PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — The International Franchise Association (IFA) recently awarded Midas International franchisee Judd Kyle Shader with the Midas Franchisee of the Year Award for 2018.
It was the second major award for Mr. Shader — earlier this year, TBC Corp.'s Midas International franchise group named Mr. Shader as one its franchisees of the year for 2017. Mr. Shader's company, Leeds West Group, opened its 99th and 100th car car centers this fall, in Appleton, Wis., and Aurora, Colo., via acquisition.
Eighty-seven of Leeds West's outlets are Midas locations. The business also operates a dozen Big O Tires outlets and one SpeeDee Oil Change location.
IFA President and CEO Robert Cresanti said IFA recognized Mr. Shader "for his extraordinary story and success.
"Franchise businesses are an engine of economic growth across America, in large part due to the hard work of tens of thousands of franchise business owners like Judd," Mr. Cresanti said. "As Washington looks to continue our economic growth, policymakers would do well to remember that franchising is making a difference across our country."
According to Midas, Mr. Shader won the Midas award due to his fast-growing sales and his "willingness to go above and beyond for his customers, his team and his community."
"The Midas organization is very fortunate to work with Judd," said Ron Seagle, Midas vice president and general manager. "Day in and day out, his organization lives up to our 'Always A Touch Better' commitment to our customers, and, on behalf of the Midas network, I would like to thank him for his contributions to our great brand."
Leeds West operates in 16 states, with 850 employees.
"I am honored to be recognized by the IFA and Midas, ecstatic about our growth over the last eight years, which is the result of a lot of hard work by our great team — and excited about our growth opportunities for the future," Mr. Shader said.
Chris Monteverde, a franchisee who owns 16 Big O locations, recently won TBC Corp's Big O Franchisee of the Year Award from the IFA.