ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS

In 1982, IFA added the Entrepreneur of the Year award to the Awards Program. The Entrepreneur of the Year Award was established to recognize an individual while he or she was in the process of building a successful business venture. Franchisors, franchisees and suppliers are all eligible for this award. They must exemplify the “entrepreneurial spirit” that franchising represents.

PAST RECEIPIENTS
  • 2025 Len Fischer, Founder and Chairman of the Board, Benetrends Financial
  • 2024 Richard Weissman, Co-Founder, CEO and Chairman, The Learning Experience
  • 2023 Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman, College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving
  • 2022 Jo Kirchner, Primrose Schools
  • 2021 David Barr, Franworth
  • 2020 Scott Svenson & Ally Svenson, MOD Pizza
  • 2019 Chuck Runyon & Dave Mortensen, Self Esteem Brands
  • 2018 David Long, Orangetheory Fitness
  • 2017 Eileen Huntington, Huntington Learning Center
  • 2016 Gordon Logan, Sport Clips
  • 2015 Guillermo Perales, Sun Holdings
  • 2014 Aslam Khan, Falcon Holdings
  • 2013 Scott Hillstrom, HealthStore Foundation
  • 2012 Peter Cancro, Jersey Mikes Subs
  • 2011 John Rotche, BELFOR Franchise Group
  • 2010 Margaret McClain McEntire, Candy Bouquet International, Inc.
  • 2009 Shelly Sun, CFE, BrightStar Franchising LLC
  • 2008 Tariq Farid, Edible Arrangements
  • 2007 Brian Scudamore, 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
  • 2006 Paul Hogan, Home Instead Senior Care
  • 2005 John Hewitt, Liberty Tax Service
  • 2004 Mary Ellen Sheets, Two Men And A Truck Intl.
  • 2003 Russ Umphenour, RTM Restaurant Group (Arby’s)
  • 2002 Steven J. Greenbaum, CFE, PostNet International
  • 2001 David McKinnon, Service Brands International
  • 2000 Sidney Feltenstein, Yorkshire Restaurants
  • 1999 Robert A. Funk, CFE, Express Personnel Services
  • 1998 Frank J. Belatti, AFC Enterprises
  • 1997 Richard Rennick, CFE, American Leak Detection
  • 1996 Anthony W. DeSio, Mail Boxes, Etc.
  • 1995 Abe Gustin, Jr., Applebee’s International, Inc.
  • 1994 Julie & Bill Brice, The Brice Group
  • 1993 Shigehuru Komai Duskin Co., Ltd.
  • 1992 Joseph Francis, Sr., The Barbers
  • 1991 U. Gary Charlwood, CFE ,Uniglobe Travel International Limited Partnership
  • 1990 Anthony Martino, CFE, MAACO Enterprises
  • 1989 Al Copeland, Popeyes Chicken
  • 1988 Fred DeLuca, CFE, Subway
  • 1987 W. J. Hindman, Jiffy Lube International Inc.
  • 1986 Thomas Monaghan, Domino’s Pizza, Inc.
  • 1985 John Brown, Jr., KFC Corp.
  • 1984 J. Willard, Marriott Marriott Corp.
  • 1983 Frank Carney, CFE, Pizza Hut, Inc.
  • 1982 Kemmons, Wilson Holiday Inns, Inc.

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