FranNet Announces Top Performers at 2024 Conference

LOUISVILLE, KY – FranNet, the leading franchise consultancy known for connecting entrepreneurs to opportunities, just wrapped up its highly anticipated 2024 Spring Meeting. This year's conference not only highlighted the innovative strategies and achievements in franchising, but also celebrated the exceptional performers who have made significant impacts in their territories. 

"We were very proud of the winners — the ladies are leading the pack this year!" said Jania Bailey, CEO of FranNet. “This will go down in the books as one of the best conferences we’ve had in many years. Everyone was so supportive and there was zero negativity — competitors were even cheering each other on at the awards banquet!”

1st Place Top-Performer: Katie Fagan, owner of FranNet in San Francisco and San Jose, California

Katie Fagan-Small, owner of FranNet in San Francisco and San Jose, California, brings over a decade of extensive experience in franchise consulting. Her journey into the realm of franchising is marked by a serendipitous transition from mergers and acquisitions to franchise consultancy. Fagan-Small’s background in M&A provided her with a robust foundation in business strategies, which she effectively applied to her role in franchising.

Her association with FranNet began approximately 13 years ago when the opportunity to take over the Bay Area territory presented itself unexpectedly, as the previous owner was planning to retire. Recognizing the potential for growth and her aptitude for the franchising industry, Fagan-Small embraced the challenge and has since significantly expanded her territories. This expansion has not only increased her influence within the franchise community but has also allowed her to cultivate a thriving business primarily fueled by referrals and professional resources. Under Katie's leadership, her offices have seen consistent year-over-year growth.

“The most rewarding part of my role is seeing my clients start and successfully exit their businesses, effectively building valuable assets," Fagan-Small said. “We had a very busy year and worked very hard, so it's nice to be recognized as a top performer. Many of our clients are looking to build additional revenue streams outside of corporate America, particularly in volatile sectors like tech, seeking more control over their future. There is nothing I love more than helping entrepreneurs find the right business —  I appreciate all my clients and the trust they put in me.”

2nd Place Top Performer: Leslie Kuban, owner of FranNet of Atlanta

Leslie Kuban, owner of FranNet of Atlanta, is a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich background in franchising that spans several decades. Kuban’s journey into the world of business ownership began in her mid-20s after graduating from college. Initially unsure of her career path and working as a waitress, Kuban discovered an opportunity that would define her future. Her father, who was actively involved in franchising, introduced her to a struggling Mailboxes, Etc. franchise, which she swiftly transformed into a successful enterprise.

After revitalizing the business and eventually selling it, Kuban was drawn to a new challenge in 1999. Through one of her father's contracts, she was encouraged to take a more prominent role by taking over the FranNet office in Atlanta, a move she embraced with her father by her side. Since then, her extensive role has not only allowed her to witness the great successes and failures within the franchise industry, but has also provided her with a deep understanding of the necessary building blocks for successful franchising.

“Winning never gets old as an entrepreneur and business owner — most of us have a little bit of a competitive streak in us! We like to win and be acknowledged for our contributions,” Kuban said. “While it is a performance award, it is also a testament to the amount of people we’ve been able to help realize their dreams of business ownership. I love owning my own business and it's amazing that I get to help others do the same through franchising.”

Other Top Performance Awards

In addition to Small and Kuban, additional consultants were recognized for their contributions as top performers, placing candidates into franchise opportunities. The top 10 performers across the system are as follows:

3. Stuart Levenberg

4. Roxanne Rapske

5. Jose Torres

6. John Armstrong

7. Teri Villanueva

8. Kyle DeHaas

9. Jack Armstrong

10. Blair Nicol

In addition to recognizing top-performing individuals, FranNet also celebrated other high-achievers in the system. The award for the 1st Place Top Performer Enterprise Office was given to Merri Cronk, a franchise consultant serving the Austin and San Antonio markets, in recognition of her leadership in managing a team that has substantially grown under her direction. 

In the franchisor category, Waxing the City clinched the 1st Place Top Performer Franchisor award, with FYZICAL taking the second spot. These companies, which work with FranNet, have been instrumental in driving growth and providing exceptional support to their franchisees.

FranNet is currently preparing for its upcoming Fall Conference in October, which will be held along the scenic San Antonio Riverwalk. This event is poised to build on the ongoing success and innovation, reinforcing FranNet's status as a frontrunner in the franchising industry.

If you are a potential franchisee looking to invest or a franchisor looking to attract new candidates, contact FranNet at https://frannet.com/.

About FranNet

FranNet is North America’s most respected leader in matching individuals with franchise ownership opportunities. Founded in 1987, FranNet has more than 100 experienced consultants across the United States, Canada and Germany. FranNet uses a proprietary profiling and consultative process to determine a business model unique to each client’s goals, skill sets and interests, and has matched thousands of prospective business owners to rewarding small business franchise opportunities. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, FranNet is the only locally-owned and operated franchised consulting firm.