The Power of Belief: How Robin Gagnon is Transforming Franchising Through Leadership, Advocacy, and Strategy
What does it take to build a nationally recognized brand, create opportunities for others, and shape the future of franchising? For Robin Gagnon, Co-Founder and CEO of We Sell Restaurants, it all begins with one powerful principle: belief.
In Episode 28 of the Franchise Leaders Forum—a podcast hosted on Spotify and led by Shannon Wilburn, CFE, and Tracy Panase, CFE—Robin shares how being believed in before she believed in herself shaped the trajectory of her leadership. That insight now drives her commitment to franchisees, team members, and the broader industry.
Robin describes belief not just as a personal motivator but as a leadership imperative. “When someone believes in you,” she says, “you begin to rise to that expectation—even if you aren’t sure you’re ready.” This belief system underpins her approach to franchising: providing support, structure, and mentorship so others can build businesses that support their families and futures.
That mindset has fueled We Sell Restaurants’ expansion into 45 states, a nationwide footprint that reflects not only business acumen but an intentional, values-driven strategy.
Key to the brand’s success is its operational discipline. Robin highlights the role of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in scaling the business. EOS gave the brand a framework to stay true to its core values, focus on the right goals, and empower franchisees with the tools to succeed. It wasn’t just about growing—it was about growing with clarity and purpose.
The company's bold vision—Sell More Restaurants Than Anyone Else. PERIOD.—is more than a tagline. It's a guiding force backed by proprietary systems, extensive training, and a community of Certified Restaurant Brokers dedicated to making deals happen.
Robin also shared a passionate call to action for franchisors: embrace franchise resales and succession planning as strategic growth channels, not afterthoughts. “Franchise exits aren’t the end of the story—they’re a new chapter,” she explains. “Handled well, they protect the brand, create new ownership opportunities, and keep units performing.”
At We Sell Restaurants, resale planning is a critical part of the franchise lifecycle. The team supports franchisors by removing the friction of resales so they can focus on development—while ensuring experienced operators continue leading successful locations.
As a past Chair of the IFA Women’s Franchise Committee and current Chair of the IFA Franchisor Forum, Robin has long been a champion for women in franchising. On the podcast, she reflected on both the progress made and the work still ahead.
“There’s no shortage of talent—just access,” she notes. Robin continues to advocate for emerging franchisors and women leaders to have a seat at the table. She encourages others to mentor generously, speak up, and recognize the unique strengths women bring to the franchise business model.
Robin’s story is one of resilience, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to others. Her work is helping build multigenerational wealth for franchisees, elevating underrepresented voices, and demonstrating how targeted focus—in this case, restaurants—can create a competitive edge in a fragmented industry.
From sharing insights on resale strategy to pushing the conversation forward on women in franchising, Robin offers more than just operational advice—she shares a model of belief-driven leadership that’s building a stronger, more inclusive future for franchising.
🎙️ Listen to the full episode on Spotify: Franchise Leaders Forum – Episode 28
🎧 Hosted by Shannon Wilburn, CFE (Just Between Friends Franchise System) and Tracy Panase, CFE (Franchise CEO & Consultant)
Want to Connect with Robin?
📩 robin@wesellrestaurants.com
🔗 LinkedIn
🌐 www.wesellrestaurants.com