Global Franchise Group CEO and leadership

With more than 35 years in food and hospitality, Damico's career includes top leadership roles in premium organizations including Host Marriott, Food Brand, LLC, Creative Host Services, and the Focus Brands portfolio of restaurants. Most recently, he served as CEO of emerging concept Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill and successfully developed a franchise model preparing the brand for national growth. Prior to Naf Naf, he was President of Focus Brands and was responsible for the oversight of McAlister's Deli, Moe's Southwest Grill, Schlotzsky's Deli, Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Carvel Ice Cream and Cinnabon. Paul is known as a dynamic and personable leader with a deep history of collaborating with franchisees and has a unique perspective regarding franchising and best practices. Paul has a passion for food and dining having graduated from Johnson & Wales with degrees Culinary Arts and Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Conrad, who joined GFG in 2018, has proven to be an effective leader and strategic brand visionary. She spearheaded the new identity and experience for Great American Cookies, Marble Slab Creamery and the concept's co-brand locations. Conrad also directed the GFG COVID-19 task force leading brand and franchisee response and action. Before being promoted to CMO, she was Executive Vice President, Brand Marketing for all GFG brands.

Enthusiastic, high energy, award winning brand strategist with experience in multi unit retail & restaurant brands. Proven performer with a track record of developing & executing innovative, sales building programs.

Specialties: Traditional, Digital & Social Media, Consumer Insights, Brand Positioning & Strategy, Campaign Development & Execution, Menu Development, Collegiate & Professional Sports Marketing Partnerships, Local Store Marketing

Industry Involvement:

-MUFSO (Multi Unit Food Service Operators) Advisory Board 2014 - present

-Technomic Operator Advisory Board 2011 - present

-Dine Out For No Kid Hungry Advisory Board Marketing Chair -2011, Member 2010 - present

-IFMA/COEX Operator Committee Member 2015 - present

-CIA Culinary Institute of America FQAM (Flavor, Quality & American Menus Leadership retreat) Think Tank Member - 2017

Industry Speaking Engagements:

VIBE Conference 2015, 2016

Ad Tech San Francisco 2015

National Restaurant Association, 2014

Restaurant Leadership Conference, 2014

MUFSO, 2014

Flavor Experience, 2014

Franchise Consumer Marketing Conference, 2013, 2014, 2015

Mobile Insider Summit 2014

TMA’s People in Consumer Goods & Services 2013

Foodservice Social Media Universe 2011

Fast Casual Executive Summit 2011

IFMA / COEX - 2016, 2017

Awards:

AMA 2015 Atlanta AMY:

*Winner - Web & Interactive Marketing, Consumer Engagement, Email marketing

AMA 2014 Atlanta AMY:

*Winner - Web & Interactive Marketing, Consumer Engagement

*Finalist - Atlanta Corporate Marketer of the Year, Email marketing, Web & Interactive Marketing, Social Media, Event Marketing

MMA 2014 Smarties Award Finalist, Lead Generation / Direct Response

ADDY - 2013:

*Silver ADDY Web Design

*Gold ADDY Radio, Elements in Advertising; Sound

*Gold ADDY Radio, Elements in Advertising; Copywriting

*Gold ADDY Radio, Best in Show

PRSA 2010 PRAM:

*Award of Excellence, Measurement

*PRism Award, Special Public Relations Program

Chris Cheek is a Chief Development Officer at Global Franchise Group.

Patterson comes to GFG from FOCUS Brands where he served as Senior Vice President of Accounting. For the last eleven years, he was responsible for leading financials for Cinnabon, Carvel, Schlotzsky's, Moe's Southwest Grill, McAlister's Deli, Auntie Anne's and Jamba Juice.