IFPG has been recognized as the top franchise broker organization in Entrepreneur's 2026 Top Franchise Suppliers ranking, marking the eighth consecutive year it has held the No. 1 spot in that category. The ranking, featured in the September/October issue of Entrepreneur magazine and on Entrepreneur.com, highlights the top-ranked service providers in franchising across 13 categories. Entrepreneur's list is based on an annual survey of more than 1,000 franchise brands, which rate suppliers on quality, cost, and value. The recognition signals IFPG's sustained leadership in a competitive field and its ability to deliver value to franchisors and franchise consultants alike.
The award arrives during a year of significant expansion for IFPG. In 2026, the organization acquired Franchise Business Review, an independent research firm specializing in franchisee satisfaction and performance benchmarking, and Business Alliance Inc., a longtime franchise brokerage and consulting network. These moves broaden IFPG's data capabilities and consulting reach. Additionally, IFPG launched Franchise Ignition, an organic lead-generation and marketing platform for franchisors, and developed Franchise Atlas, a technology platform that helps consultants manage candidates, search brands, and use AI-assisted matching tools. Such innovations position IFPG at the intersection of franchising and emerging technologies, potentially reshaping how franchise consultants and candidates connect.
The year also brought a leadership transition: Chief Operating Officer Matt Otskey was promoted to CEO, while founder Don Daszkowski moved into the role of Executive Chairman, Head of M&A and Corporate Development. Otskey emphasized continuity amid change. "This has been a transformational year for IFPG, but our focus remains the same: creating more value and more opportunities for our members," he said. "We plan to continue staying at the forefront of franchising through data and AI innovation. Franchise Atlas is modernizing how franchise consultants and candidates work together, and our push into the agentic AI world is just beginning. The future is bright, with tremendous innovation ahead."
IFPG's influence extends beyond its core ranking. The IFPG Retreat, its signature annual conference, was named a Top Franchise Event by Entrepreneur for the third year in a row. The three-day event draws hundreds of leading franchise consultants, franchisors, and suppliers for education, networking, and relationship-building. IFPG President Red Boswell highlighted the community's role in the organization's success. "Our community is at the heart of everything we do," he said. "As IFPG grows, we're creating even more ways for consultants, franchisors and suppliers to connect, collaborate and build meaningful relationships. To be recognized again by the people we serve is something our entire organization can be proud of."
For those interested in viewing the full list, the September/October issue of Entrepreneur magazine is on newsstands September 22nd, and the ranking is also available at https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/top-franchise-suppliers. The recognition matters because it validates IFPG's strategic bets on data, AI, and community at a time when franchising is becoming more sophisticated. As the industry increasingly relies on technology to match candidates with brands, IFPG's investments could set new standards for how franchise consultants operate, making this award a signal of broader shifts in the franchising landscape.
