We’re still taking it all in.
Our Founder and Chairman, Len Fischer, has been named the International Franchise Association’s 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year, one of the most prestigious honors in franchising. For our team at Benetrends, this recognition is deeply meaningful, not just because of the award itself, but because of what it represents: decades of perseverance, innovation, and an unwavering belief in entrepreneurship.
What the Entrepreneur of the Year Award Represents
The IFA’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award honors a founder or franchising executive who exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that defines franchising. The award recognizes individuals who have successfully built and grown a business, embraced the risk that comes with innovation, and helped shape the future of franchising while inspiring others to pursue business ownership.
Recipients include franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers who actively promote and protect the franchise business model and contribute meaningfully to the industry.
You can view past recipients of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award on the IFA website here:
https://www.franchise.org/awards/#entrepreneur-of-the-year
A Vision That Changed Franchise Funding
Len’s journey began with a simple but powerful realization: aspiring business owners were sitting on retirement funds they couldn’t access to start a business, even when they had the experience, drive, and opportunity to succeed.
Drawing on his background as an ERISA attorney, Len pioneered the Rollovers as Business Startups (ROBS) funding strategy, a groundbreaking approach that allows entrepreneurs to use qualified retirement funds to start or purchase a business in a compliant, tax-advantaged way.
At the time, it was unconventional. It was challenged. And it required relentless education, advocacy, and perseverance.
But Len believed in it.
Today, that belief has helped more than 30,000 entrepreneurs open businesses who otherwise may not have had the opportunity, fundamentally expanding access to business ownership and reshaping how franchising is funded.
Recognition From the Franchise Industry
In announcing the award, Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association, shared:
“Len is a true innovator in the world of franchising. His funding solution has broken down barriers to funding, allowing more people to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams through franchise ownership. Len has not only grown a successful business, but he is committed to educating others about financing and paved the way for entrepreneurs to grow their own business.”
For Len, the recognition reflects far more than a personal milestone.
“To say I’m overwhelmed by this award would be an understatement,” Len shared. “But the real success is knowing there are tens of thousands of people in business today who might not have been able to do so without this program.”
A Legacy Built With People
Those who work alongside Len describe him as passionate, optimistic, and deeply committed to the people behind the businesses.
“Len has an unmatched ability to stay excited about entrepreneurship,” said Michael Minitelli, Chief Development Officer at Benetrends. “He believes in what he created and in the people it serves, and that passion is contagious.”
Rocco Fiorentino, President and CEO of Benetrends, added, “Len never lets anyone give up on their dream. He’s one of the most visionary people I’ve ever met, and his impact on franchising is unmatched.”
Behind the scenes, Len’s partner in life and business, Cheryl Fischer, has been there from the very beginning, traveling, educating, and helping build Benetrends alongside him. Together, they’ve proven that belief, resilience, and heart can build something that lasts.
Why This Moment Matters
Len Fischer is the first supplier to receive the IFA Entrepreneur of the Year Award, a distinction that underscores how deeply his work has influenced franchising as a whole.
For Benetrends, this honor reinforces our mission: to turn entrepreneurial dreams into reality through innovative funding solutions and expert guidance.
For the franchise community, it’s a reminder that bold ideas, when paired with integrity and persistence, can change an entire industry.
And for the tens of thousands of entrepreneurs who have built businesses with the help of ROBS, this award belongs to them too.