Category: Topics

IFA Fitness Members Meet with Congressional Leaders on the GYMS Act

By Greg Cory

On December 8th, IFA’s Michael Layman and Haider Murtaza organized U.S. Senate meetings for IFA members to discuss topline issues affecting the fitness industry. IFA Members included Chuck Runyon, CEO and Co-Founder of Self Esteem Brands, and Katie Muehlenkamp, franchise owner of the Bar Method in Brooklyn, NY. IFA members were also joined by industry partners, Liz Clark, President and CEO of The Global Health & Fitness Association (IHRSA), Brett Ewer, Head of Government Relations of Crossfit, and Patrick Connolly of Velocity Public Affairs.

What is the Value of Franchising?

By Greg Cory

But what exactly is a franchise, and what makes franchising so successful? A franchise is a local business that licenses the branding and operational processes of a parent company but operates independently in a defined geographic market. The local owner, or franchisee, is responsible for hiring staff, organizing schedules, managing payroll, and all daily operational tasks as well as local sales and marketing. 

Three Franchisees Giving Thanks and Giving Back

By Greg Cory

Today is Giving Tuesday, the Global Day of Generosity that brings the Thanksgiving season to a close with a day of gratitude. With that in mind it’s a time for many of us to reflect back with gratitude on the positives we’ve experienced in a difficult year. A number of businesses and individuals have made it a priority to give back to those who have been affected by the challenges of the pandemic, and this holiday season, IFA would like to honor a few of the many franchises who are making a difference in their communities and giving to those less fortunate. 

Jersey Mike’s Substantial Commitment to Giving

By Greg Cory

In 2010, 11 Dallas/Ft. Worth Jersey Mike’s Subs locations banded together to create a co-op, deciding to use their community relationships to make a difference. These local business owners decided to partner with well-known Dallas based charity, Wipe Out Kids Cancer, to create a month-long fundraiser. The locations provided a free sub with a donation to the charity, which raised $50,000 in one month.

Cleaning Authority CARES

By Greg Cory

Franchises are diverse: only ¼ of franchises are quick service restaurants. The vast majority provide myriad other services, such as child care, fitness, wellness, or home care services. One such company is The Cleaning Authority. Recognizing that more than 52 million people across North America experience food insecurity, and of those 16 million are under the age of 18, The Cleaning Authority is partnering with local communities to make a difference.

Did a Crisis Just Prove How Well the Franchise Restaurant Model Works?

By Greg Cory

While COVID brought many industries to a standstill, it is clear that those in the hospitality industry were dramatically impacted. However, franchise restaurants fared significantly better than independent operators. In the aftermath of the immediate crisis, let’s look at the wins for the franchise community that prove just how well the franchise restaurant model works when the industry is turned upside down by a pandemic.

Sport Clips Haircuts Commitment to Serve

By Greg Cory

One such example is the long-term support of veterans from Sport Clips Haircuts. Founder & CEO, Gordon Logan was a Captain in the US Air Force and pledged to honor those who served. That’s one reason Sport Clips is the Vanguard Sponsor of the International Franchise Association Foundation’s VetFran program. 

Capitol Hill Staff Briefing Featuring a ‘Franchising 101’ Seminar

By Greg Cory

On Thursday, November 5, IFA, in partnership with our members Inspire Brands and Wendy’s, as well as the Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) hosted a briefing for Capitol Hill staff featuring a ‘Franchising 101’ seminar, our new Oxford Economics research on the value of franchising, and a Franchisee Panel Discussion with three amazing franchisees. This briefing was part of Open for Opportunity, our multi-year, purpose driven campaign we launched in September to refresh the association’s and business model’s image by strengthening the narrative about what it truly means to be a part of the franchise community.

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