Doylestown, Pa. – September 17, 2026 -- SMB Franchise Advisors has secured a strategic minority investment from principals of Navigator Partners, a private equity group based in Summit, N.J., in a deal designed to scale the franchise consultancy's support services for emerging and maturing brands.
New Board Unites SMB and Navigator Leadership
The transaction establishes a new Board of Directors combining Steve Beagelman, Founder and CEO of SMB, and Brian Luciani, Chief Growth Officer at SMB, with Navigator Managing Partners Bernard Markey and William Stewart. SMB's existing leadership team retains control of strategic decision-making and day-to-day operations.
Ten-Year Partnership Precedes Formal Investment
SMB and Navigator first partnered in 2016, when Navigator invested in and helped scale K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotels. Navigator has since co-invested alongside SMB's investment arm, Stadium Ventures, in additional client brands including Almera Tech Services, Pure Sweat Studios and Story Time Chess.
SMB Has Advised More Than 600 Franchise Brands Since 2009
Founded in 2009, SMB Franchise Advisors employs more than 20 subject matter experts and has guided over 600 companies through franchise finance, operations, marketing and development strategy across 17 years of operation.
Navigator's Track Record Includes a $375 Million Franchise System
Markey and Stewart co-founded the FirstLight HomeCare senior care franchise system in late 2009, which has grown to more than 170 franchise owners operating approximately 320 territories with system revenues of roughly $375 million. The pair also hold investments in franchisors including Another Nine, Picklr, Scenthound and SURV, and sit on multiple franchisor boards.
"With this investment, we will continue to do what we've always done – providing the best possible service to help our clients grow through franchising – now with the capital and expertise to scale and broaden our offerings while serving a growing pipeline of emerging and maturing brands," said Beagelman.
Legal Counsel Confirmed on Both Sides of the Deal
Navigator's principals were represented by Fox Rothschild LLP in the transaction, while SMB was represented by Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP.