Etzler Franchise Consulting (“EFC”) was founded by Claus Etzler in 2003 as an independent practice. EFC has been retained by entrepreneurs and business owners within the retail, hospitality, food service, professional services, light industrial and commercial sectors. EFC primarily serves the Ontario market out of its Oakville and Brampton locations.

Educated at York University in Toronto, Claus started his career as a researcher with Kubas Research Consultants in Toronto. In 1987, he joined an upscale retailer called Angelo Retail Corp and was a key player in the company's successful franchised growth across Canada for the next several years. As Manager of Franchising, Claus helped the franchisees setup their businesses, prepare their business plans and secure bank financing.

In 1993 Mr. Etzler joined Cara Operations, one of Canada's largest and most respected food service companies. Over the next 8 years at Cara, Claus held high profile positions in franchise development for such notable brands as Harvey's, Swiss Chalet, Church's Chicken and Second Cup. Mr. Etzler's last corporate position was with Denninghouse Inc., developing their “Buck or Two” retail franchise stores across Canada.

During his career, Claus has interviewed close to a thousand prospective franchisees, matched over 150 buyers to businesses valued from $100,000 to over a $1,000,000, prepared over 300 business plans and secured over 200 business loans.

Mr. Etzler is recognized as a small business and franchise expert with numerous organizations including:

• Government of Ontario – Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
• City of Toronto Small Business Enterprise Centre
• City of Brampton Small Business Enterprise Centre

Claus has given numerous seminars about franchises at the University of Guelph, Ontario Government’s Doing Business in Ontario forum, the City of Toronto and other cities across GTA. Claus is also regular speaker on “Buying a Small Business” for the City of Toronto’s morning seminar events.

Mr. Etzler has written articles on various franchising topics such as Franchisor Earnings Claims, Challenges for Newcomers to Canada and Buying a Business – Franchise or Independent.