Catch the Wave! How Strategic Alliances Can Impact a Brand’s Growth Strategy

Scott Campanella joined Garces in 2020 as the Chief Operating Officer. Scott brings over 20 years of experience overseeing strategy, operations, retention, acquisition management, and concept development for national brands spanning both coasts. A graduate of Temple University, Scott returned to the Philadelphia area in 2005, where he currently lives with his wife and two children.

Since opening his first restaurant in 2005, Chef Jose Garces has emerged as one of the nation’s leading chefs and restaurateurs. He is the 2009 winner of the James Beard Foundation’s “Best Chef Mid-Atlantic” award and one of only a few chefs in the country to hold the coveted title of Iron Chef. Chef Garces is the author of The Latin Road Home (Lake Isle Press, October 2012), a culinary and cultural tour of Ecuador, Spain, Mexico, Cuba and Peru, and his debut cookbook, Latin Evolution (Lake Isle Press, Fall 2008).

Mr. David Mesa is currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Development officer overseeing the Franchise and Licensing Division for Ballard Brands, LLC. Prior to joining Ballard Brands Mr. Mesa had been with Planet Beach Franchising Corporation since December of 2003 progressively holding more executive roles at the world headquarters than any other executive, most recently serving as their President of Franchise Operations where he was instrumental in their growth from 60 to over 350 locations. Prior to joining Planet Beach, Mr. Mesa served eight years as Director of Business Operations for Allegis Group, the largest privately held staffing company in the United States, Mr. Mesa also served eight years in the United States Marine Corp. as an Air Traffic Controller. In March 2005, he received the designation of Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) by the International Franchising Association for his work and study in the franchise industry and has maintained that designation to date.