Each year, Franchise Business Review honors franchise owners (franchisees) who go above and beyond. This year, FBR considered hundreds of nominations from franchisors and selected 69 franchisees that truly personify “Rock Star” status in franchising.
Brands must be on FBR’s Top 200 Franchises List in order to nominate a franchisee. Franchise Business Review invites franchisors to nominate owners who demonstrate rock star behavior within their franchise system. Franchisors nominate high-achieving franchise owners who consistently go above and beyond in one of eight categories—Giving Back, Women-Owned, Millennial-Owned, Veteran-Owned, Family-Owned, Freshmen (first-year owners), Top Performers, and Multi-Unit Owners.
Meet 2025’s Franchise Rock Stars
Multi-Unit
Jolie and Jordan Cypert
FASTSIGNS
Texas
Jolie and Jordan Cypert, 2025 Rock Stars in the Multi-Unit Owner category, have been proud FASTSIGNS franchisees since 2015. With four locations across Central Texas, including North Austin, West Austin, Leander, Cedar Park, and their newest in Georgetown, the Cyperts have built a thriving operation rooted in creativity, service, and scalability. Drawn to FASTSIGNS for its professional, B2B model and strong franchisor support, the couple hit the ground running by purchasing three established centers right out of the gate. With their sights set on continued growth, they’re showing what’s possible when passion meets operational excellence. Read Jolie and Jordan’s story…
To learn more about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, visit fsfastsigns.com or call (855) 708-5790.
Multi-Unit
Denny Sears
Snap-OnTools
Indiana
Denny Sears, a 2025 Rock Star in the Multi-Unit Owner category, leads seven Snap-on Tools franchises in the Indianapolis region, a journey that began with a job in the company’s warehouse. After first becoming a franchisee in 1994, Denny returned to ownership in 2015, bringing with him years of field leadership experience and a passion for mentorship. Known for his strong work ethic and hands-on leadership, Denny has built more than just a business—he’s built a team. Today, he’s focused on growing people and creating a lasting impact through consistency, discipline, and leading by example. Read Denny’s story…
Fore more information on the Snap-on Tools franchise opportunity, visit snaponfranchise.com or call 877-476-2766.
Multi-Unit
John Doyle
Penn Station
Ohio
John Doyle, a proud Penn Station East Coast Subs franchise owner since 1988, is being recognized as a 2025 Rock Star in the Multi-Unit Owner category. Over the past 36 years, John has expanded his business to 10 locations across Ohio—from his first shop in Sharonville to his latest in Cleves, opening June 2024. What drives him is simple: a passion for great food and a commitment to invest in a team that delivers consistent, high-quality service. John credits the brand’s strong systems, supportive culture, and customer-first philosophy as key to long-term success. Read John’s story…
To learn more about the Penn Station franchise opportunity, visit penn-station.com/franchise/ and submit your contact information.
Freshman
Sam Kantrow
The Real Producers
Connecticut
Sam Kantrow, recognized as a 2025 Rock Star in the Freshman category, is the proud owner of Real Producers in New Haven, Connecticut, officially launched in May 2024. As a media brand under the N2 Company umbrella, Real Producers connects top real estate agents with trusted local businesses through high-quality, hyper-local publications. With no sales experience, Sam credits the N2 team for hands-on support, from sales training to ad design and coaching. Today, Sam finds purpose in helping others make meaningful connections, and he’s already looking ahead to future expansion and mentorship opportunities. Read Sam’s story…
To learn more about the Real Producers franchising opportunity, please visit realproducersmag.com/launch/
Giving Back
Ben Rogers
Ziebart
Michigan
Ben Rogers, owner of the Ziebart franchise in Bay City, Michigan, has proudly led the shop since 2022, continuing the legacy of a location established in 2009. He was drawn to Ziebart for its trusted reputation, hands-on support, and commitment to quality. With a background in leadership and a passion for service, Ben saw the franchise as an opportunity to build something meaningful for both customers and the local community. Now recognized as a 2025 Rock Star in the Giving Back category, Ben focuses on creating real opportunities for others, supporting causes close to his heart, and offering top-tier automotive protection services that keep customers coming back. Read Ben’s story…
To learn more about the Ziebart franchise opportunity, please visit ziebart.com email mriley@ziebart.com or call (616) 984-0049.
Giving Back
Ken Sandy
FRSTeam Dryy Restoration
Virginia
Ken Sandy, owner of FRSTeam Dryy Restoration in Ashburn, Virginia, has been making a difference since opening his franchise in 2021. He chose FRSTeam due to its strong values, authentic leadership, and commitment to working with heart and integrity. Ken brings that same energy to every job, leading with empathy, precision, and a profound sense of responsibility to his community. As a 2025 Rock Star in the Giving Back category, he is known for creating a real impact through hands-on service, grassroots partnerships, and events like the Dryy Run 5K, which raises funds for local causes. Ken’s work reflects a clear purpose: to build intentional relationships, serve people well, and foster meaningful change through his business. Read Ken’s story…
To learn more about a FRSTeam Dryy Restoration franchise opportunity, please visit frsteam.com/about-us/franchising/ and fill out the interest form.
Giving Back
Molly Gaffney-Keebler
Spherion Staffing and Recruiting
North Carolina and Tennessee
Molly Gaffney-Keebler has been the proud owner of Spherion Staffing & Recruiting in Asheville, North Carolina, alongside her husband, Joe, since 2016. She later expanded to Morristown, Tennessee, in 2022. With no background in staffing, Molly leaned on Spherion’s robust support system and hands-on training to confidently launch and grow her business, now being recognized as a Rock Star in the Giving Back category. Today, her franchise is one of the largest staffing agencies in western North Carolina—proof that heart, hustle, and the proper support can create real community impact. Molly’s journey is rooted in purpose: empowering others, building a strong team culture, and giving back to the communities she serves. Read Molly’s story…
For more information on the Spherion Staffing and Recruiting franchise opportunity, visit spherion.com/franchise or email danbrunell@spherion.com.
Giving Back
Ariel Chavez
Cruise Planners
Alabama
Since opening his Cruise Planners franchise in Mobile, Alabama, in 2014, Ariel Chavez has steadily grown his travel business into a thriving, million-dollar venture. With no prior experience in travel or sales, Ariel credits Cruise Planners’ comprehensive training, cutting-edge technology, and dedicated support for giving him the confidence to succeed. Recognized as a 2025 Rock Star in the “Giving Back” category, he has built his success on personalized client care, a commitment to continual learning, and strong community involvement. Ariel and his husband actively support local nonprofits, reflecting his belief that successful entrepreneurship should always include giving back and uplifting others. Read Ariel’s story…
For more information on the Cruise Planners franchise opportunity, visit cruiseplannersfranchise.com or email franchising@cruiseplanners.com, or call 888-582-2150.
Millennial
Chris Gonzales
Huntington Learning Center
Florida
As a former student himself, Chris Gonzales now owns and operates a Huntington Learning Center in Jacksonville Beach. He officially stepped into franchise ownership on April 1, 2000, continuing his family’s legacy and commitment to academic success. What started as his parents’ venture has evolved into a thriving, community-trusted academic success center. Recognized as a 2025 Rock Star in the Millennial category for his leadership and impact, Chris brings a fresh perspective, strong communication skills, and deep relatability to the families he serves, many of whom are fellow millennials. Read Chris’ story…
For more information on the Huntington Learning Center franchise opportunity, please visit huntingtonfranchise.com or call 866-294-9181.
Veteran
Craig Mattox
Kona Ice
Alabama
Craig Mattox, a proud military veteran, has been running his Kona Ice franchise in Anniston, Alabama, since 2019. Recognized in the Veteran category, Craig has built a business that’s all about community, family, and giving back. He was first drawn to Kona Ice for its fun, family-friendly vibe. However, he was further inspired by its strong focus on service, which resonated deeply with his own values. With support from the franchisor and a tight-knit network of fellow owners, Craig has turned his mobile shaved ice truck into a local favorite, bringing smiles to schools, events, and even fellow veterans along the way. Read Craig’s Story…
To learn more about owning a Kona Ice franchise, please visit ownakona.com or email sales@kona.com or call 800-566-2423.
Family-Owned
Maeghan Scott
Right At Home
New Jersey
Maeghan Scott has been proudly leading Right at Home of Essex County in West Orange, New Jersey, since 2017. This has allowed her to continue a family legacy that began when her father opened the franchise in 2004. Drawn to the mission-driven roots of the brand and inspired by its founder’s firsthand caregiving experience, Maeghan stepped into ownership with a passion for serving others and a deep commitment to community care. With strong support from Right at Home and a powerful family partnership, she brings innovation, adaptability, and heart to everything she does. Her franchise is being recognized as a Rock Star in the Family-Owned category. Read Maeghan’s story…
To learn more about the Right at Home franchise opportunity, visit rightathomefranchise.com/ or email franchising@rightathome.net.
Women
Trish Nicely
JPAR Real Estate Professionals
Maryland
Trish Nicely, owner of JPAR Real Estate Professionals in Hughesville, Maryland, is being recognized as a Rock Star in the Women category for her empowering leadership and bold entrepreneurial spirit. Since opening her franchise in 2022, Trish has established a supportive and high-performing brokerage. With a background in senior-level management and a deep understanding of business strategy, she chose JPAR for its modern approach and strong mentorship network. Trish continues to lead with confidence, consistency, and compassion, mentoring other women in real estate and championing a more balanced, inclusive path to success. Read Trish’s story…
For more information on the JPAR Real Estate Professionals franchise opportunity, please visit grow.jpar.com.
Women
Angela and Elizabeth Emiliani
The Learning Experience
New Jersey
Angela and Elizabeth Emilani are being recognized as a Rock Star franchisees in the Women category for their outstanding leadership and dedication to The Learning Experience. Their journey first began in 2016 when Angela was working as a Prepper teacher at the Roseland, NJ center. The brand’s mission, engaging curriculum, and positive culture inspired her deeply. As a result, Angela made the leap into ownership and never looked back. Today, she and her sister own six locations in Roseland, Livingston, Cedar Grove, South Orange, Bloomfield, and Morristown. She credits her success to being present, creating a family-like culture, and treating everyone with respect. Read Angela and Elizabeth’s story…
For more information about The Learning Experience franchise opportunity, visit tle-franchising.com, email cmanzano@tlecorp.com, or call (561) 886-6416.