---
title: "Ziebart team racking up awards and honors"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/baf4bea3-60b9-4d28-a99c-35d42c506717
source: "Franchise Magazine USA"
original_url: https://franchisemagazineusa.com/ziebart-team-racking-up-awards-and-honors/
author: "David Gibb"
category: "Repair & maintenance"
industry: "Automotive"
segment: "Repair & maintenance"
published: 2026-09-22T14:12:48.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T21:42:23.311Z
image: https://franchisemagazineusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/an-industry-that-yields-financial-personal-freedom.jpg
---

# Ziebart team racking up awards and honors

**TL;DR:** Ziebart, an automotive protection franchise, has been recognized with several awards and rankings, including being named the No. 1 Automotive Appearance Services brand by Entrepreneur. The brand has 400 locations and 1,000 car deal partners across 32 countries and is seeking qualified domestic and international franchise candidates.

*By David Gibb, originally published in Franchise Magazine USA on 2026-09-22. [Read the original](https://franchisemagazineusa.com/ziebart-team-racking-up-awards-and-honors/).*

## Story

Ziebart, an automotive protection franchise specializing in vehicle detailing, paint and body protection, and vehicle accessories, today announced that it is riding a wave of positive momentum as we approach the fourth quarter of 2026. The brand has recently claimed several awards and prestigious rankings from key industry publications, and one of the system’s top owner-operators is being honored as an International Franchise Association (IFA) Franchisee of the Year.

In *Entrepreneur*’s 2026 industry rankings, Ziebart was awarded the No. 1 Automotive Appearance Services brand, No. 78 on the list of Top Brands for Multi-Unit Owners, and No. 144 on the *Entrepreneur* Franchise 500, one of the industry’s go-to resources for franchisors and operators alike.

“Our *Entrepreneur* Franchise 500 ranking is a testament of Ziebart’s ability to adapt to the ever-changing franchise industry,” said Thomas A. Wolfe, President & Chief Executive Officer of Ziebart. “As a brand that has been in business for more than 65 years, we have learned to grow alongside the environment we operate in. Earning the position as the top brand in *Entrepreneur*‘s Automotive Appearance Services category is something we do not take for granted.”

*Franchise Assembly*, a leading industry provider of professional development and events, also recently named Ziebart’s marketing team as Franchise Marketing Trailblazers. Senior Vice President and Chief Growth Officer Larisa Walega and Vice President of Marketing Michelle Wells both earned recognition for their efforts at Ziebart – Walega for her long-term leadership and Wells for her rapid, impactful ascent to VP.

“Marketing is often the foundation of what drives a brand’s overall success,” said Walega. “I’m proud of the strong marketing team we’ve built here at Ziebart, and I’m eager to continue propelling our brand forward using our curated skills and talents.”

On the franchisee side, Ben Rogers, who owns Ziebart’s Bay City, Michigan location was named an IFA Franchisee of the Year earlier this month. The award recognizes Ben’s outstanding business acumen as well as his dedication to serving as a mentor leader within the Ziebart franchise system.

“Ben is the ultimate example of what it means to be a human-first business leader,” said Larisa Walega. “His motivation to lead with strong mentorship is apparent in how his team shows up for each other and for the customers every day. The recognition from the IFA is deserved and well-earned. We’re incredibly proud to have Ben represent Ziebart on a national stage.”

With these awards in hand, Ziebart is poised to continue expanding their network of 400 locations and 1,000 car deal partners spread out across 32 countries. The brand continues to seek qualified domestic and international franchise candidates.

## Entities

- franchise expansion (topic)
- Entrepreneur (publication)
- Automotive (sector)
- Franchise Magazine USA (publication)
- franchise ranking (topic)
- award recognition (topic)
- International Franchise Association (IFA) (regulator)
- David Gibb (person)
- Ziebart (company)
- industry awards (topic)
- Thomas A. Wolfe (person)
- Larisa Walega (person)

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Originally reported by David Gibb, Franchise Magazine USA (https://franchisemagazineusa.com/ziebart-team-racking-up-awards-and-honors/). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/baf4bea3-60b9-4d28-a99c-35d42c506717).