Management
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Russ Umphenour President and CEO, FOCUS Brands
Russ Umphenour was named president & CEO of FOCUS Brands in November 2008. With over 40 years in the restaurant business, Russ was the founder and CEO of Atlanta-based RTM (Results Through Motivation) Restaurant Group from 1973 until 2005. Growing his company from 11 under-performing Arby's restaurants in Georgia and Alabama to 775 locations in 22 states with several different concepts, RTM was sold to Triarc Companies, Inc. (Arby's Restaurant Group) in July 2005. In 1967, Russ began working as a part-time counterperson at Arby's in Flint, MI, &after three months, he was promoted to Night Manager and chose to make Arby's his full-time career. Serving in a variety of positions for various Arby's franchisees, including Area Supervisor, Director of Operations, and Executive Vice President, Russ ventured out on his own in June 1973 & founded RTM. In addition, RTM was also the owner & franchisor of Mrs. Winner's Chicken & Biscuits and Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken with over 250 restaurants. A native of Nebraska, Russ attended Evangel University in Springfield, MO.
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Scott Colwell President of Carvel Corporation
With over thirty years of marketing, product innovation, strategic planning and general management expertise, Scott Colwell joined Carvel in 2012 from Bruegger's Enterprises where he was chief marketing officer. While at Bruegger's he and his team successfully developed and implemented brand strategies and innovation initiatives. Prior to Bruegger's, Scott served in various executive roles at Dunkin' Brands Inc., Bob Evans Farms, Inc. and Friendly's Ice Cream Corporation. Scott serves on the Technomic Operator Advisory Board.
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Lenore Krentz Chief Administrative Officer, FOCUS Brands
A 20-year veteran of Cinnabon, Lenore Krentz brings an intimate knowledge of finance, IT and general business experience, and has been an integral part of the integration since the Cinnabon purchase by FOCUS Brands in November 2004. As chief administrative officer, Lenore oversees the bulk of FOCUS Brands' shared services, including finance, legal, supply chain, and IT.
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Mike Shattuck President of FOCUS Brands International
With nearly 35 years of foodservice experience with multiple brands, Mike Shattuck joined FOCUS Brands with the acquisition of Cinnabon in 2004. Before becoming the senior vice president of international operations, Shattuck has held several positions within FOCUS Brands and Cinnabon since 2000. Prior to joining FOCUS Brands, Shattuck was director of international operations for Popeye's Fried Chicken. He launched his career in international operations with Hardee's Food Systems. A native of Terra Haute, Indiana, Mike now resides with his wife and two daughters in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Fudgie the Whale® Spokescake Carvel Corporation
Mr. Whale came to Carvel at the swim-vitation of founder Tom Carvel. A resident of the cool Arctic Ocean, Fudgie is a very laid back, nature-loving mammal. While his favorite holiday is Father's Day, Mr. Whale enjoys all kinds of celebrations, especially Father's Day because it's such a "whale of an occasion." Often referred to as the "life of the party", he thrives on the smiles and happiness of seeing his child friends learn new things. His favorite song is "Surfing USA" by the Beach Boys and his favorite book is Moby Dick. On vacation, he enjoys traveling the seven seas, relaxing off the beach, and visiting his best friend Cookie Puss in outer space. Prior to joining Carvel, Mr. Whale was a showman at Florida's Sea World as well as a stunt double for Keiko in the Free Willy movie series. Mr. Whale's sweet disposition and charming chocolaty personality have firmly established him in the hearts and taste buds of all the fish in the sea and all the humans on the land.
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Cookie Puss® Spokescake Carvel Corporation
Mr. Puss also came to Carvel at the request of founder Tom Carvel. He is a resident of Planet Birthday, and known throughout the galaxy for his fun and quirky personality. Often referred to as the King of the Birthday cakes, Mr. Puss never sours and always brings a smile to the boys and girls of Planet Earth. He and his best friend Fudgie the Whale are often found together at holiday celebrations. A very friendly fellow, he enjoys visiting his buddies the Jetsons, watching his favorite movie Star Wars and singing along to Elton John's "Rocket Man." Often imitated but never duplicated, he is sometimes mistaken for his cousin Cookie O'Puss, who always visits on St. Patrick's Day. Previously, Mr. Puss worked as a test pilot for NASA, but quickly realized his tendency to melt under extreme pressure. Mr. Puss' friendliness and constant state of happiness, coupled with his big brown cookie eyes and delicious ice cream cone-nose, make him a favorite in the Carvel organization.