Our Team
A FRANCHISE CONSULTANTS FOCUSED ON PEOPLE, NOT PROJECTS.
Meet the People Behind Franchise in a Box
Robin van Rensburg
Franchise Consultant — KZN
Lourens Muller
Senior Architectural Technologist and Project Manager — JHB
Andre v/d Merve
HR Specialist — JHB
Robin van Rensburg
Franchise Consultant — KZN
Meet Robin, a seasoned entrepreneur and franchise strategist with a proven track record across the fast-food, pharmaceutical, and IT sectors. Over the course of his career, he has consulted with brands such as Pedros, Jose’s PiriPiri, Frangero’s, H2O, Ko-lay, Fifi’s Fresh Fish, Divine Pooches, Village Fish n Chips, Stylewize, and many more.
Robin founded Franchise in a Box in 2005, a specialist consulting company focused on the legal framework of a franchise, new franchise development, operational optimisation, franchise training, and turnaround strategies for underperforming businesses.
Robin’s core expertise lies in identifying structural inefficiencies and implementing practical, results-driven solutions that restore profitability and scalability. His strategic approach was further refined during his MBA at the University of Cape Town. Since then, he has successfully supported the launch and development of over 80 brands.
In recognition of his industry contribution, Robin was elected as a Board Director of the Franchise Association of South Africa in February 2022, of which he has been a member from 2010 to 2025.
Areas of Expertise
Franchise Consulting. Franchise Documentation. Franchise Agreements. Trademarks. New Brand Development. Social Media Marketing. Menu and Digital Menu Board Development. Store Rollouts. Staff Training. Turnaround Strategy.
Education
MBA (UCT) — BPharm (Potchefstroom)
Lourens Muller
Senior Architectural Technologist and Project Manager — JHB
Lourens has been exposed to the construction industry for more than 40 years, by means of family members. His Grandfather was a Stone Mason, his uncle had a phenomenally successful construction company building showrooms for Mercedes Benz, Toyota, Ford and others.
In 1992 he joined JD Group as a Project Manager doing tenant fitments and shop designs for their brands, after being involved in the food industry developing Milky Lane for JL Supplies and growing the brand nationally. During his career he has worked for many Architectural firms and designed 13 Shopping Centres, renovated many buildings, developed Warehouses, Factories and residential dwellings.
Lourens is an Active member of SACAP — South African Council of The Architectural Profession.
Areas of Expertise
Computer hardware configuration. Software — Revit, Autocad, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, CorelDraw, QuickBooks. Green building technology. Ugreen Sustainable Design Certificate. Edge Green building Certificate Management.
Education
2013 Electrical Installation Rules. 1992 Diploma Project Management. 1989 Diploma Financial Management. 1981 Diploma Business Management. 1977 National Technical Certificate. 1971 Technical High School.
Andre v/d Merve
HR Specialist — JHB
Andre — Author, Entrepreneur, Graphologist, and Human Resources Practitioner — is known for his charismatic communication style, enthusiasm, and his ability to inspire people into action.
Since completing his National Diploma in HR Management in 2007, Andre has gained various skills that have empowered and brought fresh perspectives to organisations of different sizes. During the past 20 years, he has been involved in multiple business sectors, including Legal Services, Hospitality, Wellness, Retail, Facilities Management, Call Centre, Business Processes Outsourcing, FMCG, and the Security Industry.
In 2015, Andre earned his international accreditation as a Certified Graphologist after passing the American Association of Handwriting Analysts (AAHA) certification examinations. Between 2007 and 2019, Andre’s two worlds of coaching and handwriting analysis collided, resulting in him establishing Penspective HR Outsourcing in 2018 and publishing his first non-fiction book, Different Strokes: Coaching Using Handwriting Analysis, in 2023.
Areas of Expertise
Staff evaluation for new staff members. Prospective new Franchisee evaluation. Human Resources.
Education
National Diploma in HR Management 2007 — Milpark Business School. Certified Graphologist — American Association of Handwriting Analysts (AAHA).