Aroma Joe’s business owner to be recognized by world’s oldest and largest franchising association; Will be honored at the IFA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C for excellence in business, giving back, and providing opportunities to those around them
October 09, 2026 // Franchising.com // WASHINGTON, D.C. – The International Franchise Association (IFA) today named Aaron Wiswell, owner of Aroma Joe’s locations across Maine, New Hampshire and Florida, as a 2026 Franchisee of the Year. Wiswell was honored at the IFA26 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., Sept. 14-16, for being an outstanding franchise owner with excellence in entrepreneurship, community outreach, workforce development, and service to others. Nominated by their brand, the IFA Franchisee of the Year awards are given to top franchisees from IFA member brands across industries and communities around the country.
“Franchisees of the Year demonstrate what franchising is all about – individuals who have committed their lives and careers to the betterment of those around them, building something bigger than themselves,” said Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “Through their leadership, they create jobs and build careers, give back to their communities, and support other franchisees, all while exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of franchising. We are proud to recognize Aaron Wiswell with IFA’s highest honor for individual franchisees and celebrate his commitment to making a difference both within his business and beyond.”
The Franchisee of the Year awards recognize leading franchise owners for their community involvement, fostering a strong workforce, assisting their fellow franchisees when called upon, and embodying the entrepreneurial spirit. Their outstanding performance and contributions help strengthen not only their business but also the entire franchise business model.
Aaron Wiswell’s journey with Aroma Joe's began nearly a decade ago, when he opened and successfully operated two locations on his own. In 2022, he joined forces with business partner Bob Brennan, and together they have built one of the most dynamic development partnerships in the Aroma Joe’s system. Wiswell currently owns and operates 16 Aroma Joe's locations, the majority in partnership with Brennan.
What makes Wiswell’s story especially meaningful is that it is, at its heart, a family story. Wiswell and his wife, Alyssa, along with their now-adult children, Ayden and Avery, are actively involved in day-to-day operations, carrying forward the values of hard work and togetherness that built the Aroma Joe’s brand from the ground up. This family team is fully dedicated to Aroma Joe’s core values, shown through their local charitable giving, most notably to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, among dozens of others.
There are approximately 832,000 franchise establishments across the U.S., providing nearly 8.8 million direct jobs and generating more than $907 billion in economic output. According to Oxford Economics, franchising on average provides higher wages and better benefits than non-franchised businesses, as well as greater entrepreneurial opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, and other underrepresented communities.
The recipients will be honored at a luncheon on Sept. 15, 2026, and throughout the IFA26 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. next month.
Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 832,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, $907.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.
SOURCE International Franchise Association
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