Franchise Journal March 2026

LEARN How Schooley Mitchell Supports Women Owners p. 62

THE SCOOP A Conversation with Laura Garratt p. 42

HOW TO Redefine Professional Destiny in 2026 p. 68

FR ANCHISE

BOSS

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120 CRAYOLA IMAGINARY ARTS ACADEMY

Women Leading the Future of Children’s Education Franchises by Tracy Woods

80 Building Altitude: Ana Marroquin Brenner’s Journey to Franchise Ownership by Rudy Frederico

84 Women in Franchising: When Infrastructure Becomes the Franchise Model by Ozzie Grupenmager

88 FLOWERS FOR JOY

How One Woman Is Franchising Compassion by Barbara Andrievk Ruiz 94 Benefits of Being a Woman Franchisee by Paulette Callender

100 PILLAR TO POST HOME INSPECTORS®

Three Remarkable Women Perform Superbly as Franchisees of Pillar To Post Home Inspectors by Rhonda Sanderson 104 HAVEN

How Britt Riley Is Setting a New Standard for Modern Families

110 1ST CARE MANAGEMENT

Julia Madera: Scaling Compassion Through a Healthcare Franchise Model by Monique Pelle

126

Dirt: The Clean Juicery — The w-Driven Brand Ready to Shake Up the $40B Health Beverage Market by Shawn Loberger

130 ASK THE RESULTS GUY™

How to Design Your Best Year Ever by Tony Jeary

134 PAINTER BROS

The Visionary and the Builder: How Bailey Rayner and Zach Tanner Are Redefining Blue- Collar Franchising

140 THE MOCHI DONUT CAFE

Mochi Magic in Every Bite: How The Mochi Donut Cafe Masters Clean, Fresh & Fun 144 FRANAPCO

The Quiet Growth Engine Behind the Brands You Actually Notice 150 RESTING RAINBOW

Building Trust at Life’s Hardest Moment: Gina Baker’s Mission with Resting Rainbow Tampa

The Quiet Power Shift How Women Are Redefining Franchising

Franchising has always been sold as a system business. Processes over personalities. Playbooks over instincts. That framing made the model scalable, bankable, and resilient. But it also masked something important. The real engine of franchising has never been the manuals. It has been the people who run them day after day, location by location, year after year.

Right now, that engine is being reshaped by women.

Not in a headline-grabbing way. Not through slogans or quotas. But through results. Women are increasingly the operators, founders, presidents, and investors who make franchise systems work in the real world. They are driving unit economics, stabilizing culture, and turning fragmented brands into disciplined platforms. This is not a trend. It is a structural shift.

THE NUMBERS TELL PART OF THE STORY

Women now own or co-own more than 30 percent of franchise businesses in the United States, according to the International Franchise Association. In many emerging brands, especially in health, wellness, services, and education, that number is materially higher. Women also represent a growing share of multi-unit operators and brand-level executives.

But the more important data point is not ownership. It is performance.

Across multiple systems, women-led franchisees consistently show higher compliance, stronger customer retention, and lower employee turnover. Those metrics matter more than flash. They are the difference between a brand that survives its first five years and one that compounds for decades.

WHY FRANCHISING FITS HOW MANY WOMEN LEAD

Franchising rewards a specific kind of leadership. It values consistency. It penalizes ego. It requires emotional intelligence, financial discipline, and patience. These are not gendered traits, but they are traits that many successful women executives and operators have leaned into without apology. Women tend to approach franchising as a long game. They ask better questions during due diligence. They focus on unit-level cash flow instead of top-line hype. They invest in people early. They follow the system, then improve it quietly.

That approach creates durable businesses.

FOUNDERS WHO SET THE TEMPLATE

Consider Debbi Fields, who built Mrs. Fields from a single cookie shop into a global franchise brand. Her edge was not scale at any cost. It was obsession with quality, systems, and the customer experience. She proved early that disciplined execution could travel across markets without losing its soul.

Or look at Dina Dwyer-Owens, who led The Dwyer Group through massive expansion while embedding values into the operating model. Her focus on culture was not soft. It was strategic. It reduced litigation, improved franchisee satisfaction, and strengthened brand equity. These were not accidents. They were outcomes of leadership that understood franchising as both an economic system and a human one.

THE MODERN OPERATORS RESHAPING BRANDS

The current generation of women in franchising across every vertical is even more operationally sharp.

Ashley Taylor doesn’t just support franchise brands — she builds the infrastructure that allows them to scale with confidence. As President of Content Recovery Specialists, she turns chaos into systems, and systems into long-term success. She understands that opening locations is easy; sustaining them is where real leadership shows. In an industry where operations often sit behind the curtain, Ashley proves that execution is the true engine of growth.

Monique Pelle has quietly shaped some of today’s fastest-growing franchise brands by guiding founders through the complex journey

of becoming franchisors. As Vice President of Franchise Genesis, she brings clarity, discipline, and ethical rigor to an industry that demands all three. She doesn’t just launch brands — she prepares them to scale responsibly. In a world chasing growth, Monique builds foundations that last.

Luana Oquendo is the steady hand behind the financial strength of The Franchise Consulting Company. As Controller, she transforms complexity into clarity and numbers into strategy. Her precision protects the mission while empowering leadership to move boldly. In franchising, growth requires vision — but it survives because of discipline, and Luana delivers both.

Chantae Arrington and Brenda Lesch have transformed Franchise Journal into more than a publication — they’ve made it a platform for progress. Their editorial leadership elevates the human stories behind the brands, giving voice to entrepreneurs who might otherwise go unheard. They don’t just report on franchising; they influence its direction. Through insight and inclusion, they are helping define the next chapter of the industry.

Jillian Schaeffer has been instrumental in building one of the fastest-growing Franchise Sales Organizations in modern franchise history. As Executive Operations Coordinator at FranGenDev.com, she has engineered the systems, communication flow, and execution discipline that allow rapid expansion without

operational cracks. Growth at scale requires more than ambition — it demands precision, and Jillian delivers it daily. Behind every fast-moving organization is someone keeping it aligned, and at FranGenDev, that force is Jillian.

Jancy Darling and Ellisa Bradley have built FranApCo into the marketing and branding engine franchisors rely on to present themselves at their best. From apparel to promotional assets to complete brand activation support, they ensure that every franchise system looks as strong as it performs. They understand that perception drives growth — and they protect that perception at every touchpoint. In franchising, brand consistency is power, and Jancy and Ellisa make sure that power is visible everywhere.

On the franchisee side, women are increasingly the backbone of multi-unit ownership groups. They run disciplined P&Ls, maintain clean compliance records, and often act as informal mentors inside systems. Many franchisors quietly acknowledge that their most stable territories are run by women who treat the business like an asset, not a lifestyle experiment.

WHY FRANCHISORS SHOULD PAY ATTENTION

For franchisors, this shift has real implications. Recruiting women franchisees is not about optics. It is about risk management and brand health. Women franchisees are more likely to

follow system standards, more likely to invest in training, and more likely to stay engaged with the brand over time.

At the corporate level, women executives are often the ones who translate strategy into execution. They are the ones who notice when onboarding is broken, when marketing promises exceed operational reality, or when vendor relationships quietly erode franchisee trust.

In an environment where regulatory scrutiny is rising and capital is more selective, those details matter.

BARRIERS STILL EXIST, AND THEY ARE NOT SUBTLE

This progress has not eliminated friction. Women in franchising still face challenges in access to capital, credibility with lenders, and representation at the highest ownership levels. Many are underestimated early and overscrutinized later.

But franchising, by design, rewards proof. A unit that performs silences doubt. A territory that grows earns leverage. A system that scales creates its own authority.

Women have learned to use that dynamic to their advantage.

THE NEXT DECADE WILL LOOK DIFFERENT

Over the next ten years, more franchise systems will be founded, scaled, and stabilized by women. More private equity-backed brands will rely on women operators to protect unit economics. More boards will realize that operational intelligence beats bravado.

This is not about replacing anyone. It is about expanding the definition of leadership in franchising to reflect reality.

The strongest systems I see today are not driven by the loudest voices. They are driven by leaders who understand that franchising is a trust business. Trust between franchisor and franchisee. Trust between operator and employee. Trust between brand and customer.

Women have been building that trust quietly for years.

The industry is finally catching up.

Nick Neonakis Editor, Franchise Journal

FOUNDER NICK NEONAKIS

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Pete Neonakis

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Chantae Arrington

ART DIRECTOR

Brenda Lesch

SENIOR EDITOR

Joe Fox

SENIOR CONTRIBUTING

EDITOR

Rob Petka

ONLINE EDITOR

Seth Lederman

STAFF WRITER

Alex Neonakis

SOCIAL MEDIA

EDITOR

Ted O'Shea

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Mariel Miller

ONLINE EDITOR

Greg Gasparini

VIDEO PRODUCER

Matt Panepinto

CONTRIBUTORS

Paulette Callender

Robyn Deering

Ron Filian

Rudy Frederico

Ozzie Grupenmager

Bob Hays

Tony Jeary

Seth Lederman

Shawn Loberger

Mariel Miller

Rick Morgin

Alex Neonakis

Monique Pelle

Barbara Andrievk Ruiz

Rhonda Sanderson

Steve Sparks

Jack Tiwari

Tracy Woods

Leading with Purpose, Passion, and Business Savvy

by Seth Lederman, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

Across the world of small business ownership, women are stepping into leadership roles with growing confidence and success. One of the most exciting trends in entrepreneurship isn’t just that more women are becoming business owners—but that an increasing number are choosing franchising as their pathway to entrepreneurship. And these women are finding that working for themselves is more fulfilling. Of the women who currently own their own businesses, 91% feel fulfilled in their professional lives, compared to just 55% of those

“THERE ARE MANY THINGS YOU CAN DO OVERNIGHT, BUT THERE IS NO OVERNIGHT SUCCESS.”

– Tory Burch

who don’t own their own business. And this satisfaction transfers into their personal lives, with 87% of these women reporting a sense of fulfillment in their personal lives. From

flexible schedules and solid support systems to strong earnings and fulfillment, franchising is proving to be an empowering and pragmatic choice for women today.

WHY FRANCHISING APPEALS TO WOMEN

Franchising offers a compelling blend of independence and support that uniquely resonates with many women. Unlike traditional startups— where every decision, process, and brand strategy needs to be created from scratch—

franchisees buy into a tested business model with proven systems, established branding, and ongoing operational support. This means fewer unknowns and a steeper chance of stability and success right from the start. That structure is a major reason many female entrepreneurs find franchising appealing.

Women often cite the desire for flexibility and balance as key motivators to start their own businesses. Franchise ownership allows them to be their own boss while still benefiting from training, marketing support, and a builtin system for success—helping them design a schedule and life that fits their personal goals rather than the other way around.

Franchises typically offer comprehensive training, operational systems, and ongoing guidance from franchisors. This reduces the steep learning curve that many new entrepreneurs face when launching an independent business. For women entering entrepreneurship—especially those transitioning from corporate roles or juggling family commitments—this level of support can be a game-changer.

According to recent surveys, 88% of women franchise owners report enjoying their business and feeling that franchising fits with their values, lifestyle, and goals. Many also emphasize better work-life balance and personal fulfillment once they take on franchise ownership.

Franchising isn’t just about brands—it’s about networks. Franchise systems often

cultivate strong communities of fellow owners. For women, this translates into mentorship opportunities, peer learning, and supportive networks that can bolster confidence and open doors for growth.

IS THE NUMBER OF FEMALE FRANCHISE OWNERS

ACTUALLY

INCREASING?

Yes—and the upward trend over the past decade has been significant.

Recent data from multiple industry sources shows that women now own roughly 30% of all U.S. franchise businesses—up from around 20.5% just a decade ago. That might not yet reflect full parity with male ownership, but it represents strong growth in female participation in an industry historically dominated by male owners.

Some trends worth noting:

• According to Franchise Business Review research, women own about 31% of all franchises in the U.S., and a large share of these women report high satisfaction and financial success.

• Growth isn’t just in ownership percentages— the number of women entering franchising is rising faster than in many other business formats, with a higher share of new franchisees being women.

• Women aren’t only buying single units; a growing minority own multiple locations or territories, signaling deeper investment and expansion within franchise systems.

This uptick is part of a broader increase in women’s entrepreneurship overall.

Even outside franchising, the number of women-owned businesses in the U.S. has soared in recent decades—a trend that naturally carries over into franchise entrepreneurship as well.

WHY IS FEMALE FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP GROWING?

So what’s driving this rise? Several factors converge to make franchising one of the most attractive paths for women entrepreneurs.

With access to more resources, corporate experience, and business networks than in past decades, women are increasingly positioning themselves to take financial control through business ownership. Franchising’s structured model offers a clear path to profitability without shouldering the total risk of an independent startup. Many women look for careers

that allow them to pursue their professional ambitions while also honoring family or personal priorities. Franchising often delivers this combination: the chance to build a business with meaning and autonomy.

Certain franchise sectors— especially child services, senior care, health and fitness, and education—have naturally attracted more women owners. Some of these categories already have a gender majority among franchisees, and their popularity continues to grow.

Programs aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs—such as SBA business loans, mentorship networks, and industry initiatives—have improved access to capital, knowledge, and opportunity. These supports help women overcome some of the traditional barriers to business ownership.

ARE WOMEN-OWNED FRANCHISES DIFFERENT?

When it comes to basic business operations—such as brand standards, procedures, revenue goals, and franchisor expectations—women-owned franchises aren’t inherently different from those owned by men. Franchise systems typically apply the same success model to all owners.

But there are meaningful differences in how women often approach and excel in franchise ownership.

Many women bring strong communication, organizational, and relational skills that enhance team cohesion, customer experience, and employee satisfaction within their franchises—areas that often translate directly into sustained business success.

Surveys and research often find that women place high value on work-life balance, employee wellbeing, and

community impact—metrics that aren’t typically captured in financial data but can shape a business’s identity and culture.

Female franchisees consistently rate their experiences with franchising highly, with large majorities reporting that they enjoy running their business and value the support provided by their brands.

WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN

Founded by clinicians Missy Goldring and Rob Goldring, The Vital Stretch is redefining wellness through clinically rooted assisted stretching— at a time when demand for longevity and mobility has never been higher. With 64 locations across 14 states and dozens more opening soon, the brand is riding a wave of post-pandemic wellness awareness, as more people prioritize proactive health rather than reactive care.

Missy and Rob launched the concept in 2018, drawing on their backgrounds as treating clinicians. While many clients first encounter stretching through injury recovery, The Vital Stretch positions assisted stretching as a comprehensive wellness service. Their method was built from realworld clinical experience— understanding movement patterns, muscular restrictions, injury prevention, and safe progressions. That foundation remains a key differentiator in a fast-growing space that Missy compares to where yoga and Pilates were 20 years ago: once questioned, now mainstream. Today, assisted stretching is increasingly viewed as an essential self-care service,

particularly for those emerging from years of remote work and sedentary routines. Clients range widely in age—from desk-bound professionals to athletes and older adults— seeking improved mobility, balance, and overall vitality. The company recently introduced advanced markerless 3D motion capture technology to assess functional movement and track measurable progress, reinforcing its commitment to objective, personalized care rather than a one-size-fits-all model.

As the brand evolves, it is pivoting from being solely a one-on-one stretch provider to becoming a leader in longevity and mobility. In addition to in-studio services, The Vital Stretch now offers mobility classes in both studio and community settings. A standardized teaching system ensures consistency across locations, supported by handson training from Missy and Rob. Notably, practitioners do not need to be physical therapists or chiropractors; many come from exercise science backgrounds, creating accessible pathways into the wellness profession.

For Missy, a major point of pride is the growing presence of women in franchising and wellness leadership. She sees more women empowering one another, forming peer networks, and stepping confidently into business ownership. Given that fields like physical therapy and caregiving tend to attract women, assisted stretching feels like a natural extension of strengths rooted in nurturing and holistic care.

Missy encourages aspiring female entrepreneurs to seek

mentorship and align with franchise systems that reflect their values and passion. As wellness shifts toward longevity and quality of life, she believes women leaders bring a distinctive energy— one grounded in purpose, collaboration, and a genuine desire to help others thrive.

A GROWING FORCE IN FRANCHISING

Women in franchising aren’t just participating—they’re shaping the future of the industry. With nearly a third of franchise ownership now in female hands, and that number rising steadily each year, franchising offers a powerful path to entrepreneurship that combines support, structure, and autonomy. Whether driven by financial goals, lifestyle balance, or the desire to build something lasting, women franchisees are proving that this business model can be both personally and professionally transformative.

If you’re a woman exploring your business options, franchising might just be the opportunity that bridges your ambition with a proven roadmap for success. Seth Lederman at Frannexus can help you determine the best franchise for your goals. Reach out today!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Seth Lederman, CFE, a Franchise Acquisition and Development Specialist, is a multi-faceted entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in small business success, including ownership and sale of his business enterprises. He frequently contributes to The Franchise Journal and is on the exclusive Forbes Business Council. Contact Seth at seth@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

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Strength Looks Like the Women I Grew Up With

by Alex Neonakis, Writer, NYU Class of 2030

Next year I’ll be heading to New York University. New city, new people, new ideas. I’ll study business in a place that moves fast and rewards confidence. But when I think about leadership, ambition, and strength, I don’t picture Wall Street or a lecture hall.

I picture my mom at the kitchen table with three phones open, solving

problems before most people have had coffee.

I picture my sister refusing to back down from anything she sets her mind to.

I picture my grandmothers, who built lives out of very little and somehow made it look steady and graceful.

And I picture a long list of aunts who never asked for permission to succeed.

For me, women in business

isn’t some new social movement. It’s normal. It’s how I grew up.

My mom is the clearest example. I’ve watched her handle pressure with a calm that doesn’t make headlines but wins long games. She balances family, work, and everything in between without announcing it to the world. She negotiates. She plans. She anticipates. She protects. She leads.

What stands out most isn’t just that she works hard. It’s that she works smart. She doesn’t waste energy on noise. She focuses on outcomes. When something goes wrong, she doesn’t panic. She adjusts. She figures it out.

That’s leadership.

As a kid, I didn’t realize how unusual that level of strength was. I just thought, “This is what moms do.” Now that I’m older, I understand how much discipline and resilience it takes to carry that much responsibility and still show up for everyone around you.

My sister represents a different kind of strength. She’s part of a generation that expects to compete and win. She doesn’t question whether she belongs in ambitious spaces. She assumes she does.

Watching her grow up has been like watching confidence

take shape in real time. She’s direct. She’s sharp. She doesn’t apologize for wanting more. And she doesn’t accept limits that don’t make sense.

There’s something powerful about seeing that up close. It resets your expectations. When your sister approaches the world that way, you don’t grow up thinking leadership belongs to one gender. You grow up thinking leadership belongs to whoever earns it. Then there are my grandmothers. Their strength is quieter but deeper. They came from different times, different rules, fewer opportunities. They didn’t always get recognition. They didn’t always get the spotlight. But they built stability. They held families together. They made sacrifices without turning them into stories.

One of them taught me that consistency beats talent. The other taught me that dignity matters even when no one is watching.

They may not have had titles or corner offices, but they understood value. They understood discipline. They understood what it means to create something that lasts.

In many ways, they were entrepreneurs before that word was trendy. They managed households like businesses. They budgeted with precision. They made decisions with long-term consequences in mind. They built equity in ways that didn’t always show up on paper but showed up in generations.

And then there are my aunts. Each of them carved out her own path. Some built careers. Some started

businesses. Some led teams. Some managed homes with the same complexity as a company. What they all share is independence.

They didn’t wait to be told they were capable. They acted like they were.

Growing up around that many strong women changes your baseline. You don’t see ambition in women as aggressive or unusual. You see it as practical. Necessary. Normal.

That’s why the conversation about women in business sometimes feels strange to me. The idea that it’s groundbreaking still surprises me. In my world, it’s expected.

The women I’ve watched don’t frame their success as rebellion. They frame it as responsibility. They work because they want to contribute. They lead because they’re capable. They build because they see opportunity. It feels natural.

As I head to NYU, I know I’ll meet people who talk about gender dynamics in business, glass ceilings, representation, and leadership gaps. Those conversations matter. But my perspective will always start at home.

Strength is not loud in my family. It’s steady.

It’s the discipline to wake up early and finish what you started. It’s the courage to make hard decisions. It’s the confidence to sit at any table and know you belong there. It’s the humility to keep learning.

The women in my life didn’t just influence me. They shaped how I define success.

Success isn’t dominance. It’s impact.

Success isn’t attention. It’s stability.

Success isn’t proving someone wrong. It’s building something right.

When I walk into my first business class next fall, I won’t be thinking about abstract role models. I’ll be thinking about my mom handling a crisis without blinking. My sister refusing to shrink. My grandmothers building legacies quietly. My aunts moving forward without hesitation.

That’s my blueprint.

If women in business feels like the future, it’s because in my life, it’s always been the present.

And I wouldn’t want to grow up any other way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alex Neonakis is a high school student who loves business, history, basketball, and butter chicken. He’s passionate about entrepreneurship, exploring different cultures, and finding the best food spots with his friends.

FRANCHISED BY

"Everyday Affordable Luxury" Makes Great Business Sense!

by Mariel Miller, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

uickliss is redefining the beauty franchise for modern life.

Built for speed, consistency, and everyday appeal, it delivers highfrequency services designed to fit seamlessly into fast-paced lifestyles. This isn’t about chasing trends or novelty—it’s about creating a system that works, scales, and keeps clients coming back, again and again.

The brand was born from real-world demand. After proving its model in Mexico, Quickliss is now expanding into the United States with a clear mission: beauty services that are fast and dependable

should feel elevated, not rushed, and efficient, not transactional. Every aspect of the concept—express hair styling, essential grooming services, and streamlined operations—is engineered to meet the everyday beauty needs of modern women.

At its core, Quickliss solves a simple but growing problem: women want professional grooming that doesn’t require the time, cost, or hassle of traditional salons. By focusing on speed, precision, and consistent results, Quickliss makes it easy to maintain a polished look without disruption to daily routines. It positions itself not

as a luxury splurge but as an essential, recurring part of a client’s week.

The franchise model itself is designed to scale. Operational efficiency, strong brand standards, and repeatable systems ensure that each location delivers the same high-quality experience. Services are tailored for quick turnaround and broad appeal, giving entrepreneurs an accessible entry point into the resilient, ever-growing beauty industry. Convenience, affordability, and reliability are not just selling points—they’re built into the DNA of the brand, making Quickliss a compelling opportunity for owners who want a business aligned with real consumer behavior.

“What we learned early on is that women don’t want fewer beauty services—they want smarter ones,” says founder Bárbara Andrievk Ruiz. “When you remove wasted time but keep quality high, clients don’t just visit—they make you part of their routine.”

This insight is backed by undeniable market trends. The rise of “in-between” hair services—blow dry bars, styling refreshes, and other highfrequency treatments—proves how consumer habits have shifted. Women no longer wait

weeks for salon appointments or save professional styling for special occasions. They want polished hair for workdays, dinners, events, and daily confidence, without investing hours or hundreds of dollars multiple times a month.

Quickliss fits squarely into this loyalty-driven, highfrequency category, providing an innovative, profitable, and low-cost franchise model that capitalizes on evolving beauty routines. “We’ve been solving this growing problem daily for over 20 years,” Ruiz notes.

Quickliss delivers what it calls Everyday Affordable Luxury: professional express styling that feels special but is priced and timed to be a normal part of life. Proprietary tools, defined services, and top-tier training ensure consistency for clients and recurring revenue for franchisees. The brand’s structure is deliberate, repeatable, and built for longterm growth.

In today’s economy, traditional career paths are less predictable than ever. Layoffs, corporate restructuring, and capped upward mobility have left even strong resumes vulnerable. For many, business ownership offers a more controllable, secure path—where effort directly affects outcomes. Franchising provides an entry point with built-in support, proven systems, and a track record of demand. Express beauty adds another layer of stability:

“WHAT WE LEARNED EARLY ON IS THAT WOMEN DON’T WANT FEWER BEAUTY SERVICES—THEY WANT SMARTER ONES.”

—

Bárbara Andrievk Ruiz, Quickliss Founder

recurring customers and services that are relevant every day, not just for special occasions. In a world of uncertainty, owning a business rooted in habit, not hype, can feel safer than relying on a corporate ladder that may vanish overnight.

Quickliss isn’t just a franchise—it’s a lifestyle solution, a business opportunity, and a new standard for modern beauty. Fast, dependable, and luxurious without the fluff, it proves that everyday beauty can be both effortless and extraordinary.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mariel Miller has spent her professional career in franchising and is an enthusiastic proponent of entrepreneurship today. She uses her 30+ years experience to assist both small business owners and professionals discover how a franchise strategy may help them achieve their financial and lifestyle goals. Her data-driven yet passionate approach with clients has kept her an award-winning consultant for over two decades.

Mariel Miller Fitting In & Standing Out

by Robyn Deering, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

Respect opens doors— that’s the quiet power Mariel Miller has embodied for 30+ years in franchising’s traditionally maleled world. A popular industry speaker and founder of The Franchise Advisor, a top franchise consulting and broker group, she has been instrumental in the launch of thousands of successful franchises and has guided hundreds of professionals toward sustainable wealth through franchise investing. Mariel’s track record of success, can be attributed to combining her confident presence, with a commitment to continually provide factual data, insights and tailored expertise to the potential franchisees and to the franchisors she supports.

“Between staying up-to-date on key happenings in our industry, building my knowledge about brands and their performance and valuing the tremendous network of franchise professionals I’ve been fortunate to cultivate, ” Miller says. “I believe we have a tremendous value-proposition for anyone curious what a franchise route may look like for themselves and their families.”

While many tropes for women focus on building soft conversation starters and collaboration, Mariel teaches women a measured, effective approach: first master the straightforward, results-oriented language that moves decisions forward in high-stakes conversations. Her recipe for effective and enjoyable engagements includes: Being purposeful in each encounter, providing undistracted listening, confirming and quantifying what people say they want– and, providing honest, direct feedback.

She explains why this approach works. “Most people, regardless how successful they are by their own right, simply have very little knowledge about how franchising works. And, unfortunately, about 99% of candidates and the vast majority of small business owners we help have seriously misguided assumptions about franchises and about franchis-

ing their businesses. It seems obvious that the best approach is to offer education, data, factual analysis, case histories and resources to give them a fresh, bold and accurate look at what might be possible for them.”

In rooms where the vast majority of decision-makers are male, she emphasizes strategic adaptation: use brevity, logic and bottom-line focus to shift attention from gender to value. This calm, deliberate style dissolves resistance and allows influence to grow from proven capability. When empathy and narrative then enter the dialogue, they land with greater impact—stories resonate, empathy fosters trust and both accelerate momentum across franchise networks where an increasing number of women are finding a way out of corporate structures with glass ceilings and wage disparity.

“Professionals are busy, getting to the point,” she says, “does them a favor by stepping over the initial niceties. People don’t need to like you, as every sales training tells you. They need to respect you, though – and, providing useful data and resources up front builds the strongest rapport you can find.”

The industry’s evolution reflects this kind of steady progress. According to the An-

MARIEL MILLER

nual Franchise Development Report (AFDR) and supporting studies over three decades, women owned roughly 20.5% of U.S. franchises in the early 2000s (2007 benchmarks). By 2012 the share reached 30.6%, showing nearly 50% growth in female-owned franchise businesses in just five years. Momentum continued: female ownership increased 83% from 2011 to 2017 (versus 13% for men), and over the past decade women-owned franchise businesses grew 38%, outpacing the overall sector.

Today women hold approximately 30% of U.S. franchises, up nearly 5% from 2010 to 2021, with some estimates—including co-ownership—reaching 35–41% in recent years. Women often lead prospective buyer inquiries, particularly among Millennials and Gen X, drawn to franchising’s structure and reduced risk. Owner satisfaction remains consistently high: 87–88% of female franchisees report enjoying their businesses and would recommend the path to others. While funding gaps persist—women typically raise less capital but frequently achieve strong returns and enjoy work-life balance.

Mariel has watched the industry evolve with fascination as efficiency and technology continues to produce replicable success. “When I was in Grad school for Organizational Change & Development in the 80’s, I interned at Pearl Vision in northern NJ. I recall visiting store after store, and I was so impressed by the operational efficiency, familiar culture, adherence to protocols, etc., as seen from the inside. It was particularly impactful because

the words “business format franchising” never came up in business school, and arguably, franchising is the most successful method to scale a business ever developed!”

Her expertise in organizational effectiveness led to her interest in high-performance talent development and data-driven decision making. Through The Franchise Advisor she helps small businesses and emerging franchisors streamline systems and prepare for franchising— while her consultant team

helps curious professionals explore franchise investing options and compare best-fit brands— “I stay excited about results,” Miller says. That approach resonates with many men in franchising that are often key decision-makers and developers. While women tend to look to quality-of-life measures, men are more often focused on system resiliency, according to statistics compiled in franchise data reports.

Mariel’s graceful and skilled approach has built impressive

alliances and supports the career success for the franchise consultants she has mentored. Franchising is generating more than $674 billion annually according to business watchdogs. “This industry is such a giant part of our economy and few people look at it that way,” she reflected. “And, it continues to evolve in surprising ways. There isn't one curious individual we would have trouble impressing with a look at a number of lucrative, sustainable, well-designed and well-run franchise brands - many of which are low-investment. I’d have to say that is the most satisfying part of the work– sharing with people what great franchising looks

like and helping them secure their place!”

For women entering franchising as franchisees, franchisors or consultants, Mariel’s guidance is direct yet elegant: secure credibility through competence and clarity, then elevate every interaction with attention, new intel and vision. “We encourage people to dream. Whether they are considering buying a franchise or building one, they have to imagine something that doesn’t exist yet,” she explained. “Women are natural story-tellers and helping someone create their vision can be powerful— in the right moment.” Having a sense of humor also can build rapport after a good connection has

been made, but she cautions you have to read people and trust your gut, and communicate in a way you will be heard. “Offer real value with no strings attached, continually provide deeper insights and add value with every conversation,” she shares. “That’s how you stand out.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robyn Deering is a Franchise Consultant based in southwest Florida with extensive experience helping entrepreneurs identify optimal opportunities for franchise ownership, author of Corporate Refugee’s Guide to Franchising: Trade Job Insecurity for Business Ownership That Works and a proud member of The Veterans Franchise Council. Contact Robyn at robyn@thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com or https://www.linkedin. com/in/robyndeering/.

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When Did You See The Sign?™

FASTSIGNS provides candidates with an Item 19 including full profitability information. And you’ll enjoy owning a business with these compelling features:

• Business-to-business hours

• Low staffing requirements

Fast Franchise Facts

Franchising Since: Founded 1985

• Professional business clientele

• Attractive margins

Total Franchise Operating Units: Over 700 in 9 countries

Minimum Liquid Capital: $80,000

Minimum Net Worth: $300,000

Total US Investment: $218,596 - $298,679

Total Canadian Investment: $257,626 - $338,718 CAD

Franchise Fee: $49,750

VetFran & First Responders Discount: $24,875 Franchise Fee

Royalty (per unit): 6% (Reduced to 3% for 12 months)

Advertising Fund (per unit): 2% (Reduced to 1% for 12 months)

FASTSIGNS has over 400 markets approved for development in the US and Canada and is also seeking Master or Area Developer expansion in markets worldwide

Franchisor Support

• Site selection and build-out

• Four weeks of training, including one week of training in a FASTSIGNS center, followed by two weeks at our Dallas Headquarters, and one week of onsite training in your new center

• Pre-opening marketing blitz to drive your sales and reduce ramp time

• Grand opening support and guidance from an Outside Sales Manager and Brand Ambassador

• Dedicated Business Consultants to assist with business/finances training, marketing and sales, production and staff management

• Franchisee Mentor Program to guide you and lend support in every aspect of your business

• 24-hour web-based learning management system that keeps you and your staff up-to-speed and in-the-know in this fast-paced market

Building and Scaling the Specialty Wax Category

by Ozzie Grupenmager, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

In the early 1990s, professional waxing was not a defined industry category. It was typically a secondary salon service delivered without standardized protocols, consistent hygiene controls, or a structured customer experience.

That began to change in 1993.

Entrepreneur Noemi Grupenmager identified a gap in the market: consumers were seeking higher standards, improved comfort, and a more professionalized approach to hair removal. Rather than offering waxing as an addon service, she developed a concept centered on system design.

Working with a partner, she helped create an all-natural elastic wax formulation engineered to reduce discomfort and improve precision. Yet the true innovation extended beyond product development. It was operational architecture.

From inception, the model emphasized disciplined execution: pristine studio environments, exclusive use of one wax pot per customer, standardized training protocols, and a service experience designed to be consistent from the first guest of the day to the last. The objective was replicability — not variation.

At a time when waxing services were fragmented across independent salons, this approach reframed it as a defined specialty category. Like many enduring categories, it began with a founder who chose discipline over hype and systems over shortcuts.

Equally forward-thinking was the inclusion of both women and men as core customers, well before male grooming became widely commercialized. By defining a focused service model rather than a broad salon offering, the brand established clarity in positioning and operational identity.

As demand increased, leadership faced the fundamental franchising question: could the system scale without compromising standards?

In 2007, the company began franchising, becoming one of the earliest waxing-focused franchise systems in the United States. Expansion was measured rather than aggressive. Franchisee alignment, operational control, and brand protection were prioritized over rapid unit growth.

While additional competitors eventually entered the category and expanded

quickly, the original philosophy remained centered on disciplined growth supported by system integrity.

Today, the brand continues to operate within the framework established during its early system design, maintaining a focus on operational standards, process consistency, and guest experience discipline.

The broader lesson is instructive. Sustainable franchise systems are not built solely on product differentiation or marketing momentum. They are built on codified processes, operational safeguards, and the ability to protect customer experience across locations.

Women entrepreneurs have played a significant role in

shaping these disciplined, category-defining models. Across multiple sectors, female founders have demonstrated that long-term scalability depends not on speed of expansion but on the integrity of systems.

Franchising ultimately rewards structure. Concepts that successfully transition from founder-led businesses to replicable systems do so by engineering every aspect of delivery — from environment to training to quality control.

The specialty wax category did not simply grow over the past three decades. It was systematically designed.

And that design is what enabled it to become a franchise model.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ozzie Grupenmager is a former franchisor and franchise executive who now serves as a consultant with The Franchise Consulting Company. With firsthand experience building and operating franchise systems, he advises founders and career-transition professionals on scalable franchise development, system design, and disciplined growth strategies.

Artistic Edge is a mobile art studio that offers a variety of creative workshops, team-building events, and private parties. Our classes are designed for all skill levels, with instructors providing guidance throughout the process. Many of our projects result in functional art pieces that can be used in daily life. We emphasize community, creativity, and care, aiming to make art accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Why Franchise With Us?

High margins

Low overhead

Low initial investment

Flexible Schedule

No artistic experience needed

From Corporate C-Suite to Franchise Owner: A Conversation with Laura Garratt

by Rick Morgin, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

When Laura Garratt joined me for our interview, she was sitting in her car outside her daughter’s activity, making the time between family commitments and running her business. It was, in many ways, the perfect setting to talk about her journey from corporate executive to franchise owner—because her story is about reclaiming control of time, purpose, and identity.

Laura is now nearly two and a half years into owning a Painter Bros franchise, but her path into franchising didn’t begin with a lifelong dream of

entrepreneurship. It began at a crossroads.

DISCOVERING FRANCHISING AT THE RIGHT MOMENT

Rick: Do you remember the first call from my team? Was there something that sparked your interest in franchising?

Laura: Honestly, it was timing. I was at a point in my life where I was asking, Do I stay in corporate, or do I finally work for myself? The invite to explore owning a franchise came through an outreach on LinkedIn. I almost didn’t take it. At the time, I didn’t even really understand what franchising was. I thought it was food chains such as the big ones we know , McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts. I had no idea there were thousands of franchise models out there.

That initial conversation didn’t convince her to become a franchisee. What it did was open a door she hadn’t known existed. Once we began exploring options together, completing questionnaires, and reviewing opportunities, her perspective began to shift.

Laura: What I liked was the structure. Coming from corporate, I didn’t want to jump

into something completely unstructured. Franchising felt like a bridge—freedom, but with a framework. And when I saw Painter Bros, I liked that it was young, still growing, still evolving. I came from innovation and product development. I liked the idea of growing with a brand, not stepping into something that had already peaked.

THE INTERNAL CONFLICT: FEAR AND FAITH

Laura had reached a level many professionals spend decades chasing. She was an executive.

She had a master’s degree, strong compensation, respected peers, and years of experience. Yet something felt off.

Laura: I wasn’t happy. I felt shackled. I was on call seven days a week. I had great teams, great people, but felt that something was missing. And I thought, If I’m going to work this hard, why not do it for myself?

There was fear, of course. Laura: I was elated and terrified at the same time.

LAURA GARRATT

My husband reminded me of our responsibilities. We had a family. Stability. But I had faith in my work ethic. I knew I could make something work. I didn’t know exactly how, but I knew I could do it.

Then came the external trigger that made the decision unavoidable: a large postCOVID workforce reduction. Laura was part of a 60% layoff.

Laura: That was the moment. I realized everything is temporary. Titles, jobs, security. I had interviews. I had offers. I could have gone right back into corporate. But I didn’t want to go through that again. I wanted another way.

WHY PAINTER BROS?

Laura evaluated multiple franchise opportunities, including one with over 30 years of history. It was established, proven, and safe. Yet she chose the newer, fastergrowing brand.

Laura: It was the vision. When

I went to Utah and met Zach and the team, I felt it. I liked the energy. I liked that they were still building. I wanted to grow with them, not walk into something fully built. If I’d had the money, I would have done both opportunities. But I chose the one where I could be part of the growth story.

She laughs remembering crashing a training session, being handed the keys to a Painter Bros car, and thinking in the parking lot, What am I doing? At the same time, she knew she was exactly where she needed to be.

Laura: I don’t regret a thing. Things come to you when they’re supposed to. I don’t think it was my time earlier.

THE FIRST THREE MONTHS: CAUTION AND CONFIDENCE

I asked Laura what she knows now that she wishes she knew in September 2023.

She paused.

Laura: I wish I had worried less.

Coming from outside the construction world, she was cautious. Her first estimates were done with a tape measure because she didn’t yet own a laser measurer.

Laura: I remember thinking, You need to buy a laser and make your life easier. I was nervous. Palpitations nervous. But after about three months, something clicked. I got confident. I got out of my own way. Those first three months were my cautious era. After that, everything sped up.

Today, she finds herself 30 feet up on roofs, discussing elastomeric primers with her Sherwin-Williams rep,

comfortable in an industry she once knew nothing about.

Laura: I was up there thinking, God, I’m on a roof right now. Just take care of me. But I was fine. I had it. That confidence just comes from doing it.

IDENTITY BEYOND THE JOB TITLE

One of the most profound shifts for Laura wasn’t operational—it was personal.

Laura: In corporate, you start thinking your identity is your job. It’s not. Your identity is you. Being an entrepreneur lets you be self-expressed. You create your own culture instead of adopting someone else’s. She describes leaving behind corporate language, politics, and following the “protocol” and replacing it with her own way of leading and building.

Laura: People think being an entrepreneur means working

for yourself. It’s not. You’re creating jobs. You’re creating an ecosystem. That’s powerful.

ADVICE TO FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS

As we wrapped up, I asked Laura what advice she would give to someone standing where she stood three years ago. Her answer was immediate.

Laura: Do your research. Make an informed decision. But don’t overthink it. There’s a reason you’re looking into this. You’re never too far into your career to make a change. Society idolizes the young, but life doesn’t stop because you’re not 20 anymore.

She continued:

Laura: If you’re unhappy, make a change. Not “buy a franchise because you’re unhappy,” but do something. You get one life. Why stay stuck? If owning a business is in your heart, research it, then make the leap.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF SUCCESS

Laura’s story isn’t about escaping work. In many ways, she works just as hard as she did before. The difference is ownership, purpose, and autonomy.

She didn’t leave corporate because she failed there. She left because she had outgrown it.

Two and a half years in, she describes herself simply:

Laura: I’m an entrepreneur. And I’m happy to be one.

For readers considering a similar leap, her journey offers a powerful reminder: sometimes the scariest step is also the most necessary one.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rick Morgin is a Consultant with The Franchise Consulting Company and alumnus of Santa Clara University. He assists clients with the educational process of researching and selecting available franchise businesses that best suit desired lifestyles and financial goals. Contact Rick at rick@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

YOUR AD H E RE

Luxury Consumer Goods Expert Brings Knowledge and Expertise to Floor Coverings International of Manhasset New York

by Rhonda Sanderson, CEO, Sanderson & Associates

Awie Newell brings 30 years of expertise to her new Floor Coverings International franchise serving Manhasset and adjacent areas in New York.

Newell comes from the beauty and wellness industries, where she served as CEO of a beauty consumer goods company in London and led

a wellness brand in New York. Her extensive background in luxury consumer goods has equipped her with a keen understanding of the importance of attention to detail.

Said Newell, “Having spent 30 years building and leading some of the world's most recognized beauty and wellness brands, I am now

applying that same passion for brand integrity, quality, and personalized service to my own community. The decision to open Floor Coverings International Manhasset was a deliberate choice to step away from the global stage and make a direct, positive impact on the lives of my neighbors. My background in luxury consumer goods taught

AWIE NEWELL

me that every detail matters, and I am bringing that same meticulous attention and highend, concierge-style approach to the home design experience for every one of our clients. This new chapter is about bringing the art of transformation home, one floor at a time.

Newell’s unique approach combines design expertise with a "white-glove" conciergestyle service, ensuring that every homeowner receives tailored solutions that resonate with their individual tastes and lifestyles. The brand’s commitment to quality and integrity mirrors the luxury standards she upheld in her previous roles.

Observation of current flooring trends has revealed a significant shift among homeowners. Once dominated by cool grays, interior spaces are now gravitating towards warm, earthy tones such as honey oak and walnut. Textured finishes, including wire-brushed and handscraped wood, are in high demand, creating cozy, inviting atmospheres.

Additionally, advancements in flooring products are changing the landscape of home design. Innovations in engineered wood and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) provide homeowners with stunning, durable options that combine

beauty with practicality. With enhanced stability and realistic textures, these products cater to modern families seeking long-lasting solutions.

“Our mission at Floor Coverings International is to empower homeowners to transform their spaces,” said Newell. “We’re excited to bring the art of transformation home, one floor at a time. We strive to make every interaction feel special, reflecting the trust and care we’ve built through years of experience in a variety of industries.”

The big favorites throughout the system? Pet and kidfriendly floors that clean up with one mopping and look like genuine wood. In addition, popular choices are:

• Engineered Hardwood Flooring: This is the best in luxury flooring offering real wood veneers with remarkably high quality and detail.

• Sustainable Materials: Homeowners are turning to laminate flooring crafted from eco-friendly materials such as recycled wood fibers.

• Authentic Wood Look: The demand for realistic-looking wood floors continues to soar.

• Waterproof Performance: Given recent erratic weather conditions everywhere, waterproof laminate floors are hot!

• Vinyl Flooring: As technology advances, vinyl flooring gets close to natural wood and stone looks that are easily cleaned with a damp mop.

• Carpet: There are still diehard carpet lovers because of the feeling and look of cozy and warm –Not so much shag. Many more flat pile, textures and patterned looks are available.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

about Floor Coverings International and to schedule a free in-home consultation, visit Floor Coverings International Manhasset or contact Awie Newell at 516-517-0725 and awie.newell@fcifloors.com.

ABOUT FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL

Floor Coverings International is the #1 Mobile Flooring franchise in North America. Utilizing a unique in-home experience, the Mobile Flooring Showroom™ comes directly to the customer's door with more than 3,000 flooring choices. Floor Coverings International has 300-plus locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. For more information, please go to www. floorcoveringsinternational.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rhonda Sanderson is a franchise expert who has owned and operated Sanderson & Associates and Sanderson PR, both specializing in, traditional, social media and crisis PR in the franchise space since 1986. She has authored many articles, helped grow numerous franchise chains is considered one of the Top 30 Small Business Influencers (Fit Business) in the U.S. Find her at Rhonda@ sandersonpr.com or on LinkedIn where she is the author of Franchise Stars at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-sanderson-a6b658/

How Women-Owned Franchises are Redefining Professional Fulfillment

by Ron Filian, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

For decades, the traditional corporate landscape has been built on a foundation of rigid hierarchies and a binary view of work and life. The common goal was "work-life balance," a term that implies a zero-sum game: a scale where professional ambition and personal well-being are constantly in tension. For the modern female professional, however, the target has moved. The goal is no longer a precarious balance, but a seamless Work-Life Integration. This evolution is fueling a massive shift toward franchise ownership. According to the International Franchise Association (IFA), women

now own approximately 30% of all franchise units in the United States, a significant increase from just 20.5% a decade ago. This isn't just a change in job title; it is a fundamental redefinition of what professional success looks like for women in 2026.

(Entrepreneur)

1. THE FULFILLMENT GAP: WHY CORPORATE EXIT IS THE NEW ENTRY

The most compelling evidence for this shift lies in the "fulfillment gap." Recent studies reveal a stark contrast in professional satisfaction between those in traditional roles and those who have taken the leap into ownership.

Fulfillment

Reality: While only about 55% of women in traditional corporate structures report feeling professionally fulfilled, a staggering 91% of female franchise owners describe themselves as fulfilled.

The "Broken Rung": Many women are leaving corporate not because they lack ambition—80% sought promotions in 2025—but because of a "broken rung" in the advancement ladder. Franchising offers a path where success is determined by merit and effort rather than internal politics.

A "Safety Net" for Success: For women coming from structured environments, the fear of the unknown is a major barrier. Franchising bridges this gap by providing a proven playbook and a corporate support team that functions much like the departments they left behind, but with one key difference: the owner is the ultimate decision-maker. (New York Post)

2. REDEFINING THE MODEL: FROM "BALANCE" TO "INTEGRATION"

The concept of work-life integration allows a business

to be built into a person’s life, rather than forcing a life to be lived around a work schedule. This is particularly vital for women, who often juggle a disproportionate share of domestic and community responsibilities.

THE POWER OF AUTONOMY

In a franchise, integration means having the authority to set the rhythm.

Schedule Fluidity: A female owner might lead a strategic planning session at 9:00 AM, attend a family event or personal appointment at 2:00 PM, and review financial reports at 8:00 PM.

Built-in Systems: Because franchises utilize standardized operational systems, owners can delegate day-to-day tasks more effectively than independent entrepreneurs. This "entrepreneurship-lite" model allows them to focus on high-level growth while the system maintains the quality of service.

Control over Culture:

Women-owned franchises often excel in creating high employee satisfaction by fostering the same flexibility for their staff that they value for themselves.

(Franchise Direct)

3. ECONOMIC POWERHOUSES: THE $3.3 TRILLION IMPACT

Female-owned businesses are no longer a "niche" segment of the economy; they are a primary engine of growth.

Revenue and Jobs: Womenowned firms in the U.S. now number over 14.5 million, generating $3.3 trillion in annual revenue and providing

nearly 13 million W-2 jobs. Outpacing the Market: Between 2019 and 2024, the growth rate for women-owned businesses (17%) significantly outpaced that of men-owned businesses (12%).

Franchise Growth Trends: Franchising specifically is projected to grow faster than the overall U.S. economy in 2026, with an expected GDP contribution of over $578 billion. (International Franchise Association)

4. THE 2026 WAVE: EMERGING BRANDS AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES

One of the most exciting developments is the rise of women in emerging franchise brands. While established legacy brands offer security, emerging brands offer the chance to get in at the "ground level."

TOP EMERGING SECTORS

FOR 2025–2026:

Asset-Light and Mobile

Concepts: With high interest rates, "low-overhead" models under $150k are dominating. Brands like mobile med-spas allow women to start quickly with lower risk.

Wellness and Self-Care: This remains a top growth category. New brands like longevity labs and specialized wellness studios are seeing high female interest.

Experience-Based Retail:

Brands that blend services with a community experience, such as candle-making workshops are thriving by focusing on "the experience" over just the product.

Education and Child Enrichment: Long a stronghold for women,

this sector is evolving with high-tech STEM brands and specialized tutoring centers.

5. LEVERAGING THE SUPPORT TEAM

Transitioning from a corporate environment to business ownership is made easier by the Franchise Support Team. For an initial investment and royalty fee, women gain access to:

Marketing Engines: Managed brand awareness and digital lead generation that would take years to build independently.

Operational Training:

Comprehensive "Discovery Days" and ongoing field support to ensure the owner is never truly alone.

Mentorship and Peer Networks: Organizations like the Women’s Franchise Committee of the IFA provide a network of peers who share best practices and emotional support.

The rise of women in franchising is a testament to a broader cultural shift. By choosing ownership over the corporate ladder, women are securing more than just a paycheck; they are securing autonomy, fulfillment, and economic power.

As more emerging brands enter the market with a focus on community impact, the barriers to entry will continue to fall, paving the way for a more diverse and prosperous franchise landscape.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ron Filian is a trusted franchise development consultant dedicated to helping individuals and multi-unit franchise business owners navigate franchise business opportunities and expanding their portfolios.

Spark Success with Mister Sparky Franchise

I was a trades guy. I wanted to grow a business but really didn’t have the skills to do it. If you have the drive and determination and want to learn, the network is very open to helping you. The network, the tools, there is no way that I would be where I’m at without this brand.

– Aaron Hagan, NW Arkansas, Oklahoma City & Tulsa, OK

JUMP-START YOUR GROWTH

We’re constantly focused on helping our franchise owners grow their business, reach the right customers, and remain competitive using our extensive resources. We’ve earned our reputation from coast to coast by treating our franchisees right and making sure they’re equipped with the tools needed to build a business that sustainable and focused on growth.

Comprehensive

Unwavering Customer Support

The home remodeling industry is projected to reach $600 billion by 2030, and cabinet painting is at the forefront of this growth. As homeowners seek affordable yet impactful ways to refresh their spaces, cabinet painting has become one of the most in-demand services in the market.

With Joyful Cabinet Painting, you can capitalize on this booming industry and start your own business with ease. We provide everything you need to succeed, from comprehensive training to ongoing marketing support and expert guidance.

Rhea Shivnani Builds a 25-Unit Pilates Addiction Portfolio with Purpose and Scale

by Steve Sparks, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

When Rhea Shivnani and her family began planning their next move after a successful run in franchising, they weren’t searching for a single studio or a passive investment. They were looking for their next platform. Today, that platform is Pilates Addiction, one of the fastestgrowing boutique fitness concepts in the country—and Shivnani is stepping in with a bold commitment: 25 territories across New Jersey and South Florida.

In an industry where many franchisees start small, Shivnani is thinking big from day one. Her story reflects a

growing trend in franchising: experienced operators making strategic moves into highgrowth wellness concepts and building multi-unit portfolios with long-term vision.

A STRATEGIC PIVOT FROM RETAIL TO WELLNESS

Shivnani and her husband have spent decades in entrepreneurship, most notably in the Pandora franchise system, where they built and exited at the right time. That experience shaped how they evaluated their next opportunity.

“My husband and I have been entrepreneurs for the last 30 years of our lives and have tried to be fluid in understanding business trends,” Shivnani explains. “We started Pandora at its upswing and sold it at an opportune time when we realized it was time to exit.

After COVID specifically, we started to realize that people really wanted to concentrate on their mental and physical well-being, and fitness had really started to take a priority in their lives.”

As they began researching the health and wellness sector, the family reviewed multiple franchise concepts. But one stood out.

“When we started looking into the health and wellness industry, we were exposed to many different franchises, but when we met with the team and saw the product they were bringing to the market, it felt like an immediate match to what we had been looking for being associated with,” she says.

The decision aligns with a broader shift across franchising. Investors who once focused on traditional retail are increasingly moving into boutique fitness, recovery, and wellness brands—sectors driven by recurring memberships, strong unit economics, and rising consumer demand for preventative health.

GOING BIG FROM THE START

Rather than testing the waters with a single studio, Shivnani and her family made a largescale commitment early.

“Correct, we felt that with both the design of the studio along with the patented Wundaformer, Pilates Addiction has the power to be a major player in the Pilates world and we knew if we didn't lock in the territories, we would quickly lose them to others that saw

RHEA SHIVNANI

the same opportunity we saw,” she says. “For us, this is not just a business investment; it's a strategic career move into a huge industry that is on the rise.”

Securing territory has become one of the most important strategic decisions for experienced franchise operators. In high-demand sectors like boutique fitness, prime markets can be awarded quickly, and early commitments often position operators for long-term growth and exit opportunities.

BUILDING IN MARKETS THEY KNOW BEST

Shivnani’s development footprint spans New Jersey and South Florida—two regions where her family already has deep ties.

“Both these states are home for us,” she explains. “I have lived in New Jersey for 30 plus years and my sister who is also my partner has lived in South Florida for the last 35 years. All the territories we picked are in places that we are familiar with and know the communities and the dense population it entails along with the desire for good quality fitness studios.”

For multi-unit operators,

local knowledge can be a major advantage, helping with real estate decisions, hiring, community engagement, and early membership growth.

LEADING AS A WOMAN IN FRANCHISING

Female ownership in franchising continues to rise, and Shivnani sees both responsibility and opportunity in her role as a multi-unit operator.

“I believe that women-owned businesses definitely within the two major franchises I have chosen to associate myself with has been a benefit as I can speak to them with a lot of passion and integrity,” she says. “Being a multi-unit operator comes with a lot of responsibilities, organization and focus. But it also gives me the opportunity to provide many jobs and career paths for people. I truly love seeing people strive to do better for

themselves both personally and professionally.”

Her perspective highlights a key element of franchising’s appeal: the ability to build businesses that create opportunity for others while scaling a personal portfolio.

SCALING WITH FAMILY AT THE CORE

Shivnani is building this portfolio with family members, a model that requires clarity, communication, and trust.

“We are definitely a unique set-up but have done this before in the days of our Pandora world,” she says.

“We have already identified the strengths of each family member involved and we graciously allow each one to shine in that role. We are big on daily and weekly calls to address any sticking points and to keep our goals aligned.”

As the portfolio grows, the family plans to expand

its internal infrastructure and bring in experienced professionals to support operations.

“As we scale, we plan to build a bigger infrastructure allowing for others to bring their expertise to grow our company to new heights,” she adds.

LESSONS FROM STEPPING INTO THE OPERATOR ROLE

Transitioning from franchise investor to large-scale operator brings new responsibilities— and new lessons.

“As we grow, we have to realize that we need a team to grow to the heights we are looking to get to,” Shivnani says. “It's always ok to learn from someone you hire when they come with a skill set that can benefit your growth and theirs.”

That mindset—building strong teams and remaining open to learning—is often what separates successful single-unit owners from multiunit developers.

ADVICE FOR WOMEN ENTERING FRANCHISING

For women considering their first franchise investment, Shivnani’s advice is direct and encouraging.

“I would always say that bet on yourself and your desire to see yourself successful,” she says. “It will always feel scary at first but when you hit your milestones you will be so proud of yourself for taking those first steps toward it. You are your biggest supporter so build your dream and make it come true.”

LOOKING AHEAD

With 25 territories secured and the first location opening soon, Shivnani’s pace is set to accelerate quickly.

“I'm going to be super busy, but good busy,” she says. “I plan to get this as big as I can. For me the sky's the limit.

Currently, we have purchased 25 territories and are opening our first location in two weeks and hope to have at least six to

eight open in 2026. We want to make Pilates Addiction a household name and want this to be their first choice when they think of Pilates.”

As boutique fitness continues to expand nationwide, operators like Rhea Shivnani are helping shape the next generation of franchising— one defined by scale, strategic thinking, and strong leadership. Her journey reflects a broader movement of women in franchising who are not just participating in the industry, but helping lead its growth.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steve Sparks is a franchise consultant and partner at The Franchise Consulting Company, where he helps entrepreneurs and multiunit investors identify, evaluate, and scale high-growth franchise opportunities across the U.S. Based in Prosper, Texas, he works closely with emerging brands and experienced operators to structure multi-territory deals and build long-term franchise portfolios. Contact Steve at ssparks@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

My City All Stars is a proven, successful Summer Sports Camp model. This isn’t your average sports day camp. It integrates creative elements along with traditional and non-traditional sports that makes kids want to return week after week and year after year. We seek to provide a camp that allows kids to experience sports they wouldn’t otherwise have access to.

Top Reasons to Present Painter Bros to Your Candidates

• Multiple Revenue Streams - Owner/Operator & Semi-Absentee

• Strategic Alliance Partnerships - National Accounts

• Proprietary Technology - Powered by

• Nationwide Coverage

• Recession Proof - Industry revenue expected growth of 3.2%

AVERAGE SALES PER MATURE TERRITORY

$1.4 Million

*2022 FDD

FRANCHISE FEE: $65,000

INVESTMENT RANGE: $120k-$300k

TERRITORY SIZE: 250k pop

GROSS PROFIT MARGIN AVG.: 49.8%

CURRENT UNITS: 21 Franchises/43 Territories

*includes corporate

Chief Development Officer Bailey Rayner

385.535.0944 brayner@painterbros.com www.painterbros.com/franchising

*Feb-Nov 2023

A Franchise Built for Balance: How Schooley Mitchell Supports Women Owners

by Bob Hays, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

Franchising has become an increasingly powerful avenue for women seeking autonomy, career control, and meaningful financial upside. As more women transition out of corporate roles, or look to build a business that aligns with their lifestyle, professional service franchises have surged in appeal. Among them, Schooley Mitchell has emerged as a standout option, offering a flexible, low-overhead model that rewards professional expertise and supports longterm scalability.

Schooley Mitchell is the largest independent costreduction consulting firm

in North America, helping businesses lower essential service expenses through proprietary tools, pricing databases, and an objective, vendor-independent model. Franchisees only earn when savings are delivered, creating a transparent, performancebased relationship that resonates strongly with today’s business owners.

A FLEXIBLE, FAMILYFRIENDLY MODEL BUILT FOR MODERN PROFESSIONALS

One of the most compelling advantages for women entering franchising is the ability to build a business

without sacrificing family or personal priorities. Schooley Mitchell’s structure is intentionally designed for flexibility: franchisees set their own hours, work primarily within standard business schedules, and often operate from a home office. With no need for facilities, inventory, equipment, or staff, the model removes many of the traditional barriers that make business ownership feel overwhelming.

This lifestyle alignment is a major reason women from corporate finance, operations, marketing, education, and leadership roles are increasingly drawn to the franchise. They can leverage their professional strengths while maintaining control over their time, something many traditional franchise models simply cannot offer.

A BUSINESS MODEL THAT REWARDS PROFESSIONAL STRENGTHS

Women entering franchising often bring deep experience in analytical thinking, communication, and relationship-building. Schooley Mitchell’s consulting model is built on exactly those

capabilities. Franchisees analyze client expenses, identify savings opportunities, and manage ongoing vendor relationships - work that mirrors the strategic responsibilities many women have held in corporate environments.

The B2B nature of the business also appeals to women seeking a professional, intellectually engaging venture rather than a retail or foodservice operation. The model rewards diligence, organization, and client rapport - areas where many women naturally excel.

LOWER RISK THROUGH STRONG SYSTEMS AND SUPPORT

Starting a business from scratch can be daunting, but franchising reduces that risk by providing proven systems and ongoing support. Schooley Mitchell strengthens that advantage with comprehensive training, a refined consulting process, a dedicated telemarketing team that sets appointments, and a collaborative peer network. The result is a business that

feels both independent and supported, an ideal balance for first-time owners.

Women in Franchising: A Growing Movement Inside Schooley Mitchell

The rise of women franchisees at Schooley Mitchell reflects both cultural momentum and intentional support within the organization. Amanda Eve, Executive Franchise Developer, sees the shift firsthand from inside a company where women already play a central role.

“At our corporate office, we actually have over 165 employees, and 80% of them are women,” she explains. That representation creates a ripple effect throughout the franchise system. “It’s really cool to see women in business, first off, but also those women are helping and supporting other women in the franchising world.”

Amanda notes that motivations for women entering franchising mirror those of men - career transition, financial control, and autonomy - but the flexibility

of the consulting model resonates especially strongly with women balancing multiple roles. “You don’t have to choose between missing that dance recital or that meeting. You can do it all.”

That flexibility was also a deciding factor for franchisee Ericka Andersen, who wanted a business she could start independently and eventually grow into a family enterprise. “I was looking for a business I could start by myself and hopefully expand in a few years by having my husband help me,” she says. The contingency-based model, which ensures clients only pay when savings are found, aligned with her values: “It makes me feel good to work with clients and know that their interests are always first.”

Ericka evaluated six franchise concepts before choosing Schooley Mitchell. The low overhead, lack of required employees, and mission-driven nature of the work made the decision clear. “Every day it gets a bit more natural for me,” she adds, reflecting on her transition into consulting.

For franchisee Shannon Mischler, the appeal of franchising began with a desire for autonomy, creativity, and meaningful impact. “I wanted to build something of my own while still making a difference,” she says. Schooley Mitchell stood out for its integrity, strong support, and mission-driven work, especially its ability to help organizations redirect savings toward people and programs.

With a background in education and nonprofit administration, Shannon found

the consulting model a natural extension of her strengths. “My career has always centered around helping organizations function at their best. Those skills transfer directly into this work,” she explains. The franchise offered the structure she wanted with the freedom she craved.

A PATHWAY TO EMPOWERMENT AND LONG-TERM SUCCESS

For women seeking a professional, flexible, and financially rewarding franchise opportunity, Schooley Mitchell offers a compelling path. Its proven systems, supportive

culture, and alignment with the strengths many women bring from their corporate careers make it more than a business investment, it’s a platform for long-term empowerment, autonomy, and success.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bob Hays is a Franchise Consultant and member of the Veterans Franchise Council. A former franchise owner himself, Bob brings firsthand experience and strategic insight to his work. He helps individuals and business owners navigate franchise opportunities with confidence, offering informed decision-making support and expert guidance throughout the process. Contact Bob at bhays@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

Pillar To Post Home Inspectors

GREAT OPPORTUNITY IN A GROWING INDUSTRY!

The Radiant Waxing® brand is a skincare-forward hair removal waxing salon that’s known for its speed. Its proprietary pine-based soft wax allows for a 3-Step-Speed waxing technique that will have guests in and out in 15 minutes! The Radiant Waxing brand also has a retail product line of soothing post-wax products that guests love!

THE PORTFOLIO

Dedicated to serving the growing needs of beauty and wellness-conscious consumers, the WellBiz Brands portfolio offers franchise opportunities with recurring revenue membership models, tech-centered infrastructure and light-asset investments. Explore the brand portfolio today! (wellbizbrands.com)

$358,339 - $525,059*

WHY RADIANT WAXING

● Single-service offering = simple, semi-absentee, manager-run model

● Recurring Revenue Membership Model

● Low Staffing Requirements

● 3-step speed technique with proprietary pine based soft wax

● Backed by industry-leading beauty & wellness portfolio company, WellBiz Brands, Inc.

TARGET MARKETS

800+ available territories! Los Angeles, Houston/Austin/San Antonio, Tampa, Jacksonville, Ft. Meyers, NYC, Chicago, Atlanta & more!

The Era of the Woman Franchise CEO: Redefining Professional Destiny in 2026

by Jack Tiwari, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

For a decade, the "mompreneur" was the darling of the sidehustle era. The narrative was charming but limiting: a woman reclaiming her time by launching a boutique Etsy shop or a local consultancy, operating between school drop-offs and bedtime stories. It was a story of compromise—trading the corporate ladder for a "hobby business" that rarely scaled. In 2026, that narrative hasn't just shifted; it’s been demolished. A new guard of professional women is bypassing the "small-business struggle" and moving straight into the corner office via a strategic, tech-enabled vehicle: high-growth franchising.

THE PROFESSIONAL BRAIN DRAIN

The driving force behind this shift is a massive market correction. For years, Corporate America ignored a high-value talent pool: executive-level women who left the C-suite not because they lost their ambition, but because they lost their patience with rigid, 1950s-era work structures. Today, franchisors are no longer just looking for "operators"; they are recruiting "investors with experience." As the Founder of a national early childhood enrichment franchise puts it:

"We aren’t looking for people who want to buy themselves a job. We are recruiting former VPs of Operations, Marketing

Directors, and Senior Project Managers. They don’t want a side gig; they want a primary, dominant income stream and equity growth on a schedule they control."

THE 2026 OPERATIONAL BLUEPRINT

The innovation that makes this possible is a layer of structural flexibility that didn’t exist five years ago. Modern franchise models are being "engineered for autonomy."

Take, for example, the evolution of the home care and medical staffing sectors. In the past, owning a territory meant being on-call 24/7. In 2026, the blueprint has shifted to a distributed leadership model. The franchisee acts as the Regional CEO, overseeing a specialized team of supervisors who handle daily operations. This is powered by "Invisible Infrastructure"—unified, AIdriven operations dashboards that allow for total remote oversight. A franchisee can monitor real-time performance data, payroll, and client satisfaction from a laptop at a soccer tournament. The role has moved from "doing the work" to "steering the ship."

FROM OWNER-OPERATOR TO PORTFOLIO CEO

Perhaps the most significant change in 2026 is the institutionalization of the "CEO Pathway." Progressive franchisors are now baking multi-unit expansion into their initial training.

Feature The 2016 "Mompreneur" The 2026 Franchise CEO

Schedule "Fitting it in"

This pathway allows a woman to master one location using a proven system, hire a general manager to handle the dayto-day, and then use the leveraged profits to secure financing for a second or third territory. It is the critical leap from income replacement to genuine wealth building.

"My first year was handson," says a former hospital administrator now owning multiple home care territories. "Now, I manage the managers. I’m negotiating contracts for new service lines while my kids are in school. My income has surpassed my old salary, but the equity I'm building is the real prize."

THE CULTURAL SHIFT: RESULTS OVER HOURS

Technology is the enabler, but the cultural shift is franchisorled. Brands in the business coaching and fitness sectors have begun adopting Results-

Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE)

Only Work Environments (ROWE). This philosophy assumes that if the KPIs are being met and the P&L is healthy, the "where" and "when" of the work are irrelevant. Franchisors are supporting this by:

• On-Demand Education: Moving mandatory training from week-long travel junkets to modular, virtual reality-enabled sessions.

• Virtual Masterminds: Creating peer support groups that meet via highfidelity video during "nontraditional" hours.

• Built-in Support Networks: Addressing the "internal guilt" factor through structured peer-to-peer mentorship. The New Professional Destiny The ultimate message for the 2026 woman is clear: You no longer have to choose between the structure of a corporation and the freedom of entrepreneurship.

Franchising offers the autonomy of a founder without the "terrifying void" of building a brand from scratch. It provides the sophistication of a C-suite role without the inflexibility of a central office. The side hustle is officially dead. In its place is a scalable, tech-backed asset that allows the modern woman to reclaim her professional destiny on her own terms. The new "mompreneur" isn’t just running a business; she’s building an empire.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jewan "Jack" Tiwari serves as a Franchise Consultant at FCC/FranMerica. com, providing expert guidance on business acquisition, exit planning, and strategic scaling. Jack’s practice focuses on helping clients acquire AI-resistant, semi-absentee franchises tailored for the "5-to-9" model and assisting business owners in converting their successful concepts into franchise systems. For a consultation on maximizing your business potential, email jack@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

The of FRANCHISING WOMEN

Women Have Been an Integral Part of the Fabric of Our Country and in Building Franchising Around the World.

This Section Highlights the Extraordinary Women Who Make a Difference Every Day in the World.

RHONDA SANDERSON

SANDERSON PR Founder CEO www.sandersonpr.com

Rhonda is one of the most accomplished PR practitioners in the business and she launched the Original Franchise PR in 1985. She built the franchise PR model for franchisors and has continually been innovating the craft of PR. There is no man or woman in franchise PR more respected than Rhonda.

CAREY GILLE

FRANCHISE FASTLANE

President & Co-Founder www.franchisefastlane.com

Carey Gille is an accomplished serial entrepreneur who has co-founded four start-ups and has extensive experience both as a franchisor and franchisee. She co-founded and now leads as the CEO of Franchise FastLane, and most recently, even became a franchisee of EverLine Coatings and Services. Paving the way for women in franchising, Carey’s leadership has helped explode Franchise FastLane in six short years to the #1 FSO in the country: ranking on the INC. 5000 list and on Entrepreneur’s Franchise Supplier list for four consecutive years.

BETH NILSSEN

GREAT CLIPS Director

Beth Nilssen, CFE joined the Great Clips franchise development department in 2007. She has been the Director of Franchise Development at Great Clips since 2013. She is the first female to have this role and is currently the youngest director at Great Clips. Beth has helped grow Great Clips to nearly 4500 salons in the US and Canada. Standing a striking 6’2” tall, she has been recognized as one of the brightest rising stars in franchising. When asked, her peers rarely comment on her multiple professional achievements, but rather on her willingness to help lift others within the franchising community.

Lucrative Concept - optimized food and labor costs

Watch your profits and efficiency in real time

Quality Products - We offer homemade foods elaborated by a French team

Easy Concept to Install and operate - The concept is easy to set up and operates thanks to customized applications

Thorough & Continuous Training - dedicated and ongoing training. We are behind you at every stage

Proven Business Model - The successful European model received already 15 awards in the US since 2014

Coffee drinks sold in 2021

In 2020, the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry in the United States generated $239 billion in revenue, and roughly $12 billion of that was coming from South Carolina with $10 7 billion in estimated restaurant sales in 2018 Work closely with the founder & replicate this high revenue model A café with a 4-6 person team can gross over $1M and net almost $350k. Avg start-up investment is less than $200k

We combine the comfort and atmosphere of a high-end salon and proven first-class services from consultations to razor neck shaves with every haircut. At Regimen, 'Revitalization and Relaxation' is the foundation for all of our services.

Wide range of excellent territories available

Semi absentee

Repeat clients

Continuous education for all stylists on our revered barber techniques

Brand loyalty

Recession proof business

Give back to your community via our unique non-profit

Opportunities for further company involvement

A

ONE-STOP GROOMING EMPORIUM FOR MEN

GARA POST

THE NOW MASSAGE

Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer

MICHELLE SANDONATO

BOWIE BARKER Co-Founder

bowiebarker.com

Gara Post is the Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer of The NOW Massage and Co-Founder of Bowie Barker, two lifestyle brands under The Post Investment Group family. Recognized for her innovation, Gara fosters brand loyalty through the rituals of crafting experiences that leave impressions, celebrate individuality and build community.

Launching The NOW in 2015 along with her business partner and husband Jason Post, the national franchise has expanded to nearly 90 boutiques open and 200+ locations in development nationwide. Gara is the DNA of The NOW, keeping the vision and voice true to all boutiques, media platforms and product collections.

Michelle Sandonato is the Co-Founder of Bowie Barker & Vice President of Strategy at The NOW Massage. Michelle has 20+ years of experience using her insights to build and grow brands that consumers love. She has worked with highgrowth, international companies like Cold Stone Creamery, Sky Zone, and Massage Envy, leading strategy, guest experience, new product and service development, operations and more.

In 2022, Michelle and Jeff Platt, founder of Sky Zone, co-founded Bowie Barker alongside Post Investment Group. Following its franchise launch in 2023, Bowie Barker currently has eight locations open with additional shops in development nationwide.

KENDRA SPENCER

THE NOW MASSAGE Vice President of Marketing thenowmassage.com

As a seasoned franchise marketing executive with 20+ years of industry experience, Kendra Spencer leads the strategy, development and execution of franchise marketing initiatives for The NOW.

Her past experience spans multiple industries, working with notable brands like TITLE Boxing Club, Sky Zone, Massage Envy and more. Kendra has successfully led national media campaigns, company rebrands and consumer programs that drive results for franchise owners.

ERIN RENDER

LEGATO LIVING CEO & Founder legatoliving.com

Erin Render brings energy, heart, and momentum to residential memory care. After successfully operating memory care homes from 2015 to 2021, she launched Legato Living Franchise in 2021 to scale a model that truly works. Since then, Legato Living has grown to 30+ territories with 9 memory care locations open nationwide. Erin doesn’t lead from the sidelines, she's personally guiding franchisees through construction, licensing, operations, and marketing to keep standards high and results strong.

Her hands-on leadership, training programs, and relentless focus on compassionate care have fueled rapid growth, empowered teams, and built a culture where memory care excellence and operational success thrive together.

A FRANCHISE BUILT FOR TODAY

PICKLED COURT stands as the premier authority in creating exceptional pickleball court experiences, going beyond construction to provide comprehensive services that encompass resurfacing, cleaning, and meticulous maintenance.

JEN OLSON

THE NOW MASSAGE

Vice President of Franchise Development

thenowmassage.com

Jen Olson is the Vice President of Franchise Development at The NOW and Bowie Barker. With decades of experience in franchise sales and development, Jen played a pivotal role in The NOW’s launch into franchising in 2019, successfully selling 200+ franchise licenses to date.

Working closely with The NOW’s leadership team, Jen’s proven track record is driving the next phase of the brand’s expansion, with key growth markets in Boston, Salt Lake City, Austin, Houston, San Antonio and more. From development planning to sales presentations and real estate, Jen is dedicated to helping franchisors and franchisees reach their full potential.

ANDREA LILLY

CORPORATE CLEANING GROUP

VP

Andrea Lilly is VPt of Franchise Development and Growth at Corporate Cleaning Group, where she leads strategic expansion with a focus on alignment, compliance, and long-term franchisee success.

With a background in operations and finance, she approaches franchising with clarity and accountability, ensuring candidates are prepared for real business ownership, not passive investment. Andrea is building a scalable development engine designed to reach 100 locations while protecting the brand and supporting franchisees from day one. She is known for leading with grit, heart, and curiosity, and for championing women in leadership across franchising.

SHANE EVANS

HEIGHTS WELLNESS RETREAT

Founder + CEO www.heightswellnessretreat.com

Shane Evans is a visionary leader transforming wellness franchising through innovation, purpose, and community impact. As Founder and CEO of Heights Wellness Retreat, she evolved a 20-year brand into a hybrid, membershipdriven longevity platform that meets consumers where they are—prioritizing frequency over oneoff experiences.

Her strategic leadership balances growth with heart, empowering franchisees and elevating wellness accessibility nationwide. Shane’s commitment to mentorship, operational excellence, and culture-first leadership makes her not just a franchise leader, but a catalyst for women advancing in franchising and entrepreneurship.

TARA GILAD

VITALITY BOWLS

Founder and President www.vitalitybowls.com

Tara is a 4x entrepreneur, brand builder and the powerhouse behind Vitality Bowls. Known for turning big ideas into thriving ventures, Tara embodies the spirit of this award and never lets fear stand in her way.

From launching startups to scaling a national brand, she brings bold vision, grit and real-world insight to every step of the entrepreneurial journey. She’s passionate about inspiring others to start bold, stay real, work hard and turn their vision into meaningful impact.

CHRISTINA DALE

Christina Dale is the Vice President of Development & Real Estate at The NOW, bringing more than 20 years of experience building and scaling franchise brands. Her expertise spans franchise development strategy, real estate, construction and franchise sales operations, with a proven track record of helping brands grow thoughtfully from early-stage expansion to multiunit systems.

Christina has led development efforts for recognized franchise platforms, including The UPS Store and Xponential Fitness, where she played a key role in market planning, site selection and lease negotiations. Franchiseefocused and highly collaborative, Christina combines strategy with hands-on execution to help build scalable models.

CYNDI DOUGLAS

FIBRENEW ST. AUGUSTINE

Primary Owner www.fibrenew.com/staugustine

After a 25-year career in tech, single mother Cyndi Douglass made the bold decision to invest in a Fibrenew franchise to build a stronger future for her family. Today, her business has become a true family affair, with her two teenage sons helping at trade shows and on larger projects—one even inspired to follow in her entrepreneurial footsteps.

With a diverse background spanning finance, technical trades, and customer service, Cyndi brings resilience, adaptability, and determination to her business. She exemplifies courage, leadership, and the powerful impact women have in franchising."

KRIPA DAWAR & JAGRITI DAWAR

ROBOTLAB

Branch President Robotlab.com

These sisters are a powerhouse duo in the robotics industry, blending entrepreneurial spirit with a deep commitment to innovation. Beyond launching their business, they serve as tireless educators and advocates, championing the integration of automation across diverse sectors.

Through strategic networking and community outreach, they are not just building a company, they are shaping the future of the field. Their relentless work ethic and passion for robotics make them exemplary candidates for this nomination, inspiring the next generation of women in tech.

JENNIFER LOBIANCO

BEST LIFE BRANDS

Chief Marketing Officer bestlifebrands.com

"Jennifer LoBianco, Chief Marketing Officer at Best Life Brands, is a veteran leader with over two decades of experience, including finance and education. She is instrumental in driving brand strategy, customer engagement, and franchise development for the company's multi-brand healthcare portfolio.

Known for her ""people first"" leadership approach, Jennifer focuses intently on the needs of clients and franchisees, which continuously fuels digital innovation across Best Life Brands' systems. A proven expert in scaling franchise systems, Jennifer holds an MBA from Seton Hall University. She is passionately committed to mentorship, evidenced by her founding of the company's first female-focused employee resource group, designed to empower the next generation of women leaders through collaboration and shared insights. She also dedicates her free time to mentoring business and marketing students.

Virtual Staffing

Marketing

Lead Generation Admin Task

No Costly Location / Inventory

Get Started With A Laptop

Can Be Run From Anywhere

Run By Low-Cost Remote Staff

Booming Industry

Limitless B2B High Ticket &

Recurring Products And Services

SOPs, Automations, Recruiting, & Support By Experienced Staff

Technology Solutions

Coaching

Calendar & Email

Management

SAMANEH SHEIKH-NIA

As the owner of Stemtree of South Irvine, I am driven by a clear purpose: expanding access to meaningful, high-quality STEM education for American students. With a Master’s degree in Computer Science and more than 10 years of experience in Machine Learning, I bring technical expertise and strategic business leadership.

Since opening, my center secured 1st place performing award within a year and achieved multiple awards every year, including 1st place in 2025. Beyond building a successful center, I am passionate about empowering families and inspiring more women to pursue entrepreneurship, especially through franchise, in STEM education.

MEG GANNON

THE NOW MASSAGE VP of Construction & Supply Chain

Meg Gannon, Vice President of Construction & Supply Chain, brings 12+ years of experience in the retail and restaurant industries to her role with The NOW. Having worked with brands like Qdoba, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Fat Burger and more, Meg oversees the design, construction and FF&E of all NOW boutiques from coast to coast.

She has been recognized for her achievements in delivering on-time and high-quality projects that exceed franchise owner’s expectations.

ALEXIA STEVENS

ROCKBOX FITNESS

Director of Sales & Operations rockboxfitness.com

Alexia has been the Director of Sales and Operations for RockBox Fitness since March 2023 and is a driving force behind operational excellence and scalable growth. She has quickly risen through the organization, previously leading training and development initiatives that strengthened team performance and consistency across locations.

Before joining the company, she spent seven years with Ulta Beauty, where she led retail training operations across multiple major markets. Known for her people-first leadership style, Alexia empowers teams, builds strong systems, and inspires results, making her a standout leader shaping the future of franchising.

PAULA SCHMIDT

EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS

Franchise Owner/Corporate Developer www.expresspros.com

Paula Schmidt stands out for her resilience, determination, and heart for service. A single mother of three from Pittsburgh, she transformed personal adversity into professional success, mastering sales and business development before launching her own Express Employment Professionals office in 2016. Paula’s entrepreneurial drive expanded further when she acquired an additional location in 2022, strengthening her impact on Pennsylvania’s job market.

Beyond business, she is deeply committed to her community, supporting the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank, veterans, local schools, and children’s organizations. Paula’s work connects people to meaningful employment while leaving a lasting, positive mark on families in need.

SHIA TOLBERT

ROCKBOX FITNESS

Franchise Owner rockboxfitness.com

Shia Tolbert is a wife, mother of three, and RockBox Fitness franchise owner passionate about helping others lead healthier, more active lives. Inspired by the workout’s impact and strong sense of community, she pursued ownership to create meaningful change while building multiple revenue streams.

Shia believes loving what you do is key to success and credits RockBox with allowing her to combine her passion for fitness with her desire to uplift others. She finds the greatest reward in witnessing members’ progress firsthand and encourages new business owners to stay adaptable, keep learning, and never become complacent in their journey.

JENNIFER MURPHY

THE NOW MASSAGE

Senior VP of Learning & Guest Experience thenowmassage.com

Jennifer Murphy brings 15+ years of franchising experience to The NOW, leading learning and development, sales training, guest experience and new service development.

She has worked with brands like Cold Stone Creamery, Massage Envy and Sky Zone executing training programs across the U.S. and globally, including China, Kuwait, Mexico, Colombia and more. She is passionate about using insights to help franchise businesses grow and thrive.

STACY LYNN BOURGEOIS

NEIGHBORLY

Chief Marketing Officer

www.neighborlybrands.com

Stacy Lynn is a driving force behind marketing excellence across Neighborly’s portfolio of brands, leading vision, strategy, and execution of integrated marketing initiatives that fuel growth and elevate brand visibility. As a strategic marketer, she blends data-driven decisionmaking with bold brand thinking to deliver measurable impact. Throughout her career, she has achieved double-digit growth while building deep expertise across product, operations, and customer experience.

Her leadership background includes serving as Global Head of Product, Quality & Operations for Amazon Renewed, U.S. Head of Musical Instruments at Amazon, and multiple leadership roles at Yum! Brands, connecting big-picture strategy with real-world execution."

KATHLEEN KOCSIS

PETITE PUP Founder & CEO

www.PetitePupDaycare.com

Kathleen Kocsis is the type of leader who mixes heart, hustle, and humor in everything she does. As the Founder and CEO of Petite Pup, she saw a gap in the growing pet care market and created a daycare designed just for little dogs— because small pups deserve big care. As Petite Pup continues to grow, Kathleen announced franchise opportunities, excited to help others open their own small dog daycare and share in the success she worked hard to build.

What makes Kathleen truly special is how she makes success feel both achievable and meaningful. She’s proof that with passion, drive, and a positive outlook, you can turn an idea to something extraordinary—and she reminds everyone around her to enjoy the journey, celebrate the wins, and believe that your big dreams are absolutely within reach.

Lori Nebel | Multi-Unit Franchise Owner

LORI JOHNSON

NANCY SHIPLEY HOUSEMASTER, A NEIGHBORLY COMPANY

President housemaster.com

Lori Johnson is a respected franchise leader with a deep commitment to the mission and values within her team and brand. As President of The Grounds Guys, Lori leads the brand’s vision, growth, and operational excellence across the United States and Canada. She is known for translating brand strategy into strong field execution, ensuring franchise owners have the tools, support, and direction to build highperforming, sustainable businesses.

Lori previously held senior marketing leadership roles at Neighborly, guiding systemwide initiatives that strengthened franchise development, customer acquisition, and brand performance across multiple home service brands. She also served as Director of Marketing Strategy and Planning at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Nancy serves as President of HouseMaster, leading the brand’s vision, operational strategy, and growth across its franchise system. With more than two decades of leadership in operations, franchise support, and business management, Nancy is passionate about driving innovation, operating with excellence, and supporting franchise owner success.

Nancy joined Neighborly in 2019, serving as Vice President of Operations and Director of Franchise Support at HouseMaster, and previously held leadership roles at PatchMaster and as an entrepreneur. Nancy holds a Master of Science in Business Administration from Saint Elizabeth University and brings firsthand experience in building strong, high-performing businesses.

SUSAN MCINTOSH

LAWN PRIDE, A NEIGHBORLY COMPANY President

Susan serves as President of Lawn Pride, a Neighborly® brand dedicated to exceptional lawn care and community service. With nearly three decades of experience, Susan has grown with the company, starting on a landscape crew and progressing through customer service, management, and operations. Her deep understanding of the business and the green industry has been central to Lawn Pride’s success.

Known for her approachable, team-focused leadership and ability to inspire those around her, Susan now guides Lawn Pride as it grows into a new franchise model, bringing Neighborly’s trusted services to even more communities.

CHRIS BRUNO

WINDOW GENIE, A NEIGHBORLY COMPANY President

Chris Bruno serves as President of Window Genie, a Neighborly® brand, where she leads the brand’s growth, operations, and franchise success. A Certified Franchise Executive with over 25 years of experience, Chris combines strategic insight with a passion for coaching and team development, building positive, highperformance cultures wherever she goes. A former entrepreneur who owned and operated a chain of retail businesses, Chris brings operational excellence, strategic vision, and an assertive, energetic leadership style to drive franchise growth. Since joining Neighborly in 2018, she has held multiple leadership roles, delivering measurable results across Window Genie, Junk King, and Five Star Painting.

F i n a n c i a l F r e e d o m Q u a l i t y o f L i f e T h e o p p o r t u n i

MARIANNE EGBERS

SHELFGENIE OF CINCINNATI

Owner & Director of Customer Happiness & Creator of Happier Spaces www.shelfgenie.com/locations/ cincinnati/

Marianne Egbers is an exceptional leader in franchising, transforming ShelfGenie of Cincinnati into a high-performing, client-centric business through disciplined operations, strong team development, and strategic expansion. Leveraging her design expertise, she has built scalable systems that consistently deliver customized solutions and elevate the brand experience. Marianne’s leadership strengthens both her franchise and the broader Neighborly network through collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her ability to grow a thriving business while maintaining a purpose-driven approach makes her a standout woman shaping the future of the franchising industry.

KATIE WALTERS

MR. APPLIANCE OF BLOOMINGTON & MR. ROOTER PLUMBING OF CHAMPAIGN

Chief Administration Officer www.mrappliance.com/ bloomington/

Katie Walters drives multi-brand excellence and is a highly effective leader in the franchising industry, driving operational excellence across multiple Mr. Rooter Plumbing and Mr. Appliance locations. She oversees many of the centers, ensuring strong process management, efficient office operations, and reliable service delivery. Katie also plays a key role in supporting their multi-state Mr. Appliance footprint, contributing to streamlined systems and consistent team performance. Her disciplined leadership, ability to manage dispersed teams, and commitment to operational quality make her a vital force behind the continued success and growth of both franchise brands.

ROBIN MCKENNA

WINDOW GENIE OF PRINCETON

Owner & President

https://www.windowgenie.com/ locations/new-jersey/princeton/

Robin McKenna champions service excellence and she stands out in franchising as a trailblazer, becoming the first female owner in the Window Genie system and building a thriving business in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her leadership transformed Window Genie of Princeton into a successful, community-focused operation that provides local jobs, supports nonprofits, and delivers trusted home-service solutions. Robin’s perseverance, customer-first mindset, and disciplined work ethic have driven consistent growth, including expanding services and adding full-time staff to meet rising demand. Her commitment to balancing business success with family and community impact makes her an inspiring example of women shaping the future of franchising.

GAYLE PATRICK

Gayle Patrick is a Veteran turned visionary and she is standout in the franchising industry for her bold transition from U.S. Army veteran and corporate leader to thriving Dryer Vent Wizard franchise owner. Drawn to a business that was simple, scalable, and built for strong margins, she launched her Newport News franchise in 2019 using her own capital—and exceeded her growth goals within the first year. She has recently expanded to Virginia Beach with her second location. Gayle has built a high-performing operation while creating the work-life balance she once only imagined. Through mentoring aspiring franchisees and giving back to her community, she exemplifies the discipline, resilience, and service-driven leadership that define exceptional women in franchising.

LISA GARNER

THE GROUNDS GUYS OF NEW ALBANY (OH)

Owner & CEO

www.groundsguys.com/locations/ ohio/new-albany

Lisa Garner is an inspiring force in franchising, redefining what leadership looks like in the green industry. With a foundation in managing complex hotel operations, she stepped confidently into The Grounds Guys and built a franchise rooted in excellence, empowerment, and heart. Lisa elevates her team through mentorship, continuous learning, and a collaborative culture that helps people grow both professionally and personally. Her commitment to streamlined systems, superior service, and long-term sustainability demonstrates vision beyond day-to-day operations. Lisa leads with purpose—championing innovation, nurturing talent, and paving the way for more women to thrive in franchising.

LISA A. WOODARD NEIGHBORLY

Vice President of Franchise Development Marketing Franchise.Neighborly.com

As Vice President of Franchise Development Marketing at Neighborly, Lisa A. Woodard accelerates growth across 19 award-winning brands by shaping strategy, simplifying complexity, and helping aspiring business owners find their path through franchising. A dynamic industry leader, she builds high-performing teams, elevates brand cohesion, and drives initiatives that strengthen market position and measurable expansion. She also serves as a volunteer attorney with Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, providing legal services to Veterans and low-income individuals. Known for inspiring confidence and collaboration, her resilience, integrity, and purpose-driven leadership continue to motivate women and professionals to pursue excellence with clarity and courage.

FERZAN JAEGER

DISTRICT CANDLE LAB

Founder districtcandlelab.com

Ferzan Jaeger is a visionary founder whose uncommon journey from physicist and engineer to franchise innovator exemplifies the power of reinvention. With over a decade of experience working at NASA, Ferzan brings analytical precision, systems thinking, and operational discipline to every venture she leads. She is the founder of District Candle Lab, an experiential retail concept redefining the candle industry through hands-on creation, community engagement, and scalable design, as well as Olive & Loom, a complementary lifestyle brand rooted in craftsmanship and quality.

Ferzan’s ability to translate complex technical expertise into approachable, consumer-driven business models has fueled the success of two thriving brands. As a woman founder breaking traditional molds, she inspires entrepreneurs to embrace both logic and creativity while building businesses with purpose. Her leadership, innovation, and commitment to empowering others make her a standout nominee for Women’s History Month recognition.

LEAH MARIE

PERFECT CARE MATCH

Founder/CEO

perfectcarematch.com

Leah Marie is the Founder and CEO of Perfect Care Match, bringing more than 25 years of experience across healthcare, wellness, and professional caregiving. Her background as a board-certified holistic health practitioner and dementia practitioner and trainer adds a powerful, multidimensional approach to care— one that prioritizes both clinical excellence and whole-person wellbeing. Leah’s work is rooted in the belief that exceptional care extends beyond tasks, focusing instead on dignity, connection, and life enrichment.

Deeply passionate about education, Leah equips caregivers, families, and care professionals with life-enriching techniques that support mental, emotional, and physical health. Her dynamic leadership style is informed by her ability to communicate, teach, and inspire—skills honed not only through decades in care, but also through her experience as a former international radio show host. Leah’s commitment to elevating standards in caregiving and empowering others through knowledge makes her a compelling nominee for Women’s History Month recognition.

I’D FOUND A PROGRAM AND I’D FOUND THE PEOPLE THAT I NEEDED. THEY ACCEPTED ME AS I WAS. THEY TAUGHT ME, THEY ENCOURAGED ME, AND THEY KEPT ME ACCOUNTABLE.

Peter J. // 2021 $10,000 National Challenge Winner

R E A D Y T O

D O M I N A T E

Y O U R P A R T O F A $ 2 2 0 B I L L I O N I N D U S T R Y ?

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c o a c h i n g , a n d o p e r a t i o n a l s u p p o r t

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l o c a t i o n ’ s s u c c e s s , w e g u a r a n t e e

y o u w i l l h i t t h e g r o u n d r u n n i n g !

M a r k e t i n g S u p p o r t

W e c o o r d i n a t e d e v e l o p m e n t o f a d v e r t i s i n g m a t e r i a l s a n d s t r a t e g i e s , a l o n g w i t h c o n s u m e r m a r k e t i n g

p l a n s a n d m a t e r i a l s t o p r o v i d e

c o m p l e t e m a r k e t i n g s u p p o r t t o a l l o u r f r a n c h i s e l o c a t i o n s F r o m i n i t i a l

l a u n c h t o a d v e r t i s i n g a n d m a r k e t i n g , w e a r e a l w a y s t h e r e t o g u i d e a n d

s u p p o r t y o u

B r a n d R e c o g n i t i o n

O u r b r a n d h a s b e e n b u i l t o n a t r u s t e d , s t r o n g f o u n d a t i o n a n d w e ’ r e n o w s e e k i n g c a n d i d a t e s f o r t h i s o n e - o f - a - k i n d b u s i n e s s o f f e r i n g ! W i t h e x c e l l e n c e a n d i n t e g r i t y , w e w a n t t o m a k e a l l h o m e s h e a l t h i e r a n d h a p p i e r f o r a l i f e t i m e R E E A P

C o m p r e h e n s i v e T r a i n i n g

W e p r o v i d e c o m p r e h e n s i v e , u n m a t c h e d c o a c h i n g a n d t r a i n i n g t o e n s u r e a l l o u r f r a n c h i s e l o c a t i o n s h i t

a g r a n d s l a m . F r o m t h e i n i t i a l t r a i n i n g w e e k a t o u r N E S T P r o t e c t i o n

O u r “ R e a l E s t a t e E n v i r o n m e n t a l

A w a r e n e s s P r o g r a m ” c r e a t e d f o r r e a l t o r s , b y r e a l t o r s , i s a C E p r o g r a m

t a u g h t t o r e a l t o r s a c r o s s t h e U S o n t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f p r o p e r l y a d d r e s s i n g i n d o o r e n v i r o n m e n t a l i s s u e s O u r e x c l u s i v e a b i l i t y t h r o u g h t h i s a w a r e n e s s p r o g r a m g i v e s u s a s t r o n g p a r t n e r s h i p f o r h e l p i n g b u i l d i n g s s t a y h e a l t h y

P l a n t r a i n i n g c e n t e r , t o o u r o n s i t e v i s i t s t o y o u r l o c a t i o n , w e d o n ’ t r e s t u n t i l e a c h p a r t n e r r e a c h e s s u c c e s s ! B u i l t - i n C u s t o m e r B a s e

W e l e a d f r o m e x p e r i e n c e a n d o u r s t a f f , t e c h n o l o g y , a n d m a r k e t i n g h a s c o n t i n u e d t o b e a d r i v i n g f o r c e b e h i n d o u r w i d e l y b u i l t - i n c u s t o m e r b a s e W h e n y o u j o i n u s y o u b e n e f i t f r o m r a p i d g r o w t h a n d e x c l u s i v e r e a l e s t a t e r e l a t i o n s h i p s !

BARBARA

ANDRIEVK

QUICKLISS Founder thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com

Barbara Andrievk is redefining franchise leadership, building scalable systems with precision, vision, and purpose.

Barbara Andrievk has built a franchise career defined by strategic leadership and disciplined execution. As an FCC consultant, she has advised entrepreneurs and investors on structuring compliant, scalable franchise platforms designed for sustainable U.S. expansion. She now brings that expertise to her role as franchisor of Quickliss, where she leads system development, franchisee performance, and long-term brand growth. By operating at both the advisory and brand level, Andrievk offers a rare, investorminded perspective—grounded in compliance, scalability, and operational rigor. Her work reflects the rising influence of women who are not only participating in franchising, but shaping its future through thoughtful, data-driven leadership.

MELISSA GOLDRING

THE VITAL STRETCH Co-Founder

thevitalstretch.com

Melissa Goldring is the Co-Founder of The Vital Stretch, an assisted stretching concept built on the mission to help people of all ages, lifestyles, and fitness levels move freely and live fully. A trained physical therapist by background, Melissa co-created The Vital Stretch Method alongside her partner, Rob, blending clinical expertise with an accessible, results-driven approach to mobility, recovery, and overall wellness.

Beyond the method itself, Melissa is deeply committed to the success of The Vital Stretch franchise community. She plays an active role in supporting franchisees, ensuring they are equipped with the education, tools, and guidance needed to build sustainable, impactful businesses. Her passion for movement, innovation, and franchisee empowerment continues to shape a brand that improves quality of life while creating meaningful opportunities for entrepreneurs.

BECKY WANG

BUTTERFLY HOME CARE

Founder & CEO

butterflyhomecare.com

Becky Wang is the Founder and CEO of Butterfly Home Care, a purpose-driven home care brand redefining what compassionate, high-quality care looks like in today’s communities. Inspired by her personal journey as a mother to a child with special needs, Becky built Butterfly Home Care on a foundation of empathy, dignity, and excellence—ensuring seniors and individuals with disabilities receive care that honors both their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Under Becky’s leadership, Butterfly Home Care has grown into a mission-led franchise brand that empowers entrepreneurs while creating meaningful impact nationwide. Known for her hands-on leadership style, Becky is deeply involved in supporting franchisees, strengthening operational systems, and fostering a culture rooted in kindness and professionalism. Her vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to elevating care standards make her a powerful and deserving nominee for Women’s History Month recognition.

KRYSTAL DEALANO

HOTWORX OF SARASOTA

Franchise Owner

www.hotworx.net/studio/ southsarasota

After more than 20 years as a successful entrepreneur in Dallas, Krystal followed her heart to Florida’s Suncoast with a bold vision: bring HOTWORX to her new community. Soon after relocating, two hurricanes struck — but where others saw obstacles, she saw opportunity. With grit and unwavering determination, she opened in October 2025.

Fitness has always been central to Krystal’s life, but her true passion is helping others transform theirs. For Krystal and her husband Tommy, the greatest reward is seeing members reclaim their physical and mental strength — proof that resilience, like fitness, grows stronger under pressure.

BECKY WARBURTON

TOODLEY TOWN

Founder toodleytownusa.com

Becky Warburton is the Co-Founder of Toodley Town, a children’s enrichment concept designed to inspire creativity, confidence, and joyful learning through imaginative play. With a deep understanding of early childhood development and a passion for purposeful experiences, Becky has helped shape Toodley Town into a brand that nurtures curiosity while creating meaningful connections for families and communities. As a co-founder, Becky plays a hands-on role in building systems that support franchise partners and ensure consistency, quality, and heart across every location. Her leadership blends creativity with operational clarity, empowering entrepreneurs to deliver memorable experiences while growing sustainable businesses.

EMMA FLANDERS

HAWKS Co-Founder and CEO

Emma Flanders is redefining what modern franchising can look like by leading with mission, impact, and intention. As Founder and CEO of HAWKs (Hiking Adventures With Kids), Emma built a scalable, franchise-ready model that meets a growing demand for meaningful, screen-free kids enrichmentwhile staying deeply rooted in community and child development. Under her leadership, HAWKs secured strategic investment to fuel national expansion, prioritizing mission-aligned franchisees and accessible, low-cost operations. A working mom and visionary leader, Emma proves that purpose-driven brands can grow sustainably while making a real difference for families nationwide.

DIANA LIEBOWITZ

WEEKEND PE

Co-Founder

Diana Liebowitz is the Co-Founder of Weekend PE, a community-centered concept designed to bring purposeful play, movement, and connection back into children’s lives. With a professional background in project management and design, Diana plays a key role in shaping the brand’s vision, growth strategy, and programming, ensuring that creativity and structure work hand in hand.

At Weekend PE, Diana focuses on business development and building programs that are deeply rooted in the communities they serve. Her thoughtful, design-driven approach emphasizes inclusivity, accessibility, and meaningful engagement, creating experiences that resonate with families while supporting sustainable growth. Through her leadership, Diana continues to help Weekend PE evolve as a brand that strengthens communities and reimagines how play can positively impact childhood development.

COURTNEY HONDA

PUPTQE

President & Co-Founder

puptqe.com

Courtney is special because she gets things done while caring deeply about people. She lives the aloha spirit by being kind, welcoming, and generous with her time. She listens, shows up, and makes others feel supported. She encourages people to grow simply by believing in them and leading by example through creativity and initiative. She isn’t afraid to go after what she wants, even when it’s hard! Puptqe is her way of bringing people together to celebrate life with their dogs.

Healthy – USDA reports that American adults are choosing healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables to support a healthier lifestyle. That’s why nearly half of all Millennial and Gen Z consumers buy 3+ entrée salads per week away from home. Saladworks is on-trend.

Simple – Our concept is asset-light, equipment-light and easy to operate. No fryers and no hood means less expensive buildout costs for you. Just chop, slice and dice to serve the tastiest create-your-own salads around. Saladworks is turn-key.

Saladworks is the original create-your-own, fast-casual salad franchise.

Healthy – USDA reports that American adults are choosing healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables to support a healthier lifestyle. That’s why nearly half of all Millennial and Gen Z consumers buy 3+ entrée salads per week away from home. Saladworks is on-trend.

Simple – Our concept is asset-light, equipment-light and easy to operate. No fryers and no hood means less expensive buildout costs for you. Just chop, slice and dice to serve the tastiest create-your-own salads around. Saladworks is turn-key.

Accessible – The fast-casual landscape is overbuilt and cluttered with create-your-own burger, sandwich, pizza, Mexican and smoothie concepts. Landlords are looking for healthy concepts like ours. We have the market, venue, format and footprint you want. Saladworks is available.

Accessible – The fast-casual landscape is overbuilt and cluttered with create-your-own burger, sandwich, pizza, Mexican and smoothie concepts. Landlords are looking for healthy concepts like ours. We have the market, venue, format and footprint you want. Saladworks is available.

Saladworks is the original create-your-own, fast-casual salad franchise.

Healthy – USDA reports that American adults are choosing healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables to support a healthier lifestyle. That’s why nearly half of all Millennial and Gen Z consumers buy 3+ entrée salads per week away from home.

Simple to operate. No fryers and no hood means less expensive buildout costs for you. Just chop, slice and dice to serve the tastiest create-your-own salads around.

Accessible

cluttered with create-your-own burger, sandwich, pizza, Mexican and smoothie concepts. Landlords are looking for healthy concepts like ours. We have the market, venue, format and footprint you want.

$1,227,858 median

BUTTERFLY HOME CARE | TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH CARE

Butterfly Home Care provides specialized home care services for individuals with autism, people with disabilities, and seniors. Our company has built a strong reputation and proven track record in delivering high-quality, personalized care at the comfort of people's homes. With extensive experience in the field, we are committed to meeting the unique needs of each client.

Building Altitude: Ana Marroquin Brenner’s Journey to Franchise Ownership

by Rudy Frederico, Franchise Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

When Ana Marroquin Brenner arrived in the United States at 19, she carried more than a suitcase—she carried determination and grit. Leaving her home country to work as an au pair in Georgia, Ana embraced long days of childcare and cultural adjustment with the quiet confidence that her journey was only beginning. What she did not yet know was that her path would ultimately lead her back to the aviation world— this time as a franchise owner in one of the most specialized niches in the industry. While working as an au pair,

Ana pursued higher education, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. That decision laid the groundwork for a career defined by discipline, strategic thinking, and resilience. After graduation, she relocated to California and began working around aviation at San Diego International Airport, focusing on labor compliance. The role demanded attention to regulatory detail, operational oversight, and collaboration across multiple airport stakeholders. It also exposed her to the intricate ecosystem that keeps aircraft—and the businesses surrounding them—running efficiently.

Ana’s entrepreneurial instincts eventually led her to be a principle in an insurance public adjusting firm. The business sharpened her skills in negotiations, claims

management, and operational leadership. By early 2025, after successfully helping grow the firm, she made the strategic decision to sell her ownership interest. It was both a professional milestone and a personal crossroads.

As a single mother to two young daughters, ages six and eight, Ana knew her next move had to align not only with her financial ambitions but also with her role at home. “Success,” she has said, “is meaningless if I don’t have time with my girls.” She began exploring franchise ownership, recognizing that franchising offered the structure, systems, and brand support she valued—without the unpredictability of building entirely from scratch.

Working with a franchise consultant, Ana was introduced to RealClean Aircraft Detailing. Knowing she once owned a small plane herself, it was a natural connection. The concept immediately resonated. The aviation industry was familiar

territory, yet this opportunity placed her in a growthoriented, service-based business with strong demand and scalable potential. Ana is also able to leverage her public adjusting background in the management of her RealClean projects.

In August 2025, Ana officially acquired her franchise territory. By January 2026, RealClean Aircraft Detailing was open for business. Ana said she was particularly impressed by the leadership team at RealClean. Founders Dustin Zeitler and Luke Goucher bring years of experience, a clear vision and a irrefutable reputation in the industry.

RealClean specializes in comprehensive aircraft detailing services designed to preserve both the appearance and value of private, corporate, and charter aircraft. Services include exterior washing and brightwork polishing to remove oxidation and environmental buildup; paint correction and protective coatings to extend aircraft finish life; and deep interior detailing that addresses everything from leather conditioning and carpet extraction to cockpit cleaning with aviation-safe products. The company also offers specialized services such as ceramic coating applications for long-term surface protection, de-icing residue removal, and compliancefocused cleaning protocols tailored to aviation standards. For aircraft owners and operators, these services are not cosmetic luxuries—they

are critical maintenance components that protect multi-million-dollar assets, improve passenger experience, and support resale value.

Ana’s background in labor compliance and aviation operations gives her a competitive advantage. She understands airport regulations, safety requirements, and vendor coordination. Her operational discipline ensures that crews are trained not only in detailing excellence but also in airfield safety and regulatory adherence. That professionalism has already positioned her franchise as a trusted service provider within her market.

Franchising, Ana notes, provided the balance she sought. The established systems and brand recognition of RealClean allow her to focus on leadership, client relationships, and strategic growth rather than building processes from the ground up. Equally important,

the business model offers scheduling flexibility—allowing her to attend school events, sports practices, and the everyday milestones that matter most to her daughters.

Today, Ana Marroquin Brenner embodies the spirit of Women in Business: resilient, strategic, and purpose-driven. From au pair to aviation professional to franchise owner, her journey is a testament to what is possible when ambition is paired with intentional decision-making.

For Ana, success is measured in two ways: the steady climb of a growing business—and the laughter of two little girls waiting for her at home.

To learn more about the process to franchise ownership, visit www. franchisewithrudy.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rudy Frederico is a 35-year veteran of franchising and has owned 3 franchises himself, making him uniquely qualified to help others find their best-fit franchise.

E N R I C H L I V E S B Y

E M P O W E R I N G

W E L L N E S S

Join the holistic health group that embodies integrity, innovation, and community, with a primary focus on e-commerce, positioning us at the forefront of a cannabis-infused wellness revolution where setting up physical locations remains an option, not a necessity.

Women in Franchising: When Infrastructure Becomes the Franchise Model

by Ozzie Grupenmager, Franchise Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

While much public attention in franchising continues to center on restaurants, retail, and consumer services, a quieter but highly durable segment has been expanding steadily: compliance-based essential services.

These models are less visible to consumers but deeply embedded in the operational infrastructure of business. They are driven not by trends, but by regulation, safety standards, and recurring institutional demand.

Complete Mobile Drug Testing (CMDT), founded by Mikki Krecak, represents this evolution within franchising. Rather than launching a traditional storefront model, CMDT was designed as a mobile-first compliance platform serving employers that require drug testing, DNA collection, and related screening services. The model integrates on-site mobile testing with office-

based operations, creating a hybrid service structure capable of supporting local employers as well as national accounts.

This approach reflects a broader shift in franchise development: infrastructurefocused systems that solve operational problems for other businesses.

Compliance-driven models differ from many consumer brands in fundamental ways. They are built around documentation accuracy, procedural discipline, and regulatory alignment.

Revenue often originates from business clients rather than walk-in customers, and demand is frequently recurring rather than discretionary.

CMDT structures defined service territories designed to support operational efficiency and client concentration. As a mobile-first model, the system emphasizes logistics coordination, compliance accuracy, and procedural consistency rather than reliance on storefront traffic. The focus

AS FRANCHISING CONTINUES TO MATURE, ESSENTIAL SERVICES ARE LIKELY TO REPRESENT A LARGER SHARE OF NEW DEVELOPMENT. ECONOMIC CYCLES MAY INFLUENCE

DISCRETIONARY SPENDING, BUT COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS PERSIST REGARDLESS OF CONSUMER SENTIMENT.

is on reliability, standardized processes, and adherence to established testing protocols. This distinction matters.

Infrastructure franchising requires a system designed for precision. Training protocols must be clear. Compliance requirements must be understood. Territory management must support both growth and service integrity.

demonstrated strength in operational design, procedural clarity, and disciplined systemization — all critical elements in regulated industries.

Women founders entering this segment are not merely participating in franchising’s growth; they are expanding its definition. Across essential service categories, female entrepreneurs have

As franchising continues to mature, essential services are likely to represent a larger share of new development. Economic cycles may influence discretionary spending, but compliance requirements persist regardless of consumer sentiment.

Infrastructure-based franchise models therefore offer a counterbalance to more trend-driven categories.

The rise of compliancefocused concepts highlights an important evolution within franchising: the shift from storefront visibility to operational indispensability. The most durable franchise systems are often those embedded within the business ecosystem itself. As franchising continues to evolve beyond storefront visibility toward operational indispensability, women founders are increasingly shaping the next generation of infrastructure-driven brands. And increasingly, women founders are at the forefront of building them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

is a former franchisor and franchise executive who now serves as a consultant with The Franchise Consulting Company. With firsthand experience building and operating franchise systems, he advises founders and career-transition professionals on scalable franchise development, system design, and disciplined growth strategies.

Benefits of Franchising with Pestmaster

By joining Pestmaster, you’ll become part of a trusted and innovative network, ready to support your journey to financial independence and business success.

Proven Business Model

Nearly 45 years of industry experience and a clear roadmap to success.

Government Contracts

Access to valuable federal, state, and local contracts.

Environmental Responsibility

Integrated Pest Management for greener pest control solutions.

Protected Territories

Exclusive operating areas to ensure franchisee success.

Diverse Services

Pest control, vegetation management, and health-related vector control.

Recurring Revenue

Stable income from core pest control services.

Low Overhead

Home-based model with no need for brick-and-mortar locations.

Ongoing Training

Best-in-class training programs and workshops.

Flowers for Joy: How One Woman Is Franchising Compassion

by Barbara Andrievk Ruiz, Franchise Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

For Seema Govil, Flowers for Joy did not begin as a business idea. It began as a deeply human moment—one that arrived quietly, in the middle of one of the hardest seasons of her life.

Founded in 2024, in Austin, TX, while Seema herself was undergoing cancer treatment, Flowers for Joy delivers donated bouquets—each paired with a poem she wrote

during her own radiation journey—to patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation. What started as a personal act of gratitude has, in just over a year, grown into something far greater: a structured, repeatable model with the potential to scale across communities nationwide.

Each week, volunteers collect fresh and surplus flowers donated by local partners including Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and La Fleur Florist through Seema’s nonprofit foundation. These flowers, vibrant and full of life, are then delivered to oncology clinics, where volunteers distribute them anonymously in infusion rooms and place arrangements throughout treatment areas.

The effect is immediate and profound.

Patients who arrive anxious and vulnerable are greeted by unexpected beauty. Nurses and physicians have observed a visible shift in mood—calmer rooms, softer expressions, and, most notably, more smiles. Some patients quietly share that receiving flowers feels like a sign they are not alone— that someone, somewhere, is

thinking of them.

The idea itself was born during one of Seema’s own radiation appointments. While waiting for treatment, she received an unexpected call from a florist offering to deliver flowers. In that moment, she experienced a surge of emotional relief—an almost indescribable sense of comfort. Later, when she got

home, Seema discovered that the beautiful arrangement had been sent by her fellow consultant, Joe Fox from Franchise Consulting Company. She is profoundly grateful to Joe, whose thoughtful gesture became the spark that inspired this entire movement of kindness. Her family, friends and other consultants had supported her in countless ways, but this anonymous act, arriving at such a vulnerable moment, touched something deeper. Immediately, a question formed in her mind: What if every patient could experience this? As a franchise consultant by profession, Seema instinctively began thinking beyond the moment. She recognized that this simple act of kindness could be transformed into a system—one that could be replicated anywhere. Even while continuing her daily radiation treatments, she began sourcing donated flowers and personally delivering them to her clinic. She feels this initiative was act of universe, the help and support came People noticed. Volunteers stepped forward. Clinics welcomed the initiative. Gradually, Flowers for Joy evolved into a structured program with defined partnerships, volunteer coordination, clinic onboarding, and weekly delivery protocols—laying the foundation for a model that could scale.

What makes Flowers for Joy especially powerful is not

only its emotional impact, but its operational simplicity. The flowers are donated. The logistics are communitydriven. The delivery system is consistent. Its sustainability lies not in financial investment, but in human connection.

Today, Seema and her volunteer team deliver flowers every Monday to multiple oncology locations. The program operates with no traditional infrastructure costs—relying instead on community partnerships, clear processes, and shared purpose. Doctors, nurses, and volunteers alike note the joy it brings: patients feel calmer, more supported, and leave treatment with a sense of hope that somehow they will be taken care of. Seema believes that if you feel better, you heal better.

As the framework strengthened, so did Seema’s vision. Rather than expanding

solely through centralized growth, she began exploring a franchise-style model— one that would empower local leaders to launch Flowers for Joy programs in their own communities using a shared operating system, brand standards, and proven processes. The concept represents a new kind of franchise: one rooted not in profit margins, but in emotional impact.

Seema’s initiative is supported by her family’s nonprofit, MD Junior, amplifying its community

reach and long-term impact.

In Austin, Keep Austin Fed collaborates with Seema by redirecting surplus floral arrangements to extend the life of each bloom and spread joy where it’s needed most.

In this model, the returns are measured differently. T

There are no franchise fees, no build-out costs. No inventory requirements. No traditional royalties.

The only currency is joy.

Seema envisions a future where Flowers for Joy programs operate in oncology clinics across the country—each one locally led, yet connected through a shared mission and system. Mission-driven entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, nonprofit

leaders, and community builders could all play a role in expanding its reach.

In many ways, Flowers for Joy challenges conventional definitions of franchising. It demonstrates that scalable systems need not be limited to products or services. They can also deliver something far more meaningful: dignity, hope, and human connection.

Seema has gracefully resumed her consulting work, drawing on the immense strength and expertise from her franchise consulting background. She continues refining the Flowers for Joy model—strengthening partnerships, documenting

processes, and learning from every delivery. Seema feels as if this initiative came from the universe, and she was simply a channel for implementing it, supported by so much generosity from everywhere. Yet the foundation is already clear: what began as one woman’s response to her own vulnerability has grown into a blueprint for collective compassion.”

And in the world of franchising, that may be one of the most powerful systems of all with no dollars involved, only kind donations of flowers from the grocery stores or florists.

And in the world of franchising, that may be one of the most powerful systems of all.

If any franchisors or franchisees want to collaborate with Seema, please feel free to reach out to her at Seema@ thefranchiseconsulting company.com or 512-762-7387. She would be absolutely delighted to hear from you.

You can also find her on Instagram page- Flowers for Joy 24 or just go to Flowers for Joy, Instagram @flowersforjoy24

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Barbara Andrievk Ruiz, Architect, MBA, with over 15 years of experience in franchising as a franchisor, franchisee and franchise consultant. Barbara is thrilled to support other women in franchising achieving their entrepreneurial dreams.

IT’S TIME TO PRESS PAUSE

•Full-service Wellness Studio offering mind/body recovery

•First franchise to offer “Contrast Therapy” (Sauna/Cold Plunge) with EIGHT unique revenue streams: Cryotherapy, IV Drip, Cold plunge, Float, LED light therapy, Sauna, Normatec & Retail

•Minimal employee ownership model

•Four corporate units open in Los Angeles with a fifth in development

•Broad retail offerings focused on Sleep, Stress/Anxiety, Clean Beauty, Detoxification and Immunity, brands include Moon Juice, Bee Keepers, Osea, Quick Silver Scientific

•Top performing studio revenue: $1,975,984 in 2022

•Top performing Net Margin: 35% (After a 7% royalty deduction)

•2,600-3,000 sq.ft

• 50+ licenses awarded with markets available: San Diego, San Francisco, Houston, and New York.

for further detail. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Individual results may vary.

Benefits of Being a Woman Franchisee

by Paulette Callender, Franchise Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

Starting out in the medical industry was something I thought would be a lifelong career. I moved from Ohio in 1988 to the sunshine state of Florida. I knew that whatever I decided to do in life I wanted to help people in one way or another.

Early on I started out in Radiology, although I loved the patient care aspect of the health care industry I did not like being confined in an institution for days on end. From there I went into sales, it gave me some great insight into different industries along the way and the flexibility to be self-motivated that would be a key factor in my next steps.

It wasn’t until the early 2000’s once I moved back from Sydney, AU that I walked into a retail store on the coast off Tampa Bay and thought, this is it!! My franchising life started that day. It was this darling little spice store and since I was such a passionate foodie I knew this would be my next life. But how do I give up my medical career with amazing benefits to opening a store in one of the most expensive areas in Sarasota? Most thought I was crazy, you’re leaving your medicine career to open a spice and tea store!

I opened several franchise

locations in Florida and Massachusetts, then started my own concept called Savory Palate, a gourmet shop because I wanted to try something outside of the

franchise industry. I quickly found the value of a franchise with its consistent branding, franchise support systems like marketing and online/ social and consolidated

vendor management. Being independent with over 60 vendors and disparate support systems took too much time from my life so I sold the business and went back to franchising.

My time running A Savory Palate showed I can handle branding and sourcing, but franchising provides a shortcut with a proven business model and established brand authority. This structure suits professionals skilled in scaling multi-unit portfolios, offering immediate impact without starting from zero. Franchising also offers structured training, ongoing support for high performance, clear financial benchmarks, and a predictable exit strategy, much like my successful sale of my own venture.

As this month is Woman in Franchising I am providing some insight from my 20 years of experience. There are 3 areas to focus on.

1. Benefits of woman entrepreneur in franchising

2. Growth of women in franchising

3. Pro’s and Con’s

BENEFITS

Becoming a women-owned franchisee offers a strategic path to entrepreneurship by combining the security of a proven business model with exclusive growth opportunities tailored to female leaders. One of the most immediate benefits is access to specialized financial support, including reduced initial franchise fees from

brands eager to diversify their ownership and eligibility for significant private grants such as the Amber Grant or the Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship. These resources, alongside specialized counseling from the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership, significantly lower the barrier to entry for women looking to launch or scale their businesses in 2026.

Beyond the initial investment, obtaining a formal certification—such as the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) or Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) designation—opens doors to exclusive revenue streams. These certifications allow franchisees to compete for multi-million-dollar government contracts and secure spots in the supplier diversity programs of major Fortune 500 corporations like Target or Google. This "preferred status" provides a competitive edge that independent businesses often lack, allowing women-led franchises to tap into highlevel B2B and federal markets from day one.

Finally, the franchise model provides a robust community and mentorship network that fosters both professional success and personal fulfillment. Organizations like the Women’s Franchise Network and various internal brand councils offer a space for female owners to share "in the trenches" advice and leadership strategies. This collaborative environment aligns with the operational

strengths many women bring to business—such as high emotional intelligence and strong multitasking skills— while providing the flexibility needed to build a professional legacy without sacrificing work-life integration.

GROWTH

In the past 10 years the number of women-owned franchise businesses has grown by approximately 38% over the past decade. For women considering franchising today, this means a more supportive ecosystem, more role models, potentially easier access to tailored resources, and a strong case for franchising as a viable path to business ownership.

Industry leaders like Forbes and Entrepreneur magazine highlight that women are currently the fastestgrowing demographic in the franchising world, a shift driven by a desire for financial independence and the "safety net" of proven systems. According to Entrepreneur, women now own approximately 30.8% of all U.S. franchises, a significant leap from the 20.5% reported a decade ago. This growth is mirrored in the broader economy; Forbes notes that women-owned firms are expanding at a rate nearly five times the national average, with women founding nearly 49% of all new businesses as of late 2024 and maintaining that momentum into 2026. This surge is fueled by a generational shift, particularly among Millennials, who

Forbes identifies as being more research-driven and valuealigned than previous groups, often viewing franchising as the most stable vehicle for building generational wealth.

In terms of performance and operational satisfaction, the data suggests that women are not only entering the field in record numbers but are also thriving within it. Forbes Business Council reports that female franchisees generally rate their satisfaction with brand leadership and senior management higher than their male counterparts, likely due to the collaborative and system-oriented nature of the franchise model. Entrepreneur’s research further validates this, finding that 62% of women enter franchising specifically for greater lifestyle flexibility. This goal appears to be highly attainable, as 93% of these women reported successfully finding the worklife balance they sought. While women dominate specific sectors—owning 64% of child services franchises (Children’s Art Classes, Crayolo Imagine Arts Company & Toodle Town) and over half of travel-related brands—there is a growing trend of women breaking into traditionally male-led industries like home services and maintenance. There is also the emerging wellness & fitness brands such as Pilates Addiction & I Flex Stretch Studios that are booming!

PROS & CONS

Franchising offers women a strong path into business ownership, especially because

it provides proven systems, brand recognition, and built-in training that reduce startup risk and guesswork. These advantages can help women overcome credibility barriers with lenders, landlords, and customers, while also offering opportunities to scale into multi-unit ownership and long-term wealth building. Many franchise systems now offer mentorship, peer networks, and leadership programs geared toward women, and certain models allow flexibility through semiabsentee or manager-run structures that can fit different life stages.

At the same time, challenges remain. Women still face greater difficulty accessing capital and may encounter male-dominated leadership environments in some franchise sectors. Franchising also limits autonomy, as owners must follow corporate systems and branding, and the workload—particularly around people management and customer relationships— can be demanding. While franchising lowers risk compared to starting a business from scratch, success is not guaranteed and depends heavily on choosing the right franchise, securing solid financing, and understanding the franchise agreement.

In closing realize that stepping into ownership isn’t just about the bottom line; it’s about finally being the one to call the shots and define what success actually looks like. For so long, we’ve worked

within systems we didn't build, but owning your own business is the ultimate way to take that power back. It’s about creating a career that actually fits into your life—not the other way around—and building something that is 100% yours.

There is a unique kind of pride that comes from knowing that every win is a result of your own grit and vision. By taking this leap, you’re not just betting on a business model; you’re betting on yourself. You’re proving that you can lead with empathy and authority at the same time, all while creating a legacy that can support your family and inspire other women to do the same. It’s definitely a challenge, but the freedom to build a life on your own terms makes every bit of the hustle worth it.

At the end of the day, the world needs more women in the driver’s seat. We bring a different perspective to the table, and when we succeed, we pull everyone else up with us. So, don't just aim to "fit in" to the business world—aim to own your piece of it. You have the skills, the drive, and now the opportunity to turn your ambition into something real. It’s time to stop asking for a seat at the table and just start building your own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paulette Callender is a Senior Consultant at The Franchise Consulting Company helping people achieve independence through business ownership. Retail Site Location Specialist.

The Plunge House® Difference

The first franchise exclusively focused on contrast therapy for physical recovery and mental wellness

Science backed modalities of contrast hydro-therapy that improves recovery, reduces inflammation, boosts mental wellness

Membership, retail, and event revenue opportunities

Community centric, driving sticky member retention

The Plunge House® Opportunity

First mover advantage | Wide open territory

Recurring revenue, fixed cost, low staffing

Seasoned franchisor leadership team

Where Sustainability Meets Scalable Business

Green Team is a rapidly expanding environmental franchise specializing in large-scale textile and clothing collection.

Founded 29 years ago, with 13 years of successful operations in the United States and active presence across 15 U.S. states, we o er entrepreneurs a scalable, impact-driven business in one of the fastest-growing sectors in North America.

Our franchise system is built on e ciency, predictable operations, centralized logistics, and strong national branding. We o er two flexible franchise models for di erent investment levels and market strategies: the full-service Standard Model and the fast-entry, low-cost Express Model

As demand for sustainable solutions continues to rise and landfill regulations tighten, textile recycling is emerging as one of the most attractive growth sectors. Green Team stands at the center of this shift - combining profitability with measurable environmental and community impact.

15

U.S. States served

18

Warehousing facilities 2000

Locations served

Why Green Team

• 13+ years of U.S. textile collection experience

• Two franchise models: Standard & Express

• National infrastructure & centralized support

• High-growth, high-demand sustainability sector

Ideal Franchise Candidates

• First-time franchise owners

• Multi-unit operators seeking scalable growth

• Owner-operators or semi-absentee investors

• Entrepreneurs focused on impact & ESG-aligned business

Three Remarkable Women Perform Superbly as Franchisees of Pillar To Post Home Inspectors®

by Rhonda Sanderson, CEO, Sanderson & Associates

Paula Camarena

Jacqueline Gathers has seen more than her share. But where others may have taken a step back – or even stepped away completely – she has stood tall. In 2016, Gathers and her husband, Joseph, purchased a Pillar To Post Home Inspectors® franchise. Joseph, a military veteran and former human resources professional, had been diagnosed with cancer in 2014, but underwent chemo and radiation and had beat the disease in 2015. However, the cancer returned in an aggressive manner, forcing Jacqueline to retire from her

30-year career as borough administrator/manager with the New York City Housing Authority to care for Joseph.

When Joseph passed away in March of that year, Gathers considered liquidating the business but instead decided to take over. A brave move, particularly for a field dominated by men.

“As a female business owner in a male-dominated field, it certainly wasn’t easy,” Gathers shared. “I set a plan to take my time to just build trust among realtors, who recommend us all the time, and among customers who called for inspections.”

When Jaqueline arrived for appointments, people asked “Where is the inspector?” I replied, ‘I am the inspector’ with a smile,” she said. “Customers did not expect a black woman to arrive. Eventually it became less of a shock as the industry grew and diversified. More women are joining the field, but it’s still male dominated.”

Her son now works parttime in the business, and she has another full-time inspector on the team.

Jacqueline specializes in condominium inspections. And participates in first-

Jacqueline Gathers Oscar, Paige and Justin Jarquin

time buyer seminars through neighborhood associations, Realtors, and mortgage companies. She is breaking stereotypes and believes women in the profession need to be judged on their performance not their gender.

Paige Jarquin has been running the show for five years for Pillar To Post™ of the Kitsap Peninsula -Seattle Washington territory known as The Jarquin Team. “My husband Oscar and I started this business together, but I quickly became the main coordinator,” said Paige, a realtor for 18 years before taking on this position. “In my years selling homes I saw a lot of issues that homeowners needed to deal with, and it was and is so important that we send the customer in the right direction with such a huge purchase.”

Paige calls herself the “Director of All Things.” She now serves as the company’s General Manager and manages the financial decisions. “Early on we divided all the roles,” shared Paige. “I do all the goal setting and long-range planning.”

Husband Oscar is the

Home Inspector and son Justin oversees sales and marketing. Justin’s wife, Suzanne, does the booking and has increased size of the jobs by 64%.

They have added four employees: two inspectors; one office staff member and an environmental technician, which is a unique but critical position and adds much to their service.

They will target current homeowners, who may not be selling but who want to make sure the home is healthy – no mold, sewer scoping, water testing, radon testing, etc.

“This is part of what Pillar To Post calls our Market Ready program. It targets homeowners to have home inspections just because, like the above-mentioned items, it’s always good to see what needs checking and fixing in your home. It saves so much time and money in the end even if you don’t sell for years. It’s like having an annual checkup by your doctor to see what’s happening,” she smiled.

Finally, a big star in the Pillar To Post system is Paula Camarena, one of

the first female inspectors to run her business solo in 2018 when she was awarded the Orange County territory for Pillar To Post Home Inspectors. She came aboard as a 20-year veteran of the tech world and a whiz at that. She is now one of the top franchisees in the system based on growth, revenue, and profile. Often quoted in national media features, Paula continues to be an excellent example of what women in male dominated fields can accomplish.

ABOUT PILLAR TO POST™ HOME INSPECTORS

Founded in 1994, Pillar To Post Home Inspectors is the largest home inspection company in North America with home offices in Toronto and Tampa. There are 450+ franchises located across the United States and Canada. For further information or to find any of these ladies, please visit https//www.pillartopost. com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rhonda Sanderson is a franchise expert who has owned and operated Sanderson & Associates and Sanderson PR, both specializing in, traditional, social media and crisis PR in the franchise space since 1986. She has authored many articles, helped grow numerous franchise chains is considered one of the Top 30 Small Business Influencers (Fit Business) in the U.S. Find her at Rhonda@ sandersonpr.com or on LinkedIn where she is the author of Franchise Stars at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-sanderson-a6b658/

After opening in 2017, 1611 Indoor Golf Club has quickly become the premier golf game improvement and entertainment facility in the Dallas- Fort Worth Metroplex. We offer something for golfers of all skill levels. Improve your golf skills using our state-of-the-art tracking Trackman technology or grab a drink at our full bar and choose from over 200+ world famous courses to play a full round.

How Britt Riley Is Setting a New Standard for Modern Families

When Britt Riley first envisioned Haven in 2017, she wasn’t simply launching a new childcare business, she was challenging an entire system.

Modern parents are expected to excel professionally while remaining fully present at home within systems that rarely support either role well. However, rather than accept that strain as inevitable, Riley built a solution.

From its first location in Rhode Island to its flagship in New Jersey, Haven became the first fully licensed childcare provider in the United States to integrate early childhood

education, shared and private workspaces, and an in-house fitness studio under one roof. The concept was bold: support children’s development, parents’ careers, and wholefamily wellbeing in a single, thoughtfully designed ecosystem.

After nearly a decade, that vision is both thriving and scaling nationwide through franchising.

IT’S MORE THAN CHILDCARE, IT’S FAMILYCARE.™

Our childcare vs familycare distinction matters. Traditional childcare models often operate in isolation from the realities of working

parenthood.

Haven was designed differently. Parents can work steps away from their children in professional-grade workspaces. With an onsite fitness studio, they can prioritize their own health and wellness. They can build relationships with other families navigating the same life stage. They can make their own decision on how to feed their newborn.

At its core, the model acknowledges a powerful reality, one underscored by our signature educational approach, the Haven Method™: children thrive when their caregivers feel

supported, and parents show up more fully in their careers and at home when their own well-being is prioritized. By integrating these elements, Haven created a new category in consumer services: an infrastructure for modern family life called familycare.

Families validated the model, reporting higher productivity, lower stress, and

deeper engagement with their children. What began as a local solution quickly revealed itself to be a national opportunity.

A FRANCHISING MODEL BUILT FOR IMPACT

In 2025, Riley led Haven into its most pivotal chapter yet: the launch of its national franchising program. After securing approximately $20 million in funding, the company transitioned from proof-of-concept to scalable platform, awarding its first franchises in the Chicagoland area and expanding beyond the East Coast.

For Riley, franchising was never about growth for growth’s sake. It was about multiplying impact.

“As we looked at how Haven should grow, franchising became the clear path,” Riley says. “It allows us to provide the structure and support operators need, while ensuring each Haven remains a locally owned small business. Every owner

took the same leap I did to bring this model to their community. They’re backed by a larger platform, but what they’re building is theirs. They’re opening this amazing little nugget of hope in their community.”

Scaling Haven’s impact requires more than vision; rather, it is purpose-led expansion. Franchising adds another layer of responsibility: entrusting local operators with a brand that shapes children’s earliest experiences and parents’ livelihoods.

However, Riley approaches franchise partnerships not as transactions, but as mission alignment. Franchise owners are community builders as well as leaders who carry forward a philosophy that prioritizes care, quality, and sustainability. Shaped in part by her early career at Patagonia, Riley brings a mission-first, communitycentered leadership style to Haven, blending disciplined growth with cultural intention.

LEADERSHIP DEFINED BY IMPACT & ANCHORED IN GRACE

Riley’s influence extends far beyond geographic growth. By reimagining childcare as familycare, she is addressing one of the most urgent structural gaps

facing modern families: one that affects workforce participation, early childhood development, mental health, and community resilience. The impact is tangible. Families who once faced impossible trade-offs between professional ambition and caregiving responsibility are finding a sustainable balance. Children benefit from high-quality, developmentally intentional environments. Parents gain wellness, connection, and stability. This layered impact (economic, emotional, and developmental) distinguishes Haven’s growth story from traditional franchise

expansion narratives.

At a time when childcare accessibility remains one of the most significant barriers to workforce participation, Haven’s model represents more than innovation; it answers a national economic imperative. By enabling parents to remain in the workforce without sacrificing proximity or meaningful time with their children, the company strengthens individual households and the broader economy alike.

In an industry often fragmented and reactive, Britt Riley has built something cohesive and forward-looking. She saw a

systemic gap, built a category to fill it, and is now scaling it through franchising, proving that impact and growth are not opposites, but partners.

MORE ABOUT BRITT RILEY

Britt Riley is the Founder & CEO of Haven, the nation’s leading provider of integrated childcare, workspace, and fitness solutions designed to support the whole family—born from her own experience navigating the challenges of career and parenthood. A recognized voice on the future of work, family life, and care innovation, she has grown Haven into a national movement and launched its franchising opportunity, empowering entrepreneurs to bring the Haven experience to their own communities and drive meaningful change at a local level.

Paramount is an end-to-end solution from inception through completion. The Paramount Team will provide the convenience of a single point of contact from furniture design, specification and procurement through installation and coordinated commercial moves.

WHY FRANCHISE WITH US?

UNPARALLELED KNOWLEDGE

SUPPORT COMMITMENT ONE SOURCE

OUR SERVICES

Furniture & Design

Installation & Warehousing

Architectural Interiors

Facility Services

Julia Madera Scaling Compassion Through a Healthcare Franchise Model

by Monique Pelle, Vice President of Operations, Franchise Genesis

As women continue to play a growing role in franchising, particularly in mission-driven industries like healthcare, founders who combine operational discipline with purpose are shaping the next wave of franchise growth.

One such leader is Julia Madera, founder and CEO

of 1st Care Management, a women-led healthcare brand redefining how seniors access medical care at home.

With decades of experience across primary care, hospital systems, and communitybased services, Julia has transformed frontline clinical insight into a scalable franchise platform, one designed to empower owners while delivering measurable outcomes for patients.

IDENTIFYING THE GAP AND BUILDING THE SOLUTION

Julia founded 1st Care Management in 2014 after repeatedly seeing seniors fall through the cracks of traditional healthcare delivery. Missed follow-ups, unnecessary hospitalizations, and limited access for patients with mobility or cognitive challenges were common and costly.

Rather than accept those limitations, Julia built a coordinated, home-based care model focused on continuity, prevention, and accessibility.

“Too many seniors struggle to get the care they need simply because getting to a doctor’s office isn’t realistic,” she says. “I wanted to create

a system that meets patients where they are while giving providers the ability to lead and grow.”

That system has since matured into a franchiseready model built for regional scalability without sacrificing clinical rigor.

A SENIOR-CENTERED MODEL BUILT FOR GROWTH

Headquartered in Sandy Springs, Georgia, 1st Care Management delivers insurance-reimbursed medical services directly to seniors aging at home. The model centers on three core offerings:

• In-Home Medical Visits, supporting patients with mobility limitations, chronic illness, cognitive decline, or post-hospital recovery needs

• Transitional Care Management (TCM), focused on reducing hospital readmissions by ensuring safe, supported transitions from hospitals or rehab facilities to home

• Chronic Care Management (CCM),

providing ongoing monthly oversight for patients managing multiple chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and dementia.

Together, these services align with broader healthcare trends emphasizing value-based care, improved outcomes, and cost containment, while addressing a rapidly growing senior demographic.

INTRODUCING THE “CIRCLE OF CARE”

As part of the brand’s evolving vision, Julia is also expanding 1st Care Management beyond a single service line through a new conceptual framework she calls the Circle of Care, an integrated approach to senior healthcare that places the patient at the center. Although this term and this concept are not new to the healthcare industry, Julia adapted it specifically to the home-based care model.

The Circle of Care, as applied to the home-based care model, reflects the realworld ecosystem Julia has worked within throughout her career, encompassing primary care providers, hospitals, home health, community-

based services, adult day care, non-emergency medical transportation, and other essential services that collectively support patients with limited mobility. Rather than operating in silos, these providers form a connected circle around the patient, ensuring access to the full spectrum of care they may need.

This philosophy is the foundation of Julia’s upcoming book series, with the first volume focused on the Circle of Care itself, scheduled for publication in June 2026. The series draws directly from her professional experiences and is designed not only to educate, but also to serve as a practical guide for professionals entering the in-home care business.

For franchisees, the Circle of Care reinforces the brand’s long-term vision: a scalable, collaborative care model that extends well beyond a single service offering.

WHY THE FRANCHISE MODEL RESONATES

As a franchise opportunity, 1st Care Management checks many of the boxes investors and operators look for in healthcare franchising. The model is low overhead, requiring no traditional brick-

and-mortar clinic, and offers operational flexibility while maintaining strong clinical controls.

Core services such as TCM and CCM are Medicarereimbursed, creating predictable and recurring revenue streams. At the same time, the franchise structure supports growth through standardized protocols, EMR systems, compliance guidance, and referral-based marketing.

For many women entering franchising, particularly those with healthcare or leadership backgrounds, the model offers a rare balance of autonomy, scalability, and purpose.

LEADERSHIP WITH NATIONAL VISIBILITY

Julia’s leadership and vision are also gaining national attention. She is slated to be featured on ABC in the near future, highlighting both her personal journey and the growing relevance of in-home, patient-centered care models.

“I wanted ownership to feel empowering, not

“I WANTED TO CREATE SOMETHING THAT TRULY SERVES PATIENTS WHILE GIVING PROVIDERS, ESPECIALLY WOMEN, THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEAD, OWN, AND GROW.”

— Julia Madera, Founder & CEO, 1st Care Management

overwhelming,” Julia explains. “The infrastructure should support the provider, not the other way around.”

In an industry where women are increasingly shaping franchise leadership, Julia Madera’s work reflects a broader shift toward businesses that deliver both impact and scalability. With an aging population and rising demand for in-home medical services, 1st Care Management offers a compelling value proposition, one built to grow, adapt, and truly serve.

MORE ABOUT JULIA MADERA

Why This Franchise Stands Out

• Women-led, founder-driven healthcare brand

• Medicare-reimbursed services with recurring revenue

• Low-overhead, no clinic required

• Strong demand driven by aging population

• Built for clinicians and healthcare entrepreneurs seeking ownership with impact

Julia Madera is the Founder and CEO of 1st Care Management, a women-led healthcare franchise she launched in 2014 to deliver coordinated, insurance-reimbursed medical care directly to seniors at home, built on her decades of experience across primary care and hospital systems. She is also the visionary behind the “Circle of Care” framework and an upcoming book series expanding her scalable, patient-centered model for healthcare entrepreneurs nationwide.

• Low investment buildout

• Feel-good industry in child enrichment (and people of all ages)

• For 10 years the founders have perfected the Musicologie system for new studio owners

• Unsaturated industry

• Music Makes Us Human!

• All Genres of Music opposed to single genres such as classical or rock

• My Musicologie™ Proprietary Software ‘Secret Sauce’ differentiator of competitors

• Starting Early! Programs starting as early as 6 months old

• Only private music lesson focused music lesson franchise in the country

Gross Sales

Six corporate studios open

Average: $604,135 Top Performing Studio: $944,307

• Executive model/Semi Absentee or Owner Operator 1 Studio 3 Territories

Enrollment

Musicologie studios AVG student enrollment is >50%

Average: 315 students Top Performing Studio: 458 students

Financial Requirements

Initial Investment

$192,925 – $363,625 (1 territory) $240,925 – $413,625 (2 territories)

Rieck

Mission Based: A portion of every cleaning fee goes to support local market first responders

Low Investment, Fast Start-up: Item 7 investment range is $76,902 - $100,851 and includes the majority of first year marketing expenses. Franchisees can be open as quickly as 60 days after signing

Part of the Buzz Franchise Brands family: engagement and extensive ongoing support

Home Clean Heroes is a fast-growing residential cleaning franchise that supports local first responders with every home that they clean. ©

“I chose Home Clean Heroes because everything was buttoned up and put together. From the spectacular training, marketing, leadership team all the way to the cleaning processes. At the end, it came down to the

-David

Houck,

Owner of Heroes of South Charlotte

franchise.com

My Community Franchise is bringing a new kind of business to the American public. We go above and beyond for our customers by bringing perfected and professional tax and multi-services to their communities. We aren’t just another print services place or tax prep group. We climb the extra mile by being a one-stop-shop for various services, including tax preparation, car insurance, defensive driving, and so much more. We at My Community Franchise are here to provide entrepreneurs looking for a business opportunity the chance to get in on the ground floor of an exciting, easy-to-operate concept.

>>> We are a company with a great track record of growth, exceptional experience in the industry, and proprietary operational advantages for an owner-operator. My Community Franchise is ready to share its proven operational practices and dialedin services with the rest of the States. Our brand has been built on a firm foundation and is now seeking qualified candidates for an enticing franchise offering!

My Community Franchise offers an extensive array of services that build a fast and favored reputation within any city. We are the all-stars within our current five locations in Texas and are confident that our services will be well-received no matter where we are. We are proud to offer the following services:

The My Community Franchise brand is beckoning entrepreneurial hopefuls who want a business with reasonable overhead, affordable start-up costs, impressive ROI, and sprawling market applicability.

Women Leading the Future of Children’s Education Franchises

by Tracy Woods, Franchise Development Manager, Mad Science & Crayola Imaginary Arts Academy

Across the franchising industry, women entrepreneurs are playing an increasingly influential role in redefining business ownership. This momentum is especially visible in the children’s education and enrichment sector, where female franchisees are building businesses that successfully combine purpose and profitability. Within the Imagine Arts Academy™

network, many of the leaders bringing creative programming to their communities are women who are not only operating thriving enterprises, but also helping shape confident, imaginative young learners.

A STRATEGIC FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH

Imagine Arts Academy™ was created through a strategic alliance between Crayola®, one of the most trusted and recognized brands among families worldwide, and Mad Science Group®, a global leader in children’s STEM enrichment franchising. Powered by Mad Science®’s 40 years of franchising expertise, franchise owners benefit from established systems, structured training, marketing support, and ongoing operational guidance, enabling them to focus on delivering exceptional programming while building sustainable businesses.

FRANCHISING AS A PATHWAY TO LEADERSHIP

For many women, franchising represents a compelling entry point

into entrepreneurship. The structured nature of a franchise system provides clarity, scalability, and a built-in support network. Owners gain access to established processes, brand credibility, and collaborative peer relationships. This can be particularly appealing to women professionals seeking leadership opportunities, career flexibility, and meaningful community engagement.

Across North America, women now own or co-own a growing percentage of franchise businesses. They are serving as CEOs, multi-unit operators, strategic decisionmakers, and industry leaders.

In children’s education franchising, women are not only participating - they are increasingly setting the pace for innovation and growth.

THE EVOLUTION OF WOMEN IN EDUCATION FRANCHISING

Historically, many women entered children’s enrichment franchising as part-time operators while balancing family responsibilities. Over time,

Sharon King

this profile has evolved significantly.

Within Imagine Arts Academy™ and Mad Science®, franchise owners come from diverse professional backgrounds including corporate leadership, finance, marketing, healthcare, and education. This diversity of experience strengthens the network as a whole. These skills translate seamlessly into franchise ownership, enabling women to build resilient and scalable businesses.

INSPIRING JOURNEYS: FROM CORPORATE CAREERS TO FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP

One such inspiring story is that of Clémence Viot,

recently a new owner of Mad Science® & Imagine Arts Academy™ of Colorado. Originally from Northeast France, Clémence sought a fresh start after the pandemic and chose Denver for its vibrant outdoor lifestyle.

After an extensive eightmonth search, she discovered that a profitable business, aligned with her values, was for sale.

The former franchisee’s years of dedication built a strong foundation for the business, which Clémence was eager to continue and evolve. Clémence’s background as a Senior Audit Manager with Ernst & Young equipped

her with analytical skills, business acumen, and leadership experiencekey assets for running a successful franchise. Her journey exemplifies the diverse pathways women take into franchising, proving that experience in finance, management, or other corporate fields can translate into thriving franchise ownership.

WOMEN RISING IN FRANCHISE LEADERSHIP

A prime example of corporate growth within franchising is Sharon King’s journey at Mad Science Group®. She joined in 1996 as the company’s first program developer and quickly became a key creative force behind program design. With a deep understanding of science education and franchise operations, she grew into a leadership role,

managing both local and outsourced teams while supporting a global franchise network. Today, as Vice President of Research and Development and Franchise Operations, she plays a vital role in driving innovation and system growth. Beyond her corporate achievements, she is also a dedicated mentor, actively involved in Girl Guides of Canada, where she empowers young girls to become leaders in their communities. Her progression from program developer to executive exemplifies the vast opportunities available to women in franchising.

LOOKING AHEAD

As the franchising sector continues to expand globally, the influence of women entrepreneurs will only grow

stronger. Franchise systems that invest in mentorship, leadership development, and accessible pathways to ownership will be best positioned to attract the next generation of business leaders. For many women exploring entrepreneurship today, franchising offers a model that combines structure with opportunity and independence with support.

Across the Imagine Arts Academy™ network, women are demonstrating that franchise ownership can be both professionally rewarding and socially impactful.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Their leadership highlights a powerful reality: children’s education franchising is not simply about building businesses - it is about strengthening communities, fostering creativity, and shaping the future one inspired child at a time.

If you’re ready to be part of a rapidly growing movement that inspires children, strengthens communities, and builds a business you can be proud of, Imagine Arts Academy™ is your opportunity to explore. Visit https://www. imagineartsacademy.com/ franchising

Tracy Woods is the Franchise Development Manager for Mad Science® and Imagine Arts Academy™, helping entrepreneurs build meaningful, communityfocused businesses. With a passion for kids, creativity, and franchising, she connects driven individuals with opportunities that spark curiosity and make a real impact.

The Ultimate

Dirt: The Clean Juicery — The w-Driven Brand Ready to Shake Up the $40B Health Beverage Market

by Shawn Loberger, Franchise Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

When sisters

Melissa Huguet and Kendra Kadrlik

opened the first Dirt: The Clean Juicery in Green Bay, Wisconsin, they weren’t thinking about market share or growth charts. They were thinking about family. Their mother had battled breast cancer, and that personal trial sparked a question that would rewire both their careers: What can we do now to help others live healthier? That question turned into a simple experiment — cold-pressing fruits and vegetables for their own families — that soon became a business rooted in both mission and community.

With both Kendra and Melissa being nutritionists, the sisters’ authenticity, born from family experience, reinforced by their shared dedication to education and wellness is magnetic. Grounded in Christian values of service, stewardship, and caring for others, Dirt’s mission extends beyond nutrition to creating a business that reflects faith, community, and purpose.

Today, Dirt isn’t just a local juice bar. With two geetlocations — one in Suamico and another in nearby

Ashwaubenon — t z a sister duo has establishedrth more than a storefront. They’ve built a lifestyle concept anchored in organic, whole-food beverages, wellness, and an inclusive workplace that feels less like a cafe and more like a hub for health-minded locals. Their team, many of whom are young women from the area, reflects a culture built around mentorship, empowerment, and what Melissa calls “sisterhood” — a term that could double as the company’s unofficial tagline.

FROM PASSION TO OPPORTUNITY

What Melissa and Kendra quickly learned is that their vision tapped into a larger trend. Across North America, consumer habits are shifting. People are trading soda and sugary drinks for options that deliver nutrition, flavor, and functional benefits. The juice segment isn’t just a fad — it’s a powerhouse of consumer dollars. The North America Fruit Juice Market alone was valued at roughly over $40 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed $60 billion by 2033, growing steadily as health awareness rises and demand for cleaner beverages increases.

Zoom out further and the global juice bar market — which includes fresh juices, smoothies, cold-pressed blends, and wellness drinks — is on track to more than double from about $21.7 billion in 2024 to $41.3 billion by the end of the decade, fueled by urbanization and lifestyle changes favoring convenience and wellness. Every entrepreneurial success story has a set of tailwinds. For Dirt, many of those winds are blowing their way.

THE HEALTH REVOLUTION IS REAL

Frozen yogurt shops and soda fountains may have had their heyday, but today’s consumer is chasing clean. Fresh ingredients. Whole foods. Transparent sourcing. The core menu at Dirt — cold-pressed juices, organic smoothies, and nutrient-packed bowls — isn’t just trendy. It’s timely Millennials and Gen Z — the largest consumer cohorts — prioritize health and nutrition in their daily beverage choices. That isn’t about temporary preference; it’s a structural shift. Even the broader functional beverage category — juices and drinks fortified with probiotics,

antioxidants, and specialized health benefits — is projected to reach hundreds of billions in value globally over the next decade as consumers look for beverages that go beyond hydration.

This isn’t a niche. It’s the future.

SISTERHOOD AS BRAND

One of the defining features of Dirt’s brand isn’t just its presence fe oducts; it’s its story. Many beverage concepts focus solely on Instagram aesthetics or exotic ingredients. Dirt, by contrast, sells purpose. The sisters’ authenticity — born from family experience, reinforced by their joint dedication to education (Melissa’s holistic nutrition background), and energized by Kendra’s operations focus — is magnetic. Customers don’t just buy cold-pressed juice here; they buy into a narrative of empowerment, resilience, and real-world wellness.

Part of what makes Dirt compelling is the type of culture it creates at scale. Staff members do more than blend drinks; they represent a community. For Melissa and Kendra, teaching young women good work ethic and offering mentorship isn’t just good HR — it’s good business. It fosters loyalty, fuels wordof-mouth, and builds a brand that feels personal in an increasingly impersonal retail landscape.

A FRANCHISING BREAKOUT IN THE MAKING

Here’s where the story gets exciting from a growth perspective: franchising.

In the juice and smoothie segment, franchising isn’t new. Brands like Clean Juice have grown to over 80 locations across the U.S., Juice It Up! operates around 130 units, and iconic chains such as Jamba boast hundreds of locations worldwide. These brands didn’t just ride demand — they structured for expansion, leveraging franchise partners to scale operations, expand reach, and convert community affinity into national presence.

For Dirt, franchising could be the lever that takes them from a regional favorite to a nationally recognized health brand. The formula is ripe: a mission-driven product, a proven local model, strong community roots, and a market that’s hungry for health-centric alternatives. With franchising, Dirt gets access to capital, local operators with skin in the game, and the operational leverage that comes with scale.

potential. Dirt has the visceral appeal of a neighborhood favorite, but the structural appeal of a business ready for scale.

Franchises work especially well in categories like juice bars because the model balances brand consistency with local community integration. Franchisees benefit from investable systems — from supply chain to marketing and training — while preserving the unique feel that makes Dirt so special. It’s a scalable formula that preserves soul and structure.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The sisters aren’t just blending fruits and veggies. They’re blending purpose with growth

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Building a brand in today’s competitive retail climate requires more than a good product. It demands narrative, authenticity, and alignment with broader consumer trends. Dirt checks those boxes — and with the right strategy, it could check even more.

This is the moment where small brands leap forward. The next Smoothie King or Clean Juice didn’t start with 50 stores. They started with passion, community support, and a vision that outgrew their walls. That’s exactly what Dirt has — and why this sister-driven juicery could be the next big thing in health beverages.

Shawn@thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com

Juiced Fuel provides convenient mobile fuel delivery for individuals and businesses. Customers can schedule refueling via a user-friendly app, choosing from top-quality fuel options like Regular (87), Premium (93), and Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). With automatic updates and seamless payment processing, Juiced Fuel saves time and eliminates the need for gas station visits.

WHY FRANCHISE WITH US?

Tap into the booming demand for convenience-based services, and reshape how consumers refuel their vehicles.

Leverage Juiced Fuel’s established systems, operational expertise, and support to jumpstart your business.

Scale your franchise quickly by adding trucks or expanding service areas without significant upfront investment.

Ask the RESULTS Guy™: How to Design Your Best Year Ever

by Tony Jeary, Strategist, Keynoter, Coach, Tony Jeary International

In franchising, growth doesn’t just come from ambition; it comes from alignment. The strongest systems create clarity around priorities, focus energy on what matters most, and execute with rhythm.

Franchisors and franchisees who take the time to design their year before it begins see

the difference in both performance and pace. That’s what turns a good year into a great one.

Q: Tony, what defines a “best year ever”?

It’s a year where there’s alignment between what the brand is driving and what the field is executing. For franchisors, it might

mean simplifying initiatives and focusing support where it matters. For franchisees, it often comes down to consistent local execution, managing the right numbers, building the right team habits, and keeping customers at the center.

A “best year” is less about volume and more about the quality of decisions and

actions across the system. It’s about doing the right things with the right people, with the right level of consistency, and measuring progress along the way.

Q: Where does that alignment start?

It starts with clarity at both the brand and unit level. We often

A

“BEST YEAR” IS LESS ABOUT VOLUME AND MORE ABOUT THE QUALITY OF DECISIONS AND ACTIONS ACROSS THE SYSTEM. IT’S ABOUT DOING THE RIGHT THINGS WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE, WITH THE RIGHT LEVEL OF CONSISTENCY, AND MEASURING PROGRESS ALONG THE WAY.

recommend a Strategic Clarity Summary: a simple framework to define what matters this year, what might need to shift, and how you’ll measure progress.

When everyone can see what success looks like in concrete terms, you reduce noise and increase consistency. That’s where trust builds and execution improves.

Franchise teams that revisit this clarity quarterly outperform those who rely on static planning. In fast-moving systems, realignment is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Q: How can a franchise team build early momentum?

Begin with a focused 90day window. Identify two or three High Leverage Activities, not ten. Whether it’s improving onboarding, raising local awareness, or tightening daily operations, the key is to pick what matters most and create a plan you’ll actually follow.

We’ve seen this 90-Day Focus model help both franchisors and franchisees regain traction, especially after busy or fragmented quarters. Momentum doesn’t come from a long list — it comes from followthrough. Shorten the list, increase the impact.

Q: What role does rhythm play in sustaining that momentum?

It plays a big one. We coach teams to implement a cadence—weekly focus time, short debriefs, and quarterly resets—so alignment doesn’t fade and priorities stay current.

You don’t need complexity, you need consistency. A simple rhythm helps teams stay focused, keep learning, and adjust when needed. Over time, that’s what compounds.

When rhythm becomes part of the culture, you don’t have to chase urgency, the system builds it in.

In franchise systems, success scales when clarity and rhythm are built into how you operate. Your best year ever isn’t just about what you want, it’s about how you align, execute, and adapt together.

Let’s make it happen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tony Jeary is a strategist, keynoter, coach to the world’s top CEOs and prolific author of over 100 titles. Tony lives in Flower Mound and works out of his think tank, the RESULTS Center, where he and his team encourage and inspire all those he touches, resulting in their enhanced sales and profitability and raising their companies’ value.

We remediate & mitigate. We don’t repair, maintain or replace. We educate our customers about what plagues their homes and we train our franchise owners to do so with the same confidence and compassion. REAL BENEFITS FOR OUR FRANCHISE OWNERS

From 2020 to 2021, revenue was up by 23%

When I saw no negative reviews, I thought they were faked. No company can be that good. They are the exception to the rule. 5 stars are not enough to rate the professionalism, honesty, helpfulness and knowledge. It’s an industry where the homeowner really doesn’t know much and it easy for the company to scare you into spend more than you need...NOT Mold Medics. I highly recommened them to the degree that you’d be foolish to use anyone else.

Mold & radon don’t take winter off, so nither do we

The Visionary and the Builder: How Bailey Rayner and Zach Tanner Are Redefining Blue- Collar Franchising

In an industry long dominated by trucks, ladders, and handshake deals, Bailey Rayner saw something more.

She saw brands. She saw systems.

She saw technology. And alongside her partner Zach Tanner, she built not just a painting franchise, but a modern service empire designed for scale.

Together, Rayner and Tanner are the dynamic duo behind Painter Bros, one of

the fastest-growing names in residential and commercial painting. But the real story is bigger than paint. It is about vision, technology, and a woman stepping into a traditionally male-dominated category and rewriting the playbook.

BUILDING A BRAND IN A BLUE-COLLAR WORLD

Painting is not glamorous. It is operational. It is physical. It is competitive.

And for decades, it has

largely been run by men.

Bailey Rayner did not enter the category to blend in. She entered to elevate it.

When Zach Tanner founded FM Flow nearly eight years ago as a simple CRM for his franchisees, the goal was straightforward: solve operational headaches for service professionals. But when Tanner met Rayner in 2021, everything accelerated.

Rayner, a software developer with deep expertise in branding and marketing, was initially brought in to refine payment processing inside the system. What she brought instead was a systems-driven mindset and a brand-builder’s instinct.

She saw how fragmented service businesses were. She saw how disconnected operations, sales, marketing, and leadership training could stall growth. And she saw an opportunity to build infrastructure that would support serious expansion.

Together, they refined Painter Bros while simultaneously building a

technology backbone that could support not just one brand, but many.

THE TECHNOLOGY BEHIND THE GROWTH

FM Flow evolved from a simple CRM into a growth engine.

As detailed in their company materials , the platform now includes AI-driven tools, an AI call center, franchise lead programs, and operational automation designed specifically for service-based businesses.

The CRM is tiered, allowing solo operators, multi-crew teams, and franchise networks to select tools aligned with their complexity and growth stage. Instead of forcing companies into a one-size-fitsall software model, FM Flow adapts to them.

One of the most disruptive programs is Franchise Connect, a no-cost-per-lead system designed to deliver high-quality prospects while increasing repeat business. In industries where contractors often overpay for inconsistent leads, this alone is a gamechanger.

But the most powerful

innovation may be Atlas, FM Flow’s AI-powered operations engine .

Atlas ingests a company’s operational documentation and turns it into a conversational decision engine. Field staff can ask questions and receive standardized, best-practice answers instantly. It provides checklists, coaching, workflow guidance, and escalates ambiguous issues to management. For franchisors struggling with consistency, retraining, and turnover, Atlas reduces friction and lowers leadership dependency.

In short, FM Flow transforms tribal knowledge into scalable systems.

For Painter Bros, this meant franchisees could launch faster, close more deals, and operate with clarity.

BAILEY RAYNER: VISION IN A MALE-DOMINATED ARENA

It is easy to underestimate blue-collar industries.

It is even easier to underestimate a woman competing in them.

Rayner did neither.

She did not just enter the space. She positioned herself

at the center of brand, strategy, and technology. In industries like painting, roofing, and home services, leadership rooms have historically skewed male. Rayner brought a different lens.

She focused on brand consistency. She emphasized customer experience. She prioritized scalable systems over hustle-based growth. She pushed technology integration when others were comfortable with spreadsheets and phone calls.

That perspective did not just differentiate Painter Bros. It modernized it.

By pairing Tanner’s operational roots with Rayner’s branding and systems mindset, the duo built a company that feels both grounded and forward-looking.

In franchising, that combination is rare.

FROM PAINTING TO PLATFORM

What makes the RaynerTanner story compelling is not simply that they built a painting brand. It is that they built infrastructure.

Years of hands-on experience with franchisees revealed market gaps. Contractors needed better lead flow. They needed structured training. They needed call support. They needed operational clarity. They needed technology that actually understood service businesses.

FM Flow expanded beyond painting to serve all trades . Through partnerships with global paint manufacturers and continued development of AI tools, the platform evolved into something much larger than its original intent. This is where vision matters. Rayner saw that service

brands were not just local operators. They were scalable enterprises if built correctly. And Tanner had already experienced firsthand the pain points that prevented that scale.

Together, they turned those pain points into product features.

THE BIGGER MESSAGE FOR FRANCHISING

Painter Bros is growing. FM Flow is scaling.

But the real takeaway for the franchising industry is deeper.

First, technology is no longer optional in blue-collar franchising. AI coaching, standardized workflows, and

automated lead systems are becoming baseline expectations.

Second, brand matters— even in trades. The difference between a contractor and a franchise brand is systems, consistency, and positioning.

And third, leadership diversity strengthens industries that have historically been narrow in perspective.

Bailey Rayner represents a new generation of franchise leaders: technically fluent, brand conscious, systems obsessed, and unafraid to step into spaces where few women have historically led.

Zach Tanner represents the operator-founder who recognized that scale requires more than grit; it requires infrastructure.

Together, they embody a model that franchising needs more of: visionary plus builder.

In a world where service businesses often plateau due to operational chaos, Painter Bros and FM Flow stand as proof that when brand strategy meets disciplined technology, growth becomes repeatable.

That is not just good for painting. This is not just good for technology. This is not just good for female

That is good for franchising.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tony Jeary is a strategist, keynoter, coach to the world’s top CEOs and prolific author of over 100 titles. Tony lives in Flower Mound and works out of his think tank, the RESULTS Center, where he and his team encourage and inspire all those he touches, resulting in their enhanced sales and profitability and raising their companies’ value.

OF THE GAME GET AHEAD

Mochi Magic in Every Bite: How The Mochi Donut Cafe Masters

Clean,

Fresh & Fun

Tucked into a charming pink corner of Plainville, Connecticut, The Mochi Donut Cafe has built a devoted following by turning joyful desserts into an art form. Here, chewy mochi donuts, vibrant boba teas, and golden Korean corn dogs deliver indulgence without heaviness—no greasy excess, no artificial aftertaste, just clean flavors crafted from premium ingredients. At the heart of it all is founder Chanya Siboriboun, a Thai-born restaurateur whose

passion for quality sourcing and balanced sweetness shapes every item on the menu. Drawing on her deep roots in Thai cuisine, desserts, and specialty coffee, she brings authenticity and care to each creation—from her iconic young coconut cake to Bangkok-inspired milk teas.

FROM BANGKOK ROOTS TO A CONNECTICUT FAVORITE

The Mochi Donut Cafe grew out of Chanya’s earlier U.S. venture, Somewhere in Bangkok, which she opened with her husband after relocating to America. Around 2010, her fresh young coconut cake became a local sensation, inspiring her to expand into a dessert-focused concept built on homemade recipes, real ingredients, and perfectly balanced sweetness. Now, Chanya is beginning her franchise journey, scaling her proven magic to bring these clean, fresh flavors to more communities—and you can expect to see a Mochi Donut Cafe location near you in 2026.

Chanya first tasted mochi donuts in Thailand—long before they became a New England trend. Their light, bouncy texture stood in delightful contrast to

traditional yeast donuts. Inspired, she began refining her own recipes, blending Asian flavor profiles with local tastes. Today, on East Street in Plainville, the cafe draws steady crowds for its mochi donuts, Korean corn dogs, boba teas, specialty coffee, cakes, and colorful macarons.

FRESH INGREDIENTS DRIVE EVERY BITE

Quality is the cornerstone of the menu. Premium rice flour, carefully sourced teas and coffees, real dairy, and natural flavors define the offerings—never heavy syrups or shortcuts.

Mochi Donuts

Made with rice flour, these donuts are crisp on the outside and airy-chewy inside. Flavors range from nostalgic churro to vibrant matcha, taro, Thai tea, ube, blueberry, mango, and pandan. Each bite offers texture and flavor without the weight of traditional fried dough.

Korean Corn Dogs

Crisp, golden, and fried to order, these crowd-pleasers feature quality beef franks or mozzarella cheese coated in panko, diced potato, Hot

Cheetos, or Blue Takis. They’re playful yet precise—crunchy outside, melty inside.

Boba Teas

The cafe brews its teas fresh and blends them with smooth non-dairy creamer or real dairy. Flavor options include brown sugar, Vietnamese coffee, taro, Ovaltine, and crème brûlée pastes. Imported Asian tea leaves and coffee beans ensure distinct profiles that go beyond generic sweetness.

Vegan fruit teas mix green tea with fruit concentrates and seaweed-based popping boba for a refreshing twist. Toppings—classic tapioca

pearls, strawberry or lychee popping boba, and shaped jellies like mango stars or strawberry hearts—add texture and whimsy without overpowering the drink.

THAI CAKES CRAFTED WITH PRECISION

Chanya’s beloved coconut cake has grown into a full line of beautifully balanced desserts, available by the slice or whole by advance order.

Signature varieties include:

• Young Coconut Cake with tender layers and delicate sweetness

• Pandan and PandanCoconut infused with fragrant pandan leaves

• Mango and Lemon Blueberry for bright, fresh fruit notes

• Matcha Green Tea, Coffee Almond, Chocolate, and Strawberry Matcha Crepe

Each cake is made fresh— never frozen—making them popular for birthdays, gatherings, and special events.

LIGHTER INDULGENCE, LOYAL FANS

What keeps customers coming back is the balance. The donuts achieve that ideal contrast: crunchy exterior, soft and chewy interior. Precise frying techniques and thoughtfully developed glazes ensure they feel indulgent yet never heavy.

Milk teas are fully customizable—whether taro, mango, Vietnamese coffee, or Thai tea. Specialty drinks like the Brown Sugar Bangkok or Thai Tea Crème Brûlée add foam, pearls, and decorative

jellies for a handcrafted finish. Inside, the cozy pink interior, comfortable booths, and warm service invite guests to linger—turning a quick treat into a small celebration.

A SEAMLESS BLEND OF ASIAN DESSERT TRADITIONS

The Mochi Donut Cafe beautifully weaves together Japanese and Hawaiianinspired mochi donuts, Korean street-style corn dogs, Taiwanese boba teas, and Thai cakes and drinks. By using premium rice flour, imported teas and coffees, real fruits, fresh coconut, pandan, and matcha, Chanya proves that fun and flavor never have to compromise quality.

Each visit delivers a small moment of magic: the crunch of a churro mochi donut, the cool sweetness of lychee tea, the soft richness of coconut cake. Clean, fresh, joyful— crafted with intention in every bite.

MORE ABOUT CHANYA SIBORIBOUN

Chanya Siboriboun is a Thai-born restaurateur who relocated to the U.S. and founded The Mochi Donut Cafe in Plainville, Connecticut, crafting clean, joyful desserts like mochi donuts and Thai cakes using premium ingredients. After launching Somewhere in Bangkok with her husband and gaining fame for her young coconut cake around 2010, she blends Asian flavors with local tastes to create indulgent yet light treats.

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Shark from Shark Tank

Kevin Harrington- Partner & Ben Crosbie- CEO

FranApCo is the Quiet Growth Engine Behind the Brands You Actually Notice

Walk into any franchise conference, jobsite, grand opening, or team training day and you will spot the difference immediately. The polos match. The hats look sharp. The signage is consistent. The giveaways feel intentional, not random. Somebody is enforcing brand discipline.

That “somebody” is often FranApCo, a female-owned branded merchandise and company store platform that sits at the intersection of marketing, operations, and culture. FranApCo is built for the unglamorous part of growth: keeping hundreds of people across dozens of locations looking and feeling like one brand.

At the helm is CEO Jancy Darling, an operator who understands that branded gear is not a side project. It is a channel. Alongside her is SVP Ellisa Bradley, the execution leader who turns deadlines, purchasing, fulfillment, and brand standards into a repeatable system. Together, they run a business that has been operating for about 20 years and works

with hundreds of clients, which matters because this category rewards only two things: taste and throughput. And in franchising, throughput is everything.

WHY BRANDED MERCHANDISE IS NOT “SWAG”

A lot of companies still treat branded merchandise as a nice-to-have. A line item. A “we should probably order some stuff” moment. That mindset leaves money on the table.

Branded merchandise works because it does what most marketing channels struggle to do: it stays. Ads get skipped. Emails get deleted. Social posts get buried. But a good hat or a comfortable shirt becomes part of someone’s routine. It turns your brand into a familiar signal.

Here are the kinds of “top of mind” stats marketers lean on in this space:

• Promotional apparel and useful items generate

thousands of impressions over their lifetime because people keep them and use them.

• A meaningful percentage of consumers say receiving a promotional item makes them more likely to do business with the advertiser.

• Items like T-shirts, polos, drinkware, and bags tend to be kept for months or years, not days.

You do not need the exact numbers to understand the point: a well-chosen item keeps working long after the event ends. That is why the best operators do not call it swag. They call it a program.

THE REAL PROBLEM FRANAPCO SOLVES: BRAND CONSISTENCY AT SCALE

If you run a single location, brand consistency is mostly a discipline problem. If you run a franchise system, it becomes a systems problem. Franchising has a built-in tension:

• The franchisor wants control and consistency.

• The franchisee wants speed, convenience, and flexibility.

• The customer expects the same experience everywhere.

• In the real world, that tension shows up in a dozen tiny ways:

• A franchisee grabs a local printer because they need uniforms fast.

• Someone orders a banner that is “close enough” to the brand colors.

• A new location opens with mismatched signage and off-brand handouts.

• A field team shows up in different shirts with different logos. None of this seems catastrophic, but it adds up. Inconsistent visual identity quietly undermines trust. It makes the brand feel smaller, less organized, and less credible than it actually is.

FranApCo’s model is built to reduce that chaos by centralizing a brand’s “stuff” into a single, repeatable system. The idea is simple: make it easy for every location to order the right thing, the right way, every time.

That is not just a design win. It is a revenue win.

MARKETING IS NOT JUST LEAD GEN. IT IS RECOGNITION.

Most founders obsess over lead flow, which makes sense. But lead flow is only half of the equation. The other half is recognition. The moment when a prospect sees your name again and feels familiarity instead of friction.

Jancy Darling

Ellisa Bradley

Branded gear drives recognition in three ways:

1. It increases touchpoints without increasing ad spend.

A shirt, tumbler, or laptop sleeve gets seen repeatedly in daily life. That is marketing you do not have to buy again.

2. It makes the team look like a team.

Uniforms and consistent apparel communicate competence before anyone speaks. Customers equate “organized” with “trustworthy.”

3. It creates social proof in the wild.

When your brand shows up on people who are not employees, it signals relevance. People assume a brand worth wearing is a brand worth checking out. That last one is understated. In a noisy market, the strongest brands are the ones that feel inevitable. Branded merchandise helps create that feeling.

THE HIDDEN BENEFIT: CULTURE AND RETENTION

Here is where the best operators separate from the amateurs. They use branded merchandise internally, not just externally.

A well-built branded program supports:

• Onboarding kits that make new hires feel part of

something on day one

• Milestone awards that reinforce performance and tenure

• Event uniforms that make teams look unified and proud

• Recognition items that make appreciation visible, not abstract Culture is not built by mission statements. It is built by repetition and rituals. Branded merchandise is a tangible ritual. It is a simple way to reinforce “who we are” across many locations without needing constant speeches or emails.

When you run a franchise brand, consistency is how you protect the customer experience. Recognition is how you win mindshare. Culture is how you keep good people. FranApCo sits in the middle of all three.

WHY A 20-YEAR, FEMALELED OPERATOR MATTERS IN THIS CATEGORY

This is not a category where you can fake it.

Promotional products looks easy from the outside until you live in it. The complexity is not picking items. The complexity is:

• Quality control

• Vendor management

• Fulfillment accuracy

• On-time delivery

• Inventory and reorder

timing

• Cost control at different order sizes

• Keeping branding consistent across dozens of SKUs

It is a business of details and deadlines. The kind of business where experience shows up quietly, in the fact that things arrive correctly and on time.

That is why a female-owned company with deep tenure and a broad client base has credibility. It signals that they have survived multiple market cycles, changing product trends, and the operational challenges that break weaker operators.

THE TAKEAWAY

FranApCo is not just selling branded merchandise. They are selling a repeatable way to make a brand feel bigger, more consistent, and more trusted across every location and every touchpoint.

Marketing gets you discovered. Branded gear helps you get remembered. Systems make it repeatable. That combination is why companies keep spending money on branded merchandise even when they tighten budgets. Because when it is done right, it is not a cost. It is an asset that keeps producing impressions, recognition, and trust long after the invoice is paid.

For more information on how to grow your brand reach out to Ellisa Bradley 512-826-2242 ellisa@FranApCo.com

J O I N T H E F A M I L Y

I v y b r o o k A c a d e m y - A H a l f D a y P r o g r e s s i v e P r e s c h o o l

I v y b r o o k A c a d e m y p r o v i d e s a

p r o g r e s s i v e a p p r o a c h t o

e a r l y c h i l d h o o d e d u c a t i o n ,

w h i c h v a l u e s s t u d e n t s ’ i n d i v i d u a l v o i c e s w i t h i n o u r

v i b r a n t c o m m u n i t y a n d

c u l t i v a t e s c o m p a s s i o n a t e

c i t i z e n s w h o f i n d j o y i n

l e a r n i n g I v y b r o o k A c a d e m y i s

a b r a n d l i k e n o o t h e r , i t

s t a n d s a l o n e i n i t s c l a s s W i t h

l i f e c h a n g i n g u n i t e c o n o m i c s

a n d a m o d e s t i n v e s t m e n t

I v y b r o o k A c a d e m y

f r a n c h i s e e s k n o w t h a t t h i s

b r a n d i s m o r e t h a n j u s t a n

L I F E C H A N G I N G U N I T

E C O N O M I C S O P E N T E R R I T O R Y M O D E S T I N V E S T M E N T

P R O P R I E T A R Y C I R R I C U L U M

o p p o r t u n i t y I t ' s a l i f e s t y l e F L E X I B L E L I F E S T Y L E

Building Trust at Life’s Hardest Moment: Gina Baker’s Mission with Resting Rainbow Tampa

Gina Baker did not enter franchising through the usual door. She came in through a mission to support pets and the families who love them.

Before Resting Rainbow, Baker built a career that looks less like a straight line and more like a set of operating disciplines that now make her unusually well-suited to franchise ownership: teaching, real estate, training, publishing, and content strategy. Each stop sharpened a different skill. Teaching gave her communication and empathy. Real estate taught her how to run a book of business.

Editorial leadership taught her systems, standards, and consistency. Put those together and you get a founder-operator mindset, even before she officially owned a franchise.

Today, Baker and her husband, Kyle, are the owners and operators of Resting Rainbow of Tampa, serving pet families throughout Hillsborough County. On the company’s Tampa location page, the Bakers describe the heart of their business in simple terms: they joined Resting Rainbow to help families grieve, find closure, and celebrate the lives of their pets. The page also highlights the couple’s combined strengths, including Kyle’s legal background and Gina’s experience in teaching, real estate, and publishing.

That mix matters. Resting Rainbow operates in a category where process and compassion have to coexist. Families are often calling in one of the hardest moments they can face, and they do not need a transaction. They need clarity, dignity, and trust. Baker’s background reads like a blueprint for that kind of service business.

She started as a high school English teacher, where she learned the craft of translating information for different audiences and keeping people engaged, even when the topic was not easy. Those are not soft skills in franchising. They are operating skills. In a service business, every call, every

handoff, and every explanation is a moment where a brand either builds trust or loses it.

From there, she moved into Manhattan real estate, where she learned to manage relationships, schedules, marketing, and finances like an entrepreneur. That is not a typical path into pet aftercare. It may be a better one.

The best franchise operators are rarely just “good at sales” or “good with people.” They are systems thinkers with emotional intelligence. Baker brings both. She understands how to create an experience, document a process, train a team, and communicate a message cleadrly across channels. In a brand like Resting Rainbow, that combination can be the difference between a local business and a trusted community institution.

This is not just a business, this is personal for the Bakers. They talk openly about a lifetime of loving pets and the pain of saying goodbye to beloved animals over the years. That lived experience gives their work credibility. Families can feel when a business is built around a script, and they can feel when it is built around shared understanding. Resting Rainbow’s Tampa presence is rooted in the second.

GINA BAKER

But what makes Baker especially interesting right now is not just how she serves customers. It is how she shows up in the community.

Resting Rainbow of Tampa is passionate about pet causes in the Tampa Bay Area. Partnering with the Tampa Humane Society to support homeless animals through fundraising for medical care, shelter, food, and enrichment, the Bakers or “Team Resting Rainbow,” has become omnipresent throughout the region leading fundraising efforts to help homeless pets: not as a marketing activation, but as a real chance to help more animals find homes and second chances.

That distinction is important. Community involvement can be performative, especially in local services. This one is from the heart.

Bark in the Park itself is a major Tampa event, with a walk along the Riverwalk and a public festival at Curtis Hixon Park. It draws thousands of animal lovers and raises meaningful funding for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. The scale of the event gives local businesses visibility, but it also requires real commitment to stand out. Resting Rainbow did not just show up. Team Resting Rainbow raised more than $3,100, and Gina Baker ranked among the top individual fundraisers, with $2,395 raised on her page. This is the kind of seed that grows and makes franchising a force for good as Resting Rainbow grows across the country with franchisees who have this type of community involvement the

absolute dollar amounts and time snowballs into something much larger. That is the power of franchising.

For a young local franchise operation, that tells you a lot about the kind of people who are drawn to Resting Rainbow. It says Baker understands what community leadership looks like in practice. It is not just posting support online. It is organizing, asking, showing up, and rallying people around a shared cause. It is the same discipline that drives franchise growth, just pointed at something bigger than revenue.

It also reinforces the Resting Rainbow brand in the right way. Pet aftercare is a deeply emotional business, and trust is built long before a family needs your services. When a local operator is visibly involved in the pet community, supporting shelters and animal welfare, people start to understand what the brand stands for. That matters. It turns awareness into credibility.

In many ways, Baker represents a new kind of franchise operator. She is not coming from a single-industry background. She is bringing a portfolio of capabilities into a mission-led business. She knows how to build content, train teams, and create customer trust. She knows how to lead with empathy without losing operational discipline. And she understands that

local brand equity is built in neighborhoods, parks, and community events, not just in ad campaigns.

Resting Rainbow is in the business of helping families honor pets with compassion, dignity, and integrity. In Tampa, Gina Baker is proving that those values are not just for the moment of loss. They can shape how a franchise shows up every day, including how it serves the broader pet community while pets are still very much here, loved, and alive.

That is not just good community work. It is brand building that is local, relevant and supports the people who make up the community. And in franchising, the operators who are an integral part of the community are the ones who build the most important bonds. For Gina Baker, the bonds she is creating are supporting thousands of pets and their families throughout the Tampa Region and our country.