David Knies Email & Phone Number

Greater Atlanta Area

Directed all U.S. real estate and construction activities for new restaurant development and existing restaurant remodels. Led and managed process of restaurant sales between Church’s domestic franchisees, including all elements of selection and on-boarding of new franchisees. Built and maintained trusting relationships with franchisees, and served as business liaison between the franchise community and the company. Key responsibilities and accomplishments include:1) Improved and streamlined new restaurant site selection process, including feedback to franchisees, reporting, presentation materials, and internal committee approval procedures. Over 30 sites presented and approved, and 21 new restaurants opened.2) Developed and led new restaurant pipeline process to ensure growth goals were established and met. 3) Developed a reporting process, communication plan, and incentive program for company’s remodel program, and teamed with Operations, Finance, and Legal departments to enforce the brand standards. Over 200 remodels completed.4) Collaborating with Operations and Legal departments, streamlined the process for the review, approval, and on-boarding of new franchisees. 12 new franchisees approved, resulting in 52 new restaurant development commitments.5) In partnership with Operations, Legal, and Finance departments, enhanced the process for approving restaurant sales between franchisees and company. 35 transactions completed impacting over 250 restaurants, including the refranchising of 70 company-owned restaurants.6) Through open communication, teamwork, and servant leadership style, improved culture within Development Team.

Greater Atlanta Area

Teach graduate and undergraduate business classes including:Financial Analysis (graduate) - Focus on executive level managers and various finance and accounting methods and tools used for strategic decision making.Business Foundations (undergraduate) - a study of modern business practices and operations. Emphasis is given to the major functional areas of business including management, marketing, finance, accounting, and economics.

Greater Atlanta Area

Finance leader and key member of Atlanta Region Leadership Team. Provided sound financial advice, and served as strategic thought partner to grow the business across the region, which consists of 800+ restaurants in 5 states, 130+ franchisee organizations, 50+ staff members, and revenues of almost $2 billion. Key responsibilities and accomplishments include:1) Played lead role in obtaining Atlanta region franchisee approval to launch "all day breakfast", which is a leading component of McDonald's U.S. business turnaround strategy, growing incremental restaurant sales by almost 2%.2) Developed pricing strategy on new product line, emphasizing the importance of consumer/market led pricing to be successful and maximize profitability. When launched, product exceeded targets.3) Analyzed promotional results, influenced pricing decisions, identified business trends, and projected performance to determine long-term impact on profitability. 4) Established partnering program for new product and equipment tests, producing results that exceeded baseline/control restaurants.5) Evaluated capital investments for new restaurant real estate acquisitions and restaurant modernizations. Over past five years, supported and executed plans that led to 70 new restaurants, which contributed almost $20 million to operating income.6) Analyzed and monitored the financial viability of franchisees and provided consulting on restaurant profitability, restaurant valuations, and organizational size and structure. Developed and executed strategic franchising plans, impacting 200 restaurants over past five years, with total revenue over $500 million.7) Performed standard accounting/finance functions such as financial reporting, budgeting/forecasting, internal controls, G&A oversight and management, and the management of accounts receivable.8) Built diverse, high performing finance team, resulting in promotions inside and outside of Finance function and region.

Greater Atlanta Area

Provided financial analysis and support to Operations and Regional Leadership regarding franchisee financial issues, including financial viabilty of restaurant acquisitions. Primary responsibilities and accomplishments:1) Key strategic player in re-franchising of 8 restaurant market. Consulted extensively with buying and selling franchisees and their accountants, attorneys, and lenders. Transaction grew revenue over $1 million.2) Vital team member in selling 25 company-owned restaurants to franchisees. Served as main liaison between company and prospective buyers during negotiation process. Positive impact to operating income over $500,000.3) Consistently controlled franchisee financial assistance to be among the lowest nationwide.4) Managed Franchisee Financial System, financial statement database. Increased electronic submission rate 15% over 2 years.5) Managed accounts receivable. Outstanding delinquent balance consistently among the lowest nationwide.

Greater Nashville Area, Tn

Provided business and financial perspective to Regional Leadership on all regional transactions and decisions. Primary responsibilities:1) Coordinated the preparation of annual financial plan.2) Served as strategic partner in franchising plan.3) Provided financial analysis/review of all new restaurant development.4) Ensured maintenance of sound financial practices and controls.

Greater Nashville Area, Tn

Primary responsibilities:1) Led the preparation of and reviewed operating budgets for over thirty operating centers with revenues in excess of $20 million.2) Coordinated external accounting firm's annual audit of financial statements and preparation of federal and state income tax returns.3) Managed accounts payable and payroll function.

Greater Nashville Area, Tn

Primary responsibilities:1) Coordinated the preparation of annual financial plan.2) Led cash control function.3) Provided financial viability reviews for new business/customer proposals.

Hartford, Connecticut Area

Primary responsibilities:1) Controlled the accounting and reporting function for investment portfolios in excess of $10 billion, consisting of bonds, equities, and real estate.2) Coordinated the preparation of and reviewed the investment exhibits and schedules to be included in statutory annual statements.

Greater Nashville Area, Tn

Primary responsibilities:1) Supervised the preparation of and reviewed federal and state income tax returns for corporate, individual, and fiduciary clients.2) Conducted tax research on various tax issues.3) Provided assistance on financial statement audit and compilation engagements.

Master’S Degree, Accounting And Finance With Concentration In Taxation

Taught Accounting Principles I and II while completing masters program. Beta Alpha Psi

Bachelor’S Degree, Accounting

Activities and Societies: Beta Alpha Psi