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Flynn Group is the largest franchise operator in the United States, focusing on multi-brand restaurant and retail operations. Founded in 1999 by Greg Flynn, the company has expanded significantly from its beginnings as a single-market Applebee’s operator. It now manages a diverse portfolio that includes well-known brands such as Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Panera Bread, and Arby’s, with over 2,500 locations across the country. The company specializes in franchise management, acquiring and optimizing underperforming locations to enhance operational efficiency and drive sales growth. Flynn Groups acquisition strategy has led to substantial growth, including the recent addition of 45 Pizza Hut locations in 2025, bringing its total to over 1,000. With a people-first approach, Flynn Group emphasizes employee training and retention, ensuring consistent customer experiences across its various dining segments.
Fisher Barton is a prominent manufacturing company with over 50 years of experience, founded in 1973 by metallurgist Richard L. Wilkey. Headquartered in Watertown, Wisconsin, the company has grown to employ more than 900 people worldwide. It operates as a group of independent manufacturing companies, including Fisher Barton Blades and Thermal Spray Technologies. The company specializes in materials and surface engineering, offering a diverse range of products such as industrial knives, lawnmower blades, agricultural knives, and thermal spray coatings. Fisher Barton is recognized for its metallurgical expertise, supported by an in-house lab that enhances product development and quality assurance. The company serves major clients, including John Deere, and has been acknowledged for its excellence in supply and innovation. Fisher Barton continues to focus on technological advancements and employee development to maintain its leadership in the industry.
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Smardt Chiller Group is a global leader in oil-free centrifugal chiller technology, focusing on high-efficiency HVAC solutions for commercial, industrial, and institutional applications. Founded in 2005 by Roger Richmond-Smith and Ron Conry, the company has over 25 years of experience in magnetic bearing compressors and oil-free systems. Smardt operates manufacturing facilities in Canada, the USA, Australia, Germany, and China, with more than 10,000 chillers installed worldwide. The company offers a range of products, including water-cooled, air-cooled, and evaporative-cooled chillers, as well as customizable modular systems. All chillers utilize oil-free centrifugal compressors with magnetic bearings, which enhance energy efficiency and reduce maintenance needs. Smardt also provides custom engineering, global support for installation and maintenance, and energy efficiency consulting to help clients optimize their systems and reduce carbon footprints. The company serves various industries, including government facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturing, data centers, and hospitals, emphasizing reliability and sustainability in its solutions.