Franchise Media Group (FMG) Congratulates Keith Sonderling on Confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Labor

Florida-rooted labor and employment attorney becomes the 31st Secretary of Labor, a position of real consequence for franchisors, franchisees and the workers they employ

PORT ORANGE, Fla. // FranchisePressReleases.com // October 2, 2026 – Franchise Media Group (FMG), the franchise-focused media company behind FranchisePressReleases.com, today congratulated Keith Sonderling on his confirmation by the U.S. Senate as Secretary of Labor. The Senate voted 47–41 on September 30, 2026, making Sonderling the 31st person to lead the Department of Labor.

Sonderling has led the department on an acting basis since April 2026. Before that, he served as Deputy Secretary of Labor, a post to which the Senate confirmed him in March 2025. His earlier career includes service as a commissioner of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, a role as Deputy Administrator of the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, and years as a labor and employment attorney at the Florida law firm Gunster.

Why It Matters to Franchising

Franchising is built on small business owners and the people they hire. Franchise systems employ millions of Americans, and the rules that govern wages, overtime, worker classification, workplace safety and employee benefits shape how franchise brands grow and how franchisees run their locations every day. The Secretary of Labor sits at the center of those decisions.

“Franchising is one of the great engines of American small business ownership, and the Department of Labor’s decisions touch every franchise location in the country,” said Mark Milburn, Founder and CEO of Franchise Media Group. “We congratulate Secretary Sonderling on his confirmation and wish him every success. Clarity and consistency in labor policy help franchisors and franchisees plan, hire and invest with confidence.”

A Florida Connection

Sonderling built much of his private-sector career in Florida, advising employers and handling employment disputes. FMG, headquartered in Port Orange, Florida, recognizes the milestone as one that resonates with the state’s large and growing franchise community.

Looking Ahead

FMG will continue to follow labor and employment developments that affect the franchise industry and share timely news and resources with franchisors, franchisees and prospective franchise owners through FranchisePressReleases.com.

About Franchise Media Group

Franchise Media Group (FMG) is a franchise-focused media company operating a network of more than 80 franchise industry websites, led by its flagship property, FranchisePressReleases.com. FMG builds on more than 25 years of franchise marketing experience, tracing back to FranchiseAmerica, a network of franchise-centric sites launched in 1999. FMG helps franchise brands tell their stories through press releases, content marketing and lead-generation properties. Learn more at FranchisePressReleases.com.

Media Contact
Mark Milburn
Franchise Media Group
Port Orange, Florida