Benjamin Litalien

Ben has invested over twenty-five years in the franchise community, with a broad range of key management and franchise-building experience. He has developed and expanded four franchise concepts including two in foodservice, an automotive concept and a web-based franchise. Ben worked for ExxonMobil Fuels Marketing Company as the U.S. Franchise Development Manager, based in Fairfax, Virginia. He oversaw the Companys On the Run convenience store franchise for Exxon and Mobil branded distributors in the U.S., creating a unique Regional Franchise Developer program that was responsible for almost 1,000 franchise units in development. Ben formed a consulting practice, Franchise Well, in 2009, where he advises franchise companies including IKEA, RE/MAX, Direct Energy, The UPS Store and Snap-on Tools. Ben teaches the Franchise Management Certificate program each semester for franchise and nonprofit professionals from across the country and around the world. He is also an Assistant Adjunct Professor at University of Maryland University College in Adelphi, MD where he teaches Franchising online. Ben is a recognized speaker on ""Franchise Development"" and ""Franchising for Good"". He has been referenced as a franchising expert in feature articles of Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Entrepreneur Magazine. He has also authored articles that appeared in industry periodicals such as Franchising World, Franchise Asia and Successful Franchising. Ben completed his doctoral program at the University of Maryland University College focused on the theory of Social Franchise. He was presented with the Karp Research Foundation Award in 2011 for the ‘best paper in franchising’. He holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas and an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Houston in Houston, Texas. He received his CFE (“Certified Franchise Executive”) designation from the International Franchise Association in 2003 and was appointed to the ICFE Board of Governors for the IFA in 2013. He also serves on the Board of Directors for JIBU, a benefit organization that franchises retail water stores in East Africa and is highly regarded as one of the best “social franchises” in the world. Ben is also on the Board of Directors for Brain Balance, a retail franchise serving families with children that are autistic or with development issues. Ben has been married for 32 years and has three grown children and four grandchildren. He is an avid fly fisherman and classic car restorer.