Franchise Bootcamp Faculty

 

Bio: TBA

Moderator: Lorne Fisher

CFE/CEO/Managing Partner, Fish Consulting

Bio: 

Lorne serves as the CEO/managing partner of Fish, a national franchise public relations and marketing firm. Fish represents some of the most recognized brands in franchising including Dunkin’ Donuts, Neighborly and FOCUS Brands. He serves on the IFA’s Board of Directors, Chairman of the Supplier Forum Advisory Board and on the Board of Trustees for the IFA Foundation. 

Panelists: 

Panelist: Scott Abbott 

CEO – ProNexis  ’12-Present, CoFounder – Five Star Franchising – ’05-Present, CEO & CoFounder – Five Star Painting –‘04-‘15

Bio:

Scott built Five Star Painting to become one of the world’s largest painting companies in franchising culminating in the successful sale of Five Star Painting to The Dwyer Group, one of the world’s largest home service brands, owned by the Riverside Company.

Today, leveraging this success and established relationships with some of America’s top home services brands, Scott leads ProNexis in revolutionizing the customer experience for home service companies.

Panelist

 Jacob Eisenberg 

Bio: 

Jacob Eisenberg was brought on as the Director of Marketing for Tint World^® Franchise Corporate Headquarters in September of 2018. He is responsible for the development and oversight of all Marketing and Advertising initiatives for Tint World^®. Jacob is also responsible for the management of SMM, SEM, SEO, PPC, and PR efforts; along with interpreting analytical data from Ad Network platforms such as Google, Facebook, and Bing. Staying on top of the latest industry trends, Jacob humbly provides his insight to consult with Franchisees and help grow their businesses in their local markets. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in both Marketing and Business Management from Florida Atlantic University, Jacob has been passionate about the industry since his first job at a movie theatre. Once serving as President of his college’s American Marketing Association chapter, he remains an active member of the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce today. With over 15 years of experience in the Marketing/Advertising, Financial, and Affiliate Marketing spaces, Jacob is proud to bring his skillsets to a rapidly-growing, worldwide franchise.

Chad Palmer

Bio:

Chad Palmer is the Director of Franchise Development having been recently promoted to that role from that of Digital Marketing Coordinator for UFG. In his marketing capacity, he supported UFG, Signarama, Fully Promoted, Experimax, Super Green Solutions, Jon Smith subs, The Great Greek, Transworld Business Advisors and Venture X. Prior to that, he was the owner of Adigta, LLC - a leading digital marketing & audio consultancy business which assists recording studios in managing the never ending changes in both analog and digital technology through education, installation and technical support.

Moderator: Keith Gerson

President/Chief Customer Advocate, FranConnect

What information, skills, talents, tools and data do new franchisees need during the onboarding process to be sure they’re prepared to succeed? Are franchisors structuring their initial and ongoing support programs in a manner that helps franchisees grasp what they need when they need it? This session looks at various support methodologies and is designed to provide creative and critical ideas that will help every franchisor provide more effective support to franchisees.

Panelists:

Kathleen Kuhn

President & CEO, Housemaster Home Inspection and Patchmaster Drywall Repair

Bio:

Kathleen started her franchise career in 1985 when she left her sales position at AT&T to launch a HouseMaster home inspection franchise in Westchester County, NY.  HouseMaster was started by Kathleen’s father Ken Austin and was the first company to franchise in the home inspection industry in 1979.  Kathleen quickly became one of the fastest growing franchises in the system.  Several years later Kathleen joined the corporate team where she helped take the brand from 30 franchisees to over 320 locations.  HouseMaster is the number one ranked home inspection franchise and ranked number 11 of 200 in Franchise Business Review’s 2019 Franchisee Satisfaction Ranking.  HouseMaster partnered with a private equity partner in 2008.  In 2012 Kathleen stepped down as President and CEO after which she spent time as a consultant to emerging franchisors in addition to working with her husband Mike who is also a HouseMaster franchisee.  In late 2013, Kathleen accepted the opportunity to take the helm once again at HouseMaster where she was able to increase revenues by over 25% since that time.   In 2018 Kathleen spearheaded the launch of PatchMaster, Drywall Repair which is a niche home service brand offering small dry wall repairs.  Today PatchMaster has 35 franchisees covering 52 locations and is growing rapidly. Kathleen is a Certified Franchise Executive.

Tamra Kennedy

President, Twin City T.J.’s 

Bio:

37 years ago, Tamra took a job as a secretary- making $4.05 an hour- working for a franchisee of Burger King and Taco John’s. 17 years later, Tamra purchased the restaurants from the owner. She currently owns and operates 9 Taco John’s locations in Minnesota and Iowa.

 Steve White

President & CEO, Puroclean 

Bio:

Presentation by: Guy Norberg

CRANK Communication

Bio:
With over 30 years of professional and entrepreneurial experience, Guy brings in-depth knowledge and expertise to the table. He has a long track record of pushing both private and public companies onto the global stage. Today, his focus is on establishing long-term growth strategies and inspiring client retention and engagement.

Lunch Speaker: Tra Williams

CFE, Franchise Thought Leader

Bio:

Tra Williams is a speaker, published author, consultant and nationally recognized thought leader in franchising, entrepreneurship and small business strategy. He has sat at the helm of two international franchise brands and most recently served as the President for Baptist Healthcare’s Franchise Division. He has been designated a Certified Franchise Executive by the International Franchise Association and is a graduate of the prestigious Franchise Management program at Georgetown University. Tra lives and works out of his home office in St Augustine, FL.

Moderator: Keith Gerson

Bio: TBA

Panelists: 

 Jim Hartenstein

Jason Anderson

As an ENTP (Myers–Briggs), Innovation is in my DNA. From developing new sales and marketing strategies, to implementing new products and services, my passion in life is to help organizations break the status quo. As a trailblazer for enterprise transformations, my project successes have included doubling franchise sales as Director of Franchise Development, digital transformations as CTO, process automation, software development, data analysis, management consulting and revenue optimization.

As the President of Venture X (a United Franchise Group company), I drive the strategic direction and vision for the organization, including oversight of franchise sales, legal, marketing, and PR functions. Leveraging my 15 years of strategic business leadership experience, I am passionate about equipping our employees, franchisees, partners, and suppliers with the tools, processes, and knowledge they need to create sustainable growth. Our team has grown Venture X to be the fastest-growing coworking franchise in the world. With over 23 open locations plus 103 currently under development, you can find our flexible, modern workspaces located throughout 26 countries globally.

Recognition & Publications: ◆ Forbes 30 Under 30 ◆ Realtor Magazine 30 Under 30 ◆ Dallas Business Journal Minority Business Leader Award ◆ South Florida Business Journal Fast 50 ◆ Inc 5000 ◆ Kishlar-Byrne Award ◆ Published Author – “How to Franchise Your Business” ◆ Entrepreneur.com Guest Contributor ◆ Black Enterprise ◆ Thrive Global ◆ Active Duty United States Air Force on 9/11

3. Ronald O’Malley, Strategic Partner, Massage Heights –Sea Girt Franchise 

Bio:

Strategic Partner and New Jersey Operating Franchisee for Massage Heights. The Franchise has over 150 Operating Locations in the United States and Canada, offering Massage and Facial Services at competitive pricing while providing an upscale and elevated environment.  Prior experience include Adjunct Professor teaching roles, Mortgage Banking experience and over twenty years of voluntary Government Service at both Municipal and County levels

Moderator: Morgan Butler

Director, Digital Services, BizCom Associates

Bio:  

A Texas native and graduate of Colorado State University, Morgan Butler is Director of Digital Services at BizCom Associates. Socially speaking, Morgan is #thebrain of BizCom’s social media company Digital BizCom and enjoys infusing creative social strategies into clients’ public relations and marketing programs. She has developed award-winning influencer and social media campaigns for companies such as Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, Gigi’s Cupcakes, Rug Doctor, Explore Horizons, Gold’s Gym, Burger 21, ComeForCare and others. She recently received a Pegasus Award from the Public Relations Society of America Dallas Chapter for the top social media campaign recognizing her work for the Allen Americans professional hockey team. Her influencer campaign introducing Rug Doctor's new FlexClean vacuum was a finalist from among more than 2,000 entries in the Influencer Marketing Category for a North American SABRE Award. Prior to BizCom, Morgan worked to gain media attention for Project Transformation, a DFW-area non-profit organization. She also ran social accounts for B2B technology companies while on the social team at Dallas marketing agency Idea Grove.

Panelists:

 

Somia Farid, VP E-commerce, Edible Arrangements 

Bio:
Somia Farid Silber is the Vice President of eCommerce for Edible Brands®, the parent company of Edible Arrangements. Silber is responsible for overseeing digital paid media as well as eCommerce operations for the brand.

Silber is the daughter of Edible founder Tariq Farid, who opened the chain’s first location when Silber was just six years old. She spent much of her childhood and teen years working at the store level before transitioning to an internship at the brand’s corporate headquarters, working with various teams to familiarize herself with all aspects of the business.

Upon graduating from Babson College in Massachusetts with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management with a concentration in strategic management and data analytics, Silber spent time on the agency side working for the media planning team at DigitasLBi. She returned to the family business in 2016 and has since filled roles including a product manager at Netsolace, the IT arm of Edible, as well as a cross-functional project manager strategic indicatives across the company and overseeing product development across Edible applications. 

Presenter: Rod Bristol, CFE

Bio:

Rod Bristol is a Certified Franchise Executive and is the Director of Business Development of Profit Soup, in Seattle, Washington.  Profit Soup (odd name, great company!) brings business owners and managers to a higher level of success through financial education, benchmarking and coaching.  Rod began his career as an investment banker in Seattle and then purchased Sudden Printing in 1984.  Rod grew the company to 19 branches, annual revenue of approximately $5 million, serviced by a central production facility and corporate office and had the good fortune to sell his company in 2007.

He is a master financial trainer and has presented programs throughout the US and Canada, Puerto Rico, Delhi, Mumbai, the Philippines, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.  Rod has a well-earned reputation for making complex financial topics clear and fun to learn.  Rod was a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business, was Governor Appointee and Chair of the Washington State Economic Development Finance Authority and was Chairman of the Washington State Small Business Improvement Council.   

Rod and his wife Debbie celebrated their 45^th wedding anniversary last September and are greatly enjoying their two grandsons. 

Moderator: Bill Edwards  

Bio:

 "William Edwards, CEO, EGS, has 45 years of international operations and development experience. He has lived in 7 countries and worked on projects in 60+. He has been a master licensee in 5 countries and SVP of International Operations and Development for a major US franchisor. Since 2001, EGS has helped 30+ U.S. franchisors Go Global. In 2011 and again in 2015, EGS received the U.S. President’s Award for Export Excellence.” 

Panelists:

1. Bob Jones

2. Tony Foley

 

Moderator: Guy Norberg

Crank Communications

Bio:
With over 30 years of professional and entrepreneurial experience, Guy brings in-depth knowledge and expertise to the table. He has a long track record of pushing both private and public companies onto the global stage. Today, his focus is on establishing long-term growth strategies and inspiring client retention and engagement.

Panelists: 

Hallie Katzman, Digital Media Specialist  

Bio:

Experienced in nearly every aspect of social media and digital marketing, Hallie has lead clients to at least double their reach, engagement, and followers on social media over the course of just a year. She is a Certified Digital Marketing Associate with Facebook Blueprint, Google, and Sprout Social. 

Brianna Bujnowski, Digital Media Specialist 

Bio:

Bringing a wealth of diverse experience and disciplines to the table, Brianna is constantly helping her teammates find new ways to improve clients' social presence through data and content. She is a Certified Digital Marketing Associate with Facebook Blueprint, Google, and Sprout Social. 

Moderator: Mike Tillett

CPA

 Bio:

For almost 30 years, Michael L. Tillett,CPA has been providing quality tax and accounting services to corporations, partnerships, estates, trusts and individuals. For Mike Tillett, the How is more important than the Who. He believes that serving with a caring, professional, and attentive spirit is the recipe for building a successful practice. Certified to practice public accounting since 1989, Mike Tillett has extensive experience in tax and accounting services for clients in industries such as law, medical, real estate, software development, insurance, investment advisory, manufacturing, retailing, importing and exporting, and construction contracting.

Panelists:

1. Daniel I. Alvarado, CPA

Daniel I. Alvarado, CPA has been with the firm since 2014, after spending more than 8 years in an international professional services firm and a tax law firm in West Palm Beach and Jupiter, Florida. Daniel has experience in the areas of individual, pass-through entity, estate and trust tax law, as well as tax compliance. He focuses on private client services and has worked with both individuals and business owners on effective income and estate tax planning. As an adjunct professor of taxation at Palm Beach Atlantic University, where he teaches courses on individual, partnership, corporate, estate, and trust tax law, he stays abreast of any changes and updates to the U.S. tax law.

2. Neil Hannon – Chick Fil A Franchisee

Neil Hannon is from Miami where he began his career as a marketing analyst for an advertising agency. After some time he moved to the food service business. His career at Chick-fil-A began in 2001 when he opened the location in the Mall at Wellington Green. Today his location on Northlake Blvd. in North Palm Beach is in the top 2% grossing Chick-fil-A restaurants in the chain and has over 100 employees.

Moderator: Michelle Rowan, President  & COO, Franchise Business Review 

Bio: 

She is an active member of the International Franchise Association, is a Certified Franchise Executive, and is Vice-Chair of the Women’s Franchise Committee and Leadership Conference Task Force. She has facilitated CEO Performance Groups and Executive Networking Groups within the franchise industry and regularly speaks at industry events. Michelle is also a mentor to business students at her alma mater, the University of New Hampshire. She also co-owns a brewery and tasting room in Kittery Maine with her husband.   

Panelist: 

Gerry Henley, CFE, Coach, Launch to Growth

Bio:

Gerry Henley is a Certified Franchise Executive and the founder of Launch to Growth LLC serving franchisors as a Coach and EOS Implementer. Gerry is passionate about establishing and helping Franchisor and business leadership teams achieve operational excellence through effective coaching and mentoring utilizing EOS Traction®.  Gerry has more than 30 years’ experience as a strategic results driven executive with more than 10 years’ experience with franchise systems.  He uses his expertise in franchise leadership, operations, strategic planning, financial management, process improvement and team building to help companies identify, execute and achieve their organizational vision.

Maria Haan, Director of Operations, Office Pride Commercial Cleaning

Bio:

Maria Haan is a Certified Franchise Executive and currently the Director of Operations at Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services. Maria’s current role includes developing and implementing operational support with her team for the entire franchise system. With over 20 years of franchise experience, Maria is committed to focusing on operational strategies that guide franchisees to launch, growth, efficiency and profitability. Maria most recently developed comprehensive strategies and a detailed onboarding program for new franchisees, including first year launch and second year growth. Maria has a unique passion for identifying talent for operational teams, and bringing these team members together to implement and maximize the results.