CFOCUS Brands Corporate Governance
Neal Aronson,
Chairman of the Board, FOCUS Brands, Inc.
President and Founder, Roark Capital Group |
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Neal Aronson is the president and founder of Roark Capital Group since its inception in April 2001. Prior to Roark, Neal was a co-founder, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of U.S. Franchise Systems (USFS), one of the fastest growing franchisors in the lodging industry. Before founding USFS, he worked in New York at various private equity and investment banking firms, including Odyssey Partners, L.P. Before joining Odyssey, he was the youngest Principal and General Partner at Acadia Partners, L.P., a $1.7 billion investment partnership. Neal began his career in the corporate finance department at Drexel, Burnham, Lambert Incorporated.
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Steve Romaniello, CFE
President and CEO, FOCUS Brands, Inc.
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Steve Romaniello is the president and CEO of FOCUS Brands, Inc., majority owner of Carvel Corporation, Cinnabon, Inc., Schlotzsky’s Ltd., and Seattle's Best Coffee International. Prior to accepting this post, Steve was president and chief operating officer of US Franchise Systems (USFS). Before joining USFS, he was Holiday Inn Worldwide’s youngest vice president, responsible for franchise sales in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, as well as for the franchise services, support and training for 1,700 hotels in the region operating under the Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza brands. From 1988 to 1991, he held various positions with Days Inn of America. A native of Stamford, CT and a Tufts University graduate, he is a member of the Board of Directors of Fast Signs, the leading franchisor in the sign and graphics industry; the International Franchise Association (IFA); the IFA’s Diversity Institute; and the Atlanta Franchise Alliance. Steve also serves on the Leadership Advisory Council for the Elliot Leadership Institute.
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Gary Bales
President of Carvel Corporation |
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A 30-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Gary Bales joined Carvel in 2002 from TCBY, a division of Mrs. Fields Famous Brands, where he was vice president of operations, responsible for over 2,000 locations. During his tenure at Carvel, Gary was a key player in the 2003 new store prototype development, yearly ROI (Refresh Our Image) programs, multiple dynamic marketing/advertising campaigns, and numerous new menu developments. Prior to Mrs. Fields, Gary owned and operated 21 franchise Zuka Juice smoothie locations. He has served in various roles, including executive vice president of marketing and new concept development for the Summit Family Restaurant Group, as well as roles with Ponderosa and Bob’s Big Boy. |
Lenore Krentz
Chief Administrative Officer, FOCUS Brands, Inc. |
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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. |
Fudgie the Whale
Spokescake, Carvel Corporation |
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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. |
Cookie Puss
Spokescake, Carvel Corporation |
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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 |
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