Tom Lehmann Email & Phone Number

Primary focus of assisting individuals enter the business world through investing in a franchised business. Multi-discipline provider of business development, management and strategic planning services to individuals and organizations; from small entrepreneurial start up enterprises to large well established companies across an array of businesses. Creator of business development plans, processes, procedures and tools delivering paths to sustainable profitable growth. As Principal and Owner, leading, developing and executing business solutions to a varied Customer base with businesses ranging from hospitality to retail to manufacturing; operating both domestic and international.

Company develops and licenses ZeroTie® automated shoe lace tightening technology to shoe manufacturers, retailers and world-wide recognized footwear brands. As CEO / President, developed an “end to end” manufacturing, sales and licensing company. Implemented sales and business development programs to grow the company through both licensed use of the technology as well private label manufacturing to fully introduce the technology to the worldwide marketplace on both wholesale and retail levels. Extensive time spent in-market (principally Asia) negotiating vendor contracts, establishing manufacturers, and licensing technology to shoe/footwear companies.

Logistics, supply chain and transportation company serving small to medium size companies. Focused on manufacturing, medical and retail sectors; oversaw corporate and establishment of franchised (agency) operations. As Chief Strategy Officer, created, implemented, and monitored company strategic plan. Delivered excellence through an alignment of products and services with the needs of the Customer. Primary focus on Sales, Licensee relations, Purchasing, Financial Analysis / Management, Customer service and performance management programs. Turnaround of underperforming / failing company with absentee ownership.

Largest multi-unit franchisee of International Dairy Queen developing and operating DQ Grill & Chill restaurants and other branded franchise concepts. As the President / COO and Shareholder, from a “blank piece of paper” created company that developed and operated DQ Grill & Chill branded retail units; growing initially from one unit to 165+ units in 9 states today with estimated revenues in excess of $130 million. Created company operating systems. Conducted due diligence; developed process to acquire existing business units. Grew company through increasing sales and unit acquisitions.

International franchisor developing the Dairy Queen, Orange Julius, and Karmelkorn franchises. 6,400 units worldwide, retail sales of $4.0+ billion. Privately held by Berkshire Hathaway. Director – Rebranding ProjectKey member / lead of the elite task force that spearheaded the repositioning and rebranding of the DQ franchise system. Facilitated activities in operations, sales, architecture, real estate, research, marketing and training creating DQ Grill & Chill franchise. On site directed the operations of the first two prototype units in Chattanooga, TN.Director Operations Consulting GroupManaged activates of a nationwide field based sales and operations staff in the development and servicing of three branded franchise systems. Reorganized division incorporating strategic plans to enhance sales, operations, marketing, financial controls and development.Vice President – Corporate OperationsOversaw and supervised field based sales and operations staff in the administration and coordination of programs in sales, operations, human resources, marketing, purchasing and training for both unit level and corporate level functions. $60 million subsidiary operating 60 corporately owned / managed restaurants in five mid-South states with 2,200 employees.Regional Manager / Director Conversions / AcquisitionsDeveloped and executed strategic plan successfully converting the 117 unit Druther's regional franchise system to the Dairy Queen franchise system. Managed a field based sales and operations staff generating annual revenues in excess of $300 million comprised of 327 units in six states across three nationally recognized branded concepts.Managing DirectorManaged sales and operations staff in the sale, development and servicing of the Dairy Queen, Orange Julius and Golden Skillet franchise systems internationally. Created an export sales company distributing food stuffs, equipment and building materials. Grew presence from four markets to twenty-three.