About the Author

Steve Olson, CFE is President of Franchise Update Media Group, the industry educational resource for franchise growth. The multi-media company produces conferences, magazines, websites and industry research, servicing over 600 franchise clients. As a successful independent business owner, franchisee, franchisor and consultant, Steve has helped jumpstart growth for more than 50 established and emerging regional and national franchise brands. He has built development programs for retail, business-to-business and service concepts. He is former President of Franchise Update Media Group, and Associate Publisher of Entrepreneur Media. Steve entered franchising in 1980 as co-owner of a multi-unit franchise in Houston, and was awarded Franchisee of the Year. Steve has chaired and participated on International Franchise Association Committees and served on company boards. A frequent columnist and speaker on small business, Steve authored "Grow to Greatness: How to Build A World-Class Franchise System Faster," an Amazon #1 best-seller in the retail business and franchising categories. Olson is quoted by national and local media as a resource for small businesses and franchising, including The Wall Street Journal, Smart Money Magazine, Financial Times, The Street, NPR, Orange County Register, Seattle Times and other metropolitan newspapers and TV.