FOCUS Brands Corporate Governance
Russ Umphenour
President and CEO, FOCUS Brands
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Russ Umphenour was named president and 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, and 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 and founded RTM. In addition, RTM was also the owner and 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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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 |
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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. |
Greg Regian
Chief Marketing Officer, FOCUS Brands |
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Greg Regian came to Schlotzsky’s in May 2005 to manage the company’s branding and marketing efforts. A Texas Christian University graduate with over 30 years of marketing and advertising experience, Greg has won more than 200 national, regional, and local industry honors through his roles as strategist, executive creative director, and writer, including multiple Clio, Addy, Telly, CTAM, and New York “One Show” awards. Since becoming part of the Schlotzsky’s team, he has played an integral role in developing some of the brand’s most successful promotions. In his current role, he oversees FOCUS Brands’ domestic marketing, brand strategy, and communication efforts. Prior to joining Schlotzsky’s and FOCUS Brands, Greg served as chief marketing officer for the Dallas/Fort Worth and Atlanta markets of D.R. Horton, the nation's largest homebuilder. He also owned and operated the largest full-service advertising and public relations company in Fort Worth, TX, with more than $30 million in annual billings and consistent rankings in AdWeek magazine as one of the Top 25 firms in the Southwest.
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Mike Shattuck
Senior Vice President of International, FOCUS Brands |
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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 |
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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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