Growing a Franchise
These top suppliers, recognized for their innovative solutions and exceptional service delivery, are driving meaningful advancement across the entire franchise ecosystem.
Every successful brand is backed by an array of specialized service providers whose expertise help drive growth, efficiency and innovation. 1851 Franchise is proud to present our 2025 Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support issue, showcasing the companies that are revolutionizing how franchise systems operate and expand.
These suppliers were selected for their forward-thinking approach, exceptional service delivery and demonstrated commitment to advancing the franchise industry through novel solutions and strategic partnerships.
Financial management innovators like Bean Squad are transforming how franchisees handle their bookkeeping, while Prospect Direct has revolutionized lead generation with data-driven approaches that deliver higher-quality prospects to franchise development teams.
The rise of technology-focused solutions is also evident in our selections. Orchatect's franchise management software has become an indispensable tool for modern systems, while LocateAI is changing the game in real estate services with its sophisticated site selection algorithms.
"The franchise supplier community is evolving rapidly to meet the changing needs of both franchisors and franchisees," said Nick Powills, publisher of 1851 Franchise. "These emerging leaders are not just service providers — they're true partners in growth who understand the unique challenges of the franchise model."
Digital transformation continues to be a major trend, with companies like HigherVisibility pioneering SEO strategies specifically tailored for franchise systems.
The financial side of franchising is well-represented by ApplePie Capital, whose innovative financing solutions are helping remove barriers to franchise ownership, and Boxwood Partners LLC, which has become a trusted advisor in the increasingly active M&A landscape.
Training and operations support remain crucial elements of franchise success, with LearningZen's digital platforms making system-wide education more accessible and consistent, while Manual Makers has reinvented the operations manual from a static document to a dynamic resource.
Without further ado, here is the full list of 2025's emerging leaders in franchise support. Stay tuned as we share individual profiles on each company throughout the coming month.
Brand: Mainland*
Website: hellomainland.com
Service Segment: Public Relations, Brand Storytelling
Top Clients: Layne’s Chicken Fingers**, Sylvan Learning*, Slim Chickens, The Melting Pot, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK**, Qmee, Famous Dave’s**, Christmas Decor, Shuckin’ Shack, Pollo Campero**, TruBlue, Paris Bageutte, Workout Anytime
Mainland specializes in turning franchise brands into compelling narratives that connect with both potential franchisees and consumers. Many PR firms focus on surface-level announcements, but Mainland goes deeper, unlocking the human-interest angles that make stories resonate. By amplifying franchisee journeys and success stories, Mainland helps brands validate their business model, inspire prospective franchisees, and drive engagement.
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Brand: GoodSpark
Website: https://www.goodsparkfranchise.com/
Service Segment: Franchise Development, Coaching, and Strategy
Top Clients: Preservan, Shuckin’ Shack, Deer Solution, and Skeddadle
GoodSpark, a franchise development company based in Red Bank, New Jersey, is making waves in the industry with its innovative approach and comprehensive services. While a relatively new player, GoodSpark has quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with, thanks in part to its connection with the Internicola Law Firm.
Link to Supplier Deep Dive:
Supplier Deep Dive: https://1851franchise.com/franchise-supplier-deep-dive-beansquad-2727987
Brand: BeanSquad
Website: https://beansquad.com/
Service Segment: Franchise Accounting/Bookkeeping
Top Clients: Amazon DSP, FedEx, Baskin-Robbins, The UPS Store, Pure Barre
BeanSquad is a specialized services firm dedicated to streamlining financial operations for franchise brands and CPA/bookkeeping firms. Its mission is to empower businesses with comprehensive and easily understandable financial insights, enabling informed and strategic decision-making.
For franchise brands, BeanSquad offers tailored solutions such as core bookkeeping, sales tax management, franchise compliance and reporting, and key performance indicator (KPI) analytics. These services ensure accurate record-keeping, timely reporting and insightful analytics to foster business growth.
In addition to franchise support, BeanSquad provides comprehensive infrastructure and accounting assistance to CPA and bookkeeping firms. Its offerings include business process outsourcing, full-service white-label solutions, onboarding support, business consulting and white-label services, all designed to enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction.
Founded by a team of seasoned financial executives with over 30 years of experience, BeanSquad has a proven track record of success in both retail and wholesale divisions. Its extensive industry knowledge and commitment to client growth sets it apart as a trusted partner in the financial services sector.
Link to Supplier Deep Dive:
Brand: Prospect Direct
Website: https://prospectdirect.com/
Service Segment: Franchise Lead Generation
Top Clients: Discover Strength Fitness Franchising; Oakscale Franchise Partners, which works with Bang Cookies, SeaLove, PetWellClinic and more; WingZone; and BeBalanced
Prospect Direct is a leading lead generation company specializing in the franchise industry. Founded in 2016 by Alex Oswiecinski and Mohammed Syed, the company has quickly become one of the fastest-growing firms in its sector, even honored on the 2024 Inc. 5,000 ranking.
Prospect Direct's mission is to connect franchise brands with high-quality, financially capable candidates who have genuine interest in becoming franchisees. The company employs a data-driven approach, leveraging a proprietary global database to identify and engage potential franchisees.
For franchise brands, Prospect Direct offers tailored lead generation solutions that focus on quality over quantity. Their services include custom audience targeting, highly personalized campaigns and delivery of warm, qualified conversations with prospects. This approach helps franchisors overcome inefficient lead generation, unqualified prospects and wasted marketing spend.
In addition to serving domestic franchisors, Prospect Direct also serves international franchisors, franchise brokers and consultants, business brokers, wealth management firms and B2B service businesses.
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Brand: Metwally CPA PLLC
Website: https://metwallycpa.com
Service Segment: Small Business Audit, Review and Financial Compilation Services
Top Clients: Small businesses, franchisors, mortgage brokers, nonprofit organizations
Metwally CPA PLLC is a modern accounting firm specializing in audit, review and financial compilation services for small businesses. Established in 2020, the firm has quickly become a trusted partner for business owners seeking financial transparency, compliance and efficiency. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Metwally CPA PLLC ensures streamlined, cost-effective solutions for its clients.
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Brand: Outreach Studios
Website: https://outreachstudios.com/
Service Segment: Video Production Services
Top Clients: Cisco, International Franchise Association, CarShield, Missouri Chamber of Commerce
Outreach Studios is a professional video production company dedicated to bringing stories to life through high-quality visual content. It offers a comprehensive range of services, including scriptwriting, editing, on-location production and top-tier studio production, supported by experienced professionals.
Specializing in various video formats, Outreach Studios creates explainer and educational videos that simplify complex ideas, instructional and training videos to enhance learning experiences, and internal communications videos that inform and engage employees. It also provides event coverage for conferences, seminars and galas, producing daily highlight reels to keep the momentum alive post-event.
Outreach’s clientele spans multiple industries, including associations and non-profits, for which they offer specialized services tailored to meet unique needs.
Link to Supplier Deep Dive:
Brand: Manual Makers
Website: https://manualmakers.com/
Service Segment: Franchise Documentation
Top Clients: Popeyes, Pizza Cat
Manual Makers is the leading authority in franchise documentation, specializing in creating, refreshing and managing franchise manuals, guides and playbooks. With a focus on clarity, usability and scalability, Manual Makers transforms franchise documentation into a strategic asset that drives brand consistency, operational efficiency and growth.
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Brand: Orchatect
Website: https://orchatect.com/
Service Segment: Franchise Financials, Operations and Location Management
Top Clients: SOS Franchising, Next Brands, JBK Management LLC, Innovative Toll Solution, Forever Friends, Angels Monitoring, Beef-A-Roo, The Pampered Peach Wax Bar
Franchise operations require seamless coordination across multiple locations, and Orchatect aims to lead the way in transforming franchise management through cutting-edge technology. The company’s signature solution, The Maestro® Solution, offers a centralized platform that integrates all business functions into a single dashboard with the goal of helping franchise brands boost efficiency, reduce costs and streamline operations.
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Brand: HigherVisibility
Website: https://www.highervisibility.com/
Service Segment: SEO, PPC, Website Design
Top Clients: Orangetheory, Lawn Doctor**, Allied, Brilliant Earth, Caliber Collision, HOTWORX, Evolve Bank & Trust, Ziebart, New Roads Online Auto Loans
HigherVisibility is an award-winning digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, PPC and website design. With a focus on driving profitability, the agency helps businesses — from small companies to Fortune 1000s — maximize their online presence and generate more qualified leads. Recognized as SEO Agency of the Year by Search Engine Land, HigherVisibility delivers data-backed, strategy-driven results for a diverse range of industries.
Link to Supplier Deep Dive:
Brand: AnswerConnect
Website: https://www.answerconnect.com/
Supplier Profile: https://1851franchise.com/supplier/answerconnect
Service Segment: Telephone Answering Services/Call Center
Top Clients: Fujitsu, CPCDirect, Early Impact, G-Hold, Oldcastle
Franchise businesses thrive on consistency and quality customer service, and AnswerConnect aims to ensure brands never miss a call with its 24/7/365 live answering service.
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Brand: Spectrio
Website: https://www.spectrio.com/
Service Segment: Customer engagement solutions
Top Clients: Google, Coca-Cola, Subway, Marriott
Spectrio is a leader in customer engagement solutions, empowering businesses to connect with their customers through dynamic digital experiences. From digital signage to scent marketing, Spectrio's innovative approach transforms customer interactions into memorable brand experiences.
Link to Supplier Deep Dive:
Brand: AC Inc.
Website: https://fieldcoachexperts.com/
Supplier Profile: https://1851franchise.com/supplier/ac-inc
Service Segment: Education and Training for Franchise Operations Teams
Top Clients: Expedia, British Swim School, Oxford Learning, BeaverTails, The Ten Spot Beauty Bars, 30 Minute Hit
AC Inc. specializes in enhancing franchise operations through targeted training and education programs. Their services are designed to support franchise brands worldwide by maximizing the impact of field coaching, thereby improving system profitability. Offerings include performance group coaching, professional development courses through the Field Coach ACademy and comprehensive assessments to benchmark and elevate field support methods.
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Brand: ActiveCampaign
Website: https://www.activecampaign.com/
Supplier Profile: https://1851franchise.com/supplier/activecampaign
Service Segment: Franchise Email and Marketing Automation
Top Clients: LeapFrog, Wonsulting, CodeCamp, Museum of Science + Industry Chicago, Sundance Institute
ActiveCampaign is a customer experience automation platform that helps businesses create personalized, data-driven connections with their customers.
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Brand: Locate AI
Website: https://www.locate.ai/
Supplier Profile: https://1851franchise.com/supplier/locate-ai
Service Segment: Site Selection, Real Estate Analytics, Location Intelligence
Top Clients: Zoup! Eatery, Fit Body Boot Camp, WINGERS Restaurants
Location selection is a critical factor in business success, and Locate AI is revolutionizing this process through advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. The company's powerful platform helps businesses make data-driven decisions about where to open new locations by analyzing thousands of variables to identify optimal sites with the highest probability of success.
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Brand: Boxwood Partners LLC
Website: https://www.boxwoodpartners.com/
Supplier Profile: https://1851franchise.com/supplier/boxwood-partners-llc
Service Segment: Mergers and Acquisitions Advisory Services
Top Clients: Stretch Zone, Franchise Fast Lane, Shelf Genie, Online Labels, Boston Barricade
Boxwood Partners is a leading middle-market investment bank that specializes in providing comprehensive M&A advisory services to business owners and private equity groups. Combining over 50 years of experience with the personalized attention of a boutique firm, it delivers expert guidance in navigating complex transactions across various industries, including franchising, consumer, food and beverage, and more.
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Brand: ApplePie Capital
Website: https://www.applepiecapital.com/
Supplier Profile: https://1851franchise.com/supplier/apple-pie-capital
Service Segment: Financing
Top Clients: Jimmy John’s, Club Pilates, Ben & Jerry’s, Sola Salons
ApplePie Capital is a nationwide financing partner specializing exclusively in franchise financing. With a mission to empower franchisees and franchisors to grow their businesses, ApplePie Capital provides guided, strategic financing solutions tailored to the unique needs of the franchise industry. By leveraging a deep network of lending partners and franchise-focused expertise, ApplePie Capital simplifies the financing process, enabling franchise owners to open new units, expand their footprint and achieve sustainable growth.
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Brand: Atlas Mapping
Website: https://www.atlas-mapping.com
Supplier Profile: https://1851franchise.com/supplier/atlas-mapping
Service Segment: Territory Mapping and Location Strategy
Top Clients: Right at Home**, ChipsAway, Dog First Aid Training, Electrolux
Franchise growth relies heavily on well-planned territories, and Atlas Mapping provides the expertise and tools to make territory planning simpler, more effective, and more profitable. With their data-driven approach and user-friendly software, Atlas Mapping is revolutionizing the way franchise businesses scale and expand.
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Brand: Business Alliance Inc.
Website: https://businessallianceinc.com/
Supplier Profile: https://1851franchise.com/supplier/bai-business-alliance-inc
Service Segment: Franchise Consulting, Business Development, Franchise Recruitment
Top Clients: A Place At Home, Bio-One, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More, DoodyCalls
Business Alliance Inc. was founded in 1991 with a clear mission: to simplify and enhance the franchising experience for entrepreneurs and franchise systems alike. Over the years, BAI has built a robust network of franchise brokers who specialize in matching prospective business owners with franchises that align with their skills, financial goals and aspirations
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Brand: Strategic America
Website: https://www.strategicamerica.com/
Supplier Profile: https://1851franchise.com/supplier/strategic-america
Service Segment: Franchise Branding, Franchise Marketing
Top Clients: Wendy’s, Service Experts, Iowa Farm Bureau
Strategic America offers an innovative suite of integrated services designed to bridge the gap between national brand strategies and local market execution. The company excels in channel marketing, providing tailored solutions that help franchise brands expand their reach, enhance operational efficiency and drive meaningful growth across diverse industries including home services, health/wellness and quick-service restaurants.
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Brand: LearningZen
Website: https://www.learningzen.com
Supplier Profile: https://1851franchise.com/supplier/learningzen
Service Segment: Learning Management Systems (LMS) for Franchises
Top Clients: JAN-PRO, American Flatbread, The Dog Stop, DekaLash, Gymboree, Mr. Rooter
Franchises rely on seamless, efficient training programs to ensure consistent quality across their locations, and LearningZen provides just that. By offering a powerful, easy-to-use platform, LearningZen empowers businesses to create, deliver and track training materials that can scale with the brand.
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