(via Athletic Republic Headquarters, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2026)

The International Franchise Association (IFA) today named David Woods and Vincent Chase, co-owners of Athletic Republic North Dallas, Texas as a 2026 Franchisee of the Year. Woods and Chase will be honored at the IFA26 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., Sept. 14-16, for being an outstanding franchise owner with excellence in entrepreneurship, community outreach, workforce development, and service to others. Nominated by Athletic Republic Headquarters, the IFA Franchisee of the Year awards are given to top franchisees from IFA member brands across industries and communities around the country.

“Franchisees of the Year demonstrate what franchising is all about – individuals who have committed their lives and careers to the betterment of those around them, building something bigger than themselves,” said Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “Through their leadership, they create jobs and build careers, give back to their communities, and support other franchisees, all while exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of franchising. We are proud to recognize David Woods and Vincent Chase with IFA’s highest honor for individual franchisees and celebrate their commitment to making a difference both within their business and beyond.”

The Franchisee of the Year awards recognize leading franchise owners for their community involvement, fostering a strong workforce, assisting their fellow franchisees when called upon, and embodying the entrepreneurial spirit. Their outstanding performance and contributions help strengthen not only their business but also the entire franchise business model.

The Franchisee of the Year awards recognize leading franchise owners for their community involvement, fostering a strong workforce, assisting their fellow franchisees when called upon, and embodying the entrepreneurial spirit. Their outstanding performance and contributions help strengthen not only their business but also the entire franchise business model.

There are approximately 832,000 franchise establishments across the U.S., providing nearly 8.8 million direct jobs and generating more than $907 billion in economic output. According to Oxford Economics, franchising on average provides higher wages and better benefits than non-franchised businesses, as well as greater entrepreneurial opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, and other underrepresented communities.

The recipients will be honored at a luncheon on Sept. 15, 2026, and throughout the IFA26 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. next month.

Athletic Republic North Dallas is led by owners David Woods and Vincent Chase, whose shared passion for athletics, coaching, and developing others has helped build a strong sports performance training community in North Dallas. Woods brings more than 20 years of experience in business and coaching, along with a lifelong background in athletics. Chase spent several years learning biomechanics at an Athletic Republic facility, an experience that helped set the stage for his dream of owning a franchise. Together, they have built Athletic Republic North Dallas around a commitment to athlete development, strong relationships, and delivering an exceptional training experience.

Their leadership, commitment to their clients, and belief in Athletic Republic’s science-based approach to sports performance training exemplify the standard the brand strives to deliver across its network.

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 832,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, $907.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.