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2022’s Top Franchise Influencers: 85-76

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 • 02/16/22

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!

Linda Hentges-Nyman

LinkedIn Bio:

Linda Hentges-Nyman is the Chief Operations Officer (COO) and co-founder of FCBB as well as an active Business Broker. Linda also holds a license in the States of Nevada and California. Since 1994, Linda Hentges-Nyman has sold businesses and set up the operating systems for the company and incorporated what was formerly Nevada First Business Brokers with co-founder Jeffrey D. Nyman. Linda Hentges-Nyman also directs the creation and implementation of systems for franchisees, manages operations, employee training, and staff hiring at FCBB.

Linda has been in Business Brokerage since 1994 and has held a license since 1987. As a Managing Broker and practicing Business Broker, Linda has been a trusted advisor for business sales and acquisitions for nearly 30 years. As such, Linda has significant knowledge regarding small to medium size business transactions across a variety of industries with transaction sizes from approximately $50,000 to $35 million. Industries include B2B Services, Healthcare Services, Distribution, Construction, Manufacturing, Wholesale, HVAC, Medical Billing, E-Commerce, Property Management, Practice Sales and more!

Linda serves as an industry educator and as a Business Broker training instructor for FCU (First Choice University), She has co-authored state-mandated testing for Business Brokers and served as a member of the State Business Broker Association. Two words...Experience Counts!

Lisa Welko

LinkedIn Bio:

WHAT I DO:

With 20 years of business ownership experience and over 15 years of franchise experience plus hundreds of happy clients, I help talented professionals find the right franchise opportunity for their passion and lifestyle. 

HOW I DO IT:

I have access to over 900 business opportunities. My system will jumpstart your success in finding the right business fit. I WILL save you time, money, and potentially from making a devastating mistake. I get to know the people I work with, not only to assist in finding them a brand but first to determine whether business ownership makes sense. By understanding a person’s background, skill set, and history we get a good understanding of which business models fit the client. 

WHOM I CAN HELP:

I’ve worked with corporate executives and budding entrepreneurs from all walks of life who were looking for the opportunity to create a business that would yield residual incomes and an asset they could sell.

Bonus Fun Facts

  • Married to my High School Sweetheart - Started Dating in 1987
  • Still waterski (slalom) at least 1x a year (usually with my Dad - he's 70!)
  • I love to golf - (I'm terrible, so it makes no sense why I enjoy it so!)

Marcos Moura

LinkedIn Bio:

Marcos Moura is co-owner and Chief Development Officer of Amada Franchise Inc., a brand dedicated to enriching the lives of our rapidly aging population. 

Recognition for Amada Senior Care: 

  • Top 10 Best New Franchises to Invest In" by Entrepreneur Magazine 
  • #245 on Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 Ranking
  • Inc. 5000 fasted growing companies. 

In 2020, Marcos was the recipient of the "Two Comma Club C" award by Clickfunnels co-founder Russel Brunson for grossing over $100MM. 

Marcos frequently speaks about how to target your ideal audience, leveraging social media, and business growth at Franchising and Marketing events. 

Marcos has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs find and start businesses that allow them to live life on their terms and do work that is meaningful to them, their families, and their communities. 

He holds an MBA from the University of Southern California (USC) and works and lives in San Clemente, CA, with his wife and three boys. 

Maria Turco

LinkedIn Bio:

Maria Parrella Turco is a fitness industry expert, speaker, writer, consultant, turnaround specialist and entrepreneur. Her skillsets and experience include strategic planning & execution, leading high-performance teams, building & maintaining strategic partnerships, raising investment capital, and creating sales & operational implementation strategies.

Parrella-Turco has served as the co-owner of numerous gyms and studios throughout New York and New Jersey including Eclipse Fitness Sports and Wellness and she established the first Crunch Fitness Franchise and went on to become a multi-unit operator. In addition, she’s founded several companies including fitRewards, New Paradigm Partners, Salubrity, Honor Yoga, one of the nation’s fastest-growing, high-quality yoga franchises. Parrella-Turco’s companies have generated revenues in excess of 10 million. 

She has been featured on the cover of Club Insider, Mindful Studio Magazine and Club Solutions Magazine. She serves as the Chair of Honor Yoga and the Honor Yoga Foundation, a non-profit that offers yoga to those who can’t access mainstream yoga due to physical, mental, social or economic challenges. Most recently she serves as the founder and CEO of MyFitPod a Business in a Box Solutions that offers education, marketing and technology for Independent Fitness and Wellness professionals to serve the aging population.

Mark Mele

LinkedIn Bio:

Leadership experience building and guiding franchise brands. Mele has achieved the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) designation from the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives (ICFE) through the International Franchise Association. 

An accomplished corporate franchise sales and development strategist, his vision and expertise in business performance have driven notable franchise brands such as Paris Baguette America, Century 21 Real Estate Corporation, Country Inns & Suites by Carlson, Retro Fitness, Kumon North America and Huntington Learning Centers. Mele has achieved exciting company turnarounds and is recognized for his success in growing franchise brands. 

In addition to Mark Mele’s exceptional track record in franchise development, he is also known for his ability to create and implement positive change in the areas of franchise operations and franchisee support. His franchise achievements have been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, Inc. Magazine, as well as other business media. Mele is a member of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and is actively involved in an advisory capacity with start-up franchise companies.

Mary Ann O'Connell

LinkedIn Bio:

A franchise generalist with over 30 years of experience as a franchisee, franchisor and franchise consultant.

Specialties: General franchise operations, training and documentation. Write, edit and maintain franchise operations brand standards manuals. Strategic planning. Feasibility studies. Operations reviews.

Currently on the Board of Directors of the International Franchise Association (IFA), First Vice Chair of the Supplier Forum Advisory Board and Chairman of the Membership Committee.

Was the inaugural franchisee for Money Mailer, Inc. developing sales and marketing methods used by entire franchise system.

Served as VP - Franchise Support Services of Money Mailer in the US, Canada and Chile. Included P&L responsibility, training design and implementation, new product roll out, franchise support, customer service and conference and event planning.

Served as Director of Operations for AIM Mail Centers. Revamped training program, manuals and unit-level economics, franchise relations.

Regional Director of Great Clips*, Inc. Launched the Southern California markets of the LA and San Diego DMAs and oversaw operations in NV, AZ and UT. Included P&L responsibility, training and support of franchisees, franchise sales and leasing approvals and oversight.

President of FranWise®, a full-service franchise consulting firm that launches new franchise concepts, creates franchise operations manuals and helps emerging brands optimize their operations and franchise relations.

Mary Jane DeJaager

LinkedIn Bio:

I am a uniquely gifted business professional with exemplary Director Level, Multi-District Leader, Sales, Marketing, Change Leadership, and Operational skills. Unquestioned ability to articulate compelling vision and common purpose, strategically placing talent in critical positions, and creating environments and initiatives that rally people around core goals and organizational mission. I successfully develop profitable B2B and B2C product strategies, execution of strategic business plans to exceed goals, while leading successful multi-site branch operations. While always maintaining a sharp eye to improve operational efficiencies and cost controls across the organization.

I successfully create marketing plans for specific local demographics, while managing projects to adapt national campaigns and services to fit local needs. Driven to retain and reward customer-focused managers and employees to generate a high percentage of repeat and referral sales.

I deliver a methodical and passionate approach to recruit, hire, train, manage, and mentor a knowledgeable, attentive staff to achieve goals. Through this I have earned steady promotions into positions requiring extensive brand building, sales team management, bold people leadership, and customer relationship skills that all results in high success for the brand and our team.

Mary Kennedy Thompson

LinkedIn Bio:

Franchising executive specializing in high-growth service franchises focused on the customer experience and strong financial metrics.

Specialties: Franchising, high-growth businesses, customer experience training, brand strategy, strategic planning, and coaching business leaders. 

Mary Pang

LinkedIn Bio:

As a Funding Consultant at FranFund, I help people get the funding they need to start or grow their business. 

I understand the uncertainty that can come with a new venture, so I make it a priority to educate and communicate during every step of the process so clients can move forward with confidence.

Matt Friedman

About Matt Friedman (from an interview with 1851 Franchise):

Growing up, I was a competitive person in every aspect, whether it was sports, education or trying to date the best-looking girl. When I reached the age of figuring out what I wanted to do with my career, I viewed business as an extension of that.

I didn't necessarily know what business I wanted to be in. I had no restaurant experience. But I was smart enough to understand what the demand was in the market, and I wanted to fill a void with something I thought could really work.

I think that starting out as a restaurant entrepreneur is as challenging as it gets, especially when you’re working independently. When we expanded to six company-owned stores, that was another learning experience—and a humbling one.

Franchising is an amazing business model, but it can be challenging. Everyone thinks they want to be a franchisor, but you have to be more than just an entrepreneur. You have to be a leader. You have to be a great communicator. You have to be a coach. You have to have thick skin. I've been in this business for 25 years, but each year my knowledge base continues to grow.

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

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