APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED! NOW DUE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2024 AT 11:59PM EST
STACY ERVIN | SHANNON WILBURN COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD WINNER
Chattanooga, TN
"Stacy's franchise stood out as a shining example of dedication, compassion, and the transformative power of community services. This journey began four years ago when JBF Chattanooga lost their Charity Partner. What followed was a remarkable transformation, a shift in perspective, and a commitment to truly understand and meet the community's needs, including: Fill-a-Bag Shopping Initiative, Free Shopping Time for Foster Families, and additional extensive local outreach. Stacy has created a culture of togetherness within the local community, fostering connections and addressing the needs of families in meaningful ways." - Shannon Wilburn Community Impact Award Judge
Melissa Cook & Melanie Salamone | Franchise of the Year 2024
Grand Rapids, MI
"This franchise has integrated JBF's core values into every aspect of their business - in communications, in processes, and in staff and team member training. They hosted an additional event in 2023, they carefully analyze key performance indicators to make strong strategic decisions - improving their events and serving local families better and better each season. Melanie and Melissa have cultivated a community who cares for one another in so many ways. It was heartwarming and inspiring to read all the ways they generate generosity - through encouraging Sellers to donate unsold items, by providing gift cards for local Foster Families to shop at their event, by giving Team Leaders cash to share with Shoppers." - Franchise of the Year Judge
Anne Seyferth & Sarah GArot | Franchise of the year 2023
Ann Arbor, MI
This sister duo was recognized by our panel of judges with the following accolades:
"This year’s winners are Franchise Owners who are aggressively achieving their goals. They align their efforts with the JBF mission and they are strategic and bold in their approach. Being a successful franchisee isn't about revolutionizing the brand, but rather embodying the purpose and core values of the franchise company and implementing the proven systems and processes required to achieve goals. They support fellow franchisees in established groups, organic groups, and by serving on committees. They also support, educate, and develop relationships with their Consignors. They have demonstrated impressive growth, they listen to their community informally and formally via surveys, they have managed fast growth with hard work and detailed planning. They truly stand out among their peers. Congratulations on your amazing impact in your community and your exciting business growth."
karen miner | Community Impact Award Winner 2023
Franchise Location: Gainesville, FL
Charity Partners: Foster Florida & More
Karen's community-oriented efforts have so many dimensions. She purposefully works with several Charity Partners in order to serve those in need. Their recognition of, and service to benefit, children in the foster care system are especially remarkable. Karen's good work not only directly benefits those in need, but also brings public attention to worthy causes.
Karen Miner | Franchise of the year 2022
Gainesville, FL
When asked about winning this year's award, Karen said, ”Success is best when it’s shared. FOTY was a huge win, not for me but for our entire team. It takes a village and I am so proud of the one we have created here in Gainesville. "
Miner accepted her award at the Just Between Friends annual conference in Seattle, Washington. She shares, "I am completely blown away to be named Franchise of the Year for 2022. The community we have built in Gainesville to help, validate and build up our families as we go through the trenches of parenthood is so great! For that hard work to be recognized on a national level is AMAZING!”
Nichole Clark and Casey Elliott | Community Impact Award Winners 2022
Franchise Location: Columbia/Jefferson City/Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Charity Partners: City of Refuge and Central Missouri Community Action
"We recognize that each person that walks through our venue’s doors has wants and needs, and we strive to meet each need and provide joy to each child and family” say Clark and Elliott. "Thanks to the generosity of our sellers and shoppers, we’ve donated thousands of items to the City of Refuge, along with hundreds of dollars to the Patient Assistance Fund at the MU Children’s Hospital. Last fall shoppers gave generously by purchasing gifts of clothing, toys and supplies for 75 children so they might have a happier holiday season. JBF has provided us with a platform and an opportunity to create waves of change in Mid-Missouri—and we are thrilled to be part of this community that also believes in making life a little easier for our neighbors and friends in need."
Eileen Cordero | Franchise of the year 2020
Middletown/Dover, DE
When asked about her recent honor given to her at the company’s national conference in Plano, Texas, Cordero stated, ”I am honored and thrilled that the Judges chose JBF Middletown/Dover as the Franchise of the Year. This award truly captures all of the hard work that my husband Tony, our three boys, our team, our community and our charity have put into these events over the last five years. We have gained friendships and changed lives together. We will continue to create innovative ideas to help our fellow families buy and sell items at JBF. I can't wait to see what the future holds for all of our families in Delaware.”
Tracy Panase & Team | Community Impact Award Winner 2020
Franchise Location: Western Main Line (Oaks), PA
Charity Partner, Cradles to Crayons
Sadly, poverty is a year-round condition, and young children outgrow essentials like clothes, shoes, and books quickly. That's why the relationship between Just Between Friends in Oaks, PA, and Cradles to Crayons of Philadelphia is such a vital part of our community. Through the generous donations of the JBF Oaks Consignors, we're able to provide Cradles to Crayons with thousands of quality items several times a year. These items help families keep up with growth spurts and clothe and entertain their children despite their financial difficulties. This partnership has allowed us to help parents say "yes" and provide donations with dignity. It's a win/win!
Sue Endle | Franchise of the Year 2019
Woodbury, MN
Sue Endle, owner and event coordinator for Just Between Friends of Woodbury said, “I am honored that the judges chose my franchise for this award. When my family and I purchased this franchise from the previous owners in 2016, it was a tremendous leap of faith. We truly wanted to create a community event that was a win-win-win for all involved. And I believe our success can be attributed to following the core mission of JBF ‘to glorify God by bringing communities together in a welcoming, friendly venue. I am excited to see what 2019 will bring and to be able to help more families in Woodbury,”
Karen Miner | Community Impact Award Winner 2019
Franchise Location: Gainesville, FL
Charity Partner: Healthy Families ACUB
“It was such a blessing to help our neighbors during this tremendous time of need. I was so proud at how my consignors, shoppers and volunteers all pulled together to make it happen. It truly was a team effort. The city of Newberry along with 10 CAN worked tirelessly to help make it all happen and get the supplies to the many families in need,” explained Miner. This huge effort along with Miner’s commitment to Healthy Families, as well as helping stock the Church Closet at First Assembly of God church, is why an independent team of judges chose Karen Miner and Just Between Friends of Gainesville as this year’s Community Impact Award winner.
Jennifer & Matt HuNdley | FOTY and cia winners 2018
Franchise Location: North Bay, CA
Charity Partner: Active 20-30 Club
Jennifer and Matt Hundley of North Bay, CA applied for both the Franchise of the Year AND the Community Impact Award—never thinking they'd win BOTH!
BUT THEY DID!
Jennifer and Matt said: "Perhaps the best part of applying for awards is you get to pull back layers of your operation and see where you truly stand vs. your goals, as well as against the measures used for top JBF recognition. If you're honest with yourself you'll see your successes, and more importantly, your short comings. Knowing where you stand is the first step in identifying where you need to be."
Jen and Matt present a check to their charity partner, Active 20-30 Club.
Bridget Jones | Franchise of the Year 2017
Williamson County, TX
Bridget said: "I will forever be grateful for the moment when my name was called for Franchise of the Year in 2017. It was such a surprise and a pivotal moment in my life. It showed me that all those hours spent away from my family, friends, and everyday life, when I was hiding out in my office working late into the night were not nothing. It also meant that I finally understood that I was more than a teacher who left after five years because of cancer and more than a stay-at-home mom who bought a business she knew little about; I am a businesswoman who is respected for my craft and doing exactly what God has laid out for me. JBF has changed my life in more ways than I could describe and I will forever be grateful.”
Shawna Wilfert | First Community Impact Award Winner 2017
Franchise Location: Tucson, AZ
Charity Partner: More Than A Bed in Tucson
Shawna Wilfert of Tucson, AZ, our Community Impact Award Winner for 2017 says, “Winning the Community Impact Award in 2017 was such an honor and blessing! The best part of winning was the phone call I was able make to our charity More Than A Bed and hearing the excitement in their voices. Presenting them with the check before the Foster Parent presale and watching all in attendance that night cry and cheer made us realize how deep our impact with JBF and the Tucson Community truly was and will continue to be.”
Sandy Jameson | Franchise of the Year 2016
San Angelo, TX
Sandy of San Angelo, TX said, "“Winning Franchise of the Year in 2016 was such a humbling and wonderful honor! What an amazing surprise that my husband submitted the application on my behalf. Never did I dream our “little” sale in “the middle of nowhere” would receive this award. JBF San Angelo has been my baby for almost 10 years and I am so grateful for the village that helps raise it. Receiving the award is a direct reflection of the amazing community support that I am grateful to have in San Angelo. I strive to honor and appreciate my 40+ team members and it was wonderful to share this award with them, knowing I couldn’t do this alone. I am so thankful for other JBF owners that have shared their wisdom and knowledge with me. I have lifelong friendships because of JBF and I hope I can be a blessing to our JBF community!”
Kris Bishop & Katy Saunders | Franchise of the Year 2015
Coon Rapids, MN, Eagan, MN, Eden Prairie MN, and Maple Grove, MN
Kris Bishop and Katy Saunders said, “Winning Franchise of the Year in 2015 has been a great honor for us! Going through the process of applying for the award made us reflect and appreciate the hard work we’ve put into growing successful sales. It was extra special to receive the award before we hosted our 50th sales event, we had fun celebrating both accomplishments at the spring sale with our shoppers! We strive to elevate and appreciate our team members and it was wonderful to share this award with them, knowing we couldn’t do this alone. We’re thankful for all the JBF owners who shared their knowledge along our journey, and hope we can be a blessing to our JBF community!”
More Past Winners
Deborah Freeman of Douglas County CO | Franchise of the Year 2023
Tracy Panase & Beth McIntyre of Reading & Western Main Line PA | Franchise of the Yar 2012
Stacey Merrell & Marcy Leffingwell of Springfield MO | Franchise of the Year 2011
Michelle Wiginton | Franchise of the Year 2010
Amber Post of Lees Summit MO | Franchise of the Year 2009
Nicole Wilfong of Chattanooga TN | Franchise of the Year 2008
Joanie Morrison & Pam Willingham of Forth Worth TX | Very First Franchise of the Year 2007
