Speakers

Panelist
Albert, Cary

President
Albert Restaurant Group LLC

Cary Albert’s electronic test and measurement company, Measurement Assurance Technology, now occupies a 12,000-square-foot facility in Dallas since its founding 20 years ago. Cary and his wife Jacquelyn entered franchising in 1994. They have 10 Schlotzsky’s/Cinnabon stores, with two more due to open by mid-2013. They added their first Dairy Queen in 2012. Cary has integrated both his restaurant expansion program and technology company with commercial real estate acquisition and development, acquiring more than 100,000 s.f. of retail, restaurant, and office space by taking advantage of low interest rates and expanded SBA 504 programs. He has purchased $15 million in real estate, including three retail strip centers in prime Dallas-Fort Worth locations. His businesses employ 300, and he expects to grow to 350 by year-end. He is actively involved in all facets of his business, which has tripled in size in the past 24 months. Two thirds of all his stores open more than 12 months increased sales by double digits. He’s won numerous Schlotzsky’s awards including being number-one in 2011 and 2012 by growth, number of units owned, and highest annual combined sales volume; in 2011 by customer satisfaction surveys; in 2009 and 2011 for community service programs; and he has the highest employee retention rate in the Schlotzsky’s system. Job creation is a love of his, and he believes that it’s his team members who truly make the difference. As he says, “We are not in the sandwich-making business, we are in the people business.”

Franchisee: Schlotzsky's, Dairy Queen

Panelist
Allen, Randy

CFO and Member Manager
Morelock-Ross Group of Companies

Randy Allen owns and operates 13 Qdoba restaurants in Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. He is a graduate of Missouri State University, a Certified Public Accountant, and has considerable experience in hospitality franchise selection. His experience includes the development and start-up phases for franchise groups including Wendy’s, Panera Bread, and Baymont Inns. More recently, Randy teamed up with the Morelock-Ross Group of Companies and continues his passion for development with Qdoba. Randy has received various community service awards, was recently elected to the Qdoba Franchise Advisory Council, and is a frequent guest lecturer at area universities.

Franchisee: Qdoba

Panelist
Avants, Gary

President
Avants Management Group

Gary Avants is President of Avants Management Group, which operates 12 Zaxby’s stores in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina. He opened his first Zaxby’s store in 1997, in Milledgeville, Ga. Today the company is a family affair, with Gary’s wife, son, daughters, and son-in-law all contributing to make it a success. In 2007 and 2008, he was named Zaxby’s Developer of the Year. He hopes to instill the idea of “growing the development of people” to all his brand members, and credits his success to surrounding himself with great talent and providing them with the opportunity to grow. Raised in Athens, Ga., Gary loves spending time with his wife (and high school sweetheart). Together they enjoy University of Georgia football games, tennis, and great movies. After all these years with Zaxby’s, his favorite menu item is still the Kickin’ Chicken sandwich.

Franchisee: Zaxbys

Panelist
Balen, Alan

President
I.B Corporation

Alan Balen operates 9 Rally’s, 5 Checkers, and 1 Qdoba in Michigan and Florida. A graduate of Ohio State University, he began his hospitality career running a hotel/bar/restaurant/bowling alley in Northern Michigan. When he and a friend decided to partner in business they chose Rally’s and opened their first restaurant in December 1991. Since then, he has opened 8 additional Rally’s, 5 Checkers, and 1 Qdoba restaurant with plans to open 5 to 10 Checkers in Florida. He currently serves on the Checkers Franchise Advisory Council and was named 2011 Legacy Award winner for the Checkers/Rally’s system.

Franchisee: Checkers, Qdoba, Rally's

Panelist
Balen, Tracy

Franchisee

Franchisee: Checker's, Rally's, Qdoba

Panelist
Barr, David

Founder and Chair
PMTD Restaurants

David Barr sits on the board of directors for public and private entities in the restaurant and jewelry industries. Restaurants include Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouses, Sullivan’s Steakhouses, Mrs. Fields Cookies, TCBY, and Don Pablo’s Mexican Grill. In the jewelry industry, he is Chair of the Mazzacchelli’s and Zamel’s brands in Australia, which have more than 130 retail locations, and in the U.S. he is on the Board of Directors of Charles & Colvard. He also is the founder and Chair of PMTD Restaurants and its affiliates, the franchisee and operator of 23 KFC and Taco Bell restaurants. During 2011 and 2012, he has been a frequent speaker on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its expected impact on the retailing, specifically the restaurant sector. In an attempt to educate lawmakers on the impact of the ACA on small businesses, David has met with senators, congressmen, and been in a press conference with Senators McConnell and Rubio. Most recently, he has met with White House and Treasury officials to discuss the impact of the ACA on restaurant jobs. He has spoken publicly on the healthcare issue with Neil Cavuto on Fox News, and on Fox & Friends. He has been written about in the New York Times, Fortune magazine online, International Business Times, and the Washington Examiner. 

Franchisee: KFC, Taco Bell

Facilitator
Baxter, Steve

General Manager, Global Mid-Market Solutions
Satmetrix

Steve Baxter has more than 20 years of experience in the enterprise software industry. For the past five years he has been intimately involved with the Net Promoter Score concept. He is General Manager of Satmetrix’s Global Mid-Market Solutions group and the NPS Go product line. Before joining Satmetrix, he was the Founder and CEO of a software company that provided NPS software to the SMB market. Before becoming involved with NPS, he was the EMEA Managing Director of CDC Software, a global, publicly traded enterprise software company, COO of Stonesoft USA, and has held a variety of executive sales and marketing positions throughout his career.

Advisory Board & Speaker
Branca Jr., Robert

President
JLC Donuts, Branded Realty Co., Batista Management Co.

Robert Branca, Jr., is President, General Counsel, and Director of Development for entities including Branded Realty Company and Batista Management Corp., doing business in Massachusetts, Ohio, New York, and Florida. He is the Chair of Dunkin’ Donuts Franchise Owners PAC and the Vice Chair of the Washington, D.C.-based Coalition of Franchisee Associations. He and his direct family partners own and operate nearly 70 Dunkin’ Donuts and 5 Baskin-Robbins. His extended family, including in-laws, siblings, spouses, children, and cousins, own more than 700 Dunkin’ Donuts and dominate the brand in the Northeastern U.S. Rob and his partners are currently expanding their Dunkin’ Donuts and real estate businesses into the Midwest and also are developing new concepts, which they intend to franchise. Their real estate development businesses were recently recognized for their significant historic renovation projects and community contributions in Massachusetts. Rob graduated with honors from Boston College and holds a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. Before franchising, he practiced law and specialized in commercial transactions, real estate development, and complex financing arrangements, which introduced him to franchising.

Franchisee: Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins

Session Speaker
Bruce, William

COO
Abundant Brands LLC

William Bruce joined Abundant Brands in 2008 and increased profitability within months. Abundant Brands is the developing agent for 249 Subway’s in Utah. Additionally, they operate Costa Vida Mexican Grills, Roxberry Juice Co., Big Al’s BBQ, Bajio Mexican Grill in Arizona, and the AFL’s Blaze football team. When incorporating Costa Vida Mexican Grills into the Abundant Brands LLC portfolio, Bruce facilitated building a centralized kitchen in Utah, which established a delivery system of precision food, made fresh daily and has substantially increased the company’s bottom line. In early 2011 Bruce’s community service mindfulness created a win-win by working with Sweet Tomatoes in collaboration with the Salt Lake City Rescue Missions and currently serves and delivers 450 meals a week from daily leftovers. From a pizza shack in Huntington Beach to El Pollo Loco, Souper Salad Multi-State Manager, and Director of Operations and National Franchise Operations for Paradise Bakery and Café, Bruce has developed an outstanding array of restaurant experience. He’s skillful in finding restaurant solutions in profitability, kitchen build-out and production, and motivating teams to “Reach Higher” during good and bad economic times. He earned a Surfing NSSA Scholarship and attended Cal Poly Pomona’s Hospitality Program. He has consulted many new up-and-coming concepts in fast casual, quick serve, fine dining, and retirement facilities nationally. 

Franchisee: Subway, Costa Vida, Big Al's BBQ, Roxberry Juice Co.

Session Speaker
Burrell, Dan

Area Developer
Jersey Mike's Subs

Dan Burrell is the Area Developer/Area Director and a franchisee of Jersey Mike’s Subs in California. In 2003, he opened the first Jersey Mike’s on the West Coast, in Camarillo. Since then he has opened 70 stores in Greater Los Angeles and has another 20 scheduled to open in 2013. Originally from Point Pleasant, N.J, where the first Jersey Mike’s opened in 1956, he played football in high school against the company’s founder and CEO, Peter Cancro. Dan spent 10 years with California Pizza Kitchen before joining Caruso Affiliated Holdings in Los Angeles. After learning that Jersey Mike’s had expanded outside his hometown, he decided to bring the country’s best sub to the West Coast. His responsibilities include selection and approval of franchisee candidates, real estate, design and construction, training, and ongoing operations. He is currently a member of the Jersey Mike’s National Advisory Council, a former President of the Studio City Chamber of Commerce, was Executive Director of the Ojai Youth Foundation, co-creator of “Now the Teens Talk,” and a veteran of the U.S. Army’s elite “The Old Guard Unit,” a Presidential Detail stationed in Washington, D.C. “Getting involved with your community and giving back is the backbone of our company,” he says, “and the rewards are greater than any financial success can give you.”

Panelist
Cariello, Frank

Franchisee

Franchisee: Goddard Schools, Saxby's Coffee, Swiss Farms

Advisory Board & Speaker
Chase, Bob

President
Money Mailer Response Marketing

Robert D. Chase, President of Money Mailer Response Marketing, has built his business to 30 Money Mailer franchises in the Phoenix and Denver metropolitan areas. Every month his mailers arrive in 1.53 million homes (153 different distribution zones of 10,000 addresses each). Armed with an unyielding work ethic, he started his first Chem-Dry franchise in his early twenties. He soon found himself in the top 1 percent of Chem-Dry franchisees by running seven crews in the brand’s worldwide network. He discovered Money Mailer when a sales representative stopped by, and was immediately taken by the concept. Using his Chem-Dry experience, Bob was primed and ready to launch his Money Mailer franchise. He eventually sold his Chem-Dry business and went on to acquire a host of Money Mailer franchises. In addition to growing his organization into the largest in the Money Mailer system, he takes pride in contributing marketing concepts and ad designs to the company. He has not only survived the economic downturn, he’s thrived, and is forecasting a spike in revenues as the economy heats up.

Franchisee: Money Mailer

Panelist
Cohen, Sonny

Senior Vice President Legal Affairs
AFC Enterprises

Harold M. (Sonny) Cohen is Senior Vice President of Legal Affairs, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, and Chief Administrative Officer of AFC Enterprises in Atlanta. AFC is the public holding company parent to the Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen restaurant chain, and Sonny is responsible for all legal affairs of the company, a member of the senior management team, and a participant in financial, strategic, planning, and other corporate matters. He also serves as corporate Secretary to the Board of Directors, oversees the company’s internal audit function, serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the nonprofit Popeyes Foundation, and acts as an advisor to the CEO, CFO, and other employees. Sonny started his career in private law practice at the King & Spalding law firm, specializing in real estate and corporate law. He is an alumnus of Tulane University and Georgetown University Law Center, where he graduated with honors. 

Panelist
Collins, Dan

Senior VP of Brand Development
East Coast Wings & Grill

Daniel Collins, CFE, is Senior Vice President of Brand Development at East Coast Wings & Grill. A lifelong hospitality industry veteran, he has been instrumental in setting up systems, policies, processes, and procedures to set the company on a path for continued national expansion. In his 30-plus years in the business, he has worked his way up through the ranks in operations and training. He transitioned into business development for franchised restaurant brands including Arby’s, Johnny Rockets, Miami Subs, and Kenny Rogers Roasters, and became the top performer at many of the companies he represented. He earned his BS in Hospitality Management from Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. He is also a graduate of the Franchise Mini MBA program administered by the International Institute for Franchise Education in the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University. In his spare time, he enjoys racing his Corvette and traveling to Hawaii and other tropical destinations.

Panelist
Compere, Tom

Manager - Client Accounting Services
RBZ

Tom Compere is a Manager in the Client Accounting Services (CAS) group at RBZ LLP, a public accounting firm in Los Angeles. His more than 24 years of business experience includes former CFO positions and consulting positions in technology, professional services, entertainment, manufacturing, distribution, and work with nonprofit organizations. Tom is adept at forecasting, strategic planning, audit preparation, and restructuring, and has performed audits and reviews of middle-market companies with revenues up to $150 million. Before joining RBZ, he spent six years as the Controller and CFO of a NASDAQ-listed technology company with 100 employees and $32 million in annual revenues. Additionally, he spent three years as a Co-Founder and CFO of a software development startup, one year as a principal in a venture capital firm, and several years as an independent consultant. Tom has been a board member and treasurer at the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research for the past seven years. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants. He earned his BA in Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Facilitator
Cunningham, Ryan

President
Javelin Solutions

Ryan Cunningham is the Founder and President of the national firm of Javelin Solutions. Before launching Javelin Solutions, he was a 20-year veteran of the world’s largest commercial real estate firm, serving as Executive Vice President. During his tenure, he negotiated more than 500 leases, representing retail clients such as Circle K convenience stores, Sprint PCS phone stores, and Bank of America branches, and developed an extensive national network of local real estate brokers. Javelin Solutions develops and manages the site selection process for franchise systems. Javelin is proud to be working with Togo’s Restaurants, Hungry Howie’s, Tropical Smoothie Café, Marco’s Pizza, Fazoli’s, Fleet Feet, and Crunch Fitness. Ryan is the second chair of the Supplier Forum Advisory Board, sits on the Membership and FranPAC committees of the IFA, and is also a board member of the Professional Athletes Franchising Initiative. In addition to regular speaking engagements at the IFA Convention, Multi-Unit Franchising Conference, and ICSC Convention, Ryan has published numerous articles in Franchising World and Franchise Times.

Advisory Board
Cutchall, Greg

CEO
Cutchall Management Co.

Greg Cutchall is President and CEO of Cutchall Management Company (CMC) in Omaha. CMC currently owns and operates 7 different franchise concepts in 43 locations in 6 states. CMC got its start in 1986 with the opening of Progressive Park, an 18-acre company picnic facility on the Missouri River in Council Bluffs, Iowa. 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 BBQ, Tin Star Southwestern Grill, Paradise Bakery & Café, Burger Star, Rock Bottom, and Domino’s Pizza. CMC was one of only 13 companies to make the Inc. 500 list of the Fastest Growing Private Companies in America four years in a row.

Franchisee: Paradise Bakery & Cafe, Tin Star Southwestern Grill, Famous Dave's BBQ, Rock Bottom, Sonic Drive-In, Burger Star, Domino's Pizza, Twin Peaks

Panelist
Dady, Michael

Founding Partner
Dady & Gardner P.A.

Michael Dady is the Founding Partner of Minneapolis based Dady & Gardner, P.A., which limits its nationwide practice to helping franchisees and dealers preserve and enhance the value of their businesses as effectively and as efficiently as possible. Along with making new law for franchisees, Michael and his colleagues at Dady & Gardner are credited with having tried and won more cases on behalf of franchisees and dealers than any firm in the country. He and his partners have successfully represented franchisees and dealers in more than 350 different franchise and supplier organizations, and they currently represent 33 different national franchisee and dealer associations. Again in 2012, Chambers USA ranked Dady & Gardner as the top franchisee law firm in America and ranked Michael and his partner, Ron Gardner, as two of the top three franchisee lawyers in America.

Panelist
Dunn, Steve

Senior Vice President of Global Development
Denny's

Stephen Dunn, Senior Vice President of Global Development for Denny’s, the nation’s largest full-service family dining restaurant chain, is responsible for overseeing all aspects of global restaurant development for the company. In his more than 25 years of franchise and company development experience in the restaurant and retail industry, he has held executive-level positions with Church’s Chicken, El Pollo Loco, Mr. Gatti’s, and TCBY. He is a sought-after public speaker and panelist on the topic of franchise recruiting and business development.

Session Speaker
Dwyer-Owens, Dina

CEO
The Dwyer Group

Dina Dwyer-Owens is the Chair and CEO of The Dwyer Group, a company that specializes in buying and building businesses that provide high-quality residential and light commercial services. America may know her for participating in CBS’s Emmy-winning hit reality show “Undercover Boss.” A winner of the 2012 Top 100 Small Business Influencers Award and the 2012 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the Southwest Area North, Dina leads by example and credits her growing team for the franchise family’s success. With more than 30 years’ experience, she has grown The Dwyer Group to include 7 franchise brands and more than 1,600 franchisees around the world, through direct franchising and master license agreements operating as Aire Serve, Glass Doctor, Mr. Appliance, Mr. Electric, Mr. Rooter, Rainbow International, and The Grounds Guys. Collectively, those service brands make more than 2 million customer calls a year and account for more than $800 million in system-wide sales. Dina served as Chair of the IFA in 2010, spearheaded the reintroduction of the IFA’s VetFran program in 2001, and in 2002 was awarded the Bonny LeVine Award, the IFA’s highest award for women who mentor other women and advance the careers of women in franchising. In 2005, she launched the Live R.I.C.H. campaign to promote The Dwyer Group code of values and the themes of respect, integrity, customer focus, and having fun in the process of growing a company. She also released her book, Live R.I.C.H.—How to build success in your company and your life with a proven Code of Values, and is a regular speaker on this topic.

Advisory Board & Speaker
Falk, Sean

President
Wolfteam LLC, Nachogang LLC, 2013 Chair, Multi-Unit Franchising Conference

Sean Falk grew up in Monroe, Mich., and graduated from the University of Michigan with an engineering degree. After college, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He spent 8 months in the first Gulf War as an Infantry Officer. After returning from Operation Desert Storm, he was assigned to the Recon Battalion and spent time off the coast of Bosnia. During his time in the military he traveled extensively, training with military personnel from many different countries. His first experience with corporate America was with Stryker Instruments in his home state. It was there he got the bug to become a franchise owner. He began his franchising career by investing in cookie, pretzel, and children’s retail stores. His most recent foray is Mexican restaurant Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina. Within 10 years of opening his first location, he 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. He enjoys doing triathlons and has completed three Ironman competitions. Most important, he enjoys spending time with his family and playing games. Today he lives back in Monroe with his wife Kecia and his three children, Keely, Colin, and Ian.

Franchisee: Great American Cookies, Mrs. Fields Cookies, Pretzelmaker, Salsarita's Fresh Cantina

Advisory Board & Speaker
Fiorentino, Rocco

President & CEO
Benetrends; Chair, Multi Unit Franchising Conference

Rocco Fiorentino is President and CEO of Benetrends. He is also the Managing Member of Swiss Farms and Saxbys Coffee, and the founding partner of Eagle Tax Services, a tax preparation franchise with offices in 6 states. Previously, he was CEO of United Financial Services Group, a financial services franchisor with nearly 200 offices nationwide; President and CEO of Freedom Rings LLC, an area developer and multi-unit franchisee of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts; and President of Specialty Bakeries, Inc., a subsidiary of New World Restaurant Group, franchisor of Manhattan Bagel, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Chesapeake Bagels, New World Coffee, and Willoughby’s Coffee. He serves on the board of the IFA and has chaired the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference. He is the Founder and Chair of The Little Rock Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving children and young adults who are visually impaired and blind, and is currently Pennsylvania District Governor of Unico National, a nonprofit organization dedicated to children with developmental disabilities.

Franchisee: Krispy Kreme

Facilitator
Fisher, Lane

Partner
Fisher Zucker

Since 1989, Lane Fisher has represented franchisors in business transactions and complex litigation in trademark and copyright infringement, franchise development, and regulatory issues. He litigates the enforcement of franchise agreement obligations on behalf of franchisors, including non-competition covenants, collections, under-reporting, and encroachment claims. Lane is a Founding Partner of FisherZucker LLC, a national practice dedicated to franchising. FisherZucker’s attorneys have extensive experience in commercial litigation, arbitration and mediation, and represent more than 75 franchise systems. Lane holds a BBA in finance and an MBA in international business from George Washington University. He is a frequent speaker at franchise conferences, has appeared on CBS, CN8 and CNN, and has been identified as a Super Lawyer and Franchise Legal Eagle by his peers since 2004. Lane has been a member of IFA’s Board of Directors and chaired its Membership Committee since 2006.

Panelist
Gilmartin, Kathleen

CEO
Interim HealthCare

Kathleen rejoined Interim HealthCare Inc. as President and CEO in September 2008. During her 20 years with Interim she has held several leadership roles including driving franchise sales, operations, and clinical practice. Her experience as a registered nurse, healthcare consultant, and business executive in the healthcare industry has helped guide Interim’s profitable growth in diversified home care services, hospice, and medical staffing. She currently serves on the board of the Alliance for Home Health Quality and Improvement, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice Regulatory Committee, and the IFA Women’s Franchise Committee. Originally from New York, Kathleen earned her bachelor’s degree from D’Youville College and now resides in South Florida.

Panelist
Glodowski, Dave

President
MRG Management Inc.

Dave Glodowski is President of MRG Management. In 2001, Dave and his current business partner Mike Hoff combined their Hardee’s restaurants to form MRG Management. They acquired 9 more corporate locations from Hardee’s, bringing their current restaurant count to 19, with locations in Minnesota and Northern Iowa. They were named Hardee’s Franchisee of the Year in both 2007 and 2009. Dave started in the restaurant business in 1979 as an Assistant Manager for the local Wendy’s franchise. He moved up through the ranks, first becoming a General Manager, then a District Manager. After working at Lee Ann Chin restaurants as a District Manager and General Mills as an Operations Manager he became an Operating Partner for a local Hardee’s franchisee. There he oversaw 11 Hardee’s. After the majority partner retired, Dave bought two Hardee’s from him and the rest is history. He has been a member of the Hardee’s franchise board of directors (IHFA) since 2000, was President of the IHFA in 2006, 2007, and 2008, has been a charter member of the Coalition of Franchisee Associations since 2007, where he was chair in 2010 and 2011.

Franchisee: Hardee's

Advisory Board & Speaker
Grace, Gary

CEO
GG Enterprise; Chair, 2009 Multi-Unit Franchisee Conference

Gary Grace has been a Supercuts franchisee for 33 years and has opened more than 140 units. He currently owns 37 Supercuts and 1 Cost Cutters. He is serving his 15th consecutive year as President of the Supercuts Franchisee Association and as Franchisee Chair of the Supercuts Advisory Council. In 1989, he was named the Top Franchisee in America by Inc. magazine. Before Supercuts he was a partner in Growth Strategies, a franchise consulting firm.

Franchisee: Supercuts, Cost Cutters

Advisory Board & Speaker
Grimaud, David

President and Franchisee
Grimaud Enterprises Inc.

David Grimaud joined his father, Joseph Grimaud in franchising in 1987 after working as an electrical engineer in Dallas. He moved his family to Columbia, S.C., where his father had 37 Precision Tune Auto Care franchises and needed help in continuing to expand the area. Today, David is President of Grimaud Enterprises and oversees approximately 90 units in 11 states, from Houston to South Carolina, as well as the Salt Lake City area. Of the 90 units, 40 are owned and operated by partnerships.

Franchisee: Precision Tune Auto Care

Panelist
Grimaud, Maureen

Principal and Franchisee
Grimaud Enterprises Inc.

Maureen Grimaud and her husband David Grimaud are multi-unit franchisee partners in Precision Tune Auto Care stores with locations in 9 states. Maureen, who started with the family-run operation in 1987, shares Area Developer responsibilities for Precision Tune, as well as being a multi-unit franchise owner and operator. Her duties include taking over troubled stores, cost controller, regional operations, and auditing. She received her BS degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in finance, real estate, and insurance from Minnesota State University in 1983.

Franchisee: Precision Tune Auto Care

Advisory Board
Hall, William G.

President
William G. Hall & Company

Bill Hall has a career of more than 30 years as an entrepreneur and investor. He is a CPA, has an accounting degree from the University of Texas, and began his career with the national public accounting firm of Ernst & Young. Bill has been a multi-unit franchisee of Dairy Queen, Church’s Chicken, and Mr. Jim’s Pizza with more than 80 units at one time. Currently, he has 5 Dairy Queen units. In addition to his franchisee experience, he has owned and operated community banks in Texas, independent restaurant concepts, a nationwide transportation company, and real estate investments. Bill has served multiple terms as President of the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council, representing more than 800 Dairy Queen Restaurants in Texas. He is a CFE, Past Chair of the Franchisee Forum of the IFA, a member of the IFA Board of Directors, serves as the Co-Chairof the National Franchise Mediation Program, and is a member of the Small Business Advisory Council to the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). Bill is active in his Fort Worth, Texas community where he lives with his wife of 28 years and their 4 children.

Franchisee: Dairy Queen

Advisory Board & Speaker
Hashim, Aziz

President/CEO
NRD Holdings LLC, Dandle Inc.

Aziz Hashim is President and CEO of NRD Holdings LLC, a U.S. company, and Dandle, Inc., a Canadian pet-supply company. He founded NRD in 1996 with one QSR unit, and has grown to more than 60 restaurants, including Popeyes, Domino’s Pizza, and Checkers/Rally’s Drive-In Restaurants. In 2010, he expanded internationally, becoming a franchisee of PetValu, a major pet-supply franchisor in Canada. Through expert risk identification and management, unique portfolio management strategies, and superior execution, Aziz has become a leading multi-state, multi-brand, and most recently, multinational franchisee. His many accomplishments include Nation’s Restaurant News Franchisee of the Year and recognitions by several franchisors as setting the standard for multi-unit franchisees. He has been published and quoted in The Wall St. Journal, The Globe and Mail, Los Angeles Times, and Washington Post as well as being a guest lecturer at Emory Law School and Harvard Law School. Additionally, he serves on the IFA board, where he will become Chair in 2016 — only the fourth franchisee in the 50-year history of the organization. He’s also on the Popeyes Foundation and the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference advisory boards. Aziz is deeply involved in community service and frequently contributes to franchising by sharing his knowledge and experience at restaurant and franchise conferences. His dynamic leadership and strategy for success is reflected in both his compelling message to the franchise community and in NRD’s significant and consistent growth. Aziz attended the University of California at Irvine, graduating with honors from its prestigious electrical engineering program.

Franchisee: Popeyes, Domino's, Checkers Drive-In Restaurants/Rally's, PetValu

Facilitator
Helton, Glen

Former Senior VP / Global Operations
Burger King

Glen Helton most recently served on the leadership team of Burger King Corp. as Senior Vice President of Global Operations, operating 12,600 restaurants in 83 countries around the world. He played an instrumental part in the widely publicized turnaround effort that led to the first 12-month positive sales trend at Burger King since the late 1990s. In this role, he was responsible for all operations and strategic efforts worldwide. He reported directly to CEO Bernardo Hees. Before that, he was responsible for all of North America’s company-owned locations. He also served on the Board of Directors  for the Burger King McLamore Foundation. Glen is the former President and COO of Strategic Restaurants Acquisitions Corp. (SRAC), the second-largest Burger King franchisee. Before that he was Vice President of Operations for Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits, operating more than 1,900 restaurants worldwide. At Popeyes, he was responsible for the company’s technology and operating system initiatives and had direct P&L responsibility for all company-operated restaurants. Previously, he was a managing partner and helped open and operate 56 Boston Market locations during its peak growth period. He is a member of the Advisory Board for the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference and the Advisory Council for the Restaurant Leadership Conference.

Advisory Board
Hotchkiss, John

Partner
L&M Restaurant Group

John Hotchkiss has been working in franchising since he was 9. His franchising father taught by example and instilled in him a fundamental understanding of franchising. Today, he operates 40 Little Caesars and 3 Firehouse Subs in San Antonio. A sports fan who especially loves basketball, he graduated from Baylor University with a double major in information systems and performance improvement technologies and a minor in real estate. After college, he worked as a systems analyst for EDS, Ross Perot’s former company. Later, he worked for a software startup in Austin, which led him to France, where he helped start the company’s European office.

Franchisee: Little Caesars, Firehouse Subs

Panelist
Hough, Jack

Founder and CEO
MSE Branded Foods

Jack Hough is the CEO of MSE Branded Foods, which he founded in 1989. He was one of the first to design and operate a consolidated food court format, which uses a single kitchen to support multiple concepts. MSE has experienced tremendous growth over the past 10 years and is a successful operator and consultant in various nontraditional environments such as universities, upscale outlet centers, hospitals, hotels, and airports. MSE currently operates more than 75 different concepts, which include approximately 25 national brands. MSE was named Licensee Store of the Year by Chick-fil-A three years running. Jack has been a panelist and speaker for the S.C. Aviation Association, the National Branding Conference, AAAE conferences, and the National Hospital Association conference. He has served as a member on advisory boards for several national franchises, financial organizations, and various other civic organizations. He has a BS degree in Accounting, and postgraduate work in Finance and Banking. His background includes commercial banking and real estate development.

Franchisee: Arby's, Sbarro, Subway, Pizza Hut, Auntie Anne's, Cinnabon and more

Panelist
Hougland, Whayne

Executive Director
LJS Franchisee Association

Whayne M. Hougland is Founder and Chair of EDR Systems LLC, and Executive Director and General Counsel for the Long John Silver’s Franchisee Association and the Fazoli’s Franchisee Association. Additionally, he is Counsel for Walther, Roark & Gay, Lexington, Kentucky, and is an Arbitrator and Mediator for the American Arbitration Association. Whayne’s rich legal career includes serving as Senior Corporate Counsel and Vice President for Employee Relations at Long John Silver’s from 1978 to 1997. He was also a Partner at Stites & Harbison, Louisville, Kentucky, from 1972 to 1978, and General Counsel and Director of the Kentucky Department of Banking and Securities. 

Advisory Board & Speaker
Hui, Ellen

Former CEO
EBR Investments

Ellen Hui, former President of EBR Investments, was a franchisee of 12 Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a franchisee, she served on several advisory boards and was named Popeyes Franchisee of the Year in 2003. Currently, Ellen consults for Atlas Capital Strategies. She holds an MBA in Finance.

Facilitator
Jobe, Madison

Senior VP and COO
Pizza Inn Holdings Inc.

Madison Jobe joined Pizza Inn in February 2009 and has served as Vice President Franchise Development, Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Development Officer for the Pizza Inn and Pie Five brands. He led the development team of Pie Five Pizza Company, a 2012 Hot Concept Award Winner, while continuing the expansion of the legacy Pizza Inn brand. Before joining Pizza Inn, he was Vice President of Development for Stockade Companies, franchisor of Sirloin Stockade, Coyote Canyon, and Montana Mike’s Steakhouse. He has worked with other legacy brands including Fatburger and Shakey’s Pizza and was instrumental in the early growth of the Red Robin brand. He has experience on both the franchisor and franchisee sides of the business, having been a franchisee of two different concepts during his almost 40-year career. Madison has been a panelist for the IFA, the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference, the Franchise Leadership & Development Conference, Southwest Foodservice Expo, and as a source for multiple restaurant and franchise trade press.

Session Speaker
Johnson, Darrell

President & CEO
FRANdata

Darrell Johnson has been President and CEO of FRANdata, the only independent research company supplying information and analysis for the franchising sector, since 2001. He is a nationally recognized authority on franchising in the U.S. and is a frequent speaker and author on franchising topics. Before a 2004 management buyout of FRANdata from his previous employer, the National Cooperative Bank (NCB), he was part of NCB’s executive team and managed FRANdata along with several other NCB business ventures. His career spans information services, commercial banking, investment banking, and federal financial regulation. Before joining NCB in 1992, he was an investment banker specializing in mergers, acquisitions, and financial advisory services for middle-market companies. He was a founder of the investment banking subsidiary of a regional commercial bank (now part of Bank of America) and also worked in several independent advisory firms. He earned a BA in business and a master’s degree in economics from Montana State University. He also earned a master’s degree in business from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. He is a CFE and has served on many for-profit and not-for-profit boards, and currently sits on the IFA Board of Directors, the IFA Education Foundation Advisory Board, and is Chair of the IFA Supplier Forum Advisory Board.

Panelist
Jordan, Martha

Franchisee

Martha Jordan has worked with Subway since the late 1980s. She started as a Subway Sandwich Artist and quickly became Restaurant Manager. Before long, she went to work for the Subway Development Agency and is currently Director of Operations there, with a territory of 432 restaurants. In 1991 she purchased her first Subway and currently has 55 locations. She is involved in the Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust and is a Local Marketing Board member. She also is a member of Subway’s Global Strategic 2015 Planning Committee and has served on the Subway/Coke Beverage Committee. She also has one Mooyah Burger & Fries.

Franchisee: Subway, Mooyah Burgers & Fries

Panelist
Kahley, Mike

Senior Vice President
Lockton Companies

Mike Kahley, a 1993 graduate of Baylor University, entered the employee benefits business as an Account Representative for Great-West Life & Annuity (now a part of CIGNA Healthcare). He worked with hundreds of clients to understand aspects of managed care, funding alternatives, plan design, and effective communication strategies. He consulted on defined contribution 401(k) plans, non-qualified deferred compensation, and other financial products as well. Mike brings his 19 years of experience and available data to outline the reasons benefit strategies will be successful, and locates unique vendor partners to help make these strategies a reality. He turns a reactive process into a proactive interaction, while his clients generate savings and enjoy far greater planning predictability. He is expert in aligning benefit plans with corporate culture and philosophy, the development of corporate benefit strategies, managed care network evaluations, healthcare provider efficiency and quality of care analysis, and healthcare reform consulting. As a husband of 15 years and father of three, Mike is especially proud of the unique professional, family-oriented atmosphere at the Lockton office.

Panelist
Kelley, Brian

Managing Partner
Paradigm Group

Brian Kelley is the Managing Partner of San Diego-based Paradigm Investment Group, a 94-unit, award-winning Hardee’s franchisee with restaurants in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Florida. He also serves as the CFO for the partnership group that owns and operates the award-winning steakhouse, Donovan’s, in San Diego and Phoenix, as well as other restaurant businesses located throughout Texas. His previous experience includes 12 years in corporate and merchant banking positions with companies including Citicorp, GE Capital, and Atherton Capital with specialization in the restaurant, petroleum, and automotive industries. He earned a BA in Business Economics from Brown University, and an MBA from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. He is past President and Vice President of the Hardee’s Franchisee Association and currently serves on several corporate and charity boards. Other accomplishments include CKE Franchisee of the Year, Hardee’s Franchisee of the Year, CKE Developer of the Year, the Wilbur Hardee Founder’s Award, and was named CFO of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal.

Franchisee: Hardee's, Taco Bell, T.G.I. Friday's

Panelist
Kenisell, Chet

CEO
Sugar on Top Corporation

Chet Kenisell owns and operates two Gigi’s Cupcakes locations in Austin, Texas, along with a Gigi’s Cupcakes food truck. He is a graduate of South Plains and has considerable experience in eLearning development for Fortune 500 companies. His experience includes nine years of eLearning development for Baker Hughes Inc. and five years of ownership of an eLearning development firm, Plan A Interactive. More recently, he launched Sugar On Top to develop the Austin market for Gigi’s Cupcakes. Chet spoke at the Gigi’s Cupcakes Owners Conference regarding the social media market, with an emphasis on Facebook. In less than 12 months, he used his marketing expertise to build more than 15,000 followers on Facebook for his first Gigi’s Cupcakes location. He also uses a loyalty program and texting campaigns to build a “vibe” that results in repeat business.

Panelist
Keyser, Jesse

Franchisee

Jesse Keyser is presently a franchisee of 5 Little Caesars and 4 Sport Clips in Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri. Additionally, he has purchased the licenses to open 10 more stores between now and 2014. He opened his first Little Caesars Pizza in 2005 with his partner and brother, Charles Keyser. They know how to open stores: their first Sport Clips opened in the Top 10 Grand Openings of 2012, their third Sport Clips broke the grand opening record for net sales in March 2012, and their fourth Sport Clips location broke the record for grand opening net sales and customer count in November 2012. Previously, Jesse oversaw sales, marketing, training, and product development for School Center, education’s first application service provider. He graduated from Southern University at Carbondale with a major in Sociology and a minor in Marketing.

Franchisee: Little Caesar's, Sport Clips

Panelist
Khan, Aslam

CEO
Falcon Holdings

Aslam Khan is the largest franchisee in the Church’s Chicken system and is known as the “turnaround artist.” His first purchase was a franchise of 100 restaurants on the brink of bankruptcy. Under his leadership, Falcon Holdings has made significant improvements in human resources, financial status, and company growth. Since his original acquisition, Aslam has acquired more than 75 additional Church’s Chicken restaurants in the Atlanta, Mobile, Pensacola, and Dallas/Fort Worth areas. His management style, pattern of retaining personnel, and tradition of promoting from within have been integral to the success and profitability of his company. Additionally, Falcon Holdings provides a range of management services that include store operations, payroll, and accounting to several restaurant owners. Aslam’s passion, focus, and energy have propelled Falcon Holdings into a leadership role in the franchise community. Moreover, his success at creating a 180-degree turnaround, along with his expertise at selecting key personnel, have produced unparalleled results. His exceptional track record of building businesses and effective teams comes from his rooted philosophy of “People First.”

Franchisee: Church's Chicken

Panelist
Khoja, Karim

President and CEO
Northshore Management Group, Inc.

Karim Khoja is the President and CEO of Northshore Management Group, a management company that oversees 36 Dunkin’ Donuts franchises, 20 Baskin-Robbins franchises, and multiple real estate properties. Between 2007 and 2013, he expanded his network from 13 to 36 stores, with another 7 stores scheduled to open this year. In 2008, he was named Developer of the Year by Dunkin’ Brands. He is currently a member of the Dunkin’ Brands People Subcommittee. Aside from work, Karim volunteers countless hours raising money and providing support for a not-for-profit international development agency that focuses on providing long-term health solutions, education, rural development, environmental issues, and strengthening of civil society. Karim has recently invested in the Wingstop brand in the Chicago area and continues to expand his portfolio.

Facilitator
Kleiman, Mel

Founder and President
Humetrics

As the one-time owner of three different businesses (including the largest group of Hertz Rent-a-Car franchise locations in the U.S.), Mel Kleiman’s expertise is based on his personal experience, as well as on his extensive research and consulting work helping employers design successful employee recruiting, hiring, and retention programs. Over the years, companies and associations of every size and type including such well-known names as Harley-Davidson, CiCi’s Pizza, Coca-Cola, ExxonMobil, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and the Society for Human Resource Management have called upon his expertise. In 1999, the National Speaking Association awarded him the prestigious Certified Speaking Professional designation, making Mel one of only 650 speakers worldwide to have earned the coveted designation. He has been a member of the National Speakers Association since 1992. In his capacity as a speaker, he has delivered more than 500 custom-designed presentations at corporate meetings, trade shows, and conferences worldwide. He also has five books to his credit, including the best-selling Hire Tough, Manage Easy and his latest release, The 5 Firsts: A Simple System to On-board, Engage, and Retain Top Talent. He is a regular contributor to trade and professional journals including Multi-Unit Franchisee magazine, Convenience Store Decisions, Restaurant Hospitality, Coke Solutions, and National Shoe Retailer. He is the Founder and President of Humetrics, a leading provider of best practice information, training, and resources for recruiting, hiring, and retaining employees. Mel also serves as a board member for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and for the Workforce Institute, and he is a longstanding member of the Society for Human Resource Management.

Panelist
Knobelock, Michael

President and Owner
MSK Enterprises Inc.

At age 23, Mike Knobelock invested $10,000 to re-open a closed convenience store and made it profitable for the next six years. In 1991, he sold his store and invested in a Church’s Chicken franchise. His Church’s Chicken franchise business grew steadily to 50 stores over the next 20 years, making him the fourth-largest franchisee in the system. In 2003, he opened his first Little Caesars Pizza. Today he owns 50 restaurants that operate in Texas, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. In 2011, he opened his first full-service steak and seafood restaurant in Fulshear, Texas, where it proved to be an instant success in that affluent community. Mike is president of the 100-store Houston Church’s Chicken Marketing Co-op. From 2001 to 2004, he was elected Treasurer of the Church’s Independent Franchise Association (CIFA), and from 2005 to 2008 was elected President. He remains an active board member of CIFA, which represents 1,200 franchise stores. In 2011, Mike received 26 President Awards from the Church’s Chicken system for excellence in store brand and cleanliness.

Franchisee: Church's, Little Caesar's

Facilitator
Kolton, Jeffrey

Principal
Franchise Market Ventures LLC

Jeffrey Kolton is a highly regarded leader and innovator in the franchising community. With more than 25 years of experience at the highest levels in the legal, research, marketing, and finance sectors, he brings a unique perspective and an invaluable Rolodex to every deal he works on. He has been a partner in one of the leading franchise law firms in the country (Kaufmann Gildin); founded and built the leading franchise research firm in the country (FRANdata); was elected to the highest position among franchise suppliers by his peers (the IFA’s Supplier Forum); and was a member of the Board of Directors of the franchising’s leading trade association, the IFA. He has served on the Board of Directors of both the publicly traded franchisor Emerging Visions Inc. (which he helped take private), and venture-backed SinglePlatform, which was purchased by publicly traded Constant Contact in July 2012 in a deal valued at $100 million. He also is a retained advisor to high-net-worth individuals and private equity funds on investment opportunities in the franchise sector. He is an honors graduate of Cornell University and the London School of Economics, and received his law degree from Georgetown. He also received his sommelier certification from the American Sommelier Association in 2003.

Panelist
Koning, Giovanna

CFO
Falcon Holdings

Panelist
Kulp, Michael

President
KBP Foods

For more than a decade, Michael Kulp’s passion for creating a great place to work, a great place to eat, and a great place to own have provided unique opportunities for those at KBP Foods. Under his direction, KBP has grown from $7 million to $225 million in annual revenue over a 10-year period and is ranked among the 10 fastest-growing restaurant companies in the country. In additional to being President and CEO at KBP, he serves as President of the local advertising cooperatives in Kansas City, Omaha, Tampa, and Atlanta. He also serves on a franchise advisory board to Yum! Brands, in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers, and is a member of the board of directors at Fresh Alternatives, a holding company that owns and operates fast casual restaurants across the state of Florida. Michael graduated from Mesa State University with bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Marketing, and also played collegiate-level athletics. Michael and his wife Stephanie are the proud parents of three children and are involved in philanthropic efforts as board members of the First Downs for Down Syndrome organization, active partners with local JDRF efforts, and the Truman Medical Health and Wellness Center in Kansas City.

Franchisee: KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Long John Silver's

Panelist
Kuryllo, Michael

Franchisee

Michael Kuryllo owns and operates 5 Fantastic Sams hair salons in Southern California. He is a graduate of the University of Puget Sound with a degree in Business/Accounting. He started his career in construction as a laborer and worked his way up to General Manager of the Southern California office for one of the largest retail contractors on the West Coast. Then he started operating on his own, contracting public works projects and apartment to condo conversions. Foreseeing the impending blip in the economy and real estate market, Michael decided to change direction and began researching franchise opportunities. He chose Fantastic Sams because of the brand’s exceptional training and education for new franchisees and their employees, and in 2007 opened two Fantastic Sams. Under his direction, sales have grown from $360,000 in 2007 to $1.5 million in 2012. His original plan was to return to construction/real estate after the recession, but he has embraced the challenge that comes with being a franchisee and is currently on track to grow to 10 units by 2017. Michael is currently serving his sixth consecutive year as Treasurer of the Franchise Owners Advisory Council of Fantastic Sams of Southern California, representing more than 140 salons. Michael and his wife of 24 years have 2 children who are both attending college. 

Franchisee: Fantastic Sams

Facilitator
Lacerte, Rene

CEO / Founder
Bill.com

Rene Lacerte founded Bill.com in 2006, after more than 20 years of experience in the finance, software, and payments. Rene has transformed the Excel spreadsheet businesses that used to track cash flow and turned it into a web-enabled command and control center. This process allows customers to instantly take action – from bill payment to invoicing – with the documented insight needed to make the right decisions. This next-generation service has resulted in a loyal following of customers. Before Bill.com, Rene co-founded America’s number-one online payroll service, PayCycle, which culminated in an acquisition by Intuit in 2009. This award-winning service also became an industry leader by providing an unparalleled customer experience. He spent 5 years at Intuit, launching bill presentment and payroll services. He earned an MS in Industrial Engineering and a BA in Quantitative Economics from Stanford University.

Panelist
Lafreeda, Dawn

CEO and President
Den-Tex Central Inc.

Dawn Lafreeda is CEO and President of Den-Tex Central. Her business has grown from her first franchised unit, purchased when she was just 23, to 72 units today. She started working as a Denny’s hostess when she was 16, and then took a job at a software company where she learned accounting, payroll, and the business skills needed to pursue her dream of self-employment. She and a partner bought their first restaurant, a Hobo Joe’s (part of the Denny’s chain at the time), using credit cards and small loans. Then, in just 18 months, they purchased four distressed Denny’s in West Texas. Thirteen stores later, she bought out her partner and continued to grow her company to 72 units across 7 states. Dawn also serves as Treasurer of the Board of the Denny’s Franchisee Association and sits on the Development Brand Advisory Council for Denny’s, Inc. 

Franchisee: Denny's

Advisory Board
Leese, Ken

President & CEO
The Tax Authority Inc., The Video Game Developer Inc.

Ken Leese started in franchising in 1994 with one Jackson Hewitt Tax Services unit in New Jersey. By 2003, he had 80 units in 6 states. He currently operates 40 Jackson Hewitt locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. In 2009 he opened his first Play N Trade franchise in New Jersey and today has 3 stores.

Franchisee: Jackson Hewitt, Play N Trade

Facilitator
LeFever, Steve

Chairman
Profit Mastery

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. He is a successful entrepreneur in his own right, having founded several successful companies. As an officer at Seattle First National Bank, he 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-sized companies. In 1983, he founded Profit Mastery to further design, develop, and deliver practical financial training to the independent business community. Profit Mastery services are in high demand by more than 100 commercial banks, a variety of industry trade groups, and major U.S. corporations, including Home Instead, La Quinta, Granite Transformations, Tasti D-Lite, Winmark, and many others to deliver measurable performance improvement.?

Panelist
Lewis III, Sherman L.

Franchisee

Sherman L. Lewis, III is President of The Lewis Group, which operates Shell Oil Company convenience stores and gas stations, and 21 Jack in the Box restaurants. His company presently has 32 locations, 600 employees, and generates more than $120 million in annual revenues. Sherman and his family started investing in Shell by purchasing 11 C-stores and 13 stations, culminating in the purchase of another 10 stations including the real estate, making them wholesalers of Shell Oil Products. For the past four years, The Lewis Group was ranked #1 in Shell’s Mystery Shop and Customer Service Evaluation program, beating out over 400 other Shell gas stations in the Houston market. A lifelong entrepreneur, while still in college, began a computer skills training course for incoming freshmen, training 600 students. After college he held positions at Citibank and Apple Computer, founded a technology company called E-Agent (providing leads to real estate agents over the web), and became a partner and investor in a successful Washington, D.C., restaurant. He is on the Board for Habitat for Humanity, Houston Technology Center, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, and the Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. He also works with the Houston Area Urban League, NAACP, and other nonprofits. He has been featured in the Houston Business Journal and USA Today; ranked as one of the largest minority-owned companies in the Houston area for the past 6 years; named number 27 largest African American–owned business in the country by Black Enterprise; and was on the cover of Who’s Who in Black Houston.

Franchisee: Jack in the Box

Panelist
Lindsey, Pete

Vice President of Franchising
Sport Clips

Pete Lindsey serves as Vice President of Franchising at Sport Clips. Before Sport Clips, Pete’s 15 years in the franchise business include National Sales Manager for Franchise Development at MBE, a UPS Company (The UPS Store), National Operations Manager at MBE, and Executive Director of Franchise Relations for MBE, where he was responsible for informal dispute resolution, renewals, transfers, customer service, and insurance compliance. Pete was also part of the team that offered The UPS Store to MBE franchisees, which culminated in one of the largest rebranding initiatives in history.

Panelist
Lucas, Seth

Franchisee

Seth Lucas owns and operates four East Coast Wings & Grills in North Carolina, including the first East Coast Wings & Grill QSR. Additionally, he purchased an Area Development Representation deal in 2011, which involves 14 additional locations to be spread over the eastern part of North Carolina, parts of South Carolina, and Virginia. He opened his first East Coast Wings & Grill location in 2009 with his partner and brother, Jared Lucas. Since becoming involved in East Coast Wings & Grill, Seth has become an integral part of supporting the corporate team, including being a member of the East Coast Wings & Grill Blue Ribbon Board, Advisory Council, and Menu Committee.

Franchisee: East Coast Wings & Grill

Panelist
Lungren, Jeff

Director of Congressional and Public Affairs
U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Jeff Lungren is a Director in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Congressional and Public Affairs Division, focusing on healthcare, immigration, and labor issues. He helps spearhead the Chamber’s lobbying efforts on these issues with Capitol Hill policymakers and other entities. Jeff brings more than a dozen years of senior government relations and public affairs experience to the Chamber. Most recently, he handled Hill outreach and communications for the Galen Institute, a nonprofit healthcare think tank, during consideration of health reform in 2009 and 2010. Previously, he served as a special assistant to former President George W. Bush in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs. As the president’s liaison to more than 100 House members, he helped devise and implement the administration’s agenda on critical issues before Congress. During his tenure at the White House, Jeff also briefed the vice president on legislative and oversight matters as the number-two person in his legislative affairs office. Earlier in his career, Jeff served in a number of senior communications positions on Capitol Hill. He handled messaging and communications for the House Judiciary Committee from 2001 to 2007, where he was responsible for such high-profile issues as the USA-Patriot Act and its 2006 renewal, immigration and border security, and medical liability reform. His work garnered him recognition by the National Journal in its 2003 “The Hill People” profiles of top Capitol Hill aides. Jeff is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife Jennifer and their four children.

Advisory Board & Speaker
Lutfi, Tony

CEO/President
MarLu Investment Group

Tony Lutfi operates 46 Church’s Chicken, 43 Arby’s, 21 Jack in the Box, 5 Little Caesars, 5 Sizzlers, 8 Sears Appliance Showrooms, and 6 Sears hardware stores in 7 states. As a new immigrant, Tony started his career at age 17 as a cook at Jack in the Box, while attending a local college in Northern California. After a quick ascent to management and finding success with Jack in the Box, he pursued other opportunities with Rax and Arby’s in the ’80s, ultimately becoming a director of operations for a large franchisee. He became an Arby’s franchisee in the early ’90s with 2 restaurants in Northern California. He and a partner grew the company to 120 restaurants and 5 brands in 15 years. With a passion for his customers and a desire to provide opportunities for loyal employees and family within his organization, Tony works tirelessly to grow his organization. He also serves on various committees with almost all of his brands including the Presidents Council with Arby’s, the supply chain board with Church’s Chicken as Vice President for the franchise association, as well as a member of the creative committee for Sizzler.

Franchisee: Arby's, Church's Chicken, Jack in the Box, Little Caesars, Sears, Sizzler

Panelist
Lyons, Jim

COO
Quizons

Panelist
Mann, Jason

President
FSSG and Mann's Diversified Industries

Jason Mann entered franchising in 1999 by introducing the Planet Smoothie brand to the Central Florida market. As President of Mann’s Diversified Industries, he is a franchisee of Planet Smoothie/Tasti D-Lite, President of FSSG, Inc., and an Area Representative of Planet Smoothie/Tasti D-Lite. Jason has been an integral part of growing the market to more than 28 Planet Smoothie franchises. He consults with franchisees on the phases of franchisee life, including franchise sales, real estate acquisition, store development, management training, store opening assistance, marketing, and ongoing business consulting. He works directly with the corporate team on design and implementation of strategic initiatives including support systems, new product sourcing, testing and development, menu revitalization, and ongoing marketing promotions. After the acquisition of Planet Smoothie by Tasti D-Lite in 2011, he worked directly with the executive team to integrate the two brands. In January 2013, he once again championed franchise innovation by opening the first prototype of the Planet Smoothie/Tasti D-Lite co-brand concept. Jason is currently a senior advisor on the Franchise Advisory Board and marketing task force. He has multiple Top Single-Unit Sales Volume awards, Franchisee of the Year awards, and Area Developer of the Year awards with Planet Smoothie/Tasti D-Lite.

Franchisee: Planet Smoothie, Tasti D-Lite

Panelist
Mapes, Bill

Franchisee

Bill Mapes joined Jersey Mike’s in 2008. Since then, he’s built 13 sites and posted double-digit sales growth for four consecutive years. He plans to build 7 to 10 new stores and develop the franchise side by adding an additional 60 to 70 stores with multi-unit franchisees in Arizona and Las Vegas. Since joining Jersey Mike’s, Bill has been a member of the NAC, MAC, and TAC. Previously, he was Franchise Operations Director for Domino’s Pizza’s West Coast Area/Jones Region in charge of franchise growth and development in three states. He was a franchisee for Domino’s for 17 years, winning more than 30 regional and national awards for sales volume and sales growth, including Key Indicator Awards 30/30 Club (30 percent sales increase and AWUs of $30,000) and part of the team that posted a million-dollar profit. He sat on the LA Board of Directors for the Los Angeles ADI and was a member of the West Coast Safety Council. Bill graduated from USC in marketing and studied Franchise Management and Development for one year at UCLA. He runs his stores with his high-school sweetheart and three sons, Ryan, Corey, and Sean.

Franchisee: Jersey Mike's

Panelist
Mellon, Scott

Vice President of Franchise Sales
Papa Murphy's

Scott Mellon, CFE, is Vice President of Franchising for Papa Murphy’s International, where he oversees all of U.S. franchising for more than 1,350 locations in 37 states and Canada, with plans to add 125 new domestic units in 2013. Scott was raised in a franchising family business founded in 1985 that opened both corporate and franchised locations throughout Texas and the southwestern United States before its sale in 2005. His previous roles included Franchise Director of The Dwyer Group from 2003 to 2008, and then work with Dunkin’ Brands (Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins) from 2008 to 2012. He earned his BBA from Baylor University with a double major in Entrepreneurship and International Business.

Advisory Board & Speaker
Metz, John

President
RREMC Restaurants; CEO Hurricane AMT; Director, Meyer Metz Capital Partners; 2012 Chair, Multi-Unit Franchising Conference

John Metz is currently a franchisee of Denny’s, Dairy Queen, Hurricane Grill & Wings, and Marriott. RREMC Restaurants LLC currently has 35 operating restaurants, employing more than 1,250, with three new restaurants under construction. As franchisor of Hurricane Grill & Wings, the company currently has 48 open units (43 franchised and 5 corporate), with 70 to be open by year-end. His Hospitality Investment Advisors company currently owns a Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites and a new Hampton Inn under development at the Miami Airport. His real estate holdings include more than 40 single-tenant retail properties including restaurants, banks, financial services, and general retail. Previously, he was president of Roadhouse Grill, McFadden Metz Restaurants Inc., and Continuum Courtyards LLC. He graduated from Cornell University with a BS from the School of Hotel Administration and an MBA from The Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell. He also is a licensed general contractor and real estate salesperson.

Franchisee: Denny's, Dairy Queen, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Marriott

Panelist
Millard, Ron

Partner
Redstone Capital Partners

Ron Millard is the President and CEO of Redstone Capital, the private equity division of The Redstone Companies. Since 2009, he has also served as President and CEO of Café Express, a wholly owned fast casual restaurant portfolio company with 20 locations. Before joining Redstone in 2005, Ron 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. Ron received a B.B.A. in Finance with honors from the University of Texas, and earned an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Ron is a CFA charterholder.

Franchisee: Popeyes, Franchisor: Cafe Express

Panelist
Miller, Keith

Owner
Subway of Auburn and Grass Valley and Chairman, Coalition of Franchise Associations

Keith Miller has been a Subway franchisee for 24 years and currently owns 3 stores in Grass Valley and Auburn, Calif. He is Chair of the Coalition of Franchisee Associations and a Past Chair of the North American Association of Subway Franchisees. He earned a BS degree in Computer Science and Management from California State University, Chico and an MBA from Golden Gate University. In 1997, Keith and his wife Karen were named Subway Franchisees of the Year.

Franchisee: Subway

Panelist
Mongeon, Roger

CEO
Turf Holdings Inc.

Roger Mongeon is CEO of 1051080 Ontario Inc., a holding company for Weed Man locations throughout Canada, and of Turf Holdings Inc. in the U.S. In 1987, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to the Weed Man opportunity. He purchased his first franchise in Hull, Quebec, and in 1989 expanded by purchasing seven Weed Man territories in Montreal. In 1994, with shareholders, employees, family, friends, and former colleagues, he aggressively expanded into Ontario and British Columbia. In the following years, through acquisitions and organic growth, Roger expanded his Canadian business, which currently generates more than $30 million in revenues and services from more than 90,000 customers. In 1995, Roger looked southward and acted on an opportunity to expand the Weed Man brand in the U.S., founding Turf Holdings Inc., and began a successful campaign to sell Weed Man franchises. Currently Weed Man USA has 130 franchisees across 34 states, generating sales of more than $53 million. Previously, Roger spent 10 years at Union Carbide after receiving his Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Ottawa in 1977.

Franchisee: Weed Man

Advisory Board
Mueller, Glenn

Founder
RPM Pizza

Glenn Mueller is President and CEO (Chief Excellence Officer) for RPM Pizza, his family-run business. RPM, which celebrated 30 years in franchising last year, is the largest Domino’s franchisee in the U.S., with 130 stores, a $25 million payroll, and 2,800 team members serving 10 million pizzas a year. RPM also is the leading pizza delivery company in Mississippi and Louisiana and has helped more than 150 team members franchise their own stores. In the 1980s, Mueller helped set up the Domino’s Franchisee Association. He also helped establish Domino’s Franchisee Forum, was elected its first president in 1992, and has served in that position every year since. With a mission to “better franchisees, their families, and relationships,” the Forum has franchisees who meet twice a year to share best practices and network. He also helped set up Domino’s Pizza Partners Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 1986 that raises money to help fellow team members in need. He and his wife Val have five children: Stephanie, Glenn Jr., Alison, Merrin, Rogers, and grandson Jared. Four of their children work in the Domino’s Pizza system.

Franchisee: Domino's

Panelist
Myers, Sally

Vice President Marketing
BMW Management

Sally Myers has been working in the Sizzler brand for more than 31 years. She started in her father’s Sizzler franchise company, the largest Sizzler’s franchisee at that time, and developed the marketing department and community programs for 36 Sizzler locations. With 23 stores today, Sally and her husband Gary are the largest Sizzler franchisees. They also operate two Richie’s Real American Diners (a brand originated by her father) and a Texas Roadhouse in Southern California. The couple and their son Bryce, who is in charge of real estate and development, are known as the BMW family and employ close to 1,500. They are instrumental in developing the New Generation Sizzler program and work hard to cultivate a business atmosphere that adds value to the lives of others by making a difference.

Franchisee: Sizzler, Texas Roadhouse, Richie's Real American Diner

Panelist
Myers, Gary

CEO and Chairman
BMW Management

Gary Myers is CEO and President of BMW Management. With 23 Sizzler restaurants, he and his wife Sally are Sizzler’s largest franchisees. They also have two Richie’s Real American Diners. Their newest venture is a Texas Roadhouse in Southern California. The couple has worked together for more than 31 years. They met in high school and started working at Sally’s father’s Sizzler franchise company, where Gary managed and was R&D director for his father-in-law’s first Sizzler, which offered banquet and catering services. Gary is the visionary behind the New Generation Sizzler remodels and has more than 16 units completed, with the balance slated for transformation this year. Richie’s Real American Diners are a 1950s retro-style diner concept that offers old-fashioned courtesy and manners. Richie’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a menu that includes made-from-scratch desserts and mouth-watering, authentic backyard mesquite BBQ smoked steaks.

Franchisee: Sizzler, Texas Roadhouse, Richie's Real American Diner

Advisory Board
Novack, Stan

President
Novack Consulting; 2007 Chair, Multi-Unit Franchising Conference

Stan Novack, President of Novack Consulting, works with food and adult beverage concepts interested in establishing or expanding businesses in nontraditional venues. His specialties include concept development, training, marketing, purchasing, branding and identity, franchising, merchandising, design, and operations. Novack spent more than 35 years at HMSHost, leaving in 2008 as Vice President of Concept Development. During that time, he was involved in developing nontraditional proprietary concepts including Cheers, Fox Sports Skybox, Jose Cuervo Tequileria, Casa Bacardi, and Dewar’s Clubhouse. He also worked with microbreweries, sports grills, wine bars, and Irish pubs in nontraditional environments; as well as with celebrity chefs to develop innovative concepts bearing their name, such as Todd English’s Bonfire & Bonfire Bar, Martin Yan’s Yan Can, and David Burke’s Burke in the Box. He also worked with entertainment icons, such as Dick Clark and Sammy Hagar, to develop concepts around their music and backgrounds. Advertising Age has recognized Novack as one of “The Marketing 100.”

Advisory Board & Speaker
Ostrowe, David

President
O&M Restaurant Group

David Ostrowe has more than 18 years of senior executive experience in operations and consulting. His extensive background in all phases of business development, through years of field, corporate-level, and multi-unit managerial positions has provided him with a diversified practical business experience based strongly on people and financial development. Current and past holdings include Personalized Management Associates, a national executive search firm; Ostrowe and Associates, a candidate marketing service; O&M Restaurant Group, a multi-unit franchise of several national restaurant chains; and 180 Business Solutions, a consulting and acquisition group. His focus is providing leadership and insight to both employers and affiliates, and on leading the industry in development, quality, and service. Listed as a Top 50 Growth Company in Oklahoma, Ostrowe Companies has grown through acquisitions and through the development of original concepts.

Franchisee: Burger King

Facilitator
Owen, Todd

Former VP of Franchise Development
Qdoba

Todd Owen was Vice President of Franchise Development at Qdoba Mexican Grill until November 2012. Qdoba remains the number-one challenger brand in the fast-casual Mexican segment with more than 630 restaurants. A 17-year franchise veteran, Todd has successfully overseen the addition of more than 450 franchised units at Qdoba, with 80 percent being awarded to multi-unit/multi-brand restaurateurs. In 2001, solely charged with developing the franchise growth strategy for the 60-unit organization, he played a hand in every aspect of development.To provide sustainable growth for the brand, Todd used his extensive franchise experience to consistently ensure that Qdoba franchisees fit the brand’s culture and multi-unit expansion model and had a workable business plan, adequate capitalization, and infrastructure. Before joining Qdoba, his experience included key sales and management positions with Pepsi-Cola, which eventually led to his start in franchise development with Taco Bell. His extensive background in franchise development also includes experience with new business development, nontraditional development, marketing, strategic planning, and real estate site analysis. Todd holds a BBA in marketing from Iowa State University.

Session Speaker
Penland, JD

Franchisee

JD Penland owns and operates three East Coast Wings & Grill restaurants and is the brand’s Area Developer for Charlotte, N.C. Along with his brother and partner Jeff Penland, JD became a franchisee in 2007. He is a member of the East Coast Wings & Grill Franchise Advisory Council and Marketing Committee, and won the brand’s “Keys to Excellence” award, with a car wrapped as a company marketing vehicle displaying his franchise locations. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a degree in Business Management.

Franchisee: East Coast Wings & Grill

Panelist
Perales, Guillermo

President and CEO
Sun Holdings LLC

Guillermo Perales is President and CEO of Sun Holdings LLC. He manages more than 395 units, which provide more than 10,000 jobs and serve more than 50 million meals per year. Since its founding in 1997, Sun Holdings has had an annual growth rate of 50 percent. In 2012, the company was ranked among the top 10 in the Restaurant Finance Monitor and the Top 20 in the Hispanic Business 500, and he is the largest Latino restaurant franchisee in the U.S. He now operates 71 Popeyes franchises, making him the second-largest Popeyes franchisee in the country. He also operates 33 Golden Corrals, 46 CiCi’s, 6 Del Tacos, and 167 Burger Kings. He is ranked as the largest Golden Corral and CiCi’s franchisee and the fourth-largest Burger King franchisee. His latest endeavor was acquiring 52 Arby’s restaurants and 12 T-Mobile stores. Among his many awards, Guillermo has been featured four times in Latino Leaders magazine’s 101 List as one of the most influential Latinos in the U.S. He has also been recognized by Ernst & Young through its 2008 Entrepreneur of the Year award, and was honored with the International Business Achievement Award for his commitment to promoting the North Texas region and expanding international ties. Most recently, he became President of the International Hispanic Franchisee Association (IHFA). Guillermo’s strong commitment to community prompted the co-founding of the Latin American/DFW Fund to raise money for Latino-based programs and initiatives that support education and provide incentives for Latino students to stay in school, a cause Guillermo believes is crucial.

Franchisee: Burger King, CiCi's, Popeyes, Golden Corral, Arby's, T-Mobile, Del Tacos

Panelist
Rawls, Loyd

CEO and Founder
The Rawls Group

Loyd H. Rawls is one of the nation’s leading succession planners. Since 1973, Loyd and his associates have provided business succession services for the owners and key executives of closely held, capital-intensive businesses throughout the country. A native of Fayetteville, N.C., he is a graduate of North Carolina State University. After serving four years as an officer in the United States Air Force, he began a career as a financial planner. In 1973, his business expanded when he founded The Rawls Company, which evolved into The Rawls Group, a business succession planning firm. Loyd achieved the designations of a Certified Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant and earned an MS in Financial Services from the American College. He is a frequently requested speaker by local, state, and national organizations. He also has authored several succession-focused publications: Seeking Succession: How to Continue the Family Business Legacy; The Succession Bridge: Key Manager Succession Alternatives for Family Owned Businesses; Your Golden Goose, The Family Business Council; and Estate Planning Heartburn Relief. In addition, his columns are frequently featured in Family Business magazine, BottomLine Business, Dealer Magazine, and RV News.

Panelist
Rinna, Mark

President
RRG Inc.

Mark Rinna began working with Popeyes in 1993, but he was no stranger to the restaurant industry. After graduating cum laude from Central Michigan University with a degree in Business Administration, he immediately attended Arby’s management training program and stayed with Arby’s for 15 years. After that he worked at Taco Bell for 4 years and joined AFC Enterprises, first as Popeyes Brand General Manager and then as President. In 2000, Popeyes approached Mark with the opportunity to become a franchisee. He took advantage of the offer and formed RRG with his wife Jane. They now operate 12 Popeyes restaurants in Georgia and South Carolina. Mark is the current President of the Popeyes International Franchisee Association (PIFA) and has served on its Board of Directors since 2010. He also has served on several Popeyes committees including Profit and Technology, Beverage, MAC, and PPR&D. Mark and Jane have one son, Kyle, and a daughter, Alex. They are avid tennis players and enjoy their pontoon on the lake and traveling to various islands and beaches when time allows.

Franchisee: Popeyes

Advisory Board & Speaker
Robins, Gary

President
G&C Robins Co.

Gary Robins currently owns and operates 39 Supercuts hair salons throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Previously, he was a serial entrepreneur, owning and operating businesses in retail, entertainment, foodservice, and the travel industry. Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Supercuts Franchisee Association, the Board of Directors of the Coalition of Franchisee Associations, and is Past President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the World Entrepreneurs Organization. Gary earned a BS from Drexel University in 1985. He is married with three children, Lauren, Evan, and Will. He and his wife Chris reside in Westtown, Pennsylvania.

Franchisee: Supercuts

Advisory Board & Speaker
Robinson, Cheryl

Owner
Sapphire Ventures

Cheryl Robinson has been with Supercuts for more than 30 years. Initially hired as a bookkeeper, she worked for one of the first Supercuts franchisees. Today she and her husband Joe own or manage more than 36 Supercuts in Southern California. As a member of the Supercuts Executive Council, she works with her fellow franchisees and the franchisor, Regis Corp., to make decisions and help 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. She has three adult children, and in her free time supports her husband’s “second career” as a high school basketball coach.

Franchisee: Supercuts

Panelist
Rodriguez, Al

President
Keystone Clippers LLC

Al Rodriguez is President of Keystone Clippers LLC and a franchisee of 6 Sport Clips stores in Pennsylvania. He has more than 30 years of sales and general management experience in the office technology industry. In 2006, Al and his wife Janet were recognized as Rookie Team Leaders (Franchisee) of the Year by Sport Clips. He serves as President of the Sport Clips Franchisee Advisory Council and chairs a Franchisee Advisory Council Technology Subcommittee.

Franchisee: Sport Clips

Facilitator
Rowan, Michelle

President
Franchise Business Review

With more than 15 years of experience in sales, business development, client relations, and operational management, Michelle Rowan has spent 7 years helping Franchise Business Review (FBR) clients survey their franchisees to identify and improve operational issues. Michelle was promoted to President last year and continues to focus on helping franchisors improve their operations and franchisee relations. She is committed to promoting those franchise brands with strong satisfaction and to helping build their franchise networks. She recently helped FBR launch CEO performance groups in an effort to connect more top executives with each other, which will raise the bar within their brands and franchising overall. Michelle is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, a CFE, and sits on the Funding Development Committee for the Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, which serves New Hampshire and Vermont.

Panelist
Rucker, Clyde

Franchisee

Clyde Rucker is a franchisee of 56 Jack in the Box restaurants in the Austin, Texas, and Phoenix markets. Before becoming a franchisee, he spent 3 years with Quiznos Corp., where he last served as Executive Vice President, overseeing operations of 4,500 restaurants. Before Quiznos, he spent more than 12 years with Burger King Corp. in a variety of strategic positions, last serving as Senior Vice President of Global Communications and External Affairs. While there, he worked to optimize relationships with franchisees, franchise associations, local communities, and employees. He also oversaw business development for minority franchisees and suppliers, franchise relations, diversity employment, and training; and managed the operations for 2,000 franchise restaurants covering 14 states with approximately $2 billion in annual sales. Before Burger King, Clyde served as a Regional Operations Consultant for Franchising Operations in the Arby’s Division of Triarc Companies. Before that, he held a number of key management positions within the PepsiCo/Kentucky Fried Chicken division. He began his career by serving in the United States Army for nearly 3 years, where he achieved the rank of Captain in the Army Inactive Ready Reserve. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and an MS degree from Central Michigan University.

Franchisee: Jack in the Box

Panelist
Sallee, Dennis

President and CEO
D&L Pitas, Inc.

Dennis Salle is President and CEO of D&L Pitas, Inc., a multi-unit franchisee of Pita Pit restaurants. D&L Pitas owns 6 Pita Pit locations and two Yolicious Frozen Yogurt stores in the Portland, Ore., and Vancouver, Wash., markets. Dennis and his wife Laura opened their first location in 2008 and have continued to open one or two per year since. His work ethic comes from years of growing up and working on a ranch in Montana. His expertise in sales and marketing were developed while teaching guerilla marketing techniques while employed as a Sales Manager at Fastenal Company. Additionally, Dennis is a general contractor and President of DLS contracting, which specializes in small commercial projects such as tenant improvements. He has built other Pita Pit locations in addition to his own. Dennis is Chair of the Pita Pit Franchise Advisory Council, and he and Laura were Pita Pit Franchisees of the Year in 2011.

Franchisee: Pita Pit, Yolicious Frozen Yogurt

Panelist
Selden, Bryan

Partner and General Partner
Lone Star Restaurants/Dough Rollers

Bryan Selden is Partner/General Partner of Lone Star Restaurants/Dough Rollers. Along with his partners, he oversees 10 Great American Cookies, 7 Smashburgers, 7 Wingstops, 3 Pretzelmakers, 2 TCBY self-serves, 1 Coffee Beanery, and 3 Jersey Mike’s Subs with 2 more under construction and a development agreement for 28 more. He and his partners have 500 employees and a multimillion-dollar operation. He began his franchising career with just two cookie units in 1987 and continued building, shouldering a majority of the work himself. In 1993, he came to a fork in the road when he had to decide whether to work constantly or spend time raising his family. He chose raising his family and let go of all but two of his cookie stores for 10 years. He returned in 2003 and, with his characteristic zeal, has not looked back. He is very excited about the Jersey Mike’s expansion and brand and also plans to add new Wingstop, Smashburger, and TCBY units.

Franchisee: Great American Cookie, Smashburger, Wingstop Pretzel Maker, TCBY, Jersey Mike's Subs, Coffee Beanery

Advisory Board
Simon, Grant

President
Simon Clips

After graduating from the University of Florida, Grant Simon explored several career options. He quickly decided he liked being his own boss. In 1993, he was doing due diligence on 20 different franchise opportunities when he found just what he was looking for while getting a haircut at Great Clips. Since purchasing his first unit, he has acquired a chain of 17 Great Clips locations in Atlanta and, along with a partner, has an additional 9 more locations in Tallahassee, Fla. Over the years he has purchased and sold several other concepts. In addition to Great Clips, his holdings also include 1 Smoothie King and Surge Communications, a T-Mobile Premium Retailer with 5 locations open in Atlanta and several more in the pipeline.

Franchisee: Great Clips, Smoothie King, T-Mobile Premium Retailer

Panelist
Smith, David

CFO
AmRest USA

David Smith is the Chief Financial Officer for AmRest’s US Division, which operates Applebee’s and La Tagliatella casual restaurant brands in the U.S. Previously, he was COO of Popeyes International, where he led restaurant operations and new business development efforts for 350 international franchise restaurants in more than 23 countries, and managed a team of 14 professionals worldwide. He also worked with McDonald’s International Division, Asia-Pacific Group as a financial manager focusing primarily on Japan operations. He earned his master’s in International Management and BA in Accounting and Economics from the University of St. Thomas. He is conversational in Japanese and a Certified Public Accountant.

Franchisee: Applebee's, La Tagliatella

Panelist
Smithgall III, Charles

Chairman and CEO
SEI/Aaron's, Inc. 2011 Chairman, Multi-Unit Franchising Conference

Charles Smithgall founded SEI/Aaron’s in March 1995 and purchased franchise rights for Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership stores (a subsidiary of Aaron’s, Inc.) in Kentucky, Indiana, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Maine, and Vermont. He owns and operates 100 Aaron’s stores. Before entering franchising, Charles worked in broadcasting. He owned and managed Ring Radio Company, a broadcasting company where he had full P&L accountability. He grew the company to 60 employees, negotiated revenue-producing contracts with Turner Broadcasting, targeted and developed an untapped adult listening audience in Atlanta, and reversed revenues from a loss to $4.5 million pretax profitability. He also worked for Turner Broadcasting in a key account cable sales role, Chattanooga Cable Television Company as Vice President, and Holder Construction Company as Vice President. Charles served in the armed forces from 1965 to 1968 in South Korea and the Republic of South Vietnam. He has earned several degrees: a BS from Georgia Institute of Technology, an MBA from Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, and was in an intensive graduate program, the Program for Management Development at Harvard Business School. He is married with three children.?

Franchisee: Aaron's

Panelist
Stark, Stephen

President and CEO
Jabez LLP

Stephen Stark is CEO and President of Jabez LLP, which currently owns 17 different Sears stores within 4 different franchise concepts. Stephen started with Sears in college and has been with the Sears organization for almost 23 years. After graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University, he purchased his first Sears Authorized Hometown Store in Richmond, Texas. His company currently owns 1 Sears Hometown Store, 12 Sears Home Appliance Showrooms, 1 Sears Appliance & Hardware Store, and 3 Sears Outlet stores. He was the first franchisee in the nation to franchise the Sears Showrooms, the Appliance & Hardware Stores, and the Outlet formats. Stephen served on the Sears Hometown Advisory Council for 5 years and was Chair of the Franchisee Council for 2 of those years, which he still currently sits on. Stephen is excited about the recent Sears spin-off, Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores (SHOS), which includes all four formats he currently owns/operates. He looks forward to growing his volume and store count with the new company.

Franchisee: Sears Hometown Store, Sears Home Appliance Showrooms, Sears Appliance & Hardware Store, Sears Outlet

Advisory Board
Sugarman, Lloyd

Franchisee
Johnny Rockets, The Original SoupMan, Golden Corral

Since the first time Lloyd Sugarman set foot in a Johnny Rockets in the summer of 1986, it’s been nothing but up. After meeting with the company founder Ronn Teitelbaum, Lloyd packed his bags and moved his family to California to work every possible aspect of a Johnny Rockets restaurant. After Lloyd had run several restaurants successfully, Teitelbaum asked hom to sell half his restaurants and become Senior Vice President of Development for Johnny Rockets in 1989. After three years, Lloyd decided to get back into day-to-day restaurant operations. He gave up his position and focused on growing his own business, which is now up to 15 restaurants in Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, California, Minnesota, and Tennessee. In addition, Lloyd introduced dancing servers, food court restaurant locations, and the Streamliner meatless hamburger, key elements of Johnny Rockets restaurants found to this day in the company’s nearly 300 locations worldwide. When asked what he looks forward to most with the opening of each restaurant, Lloyd replied, “Preparing for a Johnny Rockets opening is like preparing for the opening of a Broadway show. You want to build anticipation and create a buzz so that people are knocking on the door as soon as you’re ready to open, and you want to make sure everything is as perfect as possible for their initial experience.” Lloyd was profiled as Franchisee of the Month in the September 2012 issue of Restaurant Business magazine.

Franchisee: Johnny Rockets, The Original SoupMan, Golden Corral

Panelist
Swanson, Ruth

VP Marketing
Fantastic Sams Int.

Ruth Swanson is Vice President of Marketing for Fantastic Sams Hair Salons, a full-service hair care franchise with more than 1,200 units. Ruth started her career on the agency side at Arnold Worldwide as a traffic supervisor for the McDonald’s account, which gave her insight into the complexities of running a large franchise network. From that experience, she learned both regional and national industry dynamics and the importance of meeting individual market needs while delivering consistency and cost-effectiveness. When she returned to Boston, she joined Dunkin’ Brands for 10 years, where she served as a Field Marketing Manager and then as a Manager of National Sales Promotions. In this capacity, she applied the skills she had developed in field marketing and married it with the focus for national growth. During this period, Dunkin’ grew rapidly by driving sales and incorporating a younger audience. In 2010, she made the jump to Fantastic Sams where she revamped current marketing efforts, messaging, and implemented a revitalized campaign that used both advertising and digital. The expertise Ruth has developed helped deliver Fantastic Sams’ corporate brand image while driving local store sales. In 2012, she was appointed to the Fantastic Sams National Advertising Fund Board.

Panelist
Tanner, Greg

National Director of Franchise Development
Aaron's Inc.

Greg Tanner, Aaron’s National Director – Franchising, is a franchise industry veteran who shares his invaluable wisdom in his book Tannerisms. Greg began his franchise career in publishing and has been successful in a variety of industries including automotive repair, car and truck rental, and fast food. He remains close to his military roots, serving on the IFA’s VetFran Committee, and he led Georgia franchisors in launching the IFA’s Operation Enduring Opportunity initiative in November 2011 at the Georgia state Capitol. He was the only franchisor invited to the White House on November 21, 2011 to witness President Obama sign the American Jobs Act. On March 28 he appeared on “The Today Show” aboard the USS Intrepid in conjunction with the network’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative and met with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Dr. Jill Biden of the White House Joining Forces effort, and Medal of Honor recipient and Marine veteran Dakota Meyer. On November 14, he represented Aaron’s in Washington as a finalist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s second Annual Hiring Our Heroes Awards gala. Greg was named one of the Top 20 people to watch in 2012 by Franchise Times magazine.

Facilitator
Thilgen, Therese

CEO and Co-Founder
Franchise Update Media Group

Therese Thilgen is Co-founder, and CEO of Franchise Update Media Group. She has over 30 years experience in the franchise industry. Prior to founding Franchise Update Media Group, she served as Vice President of Franchise Development for a national franchise chain for over seven years. She and her husband also operated a franchise in the executive search category.

Facilitator
Thomas, Greg

Franchisee

Greg Thomas specializes in buying distressed businesses and turning them around. Along with business partner Grant Simon, he operates 32 Great Clips, several Smoothie Kings, and a Locos Grill & Pub. Greg also created the Great Clips 300 NASCAR race, which became the highest-attended Nationwide Series race in Atlanta’s history. In addition to being a franchisee, Greg has also been President of Great Clips’ Atlanta co-op since 2007 and is on Great Clips’ national advisory board.

Franchisee: Great Clips, Locos Grill & Pub, Smoothie King

Panelist
Tokatly, Marilyn

Franchisee

Marilyn Tokatly signed her first license agreement with Fantastic Sams in July 2000 and opened her first salon in October in Norco, Calif. The salon became profitable within 90 days and received the company’s Top 50 Salon Award in the first 2 years. In 2003, she opened her second salon in Corona, Calif., and it was even more successful than her Norco location because her team was excited and motivated to be successful. The Corona salon became a Top 50 Salon in the first year and also received Top 5 in color sales and Top 5 in product sales. In 2006, her husband quit his full-time job and joined her at Fantastic Sams. They opened their third salon in Lake Elsinore, Calif., and had a strong opening, but were affected by the hard economic times. Together they’ve survived the economic challenges and their salon numbers are growing again. They now have 6 salons and are excited to continue to grow their business within the Fantastic Sams system.

Franchisee: Fantastic Sams

Advisory Board & Speaker
Torres, Ted

President
Caerus Hospitality Partners

Ted Torres is CEO of Caerus Hospitality Partners. Thanks to his family legacy, he is a lifelong hotelier and has built, owned, operated, renovated, repositioned, and consulted on numerous hospitality projects in his 25 years of professional experience. His responsibilities encompass managing the asset performance and strategic direction of each hospitality property, selecting each site for future development, identifying market opportunities, and instituting proprietary practices that lead to exceptional individual hotel performance, all while fostering a high level of quality that exceeds each hotel franchise’s brand standard. A recognized industry leader, Ted has developed and fostered relationships with senior executives at Hilton, Marriott, Starwood, Intercontinental, and Wyndham. Before Caerus, he was CEO of International Hospitality Development Alliances. Before that, he was Vice President of the hospitality division at Phoenix-based Namwest; President and CEO of TT Hospitality and Development; and Executive Vice President and CEO of Wharf Enterprises. He is an Advisory Board member for the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference, a guest speaker at that conference, a Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA), and a member of the American Hotel Lodging Association. He has written numerous articles for hospitality industry publications, and has served as an expert witness. He is active in industry and civic organizations, and also is an accomplished athlete who played collegiate tennis at Arizona State University.

Franchisee: Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham, Wingate by Wyndham -International, Wyndham Garden Inn - International, Franchisor: Republic Motor Inn

Session Speaker
Umphenour, Russ

CEO
Focus Brands

Russ Umphenour joined Focus Brands as CEO in 2008. Focus, the franchisor of Carvel, Cinnabon, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Schlotzsky’s, and Auntie Anne’s, has more than 3,650 outlets worldwide. His more over 45 years in the fast food industry was shaped in large part by his visionary leadership as CEO and Founder of RTM Restaurant Group (Results Through Motivation). Russ began his career as an elementary school teacher, and to supplement his income worked part-time as a counterperson for Arby’s. After being promoted to night manager, he decided to make Arby’s his full-time career. Within three years and many promotions and transfers, Russ became Executive Vice President and a stockholder in an Arby’s operation. In 1973, he traded his stock for 11 Arby’s restaurants in Georgia and Alabama and grew RTM to 775 restaurants in 22 states. When the company was sold in 2005, RTM was the largest franchisee in the Arby’s System. In addition to Arby’s, RTM operated 95 company-owned and 21 franchise-supported Mrs. Winner’s Chicken & Biscuits, 250 franchised Lee’s Famous Recipe Fried Chicken brand, and also was a franchisee of 41 Shoney’s, 4 Checkers, Del Taco, Sbarro’s, and T.J. Cinnamon’s. Through a clear business vision, focusing on goal-setting and leading by values, Russ led RTM Restaurant Group to a business organization with 25,000 employees and sales revenues topping $900 million. As CEO of Focus Brands, he looks forward to helping grow Focus Brands and its franchise partners.

Advisory Board
Warman, Ricky

Partner
Chalak-Miami

Ricky Warman owns and operates 31 Papa John’s stores in Miami. He started buying stores in 2003 after he sold his two Schlotzsky’s Deli restaurants. He is the President of the Advertising Coop and manages a $2.5 million annual advertising budget. He recently bought the rights to open several Genghis Grill restaurants in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. He is responsible for finding locations, negotiating leases, construction design, and is instrumental in the start-up requirements for new restaurants in South Florida. He and his wife Sarit recently bought the franchise rights for Homewatch Caregivers in South Florida. Before opening restaurants in Florida, he served as President and Operating Partner of Jenny Craig de Mexico, managing 9 locations. Franchising has been his preferred way of doing business since the early 1990s. He earned a BBA from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from the University of Miami School of Business. He is fluent in Spanish and English.

Franchisee: Papa John's Pizza, Genghis Grill, Homewatch Caregivers

Advisory Board
Werner, Eric

President/CEO
Texas Subs, DFW Tanning, Benchmark Burgers

Eric Werner purchased his first 8 Subway stores in 1998. Since then he has grown to 56 Subways, 1 LA Sunset Tan, and 1 Mooyah Burgers Fries & Shakes. Annual sales of Texas Subs reached $36 million in 2011 and same-store sales were up 13 percent over the previous year. He sees Subway as a healthy alternative offering successful promotions and as the leader in QSR, but maintains that his employees’ vision and effort make the difference in his organization. Previously, he served as director of operations for Subway in Killeen, Texas and for SPJ Inc., a conglomerate of franchise operations including, Precision Tune, Meineke Mufflers, and Subway. He graduated from Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing. He has received numerous awards and recognition including from Inc. magazine as one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. for four years, and was honored as the only Subway franchisee appointed to Subway’s Strategic Planning Council for 3 years. He plans to continue developing Subway, adding one LA Sunset Tan a year, and developing Mooyah Burgers Fries & Shakes.

Franchisee: Subway, OrangeCup, LA Sunset Tan, Mooyah Burger & Fries

Panelist
Wilder, Roger

Franchisee

Roger Wilder worked at his first Smoothie King when he was just 15 years old. Today he owns and operates 10 Smoothie Kings in the Greater Baton Rouge area. After working 8 years at a Smoothie King store, Roger took a position at the home office in New Orleans. While working with the owners and founders of the brand, he learned firsthand the vision and direction required for a successful operation. In 2001 Roger and his wife Stephanie opened their first Smoothie King franchise in Denham Springs, La. In their first year of operation, they won Smoothie King’s National Outstanding New Franchisee Award. In 2004, they acquired a second store, and a third in 2005. Roger understands the importance of local store marketing and giving back to the communities he serves, and his 10 locations give away on average more than 25,000 smoothies a year. In 2004, he created a Smoothie King fundraising program, which has helped raise more than $1 million for local schools across 6 different parishes. Since 2003, Roger has been President of Smoothie King’s Greater Baton Rouge Area Marketing Cooperative, during which time he has led the advertising and marketing efforts. He has also served as an elected member of Smoothie King’s National Franchise Advisory Council 7 times, and has been the Chair of the council twice. For the past 7 years, Roger has been awarded Smoothie King’s Franchisee of the Year Award.

Franchisee: Smoothie King

Panelist
Wilkerson, Laurel

Franchisee

Laurel Wilkerson and her husband Kevin are the area representatives for Marco’s Pizza in Oklahoma and a portion of Texas. They own and operate six Marco’s Pizza franchises and plan to open two more this year. Since opening their first Marco’s franchise in 2010, they have won numerous awards from the franchisor including “AR of the Year,” and consistently have stores in the brand’s top 25 in sales each week. Their growth plans include 40 new stores throughout their market. Before joining the franchise, Laurel was a partner in Vail Business Associates, a mergers and acquisition company in Georgia. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Business School and School of Law, and holds two additional master’s degrees. She served more than 20 years in the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps, retiring in 2008 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Franchisee: Marco's Pizza

Panelist
Williams, Christy

COO
National Association Management Group

Christy Williams is COO of the National Association Management Group LLC (NAMG) and National Franchisee Association (NFA). She also serves as Executive Director for the Buffalo Wings National Franchisee Association. NFA is the national trade association dedicated exclusively to Burger King franchisees in the U.S. and Canada. NFA’s mission statement is to improve, preserve, and ensure the economic well-being of all members. Realizing the potential to offer similar services to other associations and franchisees, the NFA formed NAMG in 2004. Christy joined NFA/NAMG in 2001, where she has developed many national programs for franchisees and their employees, including fully insured and self-funded health insurance programs. She also developed the business plan and played a key role in establishing HR Plus, a subsidiary company of NAMG that serves as a call center to manage the enrollment and administrative functions of the association group health insurance programs. Her role at NAMG requires an understanding of the Affordable Care Act from both the franchisee viewpoint and a self-funded insurance program perspective. She received her MBA from the Coles School of Business at Kennesaw State University, an MPH from Mercer University School of Medicine, and a BS degree from Georgia College & State University with a Biology major and Chemistry minor. She also holds a Georgia Property & Casualty Insurance license.

Advisory Board
Yadav, Anil

President
JIB Management Inc.

Anil Yadav operates 155 Jack in the Box and 26 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, buying 30 Jack in the Box restaurants in the Houston area. In 2008, he diversified his portfolio, 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.

Franchisee: Jack in the Box, Denny's, Area Developer: Marco's Pizza

Facilitator
Zuccarello, Dean

President
Cypress Group

Dean Zuccarello, Founder and CEO of The Cypress Group, is a leading authority in the franchise arena. He has written numerous industry articles, has been quoted in several publications, and has spoken frequently at franchising conferences. Focused solely on the franchising, The Cypress Group aids large multi-unit franchisees, company-owned, or franchised concepts and their principals in achieving their capital, growth, and liquidity objectives. For more than 23 years, the firm has provided a full range of investment banking and strategic advisory services to multi-unit franchisees, 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 transactions representing approximately $3 billion in total transaction value.