At Blue Star Franchising, we believe in the power of the right match—a connection that can transform lives. Our business was named after our beloved dog, Star, who initially we called “Blue Star.” We met Star by chance while visiting South Carolina, not even looking for a dog, but when we rescued her, she, in turn, rescued us. It was a life-changing connection that left a deep imprint on our lives. When Star fought and battled cancer during the time Gresh, our founder, was going through the process of becoming a franchise broker, he knew that he wanted to honor her and what she represented.
At Blue Star Franchising, we carry Star’s spirit forward by helping aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals seeking career changes find their own “Blue Star” franchise—a business opportunity that aligns perfectly with their goals, values, and lifestyle. Just like how Star became the perfect match for our family, we’re dedicated to helping you find the franchise that’s the perfect fit for you, whether you’re looking to expand your empire and add on to your entrepreneurial assets with another business venture, invest in a franchise as you transition from the corporate world, or embark on a new entrepreneurial journey.
We are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your journey toward franchise ownership is one that brings as much impact and fulfillment as Star brought to our lives. Together, we’ll find the franchise that changes your life for the better, just like she changed ours.
About Gresh
Creating, Collecting & Connecting to Help People & Organizations Win
Gresham W. Harkless Jr. is an entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience leading Blue 16 Media including Blue 16 Marketing, a digital marketing agency that leverages media and technology to help businesses grow. Gresh’s early entrepreneurial drive, which began with starting a family newsletter and selling products as a child, evolved into a career focused on supporting business owners and entrepreneurs. Through Blue 16 Marketing, he has built a reputation for helping small businesses succeed by offering services like web design, SEO, and website support. He’s also the founder of CBNation, a B2B media platform where entrepreneurs can access resources, gain visibility, and find inspiration through blogs, podcasts, and videos. Gresh has recorded over 6,000 podcast episodes, interviewed more than 1,600 entrepreneurs, and published 600 blog posts, providing valuable insights and guidance to those starting or growing a business.
In addition to his digital marketing expertise, Gresh founded Blue Star Franchise, where he connects aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs with franchise opportunities. Having worked for a youth sports franchise organization, Gresh has firsthand knowledge of the franchise world and understands the unique challenges and opportunities it offers. His deep experience in marketing and entrepreneurship makes him a valuable resource for those considering franchise ownership or looking to scale their business. Gresh’s core philosophy, “You Are a Media Company,” emphasizes the importance of using media strategically to achieve business goals, making him an ideal guide for entrepreneurs aiming to maximize their visibility and impact.
Gresh’s leadership and experience have been recognized through his involvement in various organizations and business communities. He has served on several boards and been a member of BNI Northern Virginia South’s $1M Club, where he helped generate over $1 million in referrals. Selected for Alexandria’s Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 in 2020 and Northern Virginia’s 40 Under 40 in 2022, he is known for his commitment to helping businesses succeed. He also was a 50+ Black Marketer on the Rise in the Influence Category by AAMA. Through his work with Blue16 Media and Blue Star Franchise, Gresh continues to empower aspiring business owners and franchisees, offering the tools and support they need to launch and grow successful ventures.
Read more at Iamgresh.com
