by UFG | Jun 17, 2025 | News
Annual list recognizes the businesses that set the standard for workplace success and awards excellence in company culture
Exit Factor is proud to announce it has been named to Inc.’s 2025 Best Workplaces list and recognized in the Best Products & Services category, honoring companies that have built exceptional workplaces and vibrant cultures that support their teams and businesses.
This year’s list, featured on Inc.com, is the result of comprehensive measurement and evaluation of American companies that have excelled in creating exceptional workplaces and company cultures–whether in-person or remote.
The award process involved a detailed employee survey conducted by Quantum Workplace, covering critical elements such as management effectiveness, perks, professional development, and overall company culture. Each company’s benefits were also audited to determine overall score and ranking. Exit Factor is honored to be included among the 514 companies recognized this year.
“We are honored to be recognized by Inc. for our company’s culture,” said Jessica Fialkovich, founder and president of Exit Factor. “At Exit Factor, we believe that a strong, values-driven workplace culture is the foundation of everything we do. This recognition is a testament to the commitment and passion of our entire team.”
Exit Factor is the leading franchise in business value enhancement and exit planning. The company, which is part of the United Franchise Group (UFG) family of affiliated brands and consultants, Exit Factor’s comprehensive suite of services includes business valuation, value enhancement strategies, exit planning, and succession planning. The company’s track record of helping business owners increase their company’s value and achieve successful exits has made it a trusted name in the industry. Additionally, as a UFG brand, Exit Factor clients gain access to the resources and expertise of a global network and almost four decades of experience in the franchising industry.
“Inc.’s Best Workplaces program celebrates the exceptional organizations whose workplace cultures address their employees’ welfare and needs in meaningful ways,” says Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc. “As companies expand and adapt to changing economic forces, maintaining such a culture is no small feat. Yet these honorees have not only achieved it—they continue to elevate the employee experience through thoughtful benefits, engagement, and a deep commitment to their teams.”
To view the full list of winners, visit Inc.com.
For more information about Exit Factor and its franchise opportunities, visit http://www.exitfactorfranchise.com/.
About Exit Factor
Exit Factor™ offers a proven method that helps small to mid-size business owners maximize their company’s value. It’s part of the United Franchise Group™ (UFG) family of affiliated brands and consultants representing the best of their industries. Through one-on-one consulting services and online programs, the trusted advisors at Exit Factor teach entrepreneurs how to successfully improve their company’s efficiency, value and ultimately ability to exit. For more information, visit www.ExitFactor.com and for more information on owning an Exit Factor franchise, visit www.exitfactorfranchise.com.
About Inc.
Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
About Quantum Workplace
Quantum Workplace, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee-engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit QuantumWorkplace.com.
This article was originally published by 24-7 Press Release Newswire
by UFG | Jun 2, 2025 | News
The world’s largest business brokerage honors elite performers, Hall of Fame inductees, and rising stars from across its global network.
Transworld Business Advisors, the largest business brokerage company in the world, honored its top-performing franchisees from across the country during the 2025 Transworld Business Advisors Annual Conference, held in Orlando, Florida.
As the global leader in business sales, mergers, acquisitions, and franchise development, Transworld operates more than 250 offices worldwide. Each year, the brand’s annual awards recognize the most outstanding individuals across its network—making this recognition a significant honor from the very top of the industry.
Among the highest honors presented were the Transworld Hall of Fame Awards, which recognize franchisees whose lasting impact, leadership, and dedication helped shape both the organization and the business brokerage industry. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees included:
• Michael Shea, Transworld Business Advisors of Tampa
Original partner of the Fort Lauderdale office for more than 20 years with Tom Milana, Shea played a key role in expanding the brand across Florida, including the launch of the Lakeland and Tampa offices.
• Thomas R. Milana, Transworld Business Advisors of Fort Lauderdale
Original partner of the Fort Lauderdale office for more than 20 years alongside Michael Shea, Milana helped expand Transworld’s international footprint through deals in Europe and the Caribbean and has been a longtime mentor to fellow franchisees.
• Gary Goldwasser, Transworld Business Advisors of Colorado
Managing Partner with Al and Jessica Fialkovich and originator of the “100 Coffees” networking strategy. A consistent $1M+ producer and frequent event speaker, Goldwasser is a cornerstone of the Colorado team.
• Bill Kleinschrodt, Transworld Business Advisors of the Gulf Coast
Respected for his humility and steady leadership, Kleinschrodt contributes to agent training, operational systems, and serves on the Ad Fund Board and key task forces.
• Bob & Caroline Kelliher, Transworld Business Advisors of Central and Western Washington
Known for their diligent sales approach and commitment to the Transworld system, the Kelliher team supports the franchise validation process, mentors regional peers, and serves on the Franchise Advisory Council.
• Johanne Sharp Sermania, Transworld Business Advisors of Philly Main Line & South Jersey
A cornerstone of the Northeast region, Sermania is admired for her caring leadership and dedication to others. A Franchise Advisory Council member, she exemplifies Transworld’s collaborative spirit.
• Tony & Jarma Khoury, Transworld Business Advisors of Eastern NC
Franchise Advisory Council members and influential brand advocates. The Khourys have helped improve system-wide tools, including website development, while driving high performance and mentoring peers across the network.
“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is one of the highest honors within our organization—it reflects years of hard work, unwavering commitment, and true leadership,” said Andy Cagnetta, CEO of Transworld Business Advisors. “These franchisees have built businesses that not only perform, but also inspire. They’ve helped shape the culture of Transworld and continue to set the standard for excellence—paving the way for the next generation of entrepreneurs and business brokers.”
Another marquee honor, the President’s Award, was presented to Johanne Sharp Sermania of Transworld Business Advisors of Philly Main Line & South Jersey. This award is personally selected by Transworld’s leadership and celebrates a longstanding franchisee whose consistent sales growth, leadership, and contributions have significantly benefited the brand.
“These awards represent more than just impressive numbers—they reflect the dedication, integrity, and entrepreneurial spirit that define our brand,” said JT Tatem, President of Transworld Business Advisors. “Each honoree has not only achieved personal success but has also contributed to the strength and unity of our franchise network. We’re proud to celebrate their leadership and the positive impact they continue to make in their communities and across the Transworld system.”
Additional standout franchisees were recognized in key performance categories. The MVP of the Year Award was Al and Jessica Fialkovich and their team and partners including Gary Goldwasser leading Colorado, Dustin Audet leading Dallas/Fort Worth Central, Austin-Waco and Chris Cantwell leading Las Vegas Henderson. The Mentor of the Year Award went to Arthur Warsoff, Transworld Business Advisors of Utah County, in recognition of his ongoing dedication to supporting and guiding fellow franchisees across the system. The Rookie of the Year Award was awarded to JT Harp, Transworld Business Advisors of Cincinnati, for quickly establishing a strong presence in his market and demonstrating impressive early success.
Most Improved honors went to Cynthia Randall, Transworld Business Advisors of San Francisco, and Brent Byer, Transworld Business Advisors of Coastal South Carolina, achieving remarkable year-over-year growth. Rounding out the accolades, the Team Player Awards were given to Matt Friscia, Transworld Business Advisors of La Grange, and Ryan and Jennifer Armstrong, Transworld Business Advisors of Phoenix, for their collaborative spirit and consistent support of their peers within the franchise network.
The conference also featured educational workshops, networking opportunities, and strategic sessions designed to help franchisees expand their businesses, serve their clients more effectively, and lead within their local markets.
To learn more about owning your own Transworld franchise and joining the world’s leading business brokerage network, visit www.tworldfranchise.com.
About Transworld Business Advisors
Transworld Business Advisors® (TBA) is among the United Franchise Group™ (UFG) family of affiliated brands. With over 40 years of business brokerage experience, Transworld Business Advisors is in the business of helping buyers and sellers connect, conducting franchise consultations, and supporting franchise development. The company represents acquisition-minded corporations or individuals interested in owning their own company or franchise. From business brokerage to mergers and acquisitions, Transworld Business Advisors are business sale specialists that represent numerous listings across multiple industries. For more information about Transworld visit www.tworld.com and for information on owning a Transworld franchise, visit www.tworldfranchise.com.
This article was originally published by 24-7 Press Release Newswire
by UFG | May 30, 2025 | News
Respect is key, don’t be overly critical of another family member in front of others. In the early years, the boys had a hard time separating personal and business. The oldest boys didn’t show the younger ones the respect they should, and the younger ones reciprocated. Today, they understand and respect each other much better.
Running a family business brings a unique blend of personal and professional challenges. Balancing relationships while making key business decisions can be both rewarding and complex. How do family-run businesses successfully navigate leadership, growth, and succession planning while maintaining strong family ties? As part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ray Titus.
Ray Titus is the founder and CEO of United Franchise Group, home to an affiliated family of brands and consultants with over 1,800 locations in over 80 countries. He has elevated franchising from a career to a calling. His philosophies on growth, positive attitude, and family, influence the core values that have driven success within the brands he has developed from conception to international expansion.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
Myfather, Roy Titus, was the founder of Minuteman Press, a well-known printing franchise and it was through him that my entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured. In fact, I wrote a paper in eighth grade on how to start a franchise business. My dad instilled in me a deep appreciation for innovation and resourcefulness. Combined with my own determination, this became the foundation for what has since grown into an established and respected company in the franchising industry, starting with Signarama in 1986 to now United Franchise Group with 10 brands, and 1,800 franchisees in 80 countries.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
We needed more space for our training center, so we found 1,000 square feet about a mile away and rented it. After our buildout we had our first training school and taught the students how to use the panel saw. We never realized that our next-door neighbor was a dentist and everyone in their waiting room heard the panel saw and thought it was the dentist drill. The lesson learned from that experience was to do better research before you move, as our landlord then made us only use the saw on Saturdays when the dentist office was closed.
How do you set boundaries between business decisions and family dynamics to maintain both healthy relationships and a thriving company?
Business is always separate from personal. We also try to not bring up business during holidays. I say TRY because it’s inevitable as we are all so deeply involved in the business.
What’s the most unexpected challenge you’ve faced while working with family, and how did you navigate it?
The biggest challenges I’ve seen is that we have six young men, my three Titus sons and three Lee nephews (my sister’s sons) and they all have a history together. So, the older ones look at the younger ones as if they are still 16 years old and the younger ones look at the older ones differently as well. The way we have gotten over this is through training and communication. I meet with each of them monthly for an hour and we work on it. I also once had to fire my brother-in-law, which didn’t go over well with my wife and her sister.
How do you handle disagreements when business and personal interests collide?
When it happens, we sit down and deal with it face-to-face as a group.
What strategies have helped you successfully transition leadership across generations without causing conflict?
We are fortunate to have six leaders in the next generation. Planning for succession in business needs to be done over years and years. It’s not something you just decide and then leave. You must train your successors and really work with them while you’re still there. They need to understand not only the who, but the why in it all. They need to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
What are the “5 Things You Need to Know To Successfully Balance Relationships and Business Success in a Family Business”? Please share a specific experience or challenge that shaped each lesson
- Be open and honest and make it fun for them all. I get together every month individually with my three sons and three nephews. We also get together as a group a couple of times a year for a nice dinner and discussion. Last year, I brought Matt Doherty who played and coached basketball at Notre Dame and North Carolina. They loved the old stories.
- Family emergencies come first, other than that it’s the business which pays for everything. Like everyone, we have had our share of family emergencies, the worst happened to my middle son Austin. He fell 20 feet through his attic floor and was unconscious. After we dropped everything and he was helicoptered to the hospital, he came to and has made a full recovery.
- Know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. My oldest son A.J. is President of United Franchise Group which means that the Brand Presidents all report to him, which also means that both of his brothers now report to him. He has learned their strengths and weaknesses in order to help them.
- We pay them for the role they are in, not the relationship. Because I am the founder and owner of the company, I choose to have family receive bonus distributions just as other employees do. They receive them solely based on the job they do, not because they are family.
- Respect is key, don’t be overly critical of another family member in front of others. In the early years, the boys had a hard time separating personal and business. The oldest boys didn’t show the younger ones the respect they should, and the younger ones reciprocated. Today, they understand and respect each other much better.
Can you share a defining moment when your family’s bond directly impacted the success or survival of the business?
There isn’t just one defining moment, it’s an everyday event. Whether it’s expenses or someone needing help, the family members step up.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
My movement would be to help those suffering from mental illness which dominates the homeless issue. Many are veterans, so by first resolving one major issue, mental illness, it would also support the end of two other serious issues, homelessness and veterans living on the street.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
UFG Website: United Franchise Group | Global Leaders in Franchising
Ray Titus LinkedIn: (26) Ray Titus | LinkedIn
UFG LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/united-franchise-group/
Facebook: (18) Facebook
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!
About The Interviewer: Dr. Bharat Sangani is a cardiologist and entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience, practicing in Gulfport, Mississippi, and Dallas, Texas. Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology, he specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and hypertension. In 1999, Dr. Sangani founded Encore Enterprises, a national real estate investment firm. Under his leadership, the company has executed transactions exceeding $2 billion, with a portfolio spanning residential, retail, hotel, and office developments. Known for his emphasis on integrity and fairness, Dr. Sangani has built Encore into a major player in the commercial real estate sector. Blending his medical and business expertise, Dr. Sangani created the Life is a Business mentorship program. The initiative offers guidance on achieving balance in health, wealth, and relationships, helping participants align personal and professional goals. Now based in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Sangani continues to practice cardiology while leading Encore Enterprises and mentoring others. His career reflects a unique blend of medical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to helping others thrive.
This article was originally published by Medium
by UFG | May 28, 2025 | News
Maintaining Consistent Customer Service Standards Across Every Location
Shep interviews Ray Titus, CEO of United Franchise Group (UFG). They discuss embracing change, balancing creativity and standards, and maintaining consistency across over 1,800 franchises in over 80 countries.
This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:
- How can businesses maintain consistent customer service across different industries?
- How does staff training influence customer satisfaction?
- How does community involvement enhance customer loyalty?
- Can one employee’s actions shape the reputation of an entire franchise network?
- How does embracing technological change improve customer experience?
Top Takeaways
- Different types of businesses may require different standards when it comes to their products and procedures. However, customer experience standards like being easy to do business with and maintaining excellent customer communication can be applied to any industry.
- Delivering a consistent level of service helps customers know what to expect, no matter which location or brand they visit. It’s this consistency that builds trust and a strong reputation over time.
- Every business and leader must be receptive to change, whether it is new technology, rising customer expectations, or new regulations. Companies need to keep learning and adapting to thrive.
- Every employee, from new hires to experienced managers, represents the entire brand and all its locations the second they interact with a customer. Every person in the company must be trained and equipped to be the “CEO of the Moment” because a single moment can make or break the brand’s reputation.
- Becoming involved in the local community allows brands to stand out and build loyalty. This could mean supporting Little League teams, participating in school events, or helping with local charities. Customers appreciate it when brands support the causes that they care about. When a brand becomes “the most popular person in town,” people will go out of their way to support it.
- Training isn’t something you did. It’s something you do continuously and consistently. It isn’t just about teaching people how to do their jobs. It’s about sharing company values, customer service best practices, and keeping up to date with the standards for each type of business.
- Examine every touchpoint in a customer’s journey and try to make it the best in the world. Businesses can set themselves apart by making little improvements in each interaction that add up to an unforgettable experience for customers.
- Plus, Shep and Ray talk about Will Guidara’s concept of “unreasonable hospitality” that can be applied to all businesses, in every industry. Tune in!
Quotes:
“Your employees must understand that what they say and do impacts others. When they interact with a customer, they represent not just themselves but the entire organization’s reputation.”
“Every type of business may have different standards for things like cleanliness or operations, but customer experience standards remain the same. Greeting customers well, responding quickly, and maintaining consistent service are basics that never change.”
“Embrace change. Find the balance between the old school tactics that always worked for you and the new strategies that will serve you in the future.”
About:
Ray Titus is the CEO of United Franchise Group (UFG), a global leader in franchising. UFG and its affiliated brands currently have a presence in over 80 countries, with a network of over 1,800 franchise locations worldwide.
This article was originally published by Shepard Presentations, LLC
by UFG | May 25, 2025 | News
The company announced new marketing agency partnership and honored top performers at 2025 SARCON in Las Vegas
Signarama welcomed nearly 400 franchise owners and employees to Las Vegas for its 2025 international convention, SARCON. The three-day event, which coincided with the International Sign Association’s annual Sign Expo, featured educational sessions, networking opportunities and celebratory programming that enabled attendees to connect with brand representatives and peers while gaining valuable insights to grow their businesses.
“This year’s SARCON demonstrated the incredible strength and resilience of our franchise network,” said A.J. Titus, president of Signarama. “Coming together as a franchise family allows us to celebrate our collective achievements and share strategies that drive success. The enthusiasm and innovation I witnessed throughout the convention reinforces my confidence that Signarama will continue to lead the signage industry through creativity, technology adoption, and exceptional customer service.”
A highlight of the convention was the announcement of Signarama’s new partnership with Location3, the premier digital marketing agency for franchise brands. Location3 will strategically manage national advertising campaigns, SEO and content marketing programs designed to increase brand visibility and drive customer acquisition for all Signarama locations nationwide. In addition, their powerful proprietary local marketing platform called LOCALACT will empower Signarama owners to activate local marketing campaigns for their individual stores, while also providing comprehensive support to all franchise owners through their Local Marketing Advisor team. LOCALACT also developed a powerful Single Sign-On (SSO) with Gorilla Dash, making digital platform access for all Signarama owners seamless.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Signarama and its impressive network of franchise owners,” said Alex Porter, CEO at Location3. “Our team has developed a tailored approach that honors the Signarama brand while giving franchise owners the tools they need to stand out in their local markets. We look forward to helping each location maximize its growth potential through strategic, data-driven marketing initiatives and through our comprehensive local marketing services in our LOCALACT platform. “The event featured a dynamic vendor trade show, specialized training seminars, franchise owner panels, and informational breakout sessions focused on four key topic pillars: Sales, Production & Installation, Numbers, and Store Culture.
Attendees gained insights on sales management, driving employee success, financial management, and team building that will shape their business approach in the coming year.
The convention concluded with the annual awards dinner and gala, where franchise owners were recognized for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the Signarama brand.
2025 Signarama Award Winners
- Rookie of the Year – Thatcher & Melita Brinton -Timonium, MD
- Most Improved – Chris & Carly Hayes – Danbury, CT; Francisco Rodriguez & Loli Ayerza – Hallandale Beach, FL; Craig & Jean Lemke – Glen Burnie, MD
- The Bill Schwalje Humanitarian of the Year – Kevin McCord – Lawrenceburg, IN & Florence, KY
- The Clay Coleman Conversion Store of the Year – Dee Burkhardt – Fond du Lac, WI
- Mentor of the Year – Dawn Bent & Mike Ziccardi – Huntington Station, NY; Bob & Beth Williams – North Fort Worth, TX
- Team Player – Susan Bogen – Deerfield Beach, FL; Alex & Sharon Fong – Redmond, WA; Zern & Dani Vess – Springfield, MO; Michael DeFeo – West Palm Beach, FL; Maggie & Brian Harlow – Louisville (Downtown), KY
- President’s Award – Kathy Evert – Ankeny, IA
- Most Valuable Player – Bob Chapa III – Troy, MI
- Hall of Fame Inductees – The Lamb Family: Mariana, Dave, David & Robert – Ontario, CA (California); Bernard and Heather Kincaid – River Cities (South Point), OH; Beth & Mike Powers – Novi & Flint, MI; Roger Robinson – Dallas (North), TX
2025 Sign Award Winners
- Vinyl (Non-Digital) – Casey Valiant – Evansville, IN
- Vehicle Graphics – Dwayne Carruthers – Oshawa, Canada
- Electronic, Neon & Illuminated – Cynthia and JB “Jason” Brown – Louisville (Dixie), KY
- Digital Print Output – Maggie & Brian Harlow – Louisville (Downtown), KY
- Original In-House Design Concept – Casey Valiant – Evansville, IN
- Directional Wayfinding – Cynthia and JB “Jason” Brown – Louisville (Dixie), KY
- Self-Promotion – Casey Valiant – Evansville, IN
- Router Output – Maggie & Brian Harlow – Louisville (Downtown), KY
- Laser Engraver – Beth & Mike Powers – Novi & Flint, MI
- Branding/Rebranding – Glen Danielson – La Crosse, WI
- Community Involvement – Kevin McCord – Lawrenceburg, IN
- Best In Show – Dawn Homa – Brighton, CO
Signarama is part of the United Franchise Group (UFG) family of affiliated brands and consultants, giving its clients access to the resources and expertise of a global network and almost four decades of experience in the franchising industry.
This article was originally published by Simmons-Boardman Publishing Inc.