The AAFD Welcomes Ross Almo as New Executive Director

The American Association of Franchisees & Dealers (AAFD), a non-profit trade association that represents the interests of franchisees and independent dealers, has announced that Ross Almo has joined its executive team as the company’s new Executive Director.

Almo will initially focus on supporting, managing and growing the AFFD’s network of franchise suppliers, and the AAFD’s member benefits program. Additionally, he will supervise and support the AAFD’s affiliated franchisee associations and expand the AAFD’s events and meetings agenda.

Almo brings extensive franchise industry experience to the AAFD, including over 20 years as an Econo Lodge franchise owner, 11 years as COO of the Econo Lodge Franchisee Association and nine years as COO of the Rodeway Inn Owners Association. During his tenure with the Econo Lodge Franchisee Association, Almo increased the association’s membership by 100%, coordinated over a dozen events a year and more than doubled the group’s revenue. Both positions gave Almo important insight into the challenges faced by franchisees and franchisors and allowed him to manage and resolve conflicts between the two interests.

“Ross Almo has been a long-time supporter of the AAFD. The depth and breadth of his experience as both a franchisee and a leader within the franchising industry makes him an incredible asset to our organization,” said Robert Purvin, founder and president of the AAFD.

“I am flattered to be a part of the AAFD and to help them advance their agenda of total quality franchising,” said Almo. “Together we will strive to help franchisees achieve the dream of owning a successful franchise and enjoying a strong relationship with their franchisor.”;

Almo received a bachelor’s of science in administration and management at New England College in Henniker, NH. In 2012, he received the Choice Hotels CEO Premier Alliance Award for philanthropic corporate social responsibility and the Vermont ESGR “Above and Beyond” Award.  Almo resides in Mendon, Vermont.

For more information about the AAFD, visit the company’s website at www.AAFD.org.

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About the AAFD

The AAFD is a national non-profit trade association representing the rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers throughout the United States. The AAFD is focused on market driven reform to achieve its mission to define and promote collaborative franchise cultures that the AAFD describes as Total Quality Franchising. Since its formation, the AAFD has grown to represent more than 50,000 franchised locations throughout the United States. The AAFD has members in all 50 states and represents more than 100 different franchise systems.

The AAFD's Fair Franchising Standards, Fair Franchising Seal, Trademark Chapters, and emphasis on Marketplace Solutions led to the Association's recognition as a growing force in franchising. The AAFD’s Branded Partner programs add a new dimension to the value of AAFD membership. The AAFD provides a broad range of member services designed to help franchisees build market power, create legislative support of interest to franchisees, provide legal and financial support, and provide a wide range of general member benefits.

For more information about the AAFD, please call toll free - 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

For media information:

Joel Ellazar

joel@aafd.org

Robert Purvin

rpurvin@aafd.org

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Citrin Cooperman Accountant Michael Zyborowicz Earns Certified Franchise Executive Designation

Michael Zyborowicz, CPA, a director with accounting, tax and business consulting firm Citrin Cooperman in Philadelphia, was recognized as a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) by the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives.  

Zyborowicz completed a comprehensive course of study in franchise management offered by the Institute, which is the academic branch of the International Franchise Association’s Educational Foundation. The International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. Zyborowicz, along with his fellow CFE recipients, were honored at the IFA’s annual convention in Las Vegas, Feb. 17 – 20.

A member of Citrin Cooperman Philadelphia’s franchise committee, Zyborowicz has nearly 10 years of experience providing franchisor and multi-unit franchisee clients with general audit and business consulting services. Also, he regularly provides consultation on internal controls matters and financial statements preparation.

Nearly 1,500 franchise executives are enrolled or have received certification. More than 300 IFA-member companies currently have one or more executives enrolled in the program that provides benefits such as specialized knowledge, industry recognition, peer-level networking and professional standing. Candidates are required to complete a rigorous course of study to earn the CFE designation including attending institute-sponsored educational seminars and workshops. The program enhances franchise professionals’ understanding of the industry’s fundamental and complex aspects.

Citrin Cooperman (www.citrincooperman.com) is a full-service accounting firm, providing attest and assurance, tax and business advisory services. The firm’s accountants and advisors have deep experience in many industries and areas including franchising, professional services, restaurants, healthcare, financial services, real estate, entertainment, auto dealerships, staffing and executive search, architecture and engineering, valuation and forensic services, charter schools, nonprofits and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance. Founded in 1979, the firm has offices in Philadelphia, midtown Manhattan, White Plains, N.Y., Springfield, N.J., and Norwalk, Conn. Additionally, the firm is affiliated with Citrin Cooperman Wealth Management, LP (www.ccwmlp.com), which offers clients in-depth personal financial planning, independent fee-based investment advisory services, and insurance brokerage services. Citrin Cooperman is an independent firm associated with Moore Stephens. Follow Citrin Cooperman on Twitter @CitrinCooperman.

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Finance and Former Wall Street Executive Steve Picarillo Launches Into Franchise Consulting

Globally recognized financial executive Steve Picarillo and Creative Advisory Group, Inc. (CAG) are pleased to announce the launch of Creative Franchise Group and www.creativefranchisegroup.com to serve entrepreneurs around the world. In addition to various products and services that are designed to assist small, medium, and large companies, Creative Advisory Group has added franchise consulting to its extensive menu of products.

"I am truly excited about the opportunity to help entrepreneurs across the globe find a business to match their needs"  Mr. Picarillo said in a statement. He continued, "There are so many displaced executives, under-employed, recently retired and budding entrepreneurs that are looking for the right business to invest in, we can help them find their match". The franchise consulting business, which will be offered under the brand name of Creative Franchise Group, has access to a portfolio of over 450 franchises. Creative Franchise's goal is to find the one franchise that is best suited for the entrepreneur.

CAG launched its new website, http://www.creativefranchisegroup.com, which is a data base for anyone who is considering a franchise for their next career.

Steve continued "Over the past nine months, I have focused my efforts on helping individuals and businesses become the best they can and now, with the addition of the franchise consulting business, my team and I will be able to help this often under-served group of individuals find a career or an investment that suites them best”. Steve added that he is particularly fond of this business, given the number of franchise offerings, the wide range of franchises and the importance of finding the proper match to help ensure the success and happiness of all parties involved.

“Our services are offered free of charge to the potential franchisee so it’s a win-win for all. In today's economic and business environment, more and more executives are finding themselves being downsized and then quickly become discouraged in their job hunt.  Moreover, recent college graduates and returning veterans continue to struggle to find jobs. Operating a franchise is often the best solution, as it allows the entrepreneur to be their own boss while having control on their destiny in business” concluded Mr. Picarillo.

The franchise industry has grown beyond fast food and doughnuts. In the US, approximately 11% of all businesses are franchise businesses and the rate of success for franchises is much greater than that of non-franchise businesses.  

Steve, who is an accomplished financial analyst, author, an expert on global banks, business management, the economic environment and a motivational speaker, recently formed Creative Advisory Group, Inc. to house his various advisory efforts. Mr. Picarillo’s credentials can be found at http://www.stevepicarillo.com. CAG's website is http://www.creativeadvisorygroup.com.

Steve publishes several blogs with topics that include discussions on current events in business, the economic environment and operating a business in this still uncertain economic environment. These newsletters will be distributed on a “ by request only” basis.

To be added to the email list email Steve at steve@creativeadvisorygroup.com.

NYC based Creative Franchise Group is part of Creative Advisory Group, Inc consulting network.

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