Franchise Printers -- Some Franchise Players

Carl Gerhardt took the leadership torch from Bill McIntyre at Allegra Network, based in Northville, MI, and the transition should prove to be seamless. The pair had went into business as partners in a master franchise to bolster then-American Speedy's presence in the Rocky Mountain states.

After spending time in a consulting role with the company, McIntyre—settling into the chairman's role—convinced Gerhardt to take the president's helm. "We did a management buyout with the help of some investors a few years ago, so we have a chance to be an equity partner in the Allegra Network and also the chance to lead us to the next level of growth," Gerhardt says. "It's a challenge in the current market conditions, but we're excited about the possibility."