When someone turns on a faucet each morning, they probably don’t think twice about where the water comes from. However, for the families who rely on private wells, keeping that water flowing safely and consistently is vital – and that’s where 180 Water franchise owners come in. By Shelby Green
For entrepreneurs seeking a future in insurance franchising, Goosehead Insurance offers more than just a simple business model. They also deliver rigorous training, coaching and a bulletproof team-building plan. By Jessica Petrucelli
As a highly successful real estate investor, Peter Vekselman has amassed an impressive portfolio of sales over the past two decades, completing well over 3,500 transactions and partnering with like-minded entrepreneurs across the country to help them achieve real estate success. He credits his mentors for their role in his success and through franchise consulting has found a way to inspire the success of others too. By Jessica Petrucelli
For the owners of 1-800-Plumber +Air of Columbus, Ohio, friendship and business go hand in hand. Friends since middle school, this group has always shared a vision of owning a business together. When Branton Cummins and his friends, Jake, Junior and Brennan, discovered 1-800-Plumber +Air, the only combined plumbing and HVAC franchise on the market today, they knew they’d found the perfect fit. By Shelby Green
Annual awards honor trailblazers who provide inspiration and leadership within their respective fields
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Beth Toenies, vice president of franchise development for BELFOR Franchise Group, has been recognized as a 2025 Woman of Inspiration™ by the Universal Womens Network™. The award honors exceptional women across North America who lead, inspire and motivate others through their professional and personal achievements. A ceremony, held in Toronto, brought together women from numerous industries, celebrating their accomplishments and their impact.
Nominated by BELFOR managers in both the United States and Canada, Toenies joins an elite group of honorees representing diverse industries, from executives and entrepreneurs to creators, athletes and business leaders, all of whom exemplify resilience, innovation and leadership.
“Franchising is such an empowering path for women; it opens doors to leadership, growth and the chance to truly make a difference,” said Toenies. “BELFOR Franchise Group continues to champion opportunities for women in franchising, helping entrepreneurs across North America build sustainable, community-focused businesses. This award reflects that spirit, and attests to the potential for women to lead and succeed in the franchising space. Of course, many men are broadly supportive of this focus, as well.”
With over two decades of experience in franchise development and leadership, Toenies is a Six Sigma Black Belt and Certified Project Manager whose accomplishments continue to elevate the franchising community. Her recent accolades include being named a 2025 American Business Awards Bronze Stevie® Winner for Woman of the Year – Business Services, a 2023 Jacksonville Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree and one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Construction and Civil Works (2025) by Women We Admire.
“Beth’s leadership and passion for empowering others have made a lasting impact across our organization,” said Doug Smith, senior vice president of franchise development at BELFOR Franchise Group. “She exemplifies the values we strive to uphold every day, always serving others and creating platforms for their success.”
BELFOR Franchise Group is a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor, with decades of experience empowering aspiring business owners to create resilient companies. Their brand portfolio encompasses fields as diverse as contents restoration, pest control, drywall repair and plumbing.
For more information about BELFOR Franchise Group, visit belforfranchisegroup.com.
For more information about the Women of Inspiration awards, visit
https://universalwomensnetwork.com/women-inspiration.
About BELFOR Franchise Group
BELFOR Franchise Group is a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor. For decades, their franchise brands have empowered entrepreneurs by offering strong business models, industry-leading training, and ongoing business coaching to help local owners succeed. As the parent organization to a diverse portfolio of service-based franchises, BELFOR Franchise Group provides opportunities across home services, commercial cleaning, and restoration industries. The franchise brands include 1-800-BOARDUP, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, Chem-Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, Clear Pest Pros, COOL-BINZ, DUCTZ, Helpful Heroes, HOODZ, JUNKCO+, N-Hance Wood Refinishing, The Patch Boys, redbox+ Dumpsters, WINMAR, and Z PLUMBERZ. For more information, visit belforfranchisegroup.com.
New wellness studio helps residents move better, feel better, and live better—one stretch at a time
MAPLE GROVE, Minn. — Stretch Zone, the nation’s leading brand for practitioner-assisted stretching, has officially opened a new studio in Maple Grove, Minnesota. The location marks the start of local entrepreneur Lara Larson’s journey as a Stretch Zone owner, with plans to open two additional studios across the Twin Cities area.
Lara discovered Stretch Zone while researching franchise concepts that make a real difference in people’s lives. “I loved that Stretch Zone combines a science-backed methodology with an approachable, welcoming atmosphere,” she said. “It’s simple, effective, and you can feel the results right away. That combination really stood out to me.”
Before launching Stretch Zone Maple Grove, Lara worked in venture capital and M&A finance, helping founders grow and scale consumer brands. Now, she’s channeling that same strategic mindset into building a purpose-driven business. “Every day feels meaningful,” she shared. “You can see the difference a 30-minute stretch makes in someone’s posture, mood, and confidence. Our team is passionate about health, service, and helping people feel their best.”
At Stretch Zone, certified practitioners use a patented strapping system to guide members through personalized, fully assisted stretch sessions. The process helps increase flexibility, reduce tension, and restore range of motion—all without the member needing to lift a finger. “Imagine lying on a comfortable table while a trained practitioner moves your body through stretches you could never do on your own,” Lara explained. “You just relax, breathe, and let them do the work.”
The Maple Grove studio serves everyone—from athletes and busy parents to older adults looking to maintain mobility. “Maple Grove is such a vibrant, health-minded community,” Lara added. “We’re excited to make recovery, flexibility, and wellness more accessible for everyone.”
Stretch Zone Maple Grove officially opens on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 7748 Main Street North, Suite 08A. The studio will operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 12 noon to 5 p.m. New members are invited to experience a complimentary first stretch consultation and session. For more information, visit www.stretchzone.com.
About Stretch Zone
Founded in 2004 by Jorden Gold, Stretch Zone has redefined how people approach flexibility and movement. With over 400 locations across North America, the brand’s patented equipment and certified practitioner training deliver a safe, effective stretching experience that improves mobility and enhances quality of life. Stretch Zone continues to earn national recognition, appearing on the Inc. 5000 and Franchise Times Top 400 lists. To learn more, visit www.stretchzone.com
DAYTON, Ohio — Choosing new flooring can be stressful, especially during the holidays. Between juggling color samples, hauling planks from the store, and second-guessing how everything will look at home, consumers often find themselves overwhelmed. But Floor Coverings International of Southeast Dayton put the showroom on wheels, changing that forever. (Watch the full story.)
Floor Coverings International of Southeast Dayton operates on a simple but effective premise: bring the entire flooring selection process directly to the customer’s doorstep. The company’s mobile flooring showroom, a van packed with hundreds of flooring samples, allows homeowners to view options right where they’ll be installed — in their own homes, under their own lighting.
“It’s one thing to pick a sample under bright store lights; it’s another to see it next to your furniture or in your natural light,” said Eric Curtis, owner of the Southeast Dayton franchise. “We realized that customers make better choices when they can actually see how a floor will look in the environment where it’s going to live.”
Curtis, who has a background in retail and customer experience management, said the idea isn’t just about convenience — it’s also about accuracy. The mobile showroom is equipped with a wide range of materials including hardwood, luxury vinyl, carpet, and tile. Customers can compare texture, tone, and durability on-site, while a design consultant measures the space and creates an estimate during the same visit.
Production coordinator James Morrison oversees many of the installations and noted that the approach improves workflow from start to finish. “We take the guesswork out. When people see how the flooring interacts with their wall color or lighting, they make confident decisions. That means fewer returns, fewer delays, and a better final result.”
The company’s service model also integrates installation planning into the same visit, which office manager Jeremy Totten said reduces miscommunication between sales staff and installers — a common complaint in the flooring industry. “We order everything and prepare it for the installers, so they have everything they need when they go out.”
“By the time we arrive to install, the customer already knows exactly what they’re getting. The measurements are done, the materials are correct, and they’ve seen everything in place ahead of time,” Morrison continued. “That cuts down on surprises and helps us deliver a cleaner, faster installation.”
Customers who have used the service have echoed those sentiments, noting that seeing samples in their own spaces helped them make better decisions. Curtis said that kind of feedback confirms what the company has seen nationwide: that convenience, paired with transparency, builds stronger relationships.
“The flooring business has always been about trust,” Curtis said. “People are letting us into their homes — that’s personal. When we can bring the entire process to them and make it easy, it changes the tone completely. They feel like we’re partners in the project, not just salespeople.”
As the home improvement industry continues to adapt to changing consumer expectations, Curtis believes this model represents a broader shift toward mobile and in-home services. “We’ve seen people order everything from cars to groceries from their phones,” he said. “Why shouldn’t they expect the same level of service and convenience when they’re making a major design decision for their home?”
For now, the team at Floor Coverings International of Southeast Dayton is focused on serving homeowners across the region, rolling their showroom from neighborhood to neighborhood. “It’s still about craftsmanship,” Curtis added. “We just found a way to make the process smarter — and a lot less stressful for the customer.”
About Floor Coverings International
Floor Coverings International is the #1 Mobile Flooring franchise in North America. Utilizing a unique in-home experience, the mobile showroom comes directly to the customer’s door with more than 3,000 flooring choices. Floor Coverings International has 250-plus locations throughout the U.S. and Canada with plenty of opportunity for continued expansion. For franchise information, please visit https://flooring-franchise.com/ and to find your closest location go to www.floorcoveringsinternational.com.
*See Item 7 of the current Franchise Disclosure Document for more information and context about the initial investment.
**Please see Item 19 of the current Franchise Disclosure Document for more information. Results may differ. There is no assurance that any franchisee will perform as well.
Husband-and-wife duo recognized for exceptional performance and commitment to brand excellence at annual Franchise Partner conference
CARROLLTON, Texas — My Salon Suite®, a salon suite franchise focused on providing beauty, health, and wellness professionals a personal space to build their business, has named Celia and Mario Pastilha of My Salon Suite, New Jersey, as Franchisees of the Year. The couple was honored during My Salon Suite’s 15th anniversary celebration in Tampa, Florida, alongside other top-performing Franchise Partners.
The Pastilhas were recognized for their outstanding business performance, operational excellence, and commitment to upholding the brand’s standards of quality and service. As owners of multiple locations in New Jersey, including My Salon Suite of Totowa, and My Salon Suite of Succasunna, they are known for their hands-on approach to upholding the highest standards in their facilities and empowering their Members and clients to have exceptional experiences.
“Celia and Mario care for and support their Members like no other, representing the very best of what My Salon Suite stands for,” said Susan Boresow, president of My Salon Suite. “Their leadership and dedication have contributed significantly to the continued growth and success of the My Salon Suite network, and I look forward to seeing all they will continue to achieve.”
The Pastilhas credit their success to maintaining strong relationships with their Members and a commitment to continual growth and improvement.
“It is so gratifying to see how happy our Members are and how becoming business owners with My Salon Suite has changed their lives for the better,” said Celia. “For us, becoming My Salon Suite franchisees is the best business decision we have ever made, and we are honored to receive this recognition.”
My Salon Suite also recognized several outstanding Franchise Partners whose achievements exemplify the brand’s commitment to excellence, community impact, and dedication to building best-in-class “Creative Spaces for Creative People”.
Award Winners Include:
This year’s conference theme, “Dream. Dare. Do.”, captured the My Salon Suite network’s commitment to pushing boundaries and breaking new ground in the pursuit of excellence in the salon suite industry. Building on its bold brand refresh launched earlier this year, the four-day conference featured inspiring sessions, networking events, and strategic discussions designed to fuel innovation and empower the future growth of Franchise Partners’ businesses.
My Salon Suite is currently seeking qualified franchise candidates with an emphasis on multi-unit owners as it targets continued nationwide growth. The brand’s attractive semi-absentee model is ideal for multi-unit franchise partners looking to diversify their portfolio.
To learn more about My Salon Suite, visit mysalonsuite.com. For franchise opportunities, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or call 214.346.5679).
About My Salon Suite®
My Salon Suite® is a franchise designed for individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit who are interested in diversifying their portfolio while enjoying a semi-absentee lifestyle. The company was established with the aim to inspire and empower health, beauty, and wellness professionals with the opportunity to go into business for themselves, but not by themselves. My Salon Suite Members are provided with ongoing training, support, and a robust referral network to bolster their business growth. The brand, which is ranked 119 on ENTREPRENEUR’s highly competitive 2025 Franchise 500® List, is widely recognized for its rapid expansion and significant success.
As a service-oriented business in the Propelled Brands® family, My Salon Suite boasts over 350 locations in 35 states across the United States and Canada, with 165 franchisees and over 10,000 Members. To learn more about My Salon Suite, visit mysalonsuite.com. For franchise opportunities, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or call 214.346.5679).
Local Mother-Daughter Team Dedicated to Providing Compassionate Senior Care Across the East Valley
ROCKLIN, Calif. — Always Best Care Senior Services, one of the leading senior care franchise systems in the United States, is pleased to announce that mother-and-daughter team Marcy Stenger and Briana Green have taken over ownership of the Always Best Care franchise in Mesa, Arizona. Located at 7165 East University Drive, Suite #144, the Mesa office will continue to provide high-quality senior care services, including non-medical in-home care and senior living referral services to the aging population throughout the East Valley.
“The need for compassionate senior care is deeply personal to us,” said Marcy Stenger, co-owner of Always Best Care of Mesa. “Briana and I are honored to continue the mission of helping families in our community find trusted care for their loved ones. We look forward to bringing comfort, dignity, and reliability to seniors who deserve the very best.”
Arizona natives, Marcy Stenger and Briana Green have long-standing roots in the community and share a lifelong commitment to serving others. Together, they bring more than 30 years of combined experience in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. Both women devote their time to nonprofit volunteer work, particularly with the Alzheimer’s Association, where they have led fundraising efforts and support group initiatives for families affected by dementia. Their dedication to service is reflected in every aspect of their personal and professional lives.
“Being part of Always Best Care means continuing a legacy of compassion and connection,” said Briana Green, co-owner of Always Best Care of Mesa. “We’re excited to provide personalized care solutions and to build meaningful relationships with seniors and families across Mesa and the surrounding areas.”
“Marcy and Briana represent the heart of what Always Best Care stands for — family, compassion, and service” said Jake Brown, President and CEO of Always Best Care. “Their healthcare experience and community ties make them the ideal team to lead our Mesa office, and I’m confident they will make a lasting impact on the seniors and families they serve.”
By working with case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and families, Always Best Care franchise owners provide affordable, comprehensive solutions that can be specifically matched to meet a client’s particular physical or social needs. The hallmark services of Always Best Care include non-medical in-home care and senior living referral services, with skilled home health care in some limited markets.
For more information about Always Best Care of Mesa, or to schedule a care consultation, call 480-984-8000 or visit alwaysbestcare.com/mesa/
About Always Best Care
Founded in 1996, Always Best Care Senior Services is based on the belief that having the right people for the right level of care means peace of mind for the client and family. Always Best Care has been assisting seniors with a wide range of conditions and personal needs for over 27 years and currently provides thousands of hours of care every year. Franchise opportunities are available to individuals interested in leveraging the company’s clear strategy and proven track record for delivering affordable, dependable service to seniors in their local areas.
For more information regarding Always Best Care’s solutions, visit www.alwaysbestcare.com.
Independent Survey Shows Veteran Franchise Owners Are Highly Satisfied with FASTSIGNS’ Performance
CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise, was named a 2025 Top Franchise for Veterans by independent research firm Franchise Business Review for the sixth year. Only 100 brands were named to the annual list of award winners.
Franchise Business Review conducts independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, providing the only ratings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. To identify the companies on this year’s list of the Top Franchises for Veterans, Franchise Business Review analyzed data from over 2,100 franchise owners representing 365 brands regarding their overall satisfaction with their brands and their likelihood to recommend them to others.
“This year marks the sixth time FASTSIGNS has earned this distinction from Franchise Business Review, a testament to the culture we’ve built and the opportunities we provide for those who have served,” said Mark Jameson, chief development officer of FASTSIGNS’ parent company, Propelled Brands. “Veterans bring exceptional leadership, discipline, and problem-solving skills to franchising. We’re proud to offer them a proven path to business ownership and to empower them to thrive as entrepreneurs and community leaders after service.”
FASTSIGNS’ franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including leadership, training & support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, and financial opportunity. FASTSIGNS’ survey data showed the following:
“After returning home from active duty, I spent years helping other entrepreneurs grow their businesses before joining the FASTSIGNS corporate team, and that experience gave me the bug for ownership,” said Jody Lamb, FASTSIGNS franchisee and U.S. Army veteran. “Owning a FASTSIGNS keeps you busy, but it also gives you the freedom to balance your life goals. It’s been incredibly rewarding to grow with a brand that values its people and gives veterans a clear path to success.”
FASTSIGNS is committed to helping servicemen and women find success and purpose through franchise opportunities. As a member of VetFran since 2012, FASTSIGNS offers 50% off the initial franchise fee as well as reduced royalties for the first 12 months of business. These incentives apply to both veterans and first responders interested in pursuing dreams of small business ownership.
To date, FASTSIGNS operates more than 785 locations, with nearly 10% of its franchisees being veterans.
Visit www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full description of the 2025 Top Franchises for Veterans.
For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or 214-346-5679) or visit https://www.fastsigns.com.
About FASTSIGNS®
FASTSIGNS® is the leader in the custom signs and visual solutions industry. With 40 years of experience, FASTSIGNS helps customers bring their vision to life and achieve more than they ever thought possible. As the largest service-oriented business within the Propelled Brands® family, FASTSIGNS spans 785 independently owned and operated centers across the United States, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Grand Cayman, Malta, the Dominican Republic and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®).
FASTSIGNS is frequently recognized for franchisee satisfaction and with awards that include being ranked #1 in its category on ENTREPRENEUR’s highly competitive Franchise 500® List in 2025 for the ninth consecutive year, and being named a 2024 Best-in-Category Franchise by Franchise Business Review for the sixth consecutive year.
For more information or to learn about opportunities, visit fastsigns.com or contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or call 214.346.5679).
About Franchise Business Review
Franchise Business Review (FBR) is a leading market research firm serving the franchise sector. FBR measures the satisfaction and engagement of franchisees and franchise employees and publishes various guides and reports for entrepreneurs considering an investment in a franchise business. Since 2005, FBR has surveyed hundreds of thousands of franchise owners and over 1,300 leading franchise companies. FBR publishes free and unbiased franchisee satisfaction research reports throughout the year online at http://www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com. To read our publications, visit https://franchisebusinessreview.com/page/publications/.