Recognized by International Franchise Association for her leadership and service to franchising, advocating for the advancement of veterans in franchising

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 28, 2023 – The International Franchise Association (IFA) and IFA Foundation today presented its 2023 William Rosenberg Foundation Award to Mary Kennedy Thompson, Chief Operating Officer for Neighborly. The William Rosenberg Foundation Leadership Award is given to an individual who has made a significant contribution to franchise education, outreach, and expanding the message of opportunities in franchising.

“From her time in the Marine Corps to her leadership positions at Neighborly and IFA, Mary Kennedy Thompson embodies servant leadership,” said IFA President and CEO Matthew Haller. “She has spent her career helping people achieve their dreams and goals through franchising and never misses an opportunity to educate and raise awareness of the value and opportunity delivered by the business model.”

Thompson was selected for epitomizing the spirit of the William Rosenberg Foundation Leadership Award. Thompson served for eight years as a logistics officer in the U.S Marine Corps and has become leader and role model for service to the franchising community, IFA, and the IFA Foundation. She has been a tireless advocate for veterans in franchising through her involvement with VetFran, previously serving as chair of the VetFran Committee. Thompson also helped launch Operation Enduring Opportuntity, a pledge by the franchising community to hire or recruit 75,000 military veterans.

“Franchising has opened so many doors for me throughout my career,” said Thompson. “If I am able to help spread that message and support others, including our veterans, in their journey of entrepreneurship, then the franchising industry as a whole gets stronger. I am extremely humbled to be receiving this award and thank the IFA and IFA Foundation.”

After serving her country, Thompson started her career in franchising as a franchisee of Cookies by Design, rapidly expanding to become a multi-unit owner. After successfully selling her franchises, Thompson joined Neighborly (formerly Dwyer Group) as the brand president for Mr. Rooter® Plumbing, its largest home services brand. Using her leadership skills and ability to follow a plan from her experience in the military, Thompson took Mr. Rooter Plumbing to new heights and was later named Chief Operating Officer of the Neighborly family of brands.

Veterans represent a strong portion of franchising, making up 14 percent of franchise owners nationwide, whereas veterans are only seven percent of the U.S. population. Research and experience shows that veterans are uniquely equipped to succeed in franchising, as the skills honed in the military, such as leadership, discipline, and teamwork, make successful entrepreneurs.

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Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 790,492 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.4 million direct jobs, $825.4 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.