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Franchising is tough. Good thing there are so many professionals who have been fighting the good franchise fight to figure out the best practices for franchisors and ‘zees in every industry.Whether buying a franchise, franchising your business, growing your franchise or looking for general information on franchising, tapping into the franchise world’s thriving community is vital to your journey. So, with the help of <a href="https://www.seosamba.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">SeoSamba</a> we’ve curated a list of the most influential people in franchising.No, these are not rankings, simply our collection of 100 influencers you should know, and frankly, who you should be connected to (good thing we’ve provided their LinkedIn links).Throughout February, we will release the entire list so you can get busy getting connected.<figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1614281599_bob and mike.jpg"></figure><h4>Bob Fish and Mike McFall</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: BIGGBY Coffee*</li><li>Website: <a href="https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/biggbybob/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/biggbybob/</a>; <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-biggby/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-biggby/</a></li></ul>Mike McFall’s LinkedIn Bio:&nbsp;<blockquote>Born and raised in Michigan, Mike began his journey with BIGGBY COFFEE* as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, with business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America.&nbsp;Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest. The company is in high growth mode, selling tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. Mike is proud to say that BIGGBY is a healthy, awesome, thriving organization.He is also the author of "Grind," a book which focuses on early stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow. If Mike’s business philosophy can be distilled down to its essence, it would be this: Be brave. Be humble. Be aware. Be yourself. Be aggressive and conquer the world.&nbsp;"Grind" was released on August 6, 2019, and is now available online and in bookstores.</blockquote>Bob Fish’s LinkedIn Bio:&nbsp;<blockquote>I would personally like to change the lives of 1 million people in a positive multi-generational way.&nbsp;We all exist to love people, and support them in building a life they love.&nbsp;Our company is in a quest to change and improve workplace culture in America.&nbsp;I began life as part of a family that lived in many places in the United States and Europe, by the age of 17 when I started college at Michigan State University, we had moved 13 times. I put myself through MSU by working at a local family style pancake house restaurant. By the time I graduated I was the General Manger of that restaurant and two years later, after helping them grow from 1 to four locations I owned the third one. I took a year off, and created with my co-founder Mike McFall the concept BIGGBY COFFEE. we started with one locations in 1995, added a second in 1997, and started franchising in 1999. Today we are 100% franchised and have 250 units open in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kentucky, South Carolina, Florida, and Texas.</blockquote><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1614281711_scott thompson.jpg"></figure><h4>Scott Thompson</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: Big Blue Swim School</li><li>Website: <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-thompson-cfe-618a91/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-thompson-cfe-618a91/</a></li><li>LinkedIn Bio:</li></ul><blockquote>Chief Development Officer for Big Blue Swim School and L-5 Capital Partners. Strategic Franchise Executive, Lifelong Learner, and Planner. Data Driven Sales and Marketing Executive that continuously innovates and leverages technology to accelerate growth.</blockquote><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1614281723_nick anthony.jpg"></figure><h4>Nick-Anthony Zamucen</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: Best Option Restoration</li><li>Website: <a href="https://www.borestoration.com/water-damage-restoration-franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.borestoration.com/water-damage-restoration-franchise/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickanthonyzamucen/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickanthonyzamucen/</a></li><li>LinkedIn Bio:</li></ul><blockquote>"Nick-Anthony Zamucen” the Founder of Best Option Restoration (B.O.R.) www.BORestoration.com &amp; Bio-One Inc. www.BioOneInc.com, The only successful franchised crime scene cleaning company. Awarded Top 40 CEO's Under 40 from Business Diversity Magazine 2013. He is also a 3x published author, business strategist, and an award winning serial entrepreneur that has had tremendous success in various business ventures.&nbsp;Nick-Anthony Zamucen has really changed the game when it comes to the service franchise industry. Simply put, Nick-Anthony is the best in his industry and while many claim to be, he's the only man who has proven results in the business world. His franchised company Bio-One Inc. dominates in 46 different states and continues to grow at an exceptional rate. He plans to launch Bio-One Inc., his crime &amp; trauma scene cleanup franchise, internationally.&nbsp;Nick-Anthony Zamucen realized that one of his greatest strengths was assisting other people's success through his own experience. A core belief of Nick-Anthony's is ""Success breeds Success"". For this reason, Nick-Anthony has assembled an elite ""success group"" based around crime and trauma scene cleanup. He has created bar-none, the most intensive, informative, and educational franchises in the world."</blockquote><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1614282362_chirssss.jpg"></figure><h4>Chris Elliot</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: Beef 'O' Brady's and The Brass Tap</li><li>Website: <a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/</a>; <a href="https://thebrasstapfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://thebrasstapfranchise.com/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-elliott-7365a6b/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-elliott-7365a6b/</a></li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1614281757_jen and dave.jpg"></figure><h4>Jennifer and David Cutillo</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: BeBalanced Hormone Weight Loss Centers*</li><li>Website: <a href="https://franchise.bebalancedcenters.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://franchise.bebalancedcenters.com/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-cutillo-a79a8253/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-cutillo-a79a8253/</a>; <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-seroogy-cutillo-b2bb3076/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-seroogy-cutillo-b2bb3076/</a></li><li>David Cutillo’s LinkedIn Bio:</li></ul><blockquote>I am the CEO of Infinity Health Advisors, doing business as BeBalanced Hormone Weight Loss Centers. I have over 30 years experience in sales and sales management, as well as a history of successful business ventures. I was the National Sales Director of a start-up firm in Philadelphia (ReminderMedia) for 8 years, playing a key role in them becoming the 2nd fastest growing company in Philadelphia (awarded by Philly’s Top 100), and staying in the top 100 for several years. Working directly with me, franchisees can expect the personable excellence of walking through a seamless opportunity to launch their own BeBalanced Center, and expert guidance to grow their business.</blockquote><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1614281768_zak omar.jpg"></figure><h4>Zak Omar</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: Atomic Wings*</li><li>Website: <a href="https://www.atomicwings.com/franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.atomicwings.com/franchising</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-omar-4b672a15/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-omar-4b672a15/</a></li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1614281780_jack wilson.jpg"></figure><h4>Jack Wilson</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: Family Financial Centers</li><li>Website: <a href="https://www.ffcfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.ffcfranchising.com/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackwwilson/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackwwilson/</a></li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1614281789_scott taylor.jpg"></figure><h4>Scott Taylor</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux</li><li>Website: <a href="https://go.walkonsfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://go.walkonsfranchising.com/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-taylor-cfe-8641783/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-taylor-cfe-8641783/</a></li><li>LinkedIn Bio:</li></ul><blockquote>Successful track record with over 25 years senior management experience from publicly traded, private equity and privately held entrepreneurial companies. I am a builder and have put together strong executive teams that have achieved solid growth and performance with each company.</blockquote><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1614355178_John Hayes_.jpg"></figure><h4>John Hayes</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchise Educator</li><li>Company: Titus Center for Franchising</li><li>Website: <a href="https://www.accuratefranchising.com/about-us/titus-center-franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.accuratefranchising.com/about-us/titus-center-franchising/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/</a></li><li>LinkedIn Bio:</li></ul><blockquote>I teach franchising to: college students who seek a career in franchising; people who want to buy a franchise; business owners who want to franchise a business; and Certified Franchise Executives. I'm an Amazon #1 best selling author of several books covering business, marketing, franchising and biography. Frequent speaker at franchise conferences internationally; advisor to franchisors and prospective franchisees. Are you a good fit for franchising: Find out at <a href="www.howtobuyafranchise.com/disc" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.howtobuyafranchise.com/disc.</a></blockquote><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1614281807_maria turco.jpg"></figure><h4>Maria Turco</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: Honor Yoga</li><li>Website: <a href="https://honoryogafranchise.com/investment-opportunity/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://honoryogafranchise.com/investment-opportunity/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaparrellaturco/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-20-11-2715101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaparrellaturco/</a></li><li>LinkedIn Bio:</li></ul><blockquote>Yoga &amp; Fitness Industry Entrepreneur, Consultant, Speaker CEO &amp; Founder of Honor Yoga whose mission and vision is to grow the Honor Yoga Brand to be one of the well respected and accessible yoga brands. Serving as a fitness industry expert, consultant, turn around specialist, speaker and yogi for over 20 years, Maria discovered that the true path to success is to help others achieve their greatest potential. Yoga is a conduit and conductor that serves as a catalyst for self growth and discovery. The franchise model is doorway and toolkit to provide those (Yogipreneurs) who are passionate about elevating people and the communities a proven system to run a successful and fulfilling business. The Honor Yoga Franchisee is passionate about being in business for themselves - yet not by themselves and Honor Yoga is proud to be the conduit to help them achieve success!</blockquote>

Top Franchise Influencers of 2020 | 1851 Franchise

1851 Franchise

After reviewing more than 100 nominations, 1851 Franchise and SeoSamba have broken down our list of franchise influencers you should know.

Top Franchise Influencers: 20–11

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Mellow Mushroom

How Mellow Mushroom’s Model Made it the Perfect Addition to Brad Harper’s Restaurant Portfolio

How Mellow Mushroom’s Flexible Model Made it the Perfect Addition to Brad Harper’s Growing Restaurant Portfolio

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Dillas Quesadillas

Dillas Quesadillas Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

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Paris Baguette

image of paris baguette Love Baked In Culture & Community Impact No Kid Hungry and City Harvest

How Paris Baguette’s ‘Love Baked In’ Culture Nourishes Communities

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Mellow Mushroom CEO Richard Brasch Reveals How the Iconic Pizza Brand Is Evolving Without Losing Its Soul

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Children's Lighthouse

Why Family-Owned Children’s Lighthouse Gives Franchisees a Long-Term Advantage

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Pieology Pizza Enters Chapter 11 Following Costly Bid To Save Struggling Stores

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CNBC: McDonald’s Will Assess if Franchisees Are Offering Value for Customers Under New Standards

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How AI Is Transforming Restaurant Operations and Franchises

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Round Table Pizza Franchisees Take FAT Brands to Court Over Marketing Fund Mismanagement

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FAT Brands Nears Bankruptcy as Creditors Demand Repayment of $1.3 Billion Debt

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A Practical Playbook: Who To Call First When Franchising Your Business

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Scaling by Slowing Down: A Founder’s Playbook for Sustainable Franchise Growth

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What to Implement in 2026 According to 2025 Franchisee Surveys

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CBRE: The Global Commercial Real Estate Partner Powering Franchise Expansion

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Top Pet Boarding and Day Care Franchise Opportunities for 2025

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image of jerome hanway from right at home Las Cruces, New Mexico 1851 franchise franchisee spotlight

Jerome Hanway Is Building His Right at Home Franchise Around His Mission To Serve

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AI-related job cuts, October U.S. job cuts, American job cut record

AI-Fueled Layoffs Reshape the U.S. Job Market — And Highlight Franchising’s Resilience

Top Franchise Influencers: 20–11

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