IFPG has been ranked No. 1 in the franchise broker category in Entrepreneur magazine's 2026 Top Franchise Suppliers list, marking the eighth consecutive year the organization has received the honor. The ranking, featured in the September/October issue and on Entrepreneur.com, is based on an annual survey of more than 1,000 franchisors who rate suppliers on quality, cost, and value. For IFPG, the recognition arrives during a year of significant expansion and strategic repositioning, offering a window into how franchise service providers are evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry.
The implications of this award extend beyond a single accolade. IFPG's sustained leadership in the franchise broker category reflects the growing importance of specialized intermediaries who help entrepreneurs navigate the complex process of evaluating, acquiring, and scaling franchise businesses. As franchising expands across a wide range of industries, the role of brokers and consultants has become more critical, and IFPG's consistent top ranking suggests that its network of more than 1,500 franchisors, consultants, and vendor partners is delivering measurable value to the brands that rely on it.
The recognition comes amid a year of transformational moves for IFPG. 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 acquisitions signal a consolidation trend in the franchise services space, where scale and data capabilities are becoming key differentiators. By integrating research and brokerage expertise, IFPG is positioning itself to offer a more comprehensive suite of services to franchisors and franchisees alike.
Technology is another pillar of IFPG's strategy. The launch of Franchise Ignition, an organic lead-generation and marketing platform for franchisors, and Franchise Atlas, a platform that helps consultants manage candidates, search brands, and use AI-assisted matching tools, underscores the organization's push into data-driven innovation. According to CEO Matt Otskey, who was promoted from chief operating officer earlier this year, the company plans to continue leading through data and AI. "Franchise Atlas is modernizing how franchise consultants and candidates work together, and our push into the agentic AI world is just beginning," Otskey said. This focus on AI-assisted matching could reshape how franchise candidates are paired with brands, potentially reducing the time and risk involved in franchise investment decisions.
The leadership transition itself is noteworthy. Founder Don Daszkowski moved into the role of Executive Chairman, Head of M&A and Corporate Development, a shift that places him at the center of future acquisition strategy. His continued involvement in mergers and acquisitions suggests that IFPG may pursue further consolidation, which could have ripple effects across the franchise supplier ecosystem.
IFPG's community-focused approach has also earned recognition. The IFPG Retreat, the organization's annual conference, was named a Top Franchise Event by Entrepreneur for the third year in a row, drawing hundreds of consultants, franchisors, and suppliers. President Red Boswell emphasized that the community remains central to IFPG's mission. "As IFPG grows, we're creating even more ways for consultants, franchisors and suppliers to connect, collaborate and build meaningful relationships," he said.
For franchisors, the Top Franchise Suppliers ranking serves as a trusted guide to selecting partners. Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine, noted that the strength of a franchise system often depends on the partners behind it, making the survey a critical business decision. The full list is available in the September/October issue of Entrepreneur and at https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/top-franchise-suppliers. As IFPG continues to expand through acquisitions and AI-driven tools, its eighth consecutive No. 1 ranking signals that the franchise services industry is entering a new era defined by data, scale, and strategic integration.
