Wayne Garnes

Wayne Garnes is a Managing Partner at INSPIRE1. Wayne has over 30 years of progressive leadership experience, including consulting, private equity, business ownership, operations, real estate development and brand management. He has built, led, and advised organizations across industries delivering measurable growth and operational excellence. Wayne is a results-driven business consultant who helps organizations unlock growth, streamline operations, and achieve sustainable profitability.

Wayne was the owner operator of a Fed-Ex operation covering western New Jersey. In five years, he grew the business from 14 to 50 vehicles and from 15 employees to 60. Prior to that he was a Vice President at Auntie Anne’s Inc. leading the products sales division, which included retail, private label and fundraising. He spearheaded restructuring efforts of the group that resulted in a 35% boost to profitability. During his tenure there he also led efforts to strengthen relationships with marquee franchisees, including celebrity partners.

Prior to Auntie Anne's, Wayne worked with Shaquille O’Neal and The O'Neal Group where he developed the business plan for the O’Neal Group and served as President. As such, he oversaw all business operations, including the identifying and securing investment opportunities in real estate, franchise programs and other non-entertainment businesses relationships. Previously Wayne was the owner/operator of 28 gas station/convenience stores located in Washington, DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Wayne was a Principal/Vice President at LM Capital - a private equity fund focused on investing in middle market companies heading up the due diligence team and serving as a voting member of the deal team. His career in finance began at First Fidelity Bank (now Wells Fargo) where he rose to Vice President in Equity Research in the asset management group and continued at Standard & Poor’s, where he worked on the ratings desk covering the banking industry.

Drawing on this diverse background, Wayne brings a rare combination of strategic insight and operational know-how. He excels in business transformation, growth planning, capital strategies, and executive coaching—advising leaders and organizations to achieve measurable, lasting results.

Wayne earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from Rutgers University and an MBA in finance from the Seton Hall University Stillman School of Business.