1851

The franchise industry has long been perceived as predominantly male-dominated. However there’s been a noticeable shift in recent years, with more and more women making their mark as successful franchisees and corporate leaders, challenging traditional norms within the sector.In honor of Women’s History Month, 1851 Franchise is highlighting the exceptional achievements and contributions of women who are shaping the industry. These women in franchising have all achieved great success as leaders, breaking through the glass ceiling and proving themselves to be key players in franchising. They serve as role models and inspirations for other women who may be looking to start their own business or climb the corporate ladder in the franchising industry.So without further ado, here is the full list of our top women influencing the franchise industry in 2024, listed in alphabetical order. 1851 Franchise will also be posting individual profiles on each candidate throughout the month of March.&nbsp;<ol><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/theboatanista/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lisa Almeida, Freedom Boat Club</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiabailey/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jania Bailey, FranNet</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicebruder/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Candice Bruder, Pure Sweat Studios</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichole-daher-b9b30150/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nichole Daher, Success on the Spectrum</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-bacon-defrece-71387611/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tina Bacon DeFrece, Big Frog</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-elrod-a32a5746/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Heather Elrod, Conscious Capital Growth &amp; Uni K Wax</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robingagnonrestaurantbroker/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Robin Gagnon, We Sell Restaurants</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-hanson-cfe-bccs-2903729/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kim Hanson, LearningRx</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/danessa-itaya-cfe-87397615/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Danessa Itaya, Bio-One, Inc.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-kraus-cfe-808051169/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ali Kraus, Benetrends</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiamay/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cynthia May, beem Light Sauna</a></li><li><a href="https://www.franchisetimes.com/alicia-miller-founder-and-managing-director-of-emergent-growth-advisors/article_bec3c7d6-dace-11ed-bc11-4be52b5e9c03.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Alicia Miller, Emergent Growth Advisors</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinamitchellfranchisespeakers/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Katrina Mitchell, the Franchise Speakers</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-monson/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Catherine Monson, Propelled Brands</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-morrissey-b10a112/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Heidi Morrissey, Kitchen Tune-Up and Bath Tune-Up</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannoconnell/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mary Ann O'Connell, FranWise</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-rincione-03a56735/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Samantha Rincione, Crave Hot Dogs and BBQ</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawna-rollins-4a006585/?originalSubdomain=bb&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shawna Rollins, Delicious Treats Inc.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellemonroerowan/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Michelle Rowan, Franchise Business Review</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamistig/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jami Stigliano, Diva Dance HQ</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-tavss-a3a55833/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Melissa Tavvs, Tipsy Scoop</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alesiavisconti/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Alesia Visconti, FranServe</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shannon Wilburn, Just Between Friends Franchise Systems</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/edith-wiseman-281b6b/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Edith Wiseman, FranDATA</a></li></ol>As we reflect on their remarkable achievements and contributions during Women's History Month, it's clear that these women are not just making waves within the franchising industry but also leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment, resilience and innovation. Their impact extends far beyond the boardrooms and the franchises they lead.&nbsp;These women are trailblazers, mentors and advocates. Their unwavering commitment to excellence and their entrepreneurial spirits inspire us all to strive for greater heights. Let us continue to champion diversity and recognize the invaluable contributions of women in shaping the landscape of franchising for generations to come.

Celebrating 2024's Most Awesome Women in Franchising

2024’s Top Women in Franchising - 1851 Franchise

1851 Franchise

Every year, 1851 Franchise does a roundup of the most influential and successful women in the franchising industry. Here's our list for 2024.

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Senior Care Authority

How This Senior Care Authority Franchisee Turned Love for His Grandparents Into a Lifelong Calling

how-this-senior-care-authority-franchisee-turned-love-for-his-grandparents-into-a-lifelong-calling

HomeTeam Inspection Service

Hometown News: Like Father, Like Son — Family-Run Inspection Business Blends Generations of Expertise and a Keen Eye for Detail

father-son-home-inspection-franchise-florida

KLA Schools

KLA Schools of Beachwalk Hosts Admissions Kick-Off Celebration

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Good Day Columbus: Home Insurance Expert Reveals Why Central Ohio Premiums Are Rising and How to Combat Costs

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CapitalSpring

Primetime Fitness Expands Crunch Portfolio With CapitalSpring’s Backing

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Potbelly to be Acquired by RaceTrac in $566 Million Deal 

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Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

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Caribou Coffee Names Scott Kennedy CEO, Eyes Continued Growth

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Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

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AI Is Reshaping Franchising: $100 Billion Valuations and Hyper-Localized Advertising

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1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

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DevHub - Meet the Supplier - 1851 Franchise

DevHub: Scalable Digital Marketing for Franchises and Multi-Location Brands

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Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

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Design with school-aged child standing on pencil with text "Education Franchises" and "<$500K"

Top Education Franchises Under $500K To Explore in 2025

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1851 Franchise Deep Dive graphic with Sparkle Squad logo

Sparkle Squad Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

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Celebrating 2024's Most Awesome Women in Franchising

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