Baber Strunk Enterprises Business Owners Recognized By World’s Oldest and Largest Franchising Association; Honored at the IFA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C for Excellence in Business, Giving Back, and Providing Opportunities to Those Around Them

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The International Franchise Association (IFA) named Shannon and Cynthia Baber Strunk, owners of RNR Tire Express locations across Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, as 2026 Franchisees of the Year. The Strunks were honored at the IFA26 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., Sept. 14-16, for being an outstanding franchise owner with excellence in entrepreneurship, community outreach, workforce development, and service to others. Nominated by their brand, the IFA Franchisee of the Year awards are given to top franchisees from IFA member brands across industries and communities around the country.

“Franchisees of the Year demonstrate what franchising is all about – individuals who have committed their lives and careers to the betterment of those around them, building something bigger than themselves,” said Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “Through their leadership, they create jobs and build careers, give back to their communities, and support other franchisees, all while exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of franchising. We are proud to recognize the Strunks with IFA’s highest honor for individual franchisees and celebrate their commitment to making a difference both within their business and beyond.”

The Franchisee of the Year awards recognize leading franchise owners for their community involvement, fostering a strong workforce, assisting their fellow franchisees when called upon, and embodying the entrepreneurial spirit. Their outstanding performance and contributions help strengthen not only their business but also the entire franchise business model.

What began with a single RNR Tire Express location has grown into a multi-state, multi-generational family business, with Shannon and Cynthia now leading alongside their son, Shane Baber. ” I’ve had the privilege of working alongside the Strunk & Baber family for many years and that makes this recognition especially meaningful.” said Adam Sutton, CEO of DX3 Brands and RNR Tire Express. ” Shannon, Cynthia and Shane have built something they can be incredibly proud of, not only as business owners, but as a family. They care deeply about their people, their customers and communities and doing things the right way. I’m proud to call them partners and friends and I couldn’t be happier to see them receive this well deserved recognition.”

There are approximately 832,000 franchise establishments across the U.S., providing nearly 8.8 million direct jobs and generating more than $907 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 recipients were honored at a luncheon on Sept. 15, 2026, and throughout the IFA26 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. in October.

About The International Franchise Association:

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 832,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, $907.3 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.

About RNR Tire Express

RNR Tire Express is a national franchise retailer of quality tires and custom wheels known for their customer-centric, flexible lease-to-own payment options. Established in 2000 by rent-to-own veteran Larry Sutton, RNR has grown to over 200 locations in 32 states and internationally. The brand ranked in Franchise Times’ Top 400 list for 2025, was recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the Top Brands for Multi-Unit Owners and was named the No. 8 automotive franchise in Entrepreneur’s 2026 Top 10 Franchises by Industry list. Additionally, RNR ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s 2026 Franchise 500 ranking. Most recently, the company earned a Notable Distinction in the 2026 FUND TopScore Awards, recognizing its performance and commitment to franchisee success. RNR Tire Express is seeking qualified multi-unit franchisees to help expand the franchise into prime markets throughout the country.

About DX3 Brands

DX3 Brands is a value-driven, multi-brand franchisor built on more than 25 years of franchise experience. Founded in 2000 as a single brand with RNR Tire Express, the company has grown into a nationally recognized brand spanning more than 200 locations and generating over $350 million in annual revenue. Building on that success, DX3 Brands welcomed Gigglewaters alongside RNR Tire Express in 2026. DX3 Brands partners with existing brands to help them grow through proven franchise systems, operational expertise, and the infrastructure needed to support franchisee success. The company provides franchise owners with the tools, support, and guidance to build strong teams, deliver customer-driven experiences, and impact the communities they serve.

For more information regarding DX3 Brands and its franchise opportunities, please visit www.DX3Brands.com