Cory Griggs of LIME Painting Named Franchisee of the Year

Charleston, South Carolina business owner recognized by world’s oldest and largest franchising association during Annual Convention in Las Vegas; Recognized for excellence in business, giving back, and providing opportunities to those around them

LAS VEGAS – The International Franchise Association (IFA) today named Cory Griggs, owner of LIME Painting in Charleston, South Carolina as a 2024 Franchisee of the Year. Griggs was honored at the 65th IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, for being an outstanding franchise establishment owner-operator. The IFA Franchisee of the Year awards are given to the top franchisees from IFA member brands across industries from around the country and the world.

“Franchisees of the Year represent the very best of franchising,” said Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “They embody the American Dream, create economic opportunity, serve their communities and show what it means to go into business for yourself, but not by yourself. We are proud to recognize Cory Griggs with the highest honor IFA awards to individual franchisees, and we salute his tireless efforts to lift up all those he serves.”

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.

Cory moved to Charleston in 2021, drawn by its vibrant community and the opportunity to enjoy a better quality of life for his family after decades of spending summers there. Since starting his business, he has cultivated a thriving company rooted in LIME Painting’s core values: Love, Integrity, Mission, and Excellence, earning the trust and admiration of the Charleston community.

“Winning Franchisee of the Year is an incredible honor and a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and passion my team and I put in every day. This award isn’t just about me—it’s about the people who make our business thrive, from our employees to our loyal customers,” said Griggs. “I’m grateful for the support of my team, my family, and the entire franchise community. This recognition only motivates me to keep pushing for excellence and growth!”

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.

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About the International Franchise Association:

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 830,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, $896.9 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.

About LIME Painting:

After discovering his passion for home improvement while owning his first painting LLC, Nick Lopez founded LIME Painting in 2013 to set the standard of excellence in painting high-end residential and commercial properties. Five years later, he put his perfected business model to the test and began franchising to provide high-quality interior and exterior painting, coating, and other restoration services to maintain the aesthetic and integrity of luxury properties across the country. LIME Painting currently serves luxury home and business owners in all 90+ locations in 21+ states. For more information, go to https://limepainting.com/.