TOP 50 FRANCHISING THOUGHT LEADERS, FRANCHISE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS & FUTURIST CONSULTANTS

Today’s Top 50 franchising thought leaders, keynote speakers and futurist consulting experts to franchisees and franchisors posit that the industry has become a global powerhouse, offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to build businesses with established brands. Driving growth are the world’s Top 50 franchising thought leaders, who are prompting innovation, sustainability, and success within the franchise world.

Such influential experts and visionaries are building the future of the business, whether through technology, operations, or global expansion. Bearing that in mind, we figured you’d like to have a Top 50 franchising thought leaders list that serves as a cheat sheet to leading names in the field.

A leading pick you should have in mind if you’re a conference, convention or corporate meeting planner is Scott Steinberg. As a global Top 50 franchising thought leaders headliner and futurist keynote speaker who’s consulted for over 3000, he’s among the industry’s most requested consultants and strategic advisors.

But even a quick glimpse of the readout reveals all manner of consulting experts you can pick from who focus on other aspects of the business, or specialize in emerging and future trends of all stripes. We recommend having a look at the Top 50 franchising thought leaders to get a better sense of who’s available.

1. Scott Steinberg – Futurist keynote speaker and business strategist, advising franchisors and franchises on digital transformation and innovative business strategies.
2. Greg Vojnovic – CEO of Jersey Mike’s, one of the fastest-growing sandwich chains in the U.S.
3. Ritch Allison – CEO of Domino’s Pizza, a leader in the global pizza delivery franchise.
4. Charlie Morrison – CEO of Wingstop, a leader in the wings and fast casual dining sector.
5. David Barr – CEO of Pet Supplies Plus, one of the largest pet retail franchises.
6. Ray Kroc – Former CEO of McDonald’s and the Top 50 franchising thought leaders mastermind behind its global franchising model.
7. Paul H. Barron – CEO of The Restaurant Franchise Group, which owns brands like Tropical Smoothie Cafe.
8. John Miller – CEO of Denny’s, known for successfully maintaining the brand’s legacy and franchise growth.
9. Matthew H. Shattuck – CEO of The UPS Store, overseeing a massive network of locations worldwide.
10. Rob Lynch – CEO of Papa John’s Pizza, Top 50 franchising thought leaders name steering efforts to modernize the brand and expand its franchise footprint.
11. Jim Skinner – Former CEO of McDonald’s, instrumental in the chain’s global expansion.
12. Warren Rosenberg – CEO of BrightStar Care, specializing in home care franchises.
13. David & John Katzman – Founders of The Katzman Group, which manages numerous successful franchises.
14. Danita P. Harris – CEO of The Harris Group, offering franchise consulting services for retail and food businesses.
15. Chris Terrell – CEO of Mr. Appliance, a leading home services franchise.
16. Tom Spadea – CEO of NextHome, a real estate franchise rapidly expanding across the U.S.
17. Steve Joyce – CEO of Choice Hotels International, leading one of the largest hotel franchise systems globally.
18. Kirk L. Tinker – CEO of T-Mobile, leading efforts to develop new retail franchise opportunities.
19. David Hicks – CEO of The Learning Experience, one of the largest childcare franchise networks.
20. Mike McGill – CEO of The UPS Store, expanding its presence globally and offering innovative franchising models.
21. Nabil L. Khalil – CEO of Slim Chickens, an innovative fast-casual franchise brand.
22. Kurtis L. Hines – CEO of Great Clips, driving innovation in the salon industry.
23. David & Jason Peterson – Co-founders of Peterson Group, responsible for launching numerous successful franchise businesses.
24. Troy D. Bennett – CEO of Scooter’s Coffee, expanding its coffee franchise footprint nationwide.
25. Kelly Roddy – CEO of Potbelly Sandwich Shop, spearheading its franchise growth.
26. Doug Smart – CEO of Ben & Jerry’s, overseeing their successful franchise expansion into global markets.
27. Catherine Monson – CEO of FASTSIGNS International, one of the leading franchises in the signage and printing sector.
28. Jim & Sue Williamson – Founders of Williamson Franchise Group, a leader in franchise development and support.
29. Bradley A. Wahl – CEO of Coverall North America, leading the growth of commercial cleaning franchises.
30. Nick & Cyndy Carlson – Founders of Carlson Ventures, known for innovative strategies in franchise investments.
31. Chris Herschend – CEO of Herschend Enterprises, which owns multiple entertainment and theme park franchises.
32. Mike White – CEO of Two Men and a Truck, one of the largest moving and storage franchise systems.
33. Chris McDonald – CEO of Zaxby’s, a rapidly expanding fast-casual restaurant franchise.
34. Greg Willard – CEO of Jiffy Lube, overseeing a vast network of automotive service franchise locations.
35. Darryl L. Ivey – CEO of The Dwyer Group, overseeing numerous home services franchises.
36. Michael J. Smith – CEO of The Goddard School, one of the leading educational childcare franchise systems.
37. Don Fox – CEO of Firehouse Subs, driving franchise growth with an emphasis on community-based values.
38. Steve Baxter – CEO of Snap Printing, specializing in print and design services within the franchise model.
39. Cheryl A. Kaplan – CEO of Massage Envy, a key player in health and wellness franchise growth.
40. Michael W. Mendenhall – CEO of TruGreen, leading the company’s expansion in the lawn care franchise sector.
41. Bob Krejci – CEO of Two Men and a Truck, a leader in franchising for moving and storage services.
42. Chuck Runyon – CEO of Anytime Fitness, expanding the brand’s footprint in the health and fitness sector.
43. Garry L. Bush – CEO of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, expanding its presence across the U.S.
44. David P. Goodman – CEO of Franchise Group, responsible for building out successful brand portfolios.
45. William C. “Bill” Bruck – CEO of 7-Eleven, overseeing the expansion of one of the world’s largest convenience store franchise systems.
46. Barbara & Michael H. Dauterive – Founders of Dauterive Enterprises, with a focus on food service and hospitality franchises.
47. Jim Trotter – CEO of Signarama, helping franchise owners with cutting-edge sign and marketing solutions.
48. Jon O’Connor – CEO of Massage Heights, a growing health and wellness franchise.
49. Brian Fitzpatrick – CEO of ActionCOACH, a leading business coaching and franchise development company.
50. Eric & Stephanie Lindberg – Founders of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, expanding the franchise footprint across the U.S.

Global Top 50 franchising thought leaders represent the pinnacle of franchise leadership, driving the expansion, innovation, and success of global business systems. Whether overseeing global giants or emerging brands, influencers continue to redefine the field, guiding entrepreneurs and businesses toward future growth and success.