---
title: "Shawna Hicks-Cranston of PostNet Lakewood Ranch Awarded Franchisee of the Year by International Franchise Association"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/228e52ed-489e-4ffd-aea2-b1aaefdf70a6
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20240306_shawna_hickscranston_of_postnet_lakewood_ranch_awarded_franchisee_of_the_ye.html
category: "Shipping & print"
industry: "Business Services"
segment: "Shipping & print"
published: 2024-03-06T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T19:55:32.255Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1450101499163-c8848c66ca85?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Shawna Hicks-Cranston of PostNet Lakewood Ranch Awarded Franchisee of the Year by International Franchise Association

**TL;DR:** Shawna Hicks-Cranston of PostNet Lakewood Ranch was awarded Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association. She was recognized for her outstanding performance and contributions to the franchise business model, including her involvement in the community and embodiment of the entrepreneurial spirit.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2024-03-06. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20240306_shawna_hickscranston_of_postnet_lakewood_ranch_awarded_franchisee_of_the_ye.html).*

## Story

“Franchisees of the Year exemplify what franchising is all about – providing opportunity, serving others, and fulfilling the American Dream,” said Matthew Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “We are proud to recognize Shawna Hicks-Cranston with the highest honor IFA awards to individual franchisees, and I have no doubt her work is changing lives and making a lasting community impact.”

The Franchisee of the Year Award recognizes leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance, and promote the franchise business model. Nominated by their parent company, individuals are selected for their involvement in their communities, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit, fostering a strong and healthy culture with their workforce, and assisting their fellow franchisees when called upon.

Shawna Hicks-Cranston and her husband Brad Cranston joined the PostNet family in 2010. Before joining PostNet, they both worked together in the staffing industry running three locations. After the birth of their child, Elizabeth, they looked for another franchise opportunity that gave them the ability to be more active in the community.

PostNet was a perfect fit, and Shawna now runs the PostNet of Lakewood Ranch with her amazing team. Together, they are on a first-name basis to assist their customers with any design, printing, or business services they might need.

“Shawna, alongside her entire family and team, epitomizes the pinnacle of what every franchisee should aspire to become,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of retail network development. “What truly sets them apart is their unparalleled commitment to their community and customers. Shawna and her team embody the essence of PostNet demonstrating that their business transcends beyond merely pack, ship and printing services - it's about uplifting the community and helping local businesses.”

“Shawna has also personally been influential in the strategic growth of the PostNet brand serving as chair for our Franchise Advisory Committee. This recognition is indeed well-deserved.”

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- Business Services (sector)
- community involvement (topic)
- franchise awards (topic)
- IFA (company)
- Matt Haller (person)
- franchisee of the year (topic)
- Bill McPherson (person)
- PostNet (company)

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Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20240306_shawna_hickscranston_of_postnet_lakewood_ranch_awarded_franchisee_of_the_ye.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/228e52ed-489e-4ffd-aea2-b1aaefdf70a6).