SeoSamba's Top 100 Franchise Influencers 2026

As Head of Franchise Development at STORsquare, my role is to connect driven entrepreneurs with a scalable, high-potential business opportunity. With a strong background in franchise sales and development, I specialize in guiding candidates through the discovery process, helping them determine if STORsquare is the right fit for their goals.

My focus is on franchise growth, engaging with prospective owners, and ensuring they have the information needed to make a confident investment decision. I thrive on building relationships, understanding candidates’ motivations, and aligning them with the right opportunity.

At the helm of Franchise Fame, our team specializes in crafting data-driven marketing strategies that enhance franchise growth and attract quality franchisees. Our approach has established us as a leader in the franchise industry, partnering with businesses in over 55 countries to maximize their brand awareness and network vitality. With a strong focus on new business development, key account management, and CRM, we've fostered collaborative relationships that culminate in mutual success.

As a contributing writer with a monthly column on franchise marketing, my insights reflect a deep understanding of lead generation and the nuances of the franchise sector. Recognized as the Most Innovative Woman of the Year 2022 in Franchising, I bring a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence within our industry. By sharing expertise in publications, speaking engagements, and industry events, we contribute to the broader conversation, driving thought leadership and fostering a community of growth-focused franchisors.

I 've spent 25 years fixing what's broken in franchise operations and scaling what works. My track record is pretty straightforward: take underperforming franchise networks, figure out why they're struggling, and turn them into profitable growth engines. I've worked in everything from FMCG and transport to hospitality, QSR, financial Services, Signage & Promotional Services, along with retail. 

Some results I'm particularly proud of:

Turned a worst-performing region into their Top 3 nationally in under 12 months, 50% sales increase, #1 in service standards. Broke a fitness brand out of 5 years of stagnation by delivering one new franchise opening every single week for 18 months straight- Recovered over $500K in unpaid royalties at a multi international franchise system while preventing any franchise closures, something unheard of in turnaround situations. Negotiated property deals saving franchise partners 35-65% on occupancy costs, one of the biggest profitability levers most franchisors ignore. Expanded brands into international markets including US, Thailand, NZ, India, UK, China, and Israel through master franchise agreements. I don't just sell franchises. I build the systems that make them work, sustainable recruitment processes, franchisee profitability frameworks, operational standards that actually get followed, and property strategies that don't crush unit economics. Currently, I'm leading network development for San Churro's 70+ locations across Australia. Previously held senior roles, including National Franchise Manager, General Manager, State Business Consultant, and franchise owner. I hold an MBA and speak English and Czech. What I'm looking for next: a CEO, COO, or Director role where I can take full ownership of a franchise network's growth strategy and operational performance. I thrive in turnaround situations and aggressive expansion plans, basically anywhere the stakes are high and the status quo isn't working. 

FranCoach is the premier franchise consulting firm. We are focused on educating people on the amazing possibilities that can be achieved through franchising. 

The FranCoach Brokerage Division is partnered with hundreds of franchisors to ensure we help clients find their absolute best franchise to own. Our 100% free service is always focused on what is best for our clients, not us.

FranCoach's Create a Shift Division works with emerging franchisors on all aspects of their development. The Create a Shift goal is assist franchisors reach their growth goals the right way.

Finally the FranCoach Media Division includes podcasts, television, books, and YouTube. The award-winning Franchising 101 podcast, THE Franchising 360 Show which is the only nationally syndicated tv show on franchising, and the book Becoming a Franchise Owner.

Whatever you need in franchising, FranCoach is your one-stop shop.

Aggressive sales master, loyal mentor, and recruiter of exceptionally talented team members! I am able to seek out what drives others to be great and inspire them to use that fuel to set their energy on fire to succeed!

I was a police officer in the St. Louis area for 10 years. 
I founded the T.A.C.T franchise. We are professional and certified in the cleaning and disposal of biohazerdous waste.

After years in the franchise business, I started Fran Metrics to help support franchisors and franchisees. 

Boosting unit-level economics by leveraging knowledge of KPI trends and benchmarking benefits both franchisors and franchisees. I am devoted to making this process simple while keeping franchisees engaged.

View all of our Events here - www.FranchiseAssembly.com | SalesKing101- Follow me on TikTok! | "The National Franchise Show" my happy place - www.FranchiseShowInfo.com | All Things Franchise - Ask Me Anything and I'll point you in the right direction! | Specialties: Sales, Sales, Sales, Sales, Operational support, Marketing, Brand Development, Market Expansion.

I co-produce Franchise Chat and Franchise Connect alongside Joe Caruso and Ned Lyerly, bringing your unique business story to life on LinkedIn. Whether you’re a multi-unit franchisee, franchisor, an emerging brand, or a supplier, our platforms are designed to share your story with the wider franchise community.

What We Do:

1. Franchise Connect: A streaming webinar series using LinkedIn Live and Restream, designed to engage your audience through informed, intelligent, yet casual discussions on key business topics. Each session is recorded and can be curated for distribution on other platforms, maximizing your brand’s reach.
2. Franchise Chat: A LinkedIn Live Audio event offering an interactive experience without the formality of recordings. It’s a space for spontaneous, real-time conversations that connect you directly with your audience.

Both platforms are interactive, encouraging the audience to ask questions, making them excellent tools for generating leads and informing prospects.

Serial Entrepreneur | AI Integration Strategist | Marketing & Sales Expert | Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker

I help organizations accelerate growth, outpace disruption, and turn complexity into clarity. With over 25 years of experience and more than $1B in client-driven sales, I specialize in aligning leadership, marketing, sales, and AI innovation to deliver measurable results.

KEYNOTE FOCUS AREAS:

• Business Growth Acceleration
• AI for Every Role—Simplified for Strategy & Scale
• Superpower Success: Leadership & Peak Performance
• Sales & Marketing Optimization
• Franchise Marketing & Local Campaign Mastery
• Customer Experience & Loyalty Building

HOT TOPIC: AI MINDSHIFT

AI is reshaping every role in business—and I help leaders make it practical, profitable, and people-focused. My keynotes and workshops reveal how to integrate AI across departments, avoid costly pitfalls, and enhance operational excellence, customer experience, and revenue.

FEATURED BOOKS:

• AI MINDSHIFT: Unleash AI, Avoid Pitfalls, Keep the Human Touch
• ACCELERATE: Maximize Local Marketing & Sales for Franchisees
• SUPERPOWER: Leadership and Business Strategies for High Performers

WHY ORGANIZATIONS BOOK ME:

Top corporations, franchises, and associations trust me to deliver actionable keynotes that inspire, educate, and drive execution. I’ve launched 10+ companies, authored 6 business books, earned 3 U.S. patents, and trained thousands across industries.

As President/CEO of Prime Concepts Group, I lead a talented team that helps brands attract better customers, amplify their digital presence, and convert more leads into loyal clients.

MY EDGE:

I blend street-smart entrepreneurial experience with tactical innovation. I don’t just motivate—I give people the tools, mindset, and roadmap to win.

Self driven entrepreneur. Launched a start-up and driven it to a national franchise system.

Specialties: Start-up, franchise sales, contract negotiations.

Franchise Sales Expert and Franchisor Executive Advisor | Co-Producer of Franchise Chat & Franchise Connect | Empowering Brands on LinkedIn

Franchise Empire Builder | Multi-Unit, Multi-Brand | International Development
Franchising isn’t just a business model—it’s a life-changing vehicle for ownership, wealth, and impact. I’ve spent the last 15+ years launching businesses across 60+ countries and 5 continents.

I help people build franchise ownership empires so that they can use it as a vehicle for good to change the world.

As a Fractional CMO & Strategic Growth Advisor, I help established companies turn stalled growth into revenue by diagnosing and fixing what's broken between marketing and conversion.
Most teams don’t have a demand problem. They have a system problem.

My best work happens in the messy middle:

- When revenue is growing faster than the systems supporting it
- When messaging isn’t landing the way leadership expects
- When teams are busy, but growth has stalled

That’s where I come in.

I diagnose where growth is breaking down and architect the strategy, messaging, and systems that reconnect effort to results. I don’t run execution — I build the plan that makes execution effective.

Companies bring me in when they need to:
- Clarify brand and messaging so value lands instantly
- Align leadership, sales, marketing, and product
- Turn “something feels off” into a clear, prioritized plan
- Launch or scale with confidence
- Build a scalable growth system

Working with me feels like focus returning to the business. Decisions sharpen. Teams align. Growth becomes intentional; not accidental.

Throughout my career, I’ve supported both emerging companies and legacy brands, including Disney, Toro, Sonic Drive-In, Liberty Tax, and GarageExperts.

Growth-minded franchise development leader with a proven record of building, scaling, and supporting high-performing franchise systems across diverse markets. Currently overseeing Franchise Development and M&A's at Buddy’s Home Furnishings, I specialize in driving strategic expansion through multi-unit growth, acquisitions, and operational excellence.

Over the past several years, I’ve led national franchise sales initiatives, managed complex real estate and acquisition projects, and guided franchisees through every stage of development, from concept to launch. My approach blends deep industry expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset, ensuring sustainable growth, strong unit economics, and long-term franchisee success.

Beyond Buddy’s, I’m passionate about helping people build wealth and independence through business ownership. I also lead several community and professional initiatives, including franchise marketing ventures, alumni leadership, and youth sports organizations, each reinforcing my belief that great growth starts with strong relationships.

Sadie Lincoln is the co-founder and CEO of barre3, a fitness and wellness company focused on teaching people to be balanced in body and empowered from within. Starting in 2008 with the flagship studio in Portland, Oregon, barre3 has grown to include more than 200 franchise studios all owned and operated by women, plus an online-workout streaming-subscriber base in 100+ countries. What started as a workout has blossomed into a full-blown movement made up of millions of people focused on body positivity, being empowered, and redefining what success in fitness means.

Sadie is on Inc.'s Female Founders 100 list, Forbes 50 over 50 list, MO100 Impact list, and in 2024 won Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year in the Mountain West category and Athletech’s Power Player Award. She has been featured on NPR’s How I Built This and speaks regularly on the topics of mindful leadership, the power of body wisdom, and the movement to redefine what success in fitness means. Beyond running her company and being a global spokesperson, Sadie still enjoys teaching barre3 classes to many of her founding clients in her hometown of Portland, Oregon.

I help people make big decisions without pressure or nonsense. I’m committed to leading with empathy, staying authentic, and doing it in a way that I enjoy My background is in franchise development, process improvement, and growth but my real skill is building trust and keeping it. I care more about alignment than volume, and I’d rather say “not a fit” than force something forward.If you value transparency, curiosity, and progress over polish, you’re in the right place.

Angelee Brown | Franchise Visionary • CEO • Author • Speaker

Angelee Brown is a franchise industry leader with over two decades of hands-on experience driving growth and transformation for some of the world’s most recognized brands. As CEO of North America’s fastest-growing franchise group—representing over 500 brands—Angelee has shaped the future of franchising through strategic consulting, sales leadership, and scalable recruitment systems. Her track record includes partnerships with Tim Hortons, Little Caesars, and Randstad, record-breaking revenue growth, and placing more than 300 franchisees annually across multiple sectors.

Angelee is a published author, keynote speaker, and active contributor to leading franchise platforms such as the Canadian Franchise Association and Elite Franchise Magazine. She’s recognized not just for her business acumen but for her commitment to elevating the industry through education, innovation, and ethical leadership.

Driven by purpose, Angelee works closely with both emerging and established franchisors, coaching CEOs and entrepreneurs on how to build sustainable, high-performance franchise systems. She also leads a trusted network of franchise experts dedicated to empowering growth-focused brands with the support they need to scale effectively.

Based in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Angelee is a passionate advocate for wellness, an avid foodie, and a relentless believer in the power of positive leadership.

Entrepreneur with a passion for business development, poeple, products and brands.
Canada Marketing & Retail expert. Brand development.
Senior manager with 20 years management experience in the marketing and distribution sectors. Held key positions as a marketing director of a portfolio of brands, and president of a 500 employees company.

Recognized to create value for a brand, a project or a company. Expertise in brand or concept development in different markets.
Strong leadership and creativity skills. High success in the exploration, implementation of new projects: the revitalization of a company in decline, the development of mini-boutiques at airports, the launching of a new banner.

Deeply involved in the Canadian distribution market Consulting mission in three different markets : Home and kitchen accessories, cosmetics, fashion and food business (coffee and sandwiches)

Franchise Consultant | Multi-Brand Franchisee | Entrepreneur

Experienced in all aspects of franchise and independent restaurants.
►Operations, purchasing, contract negotiations, site selection, hiring, finance, accounting
►Training, menu creation, marketing, design, construction, new store openings.

Restaurant creator, analyst, franchise consultant, advisor, strategist, chef ☆►➡

Clients:
☆Chief Strategist Wicked Donuts
☆Chief Strategist Mr. Brews Taphouse
☆Chief Development Officer Snowdays
☆COO Even Stevens Sandwiches
➡ Wingstop - Former multi-unit franchisee
President of the Franchise Advisory Council

➡ Krispy Kreme Doughnuts - Former multi-state franchisee/Managing Partner

I am passionate about the dynamic world of franchising, where strategy meets opportunity and growth. With over 10 years of experience in Commercial Real Estate Development and 15 years in Franchise Recruitment and Lead Generation,I have a deep understanding of franchise development, sales, and recruitment. I specialize in helping franchisors strategically grow their brands and achieve their goals. From site selection to market planning, I bring a unique perspective that combines real estate expertise with franchise growth strategies.

Whether it’s working as a Chief Development Officer, providing lead generation strategy for franchise consultants, or mentoring teams to maximize collaboration, I thrive on creating meaningful connections and driving results.

I wear many hats in my professional and personal life:
- CDO & Franchise Consultant
- Co-Host of THE Franchising 360 Show
- Chair of the Women’s Franchising Network - Tampa Bay
- Commercial Real Estate Development Professional
- Mom, Wife, Mentor, and Lifelong Learner

My mission is simple: to share, learn, and help others succeed in the best way possible. Whether you're a franchisor looking for strategic growth, a team needing guidance, or someone passionate about discussing all things franchising—I’m here to help.

Experienced Editor In Chief with a demonstrated history of working in the media production and communication industry. Skilled in Press Conferences, News Writing, Copywriting, Crisis Communications, PR, NewsEdit, and News Management. Strong media and communication professional graduated from University of Zagreb, Faculty of Law.

As the CEO of MassageLuXe, I’m proud to lead a brand that has grown to over 100 locations. Since joining the company in 2020 as Chief Growth Officer and transitioning to CEO in early 2024, my role has been to leverage my expertise to drive innovation and make operational decisions based on data-driven insights and a thorough understanding of market dynamics. Having a career foundation in marketing helps me lead with a strong focus on driving growth while also supporting our franchisees with the tools and strategies they need to thrive in their local markets.

Franchising has been the core of my career—it's where my true passion lies. Franchising is more than a business model to me—it’s about creating opportunities, building communities, and fostering growth, both personally and professionally. The potential to make a positive impact on our franchisees and the future of MassageLuXe inspires me every day.

I work at the intersection of franchising, tax strategy, and business ownership, with a focus on how financial structure impacts outcomes across growing franchise systems.

I became a CPA partner early in my career and later led the merger of multiple accounting practices. That experience shaped how I think about systems, scalability, and long-term risk. It also naturally led me into franchising, where structure, repeatability, and decision quality matter far beyond any single transaction.

Today, I lead Reeder CPA Group, a national CPA and advisory firm that works closely across the franchise ecosystem. Much of my work happens behind the scenes, supporting candidates as they evaluate ownership, structure their entity, secure funding, and understand the tax implications of the decisions they’re making, both before and after they invest.

WHAT I DO

I specialize in the franchise acquisition process and the financial readiness that supports it. I help candidates and the professionals who advise them navigate entity structure, SBA and non-SBA funding, tax planning, projections, and post-close realities so deals move forward cleanly and systems stay protected.

WHY CONSULTANTS AND FRANCHISORS TRUST ME

I don’t compete for referrals or reposition candidates. I operate as a CPA resource that strengthens the system. I understand the franchisor’s model, respect the consultant’s role, and focus on preparing candidates to enter ownership informed, realistic, and aligned with the brand.

IMPACT

“I interviewed Michael on All Things Franchising Radio Show where we had a great conversation about the franchise business model. Michael is not only a CPA but a brilliant business advisor.” - Linda Ballesteros

“Michael is my CPA since start of my business his expert advice has helped me save thousands and is always available.” - Jarih Jafri

“Michael never misses answering a question, even when put on the spot, and he has helped so many of our brokers better understand FDD financial statements, Item 19s and overall funding options for our clients.” - Chelsie Charnet Maltez

Hi, I’m Heather McPherson!
I'm passionate about elevating fashion, beauty, and wellness businesses while helping entrepreneurs achieve their dreams.
Bringing years of experience in franchise development, funding, and consulting to the table. Helping brands grow and entrepreneurs prosper through dedicated, focused discipline, intentional listening, and fact-based decision counsel! Each relationship begins on a foundation of honesty, fearlessness, optimism, and balanced health.

Currently Supporting the Canadian Franchise Association and leading media sales for CFA members nationwide.

A senior franchising executive with more than 27 years’ experience shaping high-performance franchise networks and leading brand expansion across global markets. Recognised internationally for advancing franchising standards, strengthening commercial outcomes, and building scalable growth infrastructures that enable brands to enter new territories with confidence.

Most recently serving as Global Franchise Director for Xplorergroup — stewarding the ComputerXplorers, ActiveXplorers and Kall Kwik brands — I defined and executed the organisation’s international growth agenda. Key achievements included the launch of ComputerXplorers in Australia and securing market entry for the U.S. launch planned for January 2026, unlocking long-term global scale. In parallel, I revitalised the Kall Kwik brand for the modern marketplace, introducing three new business models aligned to contemporary commercial buyer needs.

Accredited as both a Qualified Franchise Professional (QFP) and Certified Franchise Executive (CFE), my leadership spans market entry strategy, commercial modelling, operational refinement, international partner recruitment, and end-to-end franchise development. I am committed to delivering sustainable unit economics, strong territory performance, and enduring value creation for both brand owners and franchisees.

Helping Business owners scale and grow their businesses profitably through Franchising.

Now operating in 6 countries. Helping brands scale and grow domestically and internationally.

Complete our Franchise Readiness scorecard here - franchiseready.scoreapp.com/

We have helped launch and support over 300 Franchise Brands in Australia, New Zealand, India, UK, mena and Singapore in the past five years.

In 2021 and again in 2024 we got recognised as the best franchise consulting firm in the World, that's something we are very proud of and humbled by the clients that allow us to help them realise their dreams.



In the past 5 years, I helped franchise businesses grow on average by over 200% and non franchised businesses grow by more than 50%, which is 15 times the Australian average.

I am proud to have worked with and helped well over 1000 small business owners in my career.

What I'm know for:
Franchise ownership consulting and advisory services for prospective franchise owners
Writing educational content about franchise ownership - including my two published franchise books
Providing honest, unbiased franchise opportunity evaluations and due diligence guidance
Teaching about franchise research methods and how to avoid common franchising mistakes
Offering insights on franchise trends and opportunities through my blog and media appearances

What I Can Do For You
As a Franchise Ownership Advisor with 24+ years of experience, I'll guide you through every stage of the process—from helping you discover franchises you may not be aware of, to helping you through the discovery process with the franchises you're already interested in.

Embarking on this potentially life-changing journey alone isn't necessary, and it certainly isn't advisable. I offer expert guidance to ensure you make informed, savvy decisions that will bring you lasting success and profit.

WHY WORK WITH ME: Unlike typical franchise consultants, coaches, or brokers who earn hefty commissions by simply 'matching' you with franchises, I operate differently. I don't receive $20,000-$30,000 brokerage commission because I don't sell franchises. Translation: my loyalty is to you, my client. I'm not here to promote a franchisor's interests—I'm here to promote yours.

To conclude, I'm dedicated to empowering you with knowledge, I focus on you, your goals, and your successful future in franchising. Let's navigate this exciting path together

As the CEO of Loyalty Brands Inc, John T. Hewitt leverages his 55 years of experience and expertise in franchising, business management, strategy, and new venture development. He is the founder of three successful companies that have collectively opened over 10,000 franchises in the tax preparation and business services industry in the USA and Canada.

Hewitt is also an author of a best-selling book, iCompete: How my Extraordinary Strategy for Winning Can be Yours, and a recipient of multiple awards and honors, including the 2005 Entrepreneur of the Year by the International Franchise Association. His mission is to help aspiring entrepreneurs achieve their dream of business ownership and prosperity. He does this by creating and growing a synergistic group of franchise businesses and services that work together to provide customer loyalty, repeat business, and financial stability.