The owners of Kregel Parable Christian Stores in Grand Rapids, Mich., have been recognized by the International Franchise Association (IFA) and Parable Christian Stores as Franchisee of the Year.

The annual IFA Franchisee of the Year Award acknowledges franchise small-business operators for outstanding performance. Franchisees representing 50 different businesses were honored with the award at the annual IFA convention last month. Jim and Kathie Kregel, along with general manager Chris Tromp, were on hand to accept the award.

“Kregel has been an established name in the Grand Rapids area for more than 95 years,” Tromp said. “When the Parable Franchise option was introduced, we recognized an even greater opportunity for success through co-branding with the national Parable brand.”

Parable Franchising is the largest Christian retail franchise in the nation. Through the Parable Franchise, owners join forces to develop brand recognition, share knowledge, increase market share and streamline the supply chain. Kregel stores were among the first to join the franchise.

The IFA is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising.