Vision & Stories

What Will Your Story Be?

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

×
K CEO / Founder Perspective

From Franchise Executive to 36 Dogtopia Locations: How Kayla Seely Built the System's Largest Pack

Kayla Seely COO, Red Barn Holdings (Dogtopia) · 36 Dogtopia locations · 10 states · 18 years in franchising · 6 years at Red

In 2019, Kayla Seely left franchise-executive roles at Massage Envy and Miracle-Ear to found Red Barn Holdings. Six years later, it operates 36 Dogtopia locations across 10 East Coast states and is the largest franchisee group in the Dogtopia system.

Empire Stories Aug 29, 2026 4 min read Read story →
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.