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Franchise Veteran Keith Gerson Uses 50 Years of Industry Experience to Launch Gerson Advisory Services

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New Franchise Supplier Emerges as Number of Franchised Establishments Grows at Consistent Rate

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas, Feb. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — With the goal of providing necessary education and resources to franchisors and franchisees, industry veteran Keith Gerson announces the launch of Gerson Advisory Services (GAS). After serving as a franchisor, franchisee, and supplier, Gerson now looks to share his 50 years of experience and knowledge with all of the franchise industry.

Industry veteran launches new franchise supplier services as number of franchise establishments grew by 2.2% in 2023.

Keith Gerson has seen every side of the franchising industry – from serving in executive and C-Suite positions for leading brands in restaurant, B2B, and residential service sectors, to being a franchisee at Mrs. Fields while serving as the company’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Franchising and Licensing, to the supplier side as President of Franchise Operations at FranConnect. In his most recent position at FranConnect, Gerson analyzed the data of more than 1,500 brands that allowed him to generate the most popular industry leading reports governing franchise sales and operations.

“As I transition from my rewarding tenure over the course of nearly 12 years at FranConnect to becoming the navigator of my own destiny, I know it’s the right time for me to impart the franchise wisdom I’ve acquired onto others,” shared Gerson. “I’ve long wanted to devote time to advising and consulting the franchise community, and Gerson Advisory Services will allow me to do just that. Franchising has been such a large part of my life, so having this be my next step within franchising felt like the perfect progression.”

Gerson Advisory Services will be an asset to private equity firms, board of directors, and franchisors alike. Gerson will conduct forensic audits of marketing effectiveness, conducting comprehensive reviews through mystery shops, franchise sales websites, marketing performance, KPI’s, campaigns, workflows, and more to help improve a brand’s overall sales results. Additional franchisor services will include improving the franchisee experience, engagement and adoption, Franchise Business Consultant (FBC) support, and franchisee profitability. Gerson will also provide an FDD comparative analysis of competitive franchise brands. This is guaranteed to improve the brand and its franchisees’ ability to compete at the local level.

According to the IFA’s 2024 Economic Outlook, the number of franchise units increased 2.2% from 2022 to 2023, surpassing growth predictions, and is projected to grow by another 1.9% in 2024. As more franchise establishments continue to join the economy, the need for the types of services Gerson will provide becomes more critical.

Gerson Advisory Services will primarily work with emerging and mid-market brands, as well as private equity. Gerson has assembled a top tier group of professional and well-vetted franchise experts to help meet the demand that is already occurring. Franchise brands across North America now have access to GAS services.

“While I have been in the industry for five decades, the journey isn’t over yet,” added Gerson. “I look forward to being a resource for franchisors by demonstrating that their best year can be realized in 2024 and beyond with the help of a unique outside perspective honed over five decades.” 

For more information on Gerson Advisory Services or to make a free consultation, contact keith@gersonadvisory.com.

ABOUT GERSON ADVISORY SERVICES:

At Gerson Advisory Services, our focus is on delivering unparalleled expertise through forensic audits and recommended best practices in the crucial domains of franchise sales, marketing, and operations. Gerson’s proficiency extends to guiding others in achieving optimal franchise engagement, adoption, and performance. With a commitment to excellence, Gerson Advisory Services is your partner in navigating the intricate world of franchising, ensuring success through strategic insights and proven methodologies.

A pioneering force in the realm of franchising, Gerson Advisory Services is led by founder and CEO, Keith Gerson. With an illustrious career spanning five decades, Gerson has cultivated a unique and widely recognized skill set, traversing the landscape of franchising as an executive with leading brands, a franchisee, and a supplier. He is a longstanding Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and a member of the International Franchise Association’s Franchise Supplier Advisory Board of Directors.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/franchise-veteran-keith-gerson-uses-50-years-of-industry-experience-to-launch-gerson-advisory-services-302064798.html

SOURCE Gerson Advisory Services

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Leading Vision Plans for Retirees (2026): VSP Vision Care Highlighted for Senior-Friendly Eye Care Benefits by Expert Consumers

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NEW YORK, May 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As more individuals transition into retirement, maintaining consistent access to vision care is becoming an important part of overall health planning. A recent report by Expert Consumers examines how individual vision insurance options are adapting to meet these needs, with VSP® Vision Care Individual Vision Plans identified as a structured option for retirees seeking predictable and accessible eye care coverage.

Vision Insurance for Seniors

VSP® Vision Care – individual vision plans offering routine eye exams, eyewear allowances, and predictable costs designed to support consistent, accessible eye care throughout retirement

The report notes that while many retirees prioritize medical insurance, vision care is often handled separately. Regular eye exams and updated prescriptions are important not only for maintaining clear vision but also for identifying early signs of certain health conditions. This has increased interest in standalone vision plans that provide defined benefits without relying on employer-sponsored coverage.

Access to Individual Vision Plans

Individual vision plans are designed to give retirees flexibility and independence when selecting coverage. Providers such as VSP Vision Care offer plans that can be purchased directly and tailored to different levels of care.

Common features include:

Multiple plan options with clearly outlined benefitsCoverage for routine eye care servicesTransparent pricing structures for easier budgeting

This approach allows retirees to continue receiving routine vision services without interruption after leaving the workforce.

Preventive Care Through Routine Eye Exams

Routine eye exams are a central component of many vision plans, including those offered by VSP Vision Care. These exams are typically available with fixed copays, helping reduce uncertainty around healthcare expenses.

Eye exams also play a role in preventive care and may help detect early signs of:

DiabetesHigh blood pressureAge-related vision conditions

Including regular exams as a core benefit supports ongoing monitoring of both eye health and general health.

Eyewear Coverage and Allowances

Coverage for eyewear is another key feature for retirees. Vision plans often include allowances that can be applied toward glasses or contact lenses on a recurring basis.

Typical benefits include:

Periodic allowances for frames or contact lensesCoverage for standard and progressive lensesReduced costs for lens enhancements like anti-glaire coating and scratch resistance

These features help individuals manage the recurring need for updated prescriptions and replacement eyewear.

Cost Transparency and Savings

Affordability remains an important consideration in retirement. Structured pricing models are designed to provide clarity and predictability in out-of-pocket expenses.

Common cost features include:

Set copays for routine services like eye examsDefined allowances for eyewear purchasesDiscounts on additional items beyond standard coverage

At this stage of the analysis, Expert Consumers highlights that predictable pricing and defined savings structures can help retirees better plan their spending over time.

Additional Benefits and Ongoing Value

Beyond core coverage, many vision plans include added features that extend their value. These may include savings on lens upgrades and a worry-free eyewear guarantee through participating Premier Edge locations.

Individual Vision Plans from VSP Vision Care also incorporate these types of benefits, supporting ongoing access to vision care while helping manage costs over time.

Such features provide flexibility for retirees who may require specialized eyewear or multiple pairs of glasses.

Key Considerations for Retirees

Selecting a vision plan in retirement involves evaluating several practical factors:

The balance between cost and coverageAccess to preventive and routine careOptions in eyewear benefits

Understanding how these elements work together can help retirees choose plans that support long-term vision care needs while remaining manageable in cost.

The Expert Consumers article notes that structured vision plans with clearly defined benefits and consistent pricing can support ongoing eye care needs. Individual vision plans,such as those offered by VSP Vision Care, reflect a model focused on preventive care and cost predictability for retirees managing their healthcare independently.

About VSP Vision Care

VSP Vision Care provides members access affordable eye care and eyewear through thousands of network providers. As the only national not-for-profit company in vision care, we reinvest our profits back into the communities we serve so that everyone can enjoy a lifetime of well-being.

About ExpertConsumers.org: Expert Consumers delivers news and insights on consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leading-vision-plans-for-retirees-2026-vsp-vision-care-highlighted-for-senior-friendly-eye-care-benefits-by-expert-consumers-302760333.html

SOURCE ExpertConsumers.org

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Asian American Engineer of the Year Award and Conference Announces First Phase of 2025-2026 Awardees

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SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Asian American Engineer of the Year Award (AAEOY) Executive Committee announces the AAEOY 2025-2026 first phase awardees as follows:

Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award

Mr. Lip-Bu Tan, CEO, Intel Corporation

Distinguished Leadership in Science and Technology Award

Dr. Arun Majumdar, Dean of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, Stanford University

Executive of the Year Award

Dr. Xiaodong Che, Chief Technology Officer, Western DigitalDr. Sam Heidari, CEO, LumotiveDr. Jungwon Lee, Corporate Executive Vice President, Samsung ElectronicsDr. Liu Ren, Vice President & Chief Scientist, Bosch ResearchMr. Brandon Wang, Vice President, Synopsys

Engineer of the Year Award

Ms. Vivian Ye, Principal Member of Technical Staff, AT&T

Most Promising Engineer of the Year Award

Mr. Max Fang, Director of Architecture, AmbarellaMr. Johnny Ho, CSO & Co-founder, Perplexity AI

The AAEOY Award has been presented annually since 2002 as a cornerstone of the National Engineers Week program, honoring distinguished Asian American professionals across academia, public service, and industry. Since its inception, the AAEOY has recognized over 300 honorees — including nine Nobel Laureates, pioneering scholars, prominent corporate executives, and an astronaut — serving as a beacon of inspiration for the global STEM community. After a series of impactful ceremonies nationwide, the 2025-2026 AAEOY Award and Conference returns to the heart of innovation in Silicon Valley at the Santa Clara Convention Center on September 18-19, 2026.

For more information regarding the AAEOY program, awardees, and event registration, please visit www.aaeoy.org.

The Chinese Institute of Engineers in USA (CIE-USA), founded in 1917, is a nonprofit professional organization that promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); supports professional advancement and leadership development; and recognizes the achievements of Asian American professionals through flagship programs such as the Asian American Engineer of the Year (AAEOY) Awards. One of the oldest and most prestigious Chinese American engineering associations in the United States, CIE-USA has seven regional chapters nationwide and hosts events throughout the year.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/asian-american-engineer-of-the-year-award-and-conference-announces-first-phase-of-2025-2026-awardees-302760569.html

SOURCE AAEOY

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Larry Kellerman, Fermi’s Chief Power Officer and Architect of Its 17 GW Energy Infrastructure, Accepts Board Nomination

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DALLAS, May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Toby Neugebauer, co-founder and largest shareholder of Fermi America (NASDAQ & LSE: FRMI), today announced that he has nominated Larry Kellerman to join the Fermi Board of Directors. Kellerman, who serves as Chief Power Officer at Fermi America, is the architect of the Company’s 17-gigawatt powered data center campus in Amarillo, Texas — the largest private energy grid in America.

Kellerman is co-founder and Managing Partner of Twenty First Century Utilities and brings more than four decades of power industry and finance expertise to the role. His career spans senior leadership positions at Goldman Sachs, El Paso Corporation, and I Squared Capital. Kellerman said he was honored by the nomination and would be pleased to serve if approved by the Board.

“I appreciate everything that Toby has manifested in Fermi and know that no other human could have created the enterprise and its many thoughtfully interconnected elements as quickly, as effectively, and in as value-accretive a manner as Toby’s leadership has been able to deliver.”
— Larry Kellerman, Chief Power Officer and Board Nominee, Fermi America

For Neugebauer, the choice was crystal clear. Kellerman, who has worked alongside Neugebauer since the earliest days of Project Matador knows Fermi’s power story better than anyone.

“When I came up with the idea of Project Matador, I knew that Larry Kellerman was the one person I needed to convert a really great idea into a really great reality. His knowledge of power and the future of powering data centers is unmatched. Larry is uniquely qualified to steward Fermi as a Board member, and I couldn’t be more pleased with his willingness to serve.”
— Toby Neugebauer, Co-Founder, Fermi America

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/larry-kellerman-fermis-chief-power-officer-and-architect-of-its-17-gw-energy-infrastructure-accepts-board-nomination-302760575.html

SOURCE Toby Neugebauer

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