Vice President of Franchise Development

Tom Ryan, Jr.

“You can't fix stupid" - Tom Ryan, Sr.

Role at FastLane?

My role with Franchise FastLane is to help our great franchisor partners accelerate the growth of their businesses. It is also my responsibility to help new business owners realize their dreams (whatever they may be) in business ownership and financial independence. Lastly, I believe it's my responsibility to help my colleagues achieve their goals and "win" - even if it means they beat me!

18Y

Years in Franchising

1Y

Years with Franchise FastLane

7500+

Candidates worked with

What do you love most about franchising?

Franchising is the ultimate business example of a symbiotic relationship. The goal is mutualism, where both the franchisor and the franchisee benefit. In franchise development, I feel an extraordinary responsibility to ensure there is a perfect match between each franchise company and each prospective franchisee. In order to accomplish this, I need to make sure I can tell a compelling story, get people excited, and keep their attention. However, it also means it's my duty to be honest and willing to "say no" to a deal. I love the "mash-up" of being part salesperson, coach, therapist, financial advisor, friend, and confidant. Never a dull moment!

Tell us about your family...

My wife, Virginia, and I met at a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. We married in 2010 and had our oldest child in 2011 while living in sunny Denver. Shortly thereafter, the grandparents called us back home to Minnesota (we both were born and raised in the Twin Cities). We have been happily married since 2010 and live in St. Paul, MN with our 3 young kids - Maeve, Tommy III, and Mona. I'm sure a puppy is in our future, but I'm holding off as long as I can... Our free time is filled with family activities and as much southern travel as possible in the winter months.

Hobbies...

There's nothing I like more than spending time with my family and friends. I'm working hard to make downhill skiers and golfers out of my wife and three kids. I love a good road trip, a wood-burning fire in the winter, evening cards in our screened porch in the summer, and a good book and/or good music all year round. Lastly, I'm a glutton for punishment as I can't stop holding out hope for my Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, and/or University of Minnesota Golden Gophers to win it all.

tom ryan, jr. family

Connect with Tom

FRANCHISE OFFER This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. An offer is made only by a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) in those jurisdictions that require it. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your jurisdiction.