About GoFranchise

GoFranchise was founded by Mike Handy, a lifelong entrepreneur, franchisor, and franchise consultant with more than 30 years of experience buying, building, franchising, and selling over 150 businesses. Driven by what he calls “an entrepreneur’s spirit and a servant’s heart,” Mike created GoFranchise to help others achieve the same freedom and fulfillment that business ownership has brought him.

From its beginning, GoFranchise was built around one clear philosophy: we only succeed when our clients, partners, and vendors succeed. Our business model was designed to create win-win relationships—connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with proven franchise brands, guiding emerging franchisors through strategic growth, and empowering our team of consultants and recruiters to build meaningful careers while helping others do the same.

GoFranchise is proudly part of the International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG)—the world’s largest franchise broker network. Mike Handy has been a contributing member since its inception and continues to play an active role in the organization as a trainer and program developer, having authored and co-created the original Certified Franchise Consultant (CFC) training curriculum that has helped hundreds of consultants launch successful careers.

Today, GoFranchise represents an elite team of dedicated franchise consultants, recruiters, and support professionals who share a common mission: to change people’s lives through business ownership. We bring decades of combined experience, deep relationships with top-performing franchise brands, and a culture rooted in ethics, diligence, and genuine care.

At GoFranchise, we believe life is short—so it should be fun, financially rewarding, and filled with purpose.

Experienced Franchise Advisors

Mike Handy

CEO / Founder

Mike is a serial entrepreneur, consultant and corporate trainer with a passion for teaching, coaching and mentoring. At IFPG, Mike shares his industry experience and expertise with our newest franchise consultants. He draws from his deep knowledge to teach the skills and tools necessary to become the best in the business.

Mike started OrderUp.com in 1991 and worked with local entrepreneurs to launch 84 restaurant delivery services in the United States and all around the world. In 2009, Mike started GoWaiter Franchise which quickly grew to more than 35 units in 11 states tracking over $10 million in sales. GoWaiter was acquired in 2013 and since then, Mike has worked as a Franchise Consultant and a Food Service Consultant. Many nationally-recognized franchise companies hire Mike to consult with their sales and operations. His vast success in the Restaurant Delivery Service Industry led Mike to his newest endeavor, as founder and CEO of Takeout Waiter Franchise System.

Susan Grace Fernandez

President | GoFranchise Holdings, Inc.

Susan Grace Fernandez is the President of GoFranchise Holdings, where she leads a dynamic team dedicated to helping entrepreneurs find the perfect franchise opportunity. A top Certified Franchise Consultant within the IFPG Broker Network, Susan has built a reputation for helping dozens of corporate professionals each year make the transition from employee to empowered business owner.

With deep personal relationships across the franchise landscape, Susan works closely with many of the top brands in high-growth mode—brands that trust her and her team to bring them qualified, educated, and skilled franchise partners. Known for her professionalism, empathy, and insight, Susan combines strategic business acumen with genuine care for each candidate she mentors.

Before taking the helm at GoFranchise, Susan owned and operated two Oliver’s Nannies franchise territories in the Orlando, FL area—a brand she continues to oversee alongside a talented general manager. Her journey into entrepreneurship began when she recognized firsthand how difficult it was to find reliable childcare for her family. She instantly connected with Oliver’s Nannies’ mission and turned it into a thriving, community-rooted business.

Susan holds both a business degree and a degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, with five years of pediatric therapy experience. Her diverse background in healthcare, business development, and franchising gives her a unique perspective on leadership, operational excellence, and human connection.

Outside of work, Susan finds joy spending time with her daughters, Abigail and Kyleigh—whether they’re at a golf tournament, a theatre production, or simply enjoying time with their dogs, Chip and Milo. She also values mindfulness, yoga, and the balance they bring to her busy life.

Susan’s compassionate leadership and unmatched dedication to helping others find freedom through business ownership make her an integral part of GoFranchise’s success and vision.

Haley Grace Handy

Senior Administrative Manager | GoFranchise Holdings, Inc.

As Senior Administrative Manager at GoFranchise, Haley Grace Handy is the operational engine behind the company’s technology, systems, and structure. She oversees and implements all software, processes, and procedures across the organization—including the CRM, Marketing Machine, and training systems—ensuring the team runs efficiently and stays on the cutting edge of automation and organization.

Haley’s journey in business began early in the family restaurant in Apopka, Florida, where she served as Catering Manager. There, she developed strong leadership and organizational skills while managing event menus, logistics, and presentation—creating unforgettable experiences for guests in the community.

After the family sold the restaurant, Haley relocated to New Jersey with her father, GoFranchise founder Mike Handy, to work for the International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG)—the world’s largest franchise consultant network.

Starting as a lead generation specialist, she quickly became known for her deep understanding of CRM technology and her ability to enhance and teach complex systems to others. When GoFranchise was founded, Haley joined as one of the company’s first team members and has since played a critical role in its growth and success. Her combination of technical skill, process-driven mindset, and positive energy continues to shape the infrastructure and efficiency that GoFranchise is known for today. Outside of work, Haley is a dedicated foster mom for rescued cats, an avid darts player, and a frequent music festival attendee alongside her brothers. She also enjoys cruises and is often the life of the party—especially when the dance floor opens at the dance party.
Chelsie Charnet Maltez

Chelsie Charnet Maltez

Franchise Development Consultant | GoFranchise Holdings, Inc.

With nearly two decades of experience in the franchise industry, Chelsie Charnet Maltez is a seasoned professional who brings tremendous value to the GoFranchise team. As a Franchise Development Consultant, Chelsie combines her deep industry knowledge with a passion for helping entrepreneurs find the right path to business ownership.

Chelsie’s franchise journey began in her family’s financial planning franchise, where she gained firsthand experience in operations, sales, and franchisee support. That foundation sparked a lifelong passion for franchising and led her to work with some of the industry’s most respected organizations. After relocating from New Jersey to Orlando, Florida, she helped lead broker and franchisor relations for one of the nation’s largest franchise broker networks, managing relationships with over 400 brands and growing the network’s inventory by nearly 50%.

Her expertise continued to expand while working with the renowned Spadea Lignana Franchise Attorneys, assisting business owners through the process of becoming franchisors. She has also worked with multiple emerging franchise brands, guiding them through nationwide expansion, compliance, and franchise sales strategy.

At GoFranchise, Chelsie plays an instrumental role in franchise development and consulting—connecting qualified candidates with top-tier brands and helping franchisors refine their systems for sustainable growth. Her approach blends deep business acumen with a personal touch, drawing on her background in education and her natural ability to coach and inspire others.

Chelsie holds a Master’s degree in Teaching and is a Certified Franchise Consultant (CFC) through IFPG. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her husband, young son, and golden-doodle—often found at playgrounds, splash pads, or Disney World. She’s also building her own business, balancing entrepreneurship with family life, and proving that success and fulfillment can go hand-in-hand.

Nichole

Nichole Iannicelli

Franchise Consultant | GoFranchise Holdings, Inc.

Nichole Iannicelli is an experienced Franchise Consultant with GoFranchise, where she helps individuals escape the corporate grind and discover franchise opportunities that align with their goals, lifestyle, and values.

Nichole began her franchising career at the International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG), where she spent seven years honing her expertise in franchise recruiting, consulting, and team leadership. Starting in the call center, she specialized in connecting executives in career transition with experienced consultants who could guide them toward business ownership. Her strong communication skills and ability to connect with people quickly led her to a Team Lead position, where she trained and managed new recruiters while continuing to match qualified candidates with ideal franchise concepts.

Eventually, Nichole found her true calling in franchise consulting—coaching clients directly and helping them explore the freedom and fulfillment that comes with franchise ownership. She joined GoFranchise because of its mission-driven approach and shared commitment to transforming lives through business ownership.

For Nichole, the most rewarding part of her work is the relationships she builds and the knowledge that she’s played a role in helping someone take control of their future. She also values the work-life balance that allows her to spend plenty of time with her two children, making memories while building a career she loves.

Michael Handy

Franchise Recruiter | GoFranchise

Michael Handy brings energy, discipline, and drive to the GoFranchise team. A former standout high school wrestler, Michael helped lead his team — along with six of his teammates — to the Florida State Championships and later competed at the Disney World Wrestling Championships as part of one of the nation’s elite teams. Through wrestling, Michael learned that everything worthwhile lies on the other side of struggle and discomfort — a mindset he carries into his professional life every day.

After attending an IFPG Retreat with his father, Mike Handy, Michael was inspired by the franchise community and decided to pursue a career in the industry. Starting as a Recruiter for top consultants, Michael is dedicated to learning the business from the ground up, connecting high-caliber candidates with leading franchise opportunities as he works toward earning his Certified Franchise Consultant (CFC) designation.

Outside of work, Michael enjoys attending music festivals, working event security, training in mixed martial arts, watching UFC, and cheering on (and occasionally laughing at) his beloved Dallas Cowboys.

Marshall Handy

Franchise Recruiter | GoFranchise

Marshall Handy has grown up surrounded by the world of franchising, following in the footsteps of his father and mentor, Mike Handy. Before joining the GoFranchise team as a Recruiter, Marshall worked in the family restaurant, where he developed a strong appreciation for hard work, teamwork, and serving his community.

Today, Marshall plays a key role in identifying and connecting ideal candidates with GoFranchise’s Senior Franchise Consultants — helping match talented entrepreneurs and executives with top-tier franchise opportunities across multiple industries. He takes pride in learning about diverse business models and enjoys understanding what makes each franchise unique and scalable.

Driven by curiosity and ambition, Marshall’s long-term goal is to one day own and scale his own multi-unit franchise. Outside of franchising, Marshall hosts a podcast, plays multiple instruments, and produces his own music — bringing creativity and energy to everything he does.

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Meet Mike Handy: Highly Reputable Franchise Advisor

Mike is a serial entrepreneur, consultant and corporate trainer with a passion for teaching, coaching and mentoring. At IFPG, Mike shares his industry experience and expertise with our newest franchise consultants. He draws from his deep knowledge to teach the skills and tools necessary to become the best in the business.

Mike started OrderUp.com in 1991 and worked with local entrepreneurs to launch 84 restaurant delivery services in the United States and all around the world. In 2009, Mike started GoWaiter Franchise which quickly grew to more than 35 units in 11 states tracking over $10 million in sales. GoWaiter was acquired in 2013 and since then, Mike has worked as a Franchise Consultant and a Food Service Consultant. Many nationally-recognized franchise companies hire Mike to consult with their sales and operations. His vast success in the Restaurant Delivery Service Industry led Mike to his newest endeavor, as founder and CEO of Takeout Waiter Franchise System.

Mike’s insights on IFPG

“I feel that I am an entrepreneur with a servant’s heart. I knew early on that I wanted to be in business for myself with no limitations on my personal and business growth. As I bought, built, franchised and sold more than 150 businesses over the past 30 years, I realized that I also have a passion for training, motivating, coaching, consulting and helping people take their lives to the next level through business ownership. Working as an IFPG contributing member, Franchisor and Franchise Broker has allowed me to fulfill all of my professional aspirations. I am blessed to have this great opportunity to teach people how to offer such great opportunities.

Seven years ago I met the Founder and CEO of IFPG, Don Daszkowski. During our first conversation, we talked about our passion for improving the franchise industry by creating standards, procedures and best practices for Franchise Consultants/Brokers that were not only profitable for all involved but ethical as well. The one thing that impressed me most about Don was that he was a down to earth great guy and truly wanted to do the right thing. I’m proud to say that many years later, the IFPG Team maintains that culture.

I take the responsibility of training Franchise Brokers very seriously. I am dedicated to constantly upping my game, learning from my own experiences as well as my successful peers and enhancing the training I deliver so that Franchise Brokers/Consultants have the absolute best chance of success possible. I love the phrase, “people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Well I care about the success of my trainees, and I will teach them everything I know in order for you to be successful.”

How Go Franchise advisors can help you?

Go Franchise has a proven 4 step process.

Our franchise advisors will take the time to learn about your objectives. Assess your needs and determine your investment range.

You owe it to yourself and your family to begin your search with certain criteria in mind–and that is where we can assist.

We’ll start contacting franchisors on your behalf once we know what your personal and professional objectives are.

Go Franchise does all the legwork for you, including visiting websites, requesting information, and waiting to see whether a franchise is a good match.

We’ll show you franchise opportunities you’d never explore on your own. An experienced franchise advisor stays on top of quality franchise brands, industry outlook, and can help identify potential shortfalls.

You owe it to yourself to figure out which franchise models best match your current talents, and we’ll help you filter through the thousands of options.

Go Franchise is very experienced in creative financing strategies. All too frequently, a person’s lifelong desire of owning a franchise is dashed by a loan officer at their local bank, who may have little or no experience financing to prospective franchisees.

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