PIRTEK USA President & CEO Kim Gubera Selected to Serve on the International Franchise Association Board of Director

Franchising Leader Brings More Than 20 Years of Industry Experience to the Board of the World's Oldest and Largest Franchising Association

ROCKLEDGE, FL (OCTOBER 29, 2026) - PIRTEK USA, a leading provider of mobile and retail hydraulic and industrial hose services, today announced that Kim Gubera, President and CEO of PIRTEK USA and PIRTEK Canada, has been selected to serve on the International Franchise Association (IFA) Board of Directors. Gubera will officially assume the role at the 2027 IFA Annual Convention in February and serve a three-year term.

Gubera brings more than 25 years of franchising experience to the board, with a background spanning financial and executive leadership, franchise operations, and strategic growth. Under her leadership, PIRTEK's U.S. franchise network has grown exponentially in seven years, surpassing 200 locations nationwide in 2026.

"Kim brings invaluable experience to the IFA Board of Directors with a firsthand understanding of how franchising helps build thriving brands and supports local business ownership and jobs across the country and around the world," said Matt Haller, IFA President and CEO. "I am grateful for her commitment to IFA's mission to strengthen the franchise model at a time when the organization continues to grow and evolve."

Gubera began her career in accounting and worked her way up to Director of Finance at U.S. Lawns, another franchise brand. She also earned an MBA and became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) prior to joining PIRTEK in 2016 as Corporate Controller. She was promoted to CFO and Vice President of PIRTEK in 2018 before assuming her current role in January 2019.

"I'm honored to join the IFA Board of Directors and contribute to an organization that plays such an important role in supporting the franchise community," said Gubera. "Throughout my career, I've experienced how franchising creates opportunities for entrepreneurs and strengthens local businesses. I look forward to working alongside fellow industry leaders to help advance the franchise model and ensure it continues to create opportunities for future generations of business owners."

In addition to leading PIRTEK's U.S. and Canadian operations, Gubera holds the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) designation from the IFA, serves on the IFA Franchisor Forum Advisory Board, and is an IFA Franship Mentor.

The 2027 IFA Board of Directors brings together leaders from a wide range of businesses and professional backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of franchising and IFA's membership. According to IFA data, more than 832,000 franchise businesses in the U.S. employ nearly 9 million people and generate more than $900 billion in economic output. Franchising spans more than 300 industries and reaches nearly every community across the country.

For more information about PIRTEK and its franchise opportunities, visit www.pirtekusafranchise.com.

ABOUT PIRTEK USA:

PIRTEK provides the fastest hydraulic and industrial hose maintenance and replacement services through on-site mobile and service and supply centers. The brand has more than 500 mobile service vehicles and over 200 retail locations across the U.S. PIRTEK has a 1-hour ETA for on-site hose service, is available 24/7/365, and is a simple solution that 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 www.pirtekusa.com or follow us at @PIRTEKUSA on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

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 more than 832,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, $907.3 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions about PIRTEK USA

Q: What does Kim Gubera's election to the International Franchise Association (IFA) Board of Directors mean for PIRTEK?

A: Kim Gubera's election to the IFA Board of Directors recognizes her more than 25 years of franchising experience and her commitment to strengthening the franchise business model. As President and CEO of PIRTEK USA and PIRTEK Canada, she brings a perspective shaped by franchise network development, operational support, and sustainable business growth.

Q: What makes franchising an attractive model for entrepreneurs interested in B2B services?

A: B2B service franchises offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to serve other businesses through an established operating system and support network. At PIRTEK, franchisees provide essential hydraulic and industrial hose maintenance and replacement services that help businesses minimize or eliminate unplanned, costly equipment downtime. The model combines recurring business needs with the opportunity to build long-term customer relationships.

Q: How has PIRTEK grown under Kim Gubera's leadership?

A: Under Kim's leadership, PIRTEK's U.S. franchise network has grown 178% in seven years, surpassing 200 locations nationwide in 2026. That growth reflects the brand's focus on expanding its network while equipping franchise owners with the training, resources, and operational support needed to build their businesses.

Q: How does the IFA support franchise businesses and franchise owners?

A: The IFA supports the franchise industry by advocating for the franchise business model, connecting industry leaders, and promoting opportunities for business ownership.