Top 10 Franchise Brands Led by Females

When last year’s Fortune 500 list was released, the publication reported that the percentage of female CEOs included dropped to just four percent. Although they may be the minority in the country’s top 500 companies, 1851 has compiled a list of some of our favorite female leaders to show how women are still a powerhouse group in franchising. We’ve outlined the top 10 franchises that are being successfully led by female CEOs.

Take, for example, FranNet. President and CEO, Jania Bailey, is now in her tenth year with the consulting company, and she told 1851 that her key to moving the company forward is to question everything. “Always be asking, ‘What else should we be doing? What can we do better?’ I constantly remind myself that whatever we have done in the past is no longer good enough.”

Bailey’s drive to keep a fresh perspective and make FranNet better each day is one of many reasons she’s so successful as a leader. She also focuses on building a diverse team – those with different strengths from her own – to bring new ideas to the table.

Her advice to other women in her position (or even aspiring to be) is to not worry about being seen as feminine. “Be yourself! We each have special talents and gifts; use them.”

And she’s right. Below you’ll learn about nine more females using their special talents and determination to lead in the franchising industry.

Bottle & Bottega – Nancy Bigley

Nancy Bigley is paving the way for fellow businesswomen in franchising. Not only is she the CEO for art and wine studio Bottle & Bottega, but she is also Chair of the Women’s Franchise Committee for the International Franchise Association. She’s championing fellow women in the industry and leading by example.

FastSigns – Catherine Monson

After 28 years in franchising, Catherine Monson fulfilled her dream of running a company by accepting the role of CEO at FASTSIGNS. She strategizes for the brand and deems herself responsible for its growth and success, a feat she accomplishes by empowering those around her and holding them accountable. She doesn’t view what she does as “work,” and never views herself as off the clock.

Menchie’s – Danna Caldwell

The story behind Menchie’s is a love story, according to co-founder Danna Caldwell. She started the business with her husband, with whom her first date was at a frozen yogurt shop.

BrightStar Care – Shelly Sun

Shelly Sun, who is also co-founder of BrightStar, has watched the brand grow to more than 300 locations and top Forbes’ lists multiple times in a row. The premium healthcare staffing company began franchising in 2005, becoming the first company of its kind. Sun said that hard work, passion and resilience are the attributes most needed to be successful.

Popeyes – Cheryl Bachelder

According to the company website, Cheryl’s goal is to develop purpose-driven leaders who exhibit competence and character in all aspects of their lives. She brought her strategic thinking to the franchise in 2007 after experience with Yum Brands, Domino’s Pizza and RJR Nabisco.

Cinnabon – Kat Cole

Kat Cole’s optimism might just be the reason she became CEO of Cinnabon at such a young age. By focusing on the good in a situation or in a person, Cole says she sees possibility where 99 percent of human beings do not. 

School of Rock* – Dzana Homan

Dzana Homan isn’t your average CEO. Originally from Bosnia, she moved to the United States without speaking a word of English. She has since received three different degrees and joined the School of Rock team in 2014. Homan brought her love of education and music expertise to the role--one of her degrees is in piano. Today, the franchise has more than 145 locations in eight countries.

Great Clips* – Rhoda Olsen

Rhoda Olsen joined the Great Clips team in 1987. She brought with her a background in expert problem-solving ahead of the franchise’s major growth. She worked her way up and, in 2010, became CEO. She acts as mentor to the numerous women also on the executive team and leading the Minneapolis-based brand’s 3,600 units.

SafeWay Driving School – Ann Littmann

Ann Littman’s journey with SafeWay began with an internship in 2011. After just six years, she’s climbed her way to Vice President and now CEO. Littman’s promotion comes on the heels of a rapid expansion plan that she has proven well-equipped to lead, as her passion for keeping drivers safe and growing the brand have deemed her invaluable to the team.