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Top Franchise Influencers: 80–71

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

By Nick Powills1851 Franchise Publisher
9:09AM • 02/18/21

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.

Tom Spadea

After more than fifteen years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience, I went on to receive my law degree at Temple University's Beasley School of Law in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. My undergraduate degree is in Finance from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where I graduated Cum Laude.

 

My corporate experience includes senior executive positions for multiple franchise concepts including Saladworks, a 100 store quick casual restaurant chain; The Huntington Learning Centers, a franchised chain of over 400 supplemental education centers; and Rita’s Water Ice, a 500 unit retail chain of franchised frozen dessert restaurants.

 

I got my start in the franchising industry as a Franchise and Business Broker for Sunbelt of Philadelphia, acting as an advisor to clients looking to transition into the ownership of a franchise or the purchase of an existing small business. As a business broker, I handled dozens of transactions a year from listing businesses for sale, recruiting buyers, to negotiating transactions that satisfied all the stakeholders.

 

Prior to Sunbelt, I was the owner and President of LPB Communications where I co-founded a factory in Latin America, successfully created an international sales network in Asia and invented a product for which I was granted a US Patent.

Specialties: Awarded Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) distinction in February 2008 from the International Franchise Association

 

Inventor, U.S. Patent 6,550,734 granted April 22, 2003.

Steve Beagelman

CEO and Founder of SMB Franchise Advisors, a franchise consulting company that has assisted over 200 companies in growing their business through franchising. Steve is a senior level franchise executive with over 30 years of experience in the franchise industry from start-ups (founder of own business in 1991) to large franchise systems. A frequent speaker at the International Franchise Association conferences as well as a speaker for annual franchise conventions for different franchisors. A contributor to franchise industry publications and a recent contributor to a new book, So You Want to Franchise Your Business.

Tom Gordon

Providing personal and tailored support for franchisees in a rapidly-growing system, co-founder and Slim Chickens CEO, Tom Gordon, is the driving leader behind the brand’s goal to have a 600-unit footprint by 2025, and unlike many brands that release large growth numbers, Gordon is leading the team in a manner that makes this goal more attainable with each passing month. Gordon & co-founder Greg Smart concocted the idea for the fast-casual chicken concept in Greg Smart’s garage, focusing not on the cost of the food but the quality.

 

Focusing solely on chicken, Slim Chickens has seen accelerated growth backed by a commitment to serve traditional Southern hospitality within its communities, while offering the convenience and affordability of fast casual.

 

By developing successful, multi-unit franchisees within the system who are passionate about Slim Chickens, and specializing particularly in aiding them with top-notch site selection, and delivering unparalleled franchise business support by hiring a highly qualified executive team with tailored expertise, Gordon has been able to build the foundation for a great brand with a leadership style that is one to be watched.

Brian Petranick

As the President and CEO of the global Right at Home brand, Brian Petranick continues to position this organization as the leading provider of in-home care for seniors and those living with disabilities. Along with providing a strategic vision for the Franchise and Corporate Owned System, he is focused on expanding services that make care in the home environment a solution for all by leveraging strategic partnerships, technology, and innovative ways to engage clients.

 

Throughout his decades in the healthcare industry and at Right at Home, Brian saw the immense challenges that people, especially seniors and those with disabilities face when receiving care outside the walls of hospitals and other healthcare institutions. With an understanding of all aspects of the care continuum and the global aging process, he is dedicated to inspiring franchisees and their caregivers to live the Right at Home mission: To improve the quality of life for those we serve. Those insights and experiences have helped him grow the Right at Home Franchise System from a single operating office in Fremont, Nebraska, to over 600 locations that span eight countries.

 

Brian is passionate about the organization’s commitment to delivering the right care to those who want to maintain their independence, health, and overall wellness, no matter where they are in their aging journey. He is also committed to those who deliver care, creating a caregiver community, and growing the company’s global network to serve as many communities across the globe as possible.

 

Brian frequently serves as an expert on a broad range of topics focused on the aging journey and its impacts on all segments of life, small business entrepreneurship, leadership development, and advocacy within the home care industry. In recent years, he has presented at numerous international conferences and events, and appeared on national media outlets, including Fox & Friends on Fox News, Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family, and The Weather Channel. He also serves on the board of directors for the Home Care Association of America and the Home Care 100, as well as various other boards, steering committees, and task-forces within the industry.

EK Navan

Shawnon Bellah

Executive leader with more than 16 years of industry experience in Food Service Operations and Domestic and International Franchising. Expertise includes Operations Management, Employee Training and Development, Domestic and International Sales Growth Strategy, Franchise Relations, Menu Development, New Product/Program Launches, Corporate Communication Strategy, Vendor Relationship Management, Marketing and Public Relations.

Brent Dowling

Growing a franchise company of just a few units into an industry-leading organization requires the precise combination of marketing, sales and organizational strategy. Simply put, it requires a team of industry experts who are willing to get into this competitive world and fight for market share. At RainTree, we love the fight. We are a team of seasoned professionals with a track record of growing promising young franchise companies into industry giants, reigniting growth for mature franchise brands and setting both up for successful acquisitions.

 

Find out more - watch our video: https://vimeo.com/436780918

Steve Hart

Iric Wexler

Sam Wong

With freestanding AUV at $2.2MM and a best-in-class support team, we are redefining Chicken QSR with a back-to-basic investment model to focus on margins & profitability. Multi-unit franchise ownership opportunities are available nationally. Let's connect to discuss the Pollo Campero standout story and paths to join the Campero Family! Pollo Campero Franchising Hotline: (949) 769-3979.

 

*This brand is a paid partner of 1851 Franchise. For more information on paid partnerships please click here.

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