PANELISTS

Sean Brennan | Founder | The Pie Hole

Sean is the founder of the international multi-unit quick serve pie and coffee concept “The Pie Hole” based in Los Angeles. He has plus or minus 20 years’ experience in hospitality and organizational development. By classification, he is a builder, whether it be teams, companies, campaigns, or even the perfect sandwich. Sean earned a Master’s degree in Public Policy at California Lutheran University as well as a Master’s degree in Special Education and B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. He was lucky enough to be a Fulbright Scholar in Japan, and taught a year in Ireland.

Jena Henderson | VP of Growth | Saladworks

Jena Henderson’s passion for Saladworks runs deep, having spent more than 13 years with the brand and currently the Vice President of Growth. Jena has been an integral member of the corporate team, helping shape initiatives for the franchise system and honing in on processes to provide franchisees with support to grow their businesses. During Jena’s tenure as VP, she has accomplished a myriad of successes including assisting in the creation and implementation of an innovative strategic plan, supporting the launch of new menu items, a system wide remodeling project and a technology bundle. With operations and marketing experience, Jena has a constant pulse on the system’s inner workings.

Steve Rothenstein | Senior Director of Franchising | Dippin’ Dots and Doc Popcorn

Steve Rothenstein is the Senior Director of Franchising for Dippin’ Dots and Doc Popcorn. During his 5-year tenure at Dippin’ Dots, Steve has facilitated the addition of 68 new franchise agreements and thousands of new points of presence around the United States. He has helped lead the expansion of the franchise to serve more than 2,000 schools participating in the YoDots®, Smart Snack Approved School program. In addition, Steve has spearheaded the development of the Dippin’ Dots-Doc Popcorn Co-Brand concept, which currently has 25 locations with 30 more to follow in 2018. A 25-year veteran of the franchising industry, Steve has held leadership positions with several franchise brands.

MODERATOR

Marc DeVinney | VP of Product | Long Range Systems

Marc DeVinney has been recognized throughout his career for his ability to develop and lead disruptive and sustaining innovation strategies in healthcare, communications, consumer, and information technologies. His experience includes defining and developing new products and services, business development, and business unit leadership. Marc led the development and product launch of cloud-based wearable location service devices that protect autistic children, patients and medical staff, and independent but vulnerable seniors. Marc is Vice President of Product at Long Range Systems where he leads an outstanding team responsible for product marketing and management, product development, and customer support. Marc holds a BSEE and MSEE in Digital Signal Processing from Southern Methodist University.