By Al Pellecchia, Wireless Zone

For more than 30 years, Wireless Zone has supported hundreds of communities with reliable wireless services.

But equally important is our commitment to giving back to our employees and customers, while embracing our culture of good.

As we reflect on the year, three core pillars stand out: the growth and success of our franchisees, execution of charitable initiatives, and a key leadership appointment that will help us level up in 2026 and beyond.

Fueling Franchisee Success

In a year of double-digit growth, adding 44 new stores and more than 25 owner groups expanding with at least one location, our momentum has never been greater. With more than 770 franchise locations across the country, Wireless Zone is on its way to being the first wireless franchise with 1,000 locations.

As our footprint grows, so do our operational efficiencies. At our convention earlier this year, we announced the rollout of our “Marketing Hub” interface to help stores drive traffic. This simple, accessible tool provides a way for owners to easily manage their digital advertising, create and send SMS and email messages, utilize customized content and plans to support marketing initiatives, grand openings and more. We’ve also made significant investments in tools to improve customer segmentation and keep track of their data to deliver a better end-to-end experience across the customer lifecycle.

Over the last few years and into 2025, our unit growth and financial stability has continued to improve. This year, we jumped more than 100 spots on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list, ranking at #91, further demonstrating our brand power. We also were recognized on the Franchise Times top 400 list, leading the category with a 41 percent increase in systemwide sales.

Supporting Our Communities

At the end of the day, our business is so much more than providing wireless services. We are deeply committed to making a positive impact in the lives of our employees, customers and communities. This is simply part of our DNA. In partnership with our parent company — Round Room, LLC — we hold quarterly initiatives that support a variety of organizations and demographics such as teachers, pet rescues and those affected by domestic violence.

Our largest initiative that occurs every year is our “School Rocks Backpack Giveaway.” Since its inception 13 years ago, more than 1.5 million backpacks have been given to kids in need, and this year we also gave away a bus filled with essential supplies.

One unique element of our culture is Round Room’s internal grant program which empowers anyone — whether they are a franchise owner or store employee — to contribute to a cause they are passionate about through a grant. In total, more than $8 million has been given over the years to over 1,600 nonprofit organizations, hospitals, and more.

A particularly special moment this year was the surprise gifting of $40,000 as part of our “Get 10, Give 10” program. Typically, we randomly select a customer to receive $10,000 to donate to an organization of their choice and surprise them with another $10,000 for themselves. But since we reached our 20^th winner, we decided to double the impact and gifted $20,000 to a hospital in Washington and another $20,000 to a local customer.

Through these various programs and initiatives, we have redefined how a wireless retailer can connect with its communities and fostered a culture of shared purpose.

The Next Era of Wireless Zone

Another pivotal moment of 2025 was when I transitioned from being a longtime franchisee to the brand’s next executive vice president. Having started selling phones while I was still in college, I grew up in this industry and have seen it evolve firsthand. When I learned the company was looking to fill this role, I knew I would be a great fit because I have strong, existing relationships with the owners and know what it’s like to be in their shoes.

When I stepped into this role, my number one priority was to help our franchisees become even more successful and be positioned for scalable growth, and that ultimately starts with the stores. One of the first initiatives we decided to execute was the restructuring of our regional managerial roles. This has allowed for more frequent and consistent in-store visits to support employees, which has driven higher employee engagement and stronger sales.

Looking ahead, we want to continue to increase efficiency through automation, help field leaders identify areas for improvement, and further educate the frontlines on all services to ensure they’re being utilized.

As we continue to grow our system and prioritize charitable contributions, we will create a movement that benefits the lives of everyone we impact — franchisees, store employees, customers, and the communities we serve.

Al Pellecchia is the EVP of Wireless Zone, the nation’s largest wireless retail franchisor with more than 770 independently owned and operated Verizon stores across the U.S. For more information about IFA franchisor member Wireless Zone, please visit franchise.org/franchise-opportunities/wireless-zone/.