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Speaker Bios

	Norman Abdallah Principal, Triple Tap Ventures LLC, CEO/President, Restaurants Unlimited Triple Tap Ventures LLC has acquired two existing company–owned Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas in the Houston metropolitan area, which were named "Best Movie Theater with Dinner" by the Houston Press. Triple Tap has plans to construct new properties in the Houston market as well as Amarillo, Corpus Christi, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa and San Marcos. Triple Tap’s principals – Norman Abdallah and Neil Billingsley–Michaelsen – have more than 40 years of restaurant, franchise, corporate finance, management, entertainment and concept development experience between them. Abdallah is currently CEO and president of Restaurants Unlimited Inc., a Sun Capital Partners portfolio company, a $250 million multi concept restaurant company. Prior to that he served as the Senior Vice Chairman and President of Amer Group, a 2 Billion Dollar conglomerate of Hotels, Resorts, Restaurants and Real Estate located in Cairo Egypt. Previously Mr. Abdallah, was the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder of Fired Up, Inc., parent company of American-based casual dining chain Carino’s Italian. As CEO he was instrumental in completely redefining and repositioning the original six restaurants into a worldwide brand of 160 restaurants with $400 million in system wide sale, in 26 states and five countries, while building a world class management team with 12,000 employees. Prior to Fired Up, Inc., Mr. Abdallah was President and CEO of Red Hot Concepts, a Chili's licensee for the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, Mr. Abdallah for nine years was employed with Brinker International performing various management roles including the Vice President of Franchise Operations and Development, where he was responsible for franchise restaurants with annual sales volumes exceeding $350 million. Mr. Abdallah was instrumental in expanding the Chili's brand worldwide in 26 countries and over 160 international restaurants outside the United States. Mr. Abdallah developed & implemented the On the Border and Macaroni Grill franchise programs and was responsible for creating the Chili's Too concept. During his tenure at Brinker, the company grew from $200 million in annual sales to over $2 billion.

	Jim Bodenstedt President, MUY Brands MUY Brands, LLC was founded by Jim and Cathy Bodenstedt in 2003 when the company originally acquired 18 existing Taco Bell and KFC restaurants in West Texas and Corpus Christi. In October 2004 MUY Brands, LLC acquired 4 additional seasoned KFC & Taco Bell restaurants in Wichita Falls, Texas. In June 2005 15 existing Pizza Hut restaurants in South Texas were acquired by MUY Pizza, LLC. In late 2005 MUY Brands, LLC acquired another 9 Long John Silver’s Restaurants in its core Corpus Christi and Rio Grande Valley markets and in early 2006, MUY Brands, LLC purchased another 9 existing Taco Bell Restaurants in Amarillo, Texas, in early 2007 acquired 32 Pizza Huts in El Paso and Corpus Christi, in mid 2008 acquired 15 LJS and A&W's, and later in 2008 acquired 30 additional LJS and A&W’s, which established the company as one of the Top 25 Yum Brands Inc.'s Franchisees. Since 1998 Mr. Bodenstedt has served as COO and CFO of R&L Foods Inc., a 60 restaurant franchisee of Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut restaurants in Central and Southern Texas in addition to his ownership of MUY Brands, LLC. Mr. Bodenstedt has been responsible for managing over 3,000 MUY Brands, LLC and 2,000 R&L employees including all restaurant operations, marketing, and financing, as well as new restaurant development and remodeling including the co-branding of 27 new restaurants with additional YUM Brands, Inc. concepts.

	Reg Byrd President, Direct Connect Ventures A Technical Venture Strategist assisting entrepreneurs in all funding aspects to purchase a Hotel, Franchise or Independent Business vis-à-vis all SBA products, Commercial Retail Lending sources, Equity sourcing, Equipment Leasing, Retirement Rollovers and guaranteed Executive Level Business Plans. A Financial Executive with vast experience in the urban, convention center, upper up-scale and resort segments of the hospitality industry. Highly competent in negotiating funding, working directly with owners, asset management groups, lenders, CPA’s, and in the legal arena as it relates to matters of compliance. Achievements are made through dedication and commitment to excellence without mediocrity. Committed to providing Cost Segregation Studies and Energy Tax Deduction Assessments (Go-Green) for hotel, commercial, industrial and institutional properties. Focus on building relationships by educating, promoting and performing Cost Segregation Services based on the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS). Licensed California Real Estate Broker representing Hotel Real Estate Investors, buyers and sellers in hotel sales transactions of all sizes. Expert in the due-diligence process of the listing, sale, financing, acquisition, closing and post-closing transaction.

	Kevin Cushing CEO, AlphaGraphics As Chief Executive Officer for AlphaGraphics, Inc., Kevin K. Cushing is responsible for driving overall business operations and leading a system-wide effort to pursue opportunities and increase global business. Cushing has more than 25 years of experience in operations, finance, sales and marketing, real estate development and managing large and small organizations. Before joining AlphaGraphics, Inc., Cushing created Progressive Partners in Minneapolis, MN, with the sole purpose of owning and operating AlphaGraphics centers in the Twin Cities market. Progressive Partners opened its first location in downtown Minneapolis, MN in 1995 and a second location in Plymouth, MN, in 1998. Both locations were among the first AlphaGraphics locations to be accredited with ISO certifications, signifying they had met international quality management and assurance standards. Cushing’s superior leadership and visionary approach to quality operations, outside sales and e-Commerce initiatives proved to be a successful combination. He has earned numerous awards, including the AlphaGraphics Rising Star Award, Chairman’s Club Award and Gold Circle Status every year since 1998. Cushing’s foray into the franchise business industry came during his post as President of Terratron Inc., a company responsible for turning around franchise restaurants that experienced significant operational challenges. During his time with Terratron Inc., Cushing led the firm’s growth to become the fourth largest operator of Hardee’s Restaurants in the U.S., operating 80 locations in seven states and employing more than 3,000 people.

	Greg Cutchall CEO, Cutchall Management Co.; Famous Dave's, Sonic, Paradise Bakery, Tin Star, Burger Star, Rock Bottom Gold Medal Tap Franchisee Greg Cutchall is President and CEO of Cutchall Management Company (CMC) in Omaha. CMC currently owns and operates 6 different franchise concepts of 42 locations in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Utah and Texas. Since 1989, CMC has acquired or developed more than 60 restaurants including Popeyes, Julio's, Rib Ranch, Bum Steer, 3 Cheers, Sonic Drive-In, The Exchange, Austin's, Famous Dave's, Tin Star, Paradise Bakery & Cafe, Burger Star and Rock Bottom. CMC got its start in 1986 with the opening of Progressive Park and 18-acre company picnic facility on the Missouri River in Council Bluffs, Iowa. CMC was one of only 13 companies to make the Inc. 500 list of the Fastest Growing Private Companies in America 4 years in a row. During the past year, CMC has opened the first franchised Rock Bottom Restaurant in Omaha, Nebraska CMC has also acquired the development rights and management contract for Paradise Bakery in Salt Lake City, Utah, bringing CMC's stable of Paradise Bakery restaurants to 12.

	Michael D'Arezzo Director of Franchise Sales, CKE Restaurants, Inc. Michael D'Arezzo has been in the QSR/Fast Casual restaurant industry since 1984. He brings a great deal of knowledge in the franchise industry from a background in operations to franchise sales/development. He is currently the Director of Franchise Sales – North America for CKE Restaurants, responsible for Carl's Jr. franchise growth in the US and Canada. In 1983, Mike operated a Baskin-Robbins store in Butte, MT before spending another 15 years in franchise operations both domestically and internationally with Baskin-Robbins/Allied Domecq. Mike then spent several years as a Franchise Development Manager with Mrs. Field’s Famous Brands based in Salt Lake City becoming their top sales producer. In 2004 he transitioned into the burger business becoming the Manager of Franchise Sales for Burger King Corporation in Miami responsible for a significant portion of the US before becoming the VP of Franchising for Fatburger North America, Inc., an iconic hamburger chain in Southern CA which led Mike to join CKE Restaurants in 2007. Mike is a member of the IFA and has received his CFE (Certified Franchise Executive) certification.

	Mike Ditka Legendary NFL Coach and Analyst Coach Mike Ditka brings his game of enthusiasm, passion, and humor to present a winning coach’s recipe for success. Coach of the 1985 NFL champion Chicago Bears—perhaps the greatest (and quirkiest) football teams to ever take the field—Ditka also is one of only two men in the history of professional football to win championships as a player, assistant coach, and head coach. Following his brief career as an analyst for NBC’s NFL Live, Ditka returned to the game he loves, taking over as head coach of the New Orleans Saints for three seasons, 1997 to 1999. Currently a contributor to the team on CBS’s NFL Today, Ditka’s successes, both on and off the field, make him one of the most compelling speakers on the circuit today. In this inspiring keynote presentation, he will share his experience of how commitment, attention, and attitude result in victory, whatever the game.

	Joe Drury Owner, Alonzo Holdings; Franchisee of Qdoba Mexican Grill, Donatos Pizza Joe Drury is owner of Alonzo Holdings, LLC, a holding company for several restaurant concepts and other entrepreneurial enterprises. He currently owns and operates three restaurant concepts with 40 + units combined of Donatos Pizzeria, Qdoba Mexican Grill and Just Fresh Kitchen Bistro with investments in several other individual restaurant concepts. In 2007, Drury purchased the rights from the Donatos Pizzeria parent company to develop North Carolina and South Carolina; the Just Fresh Kitchen Bistro is owned by Drury and operated in NC. Drury is also the principal in the franchise for Qdoba Mexican Grill in North Carolina and Tennessee. For these three concepts, a development agreement is in place to build a combined 250 + stores. In 2001, Joe became Chairman and CEO of Bojangles’ Restaurants, Inc. as well as the lead investor. When Drury took the helm of Bojangles’ in 2001, he brought with him more than three decades of experience in the quick-service restaurant business. Drury, the franchisees and staff successfully grew Bojangles’ from 180 units to 420 in 6 years. In 2007, Drury sold Bojangles’ when the company was at a phenomenal peak in growth and sales. From the grill to the counter to manager trainee to vice president, Drury spent decades learning every facet of the quick-service restaurant business.

	Mike Elliott Peak Franchise Capital, Managing Director Mike is the Founder and Managing Partner of Peak Franchise Capital, a boutique advisory and consulting firm focused on the restaurant and retail industry. He previously served as Executive Vice President, Third Party Development and Franchise at Quiznos. Mike played a key role at Burger King as the Managing Director, Franchise Finance and Business Development, leading Burger King’s franchise restructuring program and business development teams. Additionally, he served as Senior Director of Finance for YUM! Brands and Pizza Hut, where he was responsible for domestic merger and acquisition activities. Mike began his career in commercial banking and real estate, before becoming the Chief Financial Officer of Network Multi-Family Security Corp. and the Corporate Controller of PSI Holding, the U.S. holding company for a Swiss-based service conglomerate. He received his BBA in Accounting from Northeast Louisiana University and earned his CPA.

	BJ Emerson Director of Information and Social Technologies, Tasti D-Lite LLC BJ Emerson brings a strong blend of technical and creative abilities to his role as Director of Information and Social Technologies for Tasti D-Lite. In his 12 years of experience, BJ has overseen the rapid expansion of technologies to include providing hosted applications for entire franchise networks. In 2005, BJ led the deployment of a $2M Corporate and Franchise Enterprise technology platform which won a Microsoft Pinnacle award for Excellence in 2006. Featured in Twitter’s Business 101 Case Studies, BJ has spearheaded the integration of the Tasti D-Lite brand experience with online communities by engaging customers and working with franchisees to expand the brand through social media. Recently, BJ led the development of the first ever loyalty program to be integrated with social sites Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare.

	Todd Evans Vice President of Franchising, Aaron's Todd Evans has been serving as Vice President, Franchising of Aaron's since 2001. Prior to that, he was Director of Franchise Development of Aaron's from 1991 to 1998 and Vice President from 1998 to 2000. From March to October 2000, he served as President of Her-Kel Investments, a franchisee of Aaron's. He rejoined Aaron's in October 2000 as Vice President, Business Development before being promoted to Vice President, Franchising in 2001. Aaron's has 1,486 sales and lease ownership stores, 1,014 company-operated stores in 33 states and Canada, and 484 independently owned franchised stores in 45 states and Canada. In addition, the company operates Aaron's Corporate Furnishings division which rents residential and office furniture through 62 company-operated stores in 16 states.

	Atour Eyvazian Jack in the Box, Franchisee Atour Eyvazian Joined Jack In the Box, Inc. as an employee in 1984. In 1998 Atour earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and in 2001 his master’s degree from University of Phoenix. The National Restaurant Association honored Atour, a Jack in the Box® franchise operator, at its "Faces of Diversity" awards program in 2007. · In 2007 he was invited to attend the National Restaurant Association's Public Affairs Conference in Washington DC to meet with different members of Congress. · Atour was the regional franchisee of the year in 2007 and National franchisee of the year in 2008. · Atour was elected to Houston’s National Restaurant Association board of director in 2009 and was elected to serve in National Franchise Advisory Council for Jack In The Box in 2010. Today he owns 59 restaurants and out of the 59 he operates 49 of them in and around Houston, Texas.

	Sean Falk Wolfteam LLC, Nacho Gang LLC, Great American Cookies, Pretzel Time, Mrs. Fields Cookies, Pretzelmaker, Salsarita's Fresh Cantina Sean Falk grew up in Monroe, Michigan and graduated from The University of Michigan with an Engineering degree. After college, Sean went into the United States Marine Corps. As an Infantry Officer he spent 8 months in the first Gulf War. After returning from Operation Desert Storm, he was assigned to the Recon Battalion and spent his time off the coast of Bosnia. During his time in the military he traveled extensively; training with military members from many different countries. His first experience with Corporate America was with Stryker Instruments back in his home state of Michigan. It was then that he got the bug to be a franchise owner. Sean started out his franchising experience by investing in cookie, pretzel, and children’s retail stores. His most recent foray was a Mexican restaurant franchise, Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina. Within 10 years of opening his first location, Sean had 12 different franchises up and running. He has an agreement to open at least two more stores in the near future, with a desire to open many more! Sean enjoys doing triathlons and has completed three Ironman competitions. But most importantly, he enjoys being with his family, spending time playing games and other family activities. Sean currently lives in Monroe, Michigan, with his wife Kecia and his three children, Keely, Colin and Ian.

	Lane Fisher Partner, Fisher & Zucker Lane Fisher oversees a 10-attorney franchise practice group with offices in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Georgia. His firm, FisherZucker, represents franchisors in complex business transactions and litigation. He is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and serves on the Franchise Law Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association, the Philadelphia Bar Association, and the American Bar Association’s Forum Committee on Franchising. In addition to chairing the IFA’s Membership Committee, he serves as a member of the IFA’s Board of Directors; chairs the Legal Symposium Task Force; and serves on the FranPAC Advisory Board. He is a frequent speaker at franchise conferences and has written extensively on franchising earnings claims and multi-unit franchising. For the past four years, Philadelphia Magazine has identified him as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer. Franchise Times named him one of its Top 100 Franchise Attorneys, earning him its Legal Eagle designation, and as No. 2 in its 2007 “Top 20 to Watch” list.

	Lorne Fisher CEO, Fish Consulting Lorne Fisher serves as the CEO/Managing Partner of Fish Consulting, a national communications consulting company focused on creating public relations and marketing strategies that deliver measurable business results for its clients. For more than 15 years, Lorne has worked in communications on both the agency and corporate side. This experience has been invaluable in providing Lorne with an understanding of the unique needs and challenges each side faces every day. This understanding allows him to provide insightful counsel to clients and employees to help them succeed. Fish specializes in public relations for franchising companies in a variety of industries. The agency’s franchise clients include Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin Robbins, Sylvan Learning, Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina, PostNet, Edible Arrangements, Jiffy Lube, Checkers, Firehouse Subs and WineStyles, among others. Also, Lorne serves as the Communications Chair for on the Franchise Advisory Board of WomenVenture, an economic development agency in Minneapolis that helps women learn how to start their own businesses.

	Mike Flores Franchisee, Jack in the Box Michael V. Flores has a 39 year work history with Jack in the Box. Mike started as a restaurant crew member in 1971 and soon after became a district manager in California and then a regional franchise director. Mike was instrumental in successfully transferring in excess of 300 restaurants from company-owned to franchises. In 2008, he retired from the corporation and purchased ten locations from corporate and soon after he acquired another eleven locations in Central California.

	Don Fox Chief Operating Officer, Firehouse Subs Mr. Fox has been Chief Operating Officer of Firehouse Subs since May 2005. He joined FRG as Director of Franchise Compliance in May 2003. From 1980 to 2003, he was Franchise Business Manager for Burger King Corporation located in Miami, Florida. Mr. Fox’s business experience includes 6 years of developing training, research and development and operations systems and 13 years experience in positions with responsibilities equivalent or similar in nature to those of the Area Representative. Fox is responsible for steering the direction of the company's franchise growth, and fostering the brand’s network of Area Representatives (AR) who own Firehouse Subs “territories” across 19 states. Fox immediately impacted the organization six years ago by developing and fully defining the brand, its franchise system, and solidifying the company’s commitment to operational excellence. A 30-year restaurant industry veteran, Fox joined Firehouse Subs in 2003 after 23 years with Burger King. During his tenure he defined the role of the AR to include mentoring, coaching and assisting with all aspects of running a business, such as multi-unit restaurant ownership and marketing. It’s an entrepreneurial model that provides a caliber of support and a continuity of relationships that best serves Firehouse Subs’ growth strategy, and is one of many attributes that sets the company apart. Fox’s talents span far beyond that of the restaurant industry. He is a musician and the published author of Patton's Vanguard, an in-depth study of the United States 4th Armored Division during WWII.

	John Geenen Vice President of Investments, The Waterfront Investment Group, UBS Financial Services Inc. John Geenen is a First Vice President – Investments with UBS Financial Services, Inc. John designs franchisor sponsored, value added investment programs for the franchise community.

	Rob Gerstenfeld Director of Franchising, Checkers Drive In Restaurants, Inc. Rob Gerstenfeld presently serves as Director of Franchising and Business Development for Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. the largest double drive-thru restaurant chain in the United States. In his current position, he is responsible for franchise sales and management, new business development, franchisee relations and operations as well as real estate development. Mr. Gerstenfeld brings more than 10 years of experience in the global franchise sector. Prior to joining the Checkers family, he worked for four years at Dunkin Brands, Inc where he was most recently a part of the Franchise Finance Solutions Team where he developed the “Franchise Finance Solutions Program” (FFSP) for the purpose of assisting distressed franchisees. In that role he created presentations to gain approval for the roll-out of FFSP to the system, and he also worked with franchisor, franchisee, lenders, landlords and other creditors to assist in global restructuring. During his tenure at Dunkin, Mr. Gerstenfeld also served as Manager of Business Development where he created and implemented key market turnaround strategies and Manager of Franchising which led him to negotiate and close 15 Store Development Agreements totaling 121 units.

	Gary Grace 2009 Conference Chair, Franchisee, Supercuts Gary Grace has been a Supercuts franchisee for 30 years and has opened more than 125 units. He currently owns 37 stores. He is serving his 11th consecutive year as President of the Supercuts Franchisee Association and as the Franchisee Chair of the Supercuts Advisory Council. In 1989, he was named the Top Franchisee in America by Inc. magazine. Prior to Supercuts he was a partner in Growth Strategies, a franchise consulting firm.

	Dave Griffin Owner, Griffin Fast Lube, LLC; Jiffy Lube Franchisee Dave Griffin, owner of Griffin Fast Lube, LLC and a multi-unit franchisee owner of Jiffy Lube International, has more than 10 years experience in the quick lube industry. His family-run company is based in Ogden, Utah, where it owned and operated the very first Jiffy Lube service center which was opened in 1979. Today, Mr. Griffin now operates 50 Jiffy Lube service centers in Utah, northern Nevada and Colorado. He is committed not only to quality, customer service and vehicle maintenance but also to giving back to the local communities which have kept his businesses successful even in a difficult economic climate. In 2008, Griffin Fast Lube was recognized by Jiffy Lube for its strong commitment to training, certification and compliance with Jiffy Lube standards. Mr. Griffin’s interest in the industry started at an early age when he operated an auto detailing business while attending Utah State University. Today he is happy to work on a daily basis with his wife and three sons at Griffin Enterprises who he gives credit to for their strong work ethic, commitment to quality and service.

	Aziz Hashim President/CEO, National Restaurant Development, Inc.; Franchisee, Checkers, Popeyes, Subway, Moe's Southwest Grill Aziz Hashim is the President and CEO of National Restaurant Development, Inc. (NRD), a multi- brand QSR /FCR developer and operator. Aziz has over 25 years experience in the restaurant sector and has been recognized for his leadership by several brands. Nation’s Restaurant News also recognized Aziz as its Franchisee Entrepreneur of the in 2005. In addition to leading NRD’s success, Aziz serves on several advisory boards both within and beyond the restaurant industry. National Restaurant Development (NRD) is a network of Multi-Unit Quick Service Restaurant development and operations companies headquartered in Atlanta GA. Today, NRD has franchises with Popeyes, Checkers Drive-In Restaurants/Rally’s, Subway and Moe’s Southwest Grill. NRD’s operations span from California to Georgia and are actively growing through new store development and acquisitions.

	Glen Helton President and COO, Strategic Restaurants Acquisitions Corp. Glen Helton is Chief Operating Officer and President for Strategic Restaurant Acquisition Corp., the second largest Franchise Group with Burger King Corporation. Glen is responsible for the day to day operations for 271 Burger King Restaurants in 8 different states including California, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Kansas and has served in this position since March of 2005. Glen is a director on the board for SRAC Holdings Inc. and is the managing director for the company. SRAC Holdings Inc. also owns and operates 17 TGIF’s/ Friday’s restaurants in New York and Florida. SRAC was recently honored at the 2009 BKC Global Convention with the Brand Leadership Award, one of the highest honors given at Burger King to their franchisees. Glen presently serves on the People Excellence Advisory Council, providing input directly to the Executive team at Burger King on ways to position Burger King as an employer of choice company for its employees, franchisees and stakeholders. Prior to joining Strategic Restaurants, Glen served as Vice President of Operations / Operation Services for Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits, the world’s second largest quick-service chicken chain with more than 1954 restaurants worldwide. An 18 year member of the Popeye’s team, he was responsible for the company’s technology & operating system initiatives and had direct P&L responsibility for all company operated restaurants. Glen was also with the Boston Market concept during it’s peak growth period as a Managing Partner that opened and operated 62 locations in the Carolina’s, Georgia, and Virginia. Helton began his career with Burger King as an hourly team member where he later became a restaurant general manager and District Manager with a franchise group in Houston, Texas.

	Ellen Hui President & CEO, EBR Investmnts Ellen Hui is a multi-unit franchisee for Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits. She operates six Popeyes in the San Francisco Bay Area. She left a successful career in banking, shifting gears to zero in on customer service, the restaurant business, franchising, real estate development. Today she runs her own company, EBR Investments in San Francisco, where she is President and CEO.

	Lyndon Johnson 2010 Conference Chair; President, Reciprocity Restaurant Group; Franchisee, Church's Chicken Lyndon S. Johnson is President of Reciprocity Restaurant Group LLC, an area developer of 11 Church’s Chicken restaurants in Oklahoma. Lyndon has over 20 years of general management experience with several national brands such as KFC, Church’s Chicken and Burger King Corporation. He has used his extensive brand management background as the foundation for building a solid relationship with his franchisor, advocating for his fellow franchise partners and establishing the foundation for the operating principles for his emerging company.

	Darrell Johnson President, FRANdata Darrell Johnson, CFE, is President and CEO of FRANdata Corp., an independent research company supplying information and analysis for the franchising sector since 1989. His career spans information services, commercial banking, investment banking, and federal financial regulation. Before acquiring FRANdata in 2001, he was a commercial banking executive, where he started an SBA lending unit, developed small business lending teams for cooperative and franchise borrowers, established an equity investment program for cooperative businesses, built a leasing program, and managed a healthcare lending team. Before that he was a founder of the investment banking subsidiary of a regional commercial bank where he specialized in corporate finance advisory services, including mergers and acquisitions. Earlier in his career he was an economist and later the director of special examinations for a federal financial regulatory agency. He has a master’s degree in economics from Montana State University and a master’s in business from the Wharton School.

	Greg Jones CEO of Bookkeeping Express, Franchisee, Five Guys Burger and Fries Before becoming the CEO of Bookkeeping Express, Greg Jones was Vice President of Sales for Fransmart, LLC in Alexandria, Virginia, a company specializing in franchise sales, development, and support for the benefit of both franchisors and franchisees. With more than 20 years of experience in the communications, information, and entertainment services industries, Mr Jones has served in numerous senior executive roles ranging from sales and business development, to executive and operating officer in a variety of emerging enterprises to traditional business units of leading corporations, including LCI International, Harris Corporation, and Cavalier Telephone. Greg Jones has been a partner in Fairfax, Virginia-based Garrettson-Jones Properties since 2001. Garrettson-Jones Properties specializes in real estate and Five Guys Burgers and Fries franchise development in Florida.

	Dawn Kane President, Hot Dish Advertising Dawn Kane is at the helm of Hot Dish Advertising whose mission is to help create the next leaders in franchising. In 1999, her entrepreneurial spirit and head for business led her to form the agency. Hot Dish is a full-service agency that has more than 40 active franchise clients, including some of the biggest names in the franchise world. Dawn is an active member of the IFA and often speaks at development meetings and at both IFA and IFE annual conferences. She is on the IFA supplier forum board and is the incoming Chairwoman in 2010. Dawn sits on several other boards, including Goodwill/Easter Seals for Greater Minnesota and SpaCentral.

	Mel Kleiman CEO, Humetrics Mel Kleiman, Certified Speaking Professional, is one of North America’s leading authorities on how best to recruit, select, and retain top-quality employees. A renowned consultant, speaker, author, and trainer for more than 25 years, he is the Founder and President of Humetrics, a leading developer of systems, training processes, and tools for recruiting, selecting, and retaining an exceptional workforce. A demonstrated leader in HR thinking, he has authored numerous research studies and white papers. His articles have appeared in dozens of trade and professional journals, and he is a regular contributor to Multi-Unit Franchisee, Restaurant Hospitality, and Convenience Store Decisions magazines. He earned the National Speakers Association Certified Speaking Professional designation in 1996 and is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management. His books include the best-selling “Hire Tough, Manage Easy”; “267 Tough Interview Questions”; “180 Ways To Build a Magnetic Culture”; “Recruit Smarter, Not Harder”; and “So, You Got the Job… Now What?”

	Steven LeFever Chairman, Business Resource Services Steve LeFever is a national leader in the development of practical financial programs and training for the independent business community. His dual role as a successful entrepreneur and as a commercial banker gives him a unique perspective on financial analysis, business management and practical business decisions. Steve is a successful entrepreneur in his own right -- having founded several successful companies. As an officer at Seattle First National Bank, Steve was a key figure in developing the most successful Business Advisory Services Group of any bank in the nation, tailoring financial services and training to the needs of small and mid-size companies. In 1983, Steve founded Business Resource Services (BRS) to further design, develop and deliver practical financial training to the independent business community. Currently BRS services are in high demand by over 100 commercial banks, a variety of industry trade groups and major U.S. corporations including Anheuser-Busch, Ace Hardware and Allegra Printing Centers.

	Sherman Lewis III Principal, The Lewis Group LLC Sherman Lewis III is Co-Founder and President of The Lewis Group LLP. The Lewis Group owns and operates 10 Shell gas stations and convenience stores, 11 Jack in the Box restaurants throughout the Houston area and Cabo's, the Original Mix-Mex Grill in downtown Houston. Before starting his own business several years ago in Houston, Lewis spent several years working for Citicorp and Apple Computer in various management positions. Lewis was a founder and owner of E-Agent, a web marketing company. Lewis was also heavily involved in real estate investments in the Washington, DC area. Lewis has been featured in several publications including USA Today and Houston Business Journal. He also received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the National Urban League in 2008.

	Tony Lutfi President, MarLu Investments Group; Church's, Arby's, Little Caesar's, Franchisee Tony Lutfi operates 46 Church's Chicken, 3 Little Caesars, 3 Arby's in 4 states. As a new immigrant, Tony started his career at age 17 with Jack in the box as a cook while attending a local college in Northern California. After quickly being promoted to management and finding success with Jack in the box he pursued other opportunities with Rax and Arby's in the 80's ultimately becoming a director of operations for a large franchisee. Tony became an Arby's franchisee in the early 90's with 2 restaurants in Northern California and quickly grew the company with a partner to 52 restaurants and 3 brands including Church's and Little Caesars. With great passion for the customers and eager to provide opportunities for those within his organization and immediate family, he works tiredly to grow with plans to add another concept to the portfolio with top a tear Burger Chain scheduled for April 2010. Tony currently serves as Chairman of the supply chain for Church's and is a member of the franchise association where he served as chairman for 2 years.

	Jason Mann Owner/Operator, Master Franchisee for Planet Smoothie Jason Mann has served as an Owner/Operator for multiple Planet Smoothie franchises since 1999 and has developed a passion for serving the “Best tasting smoothies on the Planet." After two Franchisee of the Year awards and multiple Top Stores Sales Awards, Jason rose to smoothie guru status within the Planet Smoothie concept, and has shared his knowledge with other franchisees and corporate by serving on the Franchise Advisory Board and as the President of the Orlando Advertising Cooperative. In 2004, Mann was awarded Master Franchisee status in Central and along the West Coast of Florida. Mann's experience stems from guiding franchisees through their life cycle including Recruitment, Real Estate Selection, Store Development, Training, Opening Process, Local Store Marketing and Business Consulting. His team is currently providing business consultation for franchise owners of 44 units in Florida. In 2009, Mann added a movie credit to his accolades starring as "Cupman" in the Internet movie sensation, "The Search for Cupman." Mann graduated from University of Florida in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in Economics.

	Joyce Mazero Partner, Haynes & Boone Joyce Mazero is a senior partner with Haynes and Boone and leads its International Franchise and Distribution and Restaurant and Foodservice Industries Practice Groups. She was named by Chambers USA as one of the nation’s leading franchise attorneys for 2007 and received the organization’s Band 1 Franchising recognition in 2008. She was named to “20 to Watch” in 2007 by Franchise Times and was the 2006 recipient of the IFA’s Bonny LeVine Award for leadership in franchising. She was received the IFA’s WFC Crystal Compass in 2003. She served on the Promise House Board of Directors (2000–2008), received recognition as Outstanding Board Member in 2006, and was Chair of the Board (2007–2008). She currently serves on the Advisory Board for Nina McLemore, Inc. and is a member of the Hospitality Management Board of Governors for the School of Merchandising and Hospitality Management at the University of North Texas.

	Dave Melton Domino's, Franchisee Dave Melton is a 6 store Domino's Pizza Franchisee in Manhattan & CT. He & Domino's PR VP Tim McIntyre co-wrote Hire the American Dream last year, which reveals the tactics Melton has used over the past 20 years on how to build high performance, customer-focused teams from minimum-wage workers. Melton has had no turnover in his management ranks for over 8 years, and his teams run some of Domino's most successful stores in the nations toughest pizza market. Melton has been the NY advertising co-op president for the past 18 years, and has served on a number of Domino's corporate advisory boards.

	John Metz Denny's, Dairy Queen, Hurrican Wings John Cameron Metz is Chair and CEO of Hurricane AMT, franchisor of Hurricane Grill and Wings. The company has 30 Hurricane Wings restaurants operating in Florida, and 6 more in the pipeline. He also is Founder of RREMC, a company composed of a restaurant group, a hotel group, and a real estate group. The restaurant group consists of 29 Denny’s restaurants with more than 1,000 employees. He also is involved in a new joint venture for Capone’s Trattoria restaurants. He has been a Bennigan’s franchisee, and was President of Roadhouse Grill and Hops Grillhouse and Brewery. He also is franchisee of Dairy Queen with one unit under construction, and a franchisee of Old Chicago restaurants. The hotel group consists of a Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites. The real estate group includes 36 single-tenant retail properties. He is a licensed general contractor and real estate salesperson.

	Ron Millard Partner, Redstone Capital Partners Ron Millard is a Partner and member of the Investment Committee of Redstone Capital Partners, the private equity division of The Redstone Companies, a diversified management company with expertise on private equity, real estate, business development, and hospitality. Before joining Redstone in 2005, he was a principal in the Private Equity Division of Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB) where he worked in the CSFB and the Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette (DLJ) merchant banking funds, including the $2.7 billion CSFB Equity Partners Fund; the $600 million CSFB International Equity Partners Fund; the $5.3 billion DLJ Merchant Banking Partners III Fund; and the $175 million DLJ Growth Capital Partners Fund. He earned a BBA in Finance with honors from the University of Texas, and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

	Doug Miller Franchisee, Papa Murphy's Doug Miller currently owns and operates seven Papa Murphy’s Take and Bake Pizza franchises in Boise, Idaho. He has also expanded to the Austin, Texas market where he has opened 9 locations over the past 4 years. A background in sales, marketing, advertising and finance helped to ensure success when he bought into his first three stores over eleven years ago. Doug firmly believes that retention of employees and active local community involvement provide a solid foundation for the growth of his organization. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys living in beautiful Boise, Idaho with his wife and two sons.

	Richard Morey Partner, DLA Piper Richard Morey is a partner in DLA Piper's Franchise and Distribution practice group and in the Corporate practice group, based in Chicago. He holds a JD from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. Mr. Morey has been recognized in The International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers. Mr. Morey’s franchise and distribution practice is focused on working with both experienced and start-up franchise companies, helping them structure new franchise programs and determine the most appropriate methods of single- and multi-unit franchising. He counsels franchisors on everyday compliance and other franchise-related issues, such as registration and disclosure matters, negotiating agreements, maintaining good franchisee relations and resolving disputes with franchisees. He also works extensively on international franchising and licensing transactions, including master franchise, area development and single-unit licensing deals in Asia, Europe, Central America, the Middle East and the Caribbean, in addition to structuring other methods of international product distribution such as manufacturing and bottling arrangements. In 2008, the North Lawndale Employment Network, whose mission is to improve Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood through innovative employment initiatives that lead to economic advancement and an improved quality of life, honored him with its Creating a Community That Works Award, recognizing his extraordinary contributions and ongoing personal commitment.

	Chris Morocco CEO, Petrus Brands Inc. Chris Morocco has been play calling since his days as Clemson University's starting quarterback in the late 80s. Two decades later his business entrepreneurship has landed him in his position as CEO of Petrus Brands, which owns and operates two national franchise concepts, Shane's Rib Shack and Planet Smoothie. Morocco has lined up on all sides of business -- financial, retail development, branding and marketing, real estate and business development --which has given him the kind of perspective that often is absent in many chief executives. His business acumen was never more evident in his success in a management buyout and private equity deal with Edmunds Capital for Shane's Rib Shack and Planet Smoothie in an environment where few deals were happening. Prior to assuming CEO of Petrus, Morocco was President of Innovative Brands, the holding company for the Planet Smoothie, PJ’s Coffee and Shane’s Rib Shack brands. Innovative Brands was later integrated into Raving Brands and Morocco served as Chief Development Officer for the company where he oversaw the Emerging Brands Division. Before establishing an expertise with franchising and the food and beverage category, Morocco cut his teeth into technology and early stage companies. He was a partner at C&M Enterprises, a company he established in the mid-90s, where he focused on developing, investing in, and operating start-up or early stage companies for sale to strategic partners. Morocco received a degree in Business Administration from Clemson University. He is married with three children and resides in Atlanta.

	Stan Novack 2007 Conference Chair, President, Novack Consulting LLC, Consultant, HMSHost Corporation Stanley R. Novack is President, Novack Consulting LLC, and a consultant to HMSHost Corporation. For over 30 years Stan has acted as Vice President, Concept Development for HMSHost, the leading provider of food, beverage and retail concessions in over 200 travel and entertainment venues in eight countries. The company is best known for its innovative concession planning and operating expertise that couples international brands with regional favorites in unique settings. Stan was responsible for the creation, development, and implementation of the "Cheers" branded theme restaurant concept based on the television series. He oversees the Casual Dining, Themed Restaurants, and Entertainment concepts that HMSHost has placed in its venues. He has also been recognized as one of "The Marketing 100" by Advertising Age. Stan was 2007 Conference Chair of Franchise Update Media Group's Multi-Unit Franchising Conference.

	Steve Olson Publisher, Franchise Update Media Group Steve Olson became Publisher of Franchise Update Media Group in 2006 after an rich and varied career as a franchise executive. Prior to that, as Senior Vice President of It’s a Grind Coffee House, he led the development team in making the company the country’s fastest-growing coffee franchise. During his four-year tenure, It’s a Grind awarded more than 300 franchises. Previously, he owned a successful consulting practice that provided sales, marketing, and development strategies to more than 35 established and emerging franchise companies, including Sears, GNC, Friendly’s Restaurants, Heavenly Ham, Play It Again Sports, Molly Maid, Martinizing Dry Cleaning, The Great Frame Up, AlphaGraphics, Mr. Handyman, Express Personnel, and Money Mailer. During the mid-1990s, he was Associate Publisher of Entrepreneur Media, heading the franchise sales efforts of the nation’s largest publication for small business. During his nearly 30-year franchising career, he has led franchise development teams for several industry leaders and has conducted workshops for thousands of franchise executives on successful lead generation and high-performance selling.

	Amish Parikh Franchisee, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

	Rob Parsons Franchisee, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Rob Parsons is President of Synergy Dining Group, a franchisee of Popeye's Chicken in the Boston, Massachusetts market founded in 2009. Synergy currently owns and operates two restaurants, both developed in 2009, and will continue to develop multiple units per year under a development agreement with Popeye's. Prior to founding Synergy Dining Group, Mr. Parsons was Director of Development with Popeye's Corporate and was responsible for developing northeast markets such as Philadelphia and New York. Mr. Parsons worked to grow the New York City market past 100 units, making it the largest market in the Popeye's system in both sales and units. The economic downturn represented challenges to many, but Parsons viewed this as an opportunity to take advantage of a down real estate market. Parsons decided to leave his corporate development post and formed Synergy Dining Group. The Newly formed company sought to take advantage of a down real estate market by partnering with Popeye's, his former employer, whom he views as a strong brand suited to weather the economic storm. Synergy opened their first Popeye's unit on July 17th of 2009 and less than 4 months later that restaurant surpassed the million dollar sales mark. Days later, a second milestone was reached, the second Synergy restaurant was opened and this unit was recently featured on the nationally televised show "Unwrapped" on the Food Network. Parsons views 2010 as an incredible year for growth and is excited to capitalize on opportunities as they continue to unfold.

	Michael Pietrzyk President, Fire Hydrant Management LLC Michael Pietrzyk has been President of FHM since its formation 2004. From 1999 to 2003 Mike Pietrzyk was President of American Classic Corporate Suites. From 1984-1996, Mike was a franchisee with Little Caesar’s Pizza. As a Little Caesars Franchisee, Mike Pietrzyk developed and owned 38 Little Caesars. In 1994 Mike Pietrzyk was selected Franchisee of the Year and has received recognition from U.S. Government as Partner in Compliance and from Easter Seals as the number one franchisee fund raiser. Prior to Little Caesar’s, he served as a Franchise Representative for Wendy’s (1982-1984), as a District Manager for Pizza Hut (1978-1982) and Area Supervisor for Burger Chef (1971-1977).

	Michael Razipour Franchisee, Carl's Jr. Michael Razipour migrated to US at the age of 14. After achieving a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, he started his career in 1986 as a developer & contractor with successfully completing well over 10 projects. In 1994 his next project was opening 7 supermarkets in LA County with sales close to 62 million annually. In 2002 he used his knowledge and expertise in food business by purchasing 2 Carl’s Jr. Franchise in Los Angeles, His management skills and his drive took him to Las Vegas where he purchased a freeway store from the corporate in 2006. He received Star Award for Category A and Category B for highest sales % increase for FYE 06, 07 and 08 for all his restaurants. He is opening 2 other Carl’s Jr. Restaurants in Pahrump (NV) and Baker (CA) in the next few months.

	Jeff Rigsby President, Boj of WNC, LLC Jeff Rigsby is owner and president of Boj of WNC. He is the third largest Franchisee of Bojangles Restaurants with 19 units in North and South Carolina. He started in the restaurant business with KFC corporation at the age of 16. Jeff spent 15 years with KFC working through the ranks to a multi unit position. In 1994 he went to work for Bojangles restaurants as an Area Director in Upstate SC. Jeff advanced to Regional Director of Operations before becoming a Franchisee in 2001. With the purchase of six restaurants in Asheville NC . Over the next 9 years they have grown to 19 Units in North and South Carolina. The company is still in a growth pattern to add 2-3 Units per year. His restaurants have experienced 9 consecutive years of same store sales increases.

	Gary Robins Supercuts Franchisee Gary L. Robins owns and operates 32 Supercuts hair salons in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Prior to his current business, he could be considered a serial entrepreneur, owning and operating businesses in the retail, entertainment, food services and travel industries. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Supercuts Franchisee Association, the Board of Directors of the American Association of Franchise Dealers, and is past President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the World Entrepreneurs' Organization. He earned a B.S. from Drexel University in 1985 and is married with three children, Lauren, 16, Evan, 11, and Will, 6. He and his wife Chris reside in Westtown, PA.

	Cheryl Robinson Owner/Franchisee, Sapphire Ventures, Supercuts This year Cheryl Robinson is celebrating her 30th anniversary with Supercuts. Initially hired as a bookkeeper, Cheryl worked for one of the first Supercuts franchisees. Over the years Cheryl’s loyalty to the franchisee and Supercuts grew, resulting in a promotion first to general manager and eventually partner. Today Cheryl and her husband Joe own and/or manage more than 30 Supercuts in Southern California. As a member of the Supercuts Council, Cheryl and other franchisees work with the franchisor, Regis Corp, to make decisions and provide vision benefiting the organization as a whole.~ She and her husband also house the offices of the Supercuts Franchisee Association working with and supporting franchisees nationwide. Cheryl has three adult children and in her free time supports her husband’s “second career” as a high school basketball coach. Whether working on a national marketing campaign or supporting store managers in professional development, Cheryl’s commitment to Supercuts and her employees serves as a constant source of joy in her life.

	Steve Romaniello Managing Director, Roark Capital Group In addition to Managing Director of Roark Capital Group, Steve Romaniello is Chairman of the Board of FOCUS Brands, the franchisor and operator of nearly 2,200 ice cream stores, bakeries, restaurants, and cafés in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 32 foreign countries under the brand names Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Schlotzsky’s®, Moe’s Southwest Grill®, and the franchisor of Seattle’s Best Coffee® on military bases and in certain international markets. Focus Brands also sells its famous ice cream cakes in over 10,000 retail outlets through New Britain, CT-based Celebration Foods, Carvel’s manufacturing and distributing division. Romaniello also serves on the Board of Directors of FASTSIGNS Holding Corporation, the International Franchise Association (IFA), the IFA’s Diversity Institute, and the Atlanta Franchise Alliance. Prior to joining Roark, Romaniello was President and Chief Executive Officer of FOCUS Brands (2002-2008). Steve joined Carvel in January 2002 as President of the franchise and foodservice division, and led the strategic turnaround of Carvel, one of America’s favorite ice cream brands. During his tenure at Focus Brands, Steve led the acquisition of Cinnabon® and Seattle’s Best Coffee® International in 2004, Schlotzsky’s® in 2006, and Moe’s Southwest Grill® in 2007. Prior to Focus Brands, Romaniello was President and Chief Operating Officer of US Franchise Systems (USFS).

	Brian Schnell Faegre & Benson Brian Schnell is the leader of the franchise group at Faegre & Benson, a law firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Brian specializes in franchising, representing both emerging and mature franchisors in a variety of industries, and is a highly regarded speaker and writer on topics in his practice. He is included in An International Who's Who of Franchise Lawyers, is a member of The National Registry of Who's Who, and has been named a Legal Eagle by Franchise Times and a Minnesota Super Lawyer. He is a member of the International Franchise Association's Legal/Legislative, Awards and Membership Committees and a past chair of the IFA's Supplier Forum Advisory Board.

	Michael Seid Michael H. Seid & Associates Michael H. Seid is the Founder and Managing Director of Michael H. Seid & Associates (MSA), a domestic and international franchise advisory firm. Together with the late Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy's International, he co-authored "Franchising for Dummies," now in its second edition. MSA assists emerging franchisors in the development of their franchise system and works as strategic and tactical advisors to established franchisors. He is on the Executive Board of CFWclinics, an 87-unit franchisor in Kenya and Rwanda established to provide medical care and essential drugs to the poor through the use of business format franchising. CFWclinics is planning its expansion now into other sub-Saharan countries. He was appointed by Goldman Sachs to its Chambers Street Executive Network, a group of 15 executives from different industries, formed to provide advice to Goldman and its portfolio companies.

	Jason Shifflett Franchisee, Domino's Pizza Jason Shifflett started with Domino’s Pizza in Olive Branch, MS at 14 years old. Currently, 33 years old, he owns 31 stores in Memphis, Nashville, and Mississippi. Domino’s Pizza has presented him with several awards including nine consecutive Gold Franny Awards, placing him in the top 1% of Domino’s Pizza operators worldwide. His franchise has produced 4 National Rookie Manager of the Year award winners, 3 Regional Managers of the Year award winners, and 1 new franchisee. He was the youngest member ever inducted into the coveted Chairman’s Circle Hall of Fame. Outside of Domino’s, his franchise was selected as the Memphis Business Journal’s Small Business of the Year in 2005. The franchise received a 2005 “Stevie” Award from the American Business Awards for the Best Franchise in America. An active speaker and presenter within the Domino’s Pizza System, he has been featured in numerous magazine, newspaper, and online articles. He has served on the Franchise Advisory Team for Domino’s for the past six years. Active in his community, he serves his local Chambers of Commerce, schools, churches and charities and is currently a board member of his local YMCA. Jason resides in Olive Branch with wife, their two young daughters, and their Golden Retriever, Max.

	Spencer Smith President/Owner, TUR Inc., Franchisee, Aaron's Spencer Smith, President and Owner of TUR(T-U-R), Inc. His background includes 2- Big O Tire franchises, 1- Rimco franchise and farming. He founded TUR in December 2002 to acquire Aaron’s franchise rights to his first 6 locations. Just 6 years after he opened his first location TUR now operates 21 Aaron’s location in 7 Western States (CO, UT, WY, ID, OR, NV and AZ). Looking Back… I owe much of what I am today to my father. When I look back at my childhood growing up on our farm I remember my father often saying “We have this farm so we know how hard it could be to make a living”. He owned a tire store where I worked at during the winter and that is how he really made enough money to afford to farm. The lessons learned from working with my father gave me the foundation for the successes I’ve enjoyed.

	Charles Smithgall 2011 Conference Chair, Aaron's Charles Smithgall, founded SEI/Aaron’s on April 1, 1995 and currently is the chairman and CEO. SEI opened their first Aaron’s store on November 29, 1995 and subsequently developed eight stores in the Kentucky/Indiana area before expanding to New England in 1999. SEI/Aaron’s has continued to open stores in the New England states as well as acquiring stores from other Aaron’s franchisees and Aaron Rents, Inc., and currently operates 54 stores in seven states. SEI/Aaron’s is the largest Aaron’s franchise company.

	Ann Marie Solomon Vice President Merchandising & Creative Services, ARAMARK As the Vice President of Merchandising and Creative Services, Ann Marie Solomon leads a team of retail brand and communications professionals who develop ARAMARK’s branded retail dining and merchandising strategies and consumer-facing marketing programs and materials. Using consumer insights and key performance indicators, the team provides tools and educational resources that translate into practical, business-building, cost-effective solutions for the front line manager to engage consumers and deliver a superior dining experience. Key initiatives lead by the Merchandising Strategy and Creative Services teams include ARAMARK’s branded partnership platform, ARAMARK BrandNET, the award-winning Merchology: The Art & Science of Food Presentation, ARAMARK’s proprietary field training guide to retail merchandising strategies, principles and products; and the development and management of menu content for ARAMARK’s proprietary Digital Signage Network. Solomon has more than 20 years of operational, marketing and culinary management experience within the food service and hospitality industries. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University, she holds an Associate of Occupational Science degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Foodservice Management degree.

	Jim Sullivan Sullivision.com Jim Sullivan is the CEO and founder of Sullivision.com, a company whose clients include Panera Bread, Walt Disney Company, Starbucks, Applebee's, McDonald's, The Cheesecake Factory, Denny's, and Target Stores. He's the author of two books that have sold over 400,000 copies worldwide, and a visiting professor at Purdue University, Penn State, the University of Delaware, Cal Poly and the Culinary Institute of America.

	Joe Szvetitz Principal, Risk Management Services LLC Over thirty three years of professional Loss Prevention Management experience, specializing in development and implementation of proven Asset Protection programs. Mr. Szvetitz has had a record of success whether working within a large public corporate environment or a small privately owned business. Cost containment and expense control without sacrificing operational effectiveness are true hallmarks of Mr. Szvetitz managerial style. Adaptability and quick evaluation with the ability to formulate solutions while working independently or leading a team of professionals are but a few of the successful attributes possessed by Mr. Szvetitz. Joe began his professional career as a police officer in 1974 after completing a tour with the United States Marine Corps, and attending college on the GI Bill. In 1976 Joe went to work in the private sector accepting a position in the loss prevention department with Bamberger's a division of RH Macy’s. Joe’s professional abilities expanded within the loss prevention department to include managing all undercover operations and internal security issues for the company. In 1979 Joe accepted a position with the loss prevention department of the Southland Corporation dba 7-Eleven food stores which would lead to a 22 year affiliation within the convenience store, QSR and retail industry. In 2001 Joseph John Szvetitz III and Associates was formed to provide professional loss prevention services to the private sector.

	Ted Torres President/CEO, International Hospitality Development Alliances, Franchisee, Hilton Garden Inn, Microtel Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites Ted Torres was literally born into the hospitality industry. Thanks to his family legacy, Mr. Torres’ 20 plus years of professional experience equates to a more traditional 35 years in the industry. After having spent the majority of his professional career working with his mentor and partner, Mr. Torres founded IHDA in 2003 to take advantage of strategic opportunities in the worldwide hospitality industry. His responsibilities encompass managing the asset performance and strategic direction of each hospitality property in the IHDA portfolio. This includes renovating and expanding existing properties; managing the strategic direction of the company and its properties; recommending capital improvements; ensuring operational efficiencies; and building hotels, condo-hotels, conference centers and spa developments. Mr. Torres also is actively involved with selecting future hospitality projects, of which there is a current heavy concentration of Microtel Inn and Suites hotel properties in the southwest United States. He also has excellent relationships with key industry partners such as: American Hotel Register, Hilton Hotels, Starwood Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Wyndham Worldwide and Intercontinental Hotels. Mr. Torres has served as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of International Hospitality Development Alliances, and as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Wharf Enterprises. Both are independently owned hotel management, development and investment firms located in Scottsdale that work with multiple hotel brands. He is a Certified Hospitality Administrator – the hospitality industry’s highest professional designation – and a member of the American Hotel Lodging Association.

	Russ Umphenour President and CEO, Focus Brands Russ Umphenour has invested over 40 years in the fast food industry, previously as founder and CEO of RTM Restaurant Group. His visionary leadership produced Results Through Motivation, the RTM Restaurant Group credo. Through creating a clear business vision, having a focus on goal setting and leading by values, Russ Umphenour led RTM Restaurant Group to the enviable position of a business organization with 25,000 employees and sales revenues of over $900 million.

	Rabi Viswanath Jack in the Box, Franchisee Rabi Viswanath is a Franchise Operator and Managing Member of 4 companies operating 20 Jack in the Box Franchise locations in Texas and Oklahoma. He employs over 500 employees and manages all aspects of the day to day operations of these businesses. He has opened multiple new restaurant locations in Texas and California with the last one opening at $100,000 for the first full week. Prior to his current role he was the Regional Franchise Director for Jack in the Box, Inc. supporting over 225 restaurants in 2 states. Born in India, Rabi has spent the last 22 years here in the United States. He currently lives with his wife and 2 boys in Texas. Rabi sits on two boards representing Texas Franchisees, the National Franchise Advisory Council and the National Franchise Association Board for Jack in the Box. Additionally Rabi sits on the JIB Golf committee that strongly supports the Big Brothers & Big Sisters charters in Southern California.

	Greg Vojnovic Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits Greg Vojnovic is Vice President of Development for Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits where he is responsible for all company and franchise development activity. As leader of the development department of Popeyes, he oversees all company and franchise real estate, construction, design, and equipment needs as well as all franchise recruitment activities. He is a 32-year-veteran of the restaurant industry and has more than 20 years of experience in restaurant development. He has held leadership roles in a number of restaurant companies including Huddle House as Vice President of Franchise Development; MaggieMoo’s International as Director, Franchise Development; as well as various domestic and international development positions with other major foodservice brands including Denny’s and Arby’s. His past experience also includes ownership of the casual dining restaurant chain Bridgetown Grill where he received Hot Concept of the Year recognition from publications including Restaurants & Institutions and Chain Leader.

	Dale Willerton The Lease Coach Dale Willerton is The Lease Coach -- North America's #1 Authority on Commercial and Retail Leasing for Franchise Tenants. Willerton has exclusively worked for tenants since 1993 and successfully negotiated over 1000 tenant leases across the United States and Canada. The Lease Coach is a member of both the International Franchise Association (IFA) and the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA). Willerton frequently speaks at franchise shows in L.A., Miami, Washington and Toronto on Leasing for Tenants. Willerton is author of Negotiate Your Franchise Lease or Renewal. Dale Willerton is the author of “Negotiate Your Commercial Lease” published by Self-Counsel Press. Over 20,000 copies are in print throughout Canada and the United States. Willerton has also written “101 Tips, Tricks and Leasing Strategies for Tenants”. He frequently writes articles for professional publications and columns for a variety of magazines. Willerton has also produced video seminars and CD packages for the self-help benefit of tenants.

	Thom Winninger Founder, Winninger Resource Companies Thomas Winninger is the founder of WINNINGER Resource Companies, Inc. a Minneapolis based group that provides products, services and technologies that drive market leadership based on differentiation. Thom believes that the only true differentiator is smart thinking. As a successful businessman who speaks, Thom has applied his strategies to his own companies as well as others to capture and sustain market leadership in challenging economies. Winninger Companies includes Ascendancy and Cook Research, which do consumer studies for such companies as McDonalds, Subway, General Milles, Winninger Works Productions and Visionscope. Thom also sits on the board of number of profit and non-profit organizations. He and his company have received many awards and commendations - Including The Blue Chip Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Nominee for America's Entrepreneur of the Year Award. His market strategies have been featured on CNBC, First Business, Boardroom Reports, Venture and Success Magazineand he is published in over 300 other trade journals, publications, and newspapers. He is frequently referred to as America's Leading Market Strategist and the man who is reinventing the way companies differentiate themselves. He is author of the best selling books Price Wars, Full Price and Sell Easy. His new book "BULLSEYE" Thinking Smart! shares what market leaders are doing to consistently hit the mark. Thom is one of the most in-demand business speakers in the North America today. Thom personally has received the Cavett Award, the highest award given by the 4000 members of the National Speakers Association to only one person each year who gives back to the industry of his time, talent and gifts. In 1987 he was inducted into the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame.

	Anil Yadav Franchisee, Jack in the Box, Denny's Anil Yadav operates 78 Jack in the Box and 16 Denny’s restaurants in Northern California and Houston. He emigrated to the U.S. from India at the age of 17 with his parents, and in 1984 took a part-time job as a fry cook with Jack in the Box to put himself through college. He became a manager within 18 months, and after 5 years owned his first restaurant. Based in Northern California, where he grew up, he has expanded his Jack in the Box holdings to become the brand’s largest franchisee. In 2006, he expanded geographically as well, buying 30 Jack in the Box restaurants in the Houston area. In 2008, he diversified his portfolio as well, buying 16 Denny’s in the Sacramento area, adding a family dining concept to his QSR holdings. True to his own path, he looks to promote from within, offering his best employees the opportunity to move ahead as he did.

	Dean Zuccarello President, Cypress Group Dean Zuccarello, Founder and CEO of The Cypress Group, is a leading authority in the restaurant finance arena. He has written numerous industry articles, has been quoted in various publications, and has spoken frequently at industry conferences. Focused solely on the restaurant industry, The Cypress Group aids large multi-unit franchisees, company-owned, or franchised restaurant concepts and their principals in achieving their capital, growth, and liquidity objectives. For nearly 20 years, the firm has provided a full range of investment banking and strategic advisory services to the franchise and multi-unit restaurant industry, including mergers and acquisitions, financings and recapitalizations, valuations, litigation support, and advisory services. With a track record of successful client representation since 1990, The Cypress Group has completed more than 100 transactions representing approximately $2.5 billion in total transaction value.