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Rasheen Hartwell of Stretch Zone Named Franchisee of the Year 

Iowa and Illinois business owner recognized by world’s oldest and largest franchising association during Annual Convention in Las Vegas; Recognized for excellence in business, giving back, and providing opportunities to those around them 

LAS VEGAS – The International Franchise Association (IFA) today named Rasheen Hartwell owner of Stretch Zone in Iowa and Illinois, as a 2024 Franchisee of the Year. Hartwell was honored at the 65th IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, for being an outstanding franchise establishment owner-operator. The IFA Franchisee of the Year awards are given to the top franchisees from IFA member brands across industries from around the country and the world. 

“Franchisees of the Year represent the very best of franchising,” said Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “They embody the American Dream, create economic opportunity, serve their communities and show what it means to go into business for yourself, but not by yourself. We are proud to recognize Rasheen Hartwell with the highest honor IFA awards to individual franchisees, and we salute his tireless efforts to lift up all those he serves.” 

The Franchisee of the Year awards recognize leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance, and promote the franchise business model. Nominated by their parent company, individuals are selected for their service to their communities, fostering a strong and vibrant workforce, opening the doors for career growth and entrepreneurship, and supporting their fellow franchisees. 

Hartwell recalls, “My son was a client, and was in desperate need of stretching from playing football. I’ve always been a big fan of the concept, and knew how important stretching was. I searched for stretching facilities in my area, and after taking him to his demo stretch, I couldn’t help but watch.” He fondly remembers, “I would observe the interactions with him and his practitioners, and fell in love with the brand and the concept. After two years as a client, I fell in love with the business model, and knew I would succeed in this space.” 

Founded in 2004 by Jorden Gold, Stretch Zone was created with a deep passion for improving lives. The brand has redefined how we approach stretching, with a mission to enhance the quality of life in communities nationwide. By utilizing our proprietary tables and patented strapping system, Stretch Zone helps individuals achieve long-term results in flexibility and mobility. With over 380 locations across 41 states, the brand has experienced remarkable growth and continues to gain national recognition, ranking on the 2024 Inc. 5000 and Franchise Times’ 2024 Top 400 List. Stretch Zone is seeking experienced franchisees who share a passion for health and wellness and are dedicated to making a lasting impact on their communities. To learn more, visit stretchzone.com 

There are approximately 830,000 franchised businesses across the U.S., providing nearly 9 million direct jobs and generating over $896 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.  

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 830,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, $896.9 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. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

February 11, 2025 

CONTACT: Katherine Knight Patterson 

[email protected] 

(202) 662-0783