Tucson, AZ business owners to be recognized by the 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 Fred Fisher and Samantha Lane, owners of Green Home Solutions of Tucson, AZ, as a 2026 Franchisee of the Year. Fisher and Lane 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.
“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 Fred Fisher and Samantha Lane 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.
They have built Green Home Solutions of Tucson, AZ with determination, creativity, and an entrepreneurial mindset, demonstrating what can be accomplished when a franchise owner embraces the Green Home Solutions system while adapting to the unique needs of the local market.
Operating a mold and indoor air quality business in the Arizona desert presents a distinct set of challenges. In a dry climate where mold remediation may not always be the most obvious or immediate need, Fisher has built his business by embracing the full Green Home Solutions service offering and positioning the company as a comprehensive indoor air quality solutions provider for the Tucson community.
That approach has continued to produce strong results. In 2025, Fisher achieved a record sales year for his business. He also recently expanded into two additional territories, demonstrating his continued confidence in the Green Home Solutions brand and commitment to growing his business. His success reflects a willingness to evolve, diversify his services, and continually identify new opportunities to serve customers throughout his market.
Fisher is building the business alongside his daughter, Samantha Lane, who works side by side with him and is preparing to one day take over the company. Together, Fred and Samantha represent both the entrepreneurial opportunity and the legacy that a franchise business can create, as Fred develops the next generation of leadership while continuing to strengthen and expand Green Home Solutions of Tucson, AZ.“
Fred and Samantha are outstanding examples of what can be accomplished when a franchisee fully embraces the system while also finding ways to adapt to the unique needs of the local market,” said Area Representative Charles Clark. “He has truly built something out of nothing, and their growth is a testament not only to his work ethic, but also to his willingness to evolve, diversify, and continually look for new opportunities to serve their customers. Perhaps most impressive is the legacy Fred is building alongside his daughter, Samantha. Fred [and Samantha] are a tremendous representative of Green Home Solutions, and I am proud to see them recognized as an IFA Franchisee of the Year.”
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.
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.