Joe Thomas named IFA Franchisee of the Year
News provided byPuroClean · 2 min read
On September 2, 2026, Joe Thomas, co-owner of six PuroClean locations in Michigan, Ohio, Georgia, and Florida, and leader of the PuroClean National Response Team (NRT), was named the 2026 IFA Franchisee of the Year. Thomas will be honored at the IFA26 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., from September 14 to 16, for his outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship, community outreach, workforce development, and service.
The International Franchise Association (IFA), in partnership with the PuroClean brand, selected Thomas for this prestigious award. Matt Haller, President and CEO of the IFA, highlighted Thomas's exemplary qualities: "Franchisees of the Year demonstrate the essence of franchising, commitment to bettering the lives of those around them and building something bigger than themselves."
Thomas's leadership through the PuroClean NRT has been instrumental. This team brings together qualified franchise owners from across the country to respond to large-scale disasters and catastrophic events, ensuring that individual franchise owners have access to collective resources and expertise when facing major challenges. Known for his compassionate approach to disaster recovery, Thomas has helped countless homeowners and businesses navigate difficult circumstances, fostering a purpose-driven team dedicated to service excellence.
"Receiving the IFA Franchisee of the Year Award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our entire team at PuroClean National Response Team," said Thomas. "This recognition is not just for me but for the culture of excellence, resilience, and compassion we have built within our franchise."
As one of the leading service brands for water damage mitigation, fire and smoke damage restoration, mold remediation, and biohazard clean-up, PuroClean operates over 500 independently owned and operated franchise locations in the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 2001, the company is known for its rapid response and commitment to quality, training, and safety standards.
The IFA26 Advocacy Summit, set to take place in Washington, D.C., will honor Thomas and other franchisee award recipients with a luncheon on September 15, 2026. The event will also serve as a platform for advocating and promoting franchising, recognizing the significant contributions of franchise establishments to the U.S. economy.
According to the IFA, there are approximately 832,000 franchise establishments in the U.S., providing nearly 8.8 million direct jobs and generating more than $907 billion in economic output. The IFA works to protect, enhance, and promote franchising through government relations, media relations, and educational programs. Membership includes franchise companies, individual franchisees, and industry supporters.
Thomas's recognition underscores the vital role of franchise owners in driving economic growth and community support, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of franchising.