The WSI Story of Unlocking a World of Possibility

We’ve been digital marketing leaders for a long time (actually since 1995). As the digital space continues to expand, more businesses are looking for expert guidance to unlock the possibilities of their marketing potential. We’re here to help them navigate this ever-evolving business landscape and plan to continue leading the way well into the future. This is our story—and we believe it could become part of yours.

Who We Are

WSI was founded in 1995, and shortly after, we began franchising our proven digital marketing system. We operate in a perpetually evolving industry, so we’ve gone through various changes over the years. Initially focused on website design and development, today, we provide a full suite of AI and digital marketing solutions that help businesses and global brands thrive.

Our mission is simple: Unlocking a world of possibility for those we serve. This means opening new doors—for you as an entrepreneur building your own successful business and for the clients you’ll work with as they navigate digital transformation and pursue growth. It’s a model built on impact, driven by purpose, and supported by a global network that believes in the power of possibility.

Where We've Been

Over the past three decades, WSI has worked with over 150,000 clients, helping businesses of all sizes and industries achieve their digital marketing goals. Our clients span a wide range, including local companies and larger enterprises. Regardless of size or sector, we’ve consistently provided tailored digital solutions that drive growth and success.

Our expertise and commitment to excellence are reflected in our long history of recognition. Since entering the prestigious WMA WebAwards in 2007, WSI has won over 180 awards, showcasing our ability to deliver innovative digital strategies. These achievements are shared across our entire network, meaning that when you join WSI, these successes become part of your journey as well.

Where We're Going

WSI is the world’s largest and most experienced digital agency network, leading the way in digital marketing and embracing AI and emerging technologies. We are at the forefront of integrating AI-driven strategies, opening new avenues for businesses of all sizes. Our journey is one of continuous growth and leadership.

At WSI, we believe in collective velocity—working together to move faster, adapt smarter, and drive success for those we serve. Our strength lies in the collective knowledge of our global network of consultants. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on helping businesses thrive in the ever-changing digital landscape, ensuring we leave a positive impact on every client, partner, and community we touch.

Let Us Brag A Little Big

As the world’s leading digital marketing franchise, we’ve hit milestones that few can match. Here are just a few of our standout achievements:

Published three volumes of our top-rated and Amazon best-selling book, "Digital Minds."

$150m

Managed more than $150 million in digital ad spending over the last 5 years.

180+

Won over 180 Web Marketing Association Awards for industry-leading website projects.

Recognized as the Top Agency by the WMA for web design in both 2019 and 2020.

150k+

Delivered digital marketing and AI solutions to 150,000+ clients worldwide.

Recipient of the William Rosenberg Foundation Leadership Award by IFA for outstanding impact in franchising.

500k+

Launched over 500k websites and landing pages for businesses around the world.

Our Leadership

Our management team is comprised of business-savvy individuals who have been with WSI for a combined total of over 150 years! They are a dedicated bunch who live and breathe each of WSI’s culture and core values. But don’t let their professional pictures below fool you—they all know how to hang with the best of them!

Dan Monaghan

Co-Founder

Dan Monaghan co-founded WSI in 1995 and has played a key role in building it into the world’s largest and most experienced digital agency network. His entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 19 and has been defined by a passion for innovation, leadership, and business growth. Over nearly three decades, Dan has helped shape WSI’s evolution in the franchising world. He serves as Chair of the IFA Foundation and sits on the International Franchise Association’s Board of Directors. He is also a recipient of the IFA’s prestigious William Rosenberg Foundation Leadership Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the global franchising industry.

Mark Dobson

Co-Founder

Mark Dobson has been with WSI since our inception in 1995. He has an extensive background in business development in several industries dating back to the early seventies. His knowledge of the development of human potential and his understanding of behavioral patterns has been instrumental in developing the WSI System over the course of the years.

Valerie Brown-Dufour

President

As President, Valerie is responsible for providing support and education to the WSI global franchise system. She is also charged with managing the innovation of the WSI business model as a whole. Overall, Valerie works to ensure WSI Consultants are provided with the tools, systems, and support they need to remain top amongst their competitors.

Valerie first joined WSI in 1999 and has served in a number of roles. Prior to this, she ran her own business and worked overseas in a number of countries. Valerie holds a master's degree from the University of Toronto.

Daniel Lattanzio

SVP Franchise Development

Daniel is a passionate team leader who has been with WSI since 1996. Having come from a long background in franchising, Daniel started with WSI in the early days to help build and grow WSI's franchise model, both locally and globally. After being involved in multiple areas of the digital marketing business, he found his home as Vice President of Franchise Development.

Over the last 12 years, Daniel has worked with his team to build the WSI Network of Consultants worldwide. He stands behind the successful, team-developed model of “Real People Do Real Things.”

Rimma Jaciw

VP Global Operational Performance

Since joining WSI in 2004, Rimma has been instrumental in the growth and development of the company through the various roles she has held, which include Customer Service and Support Manager, Director of Franchise Operations, Director of Compliance, and currently, Vice President of Global Operational Performance.

Prior to WSI, Rimma held executive positions in five countries, along with having started and operated three successful companies of her own. She oversees support, legal & compliance, billing & collections, and financial performance. She is an alumnus of the Certified Franchise Executives program and is the corporate liaison for the International and French Franchise Associations. She also sits on the Board of the Canadian Franchise Association.

Michael Monaghan

VP Field Operations

Michael Monaghan has had a long tenure within WSI holding several positions in the organization. From 1998 to 2012, he held the position of International Development Director, where he played a leadership role in the franchise development team. From 2012 to 2015, Michael held the title of Director of Master Franchise Operations, where he oversaw the WSI Master Franchise program.

In 2016 Michael was promoted to Vice President of Field Operations, where he now heads up the Franchise Business Coaching as well as leading the channel of WSI supplier partners.

Cheryl Baldwin

Marketing & Communications Director

Cheryl is the Director of Marketing & Communications at WSI and has been part of the WSI team since 2003. Over her 20 years with the company, Cheryl has helped WSI win more than 145 WebAwards, including the Top Agency award in 2019 & 2022 from the Web Marketing Association, and has spearheaded the publishing of WSI's three Digital Minds books.

When she's not busy implementing the latest marketing campaign for WSI, she can be found at a rink or ball diamond, cheering on her two sons.

Gennady Liakhter

Director of Business Innovations

Gennady joined WSI in 2015 and is currently the Director of Business Development and Innovation. During his tenure, he has provided strategic leadership on corporate initiatives related to business and product development. Some of these include the WSI Agency Accelerator Program, WSI Delivery Hub, and WSI Corporate Store.

Outside of WSI, Gennady spends his time traveling, cooking for friends and family, and is a lifelong Toronto sports fan.

Robert Mitchell

Chief AI Officer

Robert Mitchell is WSI’s Chief AI Officer, leading the development of AI adoption strategies across the franchise network. His role is centered on helping you and your clients harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in practical, high-impact ways. Robert spearheads WSI’s end-to-end AI consulting framework, guiding businesses through education, training, solution design, and implementation.

As a recognized AI strategist and thought leader, Robert is passionate about making AI approachable, actionable, and profitable. He works closely with WSI Consultants to simplify the complex, turning emerging technologies like generative AI, automation, and conversational intelligence into real business value. His leadership ensures that WSI remains at the forefront of AI innovation in the franchising and digital marketing industries.

Kundan Mohapatra

Director of AI and Strategy

Kundan Mohapatra is WSI’s Director of AI and Strategy, where he leads the development of scalable, strategy-first frameworks that empower franchisees to deliver high-value business consulting services. A growth architect at heart, Kundan blends data, creativity, and technology to guide organizations through AI adoption and digital transformation.

His work is focused on helping WSI Consultants unlock new revenue streams by offering strategic guidance to clients—from customer insights and omnichannel marketing to AI-powered business optimization. Kundan has been instrumental in building WSI’s AI-enabled business strategy framework, making it easier for franchisees to lead with insight, deliver measurable outcomes, and build long-term client relationships.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

They say if you reach the bottom of a long page, reading all the information along the way, you must be interested. You’ve reached the bottom of this page, so why not find out if you’re the right fit to join us and write your part in the WSI Story?

Learn More About WSI

Frequently Asked Questions About WSI’s History and Vision

Choosing the right franchise partner is about more than investment—it’s about joining a brand with a strong track record, trusted reputation, and clear vision for the future. Here are answers to common questions about WSI’s history, recognition, mission, and why so many entrepreneurs trust us with their business journey.

When was WSI founded?

WSI was founded in 1995, at the dawn of the internet era, and has since evolved from an early provider of website solutions into one of the world’s largest digital marketing franchise networks. Over the past three decades, WSI has adapted to every major digital shift—from the rise of search engines and mobile marketing to social media, ecommerce, and AI-powered search.

This history of continuous adaptation demonstrates WSI’s commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and ensuring its franchise network remains relevant. For entrepreneurs, that means joining a brand with a proven ability to navigate change while consistently helping businesses grow online.

Where does WSI operate today?

WSI operates through a global network of franchisees and consultants, with a presence on nearly every continent. This worldwide reach means businesses benefit from international insights while still receiving strategies that are tailored to their local markets and cultural context.

For franchise owners, this global-local structure is a key differentiator. It offers access to best practices and success stories from around the world, combined with the flexibility to apply them in your own region. Whether working with small businesses or multinational clients, WSI’s presence ensures you are part of a trusted, globally recognized digital brand with local relevance.

What makes WSI different from other franchise opportunities?

WSI is different because it combines the credibility of a 30-year global brand with the flexibility of a home-based, low-overhead franchise model. Unlike brick-and-mortar opportunities that require expensive real estate and inventory, WSI franchisees can operate from a home office while offering high-demand services like SEO, paid advertising, and AI-powered marketing.

Franchisees also gain access to WSI’s extensive training programs, proprietary tools, and supplier network, allowing them to deliver solutions without needing to build every capability in-house. Combined with a collaborative global community, this model offers scalability, adaptability, and long-term growth potential.

Has WSI won any industry recognition or awards?

Yes. WSI is one of the most award-winning digital marketing networks in the world, with nearly 200 WebAwards from the Web Marketing Association, including three “Top Agency” honors. These awards recognize excellence in web design, digital strategy, and innovation across industries.

Industry recognition goes beyond trophies—it reflects the consistent quality and effectiveness of WSI’s work for clients worldwide. For franchisees, these awards provide a credibility boost when pitching services to prospects, signaling that they are backed by a globally respected brand that is recognized for delivering results.

What is WSI’s mission and vision?

WSI’s mission is to unlock a world of possibilities for those we serve. WSI aims to help businesses grow and succeed through digital marketing innovation and our trusted network of digital marketing and AI consultants. This dual purpose shapes every aspect of the franchise model, from the services offered to the training and support provided to franchisees.

By aligning with WSI, franchisees join a brand built on trust, results, and long-term client relationships. This mission-driven approach ensures the business opportunity is not just about generating revenue, but about making a real impact on clients’ growth and competitiveness in a digital-first economy.

How does WSI support its team?

WSI provides comprehensive support to ensure franchisees succeed, starting with initial training on digital marketing, sales, and business operations. Beyond onboarding, franchisees gain access to WSI’s proprietary tools, a vetted supplier network, and marketing resources, enabling them to deliver client projects with confidence.

Ongoing support includes mentorship, peer-to-peer collaboration, global conferences, and continuous updates to frameworks and strategies as the industry evolves. This means franchisees are never operating in isolation—they’re part of a collaborative ecosystem designed to help them grow their business faster and stay competitive in the ever-changing digital marketplace.

What types of entrepreneurs are best suited to join WSI?

WSI is an ideal opportunity for growth-minded professionals who want to build a scalable business in digital marketing without the overhead of a traditional franchise. While prior experience in sales, consulting, or client management is helpful, deep technical expertise is not required—WSI provides the frameworks, training, and supplier network that allow franchisees to deliver services confidently.

The most successful franchisees are typically those who enjoy building relationships, solving business challenges, and leading teams. WSI equips them with the digital tools and global support needed to translate those skills into a profitable and future-ready consulting practice.

How has WSI adapted to major digital marketing shifts?

WSI has a long track record of adapting to every major digital shift since 1995. From the early days of websites and email marketing to the rise of search engines, social media, and mobile-first strategies, WSI has continually evolved its services to stay ahead of client needs.

Today, WSI is at the forefront of AI-powered marketing and SEO adaptation, helping businesses remain visible in an era of AI Overviews and conversational search. For franchisees, this adaptability means joining a brand that doesn’t just react to change—it anticipates it, providing future-proof strategies and ensuring relevance in a fast-moving industry.

Why do businesses and franchisees trust WSI?

Businesses trust WSI because of its global reputation, award-winning results, and consistent focus on measurable growth. The brand has been recognized for excellence in digital marketing for decades, giving clients confidence that they’re working with a proven partner.

Franchisees trust WSI because of the training, support, and community that backs them every step of the way. They know they’re not building their business alone—they’re part of a network designed to share knowledge, provide mentorship, and deliver tools that drive success. Trust is earned through results, and WSI has built that credibility with both clients and franchisees alike.

What is the long-term vision for WSI’s franchise network?

WSI’s long-term vision is to continue expanding its global reach while leading in emerging areas like AI-driven marketing, automation, and data-driven strategies. The goal is to ensure franchisees remain competitive as digital transformation accelerates, equipping them with the latest tools and strategies to meet client needs.

For prospective franchisees, this means joining a brand that isn’t just focused on today’s opportunities—it’s building for the future. With continuous innovation and a collaborative global network, WSI’s vision is to remain the most trusted digital marketing franchise worldwide, offering long-term growth potential for every partner in its system.

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