With a lifelong passion for fragrance, Sea Love Co-Founder Stacy Miller opened a small boutique in coastal Maine focused on personalized experiences. Following a successful career as general manager of a hair care franchise, she partnered with her husband, Barry, and started the business. By Erika Ortega
When disaster strikes, 911 Restoration does more than fix the damage; it restores peace of mind. Founded on the concept of delivering a fresh start, the brand’s commitment to communication has become its biggest competitive edge. By Lizzy Yeserski
When people think about starting a business, they often imagine long hours, heavy investments and constant stress. However, for Naturals2Go owners, the story is a bit different. At Naturals2Go, business isn’t just about generating a steady income; it’s about building a life of freedom. By Tamara Rahoumi
Through your leadership, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit you created a new brand that could be the next big thing in franchising. Start thinking about how this day-to-day business has changed your life. Provide for family, fulfill your drive to support community and provide a product or service no one else offers the way you do. By Dawn Abbamondi
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