1851

<p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Marketing has become one of the most critical drivers of franchise growth. As customer behavior evolves and competition intensifies, brands are turning to the people behind the messaging to create strategies that don’t just look good on paper — they work in the field. For franchise systems, that means supporting owners in dozens or hundreds of different markets, each with its own challenges and opportunities.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">The marketing leaders featured on this year’s list are deeply involved in the day-to-day work of growing their systems. Their efforts are driving real results — from generating qualified leads to strengthening local engagement and giving franchisees the support they need to thrive. They’re focused on clarity over complexity, results over noise and relevance over flash. That focus is helping their systems navigate an uncertain economy while continuing to expand.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">These leaders come from a range of backgrounds. Some built careers in national advertising. Others entered franchising through operations or strategy. Many have worn multiple hats across departments. Regardless of where they started, they’ve all earned the trust of their franchisees by building marketing programs that reflect the realities of running a local business.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Their work isn’t about chasing the next big idea. It’s about building sustainable systems, listening to what franchisees need and responding with solutions that make sense — tools that are easy to use, messaging that connects with customers and strategies that align with day-to-day operations. In short, they’re the ones turning brand vision into something actionable at the local level.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">The marketers on this list represent a wide cross-section of industries, from home services and food and beverage to health, wellness and education. Their playbooks may look different, but their priorities are aligned: Create value, support franchisees and keep the brand moving forward.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Without further ado, here is the full list of the 25 franchise marketing leaders making the biggest impact in 2025. Stay tuned as we share individual profiles on each of them throughout June and July.</span></p><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Darshan Gad — Chief Marketing Officer, &nbsp;KidStrong</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Lynlea Rudell — Director of Marketing, <span class="brand-highlight">Pool Scouts*</span></span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Farrell Timlake — Franchise Marketing Director, White Rabbit Cannabis</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Kate Doyle-Kwon — Vice President of Communications and Franchise Marketing, Xponential</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Ana Malmqvist — Chief Marketing Officer, Melting Pot</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Michael DeTrana — Vice President of Marketing, Take 5 Oil Change</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Carol DeNembo — Chief Marketing Officer, Mountain Mike’s Pizza</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Brian Curin — Chief Executive Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, Little Kitchen Academy</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Kelsey McManemin — Vice President of Marketing, HTeaO</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Colin Berry — Vice President of Brand Development, Children’s Lighthouse</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Amanda Evans — Senior Vice President of Marketing, Stellar Service Brands</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Missy Maio — Vice President of Marketing and Global Partnerships, Gong Cha</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Larisa Walega — Chief Growth Officer, Ziebert</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Taylor Martin — Director of Brand Marketing, HomeTeam Inspection Service</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Jack Mashini — Co-Founder, Wing Snob</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Caroline Riley — Chief Marketing Officer, Aroma Joe’s</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Cathy Chavenet — Chief Marketing Officer, <span class="brand-highlight">Paris Baguette*</span></span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Danielle Yuthas — Vice President of Marketing, Main Line Brands</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">David Daniels — Chief Marketing Officer, Potbelly Sandwich Works</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Howard Terry — Chief Marketing Officer, Golden Chick</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Mike Revak — President and Chief Business Officer, Sky Zone</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Alex Pericchi — Vice President of Marketing, PuroClean</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Darren Keeler — Vice President of Marketing and Creative, Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Brittany Knollmiller — Head of Marketing, Yogurtland</span></h2><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Charlene Bush — Marketing Director, <span class="brand-highlight">TWO MEN AND A TRUCK*</span></span></h2><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><i>Growing and selling franchises is difficult. No great franchise did it alone. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisors grow their franchises with confidence? Visit&nbsp;</i></span><a href="https://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-marketing-leaders-2025-2729422" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#0000ff;"><i><u>www.1851growthclub.com</u></i></span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><i> and see what we can do for you.</i></span></p>

Top Franchise Marketing Leaders - 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders of 2025 | Driving Growth and Local Success

1851 Franchise

These standout marketers are fueling national brand growth, supporting local franchisees and redefining what effective franchise marketing looks like in 2025.

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders of 2025: Driving Growth, Innovation and Local Success

franchise-marketing-leaders-2025

Pet Wants

Smart Business, Low Overhead: How Pet Wants Helps Franchisees Build Efficient and Profitable Operations

smart-business-low-overhead-how-pet-wants-helps-franchisees-build-efficient-and-profitable-operations

Pigtails & Crewcuts

Why These Franchisees Chose To Grow With Pigtails & Crewcuts — and How the Brand Helped Them Do It

why-these-franchisees-chose-to-grow-with-pigtails-crewcuts-and-how-the-brand-helped-them-do-it

Fresh Coat

Fresh Coat West Greensboro - Fresh Coat Cares - Red Cross

Fresh Coat Cares Partners With the Red Cross to Refresh Community Conference Space

fresh-coat-cares-partners-with-the-red-cross-to-refresh-community-conference-space

Voodoo Brewing Co.

What’s in the 2025 FDD? A Closer Look for Voodoo Brewing Co. Franchise Buyers

whats-in-the-2025-fdd-a-closer-look-for-voodoo-brewing-co-franchise-buyers

United Water Restoration Group

Master Marketer, Community Builder: How Rodney Washington Turned Local Visibility Into Success

Master Marketer, Community Builder: How Rodney Washington Turned Local Visibility Into Franchise Success

master-marketer-community-builder-how-rodney-washington-turned-local-visibility-into-franchise-success

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Hardee’s Lawsuit Highlights the Risk of Going Off-Model in Franchising

hardees-franchise-lawsuit-paradigm-investment-group

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

Dave’s Hot Chicken Sold to Roark Capital in $1 Billion Deal to Fuel Global Expansion

daves-hot-chicken-sold-to-roark-capital-in-1-billion-deal-to-fuel-global-expansion

Homebuyers Keep Buying — And That’s Good News for Home Service Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Homebuyers Keep Buying — And That’s Good News for Home Service Franchises

homebuyers-keep-buying-and-thats-good-news-for-home-service-franchises

AI Could Push Unemployment to 20% — Fueling a Surge in First-Time Franchise Buyers - 1851 Franchise

AI Could Push Unemployment to 20% — Fueling a Surge in First-Time Franchise Buyers

ai-unemployment-impact-white-collar-job-loss

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

The Ultimate Guide To Selling Franchises: How To Budget Properly

how-franchises-can-budget-their-finances-properly

The Ultimate Guide To Selling Franchises — How To Build Webinars

how-franchisors-can-build-effective-webinars-to-reach-prospective-franchisees

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How to Position Your Value Proposition

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How to Position Your Value Proposition — Point of Differentiation

how-to-position-your-value-proposition-with-a-point-of-differentiation

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

The Top 20 Handyman Franchises To Invest in for 2025

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders of 2025: Driving Growth, Innovation and Local Success

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS