1851

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-60-51-2715041" 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/1613759295_tony lufti.jpg"></figure><h4>Tony Lufti</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisee</li><li>Company: Maritime Management Company</li><li>Website: <a href="http://the-maritime-group.com/about-us/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-60-51-2715041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://the-maritime-group.com/about-us/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-lutfi-64134030/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-60-51-2715041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-lutfi-64134030/</a></li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1613759304_gigi.jpg"></figure><h4>Gigi Schweikert</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: Lightbridge Academy*</li><li>Website: <a href="https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-60-51-2715041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gigischweikert/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-60-51-2715041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/gigischweikert/</a></li><li>LinkedIn Bio:&nbsp;</li></ul><blockquote>President, Lightbridge Academy Franchise CompanyInternational Best-Selling Author &amp; Keynote SpeakerEducation, Parenting and Leadership&nbsp;• 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&nbsp;“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.&nbsp;During her thirty years of experience, Gigi directed the United Nations Early Childhood Program in New York City and developed the Johnson &amp; Johnson System of Family Centers. Gigi is President &amp; 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.&nbsp;</blockquote><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1613771009_peter cancro.jpg"></figure><h4>Peter Cancro</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: Jersey Mike's Subs</li><li>Website: <a href="https://www.jerseymikes.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-60-51-2715041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.jerseymikes.com/franchise</a></li><li>Peter Cancro’s Bio Page: <a href="https://www.jerseymikes.com/history?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-60-51-2715041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.jerseymikes.com/history</a></li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1613759314_charles internicola.jpg"></figure><h4>Charles Internicola</h4><ul><li>Type: Supplier</li><li>Company: Internicola Law Firm</li><li>Website: <a href="https://www.franchiselawsolutions.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-60-51-2715041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.franchiselawsolutions.com/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-internicola-42506910/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-60-51-2715041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-internicola-42506910/</a></li><li>LinkedIn Bio:&nbsp;</li></ul><blockquote>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</blockquote><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1613759323_paul brown.jpg"></figure><h4>Paul Brown</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: Inspire Brands</li><li>Website: <a href="https://inspirebrands.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-60-51-2715041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://inspirebrands.com/franchising/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brownpaulj/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-60-51-2715041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/brownpaulj/</a></li><li>LinkedIn Bio:&nbsp;</li></ul><blockquote>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.</blockquote><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1613759332_todd leff.jpg"></figure><h4>Todd Leff</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: Hand &amp; Stone</li><li>Website: <a href="https://handandstone.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-60-51-2715041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://handandstone.com/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-leff-a0273120/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-60-51-2715041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-leff-a0273120/</a></li><li>LinkedIn Bio:</li></ul><blockquote>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.</blockquote><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1613759340_josh york.jpg"></figure><h4>Josh York</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: GYMGUYZ</li><li>Website: <a href="https://www.gymguyz.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-60-51-2715041#~B9A4M43" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.gymguyz.com/#~B9A4M43</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-york-554a3120/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-60-51-2715041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-york-554a3120/</a></li><li>LinkedIn Bio:</li></ul><blockquote>Josh York is an American entrepreneur and the founder &amp; 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.&nbsp;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!”&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.</blockquote><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1613759351_geo concepcion.jpg"></figure><h4>Geo Concepcion</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: The Greene Turtle</li><li>Website: <a href="https://thegreeneturtle.com/about/franchise-information/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-60-51-2715041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://thegreeneturtle.com/about/franchise-information/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/geo-concepcion-2396535/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-60-51-2715041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/geo-concepcion-2396535/</a></li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1613759362_steve hockett.jpg"></figure><h4>Steve Hockett</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: Great Clips</li><li>Website: <a href="https://www.greatclipsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-60-51-2715041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.greatclipsfranchise.com/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-hockett-greatclips/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-60-51-2715041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-hockett-greatclips/</a></li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1613759380_chris cheek.jpg"></figure><h4>Chris Cheek</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: Global Franchise Group</li><li>Website: https://www.globalfranchise.com/</li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-cheek-01a4901/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-60-51-2715041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-cheek-01a4901/</a></li><li>LinkedIn Bio:&nbsp;</li></ul><blockquote>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.</blockquote>

Top Franchise Influencers 60-51 | 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: 60–51

top-franchise-influencers-60-51

Comfort Keepers

Comfort Keepers® Heats Up Franchise Growth as Current Owner Plans To Expand Into Little Rock, Arkansas

comfort-keepers-heats-up-franchise-growth-as-current-owner-plans-to-expand-into-little-rock-arkansas

Voodoo Brewing Co.

photo of five Voodoo Brewing Co. team members in brewery

Voodoo Brewing Co. Caps 2024 With Healthy Growth and Plans for 2025

voodoo-brewing-co-caps-2024-with-healthy-growth-and-plans-for-2025

Happy Joe’s Franchising

Happy Joe’s: A Beloved Tradition of Pizza, Family Fun and Cherished Memories

happy-joes-a-beloved-tradition-of-pizza-family-fun-and-cherished-memories

Integrity Franchise Group

From Amazon to Business Owner - From Employee to Entrepreneur

Tyler's Franchise Journey: From Amazon to Business Owner

tylers-franchise-journey-from-amazon-to-business-owner

BooXkeeping

The Top 5 Bookkeeping Challenges Multi-Unit Franchisees Face — And How to Overcome Them

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Buying a Franchise Masterclass

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NRA: Restaurants Focus On Enhancing In-Store Experiences To Attract Diners in 2025

nra-restaurants-focus-on-enhancing-in-store-experiences-to-attract-diners-in-2025

The Joint Chiropractic - Dr. Anthony Tran - IFA Franchisee of the Year - 1851 Franchise

The Joint Chiropractic’s Dr. Anthony Tran Named Franchisee of the Year by the IFA

joint-chiropractic-dr-anthony-tran-ifa

TruGolf - Hybrid Golf Franchise - Nexus Golf - 1851 Franchise

TruGolf Links Unveils Revolutionary Hybrid Golf Franchise Concept

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Photo of a basket of chicken wings with dipping sauce and celery

RestaurantNews: Franchisees File Comprehensive Legal Complaint Against Hurricane AMT

restaurantnews-franchisees-file-comprehensive-legal-complaint-against-hurricane-amt

Hooters - Bankruptcy Chapter 11 - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Prepares for Bankruptcy Amid Financial Struggles

hooters-prepares-for-bankruptcy-amid-financial-struggles

Call Center Solutions for Franchisors: How To Improve Lead Management and Customer Service

call-center-solutions-for-franchisors-how-to-improve-lead-management-and-customer-service

Franchise Customer Engagement | Spectrio — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

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Franchise Call Center | AnswerConnect — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

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How To Leverage Franchise Consultants To Scale Your Franchise System

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Domonique Downing - Big Frog Franchise - Fayetteville, GA - 1851 Franchise

Coca-Cola Scientist Finds Path to Autonomy with Big Frog Franchise in Fayetteville, Georgia

big-frog-franchise-fayetteville-georgia

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Franchisee spotlight featuring Ian and Dick Rydholm with gradient blue background and Sylvan logo

Ian and Dick Rydholm Celebrate 30 Years of Transforming Lives Through Sylvan Learning in El Paso, Texas

ian-and-dick-rydholm-celebrate-30-years-of-transforming-lives-through-sylvan

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

DOJ FTC Antitrust Guidelines - Franchise News - 1851 Franchise

DOJ and FTC Issue New Antitrust Guidelines with Implications for Franchising

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Military Veteran and Craft Beer Enthusiast to Bring Voodoo Brewing Co. to Toledo, Ohio

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Top Franchise Influencers: 60–51

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