Josh And Ashley Rodgers Of Camp Bow Wow Named Ifa Franchisee Of The Year

(PRESS RELEASE) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The International Franchise Association (IFA) recently named Josh and Ashley Rodgers, owners of seven Camp Bow Wow locations across three states, as 2026 Franchisees of the Year. The Rodgers will be honored at the IFA26 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., Sept. 14-16, for being outstanding franchise owners 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 Josh and Ashley 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.

Josh and Ashley Rodgers saw an opportunity to combine their passion for dogs and community involvement with their real estate experience, opening their first Camp Bow Wow in Kansas City Northland in 2022. After a successful launch with their first location, the Rodgers quickly expanded, adding six more locations across Missouri, Colorado, and Florida, with their eighth camp in development in Overland Park, Kansas.

“From the beginning, we saw Camp Bow Wow as an opportunity to build a business that reflects what matters most to us,” said Ashley Rodgers. “The success of our Kansas City camp gave us the confidence to leave our previous careers and go all-in with the brand. We’re proud of what we’ve built so far and excited about the opportunity to keep growing.”

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.

About Camp Bow Wow

Camp Bow Wow is a leading dog daycare and boarding provider in the rapidly growing pet care industry with over 225 units in 42 states and Canada. For more than 25 years, Camp Bow Wow has brought joy to dogs and pet parents with the highest level of safety, service and fun. In addition to daycare and overnight boarding, the company offers personalized enrichment opportunities, including the proprietary Pawsitive Start Jr. Program for puppy education and socialization, grooming services and a rewards-based dog training program. The Camp Bow Wow brand also includes the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing urgent medical care funds to rescue groups and pet parents who cannot afford their veterinary bills. Camp Bow Wow is part of the Propelled Brands family of brands, a recognized leader in the franchising industry, and has been ranked on ENTREPRENEUR’s Franchise 500 list for the past 17 years.