Nearly one third of Bulldog 100 companies led by Franklin College alumni

Bulldog 100
By:
Susan Ambrosetti

Franklin College of Arts and Sciences alumni continue to show their Franklin Spark, the characteristics that define us at the intersection of arts and sciences (ambitious, curious, creative, innovative and tomorrow’s leader) and distinguish themselves as dynamic leaders in business and innovation. In the 2026 Bulldog 100 — selected by the University of Georgia Alumni Association as the fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA graduates—nearly a third of the companies are led by Franklin alumni, a testament to the college’s enduring influence in developing entrepreneurial talent and innovative solutions to societal issues. 

In this year’s Bulldog 100, 28 companies led by Franklin alumni were chosen by a third party for the achievement. The Bulldog 100 recognizes exceptional revenue growth and visionary leadership. This year’s Franklin honorees represent a remarkable range of sectors, including health care, professional services, technology, real estate, media, hospitality, global trade, and consumer products. These successful companies demonstrate the versatility and real-world impact of a Franklin education grounded in critical thinking, effective communication, interdisciplinary perspective, and intellectual rigor. 

Franklin graduates are equipped not only to excel in their fields but to create and expand enterprises that drive economic growth, generate employment, and advance their industries. The number of Franklin-led companies on this prestigious list underscores the college’s role in preparing leaders who transform ideas into sustainable, high-impact results. 

The Franklin alumni recognized on the 2026 Bulldog 100 are: 

Baddies Burger House — Madison Nedza (AB ’19)

Beck’s Contracting LLC — Casey Beck (BS ’12)

Conger & Smith, LLC — Bryant Thomas Conger (AB ’77, JD ’80)

Daniel Long Agency, Inc. — Daniel Long (AB ’04)

DF International Group — Diego Arteaga (AB ’85)

Ellsworth Cleaning & Facility Services — Michael Vestal (AB ’03)

Event Management Technologies, LLC — David Mook (AB ’91)

Hess Media, Inc. — Jennifer Hess (AB ’94)

Joe Powell & Associates and Joe Powell Services Inc. — Chad Powell (AB ’98)

Manley Shippley LLP — John Manly (AB ’04, JD ’08)

Martin CPA — Jeff Martin (AB ’87) and Rose Marie Martin (AB ’89)

Merit Partners — Robert Strange (AB ’93)

Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward – The Thumbs Up Guys — Jeffrey Ward (BS ’09)

Murray Osorio — Benjamin Osorio (AB ’04, JD ’11)

Porter Steel, Inc. — Cole Porter (AB ’10)

RichLife Advisors — Beau Henderson (AB ’03)

Scotland Wright Associates — Michael Tucker (AB ’09)

Southern Luxury Homes — Kevin Aycock (AB ’02, MBA ’15)

Starface — Brian Bordainick (AB ’07, BSED ’07)

Technology Pathfinders Consulting, LLC — Kevin Herrin (M ’91)

The Georgia Smile Group — Zach Powell (BS ’94)

The Live Oak Insurance Agency — Phil Setzer (AB ’09)

The Whole Tooth — Ashley Starnes (BS ’00) and Jason Bongiovi (BS ’01)

Translation Station — Phyllis Stallman (AB ’65)

Weezie Inc. — Elizabeth Eichholz (BFA ’12)

Williams Teusink — Eric Teusink (AB ’03)

WinGen by Swordpoint Services — Zan Banks (AB ’94) 

These accomplished leaders embody the Franklin Spark, and their achievements reinforce the college’s mission to develop graduates who lead with integrity, innovate responsibly, and create lasting value for their communities and industries. 

The University of Georgia Alumni Association will formally celebrate the 2026 Bulldog 100 honorees in February at a special event in Athens. The celebration will gather alumni, university leadership, and supporters to recognize excellence and strengthen the Bulldog network. 

Franklin congratulates its class of 2026 Bulldog 100.