Franchise Tonight! Reflecting on an Industry Ready to Evolve PG. 8
Evolving Leadership: Five Voices on the Future of Franchising
PG. 10
Experts Provide a 4-Part Blueprint for Franchise Growth
PG. 16
Staying Relevant in a Value-Driven Marketplace
PG. 18
Performance Habits That Drive Franchise Development
PG. 19
The Hybrid Workforce Is Here: How AI and Humans Are Reshaping Franchising PG. 22
Experts Outline “Escape Velocity” Path for Emerging Brands
PG. 24
ICYMI: Major Initiatives and Industry Insights Announced at the 2026 IFA Annual Convention PG. 26
Meet DOT: IFA’s New AI Chatbot PG. 28
KAT COLE
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FRANCHISING WORLD
Khadija Cochinwala, FRANdata
EDITORIAL: Publisher Matt Haller
Associate Publisher Jennifer Brandeen
Editor-in-Chief Courtney Pettinella
MARKETING & PRODUCTION:
Creative Director Heather Bartlow
Graphic Designer Catherine Marinoff
ADVERTISING & CIRCULATION:
Advertising Senior Director Carly Wooley
Technology & Operations Director
Sara Williamson
Manager, Advertising Lauren Anderson
From the Desk of IFA President and CEO Matt Haller
Under the theme of Evolve, the franchise community gathered in Las Vegas for three days of connection, learning, and forward momentum. Leaders from around the world came together to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and focus on what’s next for one of the most powerful engines for economic opportunity.
This year, we aimed to do something different at the IFA Annual Convention. While IFA2026 brought franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers together for the usual meaningful conversations and connections, we decided to evolve some of our content, networking opportunities, and overall experience to give you the most out of your time together.
During our opening session, I set aside my prepared remarks for a candid conversation, and a few jokes, with outgoing IFA Chair Mary Kennedy Thompson in a segment we called Franchise Tonight We reflected on the many accomplishments from the past year, such as the introduction of the American Franchise Act and the launch of the Franchise Means Local campaign, and welcomed incoming Chair Sam Ballas as we look to another exciting year ahead — focused on reinforcing the value IFA provides its members, getting the American Franchise Act across the finish line, and further growing our franchisee engagement.
Alongside hearing from a powerhouse lineup of franchise leaders such as Chick-fil-A’s Andrew Cathy, Kat Cole of AG1, Codi Sanchez or Resi Brands, and Purpose Brands’ Dave Mortenson and Chuck Runyon, attendees were able to learn from one other and take back home new ideas and relationships.
We also announced the launch of the IFA Franchise Research and Insights Center, a new hub for franchising research and data that will provide invaluable insights to everyone in franchising and those we are trying to reach.
IFA26 was just the beginning. With franchising projected to add 12,000 new businesses in 2026, outpacing other sectors after a tumultuous year, the energy in Las Vegas reinforced a simple truth: our business model continues to evolve and grow — while protecting and strengthening it remains essential.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at IFA2026 and continues to invest in the success of franchising. Together, we will keep building opportunity, expanding local ownership, and ensuring the franchise model remains strong for generations to come.
Matt Haller President & CEO International Franchise Association
IFA’S MISSION
The International Franchise Association protects, enhances and promotes franchising.
IFA’S VISION
The preeminent voice and acknowledged leader for franchising worldwide.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Sam Ballas, CFE
East Coast Wings +Grill/ Sammy’s Sliders
Chair
Gary Robins The G & C Robins Company Vice Chair
Dave Mortensen Purpose Brands, LLC
Second Vice Chair
Mary Kennedy Thompson, CFE BNI Immediate Past Chair
Bill Hall, CFE Treats Investment, LLC
Treasurer
Catherine Monson Propelled Brands Chair, IFA Foundation Board of Trustees
Meg Roberts
Head to Toe Brands Vice Chair, IFA Foundation Board of Trustees
Jesse Keyser, CFE Keyser Enterprises Chair, Franchisee Forum
Emma Dickison, CFE Home Helpers Home Care Chair, Franchisor Forum
Abby Schmidt Paychex Chair, Supplier Forum Advisory Board
John Lancaster Choice Hotels International 2026 Chair, Diversity Institute Board
Rolf Lundberg Choice Hotels International
Ned Lyerly, CFE Starheel Ventures, LLC
Daniel Mormino InfinitiHR 2026 Vice Chair, Supplier Forum Advisory Board
Shelly O'Callaghan International Dairy Queen
David Ostrowe O&M Restaurant Group
Todd Recknagel PCRK Group, National Envy Development
Al Rodriguez Sport Clips
Nadia Sarangi IHG Hotels & Resorts
Jyoti Sarolia Ellis Hospitality Group
Karen Satterlee, CFE
Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.
Heidi Schauer
The Wendy's Company
Michael Seid, CFE MSA Worldwide
Stephen Shields Express Employment 2026 Vice Chair, Franchisee Forum
Joe Sieve
Omar Simmons
Exaltare Capital Partners
Christine Son Dine Brands Global
Jeffrey Sopp
Kensington Hill Partners
Cheryl Stanton
BrightStar Care
Brad Stevenson Neighborly
Sam Tatevosyan McDonald's Corporation
John Teza
Carolyn Thurston
Wisdom Senior Care
Clement Troutman
Tropical Smoothie Café
Larisa Walega, CFE Ziebart
Charles Watson
Richard Weissman The Learning Experience
Steve White, CFE PuroClean
Gabby Wong
FranConnect
Tom Wood
Floor Coverings
International 2026 Vice Chair, Franchisor Forum
Tony Zaccario Stretch Zone
PEOPLE & NEWS
Top 5
People ON THE MOVE
Eric Taylor
Eric Taylor is now the chief development officer of Tint World
Devon Arnold
Devon Arnold has been appointed the VP of development and construction at D1 Training
John Palumbo
Celebree School has named John Palumbo as the brand’s new VP of franchise development.
Kayla Money
Kayla Money is now chief financial officer of Eggs Up Grill.
Brands Expanding
Purpose Brands is planning to expand its Orangetheory Fitness brand across Japan. In partnership with ITS Co., Ltd., the number of Orangetheory studios in Japan will grow to over 100 in the next 10 years. Regional master franchisor Orangetheory Japan Co., Ltd., a part of the ITS Co., Ltd. portfolio, is driving this strategic expansion. With ambitious growth plans to launch this year and accelerating throughout the decade, the partnership aims to establish 86 new studios by 2034. Having successfully introduced Orangetheory to Japan a decade ago, the renewed partnership between ITS and Purpose Brands reflects strong confidence in the brand’s sustained momentum and expanding market presence in the country.
Ryan Bowes
Ryan Bowes is now the chief growth & transformation officer of Authority Brands
MassageLuXe is continuing to prioritize the Minneapolis market for multi-unit franchise development as the national spa brand carries on its strategic expansion across key Midwest metros. To support growth in this region, the company is offering a limited time incentive in which qualified franchise partners who sign an agreement by April 30, 2026 will receive the 50 percent off of the franchise fee incentive. The Minneapolis opportunity is part of a broader initiative to align development resources with markets that demonstrate strong consumer demand for recurring wellness services. The incentive is available nationwide and will attract experienced operators prepared to scale within defined territories.
Floor Coverings International is carrying record-setting momentum into 2026 after signing 101 new franchisees in 2025. With 54 agreements signed in the back half of the year alone, the brand closed one of the strongest development years in its history and is already building on that acceleration with continued expansion across high-growth markets nationwide.
Recent launches in Chicago and Fairfield County, CT, mark the next phase of expansion, as the brand activates new operators and deepens its presence in priority regions while continuing growth across highdemand markets, including: New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Jersey, Delaware, Texas, and California.
PEOPLE & NEWS
Awards & Honors
AtWork is proud to announce that David Walker, owner of AtWork Columbia, South Carolina, has been named a 2026 Franchisee of Excellence Award recipient by Franchise Business Review. This prestigious honor recognizes top-performing franchise owners who demonstrate exceptional leadership, financial performance, and commitment to their teams and communities. David is one of only 50 recipients of this coveted award.
Eggs Up Grill has been named a 2026 Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review, an honor determined entirely by franchise owner feedback. The annual recognition highlights franchise systems that deliver a strong, consistent experience across leadership, support and financial opportunity.
Expedia Cruises had an award-winning year in 2025. The brand awarded 10 new franchises and opened seven new brick-andmortar locations, reinforcing the strength and scalability of its storefront-based model. Notably, Expedia Cruises welcomed new franchisees in key growth markets including Florida and Texas, while existing franchisees expanded across Canada and Las Vegas. Recognizing President Matthew Eichhorst’s leadership and contributions to the travel industry, he was honored with the prestigious “Legend of the West” award at the 2025 WAVE Awards. Expedia Cruises was recognized by Franchise Business Review as a 2026 Top 200 Franchises recipient,
ranked #17 overall and #3 among Top 50 Large Franchises. The brand was also named to FBR’s Hall of Fame, and earned honors as one of its Most Innovative Franchises, Top Franchises for Women, Top Franchises for Veterans, and Culture100 Awards recipients.
Marco’s Pizza has been recognized by FRANdata for its performance and lender friendliness, earning a 2025 FUND® Score that ranks in the Top 10 of all evaluated franchise brands nationwide. The brand also received the highest FUND Score among all QSR concepts and is officially No. 1 in the pizza category, underscoring Marco’s continued commitment in fostering accessible, sustainable franchise growth.
FASTSIGNS is proud to announce Gaby and Bob Mullinax, multi-unit owners of FASTSIGNS of Fullerton and Brea, California, have been named The FASTSIGNS Award recipients. They were honored at the 2026 FASTSIGNS International Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, for representing the brand’s culture and empowering customers and employees to reach their potential.
Mergers & Acquisitions
A Place At Home has been acquired by Dovida, a global provider of person-centered home care services operating across six international markets.
United Franchise Group has taken full ownership of its Transworld Business Advisors brand, helping entrepreneurs sell, buy and franchise their businesses. The company has over 200 offices and 1,000 agents and brokers worldwide. “This exciting acquisition makes both United Franchise Group and Transworld Business Advisors stronger than ever,” said Ray Titus, chairman and CEO of United Franchise Group. “The franchise has experienced tremendous growth since joining our family of brands in 2010 – becoming the world’s largest business brokerage. Now, as sole owners, we’re positioned to take it to the next level alongside its talented team of advisors.”
Franchising Gives Back
For the second year in a row, Weed Man rolled out their trucks and empowered franchisees to collect food from customers across North America. The 2nd Annual Grassroots Giving was an overwhelming success as Team Weed Man collected more than 108,000 pounds of food for local food banks, equivalent to over 90,000 meals.
“Over these last two years combined, the Weed Man network has collected more than 184,000 pounds of food across North America, which is over 150,000 meals. That is beyond incredible, and it only represents a fraction of the good work our franchisees are doing for their communities all year ‘round,” said Jen Lemcke, CEO of Weed Man.
REFLECTING ON AN INDUSTRY READY TO EVOLVE
By Matt Haller, International Franchise Association
When franchising leaders gathered last month in Las Vegas for the 2026 Convention of the International Franchise Association, I decided to do something I had never done in my five conventions as CEO — I threw out my prepared speech.
In the spirit of our 2026 Convention theme, Evolve , it felt right to try something different. Instead of delivering traditional remarks, I opened the Convention with a “Franchise Tonight!”-style segment alongside outgoing IFA Chair Mary Kennedy Thompson. We brought a late-night talk show feel to the stage — couches, conversation, a few Vegas jokes, and some good-natured fun about networking being the “Olympics” of our industry. Behind the humor, though, was a serious message about the strength of franchising today and the opportunity ahead.
One perspective I shared with the audience was how closely franchising reflects the American economic model itself. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, I often think about how our country resembles a franchise system — 50 independent states operating under a shared framework. Each is entrepreneurial and autonomous, yet unified and protected by a common system.
Franchising has mirrored that idea for generations. Even early American innovators like Benjamin Franklin licensed printing operations across the colonies. Today’s franchise brands follow the same core principle: empowering entrepreneurs to own businesses independently, but not alone. It remains one of the most powerful vehicles for democratizing business ownership and wealth creation.
I also had the opportunity to share some encouraging data about where our industry is headed. According to IFA’s 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook, franchising is projected to grow by 12,000 units and 150,000 new jobs. That growth is being supported by several forces — including greater tax certainty for long-term investment, improving access to capital as interest rates ease, and growing investment in AI and technology that can strengthen productivity and unit-level economics.
Our Value of Franchising research reinforces the same point: franchise businesses generate 1.4 times the revenue of non-franchise businesses. Franchising isn’t just growing — it’s outperforming.
We also discussed what may become the most important policy development in the history of modern franchising: the bipartisan American Franchise Act. This legislation would establish a clear joint-employer standard for franchising, protecting the ability of franchisors to support their brands while ensuring franchisees receive the guidance and operational backing they rely on. Just as important, it would bring stability to a regulatory issue that has created uncertainty for nearly a decade.
Equally important over the past year has been our effort to better tell the story of franchising itself. Through a refreshed brand, a new website, and the Franchise Means Local campaign, we have focused on highlighting the entrepreneurs behind the logos. Franchising isn’t just a national brand — it’s a local owner building opportunity for their family and community.
Finally, I closed with gratitude. This was my fifth Convention as CEO and my fifteenth year with the IFA. When I joined the organization in 2010, our focus was on increasing SBA loan limits in the wake of the Great Recession. Today, franchising is stronger, more unified, and more confident about its future than ever.
That progress isn’t because of any single leader. It’s because of franchisees, franchisors, and partners who show up, advocate, and build businesses that change lives. Our annual Convention represents more than programming and networking. It represents a movement — leaders committed to evolving, improving, and protecting one of the most powerful economic models in the world.
Franchising has extraordinary economic, community, and policy power. The opportunity ahead of us in 2026 is to use that power wisely, boldly, and together.
Matt Haller is the president & CEO of the International Franchise Association.
At the International Franchise Association Convention 2026 in Las Vegas, the theme was simple: Evolve.
EVOLVE. EVOLVING LEADERSHIP: FIVE VOICES ON THE FUTURE OF FRANCHISING
But across the keynote presenters, that word took on far greater meaning. For the leaders gathered at franchising’s largest annual event, evolution was not framed as chasing the latest trend or technology. Instead, five keynote speakers — each from very different sectors of business — offered a shared message: the strongest brands are those led by people willing to keep learning, adapting, and strengthening the fundamentals that sustain long-term growth.
That idea surfaced repeatedly from the main stage. For some speakers, evolution meant slowing down long enough to build stronger unit economics and franchisee support systems. For others, it meant confronting uncomfortable truths about customers, operations, and market shifts. All acknowledged the need to move faster in a world shaped by artificial intelligence and accelerating disruption.
Taken together, the keynotes painted an inspiring picture of leadership grounded not in reinvention, but in disciplined progress — leaders who are willing to evolve while staying rooted in the principles that built their brands.
SAM BALLAS
Grow Smarter by Focusing on Franchisee Success
CEO, East Coast Wings + Grill Chair, International Franchise Association
Sam Ballas opened the keynote series by reflecting on a personal journey that mirrors the evolution of franchising itself — from investing in a single restaurant to leading a growing brand and now serving as incoming chair of the International Franchise Association.
Ballas told the audience that his entry into franchising began almost by accident, with an early internet search that led him to the IFA and eventually to the Convention itself. That single moment, he said, helped set the course for the career that followed. “That call set the trajectory of my journey,” Ballas recalled.
Over the years, building East Coast Wings + Grill taught him what he considers the most important lesson for emerging franchisors. “Unit-level economics matter more than anything,” he said.
For Ballas, one of the most common mistakes young brands make is growing too quickly. Instead, he urged leaders to build strong systems before accelerating expansion. “Be slow to grow and fast to learn,” he told the audience. “Allow the success of your franchise owners to be your gas pedal.”
That discipline — testing, refining, and strengthening operations — ultimately determines whether a system thrives for decades. But Ballas also emphasized that evolution in franchising happens through collaboration. Looking out at the thousands of attendees gathered in Las Vegas, he reminded them that the most valuable insights often come from conversations with peers.
“Somewhere in this building is a conversation that will help someone solve a problem, rethink a strategy, or evolve their brand — or maybe themselves,” he said. When those conversations happen across the system, Ballas added, “success truly does take care of itself.”
KAT COLE
Honor Your Brand’s Past, But Don’t Let It Define the Future
CEO, AG1 Former President and COO, Focus Brands
Kat Cole’s keynote explored one of the most difficult leadership balances: honoring a brand’s heritage while making the changes necessary to remain relevant.
Drawing on her experience leading brands such as Cinnabon and Jamba, Cole explained that evolution does not mean abandoning the past. In many cases, a brand’s history is its greatest strength. “The best path for your brand… is to stay the course, to double down on your history,” she said.
But leaders must also recognize when customer expectations and market conditions are shifting. In those moments, waiting too long to adapt can be just as risky as changing too quickly. “You are either early or you are late,” Cole told the audience. “You choose.”
Cole illustrated this tension with stories from her time at Cinnabon, where franchisees initially resisted introducing smaller portions even as consumer demand shifted toward lighter indulgences. The breakthrough came when leadership leaned into honest conversations and small-scale experimentation.
Her advice to franchisors was straightforward: confront reality and work with the operators willing to test change first. “Confront reality,” she said. “Find the coalition of the willing.”
By listening closely to franchisees and frontline employees, and by testing ideas before rolling them out systemwide, the brand was able to evolve while preserving what customers loved about it.
Cole’s message was clear: strong brands evolve best when they remain grounded in truth — truth about the customer, the product, and the market.
CODIE SANCHEZ
Move Faster in an Era of Disruption
Founder, Contrarian Thinking
Founder, Contrarian Capital
Author, Main Street Millionaire
If Cole emphasized thoughtful change, Codie Sanchez brought urgency to the conversation. Her message to the franchise community was that technological and economic shifts are happening faster than many leaders realize — and the businesses that succeed will be those willing to move quickly.
“I think your bank account is a reflection of how fast you move,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez described franchising as one of the most powerful forms of entrepreneurship, enabling individuals to build wealth and opportunity within their communities. But she also reminded the audience how rare business ownership truly is.
“Only 10 percent of Americans own a business,” she noted, describing franchise operators as a uniquely small group of builders creating real economic impact.
At the same time, Sanchez warned that industries rarely change in a smooth, predictable way. Instead, they often evolve gradually at first before accelerating suddenly. “Everything will change,” she said, pointing to artificial intelligence, automation, and new digital tools as forces reshaping how businesses operate.
For franchise leaders, the challenge is not simply adopting technology but using it to uncover hidden opportunities — improving decision-making, increasing efficiency, and removing bottlenecks before competitors do.
Her closing message was both caution and encouragement: the future will belong to leaders willing to act decisively rather than wait for certainty.
CHUCK RUNYON & DAVE MORTENSEN
Build a Franchise With Soul Co-Founders, Anytime Fitness Leaders, Purpose Brands
Chuck Runyon and Dave Mortensen approached the Convention’s theme from a different angle, arguing that the next evolution of franchising will be defined less by systems and scale and more by culture and purpose.
Reflecting on their 24-year journey building Anytime Fitness into one of the world’s largest wellness franchise networks, the pair described a defining moment in 2008 when they were offered what they called “life-changing money” to sell the company.
They could have walked away. Instead, they chose to keep building.
At that crossroads, they asked themselves a simple question: “If we were in competition for the best franchise, what would we do to win?”
Their answer centered on listening to franchisees and building a culture rooted in collaboration. Too often, Runyon said, franchise relationships become defined primarily by contracts and financial agreements. “Too often an average franchise is anchored in a relationship based on a legal and financial transaction,” he explained.
But the strongest systems operate differently. They are “anchored in empathy… passion… collaboration… love and respect and a soul-fulfilling purpose.”
That philosophy also shapes how the founders define success. While founders and franchisees often receive recognition, Mortensen said the real heroes of their story are the people the business serves.
“The heroes of our story are our members and our clients around the world,” he said.
When a brand focuses on those people first, Runyon added, something powerful happens inside the system itself. “Fill your brand with soul and purpose,” he said. “In turn, you will get higher performance, higher engagement, and higher loyalty.”
DAYMOND JOHN
The Fundamentals of
Entrepreneurship Never Change
Founder and CEO, FUBU
Founder, The Shark Group Emmy Award–Winning Investor, Shark Tank
Daymond John closed the keynote lineup by reminding the audience that even in an era of rapid technological change, the fundamentals of entrepreneurship remain remarkably consistent.
“It’s never changed. It never will change,” he said.
For John, business success ultimately comes down to three principles: “set your goals,” “do your homework,” and remember that “you’re the brand.”
Drawing from his own journey building FUBU from his mother’s home in Queens into a global fashion brand, John shared stories about selling handmade hats on street corners, persuading LL Cool J to wear his clothing, and navigating repeated setbacks along the way.
Those experiences reinforced a lesson he believes every entrepreneur must remember: growth is a lifelong process. “You never arrive,” John said.
Even today, John continues to study emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence so he can understand how they will shape the next generation of business. Tools may evolve, he said, but the mindset required to use them effectively does not.
His closing insight resonated strongly with the franchise leaders in the room. In an age defined by digital visibility and constant communication, leadership itself has become more transparent than ever.
“You personally are the brand,” John said. “A CEO or a president that is invisible is replaceable.”
The Discipline of Evolution
Across the keynote stage, the most striking takeaway was how consistently speakers framed evolution not as reinvention, but as disciplined progress.
Sam Ballas emphasized patience and strong fundamentals. Kat Cole highlighted the importance of confronting reality while honoring a brand’s heritage. Codie Sanchez challenged leaders to move faster in an era of accelerating change. Chuck Runyon and Dave Mortensen argued that enduring brands must build purpose and emotional connection into their systems. And Daymond John reminded the room that even in a world of new technologies, the timeless principles of entrepreneurship still apply.
For the franchise community, the message was clear: the brands best positioned for the future will not be those that cling most tightly to what worked before. They will be the ones willing to listen, test, collaborate, and adapt — while staying grounded in purpose, people, and performance.
In that sense, the Convention theme of Evolve was more than a slogan. It was a challenge to every leader in the room: keep evolving to avoid being left behind.
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Breakout Session BREAKDOWN
EXPERTS PROVIDE A 4-PART BLUEPRINT FOR FRANCHISE GROWTH
By M. Scott Morris, Franchise Update Media
Franchise development is often treated as a numbers game of more leads, more markets, and more units.
But in Las Vegas at the 2026 International Franchise Association Convention’s “Franchise Development Strategic Growth Workshop,” four speakers argued that growth goes well beyond volume. The workshop featured James Stapleton, CFE, strategic sales advisor and VP of franchise development, Caring Transitions; Bobby Kelley, CFE, VP of franchise development, Home Helpers Home Care; Erica Tarnowski, director of franchise development, Aroma Joe’s; and Andy Peat, chief brand and product officer, Lift Brands.
Together, their perspectives formed a four-part blueprint for strategic growth: mindset, candidate discipline, measurable planning, and smart expansion. Each speaker tackled a different piece of the development equation, building from the personal to the operational to the global.
Mindset Drives Performance
Stapleton focused on a simple but forceful idea that high achievement starts internally before it ever shows up on a scoreboard.
He challenged attendees to define what they personally wanted, arguing, “Nobody is in this room right now to make their company money. We’re here to make ourselves money.” The goal should be tangible and emotionally charged because, as he put it, “Your emotions control everything.”
From there, he framed performance through three emotional states, indifference, fear, and excitement, reminding the audience that growth often happens in the lows.
Early in his career, he faced a series of cascading challenges, which reinforced his belief that difficult times shouldn’t stop progress. “The goal does not change because of the circumstances I’m surrounded with,” he said.
Stapleton also shared a limiting label placed on him and urged attendees to discard theirs. “Someone’s opinion of you does not have to become a reality,” he said. He emphasized the power of self-definition. “One of the most powerful phrases in the English language is I am,” he said, adding that people can choose labels that represent who they are and what they want to achieve.
Candidates Over Leads
Kelley’s message centered on a disciplined shift in franchise development to stop chasing leads and start prioritizing candidates. He argued that while leads kept teams busy, the right candidates drove “human economics” and determined the long-term health of the brand.
At the core of his approach was a four-part grid: territory, timing, finance, and fit. Instead of relying on a multi-step awarding process, Kelley challenged brands to evaluate whether those four boxes were checked. If they were, the partnership made sense. If not, it didn’t. Among them, fit stood above the rest. Kelley said that behavioral alignment matters more than financial qualification alone.
He also emphasized speed and clarity in a marketplace reshaped by AI and better-informed candidates. Today’s prospects arrive highly educated about franchising, and Kelley insisted brands had to adapt. “Whoever makes it easy, wins,” he said.
Data Tops Emotion
Tarnowski argued in favor of bringing clarity and realism to franchise development strategy. She began by addressing the gap between expectations and reality. While leadership might assume highly qualified inquiries would convert consistently, she reminded the audience that industry close rates typically hovered around 1% to 2%. Development isn’t a guarantee; it’s a probability-driven process that requires disciplined forecasting.
She also challenged how goals were created and communicated. In recounting an executive meeting, she pushed back on being asked how she felt about hitting projections, emphasizing that forecasts should be rooted in data, benchmarks, and available resources. Tarnowski warned that goals established in a vacuum could demotivate teams if they remain perpetually out of reach.
Her framework relied on a “benchmarking trifecta” of internal data, industry standards, and competitive comparisons. She urged leaders to pinpoint qualitative drivers, including policy shifts, economic pressures, and other headwinds or tailwinds, that influence outcomes.
Translate, Don’t Transplant
A New Zealand native, Peat discussed international development, saying that expansion should be centered on discipline, structure, and cultural intelligence.
First, he urged brands to dominate locally before chasing global growth. Founders often dream of world domination, but sustainable expansion starts with strong unit-level economics and a repeatable model. Large pipelines mean little if units don’t open or generate lasting value. Growth must build wealth, not just headlines.
Second, structure and partnership matter. Whether using master franchisees, area developers, joint ventures, or corporate ownership, the choice could determine long-term scale. Peat noted that strong multi-unit operators don’t automatically become strong master franchisees. The wrong partner could cap growth; the right one could multiply it.
Finally, cultural fit outweighed brand power. Global recognition does not guarantee success abroad. Through examples like Starbucks in Australia and KFC in Japan, Peat showed that brands must adapt to local behaviors, payment cultures, and consumer expectations. Expansion requires protecting core economics while thoughtfully translating the concept.
M. Scott Morris is the manager, editor at Franchise Update Media.
STAYING RELEVANT IN A VALUE-DRIVEN MARKETPLACE
By Kerry Pipes, Franchise Update Media
At the 2026 IFA Convention in Las Vegas, a breakout session on “Shifting Tastes: How Consumer Trends Are Redefining Franchise Success” made one thing clear: Changing demographics, tighter consumer budgets, and evolving expectations are forcing franchise brands to rethink how they compete — and those that adapt strategically, without losing their core identity, will be the ones that win the next decade.
Prior to the panel taking the stage, Technomic’s David Henkes delivered a data-driven overview around what he called “five major trends influencing foodservice through 2030”:
1. Restaurant sales growth has been modest but will accelerate slightly.
2. Affordability and broader confidence are weighing down the industry.
3. Geographic and segment-specific pockets of growth present outsized opportunities.
4. Demographics are destiny; a major shift is on the horizon.
5. Winning in this environment means investing in your brand.
Henkes noted that restaurant sales growth has been modest and is expected to accelerate only slightly. While overall sales have remained positive, he said that growth has been driven almost entirely by higher menu prices rather than increased traffic. In fact, customer visits have declined over the past several years. Henkes’ data showed that overall
foodservice growth will remain subdued through 2030. Meanwhile, consumer confidence and affordability remain significant headwinds in the restaurant space. Persistent inflation has eroded discretionary spending, and foodservice price inflation continues to outpace wage growth and overall inflation. This has led to value becoming a dominant driver of consumer decision-making.
Still, according to Henkes, geographic and segmentspecific pockets of growth present opportunities. Certain MSAs in the Mountain and Southeast regions, he said, are poised for stronger expansion. “Within the top 1,500 chains, limited-service restaurants — particularly chicken, coffee, Mexican, and Asian noodle concepts — are gaining share as consumers prioritize speed and convenience over full-service dining,” he said.
He looked at demographics, noting that U.S. population growth is slowing, and by 2030, all Baby Boomers will be 65 or older. Foodservice frequency peaks between ages 28 and 33, he noted, meaning that today’s Gen Z consumers (currently 22–27) will define peak spending years in 2030. Gen Z’s preference for portability, carryout, and even eating in the car signals fewer dine-in occasions ahead. At the same time, labor pool challenges will intensify, with fewer workers available, driving closures, reduced hours, turnover, and higher costs.
The silver lining, according to Henkes, is that winning brands are investing in identity, innovation, and cultural relevance. He noted that the beverage space has emerged as a major innovation battleground. Early investments in technology and off-premises capabilities are paying dividends. However, Henkes cautioned against abandoning brand heritage during rebrands, citing the delicate balance between modernization and authenticity.
A panel discussion followed Henkes and reinforced a number of these themes with real-world examples.
Heather Neary, CEO of Taco John’s, led off the panel discussion by sharing how the brand has recently conducted a comprehensive brand survey to address equipment issues, franchisee frustrations, and guest concerns. She said the brand has recentered on its core of quality, ‘West-Mex’ differentiation and a fun personality rooted in its heritage. Reintroducing value-driven promotions like Taco Tuesday and Taco Bravo Thursday boosted sales, while a renewed vision (“To be the communities’ first choice for tacos and burritos”) strengthened ties in its smaller Midwest markets. She pointed out that Taco John’s has also embraced data-driven decision-making, refreshed marketing with an agency familiar with its legacy, and adapted training for younger workers with short-form video content.
Natalie Hamrick, SVP customer experience at Anywhere Brands, which franchises Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Century 21, Coldwell Banker,
and others, discussed how the brand sees today’s real estate consumers as more experience-driven and said the company has shifted its messaging and tools to reflect that. Instead of focusing purely on geography, they’ve repositioned around lifestyle, which helps agents market not just homes, but the way people want to live.
Next up was Andrea Hohermuth, chief transformation officer at Heights Wellness Retreat, who said, “You can’t have evolution without risk.” She explained how her brand expanded beyond massages into a broader $500 billion wellness space, adding services such as cryotherapy and infrared sauna based on consumer data. She cautioned brands that while evolving, complexity can derail transformation. She stressed phased rollouts, transparent communication with franchisees, and disciplined capital planning. “The biggest risk is not evolving,” she said. “If you stay static, you become optional.”
Panelists agreed that brands must stay close to customer data, clearly articulate what makes them unique, and bring franchisees along through early and frequent communication.
The message was clear: Consumer expectations will continue to shift, and franchise systems that evolve thoughtfully — without losing sight of who they are — will be best positioned to thrive in tomorrow’s landscape.
By Kerry Pipes, Franchise Update Media
In franchise development, activity doesn’t always translate into results.
PStein, who has worked with college and NBA athletes and major companies like American Express and Pepsi, opened the session by explaining his “Next Breakout
PERFORMANCE HABITS THAT DRIVE FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT
Sales” at the recent IFA Convention in Las Vegas.
erformance comes down to habits and disciplined execution of the fundamentals every day. That was the focus of the breakout session “PerformanceBased Habits to Inspire Franchise Development
Performance coach and author Alan Stein Jr. joined Neighborly’s CDO Brad Stevenson, Group Vice President of Franchise Development Brian Wieters, and Franchise Development Executive Pat Hyland, along with Five Star Franchising’s VP Missy Wright, to connect elite performance principles to the realities of franchise sales.
Kerry Pipes is the director, executive editor at Franchise Update Media.
Play Mentality,” which he characterizes as staying centered, reducing stress, letting go, improving performance, and increasing productivity.
He then shared a story about having the opportunity to meet NBA great Kobe Bryant at 4 a.m. for a workout, only to find Bryant already deep into drills he had started at 3:30. When Stein asked why he still focused on basic skills, Bryant answered simply, “I never get bored with the basics.”
The lesson for franchise developers was clear. The basics win. But doing them consistently isn’t easy.
Execution matters, Stein said. High performers simplify, focus on fundamentals, and repeat the process every day.
“Complexity undermines execution,” said Klein. “Don’t make things more complex than they need to be and get back to the basics. Focus on fundamentals and simplify success.”
He challenged the audience to rethink perspective, values, and purpose. In sales, “Make it about others, not yourself. It’s not about me; it’s about you,” he said. Decisions should be grounded in core values, not emotions. And franchise development isn’t just selling locations or territories; it’s about helping entrepreneurs pursue opportunity.
He said that closing the performance gap, or the difference between what you know and what you actually do, comes down to habits, mindset, and focus.
Stein highlighted three anchors that help top performers stay consistent:
• The Next Play: Let go of past mistakes and refocus on what’s in front of you.
• The Controllables: Effort and attitude are always within your control.
• The Process: Focus on the next brick, not the entire wall. When the process works, the scoreboard follows.
The panelists then walked the audience through how those principles apply across the franchise sales funnel.
It begins with qualified leads, where curiosity and preparation matter. Wright explained how developers should research prospects, understand their territory, and listen more than they talk. “Be prepared and use the 80/20 rule: listen 80 percent of the time,” she said.
The intro call often creates the biggest drop-off point. She emphasized how strong rapport and thoughtful questions help uncover the candidate’s goals and motivations.
During the brand review stage, Hyland advised tailoring the conversation to the candidate’s objectives. “You need to be focused on the candidate’s goals and
tailor your brand review to those goals,” he said. Too much information or poor alignment can stall interest. A consultative approach supported by testimonials and video can help prospects better understand the opportunity.
Next up is the FDD overview, where transparency is critical. Wieters noted that uncertainty often creates F.E.A.R. (false expectations appearing real) for candidates. Walking candidates through the document before sending it can help prevent confusion.
At the validation stage, Wright emphasized momentum. Direct introductions to existing franchisees help candidates gain real insight and build trust in the brand.
Discovery day helps both sides confirm the partnership. Developers must ensure candidates are decision ready and understand the opportunity.
When the process is executed well, signing day becomes the natural conclusion.
The neighborly team referenced IFA research throughout the sales funnel explanation because the data highlights just how selective that funnel becomes. Out of roughly 1,000 initial candidates, only about 20 ultimately sign franchise agreements.
That reality makes communication, accountability, and trust essential throughout the process.
For franchise developers, success still comes back to the fundamentals. Strong habits at every stage of the funnel, from the first lead to signing day, can turn activity into performance.
Kerry Pipes is the director, executive editor at Franchise Update Media.
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THE HYBRID WORKFORCE IS HERE: HOW AI AND HUMANS ARE RESHAPING FRANCHISING
By Kerry Pipes, Franchise Update Media
the 2026 IFA Convention
in Las Vegas, a session on “AI & Human Co-Working” signaled a clear shift in how franchise leaders are thinking about technology.
It’s not a replacement for people, but a powerful partner designed to enhance field performance, streamline support, and redefine how work gets done across the system.
Scott Klososky, founder of Future Point of View, opened with a clear premise: “We’re living through an explosion of synthetic intelligence alongside human intelligence. The real question isn’t whether AI will change the workforce — it’s how,” he said.
He introduced the “Humology Scale,” a framework that measures how integrated humans and technology are across processes and organizations, ranging from mostly human to partly augmented, fully augmented, and ultimately automated. By 2030, he noted, AI tools are expected to write 85 percent of code, rising to 95 percent by 2035. Yet the human role doesn’t disappear. Instead, it evolves into an orchestrator, “guiding, managing, and applying AI tools in fields like legal, accounting, operations, and franchise support.”
Klososky broke intelligence into four parts: knowledge, reasoning, creativity, and self-learning. He said AI excels at knowledge and self-learning. Humans dominate in
reasoning and creativity. The opportunity for franchises lies in hybrid intelligence: combining both to expand capability. Used well, AI can effectively raise the organization’s “IQ.” Used poorly, overreliance can dull human skills.
Ashley Dembowski, SVP, customer solutions, of Compass International Holdings, said, “AI is not a story of replacement; it’s a story about augmentation.” Her company uses AI to automate routine tasks — intake triage, routing, sentiment detection, scheduling, summary creation, and franchise agreement overviews — while keeping humans focused on judgment calls, complex operational guidance, contract interpretation, and sensitive conversations.
Doing so resulted in higher satisfaction scores, improved reply times, better one-touch resolution rates, and increased repeat usage. By pairing automation with high-touch consulting, Dembowski said, the brand reduced personnel costs by 35 percent while maintaining service levels, a notable shift in how franchise support can be structured.
The key takeaway was that AI works best when it handles repetitive and data-heavy tasks, freeing field teams to focus on coaching, strategy, and relationship building.
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Corey Benish, president and CEO of Home Franchise Concepts, provided a real-world example of using AI at Kitchen Tune-Up. The brand developed and deployed an AI-powered “sales coaching app” that can be used to record in-home sales meetings conducted by franchisees. The AI analyzes conversations and provides data-driven feedback, and human sales coaches can follow up with personalized guidance.
The strategy has delivered results. Benish explained how one franchisee grew sales from $111,000 to $375,000 in 90 days. AI accelerated skill development by identifying patterns across recordings, and human coaching translated insight into behavioral change. The tool wasn’t mandated by the brand, he said, but adoption grew organically as franchisees saw tangible results.
Klososky wrapped things up by describing the
“organizational mind.” He described a future where AI agents and humans collaborate seamlessly, with oversight systems monitoring performance, onboarding accelerating, and synthetic experts augmenting teams. In this hybrid workforce, machines handle what they do best (from mundane to highly complex analysis), while humans lead with empathy, creativity, and strategic judgment.
There was a practical message for franchisors: Don’t think in terms of replacement, but in orchestration. The brands that thrive will be those that intentionally design collaboration between humans and AI. They will build smarter systems, stronger field teams, and ultimately, more competitive franchise networks.
EXPERTS OUTLINE “ESCAPE VELOCITY” PATH FOR EMERGING BRANDS
By M. Scott Morris, Franchise Update Media
Emerging franchise brands must reach “escape velocity.”
That’s the point where a system generates enough momentum to sustain growth without constantly chasing new franchise sales, said operator and investor David Barr during a master class at the 2026 International Franchise Association Convention in Las Vegas.
Barr, a past IFA chair and managing partner of PMTD Restaurants, was joined on the panel by Nancy Bigley, president of stores at Madison Reed, and Angela Olea, CEO of Sweet Influencers. Drawing on experience
launching, operating, and scaling franchise brands, the speakers outlined the stages emerging systems face from early preparation to the difficult middle period when brands can struggle to maintain momentum.
Be Predictable
Barr used a rocket-launch metaphor to explain how emerging franchisors move from early expansion to sustainable growth. He began with a simple point: Founders need to understand what franchising actually requires before launching a system.
“Franchising is the licensing of a business model that produces predictable cash flows to an average franchisee with average intelligence and an average work ethic on an average day,” Barr said.
Kerry Pipes is the director, executive editor at Franchise Update Media.
That predictability is often missing when brands rush into franchising. Barr noted that while about 3,200 franchise brands operate in the U.S., roughly 200 file their first FDD each year and another 200 stop filing, highlighting the high attrition rate among emerging systems. Only 16 percent of brands ultimately reach 100 units, he said.
Olea, who founded Assisted Living Locators before launching Sweet Influencers, said she waited several years before franchising her concept.
“I had my local business for three years and had every step of the process written down: training, onboarding, job descriptions,” she said. “When I launched franchising, I had a proven methodology.”
When Growth Slows
Once brands move beyond preparation and begin expanding, Barr said the focus shifts to measuring whether the model is actually working. One of the most important indicators is how new units perform in their early months.
“You should be looking at single-store sales daily,” Barr said. “It’s the end consumer telling you whether they’re accepting the brand or rejecting the brand.”
Even systems that launch successfully often hit what Barr described as the “gravity pull” stage, when franchisees struggle, and royalty revenue isn’t yet enough to support the infrastructure needed to grow.
“You start wondering if you should have franchised at all,” he said.
Bigley said brands sometimes need to pause during this phase and reassess their model. “It’s important to challenge decisions and ask whether we can do better before scaling,” she said.
The Cost of Attrition
Barr said many systems slow their growth because they lose franchisees who aren’t able to succeed in the system.
“The attrition is slowing the arc of your rocket,” he said. “If you have no attrition and you have a franchisee who comes in and has success and then builds another unit and then builds another unit and then builds another unit, that rocket is going straight up.”
Avoiding attrition often begins with selecting the right franchisees. Barr said brands must clearly define the persona of the franchisee most likely
to succeed and resist the temptation to accept candidates for the sake of quick growth.
“Once you say they’re not going to be successful, the answer should be no,” he said.
Achieving Escape Velocity
As systems mature, Barr said franchisors must focus on speed, particularly how quickly new franchisees move from signing an agreement to opening their doors.
“Every day they’re not open is a royalty missed,” he said. “Speed, speed, speed. Get them open, get them open, get them open.”
Ultimately, Barr defines escape velocity as the point when strong unit economics begin driving growth on their own. When franchisees succeed, they open additional locations and attract new candidates to the brand.
“If you have a system with incredible unit economics, unit growth will follow,” he said.
That creates what Barr described as a flywheel effect: Strong locations improve brand visibility, attracting new franchisees and strengthening the system.
“Unit growth creates brand halo, and brand halo improves unit economics,” he said.
For emerging brands, Barr said the goal is simple but difficult: Build a predictable model before accelerating growth, find franchisees who fit your brand, train them as though their success is your success, and never stop communicating openly and honestly.
“Clarity is kindness,” he said.
M. Scott Morris is the manager, editor at Franchise Update Media.
ICYMI: MAJOR INITIATIVES AND INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
ANNOUNCED AT THE 2026
IFA ANNUAL CONVENTION
The 2026 IFA Annual Convention delivered more than networking and education — it also served as the stage for several major announcements and new initiatives designed to strengthen the franchising community and provide members with valuable insights, tools, and resources.
2026 Economic Forecast
IFA unveiled its latest Economic Forecast, providing a comprehensive look at the expected performance of the franchising sector in the year ahead. The report offers data-driven projections on growth, job creation, and economic impact, giving franchise leaders valuable insights to help guide strategic planning and decision-making.
2025 IFA Impact Report
The 2025 IFA Impact Report highlights the association’s work over the past year to advance and protect the franchise business model. The report
outlines key achievements across advocacy, membership growth, education, and engagement, demonstrating how IFA continues to champion the interests of franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers across the country and worldwide.
2025 Foundation Impact Report
Alongside the association’s report, the IFA Foundation shared its 2025 Impact Report, showcasing the foundation’s efforts to expand education, research, and career opportunities within franchising. The report details initiatives that support workforce development, scholarship programs, and research that advances understanding of the franchise model and its impact.
DOT: IFA’s New AI Chatbot
Another highlight was the introduction of DOT, IFA’s new AI-powered chatbot designed to help members quickly access information and resources on franchise.org. DOT will provide on-demand assistance by answering questions, directing users to relevant content, and helping members navigate IFA’s growing library of tools, research, and programs.
IFA Research and Insights Center
IFA also announced the upcoming launch of the Research and Insights Center, a new hub designed to centralize the association’s growing body of industry data and analysis. The center will provide members with access to reports, studies, and data-driven insights that help franchise leaders stay informed about trends, opportunities, and challenges impacting the sector.
Certified Franchise Brand Initiative
The Certified Franchise Brand Initiative was introduced as a new effort to recognize franchise organizations that demonstrate strong operational practices, brand standards, and franchisee support. The program aims to highlight brands that uphold high standards and reinforce trust within the franchising ecosystem.
New SMS Communication Option
To help members stay informed in a faster and more convenient way, IFA also announced the upcoming launch of a new SMS communication option. Members can opt in to receive important updates, registration alerts, and key announcements directly to their phones — providing a quick and concise way to stay connected with the association.
IFAQuest Winners
The excitement of the IFAQuest in-app game continued throughout the 2026 Convention, with attendees competing for daily prizes and a grand finale reward. Congratulations to our winners: Monday’s winner, Tori Iorillo (University of Louisville), and Tuesday’s winner, Katherine Smith (The Joint), each selected their prize of either an iHome Charging Clock or a Bose SoundLink Portable Speaker.
The Grand Prize winner, Karishma Arora (University of Louisville), took home the top reward: two reserved tickets in the Club or Lower Level to a select regular season professional sporting event in the U.S. or Canada — including MLB, MLS, NASCAR, PGA Tour, NBA, NFL, or CFL.
Thanks to everyone who joined the fun and played along in the IFAQuest challenge!
Together, these announcements reflect IFA’s continued commitment to equipping its members with the insights, tools, and recognition programs needed to support a thriving franchise community. As the industry continues to evolve, these initiatives will help ensure that franchising remains a powerful engine of entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic opportunity.
MEET DOT: IFA’S NEW AI CHATBOT
Among the announcements at the 2026 IFA Annual Convention was the debut of DOT — IFA’s new AI-powered chatbot designed to make finding information on the association’s website faster and easier for members.
As IFA continues to grow its research, tools, and member resources, DOT was created with a simple purpose: help members quickly find the information they need.
Think of DOT as a built-in guide to the IFA universe. Behind the scenes, DOT is powered by the vast amount of information across the IFA ecosystem — including the association’s website, research databases, archives, and resource libraries. Drawing from years of reports, policy updates, industry research, and member resources, DOT helps surface the information members are looking for without the need to dig through multiple pages. Whether you’re searching for the latest research report, details about an upcoming event, advocacy updates, or professional development opportunities, DOT can point you in the right direction. Visitors to the IFA website can simply type a question and receive immediate guidance. The chatbot answers questions, directs users to relevant content, and helps members navigate IFA’s growing collection of programs, data, and insights.
DOT reflects IFA’s continued focus on improving the member experience. The goal is simple: make the information members rely on easier to find. But beyond convenience, DOT represents something bigger: IFA’s commitment to innovation.
As artificial intelligence becomes a more common tool for organizations and businesses, IFA is using it to better connect members with the knowledge and resources available to them.
And DOT will continue to get smarter. As members interact with the chatbot and ask new questions, the tool will learn and improve, helping it provide even more useful responses over time.
For busy franchise professionals, that kind of support can make a real difference. The franchise industry moves quickly, and having quick access to reliable information helps members stay informed and make confident decisions.
As IFA continues to expand its research, advocacy work, and professional development programs, tools like DOT will help ensure members can easily access everything the association has to offer.
Next time you visit franchise.org, look for DOT in the bottom right corner — and say hello.
LOOKING AHEAD TO IFA26 LEGAL: CONNECTIONS THAT LAST A CAREER
By Sarah Davies, IFA
My very first Legal Symposium was in 2015 in Chicago.
Ihad been in franchising for less than three years — two of which were spent in-house drinking from a firehose as a solo GC at a restaurant franchisor (IYKYK) — and not only was I attending, I was also speaking at a breakout session entitled “How to
Ensure Your Franchisees Knock It Out of the Park: Implementing KPIs in Franchise Agreements.” I knew five people going into the event: my boss, my former outside counsel, my co-panelist, and the Legal Symposium task force member coordinating the session.
To say I was nervous is an understatement.
Our program carried a baseball theme because I am a die-hard Cubs fan and former Chicago resident.
I brought baseball caps from various MLB teams to bribe attendees to participate. I figured if the session was a complete bust, at least some attendees would walk away with something of value. Zero self-confidence.
Within the first 15 minutes of our first run of the session, I realized how truly amazing it is to be a member of the franchise bar. Sensing my unease, people shared their own experiences about driving franchisee performance, asked questions about integrating KPIs, and the presentation quickly turned into a productive dialogue. The same thing happened during the second session the following day. My gripping anxiety faded.
And my task force coordinator?
Jason Adler, who I am lucky enough to call my closest friend and have watched proudly as he grew professionally to his current role as Chair of the Forum on Franchising and Global Deputy General Counsel of a Roark Capital portfolio brand. In the last decade, we have celebrated milestone birthdays, bar mitzvahs, and a myriad of other life events.
My co-panelist? Elliot Ginsburg, now one of the leading franchisee attorneys in the country who has remained a trusted confidant and friend.
I also remember sitting starstruck during a panel discussion on franchise relationships led by franchise legends Brian Schnell, Aziz Hashim, Catherine Monson, and Ann Hurwitz. Today, I have the privilege of continuing to work with three of them, allowing their transformative wisdom to shape my path in franchising. (Ann retired several years ago, but the mark she left on franchising lives on.)
I furiously took notes in sessions on advanced FDD drafting techniques and financial performance representations led by David Kaufmann and Susan Gruenberg. I relied on those notes for the next three FDD renewal seasons. Today, I also have the privilege of working closely with Susan on the IFA Fran-GuardTM task force and NASAA Advisory Committee.
I laughed along with speakers Courtney Seely (then GC of Smashburger) and Claudia Levitas (then GC of Hooters) during a session on crisis management, having navigated my own PR disaster in my prior GC role. I have looked to Courtney for advice and guidance throughout my career and watched with admiration as she led the legal departments of Orange Theory, Molson Coors, and now CableLabs. Claudia, now the AGC of Roark Capital, is a trusted confidant in my current role at IFA.
In many ways, I have grown up with the people I first met at that 2015 Legal Symposium. I love them like family and look forward to seeing them each year like I’m going home for the holidays.
So when people ask why they should attend the Legal Symposium,
the answer is simple: you can show up as a brand-new franchise lawyer knowing barely anyone and walk away with connections that stay with you personally and professionally for decades.
It is an absolute gift to be part of the franchise legal community — and those relationships would never have happened without the in-person connections the Legal Symposium
provides. Looking ahead, I know those connections will continue to shape the next generation of franchise leaders, just as they shaped me.
Sarah Davies is the General Counsel, VP of Legal & Government Relations at the International Franchise Association and the Executive Director of the IFA Law Center.
PROTECTING THE AMERICAN DREAM: THE CASE FOR THE AMERICAN FRANCHISE ACT
Since the founding of our country, franchising has been the bedrock of the "American Dream," allowing aspiring entrepreneurs to go into business for themselves, but not by themselves.
Today, this engine of economic mobility supports 832,000 franchise small businesses and nearly 8.9 million jobs across the United States. However, a decade of regulatory uncertainty around the federal "joint employer" standard has threatened the future of local business owners and their employees.
The History
The joint employer standard is a critical legal benchmark that determines when two separate entities — such as a franchisor and a franchisee — are both legally responsible for the same group of employees. Since 2015, this standard has changed four times based on political control of the White House.
The consequences of an expanded joint employer standard are significant. Between 2015 and 2017, when an expansive joint employment standard was in effect, the franchise business model suffered:
• A 93 percent increase in litigation against franchise businesses
• $33.3 billion in lost economic output
• The loss of 376,000 franchise jobs
Under the preferred “direct and immediate” joint employer standard, franchisors are free to provide essential resources — such as education, training, and employee recognition programs — without the fear of legal risk. The current regulatory environment remains unpredictable, with ongoing legal challenges threatening to shift the rules once again.
Who Bears the Cost?
This regulatory confusion impacts more than just corporate balance sheets; it hits the heart of local communities. Statistics show that 64 percent of local franchise owners are first-time business owners. Furthermore, franchises are more likely to be owned by women, veterans, and people of color compared to non-franchise businesses.
Beyond ownership, these businesses are vital community pillars. Approximately 85 percent of franchise owners live in the communities where they operate, and 83 percent contribute to local charities, schools, and youth sports. For workers, the franchise model provides higher wage growth and better benefits than non-franchise counterparts.
Without knowing consistent rules of the game, franchisors are less likely to expand through franchising, closing the door to opportunity.
A Bipartisan Path Forward
To provide permanent clarity, a bipartisan coalition has introduced the American Franchise Act (AFA) (H.R. 5267/S. 3525). Introduced in 2025 by U.S. Reps. Kevin Hern (R-OK) and Don Davis (D-NC), and in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Sens. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Angus King (I-ME), the bill seeks to codify the "direct and immediate control" standard into federal law.
Specifically, the AFA would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act and the National Labor Relations Act to ensure a franchisor is only considered a joint employer if they exercise substantial, direct control over essential employment terms. This common-sense solution is endorsed by the U.S. House Problem Solvers Caucus and supported by over 100 organizations, including the Asian American Hotel Owners Association and the Coalition of Franchisee Associations.
By clarifying joint employer, Congress can protect the next generation of entrepreneurs and ensure the franchise model continues to thrive.
To help protect the future of local entrepreneurship, we encourage you to contact your representative by visiting https://franchise.quorum.us/campaign/140393/ and urging them to support the American Franchise Act today.
LEADING THE NEXT CHAPTER:
CATHERINE MONSON NAMED IFA FOUNDATION BOARD CHAIR
After more than four decades in franchising and decades of industry, Catherine Monson is stepping into a new role: Chair of the IFA Foundation Board of Trustees.
Monson, also a past Chair of the International Franchise Association Board of Directors, and the only two-term Chair in IFA’s history, brings deep industry experience and a long-standing commitment to strengthening the franchise business model. Her chairmanship comes at a time when the Foundation is expanding its efforts to grow awareness of franchising, support entrepreneurship, and tell the story of franchising’s impact on local communities.
Speaking during the 2026 IFA Annual Convention, Monson reflected on her long history in franchising — and her enthusiasm for the future.
Monson’s energy and passion for the franchise business model were clear as she spoke about the role of the association and the work ahead. At the center of that work, she emphasized, is the mission shared across the organization.
“The role of the IFA is to protect, enhance, and promote franchising,” Monson said. “The IFA staff is obsessing about how to protect, enhance, and promote franchising. The board of directors of the IFA obsesses on how we protect, enhance, and promote franchising.”
One of the key tools for achieving that mission, she explained, is the IFA Foundation.
The Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and supports research, education, and programs that expand opportunities in franchising. Through donations and partnerships, it funds initiatives that raise awareness about franchising and help make business ownership more accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs.
A major component of the Foundation’s work is research that demonstrates the economic and community impact of franchising. Monson highlighted the recent Value of Franchising report, conducted by Oxford Economics, that surveyed thousands of franchisees across the country.
“What we know from that research is franchisees provide more training to their employees than their independent counterparts,” Monson said. “Franchisees pay higher wages, and their employees have more opportunities for career advancement.”
Those findings are not only strong statistics that show the stability and the benefits of franchising to new and aspiring entrepreneurs, but also provide powerful evidence when communicating with policymakers and advocating for franchising in Washington, D.C. and around the states.
Beyond research, the Foundation also supports programs designed to expand access to franchise ownership.
Among the initiatives highlighted by Monson were the Franchise Ascension Initiative, VetFran, and the Diversity Institute.
“These programs are opening the doors for more entrepreneurs,” Monson said, noting that VetFran alone
has helped veterans save more than $7.8 million in initial franchise fees while connecting them with franchise education and opportunities with franchise brands around the nation. The newest addition to the Foundation’s work is the Franchise Means Local campaign announced in 2025 to highlight local ownership in franchising and the direct impact that local franchise businesses have in the communities they serve across the country.
“What do we know from our research?” Monson said. “Franchisees give money back to their local communities. They invest in charities. They hold fundraisers. Franchising is local—and we need to tell that story.”
Her
message to the industry was simple: supporting the Foundation is another way to strengthen franchising for the future.
For Monson, expanding awareness of franchising and creating opportunities for new entrepreneurs is central to the Foundation’s mission.
Under her leadership, the Foundation plans to continue strengthening its programs, expanding outreach, and deepening partnerships across the franchise community.
In 2025, the Foundation sharpened its mission and strengthened its initiatives, focusing on purpose-driven growth and expanding programs that support education, research, and opportunity. Those efforts will continue as the organization builds on its momentum in the coming years.
Monson also took time during her remarks to recognize donors whose support has helped power the Foundation’s work. Contributions — large and small — make it possible to fund research, scholarships, and training programs that expand opportunities within franchising.
While some donors have made transformational gifts, Monson emphasized that every contribution matters.
“We also have lots of people that give $50 a year to the IFA Foundation,” she said. “And they get a tax deduction for it.”
With Monson serving as the Chair of the IFA Foundation Board of Trustees, the Foundation is poised to continue growing its reach and impact.
Her message to the industry was simple: supporting the Foundation is another way to strengthen franchising for the future.
“So as you consider your charitable giving,” she said, “think about protecting, enhancing, and promoting franchising.”
For Monson — after 45 years in the industry — that mission remains as important as ever.
3,250 Attendees
300+ Exhibits
500+ Brands
Unlimited Connections
MORROW HILL
AMERICA’S REAL ESTATE TEAM
Inside the firm helping power the growth of franchising across the United States.
Walk through almost any American city and you’ll see it: businesses that feel national but are deeply local.
A fitness studio in Denver.
A salon suite in Atlanta.
A tutoring center in Chicago.
A home service company in Dallas.
The logos may be familiar, but the people opening the doors each morning are often local entrepreneurs, many of them running franchise businesses.
For decades, franchising has been one of the quiet engines of the American economy. It allows individuals from all kinds of backgrounds to step into business ownership with the support of an established system. Behind many of those expansions - often working quietly behind the scenes - is a real estate firm deeply embedded in the franchise world: Morrow Hill.
Real Estate Built for Franchising
Most commercial real estate firms balance their work between landlords and tenants. Morrow Hill chose a different lane. From the beginning, the company focused exclusively on tenant representation, aligning its work directly with franchisors and franchisees looking to grow into new markets.
That focus matters in franchising, where growth rarely happens one location at a time. Expanding brands may open multiple units across several markets simultaneously. Real estate decisions, from site selection
‘‘
Franchising works because it gives everyday entrepreneurs a proven framework to build a business. Real estate is often the first step in that journey.
to lease negotiation, must move quickly and stay coordinated. Rather than relying on outside partners for each phase, Morrow Hill built a structure that brings franchisee management, site selection, lease administration, and project management under one roof.
The goal isn’t just to secure locations. It’s to create a repeatable process that helps franchise brands scale. Technology has become part of that system as well. Through platforms like Vision Track®, brands can monitor site approvals, lease progress, and development
timelines in one place. For franchise systems expanding nationally, that visibility can be critical.
Deep Roots in the Franchise Industry
Morrow Hill’s connection to franchising extends beyond real estate transactions. The firm has been recognized as a preferred vendor by the International Franchise Association (IFA), one of the largest and most influential organizations representing franchise businesses in the United States. Co-founder Jonathan Hill has also become a visible advocate within the industry.
He has supported the American Franchise Act, legislation aimed at strengthening transparency and fairness within franchise systems. Hill is also actively involved with the Franchise Ascension Initiative, which works to expand access to franchising for new entrepreneurs. Those efforts reflect a larger belief shared by many in the industry: franchising remains one of the most accessible pathways to business ownership in America.
The Entrepreneurs Behind the Logos
To outsiders, franchising sometimes appears dominated by large corporate operators or private equity groups. But spend time inside the industry and a different picture emerges.
Many franchise owners are first-time entrepreneurs. They are former corporate employees stepping into business ownership. Military veterans starting a new chapter. Families building multi-unit operations together.
Franchising offers a rare balanceindependence paired with structure. The brand provides systems, training, and operational support. The franchisee brings local knowledge, ambition, and a willingness to build something of their own. That combination has helped franchising become a cornerstone of small business development across the United States.
Franchise Economy Snapshot
• Franchising supports millions of jobs nationwide
• Franchise businesses operate in hundreds of industries, from food service to home services
• Thousands of first-time business owners enter franchising each year
For many entrepreneurs, franchising provides a starting point that might otherwise be out of reach.
Why Real Estate Matters
Every franchise location starts with a single decision: where to open. That decision can shape everything that follows. The right location can anchor long-term success. The wrong one can create operational challenges for years.
For franchise systems expanding across multiple markets, those decisions multiply quickly. Different cities bring different regulations, development timelines, and landlord negotiations. This is where firms like Morrow Hill often work behind the sceneshelping brands navigate the complexities of national expansion.
While the work may not always be visible to customers walking into a location, it plays a crucial role in how franchise systems grow.
A National Team for a National Industry
Franchising reflects something uniquely American: the idea that entrepreneurship should be within reach. Not every entrepreneur begins with a brand-new concept. Many begin with a proven one and the determination to make it their own. From salons and restaurants to childcare centers and home services, franchise businesses continue to expand across communities nationwide. And as they grow, so does the network of partners helping support that expansion.
For many brands operating in the franchise ecosystem, Morrow Hill has become one of those partners - helping guide the real estate decisions that allow new locations to open and new entrepreneurs to step into ownership. It’s a role that has earned the firm the nickname America’s Real Estate Team.
The Certified Franchise Executive™ program educates and certifies individuals and organizations in franchising to the highest standards. The members of the Class of 2026 exemplify these standards, having dedicated countless hours in pursuit of enhancing their professional skills.
Find out more about the program and get your CFE at franchise.org/cfe.
Danielle Ann Rosario, CFE
Francorp Philippines
Wayne Abbott, CFE
Hydraulink Pty Ltd
Helen Alfa, CFE
Franchise Council of Australia
Ramon Almira, CFE
Philippine Seven Corporation
Sultan Hazaa Al-Mutlaq, CFE
The Barns Cafe
Melissa Alvarado, CFE
Blue Rock Search
Cristinela Ancuta, CFE
Kaia Bowls Franchising LLC
Rhoda Angeli Milla, CFE
Philippine Seven Corporation
Amber Arizpe, CFE Palm Beach Tan, Inc.
Safiah Arooz, CFE
Cobs Bread
Kairul Azman Bin Mohd Yusoh, CFE
Franchise with Heart Consulting
Cody Baier, CFE
HOT Perspectives
Bobby Banzhof, CFE
ServiceMaster of Canada LTD
Heather Bartlow, CFE
International Franchise Association
Benjamin Batac, CFE
Grainsmart
Alexandra Batinic, CFE
Franchise with Heart Consulting
Michael Bayne, CFE
Citrin Cooperman
Nelio Bayona, CFE
Philippine Seven Corporation
Belyne Prades, CFE
Livingwater System Inc.
Michelle Biddick, CFE
Subway
Umran Bin Ahmad Ropie, CFE
Malaysian Franchise Association
Ahmad Bin Jamaludin, CFE
Little Caliphs International Sdn Bhd
Zuraida Binti Jomri Binti Jomri, CFE
Malaysian Franchise Association
Dylan Bitticks, CFE
Dave’s Hot Chicken, LLC
Chuck Blevins, CFE
Neighborly
Kara Boariu, CFE
Clothes Bin Franchise
Jennifer Brandeen, CFE
International Franchise Association
Lisa Bricker, CFE
Celebree School
Billy Bridges, CFE Gold’s Gym
Eric Brown, CFE
Donatos Pizzeria
Lisa Buehler, CFE
Alliance Franchise Brands
Renee Burgess, CFE
Purpose Brands, Anytime Fitness
Katie Burnworth, CFE
Maliesa Cadogan, CFE
HOT Perspectives
Robert Cameron, CFE
Wet Seal
David Campoy, CFE
BNI Global
Jayde Canham, CFE
Viva Leisure
Reina Carmina Si, CFE
Ma’x’s
Maureen Catania, CFE
ServiceMaster of Canada LTD
Bryan Chalmers, CFE
Molly Maid
Michael Chalmers, CFE
Spherion Staffing
Cisy Chao, CFE
ServiceMaster of Canada LTD
Elie Chdid, CFE
Markarie Inc.
Rick Chittley-Young, CFE
MNP
Marie Choi, CFE
WellBiz Brands
Justin Clark, CFE
Annex Brands, Inc.
Renato Clemente Jr., CFE
Ma’x’s
Brandon Clifford, CFE
Business Alliance, Inc.
Dave Collins, CFE
BNI Global
Ashley Coneff, CFE
Inspire Brands
Misty Connaughton, CFE
OpenWorks
Megan Connor, CFE
Blue Rock Search
Ashley Conover, CFE
BAM Franchising, Inc
Heather Cotten, CFE
Michelle Cotter, CFE
Blue Rock Search
Renee Crews, CFE
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen
Joselito Cruz, CFE
Pancake House
Renelyn B. David, CFE
U Franchise
Richard Davies, CFE
Canadian Franchise Association
Paul Dean, CFE
CEFA Early Learning Centres
Nancy Delgadillo, CFE
FranWealth Partners
Chananya “Polly” Denniston, CFE
Sabai Thai Spa
Matthew Diestl, CFE
Heart to Home Meals
Doug Downer, CFE Franchise Ready
Dawn Drazdys, CFE Right At Home
Jessica Eng, CFE Alliance Franchise Brands
Scott English, CFE CEMG
Debbie Etherton, CFE M&M Meat Shops Ltd
Andrew Falchiere, CFE
Citrin Cooperman & Company
James Faria, CFE Inspire Brands, Inc.
Clark Faustino, CFE
Minute Burger
Erin Frick, CFE Domino’s Pizza LLC
Marissa Frois, CFE
The Entrepreneur’s Source®
Gareth Gabriel, CFE Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC
Michael Gaspar, CFE
Rita’s Franchise Company, LLC
Michael Gazer, CFE BNI
Angelica Gewirtz, CFE Blue Rock Search
Ian Gordon, CFE Koala Insulation
Theresa Gorelick, CFE
Nuttha Goutier, CFE
Sabai Thai Spa
Abigail Greeno, CFE
Gallagher Franchise Solutions
David Gschneidner, CFE
Discover Strength
Rodell Guiao, CFE
Philippine Seven Corporation
Kenneth Hall, CFE
Matt Haller, CFE
International Franchise Association
Tracy Harge, CFE
Port of Subs
Tiffany Hassell, CFE OpenWorks
Mary Martha Hicks, CFE
Wings Etc., Inc.
Jason Hill, CFE Green Acres
Cassandra Hill, CFE
Choice Hotels Owners Council
Mike Holman, CFE BNI
Michael Hyam, CFE
National Event Management
Steven Inglefield, CFE
The Consultant Exchange
Jason Janoski, CFE
Home Helpers Home Care
Holle Janzen, CFE
Camp Bow Wow
Wong Jin Nee, CFE
Wong Jin Nee & Teo
Lori Johnson, CFE
The Grounds Guys
Gretchen Johnson, CFE
Top 2 Bottom Business Solutions
Lauren Johnson, CFE
Propelled Brands
Jamie Judge, CFE
Gallagher Franchise Solutions
Crispin Kalaw, CFE
McDonalds Philippines
Michelle Kelly, CFE
The Wendy’s Company
Joey Kenth Dionaldo Kenth
Dionaldo, CFE
U Franchise
Vikas Kharb, CFE
MBI
Doug Kisgen, CFE
JunkStart Junk Removal
Shay Kleinschmidt, CFE
FranFund
Miranda Knapton, CFE
BNI
Maria Kostina, CFE
Fuse Franchising Inc
Michael Kotia, CFE
BIGGBY COFFEE
Amanda Kowski, CFE
Primrose School Franchising Company
Arno Krug, CFE
CEFA Early Learning Centres
Wendy Kunz, CFE
International Franchise Association
Kim Kusiak, CFE
Neighborly
Beth Larson, CFE
Build a Legacy, LLC
Steve Leasure, CFE
Neighborly
Dennis Leskowski, CFE
ClientTether CRM
Terry Lim Tek Keong, CFE
Global Art
Pamela Luers, CFE
Ivy Kids Early Learning Center
Zach Luffman, CFE
Window World
Kelvin Lui, CFE
Sabai Thai Spa
Josh Lundvall, CFE
Wings Etc., Inc.
Callum Mackay, CFE
Concept Eight
Joseph Mackay, CFE
Lift Brands Inc.
Gwenlyn Mandaliya, CFE
Pizza Pizza
Anna Margarita Quibot, CFE
Ma’x’s
Sydney Markel, CFE FlexiTech
Gordon Martin, CFE Plus Fitness
Emma Martin LaPlant, CFE Pause Studio
Branden McCain, CFE Stiltz Franchising, Inc.
Bruce McFarlane, CFE BDC Partners
Melissa McGarvey, CFE British Swim School
Sherry McNeil, CFE Canadian Franchise Association
Norhadi Md Yusof, CFE Malaysian Franchise Association
Dawn Meechin, CFE Gong Cha
Caroline Meers, CFE Honest1 Auto Care
Joanah Mendoza, CFE McDonalds Philippines
Andrew Dean Miller, CFE Hibu, Inc.
Marcos Montas, CFE Shoot 360 Inc.
Jason Moss, CFE Batteries Plus
Chau Nguyen, CFE FranchiseFuel Consultants Inc.
Jerome Nikko Mateo Esteban, CFE Grainsmart
Sean Oatney, CFE Planet Fitness
Thomas O’Connell, CFE Buchalter LLP
Carla Olive, CFE
Franchise Ready
Michelle Oonk, CFE Smoothie King
Jelena Pasic, CFE Harlem Shake
Jasmina Patel, CFE
Primrose School Franchising Company
John Pearson, CFE Goddard Systems, LLC
Kristy Pendlebury, CFE Guttervac
Loana Perez, CFE TeacupFuls Franchise LLC
Alex Pericchi, CFE PuroClean, Inc.
Ryan Picklyk, CFE
A&W Food Services of Canada
Alex Preddie, CFE RocketBarn Marketing
John Pugh, CFE
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Michael Rana, CFE POS Franchising, LLC
Maricel Rebullido, CFE U Franchise
Dick Ren, CFE
Ivy Kids
Dale Ressler, CFE
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen
Joe Reynolds, CFE
Inspire Brands Inc.
Recollete Rhea A. Tiamzon, CFE
Potato Corner
Joseph Riner, CFE
Metal Supermarkets Franchising America Inc.
Martin Robertson, CFE
Oxford Learning Centres
Lynette Robinson, CFE Threshold Brands
Jason Robson, CFE
Explore & Develop
Diana Roopnarine, CFE
Clear Summit Group
Gina Rozell, CFE
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dawn Russell, CFE
Blue Rock Search
Jaycarl Sabanal, CFE
Philippine Seven Corporation
Tarun Sachdeva, CFE
Franchise Ready
Mohd Saiful Haq Bin Khider, CFE
ZN River Sdn Bhd
Gene Sanders, CFE Senior Helpers
Shawn Saraga, CFE
The Franchise Academy Inc.
Lisa Saville, CFE FCA
Alex Schiavone, CFE
Boston Pizza
Shivam Sharma, CFE Canadian Franchise Association
Kelli Shiel, CFE
MBCM Strata Specialist
Ryan Shorten, CFE Metal Supermarkets
Lindsay Simpson, CFE Showhomes
Justin Southwell, CFE Express Employment International
Erika Spalding, CFE
James Stapleton, CFE Caring Transitions
Gary Steegstra, CFE
Storage King
Stephanie Stephens, CFE Best Life Brands
Jackie Stilwell, CFE
The Entrepreneur’s Source®
Dayana Sultanova, CFE Fuse Franchising Inc
Derek Sutherland, CFE
Keypoint Law
David Sutter, CFE
Neighborly
Hemu Suvarna, CFE
BNI India Enterprises Pvt Ltd
Michael Tacadena, CFE
Ma’x’s
Vic Tapia, CFE
Wings Etc., Inc.
Cassaundra Taylor, CFE
Buzz Franchise Brands
Scott Temme, CFE
Zaxby’s Franchising LLC
Nikki Thomas, CFE
Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC
Janette Timms, CFE
Training Central
Maria Tomitz, CFE
Listen360
Leslie Toole, CFE
1-Tom-Plumber
Dave Van Klingeren, CFE
BNI
Lili Varela, CFE
Smoothie King
Nishant Verma, CFE
Bricks 4 Kidz
Nicholas Vitale, CFE
Bumper Man
Nicholas Warner, CFE
Woodhouse Spa
C-A Washington, CFE
Soulstice Serenity
Don Williams, CFE
Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa
Kimberly Wolff, CFE
Sandler
Ben Wright, CFE
Canopy Lawn Care
Deric, Yeo Chin Lee Yeo Chin Lee, CFE
My Us Pizza Sdn Bhd
Damian Yeo Shen Li, CFE
DSLY FRANIP SDN BHD
IFA26 –STORYTELLER’S CORNER
At the 2026 IFA Annual Convention, the Storyteller’s Corner served as a gathering place for ideas, inspiration, and shared experience from across the franchising community.
Featuring books written by franchisors, franchisees, entrepreneurs, and franchise experts, the collection highlighted the diverse perspectives shaping the future of franchising. From leadership and culture to marketing, innovation, and personal growth, these titles reflect the lessons learned, stories lived, and knowledge generously shared by those building and strengthening the franchise business model.
AI Alchemy
Ford Saeks
https://amzn.to/49SHYdh
“AI Alchemy” helps business leaders navigate the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. Through practical frameworks and real-world insights, Ford Saeks shows how to integrate AI responsibly, turn data into actionable insights, and maintain the human connection that drives lasting success while gaining a competitive advantage.
Boardroom Proverbs: A Junior Executive’s Guide To What This All Means
Drew J. Alfano, CFE www.boardroomproverbs.com
“Boardroom Proverbs” decodes the language, expectations, and unwritten rules of corporate leadership. Designed for rising professionals and junior executives, Drew Alfano translates real boardroom experiences into practical insights that help readers understand how decisions are made, how influence works, and how to navigate leadership conversations with confidence.
Dreams Never Die
Clement T. Troutman
https://a.co/d/0iiofgiI
“Dreams Never Die” shares Clement Troutman’s inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful and award-winning franchise owner. Through personal stories of perseverance, faith, and determination, Troutman illustrates how resilience and hard work can transform challenges into opportunity and help anyone pursue their dreams. 1 2 3
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Vincent Vigneri
https://a.co/d/05g9eUXi
In “ENTREPRENEURSHIP,” Vincent Vigneri explores the mindset and discipline required to build a successful business. Drawing on decades of experience, he shares practical insights on leadership, risk-taking, and resilience, offering entrepreneurs a roadmap for navigating challenges and building ventures that create long-term value.
Franchising: The Inside Story
John Hayes
https://a .co/d/02yKhjjA
“Franchising: The Inside Story” provides a foundational look at how the franchise business model works and why it has become a powerful engine for growth. John Hayes explores the origins, structure, and opportunities within franchising, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs, franchisees, and industry professionals.
Living Intentionally: How intentionality enables success, fulfillment, and growth
Joe Gagnon
https://a.co/d/0eeTISrq
“Living Intentionally” explores how purposeful decisions and focused habits can shape a more meaningful and successful life. Joe Gagnon offers practical strategies to help readers align their values with their actions, empowering them to achieve personal fulfillment, professional growth, and long-term success through intentional living.
Making Space, Clutter Free: The Last Book on DeCluttering You Will Ever Need
Tracy McCubbin
https://a.co/d /01WK0zLB
“Making Space, Clutter Free” helps readers understand the emotional and psychological reasons behind clutter.
Professional organizer Tracy McCubbin identifies common “clutter blocks” and provides practical steps to overcome them, helping readers simplify their homes, reduce stress, and create organized spaces that support a calmer, more intentional lifestyle. 4 5 6
No New Ideas: Everything You Need to Know About Starting a Successful Franchise
Tim Conn
https://a.co/d/0fvgeOUW
“No New Ideas” introduces readers to franchising as a proven pathway to business ownership. Tim Conn explains how franchise systems reduce risk by providing established brands, operational systems, and support. The book offers practical guidance for evaluating franchise opportunities and building a successful business within a tested model.
The “Office Pride Culture Book” showcases the values, beliefs, and stories that define the culture of Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services. Featuring contributions from franchise owners and team members, the book illustrates how shared principles such as integrity, faith, and service guide the company’s mission and leadership.
Prep for Success – The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Achieving Your Dreams
Paul Trapp & Steve Davis
https://a .co/d/030fvgom
“Prep for Success” provides aspiring entrepreneurs with practical advice for turning ideas into thriving businesses. Paul Trapp and Steve Davis share lessons on planning, leadership, and perseverance, offering readers a clear roadmap for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and achieving their personal and professional goals.
Stop Using the “B” Word
Todd Hopkins
https://a.co/d /02Q6iKHx
“Stop Using the ‘B’ Word” challenges leaders to rethink their approach to business by focusing first on people. Drawing on his experience building a successful franchise organization, Todd Hopkins demonstrates how prioritizing relationships, purpose, and values can create stronger companies and more meaningful long-term success.
The Abiding Franchisor
Doug Groves
https://a.co/d/0hpipa8L
“The Abiding Franchisor” explores the leadership principles required to build franchise systems that endure. Doug Groves shares insights on trust, communication, and long-term partnership between franchisors and franchisees, offering guidance for leaders who want to create sustainable growth and strong franchise relationships.
13
The AI Search Revolution: Adaptive SEO in the Age of AI
Dan Monaghan
https://a.co/d/0eMOVucO
“The AI Search Revolution” examines how artificial intelligence is transforming search engines and digital marketing. Dan Monaghan explains how businesses can adapt their SEO strategies to remain competitive in an AI-driven landscape, offering insights on evolving algorithms, content strategy, and the future of online visibility.
The Franchise Fix
Aicha Bascaro
https://a.co/d/0iPmBRD1
“The Franchise Fix” provides franchise leaders with practical solutions to improve system performance and strengthen franchise relationships. Drawing on extensive consulting experience, Aicha Bascaro shares strategies to address common operational challenges and help franchisors and franchisees work together to achieve sustainable success.
The Franchise of the Future
Paul Ehlinger
https://www.franchiseofthefuture.com/
“The Franchise of the Future” explores emerging trends shaping the next generation of franchising. Paul Ehlinger highlights how technology, innovation, and evolving business models are redefining growth opportunities, encouraging franchisors and entrepreneurs to embrace new strategies that will drive success in the years ahead.
The Pink
Tsunami:
Women’s Rise in Franchising
Alesia Visconti
https://tinyurl.com/27v28nt9
“The Pink Tsunami” highlights the growing impact of women in the franchising industry.
Alesia Visconti shares stories and insights from female leaders who are transforming franchising as owners, executives, and innovators, celebrating the momentum and opportunity created by women shaping the future of the industry.
The Purpose Directed Business
Kim Hanson
https://a.co/d/02RT9IhF
“The Purpose Directed Business” shows how organizations can align profitability with purpose. Kim Hanson shares strategies for building companies that create value for customers, employees, and communities while achieving sustainable growth, demonstrating how purpose-driven leadership strengthens culture and long-term business success.
Franchise Management for Dummies
Michael Seid
https://a.co/d/0dyb5CVU
“Franchise Management for Dummies” offers a practical introduction to building and managing franchise systems. Industry expert Michael Seid explains the fundamentals of franchising, including system development, operations, franchisee relationships, and legal considerations, making complex concepts accessible to entrepreneurs and franchise professionals alike.
Unlock the Einstein Inside: Apply New Brain Science to Wake Up the Smart in Your Child
Dr. Ken Gibson
https://a.co/d/09YoBi6F
“Unlock the Einstein Inside” introduces parents and educators to brain-based techniques that support children’s intellectual growth.
Dr. Ken Gibson explains how neuroscience can enhance learning, creativity, and problem-solving, offering practical tools to help children unlock their full potential.
19 20
Wisdom-Driven Business
Carolyn Thurston
https://a.co/d /0ajItWts
“Wisdom-Driven Business” explores how thoughtful leadership and ethical decisionmaking can guide organizations toward long-term success.
Carolyn Thurston emphasizes the role of wisdom in balancing profitability with responsibility, encouraging leaders to build companies grounded in integrity, experience, and purpose.
21
Grow Smart, Risk Less: A Low-Capital Path to Multiplying Your Business Through Franchising
Shelly Sun
https://a.co/d/0eSSgkOh
“Grow Smart, Risk Less” explains how franchising can help entrepreneurs expand their businesses while minimizing financial risk. Shelly Sun shares insights from building a successful franchise brand and outlines strategies for scaling operations by empowering others to grow under a proven system.
22
Accelerate: The Ultimate Guide for Franchisees to Maximize Local Marketing and Boost Sales
Ford Saeks
https://a.co/d/0ebaMC5i
“Accelerate” provides franchise owners with practical marketing strategies to drive local growth. Ford Saeks shares proven tactics for increasing visibility, attracting customers, and improving sales performance through effective digital marketing, local engagement, and data-driven decision-making.
23
The Ultimate Guide for Franchisees to Maximize LocalMarketing and Boost Sales
Ford Saeks
https://a.co/d/04mDFSIq
This guide delivers actionable marketing strategies designed specifically for franchise owners. Ford Saeks outlines proven techniques to strengthen local brand presence, generate consistent customer demand, and turn marketing efforts into measurable revenue growth for franchise businesses.
FROM CURIOSITY TO OWNERSHIP: INSIDE YEAR 2 OF THE FRANCHISE ASCENSION INITIATIVE
By David Smith, International Franchise Association
Two years ago, the IFA Franchise Ascension Initiative (FAI) was simply an idea — an ambitious effort to open more doors into franchising.
Today, as the program concludes its second year, that idea has already helped launch nearly 50 aspiring franchisees onto a path toward business ownership. I had a front-row seat to the moment curiosity began turning into clarity. Over the past six months, I watched working professionals, Veterans, community leaders, and first-time entrepreneurs step into a space that, for many of them, had previously felt just a bit out of reach.
The Franchise Ascension Initiative was designed for exactly that moment.
FAI is a six-month accelerator program that prepares individuals from underrepresented groups and communities for a career in franchise ownership. The program blends best-in-class education, mentorship, coaching, and hands-on exposure to the franchise ecosystem. The goal is simple but powerful: open the door to an industry that has long been one of the most reliable pathways to business ownership and wealth creation.
But opening the door isn’t enough. People need to feel comfortable walking through it.
For many in this cohort, the most transformative part of the FAI experience was the unmatched access it provides. Some had heard of franchising before joining the program, but the mechanics of the industry — the relationships, the systems, the decision points — were largely invisible to them. That changed quickly.
When Cohort 2 attended the IFA Advocacy Summit in September and later the IFA Convention in February, something shifted. These are rooms where the future of franchising is actively being discussed and shaped. And for many FAI participants, it was the first time they saw themselves represented in those spaces.
began to look structured and navigable. Participants left with a clearer understanding of the franchise landscape, stronger professional networks, and the confidence to move forward.
Harris captured that transformation perfectly:
FAI is a six-month accelerator program that prepares individuals from underrepresented groups and
communities for a career in franchise ownership.”
The impact of that visibility was immediate.
Participants began asking sharper questions, making connections, and building relationships that will last well beyond the program itself. Mentorship played a critical role in that process, offering a behind-the-scenes view of how the franchise system actually works.
Cohort member, Rockquetta Harris, described the experience this way:
“My mentor, Michele Popelka, played a pivotal role by providing behind-the-scenes access to how franchising functions at the franchisor level. Through her, I was introduced to professionals whose perspectives spanned the full franchise lifecycle: a longtime franchise business broker who recently became a franchisee, members of the franchisor sales, onboarding and support team, and an experienced former multi-unit owner who had successfully exited and now supports franchisees from within the system.”
That kind of exposure turns an abstract idea into a tangible career path.
By the end of the program, the change in perspective was unmistakable. What once felt complicated and opaque
“As I conclude my time in this FAI cohort, I find myself in a place I could not have fully imagined when I first arrived, my vision blurry, motivated but uncertain. What once felt extremely unfamiliar and out of reach now feels structured, intentional, and attainable.”
That shift — from uncertainty to intention — is exactly what FAI aims to create. Soon, these aspiring entrepreneurs will transition from prospects to official franchise business owners, bringing fresh energy, new ideas, and diverse perspectives to the franchise community.
And now, we’re preparing for the next chapter. Recruitment for the next FAI cohort is underway, with the program launching in August and running through February 2027. Applications are open through May 1, with early applicants receiving early decisions.
For anyone who has ever wondered where to begin in franchising, this program was built to answer that question. And if this year’s cohort is any indication, the next group will walk away with an even bigger support network, and a clear path forward on their journey into successful franchise ownership.
David Smith is the director of diversity programs at the International Franchise Association.
Rockquetta Harris
FRANCHISE MEANS LOCAL: THE BEGINNING OF A NEW STORY FOR AMERICA’S FRANCHISE OWNERS
By Katherine Knight Patterson, IFA
When we first sketched the idea for a national storytelling campaign — one powerful enough to shift how influential voices, decisionmakers, and the public understand franchising — it felt ambitious.
Maybe even a little impossible.
Turning the idea of a franchise reputation campaign into a cohesive, nationwide effort would require far more than strong messaging. It demanded a modernized digital strategy, a growing library of real franchisee stories, strong IFA member engagement, and a storytelling engine capable of scaling across the country.
A few months later, that early idea has become reality. Franchise Means Local, backed by a $5 million investment through the IFA Foundation, has already emerged as one of the most promising and transformative initiatives IFA has undertaken, existing to show America what franchising truly is — and the people who make it happen.
A Model America Knows, But Few Truly Understand
Franchises are woven into the rhythm of everyday American life. You grab coffee from one on your way to work, drop your child off at another, stay in one on a business trip, or join a workout class at a franchise gym. But what many people don’t realize is that each of these locations is a small business — independently owned, locally operated, and personally invested.
According to IFA’s new 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook, franchising is responsible for the existence of over 832,000 small businesses, providing nearly 8.9 million jobs and contributing over $907.3 billion to the nation’s economy. Of these businesses, 64 percent are first-time business owners with higher rates of veterans, minorities, and first-generation Americans choosing franchising to pursue a path to economic mobility.
That’s the story Franchise Means Local is built to elevate: franchising isn’t corporate America — it’s your neighbors.
A New Campaign With a Clear Purpose
Even in these early months, the campaign has a sharply defined mission: make the local nature of franchising unmistakable.
Franchise owners say the same thing too often: people see the brand, but not the person. And when the person disappears, so does context. Important distinctions — like the fact that franchisees hire their own workers, pay their own taxes, and make their own business decisions — often get lost in national conversations. Regulatory debates quickly become disconnected from the reality of small business ownership.
Franchise Means Local is designed to close that gap from day one.
Not through policy papers.
Not through jargon.
But through people.
Capturing the Stories That Make the Model Work
The early stages of the campaign have been intentionally foundational: meeting franchise owners, capturing their voices on camera, building creative infrastructure, and creating the digital ecosystem needed to scale. Whether it’s Nadeem, a first-generation American who started as a delivery driver and is now one of the largest franchisees in his system, or Tanya whose business provides jobs for over 100 people in her neighborhood, the stories in franchising are endless — and IFA is here to tell them. A restaurant operator sharing the pride of employing dozens of young workers. A childcare owner explaining how her center supports working families. A hotel franchisee pointing to the jobs his business has created in his town and the employees who have been there for decades.
The Power of Beginning With a Strong Foundation
The campaign may be only a few months old, but the momentum is unmistakable: the franchise community is ready for this. Ready to be seen. Ready to be understood. Ready to tell its story on a national stage.
And this isn’t just IFA telling these stories — our members have a big role to play, and they’ve shown their ready to do it. We have developed platforms for brands and franchisees to create short videos and be a part of the message — and so many have already heeded the call and then we will help spread the message.
Every major initiative begins somewhere, and this one begins with a simple truth: behind every franchise sign is a local owner whose story deserves to be told.
Because franchising has always been local. Now, the story will finally reflect it.
Katherine Knight Patterson is the VP of communications for the International Franchise Association.
A
THANK YOU
OUR
The 2026 IFA Annual Convention wouldn’t be the same without our incredible exhibitors! Your innovation, dedication, and passion helped create an engaging, inspiring, and truly one-of-a-kind experience for all who attended. To learn more about the companies below, visit www.franchise.org/ annual-convention/2026-convention-resources and download the exhibitor list.
3C Store Fixtures
401GO
AC Inc.
ActiveCampaign
ADM Creative Group
ADP, Inc.
AGS Fleet
All Points Retail
Alphagraphics National Programs
Answerconnect
AON
ApplePie Capital, Inc.
Artesian CPA
Astley Gilbert
Aterra
Atlas Mapping
AutyFi
BAND
Bank of America
BBSI
BeanSquad (Bookkeeping Brands)
Benetrends, Inc.
BirdEye
BizBuySell BNI
Boefly
BooXkeeping Corp Boulevard
Brame Holdings
Broccoli
BuildASign
Business Finance Depot
Canadian Franchise Association
CareerPlug
Ceterus
CGI Franchise
Choice Local
Cinch
Citrin Cooperman
Clarity Voice
Clayton Kendall
ClientTether
Connecteam
Constant Contact
Consumer Fusion
Creative Colors International
Creative Planning
Curious Jane
Darter Specialties
Delightree
Dell
Denamico
Design Huddle
Digital Mouth
Discovered
Diversified Royalty Corp
Dots
Dragon Metrics
Enspire for Enterprise
Entrepreneur Media
Entrepreneur's Source, The etrainu
Eulerity
EventPrep
EverConnect
EZeeAssist
F.C. Dadson
Fish Window Cleaning Services
FisherZucker LLC
Fishman PR
Flamel.ai
Ford Saeks - Franchise
Training Solutions
Fortem International
Franchise Business Review
Franchise Capital Solutions
Fusion Connect
Franchise FastLane
Franchise Direct
Franchise Flippers
Franchise Ninja
Franchise Ramp
Franchise Times
Franchise Update Media
Franchise Ventures
FranchiseClique
FranchiseFilming
FranchiseWire
FranConnect
FRANdata
FranFast by Fast Cloud
FranFund, Inc.
FranNet
FranOpCo
FranServe
FranSite
FRM Solutions
Gallagher
GbBIS
GlassHouse
Global Franchise
Global Payments
Group Management Services (GMS)
Group II
Groupe Axone
Gusto
Hibu
HigherVisibility
Hot Dish Advertising
Hughes
Human Interest
Huntington National Bank
Hylant
Identity Group
IFPG - International Franchise Professionals
Group
iFranchise Group
Ignite Visibility
Image Cube
ImageOne Uniforms
Incline Marketing
INFINITI HR
International Franchise Association
International Franchise Show London
Intuit
Ironmark
JLL
Jobber
Lathrop GPM
LatitudeLearning
LearningZen
Leashed AI
LEO Events
Linxup
Listen360
LocaliQ
LocateAI
Location3
LoyaltyLoop
Lumin.ai
L’Express Connect Marchex
Marvia
Mendelson Consulting Mercury
MFV Expositions
Morrow Hill
Morrow Hill Design & Build
Motive
myHRcounsel
MyOutDesk
MyTime
Namecard.ai
National Franchise Show, The
Nora Lighting
Northeast Color
Online Image
Oracle
OPUS Training
OutreachGenius
Outreach Studios
Paychex, Inc.
Payroll Vault
Pilot
Pixelwerx
Placer.ai
Plante Moran
PrintComm
Profit Soup
ProfitKeeper
Promotex
Pronexis
Pryze
Qvinci
Ramp
Raynamker
ReferPro
Reliable Background Screening
RESOLUT RE
Revscale AI
Rhino 7
Rikor Insurance Agency
Ringba
Rocketbarn Marketing
Ryno Strategic Solutions
SalesDesk
Saxton&Stump
Schooley Mitchell
Scorpion
SERVCommerce
ServiceMinder
Sesimi
SFV Services
Shepard Event Services
SIFT
Silicon Signs
SiteZeus
SL Franchise Group
Smappen
SMB Franchise Advisors
SocialMadeSimple
SOCi, Inc.
Soffront Corporation
Soulkal
Spadea Lignana
Specialized Accounting Services
Spectrum Business
Sunbelt Franchise Re-Sales
Swipesum
Textellent
Thryv
Thunderly
Tidehouse Agency
Turtlehut Internet Marketing
UniFi
UniFiX
United Franchise Group
V Digital Services
Valenta
Vendasta
Vision Map
Vitable Health
Vonigo
Voxie
Vox-Pop-Uli Inc.
Wells Fargo
Wired Telecom
Xpressdocs
ZeeWise
Zest Lab, The
activecampaign.com/franchise
ActiveCampaign HQ helps franchise and multi-location brands manage marketing from one dashboard— scaling personalized email and SMS, automating growth, maintaining brand consistency, and tailoring campaigns for local audiences.
Contact Information:
Jack Hom Commercial Director, Franchise Sales jhom@activecampaign.com
answerconnect.com/franchise
AnswerConnect provides 24/7 live answering services, ensuring businesses never miss a call. Human receptionists handle every call with warmth and e ciency, following customized scripts set by franchisors to deliver a consistent, on-brand experience
Contact Information: Karen Booze Director of Growth and Partnership karen@answerconnect.com
bdo.com
BDO’s global accounting, tax and advisory network helps franchisors, franchisees and multi-unit operators grow with confidence through insight-driven expertise and practical guidance at every step of the franchise lifecycle.
Contact Information: Melani O’Meara Director momeara@bdo.com
alphagraphics.com
AlphaGraphics National Programs provides reliable support at scale, helping marketing and franchise teams manage print, signage, and promotional materials across the entire franchise system. Our unique agEnterprise solution brings your branded materials into a custom online portal, helping you save on time and costs.
Contact Information:
Craig Nolan cnolan@alphagraphics.com
We provide Franchisees the knowledge and resources to scale their multi-unit organization and confidently delegate operations. We also o er world-class development programs for MultiUnit Leaders (District Managers), and Single Unit Managers.
Contact Information:
Aicha Bascaro CEO info@americanfranchiseacademy.com
applepiecapital.com
ApplePie Capital is a relationship lender for exceptional brands. Facilitating $3+ billion dollars funded across 200+ brands. 100% franchise focused, we make it easier for our brand partners and their franchisees to access the capital they need.
Contact Information: Jamie Davis SVP Business Development jamie@applepiecapital.com
Benetrends has helped entrepreneurs fund and launch businesses for over 40 years. As the preferred funding partner of the IFA, we provide 401(k) rollover funding (ROBS), SBA loans, and expert guidance to help individuals start and grow businesses.
Contact Information: Ali Kraus, CFE CMO akraus@benetrends.com
atmosphere.tv
Atmosphere is the world’s largest free streaming TV service for business. Servicing over 60,000 venues, including thousands of franchise stores across 100+ brands, Atmosphere is home to 30+ audio-optional channels built for any environment.
Contact Information: Mike Kelly Sr. Director mike.kelly@atmosphere.tv
bni.com
BNI is the world’s largest business networking franchise, helping entrepreneurs grow through structured referral marketing. Members build relationships, exchange referrals, and generate business through local operated chapters in over 75 countries.
Contact Information: Spencer Perkins Director of Marketing spencerperkins@bni.com
buchalter.com
Contact Information: Tom O’Connell Franchise Practice Chair toconnell@buchalter.com
cassels.com
Cassels is recognized as the foremost leader in Franchise Law in Canada, regularly advising domestic and US brands on expansion to and operations in Canada.
Contact Information: Larry Weinberg Partner lweinberg@cassels.com
chengcohen.com
Cheng Cohen is a franchise law firm providing uncompromising service to brands worldwide. We o er a unique blend of legal and real-world business experience, delivering curated business, trademark, and dispute resolution solutions for franchisors.
Citrin Cooperman is proud to have one of the leading national franchise practices in the country. We provide guidance and insight to minimize uncertainty while meeting financial statement audit, tax, and other contractual obligations.
Contact Information:
Michael Iannuzzi
Partner, Co-Practice Leader – Franchise Practice miannuzzi@citrincooperman.com
claconnect.com
CLA exists to create opportunities for our clients, our people, and our communities through industryfocused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. Whether your needs are local or abroad, we promise to know you and help you. CLAconnect. com Investment advisory services are o ered through CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SECregistered investment advisor.
Contact Information:
Brian Baumgart
Principal
brian.baumgart@claconnect.com
constantcontact.com/franchise
Constant Contact Teams is built for franchise systems. Maintain brand control from headquarters while enabling franchisees to run local marketing. Streamline campaigns, enforce brand standards, and track performance across every location.
Contact Information:
Yuliya Kozyreva
Senior Growth Marketing Manager
yuliya.kozyreva@constantcontact.com
consumerfusion.com
Consumer Fusion is an AI-powered platform for reputation, listings, & social. As the IFA Preferred Vendor, we help 100+ franchise brands remove illegitimate reviews, strengthen visibility, and maintain brand consistency with whiteglove support.
Contact Information:
Xan Gulish
VP, Business Development alexander@consumerfusion.com
devhub.com
The last website platform your franchise will ever need. DevHub designs, builds, and supports your entire franchise brand website, so your team can focus on growth. Launch in one quarter with no SEO loss.
Contact Information:
Joshua Schure
Head of Growth joshua@devhub.com
diversifiedroyaltycorp.com
Diversified Royalty Corp. (“DIV”) is a multi-royalty corporation engaged in the business of acquiring top-line royalties from well-managed multilocation businesses and franchisors in North America.
Contact Information: Melody Nirooi AP/AR O ce Manager info@diversifiedroyaltycorp.com
dlapiper.com/en-us
The DLA Piper LLP (US) Franchise Group combines global reach and deep industry knowledge to advise franchisors and investors on regulations, industry trends, growth, transactions, and disputes— supporting franchise success across borders.
Contact Information: Mia LaFlore mia.laflore@us.dlapiper.com
ecolab.com
A trusted partner for millions of customers, Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) is a global sustainability leader o ering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life.
Contact Information: Salvador Falcon VP Industry Relations salvador.falcon@ecolab.com
futureoffranchising.com
For 40+ years, The Entrepreneur’s Source has connected franchisors with thousands of qualified candidates. Our Career Ownership Coaching™ model helps identify the right fit and create strong franchise relationships built to last.
Contact Information: Jackie Stillwell Member Relationship Developer jstilwell@franchisesource.com
Franchise Attorneys
Contact Information: Lane Fisher Partner lfisher@fisherzucker.com
fortidia.com
eulerity.com
The #1 AI-powered agentic digital marketing platform per Entrepreneur, Eulerity unifies paid and organic media—ads, social, reviews, and listings—to consolidate tools, boost reputation, and drive performance at a fraction of traditional costs.
Contact Information: Adam Chandler COO & Co-Founder sales@eulerity.com
We empower our partners with the independence to leverage our established business model, industryleading tools, and comprehensive support, fostering local entrepreneurship with the full backing of Fortidia’s expertise and resources.
Contact Information: Erica Blair VP of Marketing eblair@fortidia.com
expresspros.com
Express Employment Professionals provides sta ng solutions to simplify recruiting, manage production fluctuations, and navigate seasonal hiring. Express places more than 425K people across 66K business annually. Visit ExpressPros.com today!
Contact Information: Rachel Rudisill VP of Marketing and Communications marketing@expresspros.com
foxrothschild.com
Our franchise team counsels leading franchisors and emerging brands, from venture-backed startups to middle-market leaders and national enterprises. We deliver practical, business-minded legal advice grounded in deep franchise experience.
Contact Information: Nikki Gri
Sr. Business Development Manager ngri n@foxrothschild.com
franchisefastlane.com
We’re the top franchise development company, helping brands grow. Since 2017, we’ve awarded over 10,000 units, empowered more than 3,800 owners, and supported 16 brands through private equity events.
Contact Information:
Anna Huelle
Sr Director of Marketing ahuelle@franchisefastlane.com
frandata.com
FRANdata studies the universe of franchising, equipping franchisors, suppliers, lenders and PE firms with market research, credit analytics, and verified proprietary franchisor and franchisee insights that turn data into growth.
Contact Information:
Edith Wiseman
President frandata@frandata.com
franfund.com
Recognized as the top financing supplier (Entrepreneur Mag, 3 years running) and #1 SBA Lender by the Coleman Report for two consecutive years, we work with franchisors and brokers to provide reliable funding solutions for their candidates.
Contact Information: Sherri Seiber
President sseiber@franfund.com
franserve.com
We love changing people’s lives! With nearly 2,000 members consisting of franchise consultants, franchisors, and suppliers, we are the largest franchise consulting/broker organization in the world!
Contact Information: Alesia Visconti
Chief Executive O cer and Publisher avisconti@franserve.com
franinsurance.com
Insurance and risk management solutions for franchise networks. Backed by Gallagher’s global expertise and franchise industry insight, we deliver peace of mind through our 3P Commitment: Protect Your Business, Care for Your People, Grow Your Profit.
Contact Information: Susan Kothe Franchise Program Vice President susan_kothe@ajg.com
Heights Wellness Retreat is a membership-based wellness platform integrating advanced technologies with hands-on services. Designed to drive frequency and retention, the model supports daily recovery while creating a scalable business.
Contact Information: Shane Evans CEO + Co-Founder shane.evans@theelevatedbrands.com
gtlaw.com/en
Greenberg Traurig’s Franchise & Distribution Practice is a leader in franchise law, advising global brands on growth, compliance, and disputes with strategic, business focused legal counsel across the full franchise lifecycle.
Contact Information: Alan Greenfield Shareholder Alan.Greenfield@gtlaw.com
hibu.com/who-we-help/franchise
One platform, one provider for scalable franchise digital marketing at a local level. Hibu pairs AIdriven technology with expert human support, local execution, and transparent reporting to drive consistent growth across locations.
Contact Information: AJ Shull AVP Brands & Franchise aj.shull@hibu.com
HuntingtonHelps.com
Huntington is the leading K-12 tutoring and test prep provider. We o er customized programs in-person and online that develop skills, confidence, and motivation. Founded in 1977, our mission is to give every student the best education possible.
Contact Information: Anne Huntington Sharma President HuntingtonA@HLCMail.com
ignitevisibility.com
Ignite Visibility is a digital marketing agency helping franchise and multi-location brands grow through data-driven strategies and innovative technology. We support 200+ brands and 15,000+ locations with franchise development and consumer marketing.
Contact Information: Nicole Garcia
Senior Digital Marketing Manager nicoleg@ignitevisibility.com
infinitihr.com
INFINITI HR is a customizable PEO for franchises, reducing labor costs, mitigating liability, and o ering True-Group benefits. IRScertified, it provides joint-employer insurance and supports franchise growth with scalable, holistic services.
Contact Information:
Daniel Mormino
Chief Business O cer daniel.mormino@infinitihr.com
janiking.com
Jani-King, founded in 1969. Based in Addison, TX is a global commercial cleaning franchise serving o ces, healthcare, hospitality, education, and more. They o er customized janitorial solutions, emphasizing training, and scalable cleaning programs..
Contact Information: Vanessa McCoy Marketing Director vmccoy@janiking.com
lathropgpm.com/services/ franchise-distribution
With one of the leading franchise and distribution practices, Lathrop GPM attorneys serve franchisors and master franchisees throughout the world.
Streamline complex financial management and gain real-time visibility with Intuit Enterprise Suite— the AI-Native ERP that automates workflows, unifies entities, and adapts to your franchise system.
Konnect Agency is a full-service PR & communications firm that has helped 100+ franchise brands scale through targeted consumer and frandev media relations, executive communications, crisis management, and local outreach.
Contact Information: Amanda Bialek President abialek@konnectagency.com
ktafinancialservices.com
We are a collection of successful business owners and franchisees paired with expert accountants. We struggled to find bookkeeping solutions for our businesses that were accurate and timely. So this team created our own answer with KTA Financial Services, a bookkeeping and tax preparation company for business owners, by business owners.
Contact Information: Jonathan Lee jonathan.lee@ktafinancialservices.com
localiq.com
Move your business forward with digital marketing powered by AI and local expertise. LocaliQ is how businesses like yours attract and retain the ideal customers. With a platform and a partner that helps you do more with your digital marketing, now all the right leads find you.
Contact Information: Scott Szczekocki
Sr. Director, National Brands scott.szczekocki@localiq.com
location3.com
Location3 is a performance marketing partner purpose-built for franchise brands. We help franchisors drive measurable revenue growth by activating enterprise-level strategy at the local level, across every location in every market.
Contact Information: Joshua Allen
V.P. of Marketing & Sales jallen@location3.com
mocandco.com
We support the franchise industry in the convention, conference and meetings arena. We start with sourcing the right venue and developing the budget. From there we o er registration, planning and onsite management. We Grow Brands and Advance People.
Contact Information: Mary O’Connor President MOConnor@mocandco.com
msaworldwide.com
MSA Worldwide is a global franchise advisory firm for franchisors at every stage. We design franchise programs for emerging brands & we’re the leading advisors to established franchisors worldwide helping with system change, growth and exit strategy.
Contact Information: Andrew Seid Senior Consultant aseid@msaworldwide.com
mgmresorts.com
No matter the size, MGM Resorts has a space to suit your event, group or trade show needs. Host your next group at MGM Resorts to experience world-class amenities and venues.
Contact Information: Kristina Oumedlouz Director, Global Sales koumedlouz@mgmresorts.com
franchise.neighborly.com
Neighborly® is the world’s leading home services franchisor, with 28+ brands and 5,500 locations. We invest in franchise owner success through shared technology, marketing, and support, helping local businesses serve millions of customers each year.
Contact Information: Brad Stevenson Chief Development O cer franchise@nbly.com
morrowhill.com
A tech-driven real estate firm exclusively representing tenants. Portfolio management, transactions, real estate and lease administration are managed by one in-house team, powered by proprietary platforms that streamline site selection and execution.
Contact Information: Jonathan Hill Co-Founder info@morrowhill.com
netsertive.com
Netsertive delivers multi-location marketing technology solutions that enable franchise brands and multi-location businesses to execute localized marketing at the intersection of our proprietary technology and deep hyper-local expertise.
Norwest is a leading venture and growth equity investment firm. Managing more than $15.5 billion in capital, we have invested in over 700 early-to-late-stage companies, with more than 250 currently active.
Contact Information: Sonya Brown General Partner sbrown@nvp.com
Contact Information: Erin Martin VP of Marketing and Sales emartin@netsertive.com norwest.com
go.paychex.com/ifa
Paychex is a benefits, HR, and payroll company with a mission of helping businesses succeed. With our awardwinning combination of digital HR technology and advisory services, we can help you simplify your complex business challenges.
Contact Information: Franchise Development Team ifa@paychex.com
plantemoran.com
Plante Moran is among the nation’s largest audit, tax, consulting, and wealth management firms and provides a full line of services to organizations.
Contact Information: Lisa Plonka Partner, Franchise and Consumer Services Practice Leader lisa.plonka@plantemoran.com
polsinelli.com
Polsinelli is an Am Law 100 firm with 1,200+ attorneys across 25+ o ces nationwide. Known for strong client service and relationships, the firm is committed to exceeding expectations of what a law firm should be.
Contact Information: Vanessa Castaneda Senior Business Development Coordinator vcastaneda@polsinelli.com
princetonequity.com
Princeton Equity Group is a highly experienced franchise and multiunit investor that has sponsored investments in growth-oriented brands in the consumer, healthcare, and business services industries. Our focus on franchise and multiunit business models allows us to speak the same language as the management teams with which we partner and add significant value.
revenuemanage.com
metiRi® by Revenue Management Solutions gives franchise brands realtime financial visibility across every location. Trusted by 80K+ locations in 50+ countries, our AI-powered platform boosts profitability up to 4% per location.
Contact Information: Bob Donofrio Chief Client O cer bob@revenuemanage.com
riversidecompany.com
Riverside has invested in 1,100+ transactions and has a portfolio that includes 140+ companies. The firms’ specializations include healthcare, education and training, manufacturing, tech-enabled business services, software, consumer, and franchising.
sesimi.com
Sesimi helps franchise and multilocation brands launch compliant, onbrand marketing across every location in minutes, empowering local teams to execute quickly while maintaining brand control and consistency across the network.
Contact Information: Cameron Smith Marketing csmith@sesimi.com gotsift.com
SIFT Payments o ers the only Fully Compliant Zero Cost Credit Card Acceptance Payment Gateway in the US. Our legal and gateway team pioneered the industry from filings at the US Supreme Court to the sponsoring of bills at the state level.
Contact Information: Kurt Benjamin CEO kurt@gotsift.com
Contact Information: Grant Marcks Partner GMarcks@RiversideCompany.com
promorepublic.com/en
PromoRepublic is an agentic marketing platform for multi-location brands. One interface for social, listings, reviews, and analytics — powered by AI that generates content, coaches your team, and executes autonomously.
Contact Information: Katya Lytovchenko Head of Marketing kate.l@promorepublic.com
scorpion.co/IFA
Scorpion is the leader in helping franchises succeed by focusing on what truly matters—driving revenue. Our digital marketing solutions help tell your story online, attract more of the right customers, and turn opportunities into measurable results.
Contact Information:
Gabriella Ferrara Vice President of Sales Gabriella.Ferrara@scorpion.co
smbfranchising.com
Since 2009, SMB Franchise Advisors has helped over 600 business founders prepare, launch and grow their brand in the franchise industry. We encourage the growth of our clients through our connections, our proven process and our industry expertise.
Contact Information: Brian Luciani
Chief Growth O cer hello@smbfranchising.com
stark-stark.com/franchise-lawyer
Stark & Stark’s Franchise Practice Group assists franchise and distribution system clients with domestic and international negotiations, management agreements, renewals, assignments, disputes, compliance matters, and approval agreements.
Sponsor Spotlight
Contact Information: Adam Siegelheim Shareholder asiegelheim@stark-stark.com
We support franchises with SEO/ AIO, first-party data strategies, and performance marketing to boost their visibility, demand, and revenue. As a national digital marketing agency, we serve over 300 markets, support more than 2,000 locations each month, and hold Google Premier Partner status.
Since 1959, Ziebart has set the standard in vehicle appearance and protection. Backed by 67 years of expertise and a proven franchise system, Ziebart o ers entrepreneurs a trusted brand and a path to long-term business success.
Contact Information: Emily Davis Franchise Marketing Manager edavis@ziebart.com
tidehouseagency.com
Tidehouse is the Marketing Agency for Strategic Franchise Growth. We deliver marketing strategies that rise and stories that sell, turning complexity into clarity, structure, and momentum.
Contact Information: Lizzy Young Director of Strategic Marketing lyoung@tidehouseagency.com
wesellrestaurants.com
We are the nation’s leading restaurant brokerage franchise, specializing in franchise resales. Our Certified Restaurant Brokers help franchisors and franchisees value and sell businesses for successful restaurant transfers nationwide.
Contact Information: Robin Gagnon CEO info@wesellrestaurants.com
zoho.com
A leading global technology company with a solution-focused platform of 55+ business software helping 1 million franchisors, franchisees, and other businesses run end-to-end, successful, growth-oriented, and e ective operations on the cloud.
Contact Information: Ali Shabdar Director of Strategic Growth ali@zohocorp.com
uberall.com/en-us
Uberall is a multi-location marketing platform that helps brands turn online discovery into revenue. From listings and reviews to local pages, social and analytics, we optimize every location’s performance across traditional and AI search.
Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm committed to helping our clients be more profitable, e cient and productive in today’s complex business environment.
Contact Information: Paul Habib Business Development Executive phabib@withum.com
PREFERRED VENDORS
IFA's preferred vendors o er franchisors and franchisees products and services to advance their brands.
www.franchise.org/ifa-preferred-vendors
As the authority in franchise funding, Benetrends has been funding America’s most popular brands for 40 years. Benetrends' innovative and comprehensive suite of funding solutions not only helps franchisees successfully launch their dreams, but also helps catapult growth of franchise systems.
www.benetrends.com
Morrow Hill is a technology-driven commercial real estate firm that exclusively represents tenants with an unbiased, market-true lens. Through our Build + Design + Manage Services, we provide expert site selection, space planning, and project management supported by a dedicated client team.
www.morrowhill.com
AnswerConnect is an industry leader in live reception services, o ering complete support for your entire franchise system—whether it’s franchise development or individual franchisees. Available 24/7/365, AnswerConnect expertly handles calls, sets appointments, qualifies leads, transfers calls, integrates with CRMs, and much more. answerconnect.com/franchise
Constant Contact simplifies digital marketing for franchisors with an all-in-one platform for email, social, landing pages, and more. Whether you’re an emerging franchise or an established system, our platform empowers franchisors to decide how much control to maintain at the top while giving franchisees the flexibility they need for local marketing success. www.constantcontact.com/partners/ franchise
Consumer Fusion helps franchise systems maintain brand consistency, safeguard their reputation, and accelerate digital growth. From AI-powered reputation management and sentiment analysis to streamlining social media and local SEO, Consumer Fusion delivers franchise-specific technology and strategic support. www.consumerfusion.com
Paychex is a leading provider of integrated human capital management solutions for payroll, benefits, human resources, and insurance services. We’re a digitally driven HR leader on a mission to help franchise businesses succeed by making complex challenges brilliantly simple. www.paychex.com/franchise
Scorpion is the leader in helping franchises succeed by focusing on what truly matters—driving revenue. Our digital marketing solutions support your network every step of the way, helping tell your story online, attract more of the right customers, and turn those opportunities into measurable results. www.scorpion.co/ifa
Seen, Shared, and Felt
Evolve - Seen, Shared, and Felt
Seen, Shared, and Felt
WHAT I LEARNED AT IFA
What I Learned at IFA
WHAT I LEARNED AT IFA
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: HOME SERVICES AND MAINTENANCE, CLEANING & SANITATION SERVICES
Industry
Spotlight:
Home Services and Maintenance, Cleaning & Sanitation Services
By Khadija Cochinwala, FRANdata
By Khadija Cochinwala, FRANdata
Amidst the uncertain macroeconomic environment shaping value-driven consumer preferences, the 2026 franchised commercial and residential services industry (which is dominated by the home services and maintenance sector) is expected to experience the highest growth amongst all the franchised industries driven by the essential and needs-based nature of its services such as repairs and maintenance, professional home cleaning and maid services, moving and storage-related services, and pest control.
AAmidst the uncertain macroeconomic environment shaping value-driven consumer preferences, the 2026 franchised commercial and residential services industry (which is dominated by the home services and maintenance sector) is expected to experience the highest growth amongst all the franchised industries driven by the essential and needs-based nature of its services such as repairs and maintenance, professional home cleaning and maid services, moving and storage-related services, and pest control.
According to the 2026 IFA Economic Outlook Report, the industry’s output is projected to exceed $143.3 billion, reflecting a 3.2 percent year-over-year growth. Based on FRANdata research, franchised units in this segment have increased at a 3.7 percent CAGR between 2021 and 2024. Low investments required for mobile and home-based models, the relatively “AI-proof” recession-resistant nature of services, and rising interest from new brands over 11 percent of 2025’s new concepts were in home services underscore the segment’s steady, value-driven expansion.
No. of Franchised Units (Commercial and Residential Services)
Source: FRANdata Research
ccording to the 2026 IFA Economic Outlook Report, the industry’s output is projected to exceed $143.3 billion, reflecting a 3.2 percent year over year growth. Based on FRANdata research, franchised units in this segment have increased at a 3.7 percent CAGR between 2021 and 2024. Low investments required for mobile and home-based models, the relatively “AI-proof” recession-resistant nature of services, and rising interest from new brands — over 11 percent of 2025’s new concepts were in home services—underscore the segment’s steady, value-driven expansion.
Expansion of home maintenance and repair services is supported by structural housing and demographic trends. An aging housing stock — with only about 2.0 percent of homes built after 2020 — combined with limited inventory and high mortgage rates is encouraging homeowners to adopt a “repair over replace” mindset and invest in proactive and predictive maintenance rather than reactive fixes. With more than 65.0 percent of American homes being owned by their occupants, more residents are anticipated to prefer upgrading and maintaining their existing properties
instead of moving. Within this context, wealthier Baby Boomers, who own a substantial share of the housing stock, are a key demand driver, since not only do they favor outsourcing physically demanding upkeep and maintenance jobs, but are also increasingly funding agingin-place related renovation projects.
The growth of the home maintenance services is also reinforced by a structural shift from DIY (do-ityourself) to DIFM (do-it-for-me).
Dual-income millennials and GenZers, who prioritize time, convenience, and professional expertise, are increasingly outsourcing routine maintenance chores to specialized service providers. At the same time, rising expectations around speed, reliability, and trust in service delivery is leading consumers to favor established, branded providers over unverified independent contractors. Franchised home service operators are particularly well positioned to capture this demand, leveraging brand recognition, centralized marketing, and purchasing scale to deliver more consistent, efficient, and competitively priced services.
The pandemic-era home remodel and improvement boom is normalizing as budget conscious consumers prioritize essential, value-driven home repairs and maintenance offered by 51 percent of the brands in the industry. Demand is shifting towards energyefficient upgrades such as HVAC improvements, water-saving plumbing, solar panel installations, enhanced insulation, and smart thermostats that help lower utility costs. In addition, tariff induced material price increases are prompting many households to defer noncritical home improvement projects. Consequently, the pace of growth is anticipated to moderate for the franchised brands in the home
Source: FRANdata Research
Expansion of home maintenance and repair services is supported by structural housing and demographic trends. An aging housing stock with only about 2.0 percent of homes built after 2020 combined with limited inventory and high mortgage rates encouraging homeowners to adopt a “repair over replace” mindset and invest in proactive and predictive maintenance rather than reactive fixes. With more than 65.0 percent of American homes being owned by their occupants, more residents are anticipated to prefer upgrading and maintaining their existing properties instead of moving. Within this context, wealthier Baby Boomers, who own a substantial share the housing stock, are a key demand driver, since not only do they favor outsourcing physically demanding upkeep and maintenance jobs, but are also increasingly funding aging-in-place related renovation projects.
improvement segment that account for 36.0 percent of the total home services sector. Nevertheless, this segment will continue to be supported by discretionary spending from affluent consumers who are expected to invest in technology-enabled “smart” renovations, including app controlled appliances and security systems, wellness-focused fixtures, and high-end kitchen and bathroom remodels to provide a stable premium demand for the renovation segment alongside the growing maintenance focused base in the overall home services market.
In response to an uncertain macroeconomic environment, uneven demand, and persistent inflation, franchisors are increasingly adopting subscription-based offerings in categories such as cleaning, landscaping, and pest control. These models provide more predictable recurring revenue, stronger customer retention, and greater operational stability, thereby helping stabilize cash flows and supporting more resilient unit-level economics.
Like most industries, the home service franchises are also increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and digitization of service offerings. By automating client servicing, followups, technician scheduling, and inventory management, early adoption of AI has provided franchises a significant efficiency edge over independent operators. As more consumers prefer app-based, on-demand service, most inquiries and bookings are being
The growth of the home maintenance services is also reinforced by a structural shift from DIY (do-it-yourself) to DIFM (do-it-for-me). Dual-income millennials and Gen-Zers, who prioritize time, convenience, and professional expertise, are increasingly outsourcing routine maintenance chores to specialized service providers. At the same time, rising expectations around speed, reliability, and trust in service delivery is leading consumers to favor established, branded providers over unverified independent contractors. Franchised home service operators are particularly well positioned to capture this demand, leveraging brand recognition, centralized marketing, and purchasing scale to deliver more consistent, efficient, and competitively priced services.
Distribution of Home Services Franchise Brands by Service Type
Distribution of Home Services Franchise Brands by Service Type
Home Improvement (Remodeling, Construction and Design)
Home Maintainance (Cleaning and Repair)
Home Restoration (General and Emergency Services)
Source: FRANdata Research
Source: FRANdata Research
The pandemic-era home remodel and improvement boom is normalizing as budget conscious consumers prioritize essential, value-driven home repairs and maintenance
directed through mobile interfaces, while Internet of Things (IoT) connected HVAC and plumbing systems that enable remote diagnostics and predictive alerts support Maintenance-as-a-Service (MaaS) business models. Franchisors are broadening AI use in marketing with localized data, augmented reality (AR) empowered job guidance, integrated field service platforms, automated review requests, cloud workflows, and AI phone agents that quote prices and handle basic queries. AI related pressure on entry-level white-collar jobs and the rising costs of a college degree is also steering more young workers toward skilled trades, improving labor availability, easing wage pressures and prompting home service franchises to increase training and workforce development investments.
The franchised home services industry remains fragmented and competitive, prompting increased private equity investment and platformcompany consolidation. With declining financing costs in 2026, PE-backed platform brands are expected to continue to acquire and integrate complementary concepts and gain meaningful advantages through cross-selling and up-selling across service lines. Along with diversifying revenue streams, these platform companies in the home services sector also leverage shared back-office and technology infrastructure that independent operators struggle to match.
Overall, the franchised home services sector is positioned for steady growth in 2026, supported by its essential, needs-based offerings, low investment requirements, and resilient AI-proof models. Expansion
is fueled by home maintenance and repair, energy-efficient upgrades, and a shift from DIY to DIFM as aging housing stock, Baby Boomers, and younger dual-income households favor professional services. At the same time, AI, IoT, and app-based platforms are boosting automation, efficiency, and subscription revenues, positioning scaled platform systems and tech-enabled franchise brands to outperform independents.
Khadija Cochinwala is a research analyst at FRANdata. She is part of a team of analysts who measure, track, and analyze franchisor performance. Khadija is committed to producing quality franchise insights that enable strategic decision making and propelling business growth. She graduated with a degree in Communications and enjoys gardening and visiting exotic destinations around the world whenever she isn’t researching data. For more information about IFA supplier member FRANdata, please visit franchise.org/suppliers/frandata/
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FEATURED FRANCHISEES
The International Franchise Association is proud to celebrate our franchisee members. See below to learn more about some of our Featured Franchisees — why they got into franchising, their unique backgrounds and how they contribute to their local communities.
SAM, PATRICK, AND TOM M cCAUGHEY
Sam, Patrick, and Tom McCaughey, Go Mini’s Franchisees, Southern New England
When Tom McCaughey first discovered Go Mini’s in the early 2000s, he immediately recognized its potential. With a background in transportation and logistics, the portable storage model aligned naturally with his expertise. While the timing wasn’t right then, the idea stayed with him. Years later, Tom and his sons, Patrick and Sam, seized the opportunity to launch Go Mini’s of Southern New England together, turning it into a true family business.
Operating out of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the business is rooted in family history. The property has been in the McCaughey family for generations, previously home to several family-run ventures dating
back to their great-great-grandfather, an immigrant entrepreneur. Continuing that legacy adds meaning to their latest endeavor.
Each family member brings valuable experience. Tom spent decades building and selling successful transportation businesses, while Patrick contributes a background in technology, logistics, and entrepreneurship as CTO. Sam, now COO, adds operational expertise from his career in food and beverage and restaurant ownership.
The family was drawn to Go Mini’s for its strong alignment with their skill sets and the support of its franchise network, including built-in systems, vendor partnerships, and collaborative owner relationships.
Today, the McCaugheys focus on building a trusted local presence across Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts. By combining modern tools with hands-on customer service, they aim to grow the business while staying deeply connected to their community and continuing their family’s entrepreneurial legacy.
FEATURED FRANCHISEES
Loraine Sanchez, LIME Painting Franchisee, San Antonio, Texas
Loraine Sanchez, owner of LIME Painting of San Antonio, knows that transforming spaces — whether restoring a historic theater or revitalizing a unique property — requires vision, resilience, and far more than a simple coat of paint. As a franchise owner, she manages projects, builds client relationships, and navigates an industry that demands both creativity and grit.
Entering the home services world, Loraine recognized she was stepping into a field where women have historically been underrepresented. She viewed this not as a limitation but as an opportunity to forge her own path and create space for other women to succeed. From job sites to client meetings, she demonstrates expertise and leadership in environments where she may be the only woman present.
Loraine believes her perspective is one of her strongest assets. She emphasizes collaboration, strong communication, and a meticulous attention to detail—qualities that elevate every project and strengthen trust with clients and teams. Her approach shows that leadership in home services comes in many forms, and that success often means bringing a fresh perspective and determination to every challenge.
Through her work, Loraine is redefining what it means to be a franchise owner, proving that adaptability, authenticity, and hard work can transform both spaces and expectations in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Haley Davis, Always Best Care Senior Services Franchisee, Greater Baltimore, MD
Haley Davis didn’t follow a traditional path into franchising. With more than 15 years of experience in high-level operations, including serving as director of operations for one of the largest Amazon fulfillment centers in North America, Davis built her career leading large teams and complex systems. But she was looking for something more meaningful - an opportunity to combine her operational expertise with a mission-driven business that directly impacts people’s lives.
That search led her to Always Best Care Senior Services. Davis saw a clear need in the Baltimore market, where the senior population continues to grow and more families are seeking alternatives to traditional senior living communities. “We want to be a support system for any family,” she said, noting that many seniors prefer to remain in their homes as they age.
Since launching her Parkville location in 2025, Davis has quickly scaled her business, expanding into additional territories across Greater Baltimore to meet increasing demand. Today, she leads a growing team focused on delivering personalized in-home care and senior living placement services that help older adults maintain independence and quality of life.
Davis credits franchising with providing the structure and support she needs to build and grow efficiently, while still allowing her to lead with purpose. For her, success is measured not just in expansion, but in the ability to serve more families and strengthen the communities she calls home.
LORAINE SANCHEZ HALEY DAVIS
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THE
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Application. Applications may be completed online at franchise.org/cfe
Acceptance.
Applicants will receive email notification regarding acceptance of CFE candidacy and next steps to launch your CFE journey.
Acquire credits.
You will be provided with a CFE Getting Started Guide that explains the program requirements and details for selecting the education courses that best fit your schedule and goals.
Program completion.
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Congratulations!
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You now join the ranks of thousands of franchise leaders worldwide who have earned the esteemed CFE designation!
WELCOME NEW IFA MEMBERS.
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Evolve Social Wellness?
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Contact: Mr. Jeremy Jacob EvolveFranchising@evolvehumanlabs.com
FP Management LLC
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Franchise Velox Valuations LLC
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Contact: Chad Barker www.veloxval.com
Front Porch Cafe Franchise LLC
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Contact: Laura Wayland frontporchcafe.com
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Contact: Mr. Joseph Fisher www.hifivefranchise.com
