Newmark Grubb Knight Frank (NGKF) Retail has hired franchise specialist Jennifer Watson as senior managing director.
Watson joins NGKF’s Chicago office and will work with the national retail group to continue serving dominant franchise clients such as Dunkin’ and Burger King, among others.
She brings extensive experience in spearheading the strategic rollout and expansion of company-owned and franchise retail outlets in hundreds of U.S. markets.
NGKF’s Franchise Focus was developed in response to the dramatic growth of franchise businesses across the country. The industry’s gross domestic product is forecasted to increase four percent this year over the $454 billion achieved in 2012.
NGKF’s program offers both franchisors and franchisees a package of tools to support their real estate decision-making.
“The franchise sector is hot and it is expected to outperform the overall economy through 2014,” said Neal Golden, vice president.
“Now, more than ever, existing clients and new retail concepts require turnkey services that also allow for flexibility and customization, which our Franchise Focus platform provides seamlessly.”
