Industry Experts
Advisory Board
Avi Behar
Chairman and CEO of The Behar Group of Companies
Avi is Chairman and CEO of The Behar Group of Companies, actively involved in commercial, industrial, and investment transactions. The Behar Group is one of the most active brokerages in Canada in retail, hospitality, and the food & beverage space. Avi attracts and conducts high-level business with premier developers and major global tenancies. His network of mandated relationships on both the landlord and tenant sides is his continual focus as he helps position The Behar Group for excellence in commercial development, business culture, and responsible corporate citizenship.
Email: abehar@thebehargroup.com
Phone: 416.636.8898 x227
Website: www.thebehargroup.com
Jordan Druxerman
Partner, Garfinkle Biderman LLP
Jordan Druxerman is a partner at Garfinkle Biderman LLP and serves as Head of the firm’s Franchise Group, where he advises emerging and established franchisors throughout Canada on the creation, development, and strategic expansion of their franchise systems. His practice includes drafting and updating franchise agreements, master franchise agreements, area development agreements, and franchise disclosure documents—core legal instruments essential to ensuring compliant and scalable franchise growth.
Email: jdruxerman@garfinkle.com
Phone: 416.869.7628
Website: www.garfinkle.com
Randall Craig
CEO, Braintrust Professional Institute
Advisory and Training for entrepreneurial leaders and their teams. Serial Entrepreneur. Senior exec at a public company. Author of 8 books. Leadership Advisor, and Hall of Fame Speaker.
Email: rmc@randallcraig.com
Phone: (416) 918-5384
Website: BraintrustProfessionalInstitute.com
Rob Kadlovski
Rob Kadlovski, President, Nicholby’s
Rob is the founder and President of Nicholby’s, with over 45-year retail operations experience encompassing both traditional and non-traditional venues, from Ontario Place, Skyline Tower, hotels, hospital gift shops, university convenience shops, oil and uranium work camps such as Fort McMurray, airport locations, 400 series highways, office buildings, gas stations and the list goes on. Nicholby’s is extremely diversified in its experiences, a chameleon retailer working in many diverse, challenging, and unique venues. A premier retailer serving over 300 locations across Canada and recently in the USA.
Email: rob@nicholbys.com
Wendy Kauffman
Founder, Wendolyn Reputation Management
Wendy is a 20-year veteran of the communications field, specializing in reputation management. Her work extends across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors nationwide. She has supported global brands and innovative startups, each time establishing them as thought leaders and strong storytellers, whether to increase sales, build engagement, or gain influence.
Email: wendy@wendolynreputation.com
Phone: (416) 725-9552
Website: wendolynreputation.com
Trusted Industry Experts
Lyn Little
CPA, CA, Partner, National Franchise Leader
BDO Canada LLP
As a Partner and National Franchise Leader at BDO Canada, Lyn helps franchisors and franchisees improve profitability, strengthen financial reporting, and achieve sustainable growth. Lyn works with businesses across the franchise sector, in order to provide accounting and advisory services that support informed decision-making, enhance credibility with lenders and investors, and position organizations for long-term success.
She is passionate about connecting clients with the right people, resources, and expertise to help them address challenges and seize growth opportunities.
A long-time advocate for the franchise community, she has served as Board Member and Treasurer of the Canadian Franchise Association, has participated as a judge for the EFT 100, and contributes to the franchise community through involvement on several Canadian Franchise Association committees.
Email: llittle@bdo.ca
Phone: 905-633-4942
Website: www.bdo.ca
Larry Berdugo
ChFC, CFP®, CLU®, Financial Consultant, WealthMore Financial Services
Personalized, Unbiased Financial Solutions for Every Stage of Life
As independent Chartered Financial Consultants (Ch.F.C.), WealthMore has access to an extensive range of financial products, giving us the flexibility to tailor solutions that truly fit each client’s unique needs and goals. We’re not tied to any specific providers, so every recommendation is based solely on what serves you best. We work with owner/manager and professionals to ensure they minimize their taxes and maximize the value they receive from their financial products.
Email: larry@wealthmore.ca
Phone: (416) 487-9696
Website: wealthmore.ca
Amanda Cucullo
Founder, Aviclair Inc. | Training, Online Course, Policy, and Operations Support for Franchisors
Amanda Cucullo is the Founder of Aviclair Inc., where she supports franchisors and companies preparing to franchise with the development of training materials, online courses, company policies, and operational resources that help create consistency across locations.
With a background in human resources, learning and development, recruitment, adult education, course design, and experience as an HR adjunct professor, Amanda helps franchise brands build practical resources that support onboarding, employee training, operational alignment, and scalable growth.
Her work is especially valuable for franchisors looking to strengthen brand standards, improve training delivery, and give franchisees and their teams the tools they need to operate with confidence. Through Aviclair, Amanda partners with growing businesses to create clear, professional, and scalable resources that support franchise readiness, team performance, and long-term success.
Email: hrservices@aviclair.com
Website: www.aviclair.com
Mirela Lamb
Professional Bookkeeper
Mirela is a seasoned finance executive and entrepreneur, specializing in strategic accounting management and operational efficiencies. With over a decade of experience scaling businesses and optimizing operations, she now focuses on delivering tailored bookkeeping and tax solutions to empower small and medium-sized enterprises.
Services: Full cycle bookkeeping, AR & AP, and year end preparations. Full cycle payroll solutions. CRA & other legislative filings and remittances. Individual, small business and corporate tax returns.
Email: mirela@asheaccounting.com
Phone: 647-981-6173
Colleen O’Brien, Ph.D
Vice-President, Self Management Group
Colleen specializes in psychometric assessments and predictive analytics to help franchise organizations identify high-quality candidates. Using SMG’s POP assessments and TalentNest hiring solution, she supports franchises in selecting and developing top talent, enhancing retention, and driving performance for a strong ROI.
Email: cobrien@selfmgmt.com
Website: www.selfmgmt.com
Michael G. Sherrard, K.C.
Employment & Labour Lawyer
Michael is recognized as one of Canada’s leading employment and labour lawyers by Chambers
Global®, Lexology® (Global Elite Thought Leader), Legal 500®, Best Lawyers® and Lexpert®, and a Five Star Safety Lawyer by Canadian Occupational Safety®. He is also a Fellow of the prestigious College of Labor and Employment Lawyers® and holds the designation, King’s Counsel.
Email: msherrard@sherrardkuzz.com
Phone: 416.603.6240
Website: www.sherrardkuzz.com
Matthew Stern
President, New Ink Consulting
New Ink Consulting works with franchisees to develop bank-ready business plans, recommend optimal loan structures, and source financing. The company fast-tracks the loan approval by submitting the application to senior franchise directors at financial institutions. The company has a 99% success rate securing loan approvals and has raised over $100 million. New Ink Consulting also works with emerging franchise systems to help them understand the financial viability of their concepts and investment requirements.
Email: matthew@newinkconsulting.com
Phone: (647) 926-3019
Website: www.newinkconsulting.com
Larry Weinberg
Partner, Cassels
Larry Weinberg is a business law partner in the Franchise Law Group at Cassels, and serves as Chair of the team. Since 1989 he has had a practice concentrated in the area of franchise law and providing all necessary legal services to franchisors. He is a member of the Canadian Franchise Association, where he served as a member of the CFA Board of Directors and as CFA General Counsel, and the International Franchise Association, where he most recently served as Chair of the IFA International Committee, and also previously served as a Member of the IFA Board of Directors and as Chair of its Supplier Forum Advisory Board. He is also a Past-Chair of the International Bar Association’s International Franchising Committee and is a Past-Chair of the Ontario Bar Association’s Franchise Law Section.
Email: lweinberg@cassels.com
Phone: (416) 860-2987
Website: www.cassels.com
Cynthia Yang
Principal at The Law Office of Xi C. Yang
Cynthia is a business lawyer whose practice is focused on franchising and commercial transactions. She takes a practical and purposeful approach to providing legal services, and places emphasis on providing legal solutions in the context of business realities and helping clients achieve their business goals. Cynthia has extensive experience advising franchisors on matters relating to system creation, managing franchise disclosures and agreements, leasing, as well as facilitating the resolution of franchise related disputes.
Email: cynthia@cyanglaw.com
Phone: (416) 669-1329
Website: www.cyanglaw.com
Lyn Little
CPA, CA, Partner, National Franchise Leader
BDO Canada LLP
As a Partner and National Franchise Leader at BDO Canada, Lyn helps franchisors and franchisees improve profitability, strengthen financial reporting, and achieve sustainable growth. Lyn works with businesses across the franchise sector, in order to provide accounting and advisory services that support informed decision-making, enhance credibility with lenders and investors, and position organizations for long-term success.
She is passionate about connecting clients with the right people, resources, and expertise to help them address challenges and seize growth opportunities.
A long-time advocate for the franchise community, she has served as Board Member and Treasurer of the Canadian Franchise Association, has participated as a judge for the EFT 100, and contributes to the franchise community through involvement on several Canadian Franchise Association committees.
Email: llittle@bdo.ca
Phone: 905-633-4942
Website: www.bdo.ca
Larry Berdugo
ChFC, CFP®, CLU®, Financial Consultant, WealthMore Financial Services
Personalized, Unbiased Financial Solutions for Every Stage of Life
As independent Chartered Financial Consultants (Ch.F.C.), WealthMore has access to an extensive range of financial products, giving us the flexibility to tailor solutions that truly fit each client’s unique needs and goals. We’re not tied to any specific providers, so every recommendation is based solely on what serves you best. We work with owner/manager and professionals to ensure they minimize their taxes and maximize the value they receive from their financial products.
Email: larry@wealthmore.ca
Phone: (416) 487-9696
Website: wealthmore.ca
Amanda Cucullo
Founder, Aviclair Inc. | Training, Online Course, Policy, and Operations Support for Franchisors
Amanda Cucullo is the Founder of Aviclair Inc., where she supports franchisors and companies preparing to franchise with the development of training materials, online courses, company policies, and operational resources that help create consistency across locations.
With a background in human resources, learning and development, recruitment, adult education, course design, and experience as an HR adjunct professor, Amanda helps franchise brands build practical resources that support onboarding, employee training, operational alignment, and scalable growth.
Her work is especially valuable for franchisors looking to strengthen brand standards, improve training delivery, and give franchisees and their teams the tools they need to operate with confidence. Through Aviclair, Amanda partners with growing businesses to create clear, professional, and scalable resources that support franchise readiness, team performance, and long-term success.
Email: hrservices@aviclair.com
Website: www.aviclair.com
Lyn Little
CPA, CA, Partner, National Franchise Leader
BDO Canada LLP
As a Partner and National Franchise Leader at BDO Canada, Lyn helps franchisors and franchisees improve profitability, strengthen financial reporting, and achieve sustainable growth. Lyn works with businesses across the franchise sector, in order to provide accounting and advisory services that support informed decision-making, enhance credibility with lenders and investors, and position organizations for long-term success.
She is passionate about connecting clients with the right people, resources, and expertise to help them address challenges and seize growth opportunities.
A long-time advocate for the franchise community, she has served as Board Member and Treasurer of the Canadian Franchise Association, has participated as a judge for the EFT 100, and contributes to the franchise community through involvement on several Canadian Franchise Association committees.
Email: llittle@bdo.ca
Phone: 905-633-4942
Website: www.bdo.ca
Colleen O’Brien, Ph.D
Vice-President, Self Management Group
Colleen specializes in psychometric assessments and predictive analytics to help franchise organizations identify high-quality candidates. Using SMG’s POP assessments and TalentNest hiring solution, she supports franchises in selecting and developing top talent, enhancing retention, and driving performance for a strong ROI.
Email: cobrien@selfmgmt.com
Website: www.selfmgmt.com
Michael G. Sherrard, K.C.
Employment & Labour Lawyer
Michael is recognized as one of Canada’s leading employment and labour lawyers by Chambers
Global®, Lexology® (Global Elite Thought Leader), Legal 500®, Best Lawyers® and Lexpert®, and a Five Star Safety Lawyer by Canadian Occupational Safety®. He is also a Fellow of the prestigious College of Labor and Employment Lawyers® and holds the designation, King’s Counsel.
Email: msherrard@sherrardkuzz.com
Phone: 416.603.6240
Website: www.sherrardkuzz.com
Lyn Little
CPA, CA, Partner, National Franchise Leader
BDO Canada LLP
As a Partner and National Franchise Leader at BDO Canada, Lyn helps franchisors and franchisees improve profitability, strengthen financial reporting, and achieve sustainable growth. Lyn works with businesses across the franchise sector, in order to provide accounting and advisory services that support informed decision-making, enhance credibility with lenders and investors, and position organizations for long-term success.
She is passionate about connecting clients with the right people, resources, and expertise to help them address challenges and seize growth opportunities.
A long-time advocate for the franchise community, she has served as Board Member and Treasurer of the Canadian Franchise Association, has participated as a judge for the EFT 100, and contributes to the franchise community through involvement on several Canadian Franchise Association committees.
Email: llittle@bdo.ca
Phone: 905-633-4942
Website: www.bdo.ca
Larry Weinberg
Partner, Cassels
Larry Weinberg is a business law partner in the Franchise Law Group at Cassels, and serves as Chair of the team. Since 1989 he has had a practice concentrated in the area of franchise law and providing all necessary legal services to franchisors. He is a member of the Canadian Franchise Association, where he served as a member of the CFA Board of Directors and as CFA General Counsel, and the International Franchise Association, where he most recently served as Chair of the IFA International Committee, and also previously served as a Member of the IFA Board of Directors and as Chair of its Supplier Forum Advisory Board. He is also a Past-Chair of the International Bar Association’s International Franchising Committee and is a Past-Chair of the Ontario Bar Association’s Franchise Law Section.
Email: lweinberg@cassels.com
Phone: (416) 860-2987
Website: www.cassels.com
Cynthia Yang
Principal at The Law Office of Xi C. Yang
Cynthia is a business lawyer whose practice is focused on franchising and commercial transactions. She takes a practical and purposeful approach to providing legal services, and places emphasis on providing legal solutions in the context of business realities and helping clients achieve their business goals. Cynthia has extensive experience advising franchisors on matters relating to system creation, managing franchise disclosures and agreements, leasing, as well as facilitating the resolution of franchise related disputes.
Email: cynthia@cyanglaw.com
Phone: (416) 669-1329
Website: www.cyanglaw.com
Larry Berdugo
ChFC, CFP®, CLU®, Financial Consultant, WealthMore Financial Services
Personalized, Unbiased Financial Solutions for Every Stage of Life
As independent Chartered Financial Consultants (Ch.F.C.), WealthMore has access to an extensive range of financial products, giving us the flexibility to tailor solutions that truly fit each client’s unique needs and goals. We’re not tied to any specific providers, so every recommendation is based solely on what serves you best. We work with owner/manager and professionals to ensure they minimize their taxes and maximize the value they receive from their financial products.
Email: larry@wealthmore.ca
Phone: (416) 487-9696
Website: wealthmore.ca
Randall Craig
CEO, Braintrust Professional Institute
Advisory and Training for entrepreneurial leaders and their teams. Serial Entrepreneur. Senior exec at a public company. Author of 8 books. Leadership Advisor, and Hall of Fame Speaker.
Email: rmc@randallcraig.com
Phone: (416) 918-5384
Website: BraintrustProfessionalInstitute.com
Jordan Druxerman
Partner, Garfinkle Biderman LLP
Jordan Druxerman is a partner at Garfinkle Biderman LLP and serves as Head of the firm’s Franchise Group, where he advises emerging and established franchisors throughout Canada on the creation, development, and strategic expansion of their franchise systems. His practice includes drafting and updating franchise agreements, master franchise agreements, area development agreements, and franchise disclosure documents—core legal instruments essential to ensuring compliant and scalable franchise growth.
Email: jdruxerman@garfinkle.com
Phone: 416.869.7628
Website: www.garfinkle.com
Wendy Kauffman
Founder, Wendolyn Reputation Management
Wendy is a 20-year veteran of the communications field, specializing in reputation management. Her work extends across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors nationwide. She has supported global brands and innovative startups, each time establishing them as thought leaders and strong storytellers, whether to increase sales, build engagement, or gain influence.
Email: wendy@wendolynreputation.com
Phone: (416) 725-9552
Website: wendolynreputation.com
Mirela Lamb
Professional Bookkeeper
Mirela is a seasoned finance executive and entrepreneur, specializing in strategic accounting management and operational efficiencies. With over a decade of experience scaling businesses and optimizing operations, she now focuses on delivering tailored bookkeeping and tax solutions to empower small and medium-sized enterprises.
Services: Full cycle bookkeeping, AR & AP, and year end preparations. Full cycle payroll solutions. CRA & other legislative filings and remittances. Individual, small business and corporate tax returns.
Email: mirela@asheaccounting.com
Phone: 647-981-6173
Colleen O’Brien, Ph.D
Vice-President, Self Management Group
Colleen specializes in psychometric assessments and predictive analytics to help franchise organizations identify high-quality candidates. Using SMG’s POP assessments and TalentNest hiring solution, she supports franchises in selecting and developing top talent, enhancing retention, and driving performance for a strong ROI.
Email: cobrien@selfmgmt.com
Website: www.selfmgmt.com
Michael G. Sherrard, K.C.
Employment & Labour Lawyer
Michael is recognized as one of Canada’s leading employment and labour lawyers by Chambers
Global®, Lexology® (Global Elite Thought Leader), Legal 500®, Best Lawyers® and Lexpert®, and a Five Star Safety Lawyer by Canadian Occupational Safety®. He is also a Fellow of the prestigious College of Labor and Employment Lawyers® and holds the designation, King’s Counsel.
Email: msherrard@sherrardkuzz.com
Phone: 416.603.6240
Website: www.sherrardkuzz.com
Matthew Stern
President, New Ink Consulting
New Ink Consulting works with franchisees to develop bank-ready business plans, recommend optimal loan structures, and source financing. The company fast-tracks the loan approval by submitting the application to senior franchise directors at financial institutions. The company has a 99% success rate securing loan approvals and has raised over $100 million. New Ink Consulting also works with emerging franchise systems to help them understand the financial viability of their concepts and investment requirements.
Email: matthew@newinkconsulting.com
Phone: (647) 926-3019
Website: www.newinkconsulting.com
Larry Weinberg
Partner, Cassels
Larry Weinberg is a business law partner in the Franchise Law Group at Cassels, and serves as Chair of the team. Since 1989 he has had a practice concentrated in the area of franchise law and providing all necessary legal services to franchisors. He is a member of the Canadian Franchise Association, where he served as a member of the CFA Board of Directors and as CFA General Counsel, and the International Franchise Association, where he most recently served as Chair of the IFA International Committee, and also previously served as a Member of the IFA Board of Directors and as Chair of its Supplier Forum Advisory Board. He is also a Past-Chair of the International Bar Association’s International Franchising Committee and is a Past-Chair of the Ontario Bar Association’s Franchise Law Section.
Email: lweinberg@cassels.com
Phone: 416 860 2987
Website: www.cassels.com