Franchise Dictionary Magazine has named Robin Gagnon, CEO and Co-Founder of We Sell Restaurants, to its prestigious 2025 “Women of Wonder” (WoW) list. The annual recognition highlights 50 outstanding women in franchising who are shaping the future of the industry through innovation, leadership, and impact.

Gagnon joins an elite group of leaders selected for their ability to inspire change, empower entrepreneurs, and advance the success of franchise brands nationwide. This year’s honorees include Shane Evans, Co-Founder and CEO of Heights Wellness Retreat; Cathy Deano, Co-Founder of Painting with a Twist; Tricia Petteys, Co-Founder and CEO of Payroll Vault; and 45 other women who are breaking barriers and setting new standards for excellence in franchising.

“We have been highlighting ‘50 Women of Wonder’ (WOW) since 2018 and this year’s winners are incredible,” says Alesia Visconti, CEO of FranServe and CEO/Publisher of Franchise Dictionary Magazine. “I wrote the book The Pink Tsunami: Women’s Rise in Franchising to help women learn how they could enter this space, and this year’s fran-tastic WOW winners are women at the very top! They don’t merely break the glass ceiling - they shatter it! We are thrilled to celebrate their success and showcase their contributions to helping change lives through franchise ownership. Congrats to these powerhouses!”

A Trailblazer for Women in Franchising

As CEO and Co-Founder of We Sell Restaurants, Robin Gagnon leads the nation’s only business brokerage franchise focused exclusively on restaurant sales. Under her leadership, the brand has expanded nationwide, helping thousands of entrepreneurs buy, sell, and lease restaurants through a model that combines specialized expertise with proprietary technology.

A Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and recognized thought leader, Gagnon serves on the Executive Board of Directors for the International Franchise Association (IFA) and currently chairs the IFA Franchisor Forum. She is also a past Chair of the IFA Women’s Franchise Committee, where she championed initiatives to mentor, educate, and connect women throughout the franchise sector.

Amid the challenges of the pandemic, she founded a weekly Clubhouse gathering for women in franchising - a virtual space for connection, mentorship, and shared resilience when in-person community wasn’t possible. Her leadership in these roles has contributed to the advancement of women into senior-level positions and ownership roles across the franchise landscape.

Gagnon is also a long-standing member of the Women’s Franchise Network (WFN) – Atlanta, where she has served on the Executive Committee for more than a decade. Through this group, she has encouraged the sharing of ideas and information and promoted inclusivity and advancement across franchise systems of all sizes.

Her advocacy and mentorship earned her the IFA Crystal Compass Award, one of the association’s highest honors for women in franchising, recognizing those who exemplify leadership and inspire others to achieve their highest potential.

Industry Thought Leadership and Influence

Beyond her corporate role, Gagnon is a respected voice across the franchise community. She frequently speaks at leading industry conferences including the International Franchise Association Annual Convention, the Southeast Franchise Forum, and industry events such as QSR Evolution. Her sessions often focus on topics such as valuation, resale readiness, succession planning, and the future of franchise ownership, providing actionable insights that help both franchisors and franchisees thrive.

Through her extensive writing, media appearances, and weekly broadcast “Deals Revealed – The Top Restaurant Sales, Listings & Franchise Opportunities,” Gagnon has built a national platform for education and engagement around the business of restaurants and franchising. Her thought leadership continues to advance professional standards and inspire innovation throughout the industry.

A Legacy of Empowerment and Impact

Reflecting on the recognition, Gagnon said,

“It’s an incredible honor to be named among this year’s Women of Wonder. Franchising has the unique ability to change lives, not just for owners, but for every family, employee, and community that benefits from entrepreneurship. I’m proud to represent a brand that helps others achieve their American dream through restaurant ownership.”

Gagnon’s career reflects a consistent commitment to service and leadership. From building We Sell Restaurants into a nationally recognized brand to mentoring the next generation of franchise professionals, she continues to elevate both the franchise and restaurant industries through education, innovation, and advocacy.

When We Sell Restaurants was founded more than two decades ago, the restaurant brokerage and franchise sectors were heavily male-dominated, with few women in ownership or leadership roles. Today, the company reflects the progress of the broader industry, with nearly 25 percent of We Sell Restaurants franchise ownership held by women.

According to data from the National Restaurant Association and QSR Magazine, women now own or co-own roughly one-third of all restaurant businesses in the United States, signaling a steady rise in female entrepreneurship in hospitality. The company’s commitment to fostering opportunity and representation has made We Sell Restaurants a place where women not only participate but lead — shaping the future of restaurant brokerage and franchising.

We Sell Restaurants has also cultivated a culture of inclusion and professional growth across its franchise system. Women within the network hold key positions as Certified Restaurant Brokers®, multi-unit owners, and market leaders nationwide. Through mentorship, structured training, and a culture of performance, the company ensures that every franchise partner — regardless of background — has access to the tools and support needed to build a thriving business. This emphasis on diversity and empowerment underscores the company’s belief that innovation grows stronger when everyone has a seat at the table.

Giving Back to a Greater Cause

Proceeds from the Franchise Dictionary Magazine Women of Wonder issue benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, reinforcing the publication’s dedication to supporting women’s causes and driving positive change.

With nearly 450,000 readers, Franchise Dictionary Magazine serves as a national digital publication dedicated to educating and inspiring prospective franchisees, franchisors, and professionals across the industry.

About We Sell Restaurants

We Sell Restaurants is the nation’s leading and only business brokerage franchise specializing in restaurant sales. With a mission to “Sell More Restaurants Than Anyone Else. PERIOD.”, the company provides unmatched expertise in restaurant valuation, marketing, and deal execution. Founded by Robin and Eric Gagnon, We Sell Restaurants operates nationwide through a network of Certified Restaurant Brokers® committed to helping clients achieve success in buying, selling, or franchising restaurants.

Learn more at www.wesellrestaurants.com.