Strategic Franchising Systems has completed the sale of The Growth Coach franchise system to BDS Equity Holdings LLC, with the transaction effective March 31, 2026, marking a leadership transition for the long-standing business coaching brand.
The Growth Coach, founded in 2003 by Dan Murphy and Gary Green, has built a two-decade presence in the U.S. market, offering coaching and advisory services to small business owners through a franchise-led model.
Brad Schneider, who has served as President of The Growth Coach and spent more than 11 years within the system as a franchise owner in the Columbus market, has taken ownership of the brand as part of the deal. His appointment signals a continuity-driven transition, with leadership moving to an operator deeply embedded within the network.
Schneider began his journey with the brand in 2015 as a franchisee before moving into senior leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer and later President. With the acquisition, he becomes only the second owner of the franchise system since its inception.
The transaction was completed by Strategic Franchising Systems, a multi-brand franchise development platform, as part of its ongoing portfolio strategy.
The Growth Coach operates within the professional services franchise segment, focusing on business coaching, accountability programs, and strategic development for small and mid-sized enterprises across the United States.
