
Women Who Found the Right Work-Life Balance Through Franchising
A growing number of women are finding success in franchising, debunking outdated narratives surrounding the industry.
International Franchise Association is a company in Burnaze's franchise knowledge graph, mentioned since 2015. 677 stories link here, each summarized from the original publisher. * The 2026 Franchise Leadership & Development Conference CEO Summit discussed challenges in the franchise industry, including tightening margins, slowing development, and private equity's influence, emphasizing the importance of helping operators succeed and making franchisees profitable [[2026-10-27 More Than Selling It (d27117)]]. * IFA highlighted tightening margins, slowing development, and private‑equity influence, urging franchisors to help operators succeed and become profitable at the 2026 Franchise Leadership & Development Conference CEO Summit [[2026-10-27 More Than Selling It (d27117)]]. * IFA launched a Franchise Research and Insights Center that offers members real‑time performance data and an exclusive profitability report from ProfitKeeper [[2026-10-15 IFA Launches New Franchise Research and Insights Center (36c695)]]. * IFA announced 16 new franchise leaders to serve on its 2027 Board of Directors, with terms beginning at the 2027 IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas (Feb 22‑24) [[2026-10-21 IFA Announces New Board Leadership (57a84b)]]. * Franchise leaders emphasized the importance of helping operators succeed and making franchisees profitable [[2026-10-27 More Than Selling It (d27117)]]. * The 2026 Franchise Leadership & Development Conference CEO Summit discussed the influence of private equity on the franchise industry [[2026-10-27 More Than Selling It (d27117)]]. * IFA is working to support franchisees in becoming profitable [[2026-10-27 More Than Selling It (d27117)]]. * The franchise industry is facing challenges including slowing development and tightening margins [[2026-10-27 More Than Selling It (d27117)]]

A growing number of women are finding success in franchising, debunking outdated narratives surrounding the industry.

David Glista opens the first Colorado location of Famous Toastery in Fort Collins, marking the brand's entry into the state.

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes franchisee Dale Woolery is bringing the brand to Lyndhurst, with a focus on providing flexibility and opportunity for his family.

Gloria Swardenski, a Sylvan Learning franchisee, shares her business and teaching background, which led her to join the corporate team and eventually become a franchisee.

Rosie Guerra, a retired County Tax Assessor, is opening a Mosquito Joe franchise in Hidalgo County, Texas, to protect families from mosquito-borne illnesses.

Franchise Central leverages behavioral science to recruit and select franchisees with a 25-year proven process.

Mark Naman, a franchisee of Philly Pretzel Factory, shares his story of bringing the brand to the Michiana area.

Scott Lay, a Texas entrepreneur, expands his Dairy Queen ownership group, opening new locations in Northeast Texas.

John Gerds, a franchisee of Philly Pretzel Factory, has a background in film and video production and is opening a location in Las Vegas.

Atlanta natives Scott and Everett Richards open GYMGUYZ, a mobile personal training concept, serving Atlanta in mid-March.

DiversityFran helps franchisors navigate the changing demographics of franchising and promote diversity and inclusion within the industry.

Todd Fetter, a Buffalo Wings & Rings franchisee, has grown his business to seven units and is exploring additional opportunities with the brand.

President Donald Trump names Alexander Acosta as his new nominee for Labor Secretary after Andy Puzder withdraws.

John McGovern, a franchisee of The Cleaning Authority, shares his career transition from IT sales to entrepreneurship.

Bary and Athena Burns, owners of Mosquito Joe, share their experience and background in managing a franchise business.

Rick Nakashima and his business partner Ted Davenport operate five Ruby Tuesday restaurants in Hawaii, with plans to continue growing the brand in the state.

Joel Forbes, a Signal 88 franchisee, has been successful in Dallas-Fort Worth, serving multi-family living spaces and patrolling construction projects.

Russell Frith, president and CEO of Lawn Doctor, has led the brand to success for nearly 25 years, earning recognition as a top authority on franchising and business.

Shelly Sun, CFE, has taken over as the new chair of the International Franchise Association, focusing on key issues such as regulatory rollbacks and joint employer legislation.

Katherine Lee Keith is opening a Right at Home business in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula territory in early February.
Trend alerts to assist you with your international expansion plans

Franchisee Chris Hamlin of Christian Brothers Automotive shares his background and transition to entrepreneurship.

Safeguard distributor Rick Stallings has expanded his business through acquisitions and has no plans to stop.

The International Franchise Association's @OurFranchise tour visited a Capriotti's location in Las Vegas, highlighting the brand's success through franchising.