March 11-13, 2025 | Myrtle Beach, SC — Price increases by $150 after December 13. Register Now
BREAKOUT SESSION / THURSDAY / AUGUST 12, 2021 / 11:00 AM
Is “Best of Breed” The Best Approach?
Synchronous Solutions vs. Conventional Wisdom ‘Layering’
We’ve all been indoctrinated to—and supportive of—adopting best of breed as it relates to technology. But in doing so, we sometimes fall into an unintended trap when facing the daunting task of managing multiple vendors and disparate layers of complexity. Whether working with smaller organizations that do not fully comprehend the requirements of larger enterprises or struggling with the inability to properly share data across multiple platforms, the best of breed approach can be fraught with issues–especially when it comes to the highly complex process of seamless API interactions and the attainment of added value.
In this session, you’ll learn the best approach to implementation, including pitfalls to avoid when rolling out new technologies, questions to ask your POS provider, and the measurable advantages and benefits of a synchronous approach to enterprise solutions. Still not sold? Think “Menu Mayhem” and the resultant task of menu management!
PANELISTS
Robert Blackwell | VP, Major & Strategic Accounts | PDQ Signature Systems
For over 20 years, Robert Blackwell has helped restaurant operators in quick service, table service, fast casual, and other F&B segments navigate the IT landscape by taking the approach of a trusted advisor with his clients on selection, and deployment of enterprise IT solutions involving Point of Sale, back office applications, digital transformation, and how best to leverage customer data. PDQ is the vendor of choice for many franchised operations which includes over 2800 Jimmy John’s locations.
Michelle Gil | Director of Franchise Operations | I Love Juice Bar
Speaker bio coming soon!
Richmond Green | Director of Operations & Strategy | gusto!
gusto!’s Director of Operations & Strategy and Business Partner, Richmond Green, is an Atlanta Native and former collegiate swimmer at the University of Georgia. Richmond has invested the past 5 years into the development of gusto! as “Atlanta’s Fastest Growing Restaurant Brand” (Atlanta Business Chronicle, 2021), an AJC Top Workplace, and member of the 2021 Inc. 5000 List of “Fastest Growing Private Companies in America”. Prior to joining gusto!, he spent nearly six years with Chick-fil-a as a Grand Opening Franchisee Consultant where he helped launch that brand in new markets all over the country.
Wade Mays | VP, National Accounts | PDQ Signature Systems
With 40 years of extensive experience in helping restaurants evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of consumers via the always-advancing technologies that propel growth, Wade Mays has ensured sustained growth for a host of enterprise titans, including McDonalds, Taco Bell, Arby’s, Church’s Chicken, Popeyes, Burger King, Wendy’s, Whataburger and Chick-Fil-A. Wade’s holistic industry background, including president of Prism Data Systems, sales engineer at PAR Tech, and restaurant manager for QSR franchises, has afforded him the opportunity to excel in all aspects of business administration as well as operations management, strategic planning, P&L, client relations, leadership enhancement, product development and project planning/execution for both startups and large established companies.
Aaron Noveshen | Founder & President | Starbird & Culinary Edge Ventures
A graduate of UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, Aaron Noveshen is an award-winning chef and restaurant entrepreneur. He is the Founder and President of The Culinary Edge, an innovation agency that provides global companies with strategic food, brand and operations solutions. Aaron is also the Founder and President of Starbird, a modern chicken concept that is revolutionizing food and convenience in the QSR/Fast Casual marketplace. As Co-founder of Pacific Catch Restaurants, Aaron served as president for 10 years and currently serves on the board of directors. Most recently Aaron co-founded The Culinary Edge Ventures with the mission to create, incubate, operate and grow restaurant brands.
Steve Patel | VP of Information Technology | Krystal
Speaker bio coming soon!
MODERATOR
Larry M. Fiel | VP of Marketing | PDQ Signature Systems
Fueled by passion, dedication and proven in-depth experience in both full-cycle marketing and technology, Larry Fiel has leveraged over 40 years of practical knowledge to help raise the bar for excellence in a variety of verticals, including restaurant/hospitality, IT, education, and social services. With four academic degrees (including an MBA and MS in MIS), and an intuitive understanding of interpersonal relationships, Larry, an adjunct professor, thrives on educating and mentoring others and finding order amid chaos. By excelling in brand creation and propagation, strategic marketing, lead generation, and marketing communications, Larry has helped foster sustained business profitability through increased revenue and the lowering of both tangible and intangible costs.
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