-Block’s alignment with Guidant comes on the heels of the U.S. economy’s greatest downturn since the Great Depression. America is now relying on small business more than ever to fuel the economic recovery. The International Franchising Association (IFA) reports that, between 2001 and 2005, franchising created more than 1.2 million new jobs.
“Our passion is helping entrepreneurs realize their dreams of business ownership,” says Guidant Cofounder David Nilssen. “By supporting the franchising community we are helping to bring entrepreneurship to all those who aspire to it. Lori’s experience on-the-ground as a franchisor and as president of one of the largest franchise consulting firms in the nation will give us an increased ability to build relationships and better serve the franchising community.”
Kiser-Block’s extensive experience in the franchising community has given her a unique understanding of the many challenges small business owners face. Her career in franchising began in her family-owned 7-Eleven franchise, after which she went on to spend several years in various sales and development roles. In 1993 she joined Carlson Wagonlit Travel, subsidiary of the franchise industry giant Carlson Companies. With Carlson she spent nine years as a franchise development manager and director.
In 2003 Kiser-Block joined FranChoice, Inc., where she became its president in 2006. Currently, Kiser-Block is an officer of, and investor in, Rapid Refill Ink Franchise Company.
Kiser-Block is also a sought-after mentor and coach, and speaks at numerous franchise-industry events. She regularly interviews with reporters at several national media publications and outlets, and her appearances include an interview MSNBC on the franchising industry.
“Guidant recognized early on the opportunity for a premier small business financing company to make franchise ownership accessible to more individuals,” she says. “I am thrilled to be a part of an organization that has already had such an impact on the growth of this industry. My hope is that my insight and connections will help bring Guidant’s small business financing solutions to more people.”
About Guidant Financial Group
Guidant Financial Group is the premier provider of self-directed IRAs and business-funding solutions through IRAs and 401(k)s. Guidant’s services allow investors the freedom to make investments in real estate, franchises, businesses, tax liens and more by accessing their retirement accounts without penalty before retirement age. For more information on Self-directed IRAs or Small Business Financing please visit www.guidantfinancial.com.