WASHINGTON, D.C. – The International Franchise Association (IFA) has named Beth and Phillip Dow, owners of Home Helpers Home Care of Newnan, as recipients of the 2026 Franchisee of the Year Award.
Both Beth and Phillip were 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 (Home Helpers Home Care), the IFA Franchisee of the Year awards are given to top franchisees from IFA member brands across industries and communities around the country.
“Families depend on us during deeply personal moments, and that responsibility guides every decision we make,” says Beth. “Receiving the IFA Franchisee of the Year Award is an incredible honor, but this recognition truly belongs to our Caregivers and Support Team. They are the heart of what we do, showing up every day with compassion and dedication to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. Their commitment is what makes our success possible.”
Beth and Phillip have owned Home Helpers of Newnan for over 19 years providing in-home care services to clients in Coweta, Fayette, Troup, Carroll, Meriwether and South Fulton counties. The Newnan-based franchise employs 12 administrative team members, three nurses, and more than 100 caregivers.
“Beth and Phillip (Dow) represent the very best of Home Helpers Home Care,” said Emma Dickison, CEO & President of Home Helpers® Home Care. “They combine strong business leadership with true compassion for clients, their families and Caregivers. Their commitment to sharing resources, strengthening the franchise network and serving their community shows what mission-driven franchise ownership can achieve.”
In April, Home Helpers of Newnan took home two awards from the 2026 Home Helpers Home Care National Conference. Those awards were the CEO Award and CEO Masters Award. In May, the Newnan franchise was named “Franchisee of the Month” by Franchise Dictionary Magazine. And later in July, Beth and Phillip added another franchise with the purchase of Home Helpers Home Care of Canton.
“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 Home Helpers Home Care of Newnan 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.
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.
Beth and Phillip were honored at the Franchisee of the Year luncheon on Sept. 15.
