Today we’re announcing the winners of this year’s Franchise Thought Leadership Awards.

We’ll name the 10 Franchise Leaders are currently leading all of us in Franchising to more prosperity and growth by sharing their ideas, speaking up, putting out thoughtful content, getting people talking, and inspiring others to do the same.

The nominees were submitted by you, the Social Geek listeners, and the ten top vote-getters were chosen by a team of independent judges.

Congratulations to all winners and thanks for moving us all forward.

So, Here's The Thing ...

Lauren Fernandez and Jack Monson have been chatting regularly about the changes, acquisitions, and deals in the restaurant space.

Now we're sharing those conversations with you. Please join us!

Special Guest: Lauren Fernandez.

Year 17 of the most popular franchise podcast rolls on!

This week…we’re live in chilly Fort Lauderdale at Franchise Expo South.

The iguanas are freezing, but the franchise opportunities are heating up. We’re talking to fran dev leaders and CEOs of several brands to find out how hot the landscape is for 2026.

On today’s show:

Justin Denham, Pool Duck

Scott SirLouis, FSC Franchise / Beef O’Brady’s / Brass Tap

Bob Crawford, Central Bark

Mike Ackley, Ascent Hospitality / Perkins / Huddle House

Christina Gambino, Jumptwist Ninja

Mark Sturman, My Lobby Mart

Lindsay Morgan, CM Law

Daniel Trigo, UniVista Insurance

Stephen Hitt, Industrious

Thanks to MFV Expositions, Thunderly, and AnswerConnect