About Us
Faith and Franchising Growing Together.
Who We Are
FranFaith is more than just a network, it is a Faith based movement created for franchisors, franchisees, suppliers, and professionals in the franchise world who are committed to pursuing growth in every area of life. With a foundation rooted in faith, we help leaders align their spiritual walk with their personal and professional journey, encouraging development not only in business but also in family, fitness, and financial stewardship.
Through uplifting resources, practical teaching, and Christ-focused coaching, FranFaith offers the tools and encouragement needed to thrive. Our impactful podcasts, thought-provoking content, and opportunities for genuine connection foster relationships that strengthen both faith and business acumen. By walking alongside purpose-driven leaders, we equip them to excel in their calling, build stronger families, and lead with integrity, all while deepening their relationship with God, the true anchor for lasting success in life and franchising.
Meet The
Founder
Todd Recknagel
FranFaith Founder is a veteran entrepreneur, franchise leader, and private equity investor with more than 30 years of experience in franchising and over 25 years of service on the International Franchise Association Board.
He has built and led some of the largest franchisee groups in brands such as Massage Envy, Sola Salons & Blimpie Subs. He has also partnered and grown Franchisors Mr. Handyman, Take 5 Oil Change, and Office Pride.
A faith-driven investor, Todd actively supports nonprofits and business ventures that align with his Christian values and mission to build businesses with purpose.
Meet The
Co-Founders
The co-founders of FranFaith share a passion for combining faith with franchising, bringing together years of experience in business leadership and a deep commitment to Christ.
With complementary strengths in franchise growth, coaching, and community building, they created FranFaith to equip leaders to succeed not only in business, but also in life, rooted in faith and purpose.
Red Boswell
Red Boswell is President of IFPG, the world’s most trusted franchise consulting (broker) network. He has more than 30 years of executive leadership in many areas of franchising, marketing, and entrepreneurship, including key positions with two global franchise brands. As founder of a nationwide chain of pet-service franchises, Red launched the brand, and built it to 148 locations before selling it. A franchise enthusiast, Red can be found at all major industry events sharing the power of IFPG.
Tim Evankovich
Tim Evankovich, is the Founder and Chairman of Oasis Senior Advisors with over 150 Franchisees in 40 states. Tim has been in franchising for over 30 years and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the International Franchise Association (IFA).
Sean Falk
Sean Falk, a U.S. Marine veteran and franchise leader, is driven to serve and mentor others. Guided by Isaiah 55:8 — “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” — he follows God’s direction, welcoming fellowship through prayer, Bible study, and serving alongside others.
John Francis
John Francis is a trusted franchise advisor, speaker, and connector with 30+ years of experience serving franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers across more than 50 brands. Speaking from the heart with a servant’s mindset and shared values, he helps people in franchising see their business in new, positive, and profitable ways.
Carey Gille
A lifelong serial entrepreneur, Carey Gille is responsible for co-founding three different startups over the course of her career, and currently serves as the CEO of Franchise FastLane, the franchise industry’s No. 1 franchise sales organization (FSO). Her faith plays a central role in her bustling life, both as a wife and a mother - and has become the guiding principle of her lifelong mission to inspire greatness in others.
John Hayes
Dr. John P. Hayes is the Titus Chair for Franchise Leadership and Professor of Franchising and Communications at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida. Titus Center’s mission is to enhance lives and foster the development of socially-conscious communities worldwide through franchising. Titus Center proudly proclaims: Educating the Next Franchise Generation.
Michael Layman
Michael Layman, named one of the 500 most influential people in Washington and one of The Hill’s top lobbyists, serves as Chief Advocacy Officer for the International Franchise Association. He leads IFA’s public policy, advocacy, and legal initiatives across all levels of government, championing efforts that protect and strengthen the franchise business model nationwide.
Ben Litalien
Dr. Ben Litalien is the Founder & Principal of Franchise Well, creator and longtime instructor of Georgetown University’s Certificate in Franchise Management, and also teaches franchising and entrepreneurship at the University of Maryland, the University of Denver, and worldwide as a Certified Franchise Executive instructor. His career includes leading ExxonMobil’s U.S. franchising program, consulting with global brands like IKEA, RE/MAX, and The UPS Store, pioneering social franchising initiatives in East Africa, and completing his doctorate on Social Franchising at the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Kristi Mailloux
Kristi Mailloux is a seasoned franchise executive with more than 30 years of experience leading franchisors, advising multi-unit franchisees, and serving as a private equity partner. She is currently an Operating Partner, investor, and Board member of PCRK Group (130 Massage Envy units), Salon Freedom (59 Sola Salons), and Office Pride (franchisor). Previously, Kristi was President of Molly Maid and 1-800-Dryclean, home service franchisors. As Co-Founder of FranFaith, Kristi combines her deep industry expertise with her passion for building values-driven businesses that make a lasting impact.
Matt Mays
Matt’s been an entrepreneur in the Kentucky area for the last 7 years with a heart to reach the marketplace with the gospel. He’s focused on growing service-based businesses to show the love of Christ to his employees through a systematic business as mission approach.
Nicole Neesen
Nicole Neesen , a Sola Salon Studiosmulti-unit owner, is an Attorney, Life and Parent Coach with a passion for helping others. Prior to Sola she served as Development Director of St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church in Omaha, NE. She, together with her husband Brian, have two young adult children. Together they enjoy supporting the many beauty and wellness professionals who are part of their Sola community.
Rick Ormsby
Rick Ormsby is the Managing Director at Unbridled Capital. With 20+ years of experience in franchise investment banking, Mr. Ormsby has worked on hundreds of franchise M&A assignments representing billions of dollars in transaction value.
Paul Preston
Paul Preston serves as the Co-Founder and President of Aqua-Tots Swim School, where he oversees strategic planning, growth, and vision for the brand. After the rapid international growth and success of Aqua-Tots Swim School into 180 locations throughout 14 countries. Paul has been fortunate to come alongside leaders in other industries, partnering with multiple brands to create franchise opportunities. Paul and his wife Heather have been married 31 years and have 2 amazing children and a sweet, adorable granddaughter.
Lloyd Reeb
Lloyd Reeb equips leaders to multiply their impact through purpose-driven living, mentoring, and scalable movements like Halftime, 100x Forum, and Ardent Mentoring.
Dick Ren
Dick Ren has over 30 years of experience growing franchise brands, from being one of the first Quiznos franchisees to supporting the launch of more than 68 locations and served as Development Agent with Mooyah and Area Director for Hurricane Grill & Wings. Today, he is the Director of Franchise Development for Ivy Kids, an innovative early childhood education franchise, where he helps entrepreneurs build meaningful, community-focused businesses.
Joe Soltis
Joe Soltis is the CEO and Founder of ChoiceLocal, a faith-based Franchise Marketing Agency that serves 60 franchise systems. In 2015, Joe launched ChoiceLocal to deliver world-class customer service, strategy, and results to franchise systems. Under his leadership, ChoiceLocal is driving growth through its proprietary AI-driven marketing platform, CLAITM, which increases franchise system lead flow by 160% within 90 days—all while staying true to the company’s mission to “Help Others.”
Greg Surrat
Greg Surratt is the founding pastor of Seacoast Church, which began in 1988 and became one of the first churches in the world to pioneer the multi-site model, now with campuses across the Carolinas and a thriving online community. He also co-founded the Association of Related Churches (ARC), helping plant over 1,000 churches worldwide, and is the author of several books including The Endurance Factor. Greg and his wife, Debbie, have four children, fourteen grandchildren, and enjoy photography, fishing, golf, and cheering on the Cubs, Broncos, and Gamecocks.
FranFaith Co-Founders
Kristi Mailloux
Kristi Mailloux is a seasoned franchise executive with more than 30 years of experience leading franchisors, advising multi-unit franchisees, and serving as a private equity partner.
She is currently an Operating Partner, investor, and Board member of PCRK Group (130 Massage Envy units), Salon Freedom (59 Sola Salons), and Office Pride (franchisor). Previously, Kristi was President of Molly Maid and 1-800-Dryclean, home service franchisors.
As Co-Founder of FranFaith, Kristi combines her deep industry expertise with her passion for building values-driven businesses that make a lasting impact.
Nicole Neesen
Nicole Neesen , a Sola Salon Studiosmulti-unit owner, is an Attorney, Life and Parent Coach with a passion for helping others. Prior to Sola she served as Development Director of St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church in Omaha, NE. She, together with her husband Brian, have two young adult children. Together they enjoy supporting the many beauty and wellness professionals who are part of their Sola community.
Rick Ormsby
Rick Ormsby is the Managing Director at Unbridled Capital. With 20+ years of experience in franchise investment banking, Mr. Ormsby has worked on hundreds of franchise M&A assignments representing billions of dollars in transaction value.
Carey Gille
A lifelong serial entrepreneur, Carey Gille is responsible for co-founding three different startups over the course of her career, and currently serves as the CEO of Franchise FastLane, the franchise industry’s No. 1 franchise sales organization (FSO). Her faith plays a central role in her bustling life, both as a wife and a mother - and has become the guiding principle of her lifelong mission to inspire greatness in others.
Dick Ren
Dick Ren has over 30 years of experience growing franchise brands, from being one of the first Quiznos franchisees to supporting the launch of more than 68 locations and served as Development Agent with Mooyah and Area Director for Hurricane Grill & Wings. Today, he is the Director of Franchise Development for Ivy Kids, an innovative early childhood education franchise, where he helps entrepreneurs build meaningful, community-focused businesses.
Joe Soltis
Joe Soltis is the CEO and Founder of ChoiceLocal, a faith-based Franchise Marketing Agency that serves 60 franchise systems. In 2015, Joe launched ChoiceLocal to deliver world-class customer service, strategy, and results to franchise systems. Under his leadership, ChoiceLocal is driving growth through its proprietary AI-driven marketing platform, CLAITM, which increases franchise system lead flow by 160% within 90 days—all while staying true to the company’s mission to “Help Others.”
Red Boswell
Red Boswell is President of IFPG, the world’s most trusted franchise consulting (broker) network. He has more than 30 years of executive leadership in many areas of franchising, marketing, and entrepreneurship, including key positions with two global franchise brands. As founder of a nationwide chain of pet-service franchises, Red launched the brand, and built it to 148 locations before selling it. A franchise enthusiast, Red can be found at all major industry events sharing the power of IFPG.
Tim Evankovich
Tim Evankovich, is the Founder and Chairman of Oasis Senior Advisors with over 150 Franchisees in 40 states. Tim has been in franchising for over 30 years and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the International Franchise Association (IFA).
John Hayes
Dr. John P. Hayes is the Titus Chair for Franchise Leadership and Professor of Franchising and Communications at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida. Titus Center’s mission is to enhance lives and foster the development of socially-conscious communities worldwide through franchising. Titus Center proudly proclaims: Educating the Next Franchise Generation.
Dr. Ben Litalien
Dr. Ben Litalien is the Founder & Principal of Franchise Well, creator and longtime instructor of Georgetown University’s Certificate in Franchise Management, and also teaches franchising and entrepreneurship at the University of Maryland, the University of Denver, and worldwide as a Certified Franchise Executive instructor. His career includes leading ExxonMobil’s U.S. franchising program, consulting with global brands like IKEA, RE/MAX, and The UPS Store, pioneering social franchising initiatives in East Africa, and completing his doctorate on Social Franchising at the University of Maryland Global Campus
John Francis
John Francis is a trusted franchise advisor, speaker, and connector with 30+ years of experience serving franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers across more than 50 brands. Speaking from the heart with a servant’s mindset and shared values, he helps people in franchising see their business in new, positive, and profitable ways.
Matt Mays
Matt’s been an entrepreneur in the Kentucky area for the last 7 years with a heart to reach the marketplace with the gospel. He’s focused on growing service-based businesses to show the love of Christ to his employees through a systematic business as mission approach.
Paul Preston
Paul Preston serves as the Co-Founder and President of Aqua-Tots Swim School, where he oversees strategic planning, growth, and vision for the brand. After the rapid international growth and success of Aqua-Tots Swim School into 180 locations throughout 14 countries. Paul has been fortunate to come alongside leaders in other industries, partnering with multiple brands to create franchise opportunities. Paul and his wife Heather have been married 31 years and have 2 amazing children and a sweet, adorable granddaughter.
Greg Surrat
Button
Lloyd Reeb
Lloyd Reeb equips leaders to multiply their impact through purpose-driven living, mentoring, and scalable movements like Halftime, 100x Forum, and Ardent Mentoring.