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2022’s Top Franchise Influencers: 95–86

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 • 02/15/22

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!

Keith Dziki

LinkedIn Bio:

Skilled in the art of team development, Keith has more than 15 years of experience in business development and operations in a variety of industries. As the Executive Director of Development, he builds and maintains relationships with key personal at Verizon Wireless and prospective Wireless Zone® franchisees, providing expertise in operational management, lead generation and the recruitment of entrepreneurs. Known for his ethical and high energy approach, Keith’s history of outstanding business building and proven interpersonal skills allows him to effectively communicate with entrepreneurs and educate them on their suitability for the franchise. 

Keith Miller

Keith’s Bio (from Franchisee Advocacy Consulting website):

Keith Miller founded Franchisee Advocacy Consulting to fill a void. Franchise owners, as a class, are the largest investors in the franchise industry. However, franchisees also have the weakest voice with legislators, regulators, and leaders in the franchise industry. This gap, of investor size versus voice, means franchisees have little leverage over how policies directly impact the businesses they have invested in, especially policies that are unique to the franchise industry. Like it or not, special interest groups rule the political landscape. Franchisee Advocacy Consulting will assist franchisees, franchisee groups, and franchisee associations to better engage franchisees in gaining a stronger voice and become a special interest group to be reckoned with. Franchisee Advocacy Consulting only represents franchise owners, working towards their goals. We will not be conflicted by representing other interest groups or claiming we can equally represent all stakeholders in the franchise industry, because we know that is not possible.

Kevin Wilson

LinkedIn Bio:

With over 25 years of experience in business that has included time as a consultant, entrepreneur, executive of a large company and venture capital investor, I found my passion lies in leading a strong team of people to create a great company. Today this passion is being realized every day as the CEO of Buzz Franchise Brands, a multi-brand franchising company with the well recognized brands, Pool Scouts* (www.poolscouts.com), Home Clean Heroes* (www.homecleanheroes.com), The British Swim School (www.britishswimschool.com) and previously included Mosquito Joe* (www.mosquitojoe.com). After just six years, Mosquito Joe grew to 290+ open locations with a further 60 under development. In 2016, Pool Scouts was launched with the intention of professionalizing the pool cleaning and maintenance industry and now has several locations open across the country. Home Clean Heroes offers a new and fresh look for residential home cleaning. This company began franchising in 2019. Our most recent company, The British Swim School, the leader in swim lessons for children, was acquired in April of 2019, and has over 100 locations across 22 states. 

Kyla Dufresne

LinkedIn Bio:

We're Foxy Box, an undeniably cool and talented Wax Bar Franchise. We're on a mission to inspire and empower women to celebrate their uniqueness and rock what they've got. Our team of talented Vagicians is committed to dispelling the discomfort of hair removal by cultivating an environment that leaves women feeling powerful and energized. Armed with our superior waxing methods and some clever distraction techniques, we aim to empower our clients to feel foxy from head to tail.

From our humble beginnings in 2012, we have developed into a dynamic company operating out of three foxy locations. Under the tutelage of our fearless leader Kyla, our industrious team has perfected the art of the Brazilian.

Kyle Squillario

About Susquehanna Private Capital (from LinkedIn):

We are a lower middle-market private equity firm focused on investments / buyouts in the United States, Israel and Europe. We partner with business owners, entrepreneurs, and operators to build businesses with enduring value.

We are funded by the founders of Susquehanna International Group ("SIG"), one of the world’s largest privately-held financial services firms. Founded in 1987, SIG is still owned and operated by its founders. We are proud to be backed by the entrepreneurs who led one of the biggest bootstrapped success stories in history.

Larisa Walega

LinkedIn Bio:

Resourceful, innovative decision maker and problem solver who enjoys challenges and thrives in a creative environment, adept at bringing ideas to reality. Well-organized, profit-minded team player and leader - function under pressure with good conformity to deadlines, accuracy and budgets. Articulate, persuasive communicator with excellent written and verbal skills, strong experience developing productive relationships with all levels of media, corporate, community and consumer interests.

Lauren Sieler

LinkedIn Bio:

I was the kid who would separate her Easter, Halloween, and Christmas candy by their distinctive colors, sizes and brands before eating them. I would let my imagination get the better of me – playing "Mountain" on the basement stairs and scaring myself, believing that zombie "Thriller" Michael Jackson was under my bed and going to get me.

Growing up, attending SLU and entering the work force, I learned how to put my imagination into action, and apply it to my work. As a visual communications professional, I have been able to use my creativity in my everyday life: designing advertisements, posters and invitations; creating advertising and public relation campaigns; writing blog posts, press releases and design briefs. Along the way, my education and experiences have given me the chance to craft my journalism skills in the world of photography as well.

I have a craving for discovery, a knack for solving problems and a desire to help others. With that in mind, I throw myself into my work. I am 100-percent dedicated to a job from beginning to end, so the products I produce not only reflect my creative sensibility and my meticulous work ethic; it actually raises the bar of what is expected and what can be delivered.

I look forward to working for a company where I can be challenged, expand my knowledge, express my creativity and make a difference for those around me, those who count on me and, maybe in some way, those who do not know me but benefit from my efforts.

Lauren Wanamaker

LinkedIn Bio:

Lauren Wanamaker is a franchise development professional with an extensive range of expertise. Her early career was centered on marketing planning, brand development/management and media relations and ultimately led to franchise development. She enjoys working with prospective candidates to help them find the best solution for their future. 

Leslie Johnson

LinkedIn Bio:

Have you EVER thought about:

  • Being your own boss?
  • Leaving a legacy for your family?
  • Having your own business but didn’t want to leave the security of your job until the business could replace your current salary?
  • Looking for a business but it was difficult to figure out what the truth was?

You’re not alone. Not only have most of my clients been there, but so have I and so has my husband. I did the corporate path, the long hours, global travel, never really unplugging even on vacation – don’t get me wrong, I learned a lot during those years, but I always believed I was meant to be my own boss. I think I get that from my grandmother who was always looking for the next business adventure - from real estate investments to owning a video store and everything in between - she was definitely a serial entrepreneur. Even at the young age of 93, she was sharp as a tack and always talking about business. She sadly passed in 2020 - she will be greatly missed. 

I have over 16 years of franchise experience, devoting my time, skills, knowledge, and tools to a lot of people. Many of whom purchased a franchise and truthfully a number who didn’t, because we determined through the process that it was not the right path for them. 

My candidates come from all different backgrounds, degrees of professional experience and levels of liquidity. They all have one common desire – to find an opportunity to grow a business that would provide them an income (primary or residual) and end up with an asset they could sell.

I have access to hundreds of franchises. However, a good franchise for one person doesn’t mean it would be a good franchise for someone else. I get to know and understand the unique situation and needs of all my candidates, so that I can match them with brands that meet those criteria. I don’t sell franchises. I provide the path to explore them efficiently and effectively. I’m here to help YOU make an informed decision.

Liane Caruso

LinkedIn Bio:

As a seasoned marketing professional, I have worked in a variety of industries and specialize in different tactics as marketing and advertising have evolved over the last 20 years. 

I have had the pleasure of working primarily with franchise brands for the last 10 years and I understand the unique intricacies involved working with and marketing for franchisor and franchisee. I am fascinated by the psychology behind marketing and social media and what makes people click (literally click – like, comment, share, engage) in both B2B and B2C environments. I have the unique ability to think both strategically and creatively and I thrive on connecting the dots for clients to envision the bigger picture. To that end, I realized there was a gap in executive leadership in emerging and mid-sized brands to accomplish comprehensive strategic marketing planning, marketing and sales alignment, and initiatives that produce real results with strong ROI. Recently, I launched helloCMO a franchise marketing consultancy that is dedicated to fractional CMO or outsourced CMO engagements for franchise brands and suppliers. 

I am actively involved in:

  • Women's Franchise Committee - International Franchise Association
  • Women Franchise Network Tampa Bay
  • USF Digital Marketing Certificate Program 
  • International Franchise Association, CFE Certified 

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

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