Empower Brands Strengthens Leadership Team to Accelerate Growth Across Platform in 2026

April 16, 2026 // Franchising.com // Richmond, Va. – Empower Brands is reinforcing its leadership team with a series of strategic appointments and promotions over the last six months.

Following a record-setting 2025, with multiple brands earning national recognition and franchisees demonstrating strong unit-level performance, Empower Brands has expanded its leadership bench across marketing, operations, technology and brand leadership roles. These additions reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen franchisee support and platform innovation across its portfolio.

“Coming off a milestone year, we’re focused on building the right leadership structure to support the next phase of growth,” said Scott Zide, CEO of Empower Brands. “These leaders bring deep experience and a shared commitment to helping our franchise owners succeed. As we move through 2026, this team will play a critical role in driving performance across every brand in our system.”

Key leadership updates include:

• Volker Wellman, Senior Vice President of Operations at JAN-PRO
• Chris Donnelly, Vice President of Information Technology
• Melanie Watts, Vice President of Brand Marketing
• Joe Dominiak, Brand Leader for Superior Fence & Rail
• Justin Mayer, Brand President of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives
• Ben Wright, Brand President for Canopy Lawn Care
• Cory Lyons, Brand President of Wallaby Windows in addition to his role as Brand President of Koala Insulation
• Jeff Waters, Brand President of FRSTeam
• Andrew Eaton, Vice President of Growth for Bumble Roofing
• Neal Leon, Vice President of Business Development for JAN-PRO

The leadership changes reflect efforts to support brands within its portfolio.

“Our strategy is centered on empowering franchise owners with the tools, leadership and support they need to succeed,” Zide added. “With this leadership team in place, the organization aims to support franchise owners and drive performance across brands.”

With a diversified portfolio and a growing base of multi-unit franchise operators, Empower Brands enters the remainder of 2026 with a focus on franchisee performance and expanding service coverage in North America.

SOURCE Empower Brands

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