IFA 2018 Award Winners
Hall of Fame Award
Steve Romaniello, CFE
Managing Director, Roark Capital Group Chairman, Focus Brands
This award, IFA’s oldest and most prestigious, is presented to an IFA member, past or present, who has contributed significantly to the advancement of franchising and the franchising community. Roark Capital Group Managing Director Steve Romaniello, CFE, has met the criteria for the award, and then some.
Serving as IFA Chair in 2013, Romaniello has made a lasting impact with the IFA Foundation’s Franchising Gives Back program. Roark is the founding sponsor of the Franchising Gives Back annual community service event, where a group of IFA members volunteer to serve a specific need in the community during the IFA Convention. Steve is the recipient of the IFA’s Ronald E. Harrison Award for his work in the area of Diversity. He has also received the Nation’s Restaurant News Golden Chain Award and IFMA’s Silver Plate Award.
In addition to his role at Roark Capital Group, Romaniello is the Chairman of FOCUS Brands, the franchisor and operator of more than 6,000 ice cream stores, bakeries, restaurants, and cafes in the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and more than 35 foreign countries. FOCUS Brands operates under the names Carvel, Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, Jamba Juice, McAlister’s Deli, Schlotzsky’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and is the franchisor of Seattle’s Best Coffee on military bases and in certain international markets.
Prior to joining Roark, Steve served as FOCUS Brands President and CEO since 2003. Steve joined Carvel in January 2002 as President of its Franchise and Foodservice Division, and laid the foundation for the strategic turnaround of the ice cream brand. Prior to Carvel, Romaniello was President and COO for US Franchise Systems. He helped grow the company from one brand with 27 hotels in nine states to three brands and over 500 hotels open in 47 states and five countries. Romaniello’s background also includes working for Holiday Inn Worldwide and Days Inn of America.
A Tufts University graduate, Romaniello is a member of the Board of Directors of Anytime Fitness, Inspire Brands (Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings), Corner Bakery and Il Fornaio Restaurants, Jimmy John’s, Orangetheory, the Culinary Institute of America, and Share our Strength.
Entrepreneur of the Year Award
David Long
Co-Founder and CEO, Orangetheory Fitness
First presented in 1992, this award is given to an individual who exemplifies the “entrepreneurial spirit” that franchising represents. As CEO of Orangetheory Fitness, David Long leads the company’s franchise model, regional development and product development efforts.
Along with two business partners, Jerome and Ellen Latham, Long founded Orangetheory in 2010. David has spearheaded rapid growth, as the company has issued more than 1,000 franchise licenses in 20 countries since 2010. In just six years, Long has led the brand through the launch of two apps, the creation of a proprietary heart rate monitor, the signing of celebrity brand ambassadors, and bringing in a minority equity partner to support rapid growth of the brand. Today, Orangetheory Fitness has more than 450 studios in 38 states and seven countries. Several first-time franchisees of the brand are a direct result of David's influence and leadership.
The success at Orangetheory Fitness follows his work in senior sales and operations roles with Massage Envy, taking it from 20 to 800 stores; and building an area representative network at European Wax Center, which expanded to 550 locations in less than nine years.
David has also been integral in Orangetheory’s efforts to give back to local communities. Organizations and events that the company supports include the American Lung Foundation-Fight for Air Climb, Augie’s Quest-Cure for ALS, Covenant House Charity, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, National Breast Cancer Foundation and Toys for Tots Foundation.
Committed to nutrition and overall wellness, David makes regular TV appearances on the topics of fitness and serves as an advocate for franchising. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida.
Bonny LeVine Award
Jania Bailey, CFE
Chief Executive Officer, FranNet
This award was created in 1994 in memory of esteemed IFA member and Postal Instant Press co-founder Bonny LeVine. The award is given to a female franchisor or franchisee who has demonstrated ability in franchising as evidenced by her contributions to the growth of the business, service to the community, and efforts to mentor other women in franchising.
Following a career in banking and consulting, Jania Bailey joined FranNet in August 2006 as President and COO while the company was transitioning to new ownership. In 2015, she took on the role of CEO.
Bailey has led the company through unprecedented growth. Since her tenure began, FranNet has seen an astonishing system-wide sales increase of nearly 1,000 percent; more than doubled the number of company offices across North America; and has transitioned to a franchise business model. The fast pace of growth has been recognized: FranNet has made the Inc. magazine list as one of the fastest-growing private businesses in the U.S., four years in a row.
Jania also spearheaded national relationships with nonprofit organizations that provide advice and networking for small business owners such as SCORE, ASBDC, BNI and PAFI, while also forging partnerships with several Veterans groups across the country. Bailey has used these relationships to increase the awareness of the benefits of franchising.
Bailey serves on the IFA Board of Directors and is a Certified Franchise Executive. She also serves as Vice Chair on the IFA Membership Committee, and has mentored numerous women through IFA’s FranShip program. “I consider myself a role model for what women can accomplish in the franchise industry,” she said. “If you work hard and you are willing to learn, franchising can be the road to your success.”
Serving on the IFA Supplier Forum from 2010-2015, Jania is also author of the book, “Thriving – The Journey to Success in the Business World” and co-author of the Amazon best-selling book, “More Than Just French Fries.” An active volunteer in her community, Jania works with Bellewood Presbyterian Home for Children and has served on multiple boards for various non-profit organizations.