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2022’s Top Franchise Influencers: 145–136

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 • 02/07/22

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!

Danielle Wright

LinkedIn Bio:

Started my career in Commercial Real Estate Development as a landlord, land acquisition specialist, and leasing agent for major retailers throughout Florida. When the real estate market took a turn in 2008/09/10, I had to rethink my future. Out of that crash, I was offered a role with a major QSR Franchise business and started my path into franchise development. I pride myself in helping brands recruit and educate potential franchise partners in business ownership. This industry has also given me the opportunity to own a franchise (or two). Looking forward to connecting and working together on your next big adventure.

David Cuttillo

LinkedIn Bio:

I am the CEO of Infinity Health Advisors, doing business as BeBalanced Hormone Weight Loss Centers. I have over 30 years experience in sales and sales management, as well as a history of successful business ventures. I was the National Sales Director of a start-up firm in Philadelphia (ReminderMedia) for 8 years, playing a key role in them becoming the 2nd fastest growing company in Philadelphia (awarded by Philly’s Top 100), and staying in the top 100 for several years. 

Working directly with me, franchisees can expect the personable excellence of walking through a seamless opportunity to launch their own BeBalanced Center, and expert guidance to grow their business.

David Barr

LinkedIn Bio:

David Barr is a dynamic thought leader and strategic operating executive with significant experience in accelerating growth and transformation, with specific industry experience in franchising, retail, multi-unit operations, and mergers & acquisitions.

David currently serves on a variety of boards of directors of public and private companies, both domestically and internationally, including Franworth, Capriotti's, Domino's Pizza China, Chicken Salad Chick and BrightStar (home health care). David has served on numerous boards during his career, many of which he has been the Chairman, with a focus toward achieving clear strategic objectives that ultimately create shareholder value.

In addition, utilizing his own private equity, Barr is Chairman of PMTD Restaurants and Affiliates, the owner and operator of 39 KFC and Taco Bell restaurants, as well as 4 Capriotti's Sandwich Shops. Barr has also invested in various commercial real estate projects in Georgia and Alabama and various small private equity ventures along side the private equity firms for which he works. 

Barr resides in the metropolitan Atlanta area. 

David Celaya

LinkedIn Bio:

I started my career as a loan officer with a small real estate group in 2008, eventually launching a real estate sales career after working with network-leading Realty Executives brokers in San Diego, California.

By 2011, after demonstrating mastery of our in-house technology tools and training with a local franchisee, I was invited to join the Realty Executives International team as the head trainer for the Pacific Region. My role eventually grew to reach the entire network through my work in Franchise Services and Training.

Since 2015, I've taken on greater responsibility and leadership, translating the needs of our Broker/Owners and Executives into the development of our tools and training. My passion for technology, combined with my experience in the field, has allowed me to see product and franchise development through the eyes of a real estate broker/agent.

As Vice President, I oversee Franchise Sales and Training and Development; leading the Realty Executives network into the future of marketing and technology.

David Savitsky

Nominator’s rationale:

With over 43 years of experience and 65-plus territories in the U.S., ATC Healthcare is the established leader in healthcare staffing franchises nationwide. As the COVID-19 pandemic has remained a consistent threat since March 2020, ATC Healthcare, under the leadership of CEO David Savitsky, has turned its attention to keeping communities safe and healthy. At the start of the pandemic, Savitsky established ATC Testing & Screening, a resource to provide rapid and lab-based PCR COVID-19 tests. When the vaccines became available, ATC Healthcare offered its services to staff clinics with qualified professionals to distribute the vaccine in the communities that they serve. David Savitsky is an influencer in the franchise community, as he and ATC Healthcare have become a resource to those in need, keeping them healthy throughout the pandemic.

Dawn Mucci

LinkedIn Bio:

I am a social entrepreneur and visionary who loves to make great things happen with great people. I believe creativity, passion and collaboration are the keys to success. Together with my team we turned my lousy personal experience with a common human condition into a multi-award winning, multi-million-dollar franchise concept and product distribution company. I am the founder of Lice Squad.com, The Global Lice Network and most recently the Canada's Top Mayor Award Program. 

I am looking to elevate positive change. I am open, willing and able to share my creativity, ingenuity, gifts and talents to serve others and make this world a better place. 

I AM an entrepreneur, multi-award-winning franchisor and spokesperson for Lice Squad.com and founder of Canada’s Top Mayor Award. I AM passionate about Canada, community, business, franchising and creating opportunity for others. I love to make things happen and give back to my country and community and have volunteered on the board of directors for the Canadian franchise Association, Innisfil Chamber of Commerce, Simcoe County Children's Aid Foundation and serve on several committees. I care about supporting and advocating for children, social issues, the environment, mental health and democracy. My real-world and lived experience in business has given me a unique perspective and a creative enthusiasm which I share through my writing and other professional and creative endeavors. I AM truly passionate about collaboration, marketing, and creating opportunities to support community and social causes Canadians care about. 

Derrick Ableman

Nominator’s rationale:

Derrick has dedicated himself at Northeast Color to learning everything about the franchise industry. By learning so much, he has been able to fully understand the needs and wants of franchisors and franchisees alike. Understanding them has been crucial the value he brings to the industry. His connections, relationships and partnerships have grown exponentially in the past year. He is truly a powerful influencer. 

Don Daszkowski

LinkedIn Bio:

Don Daszkowski is a serial internet entrepreneur and current Founding Member of the International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG) and Co-Founder of Education Workers Group. Previously, Don founded Business Mart, Inc., which was acquired by Internet Brands, Inc. in 2009 and Daszign.com which was acquired by CoutureCandy, Inc. In 2006.

Douglas Downer

LinkedIn Bio:

We have helped launch and support over 60 Franchise Brands in Australia in the past four years.

In 2021 we got recognized as the best franchise consulting firm in the World, that's something we are very proud of and humbled by the clients that allow us to help them realize their dreams.

In 2018, 2019 and 2020, I helped franchise businesses grow on average by over 200% and non franchised businesses grow by more than 50%, which is 15 times the Australian average.

I am proud to have worked with and helped well over 1000 small business owners in my career.

An experienced Business Developer with an impressive 20+ year senior management history in developing and leading businesses within the Retail, Hospitality and Franchising sectors. Specializing in SME Business Development and Growth, Coaching and Facilitating, Operations, Recruitment, Training, Supply Chain, Marketing and all aspects of Franchising.

A franchising expert having worked in both start-up and established networks, delivering significant comparable and new business growth with significant improvements in profitability and operational standards. As a senior leader, I was responsible for the establishment of three new franchise systems including all aspects from strategy through to implementation and then management of 8 successful franchise systems.

In the past 12 months I have helped launch and grow over 20 Franchise brands in Australia, and over 30 franchise brands in the past two years, working with the founder to systemize, strategize and implement a growth strategy through franchising. I remain working with all of these businesses as their trusted business advisor.

I have started, owned and operated six successful SME Businesses, so I know what being a business owner is all about. I recently sold the Master Franchise of The Alternative Board franchise after establishing, operating and owning the master franchise of TAB for 5 years. I have remained as a franchisee of TAB and as the Founder and Lead consultant for Franchise Ready I provide support to both emerging and existing franchisors.

I have consulted with and improved a large number of SME businesses across a wide portfolio of industries - including Finance & Accounting firms, Recruitment agencies, Manufacturing, Wholesale, Retail, Property and Hospitality businesses.

Drew McWilliams

LinkedIn Bio:

President & Co-Founder of Ivybrook Academy and Franchise Realty Partners. My passion is growing the Ivybrook brand by helping new franchise owners through the start-up process while setting them up for success. Ivybrook Academies can be found in 13 US states, Internationally in China, and much, much more to come!

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

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