Beyond the Boardroom: A Rising Tide of Women Leaders in Franchising

NEW YORK, NY – November 20, 2025

Recognizing Female Inspiration

Beth Toenies, Vice President of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group, has been named a 2025 Woman of Inspiration by the Universal Womens Network, an honor recognizing her leadership and commitment to empowering others. The award serves as a significant acknowledgement of her contributions to the franchise industry, but also reflects a broader, accelerating trend: the rise of women in entrepreneurial leadership. Toenies’ accolades extend beyond this latest honor, including a Stevie Award for Woman of the Year and recognition as a 40 Under 40 honoree, cementing her position as a prominent figure in the business world.

The Expanding Role of Women in Franchising

The franchise sector is experiencing a noticeable surge in female ownership and leadership. Historically, franchising faced gender imbalances, but current data reveals a significant shift. “We’re seeing more women not just entering the franchise space, but thriving in it,” notes an industry analyst. “The structured nature of franchising, with established business models and support systems, appeals to many women seeking entrepreneurial ventures.” Data indicates that women now own or co-own over 32% of franchise businesses in the United States, a figure that has steadily climbed over the past decade. This growth is outpacing male franchise ownership, signaling a substantial demographic change within the industry.

This trend is fueled by several factors, including a desire for greater work-life balance, the appeal of established brands, and a growing number of women possessing the financial resources to invest in franchise opportunities. Furthermore, many women excel in areas crucial to successful franchise operations – relationship building, communication, and organizational skills. “The stereotype of the hard-nosed, aggressive entrepreneur is fading,” says one female franchise owner. “Women often bring a different leadership style – one focused on collaboration, empathy, and long-term sustainability.”

BELFOR’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

BELFOR Franchise Group, a leading global franchisor with a portfolio of residential and commercial service brands, appears to be recognizing and responding to this shift. The company's acknowledgment of Toenies' achievement is more than just a celebratory announcement; it’s a public affirmation of their commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. “Championing opportunities for women in franchising is a core value,” shared a company spokesperson. “We believe a diverse leadership team leads to innovation, better decision-making, and ultimately, a more successful organization.”

BELFOR’s portfolio includes well-established brands like 1-800-BOARDUP, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, and Chem-Dry. The company emphasizes providing strong support systems and training programs for franchisees, factors that appeal particularly to women entering the entrepreneurial landscape. This support network plays a vital role in empowering female franchisees to overcome challenges and achieve their business goals. However, while BELFOR highlights Toenies’ success, there’s a need for greater transparency regarding the broader representation of women within the company's leadership structures. Identifying and promoting other female leaders would further demonstrate a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Beyond Awards: A Shift in Leadership Style

Toenies’ award is not solely about her individual accomplishments; it’s also about the evolution of leadership within the franchise sector. “Leadership is no longer defined by a specific gender or background,” explains a business consultant specializing in franchise development. “It's about fostering a culture of collaboration, empathy, and empowerment.”

Toenies' career trajectory – from being the youngest and only female president of an optical company to her current role at BELFOR – demonstrates a consistent ability to challenge norms and drive innovation. She's also known for her focus on mentorship, actively supporting and guiding other women in the industry. “She’s a role model for so many,” shares a colleague. “She shows that it’s possible to achieve success while maintaining a strong sense of integrity and purpose.”

This shift towards more inclusive and empathetic leadership is not just beneficial for individual employees; it’s also crucial for the long-term health of the franchise industry. Companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion are more likely to attract and retain top talent, foster innovation, and build stronger relationships with customers and communities.