The International Franchise Association (IFA) today recognized 116 individuals and teams with its 2024 Franchisee of the Year awards, representing the top franchisees from IFA member brands across industries from communities around the country and the world. The annual Franchisee of the Year awards, honored at the 65th IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, recognize outstanding franchise establishment owner-operators.

“Franchisees of the Year represent the very best of franchising,” said Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “They embody the American Dream, create economic opportunity, serve their communities and show what it means to go into business for yourself, but not by yourself. We are proud to recognize these entrepreneurs with the highest honor IFA awards to individual franchisees, and we salute them for the tireless efforts to lift up all those they serve.”

The Franchisee of the Year awards recognize leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance, and promote the franchise business model. Nominated by their parent company, individuals are selected for their service to their communities, fostering a strong and vibrant workforce, opening the doors for career growth and entrepreneurship, and supporting their fellow franchisees.

There are approximately 830,000 franchised businesses across the U.S., providing nearly 9 million direct jobs and generating over $896 billion in economic output. According to Oxford Economics, franchising on average provides higher wages and better benefits than non-franchised businesses, as well as greater entrepreneurial opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, and other underrepresented communities. 

The full list of recipients is below:

Source: International Franchise Association