The Top Franchise Influencers of 2023
1851 Franchise has enlisted the help of the franchise community to compile a list of the top people in the industry you should know.
The franchise industry is growing at an unprecedented pace, and this momentum is also giving rise to a wave of influencers who are transforming the space and setting new standards for success. This month, as part of 1851 Franchise’s annual Influencer Issue, we are celebrating the top franchise industry influencers who are leading the charge and shaping the future of franchising in 2023, based on nominations sent to us by our readership.
These influencers were selected based on their ability to impact the industry through their thought leadership, innovation and influence. From franchisors to franchisees, consultants to industry experts, these influencers represent a diverse cross section of the franchise industry.
Some of this year’s nominees include Catherine Monson, who currently serves as CEO of Propelled Brands, parent company for FASTSIGNS International, NerdsToGo, My Salon Suite and Salon Plaza, and as the Immediate Past Chair for the International Franchise Association (IFA). As a woman who has been in this business since 1984, she has seen the marketplace shift and expand over time, an ever-dynamic arena.
Another nominee is Jana Bailey, CEO of franchise consultancy concept FranNet. She has been a franchisor and executive for decades, and understands the industry from every angle, including board membership for the International Franchise Association (IFA). She's been an innovator who has changed the face of what franchising is today.
Also featured on the list is Charles Internicola, the founder of The Internicola Law* Firm, P.C., a nationally recognized franchise law firm that serves as go-to franchise counsel for start-up, emerging and growth-focused franchise brands.
Notable franchisor executive influencers on the list include Gigi Schweikert, CEO of fast-growing early education and child care franchise Lightbridge Academy*; Wayne Berger, CEO of the Americas for flexible workspace juggernaut International Workplace Group (IWG); Gary Baeur, Brand President of cleaning franchise JAN-PRO Systems International; Rich Matherne, CEO of ice cream concept Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream; and Randy Shacka, President of the industry-leading moving and storage franchise TWO MEN AND A TRUCK*™.
In addition to the individuals on the list, there are several emerging trends in the franchise industry that are shaping the future of franchising. One of the most significant trends is the rise of technology and digital marketing within franchising. Influencers like Greg Macchia, founder of Franchise Hounds Podcast, and Lance Graulich, founder of the Eye on Franchising podcast, for example, are utilizing conversations to put a spotlight on some of the best franchises in the business. Influencers like Trevor Rappleye, founder and CEO of Franchise Filming, are bringing a higher level of multimedia quality to the industry as a leading, full-service video production provider.
Another trend that is shaping the franchise industry is the increasing focus on health and wellness. Influencers like Brittany Driscoll, CEO and founder of tech-driven massage franchise Squeeze Massage; Brianna Keefe, CEO and founder of health food concept Toastique; and T.K. Pillan, founder and chairman of vegan and vegetarian franchise Veggie Grill, are some of the founders leading this charge with their brands.
Overall, the Top Franchise Industry Influencers are a testament to the vibrancy and innovation of the franchise industry. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, these influencers will continue to play a critical role in shaping its future and ensuring its success for years to come.
Without further ado, here is the full list of 2023's top franchise industry influencers, listed in alphabetical order. 1851 Franchise will also be posting individual profiles on each candidate throughout the month of March.
Megan Allen, FranPromise
Jania Bailey, FranNet
Wes Barefoot, Path 2 Freedom
Gary Bauer, JAN-PRO
Kevin Bazner, A&W
Wayne Berger, IWG
Charlie Bever, The Entrepreneur Authority
Jeff Bittner, AlphaGraphics
Jackie Bondanza, Houndstown USA
Don Boroian, FRANCORP
Tim Butters, City Cave
Dennis Campbell, Big Blue Swim School*
Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike’s Subs
Steve Carey, CertaPro Painters® of Mobile and Baldwin Counties
Liane Caruso, Entrepreneur Magazine
Bill Cesak, Workout Anytime Ellijay
Sharon Cupach, ecomaids
Christo Demetriades, Conscious Capital Growth
Brittany Driscoll, Squeeze Massage
Brent Dowling, Raintree*
Linton Dowling, Raintree
Tom DuFore, Big Sky Franchise Team
Keith Dziki, Wireless Zone
Kristina Eastman, Level 5 Capital
Corey Elias, Franchise Captain, LLC
Chris Elliott, FSC
Heather Elrod, Conscious Capital Growth
Brandon Ezra, Grand Welcome
Blas Escarcega, Pollo Campero*
Ray Fabik, Caring Transitions
Kyle Farley, Scale Franchise Solutions
Laura Fetters, KidStrong
Jerry Flanagan, JDog Brands
Rhyan Finch, 1st Class Franchising
Rocco Fiorentino, BeneTrends
Bob Fish, BIGGBY Coffee*
Sean Fitzgerald, TruBlue Total House Care
Paul Flick, Premium Brand Services
Cassidy Ford, Entrepreneur Magazine
Rob Gannett, Clintar
Emily George, Franchise Business Review
Toni Gilbert, HoneyBaked Ham Company
Lance Graulich, Eye on Franchising
Michael Haith, Teriyaki Madness
Bob Hammond, Melting Pot
Steve Hart, Property Management Inc.*/u>
Margaret Haynes, Right at Home*
Erin Hicks, Teriyaki Madness
Jeff Horst, Rocket Barn
Michael Hyam, National Events Management
Charles Internicola, Internicola Law Firm
Danessa Itaya, Bio-One
Jack Johnson, The Franchise Insiders
Jill Johnson, The Franchise Insiders
Bob Johnston, Melting Pot
Faizun Kamal, The Franchise Pros
Brianna Keefe, Toastique
Kristin Kidd, The Lash Lounge
Mark Kushinsky, Threshold
Rob Lancit, Stratus Building Solutions
Matt Lovasz, T.A.C.T.
Adam Long, HomeTeam Inspection Services
Greg Macchia, Franchise Hounds Podcast
Curt Maier, IBA
Eric Martin, Happinest Brands
Tanashe’ Martin, PuroClean
Jackie Martinez, Elements Massage Concord NH
Jason Markowicz, Franchise Fit For You
Rich Matherne, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Lana Mazin, Raintree
EJ McCoy, Scoop Soldiers
Mark Mele, Paris Baguette*
Katrina Mitchell, Franchise Speakers
Catherine Monson, Fast Signs
Bob Moore, United Water Restoration Group
Thomas Nieto, Main Squeeze Juice Co.
Nick Neonakis, The Franchise Consulting Company
Omar Al-Massalkhi and Mohammad Farraj, Talkin' Tacos
Amanda Palm, Sport Clips* Haircuts
Bryan Park, Footprints Floors*
Kim Perrotta, Worldwise Franchise Development
Paul Pickett, Wild Birds Unlimited*
T.K. Pillan, Veggie Grill
Andrea Prunella, Chip City Cookies
Gara Post, The NOW Massage
Adam Povlitz, Anago Cleaning Systems
Trevor Rappleye, FranchiseFilming.com
Kenny Reinbold, Express Employment
Meg Roberts, Franworth
Kelley Rosequist, Dog Training Elite*
Patti Rother, The NOW Massage
Michelle Rowan, Franchise Business Review
Christian Saab, CPG Recruitment
Jaime Sanchez, Interlink
Ian Sapelli, FranchiseSource
Tom Scarda, The Franchise Academy
Ingrid Schneider, Stay in Your Lane
Paul Segreto, Acceler8Success
Sajad Shakoor, Falafel Corner Franchising Corp
Mark Siebert, iFranchise Group
Ron Silberstein, Bud’s Place Franchising
Gigi Schweikert, Lightbridge Academy
Randy Shacka, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
Michael Slupecki, Griswold
Tom Spadea, Spadea Lignana
Ari Stern, Ruberto Israel & Weiner
Steve Strickland, Workout Anytime
Scott Thompson, L5 Capital
Nick Titus, Minuteman Press International
Andrea Trout, Prime IV of FL LLC
Justin Waltz, Level 5 Capital
Samir Wattar, Layne's Chicken Fingers
JW (Jonathan) Weathington, Shuckin' Shack
Karen Wenning, Suttle-Straus
Doug Willmarth, MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes*
Carlie Wilmes, Reimagine CRE
Kevin Wilson, Buzz Franchise Brands
*This brand is a paid partner of 1851 Franchise. For more information on paid partnerships please click here.