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

Caring Transitions

Caring Transitions Celebrates the Opening of Its 400th Franchise Location

caring-transitions-celebrates-the-opening-of-its-400th-franchise-location

Mathnasium

The Steps To Becoming a Mathnasium Learning Centers Franchisee

the-steps-to-becoming-a-mathnasium-learning-centers-franchisee

Happy Joe’s Franchising

Happy Joe’s: A Proven, Resilient Business Model That Stands the Test of Time

happy-joes-a-proven-resilient-business-model-that-stands-the-test-of-time

Preservan

Preservan Franchisee Stephen Eppling Celebrates One Year of Growth and a Major Preservation Award in Athens, Georgia

preservan-franchisee-stephen-eppling-celebrates-one-year-of-growth-and-a-major-preservation-award-in-athens-georgia

Paris Baguette

Photo of person in Paris Baguette café passing cake over countertop

How Much Does It Cost To Open a Paris Baguette Café?

paris-baguette-franchise-cost-2025

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

Hardee’s Lawsuit Highlights the Risk of Going Off-Model in Franchising

hardees-franchise-lawsuit-paradigm-investment-group

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

Dave’s Hot Chicken Sold to Roark Capital in $1 Billion Deal to Fuel Global Expansion

daves-hot-chicken-sold-to-roark-capital-in-1-billion-deal-to-fuel-global-expansion

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

The Ultimate Guide To Selling Franchises: How to Leverage Franchise Expos

how-franchisors-can-leverage-franchise-expos-to-drive-success

Darshan Gad - CMO - KidStrong - Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Darshan Gad — Chief Marketing Officer, KidStrong

kidstrong-marketing-leader-darshan-gad

Champion: Driving Franchise Growth Through Award-Winning PR and Digital Marketing

champion-franchise-marketing-agency

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ed Holmes and Papa Murphy's logo

Thirty Years of Take ‘n’ Bake: Ed Holmes Reflects on a Lifetime With Papa Murphy’s

papa-murphys-franchise-ed-holmes-30-years

From Personal Care to Purpose-Driven Business: Why This Couple Is Bringing Griswold to Houston

from-personal-care-to-purpose-driven-business-why-this-couple-is-bringing-griswold-to-houston

Design with outline of three houses and people working on laptops within them

Top 10 Low-Cost Home-Based or Mobile Franchises for 2025

low-cost-home-based-mobile-franchises

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Raj Pingili and Paris Baguette logo

How a Family Vacation Inspired Raj Pingili to Bring Paris Baguette to Towson, Maryland

how-a-family-vacation-inspired-raj-pingili-to-bring-paris-baguette-to-towson-maryland

Top Franchise Influencers: 60–51

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS