Franchising offers more than one path to success: you can buy, scale, or supply.
Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 11-2 pm
Ignite Business Lounge, 300 Promenade Wy #200, Sugar Land, TX 77478
Are you trying to grow your business at local meetups and chambers but unsuccessful at landing clients?
Is Your Networking Not Working?
Learn how to go from dreading your networking
to being excited and ready to show up!
JOIN THE FREE LIVE ONLINE TRAINING
Thursday, February 23, 2023
1 PM ET | 12 PM CT
Many professionals have never been taught how to own, scale, or position themselves within a proven business model. This event will introduce you to the power of franchising through our Buy, Scale, Supply philosophy.
You will learn how to:
BUY - Become a FRANCHISEE by purchasing a franchise business
SCALE - Become a FRANCHISOR to grow your business national
SUPPLY - Become a SUPPLIER to the franchise industry to grow your business
Whether you are a current entrepreneur, an aspiring business owner, or a professional looking for your next opportunity, this is a must-attend event for anyone ready to think bigger about business growth and legacy.
Meet the Speakers
Host:
TONI HARRIS TAYLOR
Toni Harris Taylor, known as "The Networking Queen™" and "The Coach that Connects," is a Houston-based franchise expert, award-winning business coach, and the founder of Drastic Franchise Matchmakers. With over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, Toni is on a mission to make franchising accessible to everyone, helping aspiring entrepreneurs find the perfect franchise to match their passion and financial goals.
As the Executive Director of the Multicultural Franchise Connectors and a Network In Action franchise owner, Toni is a powerhouse in the industry who believes in taking "drastic" steps to achieve generational wealth. Whether through her live videocasts or her hands-on coaching, Toni’s high-energy approach and deep industry connections make her the ultimate guide for those ready to explore the world of franchising and turn "contacts into contracts."
Co-Host:
Aneesha Smith
Aneesha Smith, RNC, is a 25-year perinatal clinician, innovative entrepreneur, and the visionary Founder of The Konnected Practice™ and BirthSync. With a career rooted in maternal health at institutions like Texas Children’s Hospital, Aneesha has transitioned her clinical expertise into the world of high-level business strategy and digital transformation.
As a sought-after speaker and author, she specializes in helping healthcare leaders and community-based organizations build sustainable, purpose-driven systems. By integrating AI-powered productivity tools with human-centered infrastructure, Aneesha empowers professionals to achieve greater visibility and operational clarity.
Dedicated to data equity and collaborative growth, she is a leader in designing future-facing ecosystems that foster trust and connection. Aneesha is passionate about bridging the gap between clinical excellence and business innovation, ensuring that caregivers have the tools they need to thrive.
Co-Host:
LaShonda Johnson
Former U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. LaShonda Johnson is a Houston native dedicated to serving her family, veterans, and community. Joining the Marine Corps in 2000 as a Legal Services Specialist, she rose through the ranks while earning bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Health Care Management. She deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and later led a Marine Recruiting Substation in Houston, building strong ties within the veteran community.
After leaving active duty, LaShonda continued serving through leadership roles with veteran organizations including the Mission Continues, Wounded Warrior Project, Lone Star Veteran Association, Travis Manion Foundation, and the Houston VA. Her advocacy helped establish Texas Women Veterans Day and Women Veteran License Plates. Following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, she quickly returned to helping others despite losing her own home and belongings, earning recognition from the Houston Mayor with a day proclaimed in her honor.
Today, LaShonda proudly serves as the Case Manager Supervisor for the Harris County Veterans Services Department, leading outreach efforts to support veterans in need.
Speaker:
ANGELA SPENCER
Angela Spencer is a dynamic entrepreneur, mentor, and business leader dedicated to driving commercial innovation and empowering others. As the Co-Founder of Roamin Restrooms and the CEO of BOI Ventures, she brings an enterprising spirit and strategic vision to scaling unique business concepts. Known as a passionate coach and mentor, Angela balances her executive leadership with a commitment to guiding other professionals toward success, infusing her work with a distinct energy and genuine love for life.
Speaker:
MICHAEL MINUTO
Michael Minuto is an innovative executive and operations veteran with over 28 years of experience scaling technical systems and business infrastructure. As the Founder, CEO, and Franchisor of VA+ Virtual Staffing, he is currently driving the company's expansion by offering high-growth franchise opportunities designed to systemize remote operations for modern entrepreneurs. Backed by a distinguished corporate background leading product R&D and high-performing teams for global giants like IBM, Motorola, and Charles Schwab, Michael combines his elite Agile credentials—including Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and Product Owner (CSPO)—with automated virtual staffing systems to help business owners eliminate operational bottlenecks and maximize efficiency.
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