2022's Top Franchise Influencers 155-146

Catherine Monson is the CEO at Propelled Brands. She has a strong background in management and business leadership, as well as more than 25 years of franchising and digital printing experience.

Known for her motivational and accountability-led management style, Catherine believes in consistent communication and a two-way relationship with franchisees. It is with great passion that she leads Propelled Brands, the Corporate Umbrella for FASTSIGNS, NerdsToGo, MY SALON Suite and Salon Plaza.

Catherine appeared on the two-time Emmy Award-nominated reality series, “Undercover Boss”, in May of 2012 as the CEO of FASTSIGNS. The show follows high-level corporate executives as they slip anonymously into the rank-and-file of their own company to examine the inner workings of their organization.

A strong advocate for small business enterprise and franchising, Catherine also spends much of her time and energy serving as the Chair for the International Franchise Association (IFA), the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchises worldwide. Through her service with the IFA, Catherine works to help further the IFA’s mission of protecting and promoting franchising through government relations, public relations and educational programs.

With more than 20 years experience in the window covering industry, Cathy Morse has been able to help entrepreneurs all across North America realize their dream of owning and operating their own Made in the Shade Blinds & More franchise. She's able to draw from not only more than two decades of experience, but also established business partnerships and a reputation of excellent service among her clientele and dealers.

Cathy's vision was to teach others how to successfully establish and operate their own window covering business as a home based model. As a result, they created a franchise program that would enable those who were seeking a rewarding business opportunity in the window covering industry to do so at a low, one-time, entry fee. With comprehensive and ongoing training, lifetime support, an outstanding marketing team with a wealth of resources, and a proven business model, they prepare their franchisees for ongoing success.

Their company-owned San Antonio business (both in window coverings and flooring) continues to exceed expectations as a multi-million dollar business and receive rave reviews from hundreds of happy clients. All of their Made in the Shade clients across North America are able to benefit from the most competitive prices because of their national buying power.

Chad Knudson and his wife Brooke started one of the first healthy fast food drive-thrus in the US in 2007. Now, 15 years later, they have grown to six units in the Arizona valley, and the brand is ready to grow into additional states with area developers. It's a feel-good brand, offering healthy fast food and drinks to the community as well as healthy wages and tips within a fun atmosphere and plenty of profits for owners.

Chad Zani has created and driven highly successful B2B and DTC businesses for over 20 years, including the founding of multi-million dollar ASX listed Ezeatm Ltd. He has an exceptional ability to identify business and industry opportunities; craft and maintain cutting edge and highly effective sales and marketing strategies; and maintain excellent relationships with B2B customers, suppliers and high-value, loyal staff members.

Most recently in the USA, Chad has applied his knowledge and experience to help transform the Detail Garage retail store netowrk and brand from $2.5M in sales from 4 stores in 2017 to 84 stores and $45M in sales in 2021.

Charles Internicola is the founder of the Internicola Law Firm, a national franchise only law firm that provides emerging and growing brands with the legal support they need, resources to grow, and strategies to win at franchising.

Charlie Chase is the President and CEO of FirstService Brands, Inc. Prior to his role as CEO, Mr. Chase served as the President of the Consumer Franchises of The Franchise Company and prior to that he was CEO of CertaPro Group. Throughout his 29 years with FirstService Brands he has held numerous roles, starting as a Franchise owner in 1982 at College Pro Painters.

Charlie Morrison has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Wingstop since June 2012, and as Chairman of its board of directors since March 2017. Prior to joining Wingstop, Charlie was Chief Executive Officer of Rave Restaurant Group, a publicly traded international pizza chain, from January 2007 to June 2012.

Chris Elliot is the President of Beef ‘O’ Brady's and The Brass Tap. Since his arrival, EBITDA has grown 285%. He has implemented extensive menu and marketing enhancements as well as food quality and operational improvements that have driven positive comp sales for 9 of the past 11 years.

Craig Dunaway is the CEO of Penn Station East Coast Subs. Being an influential leader is really getting individuals to follow a cause for the greater good of the brand and not simply fulfilling personal goals. In 2021, Craig set out to work closely with franchisees and supplier partners to ensure Penn Station was becoming a leading brand that could provide greater value to its customers.