Top Franchise Influencers: 60–51

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 SeoSamba 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.

Tony Lufti

• Type: Franchisee
• Company: Maritime Management Company
• Website: http://the-maritime-group.com/about-us/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-lutfi-64134030/

Gigi Schweikert

• Type: Franchisor
• Company: Lightbridge Academy*
• Website: https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gigischweikert/
• LinkedIn Bio: 

President, Lightbridge Academy Franchise Company

International Best-Selling Author & Keynote Speaker

Education, Parenting and Leadership

 

• President of Lightbridge Academy Franchise Company, educational child care, 100+ programs in operation or development

• Keynote speaker on education, leadership, parenting, and work/life

• Author of 18 books, in three languages

• Assessed and implemented work/life initiatives and benefits for Fortune 500 companies

• Developed and operated employer-sponsored child care centers

• Create and deliver leadership training for Fortune 500 companies and Educational Institutions

• Clients included Merck, Prudential, Chesapeake Energy, Purdue University, Bright Horizons

 

“Inspirational, encouraging and real,” that’s what audiences and readers across the country have to say about Gigi Schweikert, an internationally known expert on early childhood education, parenting and work-life issues. Known for her humor and practical messages, Gigi is a popular keynote speaker for education conferences, corporations, women’s events, and parenting seminars. Gigi is the best-selling author of 18 books including the best-selling Winning Ways series and Prime Times: A Handbook for Excellence in Infant and Toddlers Programs.

 

During her thirty years of experience, Gigi directed the United Nations Early Childhood Program in New York City and developed the Johnson & Johnson System of Family Centers. Gigi is President & COO at Lightbridge Franchise Company. Gigi also hosted the television show, “Today’s Family.” Gigi has four children, one in Los Angeles, one in Seattle, one in Boulder, and one still at home. 

Peter Cancro

• Type: Franchisor
• Company: Jersey Mike's Subs
• Website: https://www.jerseymikes.com/franchise
• Peter Cancro’s Bio Page: https://www.jerseymikes.com/history

Charles Internicola

• Type: Supplier
• Company: Internicola Law* Firm
• Website: https://www.franchiselawsolutions.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-internicola-42506910/
• LinkedIn Bio: 

The Internicola Law Firm is a national franchise-only law firm that provides emerging and growing brands with the legal support they need, resources to grow, and strategies to win at franchising.

www.FranchiseLawSolutions.com #EntrepreneursKickAss

Paul Brown

• Type: Franchisor
• Company: Inspire Brands
• Website: https://inspirebrands.com/franchising/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brownpaulj/
• LinkedIn Bio: 

CEO of Inspire Brands, a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes nearly 32,000 Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin', Jimmy John's, Rusty Taco, and SONIC Drive-In restaurants worldwide.

Todd Leff

• Type: Franchisor
• Company: Hand & Stone
• Website: https://handandstone.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-leff-a0273120/
• LinkedIn Bio:

Experienced President with a demonstrated history of working in the health wellness and fitness industry. Skilled in Franchising, Multi-Unit development, Negotiation, Business Planning, Operations Management, Coaching, and Retail. Strong business development professional graduated from Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law.

Josh York

• Type: Franchisor
• Company: GYMGUYZ
• Website: https://www.gymguyz.com/#~B9A4M43
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-york-554a3120/
• LinkedIn Bio:

Josh York is an American entrepreneur and the founder & CEO of GYMGUYZ, a fast growing, fitness franchise. GYMGUYZ is #1 in Home Personal Training, providing convenient, customized and creative workouts at a setting that works best for each client. Headquartered in Plainview, New York, GYMGUYZ operates over 250 franchised locations in 30 states and 3 countries.

 

In 2008, York started GYMGUYZ in the dining room of his parent’s home with a laptop, and a vision. The demand for in Home Personal Training was growing, and so was GYMGUYZ. In 2014, York received approval to franchise the GYMGUYZ brand , with the first franchise opening that year in Westchester County, NY and the first international location opened in Canada in 2017. York has said his vision is his guarantee and often can be heard saying, “In 15 years we will be the largest fitness brand in the world. The chance of that not happening, you will have a better probability of seeing elephants fly!”

 

York lives on Long Island with his wife Stacy and two young sons and enjoys spending his free time with his family, playing ice hockey or working out. York is the author of the bestselling book, FUEL, WHAT IT TAKES TO SURVIVE AS AN ENTREPRENEUR, selling 8000 copies in 2 months.

 

York is a true entrepreneur driven by passion, no stranger to risk, and a leader who knows the value of building a strong culture with a commitment to being the best.

Geo Concepcion

• Type: Franchisor
• Company: The Greene Turtle
• Website: https://thegreeneturtle.com/about/franchise-information/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geo-concepcion-2396535/

Steve Hockett

• Type: Franchisor
• Company: Great Clips*
• Website: https://www.greatclipsfranchise.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-hockett-greatclips/

Chris Cheek

• Type: Franchisor
• Company: Global Franchise Group
• Website: https://www.globalfranchise.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-cheek-01a4901/
• LinkedIn Bio: 

Chris Cheek is a franchise and restaurant development veteran with 20 years of experience in the industry. He comes to GFG after serving as CDO of Newk’s Eatery where he led development efforts as the restaurant grew from 65 franchise locations to 130 and from 10 to 24 company owned-operations. As CDO, he helped the brand achieve consistent year-over-year growth. He also has served as CDO of Toppers Pizza* and was VP of Franchise Development for Freebirds World Burrito in Emeryville, CA and VP of Franchise Development for Le Duff America (Bruegger’s, La Madeleine, Brioche Doree, Timothy’s Coffee, Michael’s Bakery Café, and mmmuffins). As CDO of GFG he leads franchise brand expansion, new store development, construction and international growth.