Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Honors Franchisee Excellence at the 2026 Multi-Unit Franchising Conference, March 24-27, in Las Vegas

Franchise Update Media
Published: March 27th, 2026

March 27, 2026 // Franchising.com // San Jose, CA, — Multi-Unit Franchisee magazine is pleased to announce the winners of its annual Most Valuable Performer (MVP) Awards, celebrating outstanding multi-unit franchisees. The awards will be presented during the 2026 Multi-Unit Franchising Conference in Las Vegas, March 24-27.

This year’s competition drew a record number of nominations, highlighting the depth of talent across the multi-unit franchising community. From an impressive pool of candidates, a panel of judges selected ten winners, honoring franchisees who demonstrated outstanding growth, innovative thinking, and a strong commitment to their brands and organizations.

The MVP Awards celebrate franchisees who operate five or more units and have been part of a system for at least two years. These high-performing operators, forward-thinking innovators, and creative leaders exemplify excellence in multi-unit franchising and continue to push the industry forward. Here are this year’s winners:

• The Mega-Growth Leadership Award for achieving excellence in growth and expansion goes to Luke Andrus, a multi-unit franchisee with Anytime Fitness.
• The Spirit of Franchising Award for extraordinary and enduring performance, growth, and community giving goes to Wade Oney, a multi-brand franchisee with Qdoba Mexican Eats, Papa Johns, and Starbucks.
• The Single-Brand Leadership Award for achieving leadership with a single brand was a tie and goes to Katie Lee and Hope and Brian Bayer, multi-unit franchisees with Goldfish Swim School; and Bryant Greene, a multi-unit franchisee with Always Best Care.
• The Veteran Entrepreneurship Award for outstanding performance, leadership, and innovation by a military veteran goes to Rick Cseak, a multi-unit franchisee with Home Helpers Home Care.
• The Influencer for Husband & Wife Team Award for demonstrating excellence in franchising as husband and wife goes to Mark & Jan Mansfield, franchisees with Sport Clips.
• The Noble Cause Award for passionate, unwavering support for those in need goes to Shak Patel, a multi-unit franchisee with Potbelly Sandwich Works.
• The American Dream Award for achieving remarkable success in their new country goes to Nadeem Bajwa, a multi-unit franchisee with Papa Johns.
• The Innovation Award for bringing a new and unique contribution to their brand goes to Bart and Theresa Casiello, multi-unit franchisees with Zips Cleaners.
• The Multi-Brand Leadership Award for achieving brand leadership with multiple brands goes to Ali & Emad Lakhany, multi-brand franchisees with Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Tim Hortons, and Andy's Frozen Custard.

All winners will be recognized in a general session at this year’s annual Multi-Unit Franchising Conference, where more than 2,200 attendees will honor their success in the franchise world.

About Franchise Update Media

Franchise Update Media has been a leader in the franchising space for 37 years. Founded in 1988, the company produces online franchise opportunities and educational websites, two quarterly print magazines, digital newsletters, three annual conferences, independent research, and books, 100% focused on franchising. Targeting franchise audiences online, in print, and in person, Franchise Update Media delivers a unique combination of educational and lead-generation sources to help franchisors, multi-unit franchisees, opportunity seekers, and suppliers achieve their growth objectives.

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SOURCE Franchise Update Media