Join us for a high-impact virtual session focused on how to turn more leads into booked appointments and more closed deals using today’s most powerful tools and AI-driven strategies.

In this interactive panel, industry innovators from Franzy, Cohesive AI, Markarie®, and Lumin.ai will break down how to modernize your sales funnel—from first touch to follow-up—so no lead falls through the cracks.

You’ll learn:

• How to leverage AI and automation to respond faster and smarter
• The latest tools and platforms driving higher conversion rates
• Proven follow-up tactics that turn inquiries into appointments
• Ways to streamline your process and increase efficiency without losing the human touch

Whether you’re looking to improve response time, boost booked appointments, or close more deals, this session will give you practical insights you can implement immediately.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and build a smarter, more effective sales funnel.

Hosted by NEFA Board Members: Kim Woods from BELFOR Franchise Group and Jamie Lavigne from Eversmith Brands.

Panelists: 

Kevin Zhang — Co-Founder, Cohesive AI
Kevin is the co-founder and CEO of Cohesive AI. Prior to founding Cohesive AI, Kevin was the lead product manager for a software product at Charthop, an a16Z-backed HRtech startup. Kevin began his career as a consultant at McKinsey in New York, advising enterprises on GTM and AI strategy.

Alex Smereczniak — Co-Founder & CEO, Franzy
Alex leads Franzy, a platform helping individuals research, compare, and invest in franchise businesses with greater transparency and support. He previously founded 2ULaundry and LaundroLab, scaling a laundromat franchise across multiple markets.

Shawn (Alexander) Goldsmith, CFE — CEO & Founder, Markarie®
Founder of Markarie®, a franchise development partner helping brands build predictable pipelines through targeted outbound campaigns. YPO Member, IFA CFE Chair, Board Member at VendTech, and Cornell MBA “10 Under 10” alumnus.

Ahson Kazi — VP of Partnerships, Lumin.ai
Leads partnerships at Lumin.ai, working with 100+ franchise brands to improve conversion through conversational AI, focusing on speed-to-lead, engagement, and relationship-building at scale.

About the Companies

Cohesive AI
Automates prospect identification, tracking, and outreach to generate commercial leads.

Franzy
Platform for researching, comparing, and acquiring franchise businesses.

Markarie®
Franchise development partner focused on quality-driven outbound and predictable pipelines.

Lumin.ai
Conversational AI platform that engages, qualifies, and schedules leads in real time.

If your pipeline looks active but results aren’t where they should be, this session will show you where the breakdown is—and what to change.

One meeting….So many tips, tricks, and tools. Registration is required!