How We Sell Restaurants is Growing an Elite Sales-Driven Franchise with UCF Professional Selling Program

Posted by Robin Gagnon on Sep 8, 2025 4:00:00 PM

 

At We Sell Restaurants, we know that sales is the engine that drives every successful business. In restaurant brokerage, it’s not just about transactions—it’s about relationships, trust, and guiding clients through some of the biggest decisions of their lives. That’s why we are committed to building an elite sales organization across our franchise system. Our brokers are not just deal makers; they are trusted advisors who navigate buyers and sellers through a complex process with professionalism and care

 

Why Sales Careers Are Gaining Ground

Across industries, sales careers are evolving and gaining traction like never before. From technology and healthcare to finance and sustainability, companies are seeking professionals who can combine consultative skills with the ability to deliver results. These careers offer strong earnings potential, diverse career paths, and the opportunity to make a measurable impact on clients and communities.

At We Sell Restaurants, we see this firsthand. The demand for skilled sales professionals in restaurant brokerage continues to grow as more owners look to exit and more buyers enter the market. The ability to connect with clients, understand their needs, and deliver a successful outcome is what sets our Certified Restaurant Brokers apart.

Gold Sponsor of UCF’s Professional Selling Program

That’s why we have proudly joined the University of Central Florida’s Professional Selling Program as a Gold Sponsor. This nationally recognized program accepts only a select number of students each year, providing them with advanced coursework, role-play simulations, and mentorship that mirrors real-world selling experiences.

Our sponsorship represents more than financial support—it reflects our deep belief in the importance of professional sales training and our commitment to helping prepare the next generation of leaders in the field.

Firsthand Engagement with Future Sales Leaders

As part of our sponsorship, Rob Morrison, Eric Gagnon, and Robin Gagnon recently participated in the PSP meet-and-greet event, hosted by Dr. William Steiger of the UCF College of Business. Held at the Orlando Science Center, the event took a refreshing approach: instead of companies setting up booths to present opportunities, it was the students who presented their own booths.

This format created space for genuine conversations. Students introduced themselves creatively, showcased their unique strengths, and highlighted why they are preparing for careers in professional sales. Rather than a traditional career fair, the experience allowed for informal, one-on-one discussions that were both insightful and engaging.

Selfies

What stood out most were the innovative ways students found to connect with corporate partners. One standout example was Jessica Abels, who snapped selfies with those who stopped by her booth and displayed the mini-Polaroids on the spot. Imagine our surprise when we later received both a thoughtful handwritten note and our own selfie “photo” from Jessica in the mail. That creative touch made for an unforgettable impression.

In today’s fast-paced world, a handwritten note is already rare—but pairing it with a personal photo elevated the experience even further. From thoughtful questions to memorable introductions, Jessica demonstrated the creativity, professionalism, and enthusiasm that set future sales leaders apart.

It’s clear she has an excellent career ahead. These early conversations weren’t just introductions; they were the start of relationships we look forward to building throughout the semester.

In the Classroom: Sharing the We Sell Restaurants Journey

In addition to the meet-and-greet, Robin and Eric Gagnon were in the classroom this past Friday with students who are graduating in December. They shared not only the story of We Sell Restaurants as the nation’s leading restaurant brokerage franchise, but also their personal journey—how they built careers in sales and ultimately launched a national franchise brand devoted to the practice of professional selling.

The classroom session was highly interactive, giving students an opportunity to ask questions, learn about the realities of building a business from the ground up, and see firsthand how sales can be a foundation for entrepreneurship. To cap off the visit, one lucky student received a signed copy of their book, Appetite for Acquisition, a practical guide for anyone interested in buying or selling a restaurant.

The impact of these sessions was reflected in student feedback:

“Thank you again for your presentation this afternoon. I truly appreciate both of your time. We are grateful to have corporate partners like We Sell Restaurants, who make this program so special.”

“Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us today! It was wonderful learning about both of your backgrounds and hearing how you’ve built such successful careers. Your stories were incredibly inspiring! It even made me consider opening a franchise myself one day!”

Training That Builds Sales Professionals into Certified Restaurant Brokers

At We Sell Restaurants, our commitment to sales training doesn’t stop at the classroom. Every new franchisee completes four weeks of intensive restaurant brokerage training to become a Certified Restaurant Broker.

Each segment of the training is designed not only to cover the mechanics of restaurant brokerage—valuations, contracts, negotiations, and marketing—but also to provide dedicated focus on sales skills. From consultative questioning and objection handling to relationship building and closing strategies, sales is at the heart of every module.

This emphasis on sales continues beyond the training period. Once a franchisee joins the practice, the focus on selling skills is reinforced in day-to-day operations, supported by ongoing coaching, advanced tools, and a nationwide peer network.

Sales Enablement Inside the BOSS Platform

What truly sets We Sell Restaurants apart is the integration of sales enablement directly into our proprietary BOSS (Broker’s Operations & Sales System) platform.

Within BOSS, franchisees have instant access to:

  • Sales scripts tested and proven in real-world transactions
  • Step-by-step selling techniques aligned with our brokerage model
  • A comprehensive knowledge base that delivers on-demand guidance for every stage of the sales process

This means that the skills developed during training are not left in a classroom or binder—they are reinforced and immediately accessible inside the same platform brokers use to run their businesses every day.

By embedding sales tools and training inside BOSS, we ensure that our franchisees are never without the resources they need to sell effectively, whether they are working with buyers, sellers, or referral partners.

Continuing Partnership with UCF

Our engagement with UCF’s Professional Selling Track does not end with a single classroom visit or networking event. This year, we will continue our partnership by participating in Speed Interviews with students enrolled in the program, as well as role-playing buyers while students test and hone their selling skills later in the semester.

These activities are mutually rewarding. As we interact with students, we not only help them grow and refine their sales techniques but also expand our own perspectives and sharpen our practices. Partnering with a first-class business school that includes this critical coursework keeps us aligned with the cutting edge of professional sales education.

Why This Matters for Our Growth

As We Sell Restaurants continues to expand nationwide, the foundation of our success will always come back to people. We are building a franchise system powered by individuals who are not only passionate about hospitality, but also committed to the discipline of professional selling.

Our role as a Gold Sponsor at UCF, our participation in the student-led meet-and-greet at the Orlando Science Center, our classroom engagement with graduating seniors, our rigorous Certified Restaurant Broker training, the integration of sales tools into the BOSS platform, and our continued involvement in speed interviews and role-play exercises all reflect our larger mission: to invest in the future of sales, strengthen the profession, and build the strongest sales-driven franchise system in the restaurant brokerage industry.

At We Sell Restaurants, we are proud to invest in the future of professional selling while building a sales-driven franchise system that leads the restaurant brokerage industry. To learn more about our brand and explore opportunities, visit our restaurant for sale listings online or discover how you an become part of our franchise system at wesellrestaurants.com/franchise.

Topics: Restaurant Broker Franchise

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