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-80-71-2715031" 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/1613583917_tom spadea.jpg"></figure><h4>Tom Spadea</h4><ul><li>Type: Supplier</li><li>Company: Spadea Lignana</li><li>Website: <a href="https://www.spadealaw.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.spadealaw.com/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-spadea-a696256/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-spadea-a696256/</a></li><li>LinkedIn Bio:</li></ul><blockquote>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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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&nbsp;Inventor, U.S. Patent 6,550,734 granted April 22, 2003.</blockquote><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1613583932_steve.jpg"></figure><h4>Steve Beagelman</h4><ul><li>Type: Supplier</li><li>Company: SMB Franchise Advisors*</li><li>Website: <a href="https://smbfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://smbfranchising.com/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-beagelman-58535210/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-beagelman-58535210/</a></li><li>LinkedIn Bio:</li></ul><blockquote>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.</blockquote><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1613583944_tom gordon.jpg"></figure><h4>Tom Gordon</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: Slim Chickens</li><li>Website: <a href="https://slimchickensfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://slimchickensfranchise.com/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-gordon-a906b33/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-gordon-a906b33/</a></li><li>LinkedIn Bio:</li></ul><blockquote>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 &amp; 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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.</blockquote><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1613583961_brian petranick.jpg"></figure><h4>Brian Petranick</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: Right at Home*</li><li>Website: <a href="https://rightathomefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://rightathomefranchise.com/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianpetranick/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianpetranick/</a></li><li>LinkedIn Bio:</li></ul><blockquote>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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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 &amp; Friends on Fox News, Hallmark Channel’s Home &amp; 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.</blockquote><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1613583977_ek navan.jpg"></figure><h4>EK Navan</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: REGYMEN/The Covery</li><li>Website: <a href="https://regymenfitness.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://regymenfitness.com/franchising/</a>; <a href="https://thecovery.com/franchise-opportunity/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://thecovery.com/franchise-opportunity/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-navan-2171bb3b/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-navan-2171bb3b/</a></li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1613583986_shawnon bellah.jpg"></figure><h4>Shawnon Bellah</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: Raising Cane's</li><li>Website: <a href="https://raisingcanes.com/faq/restaurant-information-franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://raisingcanes.com/faq/restaurant-information-franchising</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnon-bellah-a667726/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnon-bellah-a667726/</a></li><li>LinkedIn Bio:</li></ul><blockquote>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.</blockquote><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1613584000_brent dowling.jpg"></figure><h4>Brent Dowling</h4><ul><li>Type: Supplier, Franchisor</li><li>Company: RainTree, Voodoo Brewing Company, Kidcreate Studio</li><li>Website: <a href="https://raintreesales.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://raintreesales.com/; </a><a href="https://voodoofranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://voodoofranchising.com/; </a><a href="https://franchise.kidcreatestudio.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://franchise.kidcreatestudio.com/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-dowling-/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-dowling-/</a></li><li>LinkedIn Bio:</li></ul><blockquote>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.&nbsp;Find out more - watch our video: https://vimeo.com/436780918</blockquote><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1613584010_steve hart.jpg"></figure><h4>Steve Hart</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: Property Management Inc.</li><li>Website: <a href="https://www.propertymanagementinc.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.propertymanagementinc.com/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-hart-30aa2a5/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-hart-30aa2a5/</a></li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1613584019_iric wexler.jpg"></figure><h4>Iric Wexler</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: Premium Service Brands</li><li>Website: <a href="https://www.premiumservicebrands.com/our-brands/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.premiumservicebrands.com/our-brands/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/iric-wexler-cfe-0683b814/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/iric-wexler-cfe-0683b814/</a></li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1613584027_sam wong.jpg"></figure><h4>Sam Wong</h4><ul><li>Type: Franchisor</li><li>Company: Pollo Campero*</li><li>Website: <a href="https://us.campero.com/franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://us.campero.com/franchising</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-wong-29b44043/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-influencers-80-71-2715031" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-wong-29b44043/</a></li><li>LinkedIn Bio:</li></ul><blockquote>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 &amp; 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.</blockquote>&nbsp;

Top Franchise Influencers (80-71) | 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: 80–71

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Sola Salons

From Career Uncertainty to Business Ownership: Sharon Gates’ Journey From Meeting Planning to a Fulfilling Sola Salons Franchise

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Caring Transitions

Celebrating Women's History Month: Highlighting the Empowering Women Leaders of Caring Transitions

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TruBlue Home Service Ally

How TruBlue Helps Franchisees Create Lasting Businesses

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Fresh Coat

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Fresh Coat Painters of Vernon Hills Gives The Den a Fresh Look Through Fresh Coat Cares Initiative

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Lindora

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What Makes Lindora Different: Medically Guided Approach to Wellness

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Buying a Franchise Masterclass

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Ellie Mental Health Franchisee Backlash - Alleged Misrepresentations - 1851 Franchise

Ellie Mental Health Faces Franchisee Backlash Over Alleged Misrepresentations

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Tariff Tensions Threaten U.S. Restaurants with Rising Costs and Supply Chain Disruptions

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Roof Scientist Launches Franchise Opportunity, Revolutionizing Roof Preservation with Innovative Technology

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Restaurant Business: How McDonald's Is Restructuring To Compete With Specialized Chains

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ABC News: Recession Risks Are Rising, Economists Say. Here’s What to Know.

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AC Inc. - Field Coach Experts - Franchise Consulting - Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support - 1851

Franchise Consulting | AC Inc. — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

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Franchise Banking/Financing | ApplePie Capital — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

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Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support: 1851 Supplier Highlights

Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support: List of Franchise Suppliers

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Franchise Training Solutions | LearningZen — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

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Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

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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

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The Top Quick Service Restaurant Franchises for 2025

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Top 25 Emerging Restaurant Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Emerging Restaurant Concepts to Consider in 2025

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

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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

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Top Franchise Influencers: 80–71

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