Christopher James Conner Atlanta, GA – Mr. Conner has spent the last decade in the franchise industry working with several hundred franchise systems in management, franchise sales and franchise development work. Christopher Conner is a franchise consultant and has a specialized focus in franchise development and franchise consulting work. Mr. Conner leads the Franchise Marketing Systems team in franchise consulting and franchise development projects. He holds a B.S. from Miami of Ohio in Oxford and an MBA in Finance from DePaul University. Alan George Atlanta, GA – As part of the “in the trenches”mentality at Franchise Marketing Systems, Mr, George is involved with every day aspect of our business. From Strategic Planning to cold calling leads for our clients, no job is too big, and no job is too small. Look for Alan to deliver Franchise Sales Training and our Sales and Marketing Plans. Part of the founding team at Franchise Marketing Systems. Mr. George works hard every day to keep his word to President and Founder, Chris Conner to create the ultimate “Franchise Marketing System”. In 7 short years Mr. George has been instrumental in leading our growth from a team of 3, to a staff of over 26. That growth has included Inc a 1000 membership with (3 years- 541% growth) and a TOP 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies in Atlanta designation. Mr. George prides himself on having a PhD from the School of Hard Knocks. Always striving to become a subject matter expert in whatever he does. He has used a combination of formal education, corporate training, extensive reading to become expert in ROI Selling, Value Proposition, Sales Process Engineering, CRM, Quality Control/Process Building. Mr. George’s strength is the ability to take complex ideas and convey them in easy to understand everyday language. Most recently he held an executive position with GeoVue, a company that provides predictive analytics for franchise sales forecasting, site selection and market planning to retailers and restaurants. Prior to GeoVue, Mr. George was Director of Sales and Business Development at Tactician Corp, a franchise mapping company. At Tactician Corp, Mr. George worked extensively with retailers and restaurants providing site selection and geo-targeting tools. Mr. George has worked closely with several franchise systems including Subway, Dunkin Donuts, Jimmy John’s and Visiting Angels to name a few in developing comprehensive franchise territory plans and strategic planning initiatives. In his roles at Tactician and GeoVue, he worked closely with Franchise Development teams to create tools and approaches that helped his customers sell more franchises and create long-term growth for the franchisor and franchisees. Mr. George brings great experience in demographic analysis, understanding market potential, customer profiling, and sales territory design. Previous to his work in the franchise field, Mr. George also has a background which includes sales at the Boston Herald, where he was part of the 5th largest classified advertising sales teams in the United States. The next challenge for Mr George will be to work closely with our teams to expand our specialization and focus in Franchise Development, Digital Marketing/Website Development, Value Added Reselling and Franchise Outsourced Sales. Through a series of offered websites, spin-offs, and acquisitions Franchise Marketing Systems will f the deliver most robust franchise oriented vertical integration in the market. Mr. Sean Callaway Chicago, IL – Mr. Callaway was formerly the director of the Strategic Planning department of the world’s oldest franchise development firm, Francorp. In his role, as head of the department, he drafted and managed strategic business plans for franchising companies. He also conducted franchise feasibility studies, industry surveys, prototype development plans, and strategic analyses. As member of the Executive Board of Francorp International, Mr. Callaway was responsible for all strategic planning initiatives engaged by the Strategic Planning Departments of the 30-country network of Francorp offices. Currently, Mr. Callaway has extensive influence in the decisions garnered by the Strategic Planning Department at Franchise Marketing Systems, as well as other departments where efficiencies are supplementary. After retaining a degree in Economics from Illinois College, Mr. Callaway received his MBA from Northern Illinois University with a focus in Entrepreneurship. Mr. Callaway has worked with major executives and companies such as former McDonald’s CEO, Ed Rensi, Founder of Gildan Activewear, Greg Chamandy, and Hershey Foods Director of New Product Development, Curt Robinson, among other business owners and CEOs. Mr. Callaway has traveled throughout North America to help facilitate the franchise goals of his diverse client-base, with specialty in retail. Previously, Mr. Callaway was Store Manager at a prominent retail chain accountable for nearly 100 employees. Mr. Callaway is an expert in strategic planning, franchisor organizational design, royalty and franchise fee pricing strategy, managerial decision-making, and technical marketing issues. He is a skilled researcher with extensive experience in web-based applications as well as database management. Zac Bletz Columbus, OH – Zac Bletz began his career as a business to business document management sales consultant before transitioning his strengths of building relationships to the financial services industry. He began as a Licensed Banker for JPMorgan & Chase Bank in one of the largest banking centers in an affluential community. The last 5 years, Zac worked in a leadership role with JPMorgan & Chase where he was responsible for the successful transition of a poorly performing branch into a top performing Private Wealth Management branch. Before joining Franchise Marketing Systems as a Senior Franchise Consultant, Zac has worked on several entrepreneurial opportunities. He now works with businesses to analyze potential for franchising. A business analyst with vast experience in small businesses, Zac can quickly sum up the financial position and viability. Zac provides business advice and consultation to support better growth initiatives for growing brands. His strong sales experience to understand models and channels provides FMS clients the knowledge to confidently expand their business through franchising, licensing, channel expansion or a business opportunity. Zac graduated from Miami University in Oxford, OH with a B.S. in General Business and a B.A. in Political Science. Mr. Sidney Lee Washington D.C. – Sidney H. Lee transitioned from a successful career in Strategic Business Development and Licensed Stores with Starbucks Coffee Company and Seattle’s Best Coffee to franchise operations consulting in 2012. Prior to working in corporate America, Sid owned and operated a large food service business with over 250 seats and a significant staff. After years in the food service business, his career took him to Starbucks and Seattle’s Best Coffee as a management team member supporting new market growth and operations management. Sid was honored during his time with Starbucks when he was presented with the “Starbucks Presidents Award” in 2003 for outstanding relationship management and operations work and was awarded in 2006 with the impressive award of “Spirit of Starbucks” for superior effort and strategic success with licensed stores and managing strategic partner relationships. Sid now consults from his experience in both corporate America and entrepreneurial management to support franchisors in managing and delivering value-oriented management support services. Mr. Lee provides these support services in a wide variety of capacities from a leadership and functional standpoint. Sid lives in Bristow, Virginia just outside of Washington D.C. with his wife, Lisa, daughter, Ally and 2 Golden retrievers. Mr. Tim Conner Atlanta, GA – Tim Conner is a Franchise Consultant and Specialist with Franchise Marketing Systems. His role primarily handles qualifying candidates and determining if the franchise model is right for their line of business. Tim also works in developing operational structures for new franchise development plans and offering sales support. He attends various tradeshows throughout the year, conducting seminars and showcasing the benefits of a franchise system when implemented as a growth strategy. Tim’s background stems in finance, where he worked at one of the highest revenue-producing branches of Chase Bank for 6 years in Hinsdale, IL, before assuming his current role at our home office. Charles White Atlanta, GA – Charles White is an Digital Marketing Manager with Franchise Marketing Systems. In his role he supports clients in website development, lead generation, branding, strategic online advertising and many other marketing activities. As a franchise consultant, his proficiency lies in developing high performing online franchise marketing campaigns contrived of modernistic digital platforms and todays best marketing practices. Charles joins the FMS Team after spending the first part of his career helping small businesses with media buying including purchasing radio and TV advertising, social media engagement, and digital and print advertising. Mr. White holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Kaplan University. Mary Phillips Central Illinois – Mary brings more than 35 years experience in sales and marketing throughout a wide range of product and service businesses. Her career includes design management for sales presentations, development of large contract print programs with distribution of print materials for companies including ARAMARK, Marriott and ServiceMaster, and development of standards manuals and training materials in the contract foodservice industry. Trisha Conner Midwest – Ms. Trisha Conner is the documentation specialist for Franchise Marketing Systems, working with client’s legal counsel to initiate the Franchise Disclosure Documentation for a wide variety of business models each year. Since 2011, she has also held key responsibilities for the management, accuracy and timely distribution of client leads via the company CRM. Additionally, Ms. Conner contributes strategic planning as the company experiences growth. Previous work-related experiences include a decade of successful fundraising including financial accountability; extensive international travel including multiple international relocations in support of her husband’s agricultural commodities sales business; client services for Varig airlines in NYC. In addition to raising her family, Trisha has many years’ experience as a primary caregiver for elderly family members and is extensively familiar with in-home care businesses. An avid sports enthusiast, Trisha combines her continued fund-raising focus with cycling events. She played tennis competitively for more than 20 years and has recently added kayaking to her activities. Ms. Conner attended Colorado University, the Alliance Francaise and the Sorbonne in Paris and Northern IL University, graduating with a BA in French. Dahlia Oshields Atlanta, GA – Dahlia Oshields graduated with a degree in Computer Animation from Full Sail University. For the past ten years Dahlia has worked in marketing and design for both large corporations such as Aflac and Charbroil, non-profits and small businesses. She is a hard-working and award winning designer with a flair for creating elegant solutions with web development, marketing and animation tools to reach target audiences. Her talent for integrating the technical, physical and artistic with conceptual skills saves valuable time and money on many projects. Paul Reisner New York, NY – Paul has 25+ years experienced in business development management and direct sales with Blue-Chip companies – CA, ADP, Pitney Bowes and National accounts such as Deutsche Bank, PepsiCo, Verizon. Received many awards and acknowledgement for sales achievement and success where personally responsible for generating in excess of $100m in revenue. Paul has been married for 34 years with six children. Paul graduated from Northern Michigan University in Marketing and from Marquette with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Heather Nichols Atlanta, GA – Heather Nichols holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design and Marketing from Kennesaw State University. She has been a freelance graphic designer for 8 years, and has done work for a variety of different companies. From branding, websites, print material and collateral to in-store signage, merchandising and billboards, Heather has an array of experience. She has worked as an Art Director for Fairway Outdoor Advertising, and has also used her skills for her family’s small pet business, where she managed all of their design work, advertisement, in-store displays, marketing and event planning. Heather is looking forward to learning more about your franchise and helping with your design and marketing needs! Courtney Nied Austin, TX – Courtney is a professional graphic & web designer with over 10 years of experience in design and marketing. Holding many positions as a true specialist in brand development and marketing strategy, Courtney gained extensive knowledge in creating noteworthy brand identities and accompanying visual assets. She has worked as the lead designer in various industries, creating websites, brand personalities, and compelling marketing and advertising materials. Courtney also had the opportunity to spend time in Puerto Rico providing her services through a startup acceleration program, where she worked with companies from all over the world. She has worked with brands such as Mazda, TOMS, SXSW, Whole Foods, and NBC. Courtney brings to the Franchise Marketing Systems team a creative mind and visionary ideas to help market and advertise your company in the best and most strategic way. She is looking forward to assisting you in all of your branding needs! Dara White Central Illinois – Dara has spent the past several years in both the Florida and Illinois real estate markets. She has played a very active role in her family’s construction and renovation business, as well as owning and managing several investment properties. As an entrepreneur herself, she brings much small business and sales experience to the FMS team. She is responsible for providing the team with developmental, secretarial and sales support. Dara also holds a diploma from the University of Cambridge England. Michelle White Boca Raton, FL – Michelle White has worked in the franchise industry since 2012 in franchise sales, franchise development and as a franchise consultant. Previous to working with Franchise Marketing Systems, Ms. White worked in real estate development throughout South Florida and Illinois. Ms. White has a wide range of business skill sets including business management, business development, sales, marketing and financial management. Ms. White supports Franchise Marketing Systems clients through document development and franchise consulting work. Robb Harvey Atlanta, GA – A franchise operations and strategic consultant specializing in developing franchises and creating effective and efficient ways to expand business concepts. Mr. Harvey has a strong entrepreneurial background including managing Subway area development efforts from 1988-2009. His functions within the Subway system included real estate negotiations, managing the regional advertising cooperatives, franchise management, construction management and operational oversight of stores in his region. Mr. Harvey is a Marine Corps Veteran and spent six years serving from 1982-1988. Erik Carlson Austin, TX – Erik is a professional photographer and videographer specializing in corporate filming. After earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Video & Design he went on to intern at The Jerry Springer Show during his last season in Chicago. Erik has experience filming in a variety of different markets, but his work with franchising organizations & franchised businesses has helped numerous companies communicate their message to consumers. Erik offers corporate promo videos to showcase client businesses and also provides step-by-step training or seminar videos. Johnni Cody Dallas, TX – Ms. Johnni Cody specializes in the development of entrepreneurship and small business expansion through franchising. Johnni also provides other consultative services in the fields of internal audit, control assessments, and risk management. Johnni is a former Vice President of one of the world’s largest financial institutions and has over 20 years of combined experience and expertise in business consulting and auditing; banking; executive management; merchant payments solutions; risk management; bank examinations and compliance; and operational strategy. Johnni holds a B.A. from Baldwin-Wallace University in Ohio, and professional certifications in audit and risk management. Cindy Back Palm Harbor, FL – Cindy has 25+ years’ experience with CRM implementations and National Accounts administration previously within the roofing industry. She has a strong background in training, national accounts, and process management. Cindy works with Franchise Marketing Systems as CRM Administrator. Steven Tran San Jose, CA – Steven Tran is the Managing Partner at Intero Real Estate Services, Silicon Valley office in San Jose, California. Mr. Tran leads a diverse team of 70 Real Estate professionals, representing buyers and sellers throughout Silicon Valley. He is responsible for creating an environment of success for experienced agents, new agents, , and rising stars. Steven’s career in real estate management, development and investment spans more than 10 years. As the principal of several related companies, Steven leads with an entrepreneurial spirit focusing on integrity, market knowledge and financial strength. Steven regards maintaining longstanding professional and personal relationships in the United States and abroad as the key to his success. In the past year, Steven has delivered comprehensive real estate services to his clients and investors with the highest level of professionalism. The company currently holds a multimillion-dollar portfolio of commercial and residential real estate properties. Quality is never an accident—it is the result of strategic planning, experience and unique processes. Paul Lichtenberg, MBA Southfield, MI – Outside Commercial Real Estate Agent, Strategy and Research Consultant, and Business Broker – is a licensed real estate agent and business broker at Colliers International. I cement the franchisee/franchisor relationship with continued follow up that results in a signed lease, opened store, and dollars in your pocket. I coordinate an international network of brokers and project managers on your behalf to facilitate your quick opening anywhere in the world saving you lost sales, time and effort. I provide real estate strategy services (sales forecasting, site strategy, market buildout, etc.) to some of the most nationally recognized brand names in the country facilitating the opening of 100’s of stores and their brands double digit sales growth. I am a collaborator, bringing an investor perspective that helps you win! Mohanad Amari Montreal, Canada – Mohanad has worked with franchise brands to design, build and implement a franchise web marketing strategy to generate franchise leads and market franchise concepts. Mohanad is an experienced Web Developer with over 6 years of combined experience. He creatively design & develop Informational & E-Commerce websites. He values the importance of deadlines, quality and prompt customer services. Rebekkah Nolan Atlanta, GA – Mrs. Nolan brings 15 + years in finance to the Franchise Marketing Systems team. She has worked in the franchise development field since 2015 with a focus on financial management. Rebekkah holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Keith Bunch Greensboro, NC. Mr. Bunch founded his own advertising and marketing firm in 1983, Keith Bunch and Associates. KBA is a marketing, manufacturing and sales representation company focusing on the small to mid-size business category and supporting new business development and branding campaigns. Keith is a small business and franchise specialist who provides strategic guidance, marketing and business development consulting work to businesses in and around the North Carolina market in addition to consumer marketing and branding work. Yeliv Jill Adams Virginia Beach, VA – Ms. Yeliv Jill Adams is a seasoned Businesswoman, International Franchise Consultant & Business Broker. Originally from Peru, Ms. Adams brings 18 years of experience in the Hospitality, Retail and Marketing industries and is a co-founder of Global Business & Franchise Solutions Inc, a management & consulting organization operating several subsidiaries that run the gamut of franchise and business development (including Business Resales, Lead Generation, Franchise Development). Yeliv played an integral role in the success of the Liberty Tax Service and SiempreTax+ franchise systems – the latter of which targeted the Hispanic market and grew from 0 to 100+ units in the first year. Yeliv currently owns the Hampton Roads, VA franchise rights to the largest trade exchange network in the world, Bartercard. Yeliv has played many roles in the franchise industry and strives to empower others to take control of their future, to never settle for less and to reach for exactly what they want for themselves in life and in business. David Oakley Nashville, TN –Mr. Oakley has been in the franchise industry for over 15 years as an area developer franchisee with Jan-Pro franchising and has owned several other individual franchise businesses. His work has focused primarily around business development, franchise training, franchise operations structure and franchise efficiency management. 1969 BA English Literature U. of South (Sewanee), 30 Year Business Career with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in sales and marketing management, Franchise Owner, Mini Maid, for 3+ years – Sold business. Regional Franchise Owner, JAN-PRO Cleaning Systems, for 11 years. Sold Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville & Lexington, KY markets 11.09. Scott McCarthy After more than a decade as a Franchisee, Scott moved to experience operations from the corporate side and joined companies such as Sunoco and McDonald’s. Having spent his entire career in the food industry, Scott moved to the Pharmaceutical franchises and joined Medicine Shoppe/Rexall Inc. and later joined Luxottica Retail, Pearl Vision Canada responsible for corporate locations and Franchise operations for Canada. In his career, Scott has been responsible for planning and orchestrating the opening of over 200 franchised locations, ranging from food & beverage to pharmacies, eye wear and gas stations. Shelley Berman In Canada, Shelley has leveraged her marketing flair in the technology sector as Director of Communications for Mobile Data Solutions Inc., Brand Director at Mars Canada Inc., and Vice-President of Marketing at Cara Foods Inc. for Kelsey’s, Montana’s and Milestones. Most recently, Shelley held the position of Vice President Marketing for Mary Brown’s Famous Chicken & Taters, where she was instrumental in shaping the brand’s identity, as well as growing her team to support the five-year strategic plan and grassroots tactical approach. Shelley has managed teams as small as 2 people and as large as 16 (6 direct and 10 indirect reports). Brent Foster, CFC Tom Bartley DeShawn Marks
Chris Conner
President
Alan George
Vice President
Sean Callaway
Franchise Strategic Planning
Zac Bletz
Senior Franchise Consultant
Sidney Lee
Franchise Operations Support
Tim Conner
Franchise Operations Support Manager
Charles White
Digital Marketing Manager
Mary Phillips
Franchise Consultant
Trisha Conner
Franchise Consultant
Dahlia Oshields
Creative Director
Paul Reisner
Franchise Consultant – Marketing & Sales
Heather Nichols
Graphic Design & Marketing
Courtney Nied
Director of Brand Management
Dara White
Franchise Consultant
Michelle White
Franchise Consultant
Robb Harvey
Franchise Operations Consultant
Erik Carlson
Video & Creative Services
Johnni Cody
Franchise and Business Consultant
Cindy Back
CRM Administrator
Steven Tran
Real Estate Services
Paul Lichtenberg, MBA
Commercial Real Estate, Strategy, & Business Broker
Mohanad Amari
Franchise Web Marketing
Rebekkah Nolan
Finance & Operations
Keith Bunch
Franchise Strategic Planning
Yeliv Jill Adams
Franchise Consultant
David Oakley
Franchise Consultant
Scott McCarthy
Director of Canada
Shelley Berman
Director of Canada
Brent Foster, CFC
Franchise Consultant
Tom Bartley
Franchise Consultant
DeShawn Marks
Franchise Operations
Chris Conner
President
President
Alan George
Vice President
Vice President
Sean Callaway
Franchise Strategic Planning
Franchise Strategic Planning
Zac Bletz
Senior Franchise Consultant
Senior Franchise Consultant
Sidney Lee
Franchise Operations Support
Franchise Operations Support
Tim Conner
Franchise Operations Support Manager
Franchise Operations Support Manager
Charles White
Digital Marketing Manager
Digital Marketing Manager
Mary Phillips
Franchise Consultant
Franchise Consultant
Trisha Conner
Franchise Consultant
Franchise Consultant
Dahlia Oshields
Creative Director
Creative Director
Paul Reisner
Franchise Consultant – Marketing & Sales
Franchise Consultant – Marketing & Sales
Heather Nichols
Graphic Design & Marketing
Graphic Design & Marketing
Courtney Nied
Director of Brand Management
Director of Brand Management
Dara White
Franchise Consultant
Franchise Consultant
Michelle White
Franchise Consultant
Franchise Consultant
Robb Harvey
Franchise Operations Consultant
Franchise Operations Consultant
Erik Carlson
Video & Creative Services
Video & Creative Services
Johnni Cody
Franchise and Business Consultant
Franchise and Business Consultant
Cindy Back
CRM Administrator
CRM Administrator
Steven Tran
Real Estate Services
Real Estate Services
Paul Lichtenberg, MBA
Commercial Real Estate, Strategy, & Business Broker
Commercial Real Estate, Strategy, & Business Broker
Mohanad Amari
Franchise Web Marketing
Franchise Web Marketing
Rebekkah Nolan
Finance & Operations
Finance & Operations
Keith Bunch
Franchise Strategic Planning
Franchise Strategic Planning
Yeliv Jill Adams
Franchise Consultant
Franchise Consultant
David Oakley
Franchise Consultant
Franchise Consultant
Scott McCarthy
Director of Canada
Director of Canada
– Scott has extensive experience in the Canadian franchise landscape working with some of the most well established brands in Canada and the United States. Scott began his career at Tim Hortons as a multi-unit franchise owner/operator. After several years with Tim Hortons, Scott left the organization and joined Kelsey’s as a Franchisee owner/operator.
Shelley Berman
Director of Canada
Director of Canada
– Shelley has held an array of senior marketing and leadership positions across multiple verticals and geographies. The focus of her early career was in Consumer Package Goods with Colgate Palmolive South Africa, where she held a broad range of leadership roles, ranging from classical brand management to heading up all corporate research, in tandem with spearheading cross-category promotional strategies. Her Pan African experience and decade of proficiency culminated in a number of Global Marketing Awards (see below).
Brent Foster, CFC
Franchise Consultant
Franchise Consultant
Brent has vast experience in both advertising and medical sales. Brent spent eight years in advertising sales in both newspapers and magazines and then transitioned into medical sales. After 5 years in the medical sales industry he answered his entrepreneur calling. Brent entered the franchise industry in 2015 when he and his wife became multi-unit franchise owners. Since then he has been able to utilize his strong sales and marketing background to transition into the Franchise Consultant role. He has fallen in love with the world of franchising and is very happy to be a part of Franchise Marketing Systems. Brent’s passion is helping others to fulfill their dream of business ownership. Brent looks forward to his new role of helping take brands from where they are today to the next level.
Tom Bartley
Franchise Consultant
Franchise Consultant
A resident of West Melbourne, Florida, Tom has been involved in the franchise industry since 2013 when he purchased a Soccer Shots franchise. Since selling the franchise in early 2018, he has served as a Certified Franchise Consultant helping clients either purchase a franchise or offer their existing business as a franchise. Previously, Tom worked in the Life Insurance industry for 7 years after a stellar 10-year career in the U. S Air Force. He has various management experience in several industries that he uses to help his clients make informed decisions regarding franchise ownership.
DeShawn Marks
Franchise Operations
Franchise Operations
With over 10 years’ experience as a franchise consultant DeShawn has helped and worked with many different franchise concepts across various industries. While helping achieve the “American Dream” is a passion of DeShawn that has led him to helping people all over the country become entrepreneurs. Therefore, DeShawn has made himself available as a franchise consultant assisting start-ups, emerging businesses, & established brands help push their brand forward. DeShawn can coach franchisors on how to sell multiple units and build a successful team.
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