FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 1, 2026- Owner of 63 spas across eight states to be recognized by world’s oldest and largest franchising association; Will be honored at the IFA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C for excellence in business, giving back, and providing opportunities to those around them
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The International Franchise Association (IFA) today named Eric Danver, owner and CEO of FGG Spa, LLC. with 63 spas across eight states, as a 2026 Franchisee of the Year. Danver 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 their brand, the IFA Franchisee of the Year awards are given to top franchisees from IFA member brands across industries and communities around the country.
What the Award Recognizes
“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 Eric Danver with IFA’s highest honor for individual franchisees and celebrate his commitment to making a difference both within his 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.
About Eric Danver and FGG Spa, LLC.
FGG Spa LLC. employs 1,800 employees and generates over $95 million in annual revenue. Danver is the largest franchisee in the Hand & Stone system, and he’s not done yet. He recently signed a new development agreement to open 13 more spas over the next 5-6 years, concentrated primarily in Florida, pushing his footprint past 75 locations on the way to a longtime goal of 100.
The Impact of Franchising
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.
Ceremony Details
The recipients will be honored at a luncheon on Sept. 15, 2026, and throughout the IFA26 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. next month.
About The International Franchise Association
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.
About Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa
Hand & Stone is a more than 650-unit massage and facial spa franchise with a mission to deliver premium spa services to the middle market in a professional, affordable and convenient manner. Launched in 2004, Hand & Stone now has locations across 36 states and Canada. Each spa features best-in-class massage and skincare treatment. Available for women, men and teens, a wide range of services are tailored to each individual’s needs or skin concerns. Hand & Stone facial treatments are performed by licensed estheticians, using top-of-the-line products backed by science including Dermalogica and IMAGE Skincare.
