- Patel of IHM is a 2026 Franchisee of the Year.
- He is recognized for entrepreneurship and outreach.
- IFA selected 89 Franchisees of the Year.
Montu Patel, owner of Innovative Hospitality Management in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, is a 2026 Franchisee of the Year. The International Franchise Association gives the award to franchise owners for contributions to their businesses, communities and the franchise industry.
Patel is recognized for his work in entrepreneurship, community outreach, workforce development and service, IFA said in a statement. He will receive the award at the IFA26 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., Sept. 14 to 16.
“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, IFA president and CEO. “Through their leadership, they create jobs and build careers, give back to their communities and support other franchisees.”
Patel is an immigrant entrepreneur who built IHM into a hospitality operator with brands from Choice Hotels International, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Worldwide Holdings, IFA said. The company follows its A.C.T.I.O.N. values: Authentic Hospitality, Commitment to Integrity, Team Empowerment, Innovation, Operational Excellence and Nurturing Growth.
The U.S. has about 832,000 franchise establishments, supporting nearly 8.8 million direct jobs and generating more than $907 billion in economic output, the statement said. According to Oxford Economics, franchising provides higher wages and better benefits on average than nonfranchised businesses and creates opportunities for minorities, women, veterans and other underrepresented groups.
IFA selected 89 franchise owners for the 2026 Franchisee of the Year awards. Brands nominate recipients based on community involvement, workforce development, support for fellow franchisees and entrepreneurship.
Patel and the other recipients will be recognized at a luncheon Sept. 15 during the IFA26 Advocacy Summit.
Separately, Wealth Protection Strategies President and CEO Jagruti Panwala will receive the 2026 Peggy Berg Castell Award on Oct. 7.
