Accurate Franchising, Inc. has named Austin Titus as its new Brand President, succeeding longtime leader Tipton Shonkwiler. The leadership transition highlights a pivotal moment for the franchise consulting firm, which has steadily expanded its influence in supporting emerging brands.
Ray Titus, chief executive of United Franchise Group, described the appointment as a strategic move designed to strengthen AFI’s trajectory. He praised Austin’s “exceptional blend of strategic thinking, operational excellence, and leadership,” suggesting confidence that the transition will accelerate momentum rather than merely preserve it.
For Austin, the role represents both continuity and opportunity. “I’m excited to be joining Accurate Franchising and to contribute to the momentum the team has already built,” he said. His statement reflects both enthusiasm and a readiness to guide the brand into its next chapter.
AFI has been experiencing strong results in recent quarters, including dozens of new franchise development deals and robust participation in its Extended Support Program, a two-year mentoring initiative created to assist emerging franchisors. These achievements provide a solid foundation for Austin as he steps into his new leadership role.
The company also benefits from its close ties to United Franchise Group, a global network of brands operating across more than 80 countries. This affiliation ensures that AFI can leverage shared expertise, systems, and international reach while focusing on the unique challenges of franchise consulting.
Austin’s career path prepared him for this moment. He began with operational experience in franchise development, gained exposure to broker networks, and later directed growth for UFG’s Emerging Brands division. His leadership roles at FranVestCo and Network Lead Exchange further expanded his expertise in scaling young businesses and supporting franchise entrepreneurs.
The transition signals both stability and forward momentum for AFI. Under Austin’s leadership, the organization is expected to continue refining its consulting model while pursuing new avenues of growth, ensuring its place as a trusted partner for brands seeking to enter and expand within the competitive world of franchising.
