2020 Hall of Fame Award Winner
The IFA Hall of Fame Award is the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) oldest and most prestigious award. For the first time in its history, the IFA has paired its highest honor with the William Rosenberg Foundation Leadership Award to recognize the outstanding contributions of Jerry Crawford, CFE, CEO and president of Jani-King International, Inc.
Breaking from tradition of presenting the Hall of Fame Award on stage at the IFA’s Annual Convention, Jerry was presented these two prestigious awards at an exclusive ceremony in November 2020.
As a respected member of the IFA’s Board of Directors, and most recently as 2nd Vice Chair of the IFA, Jerry has been a passionate advocate and ambassador for the promotion of the global franchise industry. Throughout decades of involvement with the IFA, Jerry has served in various leadership positions including Convention Committees, the International Committee, the Foundation Executive Committee, Board of Trustees and served multiple terms on IFA’s Board of Directors. In 2017, Jerry was also awarded the Chairman’s Recognition Award.
In 1998, Jerry was promoted to president of Jani-King International, Inc. and then in 2014 became CEO. In this leadership role, Crawford has guided the company through decades of growth, laid the groundwork to new business opportunities and opened doors for Jani-King that many never thought possible. He was instrumental in organizing and establishing Jani-King’s hospitality, healthcare, national accounts, education and sporting venue divisions.
While the accolades and awards have piled up for Jerry over the years, those that have worked alongside him, including leaders and friends in franchising, know his greatest strengths are his ability to bring people together, create business opportunities and lead with integrity. Jerry’s impact on the franchise industry and on the entire Jani-King family is immeasurable and will remain long into the future. IFA thanks Jerry for his commitment to franchising over the years!