RICHMOND, Va. — Empower Brands, a franchising portfolio consisting of residential and commercial service providers, reports that research firm Franchise Business Review has selected FRSTeam by Dryy NOVA owner Ken Sandy as one of its Franchise Rock Stars of 2025.
FRSTeam, a network specializing in fabrics and electronics restoration, is one of Empower’s commercial and residential service providers. The FRSTeam by Dryy NOVA location began as a Dryy Garment Care of Northern Virginia, converting to a FRSTeam franchise partner in 2021.
“When you hear the term ‘Franchise Rock Star,’ Ken Sandy certainly springs to mind,” Empower Brands CEO Scott Zide says. “Ken has made a real impact on both the FRSTeam franchise and his community. By leading with empathy and compassion, Ken has developed strong bonds in his service area that have contributed to his success and made him a pillar of the community. Empower Brands is honored to have Ken as part of our franchise family.”
Sandy says he chose to join FRSTeam because of the brand’s strong core values, authentic leadership and commitment to the communities it serves.
“From the first day that I joined Empower Brands and their FRSTeam brand, I felt like I belonged,” Sandy says. "When we began looking to convert our business into a franchise, we weren’t looking for the flashiest brand. We wanted to join a team with genuine grit, and FRSTeam showed us they do the work. We knew right away they were the right choice because of our mutual alignment.”
The Franchise Rock Stars were nominated by their franchise brand’s leadership in one of eight categories as franchisees who set admirable examples when it comes to leadership, business acumen, financial and professional success, and contributing to their community. Categories include Giving Back, Women, Millennials, Veterans, Family-Owned, Freshmen, Top Performers and Multi-Unit Owners.
“There are so many stories of inspiring franchise owners who are living their dreams of successful business ownership,” says Eric Stites, founder and CEO of Franchise Business Review. “Each franchisee brings unique abilities, values and skills to their franchise brand. We’ve seen that most successful franchise owners demonstrate an incredibly strong work ethic, a deep passion for their businesses and a real commitment to their communities.
“Our Franchise Rock Star Awards are for those who truly go above and beyond in some special way. We’re thrilled to recognize these Rock Stars as exceptional examples of achieving success within the franchise model.”
FRSTeam Brand President Holly Murry believes that Sandy is the “epitome of a rock star franchisee” and proves it daily with his commitment to his FRSTeam location and to his neighbors.
“Ken has the raw, grassroots energy that embodies FRSTeam’s commitment to leading your business with heart,” Murry says. “His Dryy Run 5K (race) continues to raise money for local causes, people and programs that need support. He is not only there for his customers — he’s there for his entire community.”
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