Celebrating franchise excellence while interviewing on the red carpet.
This year’s EF100 Canada 2026 Awards felt like more than just a celebration. It was a full-on reunion of franchise innovators, industry leaders, and passionate entrepreneurs under one roof. As the red carpet host, I had a front-row experience of connecting with the people who make this ecosystem thrive, right before they took the stage to be recognised for their impact.
Every conversation reminded me how much the franchise space in Canada has evolved, not just in business metrics but in community spirit and collaboration.
Conversations that count
The interviews were the highlight of the night. I had the chance to catch up with Angela Cote, whose energy and commitment to helping franchise leaders scale sustainably is always inspiring. Talking to her on the carpet felt like chatting with a franchise coach, because she is one who truly lives what she teaches.
Next up was Victor Turcanu, a lawyer and one of this year’s event sponsors, who shared powerful insights into evolving franchise law and what is shaping marketing and partnerships in 2026. His take on the importance of strong legal foundations really stood out, especially in an industry built on sustainable growth.
I also had the pleasure of interviewing Milena Simsic, CEO of WindSocial Realty and founder of WREI Social. Milena shared the exciting opportunities investors are finding in Windsor. With the recent announcement of a $1 billion investment in the downtown core, the momentum is undeniable, opening the door for franchise brands to establish their presence and contribute to the city’s ongoing growth and revitalisation. And with this year’s opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge, the region is set to see even more economic development and cross-border collaboration, making Windsor an even stronger hub for business expansion and investment.
And of course, this year we had our amazing partners Lou and his team from the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA). Their collaboration truly elevated the event’s scale and spirit. It is one thing to celebrate success, it is another to bring together the people and organisations who help make it all possible.
A celebration of community and momentum
As we wrapped the evening and interviewed many key players in the franchise space, you could sense the momentum the industry is gaining. There is no denying there is economic uncertainty and that many people are feeling the pinch. But the truth is that many concepts are emerging and, with recent layoffs, many people are looking to invest in a franchise and become their own boss. Even so, you can feel the optimism, pride, and excitement in the industry.
EF100 Canada 2026 reminded me that while awards recognise achievement, it is the connections formed along the way that keep the industry moving forward. Here’s to more stories, more collaborations, and, of course, more franchise excellence interviews in the year ahead.
