“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
— Mary Oliver

I didn’t set out to become a franchise consultant. What I was really searching for—long before I had the words for it—was a life with more freedom, meaning, and possibility. I’ve always believed our dreams aren’t random; they’re signals, quietly pointing us toward who we’re meant to become.

After graduating from the University of Florida (Go Gators!), I began my career at Xerox, where I learned the foundations of sales, strategy, and how to communicate value with clarity and confidence. I worked closely with high-level executives and gained skills that still serve me today. While the experience was valuable, I knew deep down it wasn’t my long-term path. I wanted more freedom, more creativity, and I couldn’t shake the question: is this all there is?

That question led me to Denver to join Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies as Director of Marketing—just one week before 9/11. The timing was uncertain and emotional, and our small team had no idea what the future held. What I witnessed during that period shaped me forever. Franchising didn’t just survive adversity—it thrived. Over the next several years, I helped grow the brand from a small startup to nearly 200 franchisees nationwide.

More importantly, I had a front-row seat to the human side of entrepreneurship. I watched people leave comfortable careers, step into ownership, become leaders in their communities, and build lives with more flexibility and purpose. I also saw a clear pattern: the franchisees who succeeded brought grit, belief, and a willingness to do the work. They trusted the process, stayed committed through discomfort, and believed in what they were building—even when it felt hard.

One of my favorite books, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, has always resonated deeply with me. “There is only one way to learn. It’s through action.” That philosophy has guided my life and my work. In 2004, I became a franchise consultant, and for more than 20 years I’ve helped individuals, couples, and families navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives. I don’t sell franchises—I help people step into ownership with clarity, conviction, and confidence.

The people I work with tend to want more out of life. More freedom. More fulfillment. More ownership of their time and future. They push the status quo. They’re accomplished, capable, and quietly wondering, “Is this really it—or am I meant for something more?” That moment—when someone leans into uncertainty and chooses intentionally—is what inspired my podcast, Three Seconds of Guts.

I live in Sarasota, Florida with my husband, our two kids, and a goofy dog who keeps us laughing. Becoming a mom made one thing crystal clear: it’s far more important to define your life first and find work that fuels you. Outside of work, I stay energized through fitness, boxing, paddleboarding, travel, reading, and time in nature.

If you’ve ever felt that nudge for more, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

You can reach Melissa Lewis at MLewis@FranChoice.com or by calling (941) 388-7707.