Ziebart Earns High Recognition, Top Honors in Wave of Industry Awards and Rankings
Ziebart, a leader in vehicle appearance and protection services, has recently received multiple industry honors as it approaches the fourth quarter of 2026. Among these accolades, Michigan franchise owner Ben Rogers has been named the International Franchise Association's (IFA) 2026 Franchisee of the Year. Additionally, Ziebart has been recognized by Entrepreneur as a top brand for multi-unit owners.
Ben Rogers, who operates a Ziebart franchise in Bay City, Michigan, was acknowledged for his dedication to mentorship and leadership within his team. “Ben is the ultimate example of what it means to be a human-first business leader,” said Larisa Walega, Senior Vice President and Chief Growth Officer of Ziebart. Walega praised Rogers for his commitment to guiding his team both personally and professionally, noting that the recognition from the IFA is well-deserved.
Matt Haller, President and CEO of the IFA, emphasized that Franchisees of the Year exemplify the spirit of franchising through their commitment to improving their communities and supporting fellow franchisees. He commended Rogers for his leadership and contributions to both his business and the broader community.
In addition to the award for Rogers, Ziebart achieved notable rankings in Entrepreneur’s annual assessments, including being named the number one company in the Automotive Appearance Services category, ranking 78th among Top Brands for Multi-Unit Owners, and 144th on the Franchise 500 list. President & CEO Thomas A. Wolfe acknowledged these awards as affirmations of Ziebart's adaptability and success in the franchise industry.
The marketing team at Ziebart also received recognition, with Walega and Vice President of Marketing Michelle Wells being honored as Franchise Marketing Trailblazers by Franchise Assembly. Additionally, Franchise Development Marketing Manager Emily Davis was recognized as one of the Franchise Marketing Ones to Watch. Walega expressed pride in the marketing team, attributing the brand's success to effective marketing strategies.