About Us

With more than 12 years of experience across the franchise world, partners Curt Swanson and Leo Goldberger bring a rare, 360° perspective to franchise ownership. Between them, they’ve been franchisees, franchisors, and franchise development leaders—giving them a deep understanding of both the mechanics and the mindset behind successful franchises. Curt and Leo know what to look for—and what to avoid. They understand which partnerships create long-term value and which red flags often go unnoticed until after the agreement is signed. Having seen the pitfalls that new owners commonly discover too late, they believe in full transparency and informed decision-making. They don’t push concepts. They listen first. Together, Curt and Leo take the time to understand what motivates you, what energizes you, and how a business should fit into your life and goals. From there, they thoughtfully curate opportunities and guide you toward the franchise that aligns with you—strategically, financially, and personally—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

The Goldmine Difference

The Goldmine Difference is experience, honesty, and guidance you can trust. With deep franchise expertise, we uncover what truly fits your goals, protect you from costly mistakes, and match you with the right opportunity to build lasting success.

The Reward of Working with the Right Broker

With the right franchise broker, the process becomes clear and focused. You gain expert insight, honest guidance, and tailored opportunities that align with your goals—saving time, avoiding costly mistakes, and building a strong foundation for lasting success.

Discovery Conversation

We take the time to understand your goals, lifestyle, and vision for business ownership.

Personal Profile & Assessment

Together, we identify your strengths, resources, and areas where you’ll thrive.

Targeted Market Research

We explore industries and concepts that align with your skills and interests.

Curated Franchise Selection

Only opportunities that truly fit your profile are presented for consideration.

Guided Due Diligence

We walk you through validation calls, financial reviews, and franchisor discussions.

Confident Decision & Launch Support

You move forward with clarity, choosing the franchise that’s right for you.

About Curt & Leo

Working with Curt Swanson and Leo Goldberger is a very different experience than working with a typical “franchise broker.” Many brokers treat franchising as a transaction or a job. For Curt and Leo, franchising has been a passion, a profession, and a lived experience for more than a decade. Between them, they’ve lived it, built it, scaled it, and successfully exited it—more than once.

Their combined journey through franchising spans nearly every role imaginable. Curt and Leo have been franchisees, franchisors, and franchise development leaders. They’ve helped build franchise concepts from the ground up, turning early-stage ideas into thriving systems with 100+ locations nationwide. Few people understand franchising as deeply as they do, because they’ve experienced it from every angle—financially, operationally, and strategically.

What truly sets Curt and Leo apart, however, is their approach. They don’t “sell” franchises. Instead, they take the time to understand you—what excites you, what motivates you, how your finances factor in, and what your first one to two years of ownership will realistically look like. They believe the right franchise decision isn’t just about profitability; it’s about alignment, fulfillment, and long-term sustainability.

Whether you’re a first-time business buyer, a corporate executive ready to take control of your future, or someone who has owned a business before and wants to do it the right way this time, Curt and Leo guide you with honesty, transparency, and strategic insight. Their goal is never to push a concept, but to thoughtfully match you with an opportunity that fits your lifestyle, your goals, and your vision for the future.

At the core of their work is a shared belief in what franchising can offer at its best: the freedom to be your own boss, the ability to build something meaningful, and the opportunity to achieve true financial independence through smart business ownership.

Connect directly with Leo today at 347-794-8035
Connect directly with Curt today at 518 365-3438

The People behind the scene

Meet our team

A collective of innovative franchise minds and spirited individuals, committed to bringing their best in a dynamic and supportive workspace.

Atara Schwartzberg

Franchise Consultant

Atara is a skilled consultant at Goldmine Franchising, dedicated to guiding aspiring entrepreneurs toward business ownership. With a keen understanding of franchising opportunities, she helps individuals discover pathways that align with their goals and lifestyles. Atara is passionate about empowering people to take control of their future through entrepreneurship, offering personalized support and insights throughout the decision-making process. Her consultative approach ensures every entrepreneur feels confident and inspired as they explore the world of franchising.

Hannah Kopf

Franchise Research Specialist

Hannah leads franchise research at Goldmine Franchising, helping entrepreneurs identify the best-fit opportunities for their skills, interests, and investment goals. She brings a sharp analytical mindset and a passion for uncovering business models that align with each client’s vision. Hannah carefully evaluates industries, brands, and market potential to create tailored recommendations that maximize long-term success. Her dedication to thorough research ensures clients are matched with franchises that not only make sense financially but also fit their personal aspirations.

Jennifer Ziemba

Franchise Liaison

Jennifer serves as Goldmien Franchising’s dedicated franchise liaison, bridging the gap between exploration and franchise ownership. She guides entrepreneurs through every step of the process, ensuring clarity and confidence as they transition from research to signing with the right brand. With a focus on communication and seamless coordination, Jennifer makes the franchising journey smooth and stress-free. Her supportive role helps entrepreneurs feel secure in their decisions, building strong foundations for long-term franchise success.