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2022’s Top Franchise Influencers: 115-106

Once again, 1851 Franchise and SeoSamba have teamed up to find the most influential influencers in the franchise world.

By Ben Warren1851 Franchise Managing Editor
Updated 7:07AM • 02/10/22

Franchising is a big world, and it’s only getting bigger. Still, it’s a community, and a fairly close-knit community at that. Franchisors and franchisees across brands are constantly kept abreast of what their colleagues and competitors are up to, eager to implement best practices and leverage the industry’s best ideas. 

That’s why it’s essential for everyone in the industry to know who’s who. Whether you are buying a franchise, franchising your business, growing your franchise or looking for general information on franchising, tapping into the franchise world’s thriving community is vital to your success.

To that end, 1851 Franchise has teamed up with SeoSamba to bring you a list of the most influential people in franchising. 

Publishing throughout the month of February, this list is not a ranking, but a collection of 175 franchise industry professionals we think you should know. To help you connect, we’ve provided links to each professional’s LinkedIn page where available. So read on, and get busy building your network!

Jack Monson 

LinkedIn Bio:

Connector: My goal is to connect you with your next partner, client, or colleague. Building on our relationships is the best way to grow your personal brand or business, and storytelling is the best tool to achieve your relationship and brand goals. 

Marketing, Advertising, Franchising Leader: I host a podcast series with over 1 million downloads dedicated to marketing and franchising leadership. I’ve worked with industry CEOs and CMOs for 14+ years helping them grow their influence and businesses. 

Voiceovers and Production: I create and produce branded podcasts for top franchise and business leaders to share their stories with engaged audiences. I provide voiceovers for many large national brands’ advertising. 

Specialties: New Business Development, Franchise Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Storytelling, Marketing Consulting, Content Marketing, Brand Journalism, Marketing & Sales Management, Public Relations, Public Speaking, Emcee, Announcer, Radio, Broadcasting, Voice Overs, Podcasting.

Jay Bandy

LinkedIn Bio:

As President of Goliath Consulting Group, Jay bridges the areas of business strategy, restaurant operations, startups, brand strategy, menu development, marketing, supply chain, and restaurant development. He has a combined 30 plus years experience working among these disciplines with large multi-national brands and independent restaurants. 

At Goliath Consulting Group, Jay is responsible for working with all members of the Goliath team to deliver results that exceed client expectations. An expert in understanding how the components of restaurant operating systems tie together; he will make sure that the team maximizes the opportunity for growing sales, profit and unit growth based on each client's vision.

Prior to his current role, Jay was the McDonald's Atlanta region project lead for the implementation of the McCafe beverage line and was a member of the region leadership team. During his career, Jay has opened over 200 restaurants; developed supply chain systems and restaurant operating systems; trained area developers, franchisees and staff on franchise and restaurant development, marketing and operations.

Jay holds a B.S. in Political Science from the University of Louisville. He has earned the CFM certification from the International Food Service Executives Association and is a Graduate of McDonald's Hamburger University.

Jeff Crivello

About Famous Dave’s*:

Famous Dave's of America Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BBQ Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BBQ). Famous Dave’s was founded by “Famous Dave” Anderson, whose passion for BBQ led him on a 25-year cross-country trek to find the best regional BBQ recipes in the country before opening the first Famous Dave's in Hayward, Wisconsin. As of November 5, 2020 Famous Dave’s has 117 locations in 31 states and two countries, including 29 company-owned and 98 franchise-operated restaurants. Famous Dave’s is known for its on-premise real pit smokers, scratch-recipe cooking, and 700 national and regional awards for everything from best ribs to best barbecue sauce to best cookbook. Famous Dave’s offers a wide variety of BBQ favorites, including its signature award-winning St. Louis-Style Ribs, Texas Beef Brisket, Georgia Chopped Pork and Country-Roasted Chicken. Each seasoning blend was personally developed by Dave himself, after years of research and development, to bring flavorful and authentic BBQ to his Guests. Scratch-recipes round out the menu with delicious items that include Famous Dave’s award-winning Corn Bread Muffins and Dave’s Famous Bread Pudding.

Jeff Stokes

LinkedIn Bio:

Over 25+ years experience providing strategic leadership in the health and wellness industry at both early and late-stage development, franchising, corporate wellness, medical fitness, diet & weight loss, and club acquisitions. History of service excellence and people-centered leadership style, with a refined ability to develop teams to support enterprise-level systems. Sincere commitment to improving the quality of life for others while enhancing bottom-line profitability for fitness organizations globally.

Jen Olson

LinkedIn Bio:

Experienced Development Executive with a demonstrated history of working in the Franchising industry. Skilled in Business Planning, Sales, Management, Business Development, and Marketing Strategy. Strong business development professional with a Bachelor's degree focused in Business Administration and Management, General from Michigan State University. 

Jeremy Hassell

LinkedIn Bio:

City Cave creates spaces for you to escape from the overstimulation and stress of life. Following a journey of health with Float therapy, infrared saunas, massage and healthcare professionals.

Jocelyn Olive

About Buffalo Grill (from Wikipedia):

Buffalo Grill is an American-themed steakhouse chain headquartered in Montrouge, France. Outlets are primarily sited in retail parks and medium-sized city outskirt locations.

Buffalo Grill is France's largest themed restaurant chain (as measured by sales and locations) with 360 locations in 3 countries (France, Switzerland and Spain). The majority of the locations are in France.

Buffalo Grill serves about 31 million meals per year and reached over €557 million of sales in 2017. Buffalo Grill has been chosen as the favorite restaurant brand by the French three times, most recently in 2018. The award is based on a study by Ernst & Young in which a panel of 8,500 consumers chose Buffalo Grill as the best brand.

Joe Caruso

Nominator’s Rationale:

Joe is a successful long-time influencer in franchising. His willingness to assist and educate others, participate in franchise-related events and continued efforts to create and innovate processes for success uniquely qualifies Joe for this nomination.

Joe Mathews

LinkedIn Bio:

As CEO of Franchise Performance Group, Mathews is a thought leader and top consultant specializing in franchise sales and lead generation. He is author or co-author of five books on franchising: ”Future of Franchising,” How to Create a Franchise Sales Breakthrough. Guaranteed." "Street Smart Franchising," "Franchise Sales Tipping Point," and "Developing Peak Performing Franchisees.” Mathews has written or been quoted in 90 articles featured in Wall St Journal, USA Today, Entrepreneur, Inc, Working Woman, Business Week and numerous newspapers, books, and journals. 

John Francis

Nominator’s Rationale:

Johnny has been around franchising his entire life. He’s been a franchisor, franchisee, supplier, owner, buyer, seller, board member, speaker, coach, advisor and more to more than 50 brands. 

*This brand is a paid partner of 1851 Franchise. For more information on paid partnerships please click here.

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