Speakers

Celeste Guajardo is a seasoned Certified Franchise Executive and retired U.S. Army veteran with more than 20 years of military leadership experience and over 12 years in the franchising industry.  As Director of Brand Protection for a leading global franchisor, she specializes in franchise operations, risk management, business transitions, and helping franchise owners navigate complex business challenges.

Throughout her career, Celeste has worked on both the franchisor and franchisee sides of the business, giving her a unique perspective on the realities of franchise ownership and growth.  She is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs, developing sustainable business solutions, and creating successful exit and transition strategies for franchise owners.

A proud advocate for veterans in business, Celeste combines the leadership principles learned during her military service with practical franchising expertise to help veterans identify opportunities for success in entrepreneurship.  She is honored to share her experiences and insights with fellow members of the VetFran community.