Congratulations: Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner: Tariq Farid: President and CEO Edible Arrangements.

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First presented in 1982, this award is conferred upon an individual who is currently building a successful business venture. The recipient need not be an IFA member, but must exemplify the "entrepreneurial spirit" that franchising represents. He or she must demonstrate innovative management skills and be a risk taker in a franchise that has been in operation for at least three years, while remaining active in his or her community.

Emigrating from Pakistan to the United States in 1969, Tariq Farid's entrepreneurial spirit bloomed in the late 1980s at the age of 17 when he used a $5,000 cash advance from his parents to purchase a local flower shop in East Haven, Conn. Within two years he was operating four successful stores, building on his experience from working in a McDonald's restaurant where he learned the power of business systemization. After realizing the need for quality software systems for ease of management in the retail floral industry, Farid founded computer-software distributor Netsolace in 1993 and boned his skills with computer systems.

In 1999, Farid opened the first Edible Arrangements, which specializes in fresh fruit arrangements. After designing the computer systems, training manuals, production and profitability tracking and supply chain management process, he began franchising the concept in 2001. As president and CEO, Farid has grown the company to more than 800 stores serving locations in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. Edible Arrangements has also garnered a number of recognitions including fourth place in Inc. magazine's 500 fastest growing companies in 2006, in 2007 as Entrepreneur magazine's 56th in its Franchise 500; 62nd among top global franchises; 15th among fastest-growing franchises; and in 2008 as 27th among the Hot 100 Fast-Growth Businesses.

In 2006, Farid also launched the franchise concept Frutation by Edible Arrangements out of his desire to provide consumers an on-the-go option. In addition to operating his three companies, Farid founded the Salma K. Farid Academy, Foundation and Welfare Center in his efforts to give back to the community. The Academy is a not-for-profit school for the Muslim community and the other entities provide support for those in need. Farid is also a member of Deen Inc. New Haven, which aims to revitalize the inner-city neighborhood.

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS

YEAR   WINNER                     COMPANY

2007   Brian Scudamore            1-800-GOT-JUNK?
2006   Paul R. Hogan              Home Instead Senior Care
2005   John Hewitt                Liberty Tax Service
2004   Mary Ellen Sheets          Two Men And A Truck
2003   Russell Umphenour          RTM Restaurant Group
2002   Steven J. Greenbaum, CFE   PostNet International
                                  Franchise Corp.
2001   David G. McKinnon          Service Brands International
2000   Sidney Feltenstein         Yorkshire Global Restaurants
1999   Robert Funk, CFE           Express Services
1998   Frank Belatti              AFC Enterprises
1997   Richard B. Rennick, CFE    American Leak Detection
1996   Anthony W. DeSio           Mail Boxes Etc.
1995   Abe Gustin, Jr.            Applebee's International Inc.
1994   Julie and Bill Brice       The Brice Group
1993   Shigeharu Komai            Duskin Co.
1992   Joseph Francis Sr.         The Barbers, Hairstyling Inc.
1991   U. Gary Charlwood, CFE     Uniglobe Travel International
                                  Limited Partnership
1990   Anthony Martino, CFE       Maaco Enterprises
1989   Al Copeland                Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits
1988   Frederick A. DeLuca, CFE   Subway Restaurants
1987   W. J. Hindman, CFE         Jiffy Lube International Inc.
1986   Thomas Monaghan            Domino's Pizza Inc.
1985   John Brown Jr.             KFC Corp.
1984   J. Willard Marriott        Marriott Corp.
1983   Frank Carney, CFE          Pizza Hut, Inc.
1982   Kemmons Wilson             Holiday Inns Inc.