Steven Brown of Grand Welcome Nashville and Austin Awarded Franchisee of the Year by International Franchise Association

Recognized for being an outstanding owner-operator; Exemplifying excellence in one or more of the IFA core pillars, Community, Workforce, Diversity, Veterans.

SAN DIEGO, CA, March 1, 2022 – The International Franchise Association (IFA) today named Steven Brown of Grand Welcome Franchising LLC in Nashville, Tennessee and Austin, Texas as Franchisee of the Year. Brown was honored at IFA’s 62nd Annual Convention in San Diego, California, for being an outstanding franchise establishment owner-operator.

“Franchisee of the Year Awards are the highest honors presented to individual franchisees,” said Matthew Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “These local business owners, like Steven Brown, represent some of the best entrepreneurs in the country, and we are proud to recognize his contributions to their communities, their employees, and all those they serve.”

The Franchisee of the Year Award, sponsored by IFA’s partner Paychex, recognizes leading franchisees who exemplify at least one of IFA’s “Open for Opportunity” core pillars: Community, Workforce, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Veterans.

Grand Welcome Nashville is owned and operated by Steven Brown, a Tennessee native and U.S. Army Veteran. Steven is passionate about the community and transforming the tourism industry through short-term vacation rentals.

He’s a proud member of the Black Chamber of Commerce, Nashville Small Business Association, Nashville Short Term Rental Association, and the Army Aviation Association of America. Brown recently expanded his business venture and acquired Grand Welcome Austin, as well. He is already making an impact in the high-demand Texas market.

Over the last decade, Grand Welcome has become one of the leading short-term rental property management businesses in America. Founded in 2009, the company is consistently growing the number of franchise locations, properties, and range of destinations they offer to valued and loyal customers.

Short-term rentals will exceed $58 billion in reservation sales in 2022 and are projected to experience revenue growth of more than 7% annually. Grand Welcome is proud to be a part of this booming industry.

A recent IFA study showed that franchising helped lead U.S. economic recovery in 2021, with exceptional job and business growth across all franchising sectors. The industry on average provides higher wages, better benefits, and more leave than non-franchised businesses, as well as greater opportunities to underserved communities and aspiring entrepreneurs, according to Oxford Economics research.

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