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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!

Eduardo Abadía

LinkedIn Bio:

Experience with Franchise Institutions around the world. Representing the Spanish Franchise Association since 1996 in different countries, and responsible for the Spanish Pavilions Deal.

Edward Logan

Nominator’s Rationale:

Edward Logan grew up in franchising and now leads the largest franchise dedicated to men's and boys' haircare, Sport Clips* Haircuts. He was named president and CEO in 2020 and diligently oversees the franchise founded by his father, Gordon Logan, an IFA Hall of Famer. After working with Deloitte Consulting, Logan officially joined Sport Clips Haircuts in 2010 and spent 11 years working his way up in the system from overseeing one store, then infrastructure for company stores, and in operations overseeing the development of services/procedures that were designed to replicate throughout the franchise system easily and successfully. He's been an active part of the franchise's growth from 700 stores in 2010 to its current 1,900 locations.

Logan is known for implementing franchising's best practices and leading the company through the pandemic -- communicating early and often with key stakeholders, including surveying clients and actively involving franchisees. He's planning for the future of the franchise by actively engaging the system's Team Leader Advisory Council (TLAC) and Area Developer Advisory Council (ADAC), putting emphasis on recruitment and training and innovative technology and services. He also plans to keep philanthropy a priority at the national level and for local stores. Sport Clips recently presented a $1.55 million dollar check to the VFW Foundation for Help A Hero Scholarships for veterans and service members.

Erik Van Horn

LinkedIn Bio:

I became a franchisee because I wanted...FREEDOM

I wanted the freedom to control where and how I spent my time and effort - to have a lifestyle business

I didn't have anybody in my immediate circle who could truly help me figure out what to do

So I had to expand my circle.

I started to seek out other top-performing franchisees and entrepreneurs. Sometimes I had to pay money just to get in the same room as those people, but let me tell you - IT WAS WORTH IT EVERY PENNY.

Quickly, whether the lessons were taught or caught, I started to learn:

  • How to hire A-players who can run the day to day operations for me
  • How to network in and outside of franchising, to learn from the brightest minds in marketing, sales, tax strategy, investing, etc.
  • How to build to my franchises to sell from day one

And that's why I started the Franchise Tribe...

I wanted to create a mastermind where ambitious, growth-minded franchisees could...

  1. Belong to a community of peers who are committed to helping each other win
  2. Leverage my network of experts to access quick solutions, strategic investments, and best practices.
  3. Learn how to shortcut the path to success without sacrificing your lifestyle

As a father of three daughters, I am a family man first and design my life around the things that are most important to me.

Erik Herrmann

LinkedIn Bio:

Investment professional with over 15 years experience in evaluating, executing, and managing private equity & credit investments across multiple industries, but with a focus in the consumer products, retail/restaurant, and franchise sectors.

Fernando López de Castilla

Fernando’s Bio (from Grupo Nexo Franquicia’s website):

  • Founding Partner, GNF Worldwide
  • Managing Partner, X Capital Group
  • Global Director, Franchise Bible Coach (Entrepreneur)
  • Certified Franchise Executive (CFE), ICFE
  • Experto en Private Equity & Venture Capital, Harvard Business School
  • Experto en Negotiation, Harvard Law School
  • Experto en Alternative Investments, CAIA Associaton
  • Graduado en Negocios, The University of Texas
  • Ambassador and Committee Member, International Franchise Association (IFA)
  • Member and Institutional Ally, Asociación Española de Franquiciadores (AEF)
  • President, American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Franchise Committee
  • Ambassador and Member, Renaissance Executive Forums (REF)
  • International Director, World Franchise Associates (WFA)
  • Ranked #3 Top 100 Global Franchise Influencers 
  • Author, "La Biblia de las Franquicias" (Planeta, 2019)

Florence Soubeyran

LinkedIn Bio:

  • Gold Ribbon for Franchising in the “Partners” category awarded by the French Franchise Federation and the Ministry of Economy and Finance in November 2019.
  • Won the 2nd Banque Populaire Hackathon in December 2015.
  • Silver Franchise Ribbon awarded by the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Digital and the French Franchise Federation in November 2015.
  • Member of the Jury of the Enseignes d'Or for the 23rd and 24th editions.

Gary Occhiogrosso

LinkedIn Bio:

Creative and bold marketing and sales approach to lead growth for National brands. Strong cross-functional business acumen complemented by a decisive, interactive and motivational leadership style.

Speaker and Member of International Franchise Association. Board Member of several emerging franchise, advertising and chain retail companies. 

  • Co-Founded Strike Ent, Inc 1984
  • Founder United Foods 1988
  • Founder GPM Consulting- CSS Business Network 1990
  • Co-Launched Ranch *1 Franchise, Inc 1992
  • Founder GPM Advertising 1993
  • Created & Co-Founded website: www.franchisemoneymaker.com 2006
  • Founder Franchise Growth Solutions, LLC 2016

Geo Concepcion

Excerpt From Franchise Times Profile on Geo Concepcion:

Geovannie Concepcion left Famous Dave’s* and became The Greene Turtle’s president and CEO in May 2019 after helping steer the Minnesota-based barbecue franchise through three of its most difficult years—and less than a year before the biggest challenge in the industry’s history landed on the desk of every restaurant exec as the pandemic unfolded.

An amateur boxer used to dodging punches, Concepcion already had his hands full in his early days on the job at The Greene Turtle, updating the brand back when off-premises sales were a nice-to-have rather than the critical lifeline they became during the pandemic. The young CEO is a former hedge fund trader with a deep real estate background, which came into play as his management team rethought the brand’s menu, customer experience and ongoing store template.

Gigi Schweikert

LinkedIn Bio:

“Inspirational, encouraging and real,” that’s what audiences and readers across the country have to say about Gigi Schweikert, an internationally known expert on early childhood education, parenting and work-life issues. Known for her humor and practical messages, Gigi is a popular keynote speaker for education conferences, corporations, women’s events, and parenting seminars. Gigi is the best-selling author of 18 books including the best-selling Winning Ways series and Prime Times: A Handbook for Excellence in Infant and Toddlers Programs.

During her thirty years of experience, Gigi directed the United Nations Early Childhood Program in New York City and developed the Johnson & Johnson System of Family Centers. Gigi is CEO of Lightbridge Franchise Company. Gigi also hosted the television show, “Today’s Family.” Gigi has four children, one in Los Angeles, one in Seattle, and two in Boulder.

Glenn Lunde

LinkedIn Bio:

Over 15 years in successful Chief Concept/Marketing Officer roles leading consumer-facing retail companies of various sizes through turn-around situations, rapid market expansion and accelerated revenue growth. A continuous learner with the ability to partner across all functions in the organization. I am inspired by the opportunity to champion company culture, develop cohesive teams, and drive profitable growth for all stakeholders. 

Consistent track record of elevating brand engagement and stature with award-winning innovation and compelling communications across all marketing channels. Proven competency to design each aspect of the customer experience both inside and outside the four walls to increase guest transactions and satisfaction levels. Strong research, operations and financial acumen, in addition to leadership roles in the culinary, supply chain, and quality assurance functions have enabled out-of-the-box ideas to become powerful realities. 

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Ben Warren

About the Author

Ben Warren

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Ben Warren is the managing editor for 1851 Franchise.

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