Vision & Stories

What Will Your Story Be?

Every franchise owner starts somewhere. This is what growth can look like.

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R CEO / Founder Perspective

How the Titus Family Built United Franchise Group Into a Global Franchising Empire

Ray Titus Founder & CEO, United Franchise Group · 1,600+ franchisees · Since 1986

Ray Titus opened his first Signarama store in 1986. Today, the family he built it with leads United Franchise Group — a multi-brand empire with more than 1,600 franchisees in 80 countries. It's a story about servant leadership, a second and third generation in franchising, and the belief that family comes first.

Empire Stories Jun 27, 2026 4 min read Read story →
E Franchisee Perspective

From Delivery Driver in 1988 to 22 Domino's Locations: Ed Treacy's Three-Decade Climb

Ed Treacy Franchise Owner, Treacy's Pizza · 22 Domino's locations · 38 years (since 1988)

Ed Treacy started delivering pizzas for Domino's in 1988 and bought his first store in 1995. Today he operates 22 locations across Pennsylvania and Maryland — and has just received the Gold Franny Award, the brand's top operational honor, for the sixth time.

Empire Stories Jun 25, 2026 3 min read Read story →
P CEO / Founder Perspective

The $125,000 Sandwich Shop That Built a Billion-Dollar Empire: The Story of Peter Cancro

Peter Cancro Founder & CEO, Jersey Mike's Subs · 2,800+ locations · 50 years

At 17, Peter Cancro bought a small sandwich shop in New Jersey for $125,000. He didn't win on food — he won with franchising, brand standards, and smart growth. Today Jersey Mike's has 2,800+ locations and was reportedly acquired by Blackstone in a deal valued around $8 billion.

Empire Stories May 31, 2026 2 min read Read story →
C CEO / Founder Perspective

Sailing Into Franchising: Navy Veteran Doubled System Record for Sales in First Year

Clement Troutman CEO, Troutman Management · 3 units + 3 in development · 9 years

After 23 years in the U.S. Navy, Clement Troutman opened his first Tropical Smoothie Cafe — and generated $2 million in sales his first year, doubling the franchise system's previous record.

Empire Stories Mar 25, 2026 3 min read Read story →
A Franchisee Perspective

From One Location to Leading a Multi-Brand Life

Angela Martinez Multi-Brand Franchise Owner · 25+ locations · 15 years

Angela wasn't thinking about owning multiple brands when she started. She just wanted a business she could rely on. But once her first location stabilized, she realized something bigger was possible — and chose to build it.

Empire Stories Mar 23, 2026 1 min read Read story →
G Franchisee Perspective

From 8 Locations to the Largest Franchise Operator in the World

Greg Flynn Multi-Brand Franchise Operator · 2,400+ locations · 20+ years

Greg didn't start with a massive portfolio. He began with just 8 Applebee's locations. Over time, he built systems, leadership teams, and a structure that allowed him to scale across multiple brands — eventually becoming the largest franchise operator in the world.

Empire Stories Mar 23, 2026 1 min read Read story →

Your story doesn't have to look like theirs — it just has to start.

Find the path that fits where you are and where you want to go.