27-Year Franchisee with PIRTEK System Awarded with Honors At 2025 IFA Annual Convention

ROCKLEDGE, Fla. (FEBRUARY 12, 2025) – PIRTEK USA is proud to announce that Ken Adair, a distinguished PIRTEK franchise owner in the Chicagoland area, has been recognized as a 2024 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA) during its 65^th Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. This prestigious award honors leading franchise owners who exemplify excellence in performance, community engagement, and franchise leadership.

Adair, who launched his first PIRTEK location in 1998, has since grown his business to encompass nine locations, making him one of the most successful operators in the PIRTEK system. A consistent top sales producer, Adair has been instrumental in PIRTEK’s growth while fostering a culture of mentorship and collaboration among fellow franchisees.

“Ken’s leadership and contributions to the PIRTEK network extend far beyond his own business success,” said Kim Gubera, CEO of PIRTEK USA. “His commitment to supporting other franchise owners, sharing best practices, and helping drive the system forward make him a truly outstanding franchisee. We are thrilled to see him recognized with this well-deserved honor from the IFA.”

As a sitting member of PIRTEK’s Franchise Advisory Council, Adair’s experience provides a highly valued perspective on issues important to both the franchisor and franchisee community. He also founded a peer group program within PIRTEK that fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing, a resource that has helped numerous franchisees accelerate their growth and performance. Many past PIRTEK award winners credit Adair’s mentorship as a key factor in their success.

His leadership was further highlighted at PIRTEK’s 2024 Regional Meeting, where he was named a Franchisee Legend, sharing his experience and insights with fellow franchise owners. Adair has also been instrumental in developing future PIRTEK franchisees, guiding two of his employees to become business owners themselves.

“Ken embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and collaborative mindset that makes PIRTEK a strong and growing brand,” said John Dobelbower, Vice President of Franchise Development at PIRTEK USA. “His willingness to invest in others and elevate those around him makes him an invaluable leader within our system.”

The Franchisee of the Year awards recognize leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance, and promote the franchise business model. Nominated by their parent company, individuals are selected for their service to their communities, fostering a strong and vibrant workforce, opening the doors for career growth and entrepreneurship, and supporting their fellow franchisees.

There are approximately 830,000 franchised businesses across the U.S., providing nearly 9 million direct jobs and generating over $896 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. 

For more information on PIRTEK franchise opportunities, visit www.pirtekusafranchise.com.

ABOUT PIRTEK USA:

PIRTEK USA provides hydraulic and industrial hose maintenance and replacement services through on-site mobile and service centers. With more than 150 locations across the U.S., PIRTEK keeps their customers operating through its 1-hour ETA on-site hose service which is available 24/7/365. PIRTEK mobile service helps to minimizes equipment downtime and eliminates the need for customers to leave their job sites or facilities to locate new hydraulic and industrial hoses as well as hydraulic fittings. WE’LL KEEP YOU OPERATING® For more information, visit https://www.pirtekusa.com/ or follow us at @PIRTEKUSA on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.