Franchise Update Media Honors Top Franchises with STAR Awards

Franchise Update Media, a leading authority in franchise development, has announced the winners of its prestigious STAR Awards. These annual awards recognize exceptional performance in lead generation, recruitment, and overall industry best practices.

The winners were celebrated at the Franchise Leadership & Development Conference held in Atlanta, Georgia, from October 15th to 18th. The awards categories were revamped this year to recognize excellence in franchise recruitment by investment level. The top franchises were honored for their excellence in the following categories: Franchise Development Website and Online Lead Form Submission & Telephone Follow-Up - $101,000 to $250,000; $251,001 to $500,000; $500,000 to $1 Million; and over $1,000,000 investment level. There was also a top award for Most Responsive Brand.

The event also recognized the winners of the Franchise Innovation Awards for Franchise Development. The four categories were: Most Innovative Lead Generation Program or Platform; Most Innovative On-Boarding Program; Most Innovative PR or Social Media Campaign; Innovation in Support of Franchisee Profitability & Validation.

“Our annual STAR Awards celebrate the best practices in lead generation and prospect qualification, two critical factors driving growth in the franchise industry,” said Therese Thilgen, CEO & co-founder of Franchise Update Media. “Given the current economic climate, these skills are more important than ever. By recognizing the successful strategies of our winners, we hope to inspire other franchises to enhance their own processes and achieve greater success.”

The awards are determined on the results compiled by mystery shoppers, who pose as ideal candidates and contact franchises through the company's website. The mystery shoppers contacted more than 90 brands, with each franchise evaluated according to a list of standard criteria for each category.

Most Responsive Brand

• DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen

Franchise Development Website

• Wise Coatings: $101,000 to $250,000

• Batteries Plus: $251,001 to $500,000

• The Little Gym: $500,000 to $1 Million

• Goldfish Swim School: over $1,000,000

Online Lead Form Submission & Telephone Follow-Up

• Green Home Solutions: $101,000 to $250,000

• DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen: $251,001 to $500,000

• Beans & Brews Coffeehouse: $500,000 to $1 Million

• Propelled Brands: over $1,000,000

Most Innovative Lead Generation Program or Platform

• Mobiledumps

Most Innovative On-Boarding Program

• Cousins Maine Lobster

Most Innovative PR or Social Media Campaign

• PuroClean

Innovation in Support of Franchisee Profitability & Validation

• Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

Franchise Update Media has been a leader in the franchising space for more than 36 years. Founded in 1988, the company produces online franchise opportunity and educational websites, two quarterly print magazines, twelve newsletters, three annual conferences, independent research, and books, 100% focused on franchising. Targeting franchise audiences online, in print, and in person, Franchise Update Media delivers a unique combination of educational and traffic-generation sources to help franchisors, multi-unit franchisees, opportunity seekers, and suppliers achieve their growth objectives.

Franchise Update Media (FUM) is the trusted resource for the franchise industry. For 30+ years, FUM has been the leader in providing valuable conferences, print publications and digital properties for Franchisors, Franchisees and Franchise Prospects.