As the oldest and most prestigious award conferred by the IFA, the winner must be a franchisor or franchisee who has contributed significantly to the advancement of franchising and to the benefit of IFA and the franchising community. That contribution is made through successful franchising programs, innovative activities within franchising and service to the association. Such individuals if not already a legend in franchising should be expected to become one. Representing the very best in franchising they should meet and exceed the criteria established for this award.

Eligibility
Any IFA member (a) with a senior management role with a franchisor, or (b) a franchisee, past or present, is eligible. Typically they will be founders and chief executive officers or franchisees who displayed the vision and implemented the programs that resulted in developing a franchise system at either the franchisor or franchisee level. Any senior management person who had the authority and made the decisions, which in turn made their franchise system outstanding, should be considered.

This award is designed to give recognition to those individuals who have the vision to see what might be, are willing to take the risks that traditionally accompany any new endeavor, and possess the management skills to create a successful business enterprise through franchising. Candidates should be currently managing and building a successful business through franchising. If the person selected for this award is willing, they will "reign" for the following year and be on call for speaking engagements at IFA member conventions, give media interviews and work with association leaders to spread the word on franchising.

Eligibility
This award is open to all IFA members  - franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers. They must exemplify the "entrepreneurial spirit" that franchising represents.

This award recognizes women who are role models for all, but especially women, by their business and professional accomplishments within franchising and their contributions to our entire society.

Eligibility
Any woman IFA Member involved in franchising, whether as a franchisor, franchisee or supplier is eligible for this award.

This award recognizes an organization or individual who has made significant contributions to minorities and diversity, equity, and inclusion matters in franchising either within their franchise company or within the franchise community.

Eligibility
This award is open to any organization or individual from an IFA Member company, past or present, whether franchisor, franchisee, or supplier.

Named in honor of the man whose vision and leadership led to the creation of the IFA Foundation, this award is presented each year to an individual who has made an impact on franchise education, outreach, and helping share the franchising story. This award is intended to identify and recognize publicly those individuals who have contributed the most to making franchising the acknowledged leader in distribution methods. By publicizing the accomplishments of those pioneers who introduced many new innovations while developing successful systems, it was hoped a new generation of leaders would be inspired to reach those same high levels of accomplishments.