Emerging Franchisor Conference

Jonathan Almanzar is the cofounder and CEO of Chick'nCone.

Starting in childhood, those who watched Michael’s passion for business, recognized an innate ability and vision that would help him overcome obstacles and push him to succeed.

Candace Byrnes, CFE is an accomplished Franchise Sales and Business Development Executive with more than 21 years of experience at the Planet Fitness World Headquarters (1999-2020), supporting corporate initiatives, facilitating critical business planning, and driving company growth and expansion. She was promoted through a series of positions throughout her successful tenure, playing an integral role in awarding and opening over 2,000 locations throughout the US, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Panama and Australia.

Stacy Eley is the Chief Operating Officer at Suite Management Franchising. Founded in 2012, Suite Management Franchising, LLC® is the established franchising subsidiary of MY SALON Suite® and Salon Plaza®.
 

Sean is a seasoned franchise executive with more than 25 years of experience working with brands ranging in scale from startup franchise concepts to multi-national franchise systems. With a wealth of knowledge, impressive in both scope and variety, Sean brings to TruBlue the insight and expertise necessary for developing, operating and growing successful franchise businesses. Sean’s background includes leading the growth of several brands including BrightStar Senior Care, Wireless Zone/Verizon Wireless, and FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers.

Richard Huffman is the founder, president, and CEO of Celebree Schools. He founded Celebree in 1994, growing the brand from a single preschool into the company it is today. In his current role, Richard shares his expertise, insights, and leadership with Celebree School franchisees, while continuing to shape Celebree’s short-term and long-term vision. Over the course of more than two decades, Richard has grown Celebree from a single location into Maryland’s largest privately held chain of child care centers.

Richard Leveille is the Chief Development Officer for Twist Brands, Franchisor of Painting with a Twist and Color Me Mine. Prior to this role, Richard has worked in executive roles with The Lost Cajun (a start-up Cajun restaurant brand), Floor Coverings International (part of the First Service Brands portfolio) and Smoothie King Franchises (currently at 1000+ units). He acted as the EVP of Development for Smoothie King for over 25 years and was the first employee of the organization starting in 1989.

David Mesa has been with Ballard Brands for 6 years serving as its Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer amd has recently been promoted to Managing Director of Ballard Brands Franchise Division. Prior to joining Ballard Brands, David had been with Planet Beach Franchising Corporation since December of 2003 progressively holding more executive roles at the world headquarters than any other executive, most recently serving as their President of Franchise Operations where he was instrumental in their growth from 60 to over 350 locations.

David W. Oppenheim concentrates his practice on domestic and international franchising, licensing, and distribution matters. He is recognized by Chambers USA as a leading, national franchise attorney.

Tricia Petteys, MAEd is Co-Founder and COO of Payroll Vault Franchising LLC, and partner and senior manager of Payroll Vault – Littleton. Tricia’s background in human resources with a focus in administration, training, and payroll allowed her to galvanize the vision of Payroll Vault’s CEO into measurable and attainable goals. Her current responsibilities focus on strategic systems integration management including CRM, payroll, timekeeping, HR, training, and additional tools critical to her team’s and franchisees’ success.

Lori has spent over 35 years in the franchise industry. Today Lori serves as the Senior Director of Franchise Sales for Ritas Franchise Company. Lori served has Director of Franchise & Strategic Growth from September 2015- March 2017 with Askar Brands which is an acquisition company in the QSR space.