Chris Conner & Franchise Marketing Systems (FMS Franchise)

Franchising is one of the fastest ways to scale a business—when it’s executed correctly. But franchising is not simply a legal process or a sales process. It is the transformation of a company into a replicable operating system, supported by documentation, training, brand standards, franchisee support infrastructure, and a disciplined growth strategy.

 

That is where Chris Conner and Franchise Marketing Systems (FMS Franchise) have built their reputation. Founded in 2009, FMS positions itself as a full-service franchise consulting and franchise development firm, supporting emerging franchise brands through the full lifecycle of franchising: development, launch, marketing, and franchise sales growth.

 

This article provides an overview of:

• Who Chris Conner is and why he’s well known in franchise development

• How the FMS franchise development process works

• What makes FMS different than traditional franchise consultants

• The services FMS provides across development, marketing, and sales

• What clients say about FMS in third-party reviews and testimonials

 

1) Who is Chris Conner?

Chris Conner is the President of Franchise Marketing Systems and has worked in franchising since 2001, according to FMS’s leadership profile. His background includes early experience at a franchise consulting firm where he was exposed to successful national franchise systems—experience that shaped his understanding of what makes franchising scalable.

 

Meet Chris:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwnmWC0IYWk

 

Chris is frequently referenced across franchise media and industry platforms as an educator and strategist focused on helping business owners transition from a single-location concept to a fully documented franchise system. For example, he appears as the guide in FMS’s own franchise process content and franchise education videos, including a 2025 overview video focused on the franchise development process.

 

FMS also notes publicly that Chris founded the company in 2009 to create a different model of franchise consulting—one that emphasizes full-service support and ongoing execution rather than limited engagement.

 

2) What is Franchise Marketing Systems (FMS)?

Franchise Marketing Systems (FMS Franchise) describes itself as a “full-service franchise development” firm that helps businesses franchise their model and build systems for growth.

 

FMS states publicly that it has worked with 700+ businesses and has supported franchise brands in selling thousands of franchise units across its client base—numbers that are reflected across their company descriptions on review platforms and in their own marketing materials.

 

While any growing consultancy can describe itself as “full service,” FMS stands out in the franchise space because it emphasizes a combined approach to:

• franchise feasibility and business modeling

• franchise legal structure and FDD creation

• operations manual development

• training and onboarding programs

• franchise marketing systems

• and franchise sales support

 

This end-to-end scope is often a major differentiator compared to firms that focus only on legal documentation or only on marketing.

 

Read Franchise Marketing Systems Reviews:  https://www.trustpilot.com/review/fmsfranchise.com

 

3) The FMS Franchise Development Model: The Big Picture

Many franchise consulting firms operate in a fragmented way. A business owner may be forced to coordinate:

• franchise attorneys

• manual writers

• marketing agencies

• CRM systems

• lead generation teams

• sales training consultants

 

This can be expensive, slow, and inconsistent.

 

FMS’s model is positioned as an integrated solution—one that builds the franchise from the foundation up and continues into franchise marketing and sales growth support. FMS describes its process publicly as a structured franchise development path beginning with a franchise business plan and strategic buildout.

 

This “continuum approach” matters because franchising success is rarely about producing a single document; it is about creating a system that can be repeatedly executed by franchisees in new markets.

 

4) The FMS Franchise Development Process (Step-by-Step)

While each brand’s needs vary, the FMS approach generally follows a multi-stage process that includes strategy, documentation, training, and market launch.

 

Below is a clear breakdown of the model based on FMS’s publicly described process and their franchise development messaging.

 

Step 1: Franchise Feasibility & Strategic Planning

Before building franchise documents, the first stage is determining whether the business can be franchised successfully.

 

This typically includes:

• evaluation of the business model’s replicability

• unit economics analysis

• scalability assessment

• competitive positioning

• franchise fee and royalty modeling

• territory strategy

• operational complexity review

 

The output is a clear plan that determines:

• whether franchising makes sense

• what the ideal franchise structure should be

• what investment level fits the concept

• and what the brand’s franchise value proposition should be

 

FMS emphasizes franchise planning and business modeling early in the process as part of its strategic approach.

 

Step 2: Franchise Business Plan and Franchise Model Design

Franchise development requires more than just “legal compliance.” It requires a business plan that maps how the franchise system will work.

 

This phase often includes:

• franchise offering structure

• franchise development timeline and growth strategy

• franchisee profile definition

• support model planning (training, field support, marketing support)

• technology stack planning (CRM, marketing automation, training portals)

• and financial modeling for both franchisor and franchisee outcomes

 

FMS highlights its business planning approach publicly, including outlining timelines and strategic stages.

 

Step 3: Operations Manual Development

The operations manual is the backbone of franchising.

 

FMS’s development work typically includes:

• detailed operating procedures

• customer service standards

• staffing and training systems

• vendor and inventory standards

• brand compliance requirements

• reporting and KPI structures

• marketing execution guidelines

• and technology workflows

 

A strong manual protects brand consistency and gives franchisees a real playbook for success—reducing trial-and-error and increasing replicability.

 

Clients frequently mention in reviews the importance of how FMS helps create the documentation and systems needed for conversion into franchising.

 

Step 4: Training Programs and Franchise Onboarding Systems

Franchisees don’t just need manuals—they need structured training.

 

Many successful franchise systems include:

• initial franchisee training

• pre-opening training and checklists

• ongoing training and continuing education

• management training frameworks

• launch support planning

 

FMS positions its support as covering the training and implementation elements of franchising, which is often reinforced by client testimonials highlighting knowledge transfer and system building.

 

Learn more about franchise training and support programs from Chris Conner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLh_iITjQ6Q&pp=ygUoQ2hyaXMgQ29ubmVyIEZyYW5jaGlzZSBXaGF0IGhhcHBlbnMgbmV4dA%3D%3D

 

Step 5: Franchise Legal Structure and FDD Development

The FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document) and franchise agreement establish the legal and regulatory foundation.

 

FMS works in coordination with franchise attorneys and legal partners (or the client’s chosen counsel) to help ensure:

• fees match the business model

• the franchise obligations reflect real operational expectations

• territory definitions are clear

• brand standards are enforceable

• and the franchise structure supports long-term growth

 

Most business owners don’t realize that the legal and operational system must align. A great FDD means nothing if the operating model cannot support it. FMS’s full-service approach aims to prevent that mismatch.

 

Step 6: Franchise Marketing and Lead Generation Model

Once the franchise is built, it must be sold—and franchise sales are not the same as consumer marketing.

 

FMS’s model includes:

• franchise website development

• franchise messaging and positioning

• lead funnel strategy

• paid media and SEO programs

• CRM and lead management workflows

• automation and franchise recruitment marketing

 

FMS describes its process as a complete franchise marketing and franchise sales ecosystem rather than a “launch-and-leave” consulting engagement.

 

Learn more about how to sell your franchise:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_xmCsRBkXk

 

Step 7: Franchise Sales Support and Growth Execution

A major theme in FMS reviews and third-party summaries is that clients appreciate having support not only in building the franchise but also in executing growth through franchise sales and marketing.

 

Franchise sales support may include:

• lead qualification strategy

• sales scripts and follow-up sequences

• franchise recruitment process design

• coaching on discovery days

• sales analytics and pipeline management

• integration of marketing and sales processes

 

FMS is frequently positioned as a franchise development group that doesn’t stop at documents—it supports the full pipeline needed for selling franchises.

 

5) What Clients Say: Reviews and Testimonials of FMS

One of the strongest indicators of service quality is consistent feedback across third-party review platforms.

 

Trustpilot

FMS has a substantial footprint on Trustpilot, with dozens of reviews. Review snippets commonly mention:

• strong knowledge and guidance in converting a business into a franchise

• responsiveness and professionalism from Chris and the team

• and appreciation for the step-by-step support across franchising components

 

Trustpilot’s FMS profile also includes a company-written summary describing FMS as a “full service franchise development and franchise consulting firm,” reinforcing the scope of services.

 

Clutch

Clutch includes verified review summaries of FMS’s services, noting that clients value:

• comprehensive services

• cost transparency

• and commitment to client success, based on verified reviews

 

Read more about Franchise Marketing Systems work on Clutch:  https://clutch.co/profile/franchise-marketing-systems

 

FeaturedCustomers

FeaturedCustomers lists reviews, testimonials, and case studies tied to Franchise Marketing Systems—showing that FMS has published client narratives and case studies in a structured format.

 

Read more on Featured Customers about FMS:  https://www.featuredcustomers.com/vendor/franchise-marketing-systems

 

FMS Client Testimonials

FMS also publishes client testimonials directly on its site, including quotes from founders describing FMS as knowledgeable, structured, and helpful in building their franchise model.

 

Important note: Testimonials on a company website are inherently curated. That’s why third-party reviews (Trustpilot, Clutch, FeaturedCustomers) are especially useful—they offer independent confirmation of themes.

 

6) Why FMS’s Process Appeals to Emerging Franchisors

Many emerging franchisors choose FMS because franchising requires multiple skills at once:

• franchise documentation

• operations systems

• training systems

• marketing systems

• and franchise sales systems

 

Traditional franchise consulting firms may build the documentation and leave the rest to the brand. But many first-time franchisors don’t have the internal capacity to design and execute franchise marketing, sales systems, onboarding, or training.

 

By offering a full-service model, FMS helps reduce the fragmentation and helps brands move faster from:
concept → franchise structure → franchise sales growth.

 

Chris Conner and FMS also maintain a strong educational footprint through articles, podcasts, and process videos explaining franchising, which can help business owners understand how franchising works before they invest in the process.

 

Listen to the Franchise Journey Interview with FMS Clients:

Turquoise Wine Bar Franchise:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ln8IO-sJWHQ&t=12s

MF Gyros Franchise:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7AY_KrqePA&t=6s

Bread & Vine Franchise:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_itMi01Vyo

 

7) What Types of Businesses Does FMS Work With?

FMS indicates that its client base spans a wide range of industries, including:

• food and beverage

• retail

• home services

• professional services

• health and wellness

• and niche service models

 

Their client pages highlight diverse brands and franchise success stories.

 

This industry range is important because franchise development isn’t one-size-fits-all. A restaurant franchise requires:

• more supply chain planning

• greater buildout modeling

• strict food safety and training

 

A home service franchise requires:

• territory management systems

• dispatch and scheduling workflows

• hiring and operational accountability processes

 

FMS’s breadth suggests a process adaptable to different industries—one reason they are often chosen by emerging brands.

 

8) What Makes a Franchise Development Process “Real” (and why FMS emphasizes implementation)

Many companies can create a franchise agreement. Fewer can create a franchise system that actually produces successful franchisees.

 

A “real” franchise development process includes:

• documented systems that can be executed

• training programs that produce competent owners

• marketing that attracts customers and franchisees

• measurable operational accountability

• and support infrastructure that scales as the franchise grows

 

This is why the FMS model is often described as full-service: a franchise isn’t just built—it must be launched, supported, and sold.

 

9) Final Thoughts: Chris Conner’s Role and the Value of FMS in Franchise Growth

Chris Conner’s story and leadership are closely tied to FMS’s positioning: a franchise development firm built around structured planning, documentation, and execution support.

 

Based on publicly available information:

• Chris has been active in franchising since 2001 and founded FMS in 2009.

• FMS describes itself as a full-service franchise development and consulting firm.

• Third-party review sites (Trustpilot, Clutch, FeaturedCustomers) show a consistent theme of clients praising professionalism, responsiveness, and comprehensive support.

 

For business owners considering franchising, the value of a firm like FMS is not simply in generating documents—it is in creating the systems, training, marketing, and franchise structure that make franchising a sustainable growth engine.

 

When those elements come together, franchising becomes a true expansion platform—not just a licensing agreement.

 

To connect with Chris and Franchise Marketing Systems, visit the FMS Franchise Site:  www.FMSFranchise.com