About Us

Started by the founders of Fishman PR, Franchise Elevator PR was born out of a major need: to give access to PR for all.

Just like our sister agency, Franchise Elevator PR’s mission goes beyond simply generating buzz for our franchise clients. Rather, we firmly believe our hard work achieves a higher purpose:

Franchise Elevator’s mission is to increase the number of small business owners and the success of entrepreneurs throughout North America.

Over time, Franchise Elevator PR has perfected a model that uses a mix of business and consumer-facing PR strategies to elevate your brand to the next stage of franchise growth, no matter where you are in your franchise journey. Our team digs deep to learn how each of our clients tick. Unlike most, we welcome the challenge of working with the little guy, the reclamation project, the over-looked or the “new ownership”. With this never-say-die attitude, we help our franchise brands, no matter their size, get the “big” attention they need to take their brand to the next level.

Leadership

Brad Fishman, CEO

Brad Fishman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

As one of the most well-connected individuals in the franchise industry, Brad has spent 30+ years helping franchise systems become household names through franchise and consumer lead awareness campaigns that help them achieve their desired growth.

Sherri Fishman

Sherri Fishman, Founder & Chief Visionary Officer (CVO)

Sherri is a seasoned PR executive and agency owner who has devoted her life's work to providing franchise PR services. Since founding Fishman PR in 1991 and co-founding Franchise Elevator PR in 2013, Sherri has led a talented staff to grow both agencies into two of the nation's top franchise PR agencies. Today, Sherri spends her time overseeing the brand image of both agencies, ensuring the legacy she began 30+ years ago is conveyed to the franchise community properly.

Debra Vilchis, Partner

Debra Vilchis, Partner & President

With 25+ years of experience in franchise PR coupled with journalism background, Debra oversees direction of the Franchise Elevator's integrated campaigns, leads our leaders and builds operational systems and best practices to keep Franchise Elevator PR on top of its game in franchising. She’s also our agency’s lead crisis communications specialist.

Zack Fishman, Chief Growth Officer (CGO)

Since joining Franchise Elevator PR in 2019, Zack has been the face of Franchise Elevator PR’s business development efforts, helping emerging and re-emerging brands to help leverage public relations to move forward in their franchise journey. Additionally, Zack aids these brands in vendor relations and private equity discussions to ensure they're making the correct decisions for their brands long-term prosperity.

Cody

Cody O’Hara, Vice President

As Franchise Elevator's preeminent franchise business and consumer focused PR expert, Cody ensures our team has all the resources and passion to help take your brand to the next level. With years under his belt in Franchise PR and in the TV news industry, Cody takes great pride in leading a team of talented publicists who work hard everyday to grow America’s emerging and re-emerging franchise brands.

Alec Miszuk, Director of Local PR

Alec is a public relations professional who oversees the growth, direction and day-to-day operation of Franchise Elevator PR’s local PR program. With media relations experience at both national and local levels, Alec implements earned media/social media strategies intended to increase brand awareness for businesses within their local communities.