Trusted Experts in Venue Development & Strategy

Our leadership team brings decades of experience in sports, recreation, entertainment, and public-private partnerships—ensuring every project is backed by data, strategy, and industry expertise.

Black and white professional headshot of a man wearing glasses, a dark button-up shirt, and a light blazer, smiling at the camera.

Walter Franco

Principal & Research Director

Walter specializes in market research, strategic analysis, and other planning and operational consulting services on behalf of our clients. 

Walter is bilingual, and his professional experience includes projects with English-speaking groups such as Major League Soccer, Soccer United Marketing, Real Salt Lake, and University of Utah Athletics, as well as Spanish-language projects for Mexican professional soccer clubs such as Liga MX’s Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente and Toluca F.C. and the city of Rosarito, Mexico. 

Prior to joining Victus Advisors in 2015, Walter worked in corporate development for the ECHL Utah Grizzlies and the Maverik Center, a 10,000-seat multi-use arena located in the suburbs of Salt Lake City. He also provided consulting services to international soccer clubs, including assisting with U.S. licensing deals and brokering friendlies in the U.S. with MLS opponents. 

Connect with Walter

Get to Know Walter

Quick Facts 

Hometown: San Diego, CA 

Residence: Herriman, UT 

Education: B.A., Business, University of Utah; M.B.A., Sports Business, San Diego State University 

Favorite Teams: Lakers, Raiders, Dodgers, University of Utah, Club Tijuana, Paris Saint-Germain 

Favorite Athlete: Magic Johnson 

Favorite Venue: Allegiant Stadium 

Off the Clock 

Front-row tickets to any event in history?

2000 NBA Western Conference Finals Game 7: Lakers vs. Trail Blazers 

Favorite vibe of any city you've never lived in?

Marseille, France. Certain places made me feel like I was in the Count of Monte Cristo movie! 

Blank check for a week-long road trip anywhere?

Portugal, Spain, France and Italy via train.  

Meet the Team

Black and white headshot of a smiling man with a beard, wearing a checked blazer and a white shirt.

Brian Connolly
Founder & CEO

Black and white professional headshot of a man wearing glasses, a dark shirt, and a light-colored suit jacket, smiling at the camera.

Walter Franco
Principal & Research Director

Black and white portrait of a smiling man wearing a suit and checkered shirt

Eric Habermas
Chief Marketing Officer & President, Victus Marketing

Black and white professional headshot of a smiling young man with short, wavy hair, a beard, wearing a suit jacket and white shirt, against a plain background.

George Lantz
Senior Analyst

Black and white portrait of a young man in a suit and tie, smiling.

Nate Christensen
Analyst

Black and white portrait of a young man with curly hair, wearing a dark button-up shirt with small white dots, looking at the camera with a slight smile.

Easton Rex
Market & Financial Analyst