Columns
FRANCHISEE OF THE MONTH: Cal + Kaleigh Kellner, BODY20, Carlsbad, CA
With a passion for fitness and healthy living, Cal and Kaleigh Kellner built a name for themselves in the fitness and wellness industry when the couple founded their online nutrition counseling company. By Kelsi Trinidad
Giving Back: Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt is known first and foremost for its best-in-class frozen yogurt, with a rotating lineup of new flavors every month. But the company’s mission extends far beyond sweet treats. Since opening its first store in 2007, the brand has grown into the largest self-serve frozen yogurt franchise in the world, with locations across the U.S. and in multiple countries. Through it all, one value has remained constant: giving back. By Tamara Rahoumi
Featured Franchise Consultant: Beth Butler
Beth Butler’s career path has been anything but conventional. From serving in the U.S. Air Force to becoming a powerhouse in the franchising world, her professional life has been defined by bold moves, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep commitment to helping others find their own success. By Jessica Petrucelli
ENTREPRENEUR: Naturals2Go
With terms like “AI,” “smart coolers” and “micro markets” flying around the vending industry, it’s easy to get lost in the latest shiny technology. Naturals2Go believes in building a solid foundation that lets them crawl, walk and then run their way to a thriving business. By Shelby Green
BUILD YOUR FUTURE: CyberGlobal
Dan Gizzi spent 26 years working in sales roles in the corporate tech world, but in October 2024, he found himself sidelined by a layoff. Unsure of what he’d do next, Gizzi accepted a meeting with what he thought was a job recruiter, but it turned out to be a franchise consultant. The meeting went well, and Gizzi was faced with a decision: pursue franchising or find his next gig in corporate America. By Kelsi Trinidad
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FRANCHISEE: Just Play Sports
While pursuing a degree in entrepreneurship from the University of Houston, Larry Wilkins III, vice president of Just Play and director of Just Play Houston, joined the organization’s coaching team before stepping into a leadership role. Offering diverse basketball programs – including classes, camps, clinics and tournaments – the Just Play team provides communities and individuals with quality spaces and resources to achieve their wellness and athletic goals. By Erika Ortega
Women In Franchising: Dawn Abbamondi
When I look back at the last several years in franchising, I have to be proud that there are more women than ever making a huge impact on the industry. From suppliers I meet to the founders who are bringing their brands to market, there has been a huge shift. The conventions and meeting rooms are more balanced, getting closer and closer to 50/50 creating balance and inspiring others (less vocal than me) to speak up and share their story. By Dawn Abbamondi
Women In Franchising: A Hallmark of Care
Emma Dickison isn’t just the CEO and president of Home Helpers® Home Care; she’s a passionate leader with a deep personal connection to the work. When she was in the fifth grade, her family navigated the complexities of caring for her grandmother after a stroke. They successfully kept her in her home for more than 18 years, an experience that forged Dickison’s belief in the power of quality in-home care. By Shelby Green
Women In Franchising: Sea Love
Stacy Miller didn’t have an entrepreneurial background or formal training in fragrance, but when she launched a humble side hustle in 2017, she had a clear vision: to create nontoxic, emotionally resonant products that elicit comfort and joy. By Jessica Petrucelli
Women In Franchising: LIME Painting
LIME Painting®, a luxury residential and commercial painting brand, has been recognized in the franchise industry for being a low-cost, innovative and purpose-driven brand that delivers exceptional services and flawless customer experience. By Nancy E. Williams
Women In Franchising: Skincare Decoded
Dr. Arleen Lamba, founder of GLO30, began her journey in the skincare industry for personal reasons. In her 20s, she struggled with skin issues. While pursuing her doctorate at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, she began searching for the right products. By Erika Ortega
Women In Franchising: Ace Handyman Services
After finishing her active duty in the U.S. Air Force, Melissa Boatwright set out on a prestigious career path in corporate communications. While she climbed the corporate ladder, she hoped for a future with more community. She found that her strengths were in operationalizing strategy and figuring out how to take big concepts and distill them into day-to-day operations. By Kelsi Trinidad
Women In Franchising: WorldKids School
When Nicole Chaudry moved from Europe to the U.S., she knew that the transition would come with its share of challenges. However, she was also confident that her multicultural, multilingual upbringing had given her valuable skills – such as cognitive flexibility, cultural awareness and the ability to adapt anywhere in the world – that would ease the process. By Tamara Rahoumi
Women In Franchising: A Calling to Serve
When Elizabeth Graham decided to open a business, she knew it had to be more than just a job. As the owner of BrightStar Care® of Ponte Vedra and West Jacksonville, Florida, Graham found her calling by combining her passion for helping others with a franchise system that provides the tools and support to make a real difference in her community. By Shelby Green
Cover Story: From Accidental Start to Industry Icon
When Catherine Monson joined the world of franchising in 1980, it was by accident. Hired as a sales coordinator for Sir Speedy Printing Centers, a small franchisor with fewer than 200 locations, she had no intention of building tenure with the company, but she quickly climbed the ladder and became part of a team that forged the brand’s rapid success. As she worked to double the company’s footprint in less than five years, and quadruple it in 15 years, she fell in love with her work. By Jessica Petrucelli
There’s Something Powerful About It
Recently I came across a post by Janice Durant, a Certified Franchise Consultant with FranServe, that read: “There’s something powerful about being surrounded by driven leaders, impactful success stories, and people who truly love what they do. It’s a clear reminder: when the right people, systems, and support come together, big things happen.” This quote was in direct reference to the 2025 FranServe Convention and Expo, held in July at Walt Disney World’s Yacht Club Resort in Orlando. By Don Clayton
FAMILY AFFAIR: Franchising for Good
FRESH® Healthy Café has been life-changing for Rick Hetzel and Cheryl Mothes. The husband and wife opened their first location in Missouri in 2019 and have since expanded with several more. Their motivation for building a successful business comes from a place of genuine goodness – much like the brand itself. By Brianna Bohn
Features
Prime IV Hydration & Wellness: Science Meets Spa for the Victory
As a premier IV therapy brand, Prime IV Hydration & Wellness is redefining how people approach health and self-care. As one of the fastest-growing IV therapy franchises in the country, with more than 190 locations open or in development, this brand is driving the wellness revolution itself. By Lizzy Yeserski
That1Painter: Franchising Is Also a Woman’s Business
Prior to joining That 1 Painter, Vice President of Franchise Development Kimber Montgomery was a successful real estate agent. As the mother of Founder Steven Montgomery, she planted the entrepreneurial seed when he was in school. By Erika Ortega
A Brighter Future: Investing in the Next Generation of Wellness
The wellness industry is experiencing a dramatic shift. People are moving beyond traditional gyms and spas, seeking science-backed solutions that offer real results. At the forefront of this movement is beem® Light Sauna, a brand that’s redefining self-care through innovative light therapies. Now, with a new leadership team at the helm, beem Light Sauna is set for aggressive national expansion, and it wants you to be a part of it. By Shelby Green
Smart Marketing: Powerful Growth
Standing out in the competitive world of disaster restoration requires more than just expertise – it demands strategic, high-impact marketing, too. That’s where 911 Restoration excels: employing a laser-focused approach to brand visibility, which has helped its franchisees dominate their local markets. By Jessica Petrucelli
Making the Leap: Jumping From Corporate Leader to Real Estate Trailblazer
After 25 years climbing the ranks of corporate America, Amy Gillham made a bold move. In November 2024, she left the boardroom and entered the world of real estate investment, becoming a franchisee with HomeVestors®. It was a leap of faith, but she now calls it long overdue. By Jessica Petrucelli
Pilates Addiction: An Aggressive National Rollout Underway
Pilates Addiction opened its first franchise studio in West Hollywood this May, immediately planting a flag in one of the most competitive boutique fitness markets in the country. The debut showcased the brand’s modern athletic approach rooted in classical Pilates – and set the stage for what’s next: a national rollout already underway in Los Angeles and New York. By Jessica Petrucelli
Investing in People: Local Handyman’s Mission to Build 1,000 Millionaires
One year ago, Local Handyman, a brand that deploys skilled professionals to help homeowners improve and maintain their homes, was just a team of four – only one more than the three who took over the brand after its acquisition in 2023. Today, it has grown into a team of 19, including newly appointed National Director for the U.S., Brett Zabek, MBA, who is based in North Carolina and has a passion for building exceptional operations. By Nancy E. Williams
Pet Butler: Growing With Confidence
According to the American Pet Products Association, Americans spent $125 billion on their pets in 2024, up $50 billion from 2018. With such staggering growth – and with Bloomberg projecting that growth to hit $200 billion by 2030 – entrepreneurs entering the industry are likely to thrive. Pet Butler® stands out as a unicorn in that industry, offering a truly unique model for success. By Lizzy Yeserski
Tiger Adjusters: Where Insurance Challenges Meet Market Opportunities
The public adjusting industry is on the verge of a major growth wave, driven by what Kari Snyder, chief operating officer of Tiger Adjusters, calls the triple threat of higher premiums, increased bad-faith carrier tactics and greater weather damage events. For entrepreneurs – whether they’re seasoned or new – Tiger Adjusters offers not just a way into the market but a future-proof path to success. Additionally, an insurance background isn’t required to get started. By Tamara Rahoumi
PrideStaff: An Ideal Brand for Women Owners
With a dynamic base of franchisees, leaders and team members, PrideStaff’s mission is to provide customized talent solutions to employers. Recognizing the importance of staff development on the success of any business, PrideStaff provides franchisees with a proven model, comprehensive support, robust tools and expert guidance to succeed while ensuring service excellence in temporary, temp-to-hire and direct hire placements. By Erika Ortega
iFlex Stretch Studios: A Wellness Franchise Built to Stretch Your Ambitions
Assisted stretching is one of the fastest-growing segments in the wellness industry, and iFlex® Stretch Studios is positioned at the forefront. The brand combines an accessible, premium client experience with forward-looking technology and a business model engineered for strong unit economics, making it a compelling opportunity for aspiring franchise owners. By Tamara Rahoumi
Assisting Hands Home Care: A Trusted Name in a Growing Home Care Market
In an industry where trust, compassion and reliability are nonnegotiable, Assisting Hands® Home Care has garnered a national reputation for delivering exceptional in-home care while creating rewarding opportunities for franchise owners. Founded in 2006, the company specializes in nonmedical assistance that allows seniors and others in need to live safely and comfortably at home, an increasingly in-demand service as the population ages, with a market projected to grow significantly over the next decade. By Tamara Rahoumi
Schooley Mitchell: A New Chapter of Independence
Shannon Mischler had spent her career in education developing family literacy programs and serving students at the University of Pittsburgh. After several positions at the university, Mischler began to feel that chapter of her life was nearing an end. By Kelsi Trinidad
Tint World: Best of the Best
Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™, a leading franchise in window tinting and automotive styling, has been recognized as a top automotive franchise in Entrepreneur magazine’s 2025 Best of the Best Franchises ranking. By Jessica Petrucelli
2025 FranServe Convention Marks Most Successful Event Yet
The annual FranServe Convention and Expo, held July 20-23 at Walt Disney World’s Yacht Club Resort in Orlando, Florida, was the organization’s most successful event to date. With the theme “Big Roars, Bigger Rewards,” the event featured a welcome reception, exclusive training seminars, dinner and fireworks at EPCOT, expert panels, a costume contest and even a dinosaur race!