Who We Are and How It Works
About Us
Jessica Melendez – CEO & Franchise Strategist
With nearly a decade of experience, Jessica Melendez has coached and educated thousands of aspiring business owners on how to take control of their future through franchise ownership. She specializes in helping people find the right franchise opportunity—one that aligns with their goals, values, and lifestyle.
Jessica brings unique insight into the franchising world, having worked as a Franchisee, Franchisor, and Franchise Strategist. This 360-degree perspective makes her an invaluable partner for anyone navigating the complex decision of business ownership.
As a national trainer and mentor, Jessica has supported hundreds of franchise consultants across North America and continues to be a trusted leader in the industry. She is also a published writer and thought leader—check out her latest articles in our Media section.
Rigo Melendez – Partner & Entrepreneur
Rigo Melendez brings over two decades of real-world business experience to his work with aspiring franchise owners. He spent 22 years running a successful local sign company and later became a franchisee with one of the nation’s largest crime and trauma scene cleaning companies—both of which he built and successfully exited.
A hands-on entrepreneur and investor, Rigo knows what it takes to launch, grow, and sell a business. His practical, no-nonsense approach and deep operational knowledge make him a trusted advisor to candidates looking to become business owners themselves.
What We Do
At WestStar Franchise Group, we are a free, full-service franchise consulting and development firm with deep expertise in the franchise industry. As one of the top firms in the country, we’ve built a reputation for helping people confidently transition into business ownership through a strategic and personalized process.
Our proven consultation method helps clients identify and research franchise opportunities that align with their personal goals, professional background, lifestyle preferences, and financial objectives. We take a holistic look at your:
- Goals and motivations
- Skills and experience
- Strengths and challenges
- Desired lifestyle
- Investment range
From there, we help you uncover the opportunities that offer the best fit for long-term success and satisfaction.
We proudly represent over 500 leading franchise brands across a wide range of industries—giving you access to options you may not find on your own. Best of all, our services are completely free to you.
Our mission is simple: to guide you toward a franchise opportunity that offers real potential, strong support, and a path to the life and business you’ve envisioned.
Our Expertise
At WestStar Franchise Group, we do more than connect you with franchise opportunities—we help you build a powerful foundation for long-term wealth creation, business ownership, and generational success.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Complimentary Franchise Consultation
Our expert guidance comes at no cost to you. We’re here to help you make smart, strategic decisions—not sell you a brand.
- Proven Franchise Matching Method
Our personalized process has a successful track record of matching clients with franchises where they can grow, scale, and thrive.
- Access to Top Franchise Lenders
We partner with leading lenders to help you secure the funding needed to launch and expand your business confidently.
- Trusted Advisor to the USO Career Transitioning Program
We proudly work with veterans and transitioning service members, helping them turn their discipline and leadership into business success.
- Market- and Skill-Based Opportunity Matching
We evaluate your experience, goals, and target market to find opportunities that align with your vision and set you up for long-term profitability.
- Focused on Family Legacy & Wealth Building
Our mission is to help you build a business that not only supports your lifestyle today but creates security and opportunity for your family in the future.
- Ongoing Coaching & Support
From initial discovery to launch and beyond, we offer one-on-one coaching and strategic support to help you make informed decisions at every step.
- Experts in High-Growth, Profitable Brands
With access to over 500 leading franchise brands, we focus on the most scalable, well-supported concepts—so you can build not just a business, but an empire.
Testimonials
Justin Turley, Bio-One Owner- Idaho Falls
Justin Turley, Bio-One Owner- Idaho Falls
Justin Turley, Bio-One Owner- Idaho Falls
Jessica was very helpful when I was looking into a career change and wanting to get back to being self-employed. She was very knowledgeable about the franchises she represents, and which one might be the best fit for me. I am very satisfied with the help I received from Jessica during this life-changing decision. She was really great to work with.
Ken Moroney, Rush Bowls Owner- St. Louis
Justin Turley, Bio-One Owner- Idaho Falls
Justin Turley, Bio-One Owner- Idaho Falls
Jessica helped my wife and I find the perfect franchise for us to open in the Saint Louis area. She helped us navigate through the thousands of franchise options her firm represents and filter down to ones that would interest us. Of those, she scheduled and managed conversations with each franchise as we did our due diligence. Three months later, we found our franchise. 1 year after that, we are building out our second store in the Saint Louis market! Working with Jessica on this journey was the best experience. Thanks Jessica!
Travis Nichols, Bio-One Owner- Boise
Justin Turley, Bio-One Owner- Idaho Falls
Timothy Monday, Fish Window Cleaning Owner- Lubbock
Jessica connected us with the missing piece that allowed us to take major steps toward reaching our goals. She gets high marks for her accessibility, familiarity with various franchises, providing curated options, and operating with our best interests in mind.
Timothy Monday, Fish Window Cleaning Owner- Lubbock
Timothy Monday, Fish Window Cleaning Owner- Lubbock
Timothy Monday, Fish Window Cleaning Owner- Lubbock
Jessica took the time to understand my goals and situation. Based on these she presented multiple options and was there through the investigation process. My franchise a a great fit for me and I highly recommend working with Jessica to find a franchise that fits you!
Tom Gervasio, Bio-One Owner- Philadelphia
Timothy Monday, Fish Window Cleaning Owner- Lubbock
Jesse Adams, The Inside Coup Owner- Florida
Working with Jessica literally changed my life. I was determined to find the right fit of a business for me to get into but was completely directionless. Jessica took the time to get to know me, to find out what drives me and what my goals were, not just in business but my personal and family goals also. After speaking, she connected me with the franchise that I am now an owner of and it was the best decision I could have made and I could not have done it with out her.
Jesse Adams, The Inside Coup Owner- Florida
Timothy Monday, Fish Window Cleaning Owner- Lubbock
Jesse Adams, The Inside Coup Owner- Florida
Jessica was thorough and helpful through every step of the process. She made me feel comfortable with our decision, and I highly recommend her services. Thank you, Jessica!
Myriam and Alex Guerrero, Tint World- Texas
Myriam and Alex Guerrero, Tint World- Texas
Myriam and Alex Guerrero, Tint World- Texas
I am delighted to provide a glowing testimonial for Jessica Melendez, our exceptional franchise broker from Westar Franchise Group. Jessica played a pivotal role in our journey to find the perfect franchise, leading us to the incredible opportunity that is Tint World. As Alex Guerrero, a retired Army veteran, and Myriam Guerrero, the CFO of Workforce Solutions Borderplex, we couldn't be happier with the outcome of our partnership with Jessica.
From the moment we met Jessica, her professionalism, expertise, and dedication shone through. She took the time to truly understand our needs, aspirations, and unique circumstances. Jessica's unwavering commitment to finding us the ideal franchise was evident in every step of the process.
Jessica's industry knowledge and connections were invaluable assets. She introduced us to Tint World, a thriving franchise in the automotive customization industry. Thanks to Jessica's careful research and understanding of our goals, we were confident in our decision to join this reputable brand.
Now, as we approach the end of our franchise's first year and head into its second, we can confidently say that Tint World has surpassed our expectations. Our business is not only thriving but has also been recognized for its excellence. Winning the prestigious "Best of El Paso 2022" award by El Paso Inc. was a true testament to the quality of the franchise we chose, and we owe it all to Jessica.
Throughout the entire process, Jessica was there for us, providing guidance, support, and ensuring a smooth transition. Her attention to detail, responsiveness, and genuine care for our success made all the difference. She went above and beyond, answering our questions promptly, and addressing any concerns we had along the way.
Thanks to Jessica's efforts, we now enjoy the benefits of business ownership and the satisfaction of watching our franchise grow. The guidance she provided during the initial stages of our journey continues to pay dividends as we navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with running a successful franchise.
In conclusion, we cannot recommend Jessica Melendez and Westar Franchise Group enough. Their expertise, commitment, and personalized approach are second to none. If you're seeking a franchise broker who truly understands your needs and works tirelessly to find you the perfect match, look no further than Jessica Melendez. With her help, we found Tint World, a franchise that has become the foundation of our successful business venture.