Unleashed Brands Names Former Exec as Chief franchise officer. James Franks returns to Unleashed Brands after serving as head of franchise growth for WellBiz Brands. During his previous stint with Unleashed Brands, he helped grow franchise recruitment efforts throughout the platform, awarding more than 330 franchise locations and supporting the company's evolution into a multi-brand youth enrichment organization. James Franks has been named chief franchise officer of Unleashed Brands. [Source: Unleashed Brands] Bedford-based youth enrichment platform Unleashed Brands - which provides fun, enriching environments to "help kids learn, play, and grow" through franchise brands Urban Air Adventure Park, The Little Gym, Sylvan Learning, and more - has named James Franks as its new chief franchise officer. Franks returns to Unleashed Brands after serving as head of franchise growth for WellBiz Brands. During his previous stint with Unleashed Brands, he helped grow franchise recruitment efforts throughout the platform, awarding more than 330 franchise locations and supporting the company's evolution into a multi-brand youth enrichment organization. Throughout its portfolio, Unleashed Brands said it now serves millions of children annually through more than 1,500 locations nationwide. "James isn't just a great franchise development leader, he's someone who helped build this company alongside us," Unleashed Brands Founder and CEO Michael Browning Jr. said in a statement. "I've known James for years and have seen firsthand the passion, experience and leadership he brings to an organization. He understands our brands, believes in our mission and knows what makes a great franchise partner." He added, "As we continue expanding our platform and serving more kids and families, I'm excited to welcome James back and have him lead this next chapter of growth." With more than 25 years of experience in franchise development, franchise recruitment, and multi-brand franchise growth, Franks has a strong track record for creating high-performing development programs that lead to long-term success, the company said. During his career, he has helped brands scale thoughtfully while building strong franchisee relationships and maintaining sustainable growth. "Returning to Unleashed Brands feels like coming home," said Franks. "Having spent nearly six years with the organization, I've seen firsthand the impact our brands have on kids, families and franchisees. The opportunity ahead is tremendous, and I'm excited to help more entrepreneurs bring these brands to their communities while continuing to expand our impact on families nationwide." Unleashed Brands portfolio currently includes Urban Air, The Little Gym, Sylvan Learning, Snapology, Class 101, Premier Martial Arts, and Water Wings Swim School. 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WellBiz Brands closes first quarter with 56 new franchise agreements signed. Global leader in beauty and wellness franchising kicks off 2026 with franchise growth, award recognition and company acquisition DENVER - WellBiz Brands, Inc., the global franchisor of five leading beauty and wellness brands - Drybar(R), Elements Massage(R), Fitness Together(R), Amazing Lash Studio(R), and Radiant Waxing(R)- completed the first quarter of 2026 with 50 new franchise agreements signed to new and existing franchisees across the system. The franchise growth for the platform brand company is coupled with national and industry award recognition and the acquisition by Transom, positioning the company for accelerated growth in 2026. As demand for personalized, service-based wellness experiences continued to grow, WellBiz Brands expanded its footprint across the U.S. and internationally. The 56 signed agreements include 26 transfers, 17 new unit franchise agreements and 13 renewals, with franchisees continuing to invest in both single-brand and multi-brand opportunities. The company also entered and expanded within key growth markets, including San Diego, Seattle, Florida, New Jersey and Minnesota. The new growth across the WellBiz Brands portfolio brings the company to more than 750 total locations worldwide, representing continued growth across each of its franchise systems. "WellBiz Brands' performance in 2026 so far reflects the strength of our franchise systems and the dedication of our franchise partners," said Amanda Clark, CEO at WellBiz Brands. "Across all five brands, we've remained focused on disciplined growth, operational excellence and evolving alongside consumer expectations in the wellness space. As we continue into 2026, our priority remains providing both franchisees and their clients with the highest-quality wellness experience." Additional highlights since the beginning of the year include national recognition for Drybar in Entrepreneur's 2026 Franchise 500(R) list as the brand ranked No. 482 and industry recognition as the number 1 brand in its category for the Franchise Times Zor Awards. WellBiz Brands, as a platform company, also entered its next chapter of growth with the completion of its acquisition by Transom Capital Group, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm with experience investing in complex, multi-brand platforms. The transaction positions WellBiz Brands to accelerate unit development across its portfolio while maintaining leadership continuity. About WellBiz Brands Inc.: WellBiz Brands Inc. is the pre-eminent beauty and wellness franchise platform catering to the needs of the affluent female consumer. The WellBiz Brands' portfolio features category leaders including Amazing Lash Studio(R), Drybar(R), Elements Massage(R), Fitness Together(R) and Radiant Waxing(R). The company's cross-brand digital marketing program drives effective member acquisition strategies, creating a world-class membership ecosystem. WellBizONE(TM) system, a proprietary technology platform, enhances studio operations for franchisees, fueling member engagement and retention. With expertise in supply chain management, e-commerce and product innovation, WellBiz Brands provides franchisees with a leading edge. The company has received national recognition on lists such as the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies, Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 and Franchise Times Fast & Serious, among others. For more information, visit WellBizBrands.com. SOURCE WellBiz Brands