The Black Franchise Leadership Council (BFLC) joined the ever-expanding International Franchise Association (IFA) in February 2021 as part of the IFA Foundation and Diversity Institute. The timing of this launch during Black History Month was impeccable, as the council strives to bring awareness to the black community of entrepreneurs. By Rose Mango
Daily Jam is recognized by renowned foodies for its fresh take on breakfast and lunch dining. But innovation isn’t confined to the menu or restaurant concept. Berekk Blackwell, Daily Jam franchise president, has also employed cutting-edge marketing strategies, harnessing the power of social media micro-influencers to help build the brand and consumer engagement. By Jessica Jones
Warning: Scrolling through Bailey Seafood’s social media pages will instantly make you hungry. Probably because @baileyseafoodfresh posts plenty of photos showing off succulent shrimp platters, steamed crab legs, and perfectly browned hushpuppies. By Jessica Jones
Fred and Lisa Arthur strive to “be the buffalo” every day in their 1-800 WATER DAMAGE business. As Fred explained: “In Colorado, when storms come over the Rockies, herds of cows will start running away and then they get enveloped, whereas buffalo will head face-first into the storm and take it all on. So that’s our motto: We go headfirst into the storm.” By Lizzy Yeserski
Brandon Ezra was once just a guy who loved to ski, surf and fish. In 2009, as founder and CEO of Grand Welcome, he took his love of sea and sky and embarked on the biggest adventure of his life. By Lizzy Yeserski
For more than 14 years, Kevin Koelsch worked as a specialty contractor, installing interior finishes and industrial insulation for corporate clients. It was a career he once enjoyed but eventually outgrew. With no solid path forward, Koelsch began to explore other options. By Jessica Jones
Veterans interested in franchising have a unique partner on their side. VetFran is a non-profit entity of the International Franchise Association Foundation (IFA), designed to assist veterans in finding their perfect franchise fit among a plethora of other services, such as reducing the cost of entry for veterans who wish to open a franchise. By Matt Wiggins
As a decorated combat veteran and graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Shawn Gundrum takes his training routine very seriously. A former CrossFitter who spends at least five days in the gym each week, the Arlington, Virginia, resident has long been fascinated by functional fitness aimed at protecting and preserving the body. So when he learned about the MADabolic concept in 2018, he had to try it. By Jessica Jones
NerdsToGo, Inc. is celebrating great strides since becoming part of Propelled Brands in September 2020. Propelled Brands was formed by FASTSIGNS International, Inc., parent company of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise company. Under the Propelled Brands umbrella, NerdsToGo is flourishing and has recently signed two new franchisees to the NerdsToGo franchise family. By Rose Mango
Linda Carlins Herrera joined the Air Force directly after high school and was specially trained to work on aircraft avionics systems – a skill she would use later in life while working for NASA as a test engineer for the space shuttle program that built the International Space Station. By Jessica Jones