Franchisors.com

Every year around Springboard, we hear the same hesitations from people considering franchising.

"I'll come once my system is built."
"I don't know enough yet."
"I can figure it out online."
"My attorney will handle everything."

They're understandable assumptions. They're also some of the biggest reasons brands end up learning expensive lessons the hard way.

The reality is that franchising isn't just about having a great business. It's about building a system that someone else can successfully replicate.

That means understanding operations, training, development, marketing, legal, technology, franchisee support, vendor relationships, growth strategy... and knowing who to lean on when you don't have all the answers.

That's exactly why Springboard exists.

It's where emerging and re-emerging franchisors come together with experienced founders and some of the franchise industry's most respected advisors to learn, ask questions, challenge assumptions, and build the right foundation before small mistakes become expensive ones.

If you found yourself agreeing with even one of these myths, you're probably exactly who should be in the room.

📍 Springboard 2026
📅 September 23-25
📍 Fort Worth, Texas

Spots are filling up fast! For registration and room block, visit: www.franchisespringboard.com
*Room block closes 8/28/2026

What if the fastest way to grow a franchise… is to stop focusing on growth first?

That’s a lesson Charles Bonfiglio, CEO & Founder of Tint World® and Car Café®, knows from experience.

We’re excited to announce Charles Bonfiglio as a keynote speaker at Springboard 2026!

Charles has spent his career building brands and franchise systems, and his Springboard keynote isn’t about the highlight reel. It’s about what it actually takes to build a business designed to last.

His philosophy? Don’t make money first. Build the system first.

At Springboard, Charles will get candid about the lessons behind that mindset, from navigating crisis and nurturing strong franchisee relationships to why he believes a brand’s reputation, not litigation, is ultimately what protects a franchise for the long haul.

Because sustainable franchise growth isn’t just about selling more units.

It’s about building the right system behind them.

If you’re building, growing, or evolving a franchise brand, this is one keynote you’ll want to be in the room for.

🤠 Springboard 2026
📍 Fort Worth, Texas
📅 September 23–25, 2026
Register today at franchisespringboard.com

The Franchise Icons lineup is officially complete.

Please join us in welcoming Reed Nyffeler, Founder & CEO of Signal, to Springboard 2026.

Building a franchise is one thing.

Building a brand that continues to scale while staying true to its purpose is another.

As the Founder & CEO of Signal, Reed has spent years transforming an industry, building a people-first culture, and creating a franchise system that continues to grow across North America and beyond.

During our Franchise Icons series, Reed will share the defining moments behind that journey through the lens of this year's theme:

⭐️ If I Knew Then What I Know Now ⭐️

No playbook.

No perfect story.

Just honest perspective from someone who's built, scaled, and continues to lead one of franchising's most respected brands.

If you're building a franchise brand—or hope to someday—this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

We'll see you in Fort Worth.

🤠 Springboard 2026 🤠
September 23-25 | Fort Worth, Texas
Registration / Room Block / Sponsorships:
www.franchisespringboard.com

We're not done yet! Another Franchise Icon is joining the Springboard 2026 lineup.

Introducing Franchise Icon #3: Paul Damico.

We're excited to welcome Paul Damico, President & CEO of Ascent Hospitality Management, to Springboard.

Throughout his career, Paul has helped lead iconic restaurant brands while building cultures that drive long-term success.

During our Franchise Icons series, he'll share the moments that shaped his leadership, the lessons he learned the hard way, and the advice he'd give to anyone building a franchise organization today.

Because the best insights rarely come from the highlight reel.

They're found in the decisions no one else sees.

We're looking forward to having Paul join us in Fort Worth.

One more Franchise Icon remains…

We'll see you in Fort Worth.

🤠 Springboard 2026 🤠
September 23-25 | Fort Worth, Texas
Registration/Room Block/Sponsorships: www.franchisespringboard.com

Some leaders grow companies. Others help define an industry. The next leader taking the Franchise Icons stage has spent decades building brands that millions know today.

We're excited to welcome Charlie Chase, CEO of FirstService Brands, to the Springboard stage.

Charlie has spent decades leading some of the most recognizable service brands in franchising, helping organizations grow while navigating the challenges that come with scale.

Now he's sharing what he learned along the way.

As part of our new Franchise Icons series, Charlie will tackle this year's theme:

⭐️ If I Knew Then What I Know Now ⭐️

Expect honest lessons.

Unexpected turning points.

And practical advice from someone who's spent a career leading brands through growth, change, and opportunity.

Because sometimes the most valuable lessons are the ones that only experience can teach.

Two Franchise Icons down. Two more to come.

We'll see you in Fort Worth.
🤠 Springboard 2026 🤠
September 23-25 | Fort Worth, Texas
Registration/Room Block/Sponsorships: www.franchisespringboard.com

The first Franchise Icon has entered the lineup.

Please join us in welcoming Michael O. Browning Jr., Founder & CEO of Unleashed Brands, to Springboard 2026.

Building one successful franchise brand is impressive.

Building an entire platform of nationally recognized brands that continues to grow? That's a different level.

During our new Franchise Icons series, Michael will share the moments that shaped his leadership journey through the lens of this year's theme:

⭐️ If I Knew Then What I Know Now ⭐️

Not the polished version.

The real one.

The decisions that changed everything.
The lessons learned along the way.
And the advice he wishes someone had shared earlier.

Then, he'll join the other Franchise Icons for an interactive fireside conversation and audience Q&A moderated by Mary Kennedy Thompson.

This is exactly the kind of conversation Springboard was built for.

Who's ready for the next announcement?

🤠 Springboard 2026 🤠
September 23-25 | Fort Worth, Texas
Registration/Room Block/Sponsorships: www.franchisespringboard.com

Imagine four of franchising's most accomplished leaders taking the stage back-to-back to answer one question:

If I Knew Then What I Know Now.

Introducing: The Franchise Icons Series

We've invited four of franchising's most accomplished leaders to Springboard this year to share the lessons that defined their careers. Not the polished version, but the real one.

The turning points.
The unexpected mistakes.
The decisions that changed everything.
The advice they'd give themselves if they were building a franchise system all over again.

Each Franchise Icon will take the stage individually to share the defining moments of their leadership journey before Mary Kennedy Thompson brings them together to guide the conversation even deeper through an interactive fireside discussion and audience Q&A.

Some conversations are worth traveling across the country for. This is one of them.

If you're building, growing, or leading a franchise brand, this is the kind of conversation you simply can't get anywhere else.

We'll be revealing each Franchise Icon individually over the coming weeks.

When we do, you'll understand why we're so excited about this series.

Springboard 2026 🤠
September 23-25 | Omni Fort Worth Hotel | Fort Worth, Texas
Registration/Room Block: www.franchisespringboard.com

Register now and be in the room for the conversations that could change the way you build your business.🤝

People don't travel to a conference just to collect another name badge.

They come for what they take home.

At Springboard, you'll leave with ideas you can implement. Connections you can actually call. Introductions that would have taken years to make on your own. Trusted partners. A clearer roadmap for growth. And a franchise community that's invested in your success long after the conference ends.

That's what makes Springboard different.

If you're building an emerging or re-emerging franchise brand, September 23-25 is three days that can change the trajectory of your business.

What will you leave Texas carrying?

🤠 Register today and secure your hotel room while the room block is still available at FranchiseSpringboard.com.

For 250 years, progress has belonged to people willing to imagine something better and then build it.

From small shops to global brands, from family businesses to franchise systems, entrepreneurship continues to shape communities across the country.

This Independence Day, we celebrate the builders. The risk-takers. The innovators. The leaders creating opportunities for others.

Their work is part of the American story.

Each year, Springboard is honored to bring many of those people together.

From all of us at the Franchisors.com team, we wish everyone a safe and meaningful Fourth of July as America celebrates 250 years.

Some conferences give you information. The best conferences change the trajectory of your business.

At Springboard, we intentionally design an experience where conversations happen naturally, relationships form quickly, and the people you've only known through LinkedIn become the people sitting across from you at dinner.

That's why you'll find:
• No crowded expo hall.
• Accessible speakers and industry leaders.
• Thoughtful networking instead of forced networking.
• Conversations that continue long after the sessions end

Whether you're launching your franchise brand, accelerating growth, or looking for the right partners to help you scale, the value of Springboard isn't measured by what happens on stage.

It's measured by what happens between the sessions.

Registration is now open, and our hotel room block is available ➡️ FranchiseSpringboard.com

September 23-25, 2026
Fort Worth, Texas

We can't wait to welcome you to Fort Worth this September!