When you started your business, you had to forge the path and create everything for your brand – the image, process and model. Now you are franchising and ready to seek out the next phase of franchise owners. This is a reminder to consider veterans – for all the right reasons – their drive for success, leadership skills and self-motivation. By Dawn Abbamondi
After a long career in corporate America, Dana Kupper was ready for something more fulfilling. “It was a little bit soul-sucking,” she admitted. “I wanted to be my own boss.” Kupper knew about Prime IV Hydration & Wellness® through her husband, Martin, who works for the corporate team. She had been receiving IVs since 2018 and already believed in the product’s merits. But she never considered owning a franchise – until one dinner changed that. By Lizzy Yeserski
As the founder of FranVue and a seasoned entrepreneur, McGinty has spent decades helping others unlock financial freedom through scalable business models. His journey into franchising was sparked by a simple but powerful belief: “Success leaves clues, and franchising is one of the clearest blueprints for freedom and scalability.” By Jessica Petrucelli
With an extensive history of charitable activities and partnerships, PrideStaff’s dedication to giving back to the community is ingrained in its culture. In addition to its corporate- and franchise-level charitable initiatives, the brand also encourages franchisee involvement in local community engagements. By Erika Ortega
LIVONIA, Mich. — In the second year of a nationwide sustainability initiative, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash have collectively recycled more than 100,000 pounds of pet food, treat, and litter packaging, surpassing their goal of recycling 50 tons of items by the program’s two-year anniversary.
This achievement is part of an annual partnership with TerraCycle®, an international recycling company, aimed at keeping pet packaging waste out of landfills and giving used materials a new life. Together, the brands demonstrate a shared commitment to advancing solutions for hard-to-recycle materials.
Since its launch in October 2023, the Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash Free Recycling Program has become a regular part of many neighbors’ shopping routines. The program allows shoppers to bring in empty bags from any brand of pet food, treats or litter, as well as delivery bags from online orders, and drop them in collection bins located inside participating stores. From there, TerraCycle cleans, shreds and processes the packaging into raw materials used to create new products.
Impact of The Program
“Our neighbors have shown us that they want easy, practical ways to make a difference,” said Chris Rowland, CEO of Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash. “When we launched this program with TerraCycle two years ago, our hope was to make recycling part of the everyday shopping experience. Seeing more than 50 tons of packaging being given a new life shows the real power of small actions adding up, and we’re only getting started.”
Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash were the first pet retailers in the U.S. to partner with TerraCycle, setting a new standard for sustainability in the pet industry. The initiative reflects both brands’ commitment to environmental responsibility and their mission to serve as trusted community partners.
“This program proves that industry change happens when companies and customers work together,” said Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of TerraCycle. “By making recycling simple and accessible, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash have built a model that other industries can learn from. Every bag collected is one less piece of waste in our oceans or landfills, and that’s an achievement worth celebrating.”
Pet parents can learn more about which products can be recycled and find participating locations by visiting Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash websites.
About Pet Supplies Plus
Your neighborhood Pet Supplies Plus has everything you need for your furry, scaly and feathery friends. Its shelves are stocked with pet essentials, including a wide selection of over 11,000 products from 400 brands. Easily find all their favorites at prices you love, whether you shop in store or online using free curbside pickup, same-day delivery or Autoship. To help keep your pets happy and healthy, pet prescriptions can be filled online and delivered directly to your door. As the nation’s largest pet retail franchise with over 725 locations and counting, Pet Supplies Plus makes shopping local simple. For more information visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.
About Wag N’ Wash
Wag N’ Wash Natural Pet Food & Grooming, a full-line dog grooming and self-wash specialty retail destination, has a mission to recognize, promote and foster the positive impact that companion pets and their humans have on each other. Wag N’ Wash provides full-service grooming, self-wash facilities, baked dog treats, natural food, supplements, and toys. Wag N’ Wash has ranked on Denver Business Journal’s Colorado-Based Franchisors List, Franchise Times’ Top 200+ List and Franchise Gator’s Top 100 Franchisees List. Today, there are 26 Wag N’ Wash locations open across the nation. To learn more about Wag N’ Wash, please visit wagnwashfranchising.com.
About TerraCycle:
TerraCycle is an international leader in innovative sustainability solutions, creating and operating first-of-their-kind platforms in recycling, recycled materials, and reuse. Across 21 countries, TerraCycle is on a mission to rethink waste and develop practical solutions for today’s complex waste challenges. The company engages an expansive multi-stakeholder community across a wide range of accessible programs, from Fortune 500 companies to schools and individuals. To learn more about TerraCycle and join them on their journey to move the world from a linear economy to a circular one, please visit www.terracycle.com.
CARROLLTON, Texas — Propelled Brands®, a best-in-class multi-brand franchisor platform company, today announced the creation of a new executive leadership position, Chief Operating Officer (COO). Vera G. Peterson, a proven executive with extensive experience in multi-brand franchise operations, has been named to the new role.
Peterson has a strong track record of scaling businesses, driving same store sales growth, and expanding profitability through strategic growth initiatives and operational excellence. She has led transformational change across respected franchise organizations including Neighborly, Molly Maid USA and Miracle-Ear Inc., by leveraging data-driven insights, process optimization, and brand integration to strengthen performance, while building trust-based relationships with franchisees and teams to re-ignite and accelerate growth across the organization.
Catherine Monson, CEO of Propelled Brands, has created this new role in the organization to accelerate revenue growth and franchisee satisfaction. In this role, Peterson will lead each of the brand presidents for FASTSIGNS®, My Salon Suite® and Camp Bow Wow® through strategic direction and execution of brand objectives to drive growth and innovation for franchisees across the network. Peterson will also be dedicated to developing future brand presidents throughout the operations team.
“As COO, Peterson will be a vital member of the executive leadership team. The creation of the COO position is a strategic move designed to enhance operational excellence and drive our next phase of growth. We are thrilled to welcome Vera Peterson to our team,” said Monson. “Vera’s proven track record of scaling businesses, driving profitability in PE-backed environments, and leading multi-brand integration is exactly what we need. Her experience directly managing brand presidents and her success in delivering significant year-over-year growth make her the ideal leader to support our franchisees. As the company continues to grow, Peterson will guide the integration of all newly acquired brands into the Propelled Brands portfolio.”
“I am incredibly excited to join the Propelled Brands family and take on this new challenge,” said Peterson. “Propelled Brands is well respected in the franchise industry, has a powerful portfolio and a culture focused on franchisee profitability and satisfaction. I look forward to working alongside Catherine Monson, the executive team and the talented brand presidents to streamline operations, drive innovation and deliver exceptional value, support and growth to our franchisees.”
Propelled Brands was formed in 2021 with FASTSIGNS International Inc. as its first brand. Over time, the franchisor has acquired several brands, including salon suite franchisor My Salon Suite and Camp Bow Wow, a leading dog daycare and boarding provider in the rapidly growing pet care industry.
About Propelled Brands®
Propelled Brands® is a multi-brand platform company dedicated to accelerating the growth of service-oriented businesses with an unrelenting focus on franchising best practices and franchisee profitability and satisfaction. We have a robust franchise business model that provides a clear growth trajectory for the unique position, purpose and momentum of each brand. While there are many paths to success, there’s only one direction we know: forward. Our portfolio includes highly recognized and award-winning brands: FASTSIGNS®, My Salon Suite® and Camp Bow Wow®. Propelled Brands is looking to partner with other service-oriented franchise concepts. For more information or to learn about opportunities, visit propelledbrands.com or contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or call 214.346.5679).
GREENVILLE, S.C. — PrideStaff, a nationally franchised staffing organization, is proud to announce that its Greenville office has been named to the 2025 SC 50 Fastest Growing Companies list. This is the third time the office has received this prestigious recognition over the past five years, highlighting its sustained success and impact on South Carolina’s economy.
Now in its 24th year, the SC 50 Fastest Growing Companies program honors the achievements of private and publicly held businesses that demonstrate strong growth in both revenue and employment. Rankings are determined by a weighted calculation of year-over-year performance from 2022 to 2024, without regard to industry. The program is presented by The Capital Corporation and co-sponsored by TD Bank, Nelson Mullins, and Integrated Media Publishing, publisher of Greenville Business Magazine.
“We are so honored to once again be recognized among South Carolina’s fastest-growing companies,” said Bob Scanlon, Co-Owner/Strategic-Partner of PrideStaff Greenville. “This achievement reflects the trust our clients place in us, and the impact we’re making in the Upstate job market. We’re excited to keep building on this momentum in the years ahead.”
“Being recognized as one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing companies for the third time is a reflection of our team’s unwavering commitment to serving our clients, associates, and community,” added Gary Brons, Co-Owner/Strategic-Partner. “We’re proud to be part of a program that celebrates economic vitality and to contribute meaningfully to job creation and business success in our region.”
“Gary, Bob, and their entire team in Greenville continue to set a high bar through exceptional client service and consistent business performance,” said Tammi Heaton, Co-CEO of PrideStaff. “Their ability to grow strategically while living out Our Mission to ‘consistently provide client experiences focused on what they value most,’ makes this recognition especially well-earned.”
About PrideStaff
PrideStaff was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began franchising in 1995. It operates offices in North America to serve thousands of clients and is headquartered in Central California. With 45-plus years in the staffing business, PrideStaff offers the resources and expertise of a national firm, with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. PrideStaff is the only nationwide commercial staffing firm in the U.S. and Canada with over $100 million in annual revenue to earn ClearlyRated’s prestigious Best of Staffing® 15-Year Diamond Awards two years in a row, highlighting exceptional client and talent service quality.
For more information on our services, or staffing franchise information, visit our website.
CHARLESTON, S.C. — UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage is proud to announce its continued nationwide support of the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program — an iconic charitable initiative that delivers hope and holiday joy to millions of children each year.
This year, UNITS Moving and Portable Storage is once again demonstrating the power of local action with national impact. From coast to coast, UNITS Franchise Owners are partnering directly with their local Toys for Tots coordinators to provide critical logistical support, including the donation and placement of portable storage containers that safely and securely store collected toys throughout the campaign season.
“The Marines who coordinate each Toys for Tots chapter are often young men and women actively serving their country,” said Michael McAlhany, CEO of UNITS Moving and Portable Storage. “Many are assigned this responsibility for the first time, and organizing toy drives across multiple drop-off locations can be a huge logistical challenge. Our local franchise owners proudly step in to assist, helping them manage collection sites, transport, and secure storage with the same professionalism and care that define our business every day.”
While the national partnership is unified under the UNITS brand, the true spirit of this initiative is grassroots and community-driven. Each UNITS franchise owner, along with their staff and local businesses volunteer their time, equipment, and energy to ensure every community’s Toys for Tots efforts are a success.
“It’s humbling to see how many of our franchise owners have made this partnership a personal mission,” added Bryan Hoffman, Corporate Director of Marketing for UNITS. “They don’t do it for recognition. They do it because they care about the children and families in their communities. This is one of the clearest examples of what it means to live out the UNITS core values”
To honor this partnership, UNITS is also featuring the Toys for Tots logo on the #56 UNITS NASCAR Truck, driven by Timmy Hill, during today’s race at Martinsville Speedway — a symbolic reminder that every small act of generosity can make a big impact.
UNITS Moving and Portable Storage encourages everyone watching tonight’s race and beyond to join the cause by donating new, unwrapped toys at local collection points or online at www.toysfortots.org.
About UNITS Moving and Portable Storage
Founded in 2004, UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage provides high-quality, weather-resistant portable storage containers for personal and business use. With more than 75 locally owned and operated franchise locations across North America, UNITS offers flexible, reliable moving and storage solutions backed by friendly, hometown service.
To learn more about UNITS or find a local franchise near you, visit www.unitsstorage.com.
The leading home service franchise platform has been recognized for sustained growth and strong performance among Utah’s fastest-growing companies
SPRINGVILLE, Utah — Five Star Franchising, a growing platform of home service franchise brands, has once again been recognized among Utah’s fastest-growing companies, earning a spot on the 2025 Utah 100 list by MountainWest Capital Network (MWCN). This marks the company’s fourth consecutive year on the list, highlighting its consistent performance, continued leadership within the franchising sector and contributions to Utah’s resilient economy and vibrant business community.
On this year’s Utah 100 list, Five Star Franchising ranked at No. 6. The company previously ranked No. 10 in 2024, No. 39 in 2023 and No. 61 in 2022, underscoring the durability of its growth model and sustained system-wide performance.
“To achieve this recognition year after year speaks to the sustainability of what we’re building at Five Star Franchising,” said Scott Abbott, CEO of Five Star Franchising. “It reflects the collective effort of our franchise owners, leadership team and dedicated employees — all working together to strengthen our brands and ensure our franchise owners can thrive.”
Each year, MWCN identifies the 100 fastest-growing companies in Utah based on a weighted average of percentage and dollar revenue growth over a five-year period. Now in its third decade, the Utah 100 remains one of the state’s most respected indicators of long-term business success.
The MWCN recognition adds to a year of several other notable honors for Five Star Franchising, including a No. 2 ranking on the Utah Business Fast 50 list and its No. 18 position on the Utah Valley BusinessQ UV50 list. The company also celebrated its fifth appearance on the Inc. 5000 list.
“Our platform continues to evolve and grow, but our focus remains clear,” said Abbott. “We continue to invest in the people, systems, tools and training that help our franchise owners succeed. That steady focus is what fuels our continued growth and momentum.”
Since its founding, Five Star Franchising has grown into one of the nation’s most respected home service franchise platforms, with a portfolio of brands spanning restoration, pest control, home improvement and more.
For more information about the Utah 100 list, visit https://www.mwcn.org/utah-100.
For more information about Five Star Franchising, visit fivestarfranchising.com.
About Five Star Franchising
Five Star Franchising is an innovative, growing platform of home service brands with more than 1,600 total locations throughout North America. Franchise owners across Five Star’s brands, including Five Star Bath Solutions, Gotcha Covered, Bio-One, Mosquito Shield, 1-800-Packouts and Card My Yard enjoy a robust support network and access to industry-leading tools such as ProNexis, the 24/7 sales support solution tailored for home service businesses, and Five Star Marketing Services, Five Star Franchising’s elite marketing engine. Five Star Franchising’s commitment to core values — Driven, Real, Innovative, Vital and Enthusiastic (DRIVE) — ensures its brands are category leaders and empowers franchise owners to maximize profitable growth and secure their financial destiny. Five Star Franchising is consistently recognized as one of the most successful companies in the industry. The company has appeared on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in America five times total, most recently in 2025. Five Star Franchising also ranks among the fastest-growing businesses in its home state, with positions on the MountainWest Capital Network Utah 100, the Utah Valley BusinessQ UV50 and the Utah Business Fast 50 lists. For more information, visit fivestarfranchising.com.
Three brands recognized among the largest U.S.-based franchise systems by global systemwide sales
TROY, Mich. — Best Life Brands, LLC (“Best Life Brands”), a franchised organization with a portfolio of five brands dedicated to senior care, announced today that CarePatrol, ComForCare and Next Day Access have been ranked on the prestigious 2025 Franchise Times Top 400, with ComForCare landing a spot in the top 200.
An exclusive annual ranking of the largest U.S.-based franchise systems by global systemwide sales, the Franchise Times Top 400 is the result of a five-month research and reporting effort that leads to the most credible and objective franchise ranking available.
“Being named to the Franchise Times Top 400 ranking is an incredible honor because it means our mission to help seniors live their best lives is not only meaningful, but scalable,” said J.J. Sorrenti, CEO of Best Life Brands. “Our brands continue to grow by meeting an important need for seniors and their families, and that translates into strong performance for our franchisees and lasting impact in their communities.”
With ComForCare placing in the top 200, CarePatrol advancing 30 spots and Next Day Access making its first debut on the list, the recognition exemplifies Best Life Brands’ momentum as a leading franchisor in the senior care industry. Collectively, all of Best Life Brands’ concepts represent 770 franchise locations open and operating across North America and Canada serving thousands of clients and families each year through home care, care advisory, accessibility solutions and estate sales services. Including markets in development, the total number of locations exceeds 900, reinforcing Best Life Brands’ impressive growth momentum.
As the demand for senior-focused services continues to grow, Best Life Brands is actively seeking qualified franchise prospects to join its growing network. Backed by proven business models, training and support and mission-driven culture, each brand in the portfolio is committed to helping seniors live their best lives while helping entrepreneurs achieve their success through small business ownership. Across its portfolio, the company continues to expand into new markets, empowering entrepreneurs to build life-changing businesses that make a meaningful impact in their communities.
To learn more about Best Life Brands, visit https://www.bestlifebrands.com/.
Read more about the Franchise Times Top 400 at FranchiseTimes.com/Top-400.
About Best Life Brands, LLC
Based in Troy, Mich., Best Life Brands, LLC is a holding company that includes ComForCare and At Your Side, premier franchised providers of home care; CarePatrol, the nation’s largest franchised senior care solutions organization; Blue Moon Estate Sales, the leading estate sale franchise in the U.S., Boost Home Healthcare, dedicated to providing superior in-home nursing, therapy, and home care services, and Next Day Access, a provider of residential and commercial home access solutions in the U.S. and Canada, which together include more than 770 franchise locations across the U.S. and Canada. With a private equity investment from The Riverside Company, Best Life Brands is a platform of award-winning complementary businesses that serve people along the continuum of care.
ABOUT THE FRANCHISE TIMES TOP 400
The Franchise Times Top 400 is the only ranking by systemwide sales and units of the largest 500 U.S.-based franchise brands. Published in the October issue and available in a searchable database online, the Franchise Times Top 400 also analyzes industry sectors based on percentage change in sales growth, reports the 10 fastest-growing franchises by four different measures, and includes exclusive news stories about the biggest names in franchising. The rankings and full report, and the searchable online database, are available at www.franchisetimes.com/top-400-2025.