IFA Honors 97 as Franchisees of the Year at 2023 Annual Convention

Recipients are Franchise Business Owners Who Empower and Serve Others

The International Franchise Association has selected 97 individuals to receive its Franchisee of the Year Award. These awards recognize outstanding owner-operators from diverse industries and communities around the United States and beyond. The honors were bestowed during the 2023 Annual IFA Convention in Las Vegas.

Matthew Haller, the IFA’s president and CEO, praised the recipients as representing “the best in franchising.” Haller added that “this is the highest honor IFA awards to individual franchisees, and these local business owners exemplify the power of franchising and its countless positive contributions to communities around the world.”

Sponsored by IFA’s partner Paychex, each award goes to franchise owners from the association’s member brands. All of the award recipients were nominated by their parent companies. Criteria for nomination include the franchisees’ serving their home communities, nurturing and empowering their workforces in ways that include career growth potential, and supporting their fellow franchisees.

Among the many winners, franchisees Carl Williams, Russell Thomas, and Mark McCain were the first to receive the honor for fitness brand Athletic Republic. “These three gentlemen embody everything that Athletic Republic stands for and our commitment to providing world-class training to youth athletes and are changing lives,” said Charlie Graves, CEO of Athletic Republic.

IFA Franchisees of the Year

Here a full list of the IFA Franchisee of the Year Awards:

Aaron Hagan: Mister Sparky Mid-America, multiple states
Adam Wyatt: Wing Zone of Louisville, Ky.
Ashraf Bailey: GNC, Florida
Bill Snow: Rad Air of Wickliffe, Ohio
Bill Weber: The Patch Boys of DuPage and Will Counties, Illinois

The Patch Boys Bill Weber - IFA Franchisee of the Year — **IFA Franchisee of the Year award recipient Bill Weber of The Patch Boys.**

Bindu Agarwal: Homewatch Caregivers of Lower Bucks County, Pa.

IFA Franchisee of the Year Bindu Agarwal: Homewatch Caregivers of Lower Bucks County, Pa. — **Homewatch CareGiver franchise owner Bindu Agarwal (in yellow) was honored as Franchisee of the Year at the IFA’s 2023 Annual Convention.**

Brandie Chapman: B’s Wax & B’s Blow Dry

IFA Franchisee of the Year Brandie Chapman — Radiant Waxing and Drybar franchise owner Brandie Chapman was recognized as Franchisee of the Year. “The experience I have had with franchising has exceeded all of my expectations,” Chapman said. “I am so proud that I’ve been able to show my children that you can pursue your dreams at any age.”

Brandon and Kenadee Gadish: Altitude Trampoline Park, Washington
Brandon Breath: The Entrepreneur’s Source, Louisiana
Brenda Torres: 2 Adept Ventures, California
Brent Berridge: Pool Scouts of Sugar Land, Texas
Brian Whalen: Perspire Sauna Studio, Eagle, Idaho
Bryan Smith: US Lawns of Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Bryant Greene: Always Best Care of Philly and Delaware
Carl Williams, Russell Thomas, Mark McCain: Athletic Republic Capitol Region, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia
Cheri Reid: Huntington Learning Center, Illinois
Chris Hollyman, Steve Harbour, David Hughes: Grand Welcome of the Ozarks, Missouri
Chris Holmes: USA Insulation of Michigan
Chris Tisdale: Sir Grout Nashville
Chris, Jen, Alyssa and Mackenzie Lanagan: The Cleaning Authority Cedarburg Madison Kenosha, Wis.
Craig Randall: FirstLight Home Care of The Grand Strand / Charleston / Beaufort / Greenville, S.C.
Danny Figueroa: The NOW Massage, Florida
Dato’ Jaya J B Tan: Envictus International Holdings Ltd.
Dina Jenney: A Place At Home, Philadelphia West
Don Elliott: Monster Tree Service of Knoxville, Tenn.
Eric Lazar: SpeedPro Chicago Loop
Gary L. Robins, GC Robins: of Supercuts & Ideal Image; multiple northeastern states
Greg Goodman: Turbo Tint of Oklahoma City
Greg Parsons: Grease Monkey, Texas
Harry & Dalton Dodich: Eastern Shore Coffee LLC dba PJs Coffee, New Orleans
Hazael Pareja: Doody Calls, San Antonio
Stephanie Lopez: Sola Salon, Maryland
Helen Martin: Stretch Zone, Florida

IFA Franchisee of the Year 2023 — **Stretch Zone franchisee Helen Martin was honored** **by the** **IFA with its annual Franchisee of the Year Award.**

Jack Brendamour & Judy McCreary: Junk King Cincinnati, Dayton & Louisville
Jake Atchoo: Goldfish Swim School, Rockville, Gaithersburg & Centereach, Md.
Jason & Alyssa Bowman: Genesail Inc. dba Sport Clips Haircuts, Idaho
Jason Newquist: Cruise One, Florida

IFA Franchisees of the Year 2023 Cruise One — **CruiseOne franchisee Jason Newquist was recently honored by the** IFA with its annual Franchisee of the Year Award. From left to right, Natalie Loza, director of recruitment for CruiseOne and Dream Vacations; Merci Newquist, CruiseOne franchise owner; Jason Newquist, CruiseOne franchise owner; Joelle Delva, VP of operations for CruiseOne and Dream Vacations.

Jim Sheahan: Jimmy Cakes LLC – Nothing Bundt Cakes, Texas and Oklahoma

IFA Franchisee of the Year 2023 Nothing Bundt Cakess Jim Sheahan — **Nothing Bundt Cakes franchisee** **Jim Sheahan** **was honored as Franchisee of the Year. He poses with** **COO Julie Klinger.**

Joe Picciallo: Green Home Solutions of Greater Morris County, N.J.
John Hamilton Culpepper: Express Employment Professionals, Georgia
Jordan Clancy: Clean Acres Inc. dba ManageMowed
Joseph Johnson: Disrupt Foods/E&R Foods LLC, Northeast
Joshua Douglas Grinstead: GYMGUYZ of Hudson/Bergen/Rockland, New York City metro area

IFA Franchisee of the Year 2023 GYMGUYZ — GYMGUYZ franchise owner Joshua Douglas Grinstead (center) was thrilled to be named an IFA Franchisee of the Year. He poses with GYMGUYZ founder Josh York and GYMGUYZ Senior Director, Global Training & Development Heidi Loiacono.

Justin Scotto: We Sell Restaurants Charlotte, N.C.
Justin Sherman: Donatos Pizza, Florida
Kal Gullapalli: MPZ Holdings LLC, Tampa
Kate and Brian Mulcahy: Family Foundations LLC dba Celebree School of Tysons-Jones Branch; Virginia
Kathryn & Joseph Pizzurro: Scenthound Gainesville/Ocala, Fla.
Ken Giusti: SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service, California
Kevin Green: Genghis Grill of Reno, Nev.
Kevin Krull: 1-800 WATER DAMAGE of Washtenaw Co. & Taylor, Mich.
Kimberly Kick: The Goddard School of Orange, Conn.
Kristen Williams-Haseotes: Bad Ass Naples LLC, Florida
Kristin Humphrey: Home Clean Heroes of West Houston
Larry & Brandon Greene: Dogtopia of Denver Tech Center
Leonard Siers: Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Florida and Alabama
Lorena Medina: BNI Mexico
Louis Malooley: Alphagraphics of Buckhead, Georgia

IFA Franchisee of the Year, AlphaGraphics — AlphaGraphics of Buckhead owner Louis Malooley was honored by the IFA as Franchisee of the Year at the 2023 Annual Convention. “Winning this award is a testament to the hard work both my team in Buckhead and the leaders at AlphaGraphics headquarters put in every day,” Malooley said. “It takes more than one person to be successful, and my name wouldn’t be on this award if not for the mentors that helped me along the way and a strong team to deliver exceptional service and quality. Being a member of the AlphaGraphics family is amazing, and we will continue to grow and expand our franchise system together.”

LuAnn Martinson: Owl Be There, Charlotte
Maaza Henry: Sandhills Hospitality LLC, Charlotte
Mark and Bobbi Howard: Poolwerx Union Hills, Phoenix
Mark Schostak: TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants, Michigan
Matias Puga H.: School of Rock Latin America

IFA Franchisees of the Year2023 School of Rock Matias Puga H. — **Matias Puga H.**, School of Rock’s master franchisee in Latin America, was the winner of the IFA Franchisee of the Year award. Matias currently owns four schools in Latin America: Los Dominicos in Chile, Santiago in Chile, Polanco in Mexico, and Bogotá in Colombia (Colombia). “Matias‘ **unwavering commitment, tireless efforts, and unparalleled dedication to excellence in every aspect of our business have earned him this well-deserved recognition,**” **said Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock.**

Matt Perry & Tracy Gilligan: Infinity Companies of NH/MA

IFA Franchisees of the year - Matt Perry & Tracy Gilligan: Infinity Companies of NH/MA — **Elements Massage franchise owners** **Matt Perry and Tracy Gilligan were recognized as Franchisees of the Year by the IFA at the 2023 Annual Convention.** “Service is at the heart of everything we’ve ever done,” Perry said. “To be recognized on this level is truly humbling, and it never would have happened without empowering people on our team to do great things and allowing them to thrive. In this industry, we are nothing without our teams and are so fortunate to benefit from the strong purpose-driven passion that comes inherently with the work that we do.”

Matthew Sutton Davis: The Davis Restaurant Group Inc., North Carolina
Miguel Macias: America’s Swimming Pool Co. of Reno
Mike Meilleur: Sola Salons, Columbus, Ohio, & Buffalo, N.Y.
Misty Hudson Whitehead: Chicken Salad Chick, Alabama
Nicholas Brand: Men In Kilts Vancouver, British Columbia

Men in Kilts franchisee Nic Brand was named IFA Franchisee of the Year.

Noah Stone and Vy Tran: The Joint Chiropractic, Texas
Nora Farhat: British Swim School, Detroit metro area
Pete & Barbra Muller: Tint World Orlando

IFA franchisee of the year 2023 - Tint World — Husband-and-wife team Pete and Barbra Muller of Tint World were named IFA Franchisees of the Year at the 2023 IFA Annual Convention. “Pete and Barbra are dynamic representatives of the Tint World family, and their success reflects their passion,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. The couple is pictured above with members of their team. From left to right: James Malone, Pete Muller, Barbra Muller, and Chase Norman.

Priya Dave & Ash Agarwal: Ivybrook Academy of Hendersonville, Tenn.
Ray Wells: HOODZ of Atlanta
Raymond & Andrew Howell: Tropical Smoothie Café, Florida
Reena Patel: The Lash Lounge Dr. Phillips, Lake Mary, Winter Park & Winter Garden, Florida

The Lash Lounge franchisee Reena Mistry-Patel was awarded Franchisee of the Year by the IFA. “Reena is absolute dynamite. She is incredible, determined—with year-round excitement. She is a natural-born leader with an attitude that is absolutely positive and infectious,” said Meg Roberts, CEO and president of The Lash Lounge.

Richie Drew: One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Myrtle Beach
Scarlett and Jason Dalton: Camp Bow Wow, New Orleans

Scarlett and Jason Dalton - IFA franchisees of the year — Camp Bow Wow franchise owners Scarlett and Jason Dalton were honored by the IFA as Franchisees of the Year at the 2023 Annual Convention. “We are honored to see two of our long-time franchise owners recognized for their contributions to Camp Bow Wow and to their community,” said Julie Turner, president of Camp Bow Wow. “Their passion for the business is reflected in all they do for their teams, fellow franchise owners and customers—both human and canine.”

Scott Hart: Z PLUMBERZ of Ann Arbor, Mich.
Shafiq Mohamed: Stratus Building Solutions of Hamilton, Ontario
Stephanie Zhang & David Galkin: Redbox+ Dumpsters of Lehigh Valley, Pa.

Stephanie Zhang and David Galkin IFA franchisees of the year redbox+ — Stephanie Zhang and David Galkin, of redbox+ Dumpsters of Lehigh Valley, PA, were recognized as Franchisees of the Year. “We are extremely honored to be recognized for the business we are so passionate about. Serving businesses and homeowners throughout the Lehigh Valley community has been so rewarding since we launched our redbox+ Dumpsters business,” said Galkin. “We are part of an incredible franchise family and are always seeking to help wherever we can. I can’t wait for what’s ahead for redbox+ Dumpsters as a brand that’s backed by incredible individuals.”

Stephen and Mary Butterfield and Danielle Withycombe: Hydrate IV Bar of Arizona
Steve & Diane Geddes: Fibrenew Kelowna in British Columbia

IFA Franchisee of the Year 2023 Steve and Diane Geddes — **Steve and Diane Geddes of Fibrenew Kelowna were named Franchisees of the Year at the 2023 IFA Annual Convention.**

Steven Leibsohn: Wetzel’s Pretzels Arizona
Susanna Woods and Bo Henderson: California Closets of South West Florida
Tammy Feaster: Spherion, Maryland
Terri Smith: Woodhouse Spa, Indiana
Thomas and Carrie Powers: Any Lab Test Now, Tulsa, Okla., area

IFA Franchisee of the Year 2023 Any Lab Test Now — **Any Lab Test Now franchise owners Thomas and Carrie Powers (center) were honored as IFA Franchisees of the Year. Above, they pose with CEO Clarissa Bradstock and IFA President and CEO Matthew Haller.** ”We are so proud of the accomplishments of Carrie and Tom over the last five years. Within the first few years of operations, not only did they become one of the top franchises in our system, they set the standard for Any Lab Test Now franchisees by serving as a training site to help their peers also achieve success,” **said Bradstock.**

Tom & Debi Taube: Kitchen Tune-Up, Charlotte
Tom & Maryellen Heinemann: Mosquito Squad of North Jersey
Tom and Micah Nisley: i9 Sports, Texas
Toni Parkhurst: Budget Blinds of Fairfield/Vacaville, Calif.
Toya Evans: Healthy Living Ventures, Washington, D.C.-Baltimore area
Tyler Fuss: LIME Painting of Northern Colorado
Victoria Alvarez and Raul Munoz: Wings and Rings, Texas
Vijay & Deepika Ilavarasan: Kiddie Academy of Vancouver–Fisher’s Landing, Wash., and Tigard, Ore.

IFA Franchisees of the Year 2023 Kiddie Academy — **Kiddie Academy of Vancouver Fisher’s Landing and Tigard owners, Deepika and Vijay Ilavarasan (center), were recognized as Franchisees of the Year at the 2023 IFA Annual Convention.**

Wes Snyder and Jeff Parsons: FASTSIGNS of Raleigh, N.C.; Austin, Texas; Tucson, Ariz.; Fort Myers, Fla.; Corpus Christi, Texas; and Charleston, S.C.
Zane Glover: Payroll Vault, Colorado