Here you can find thought leaders and industry professionals that are particularly insightful, and very successful, in their related fields.
John Hamburger – publishes Franchise TImes Magazine, the prominent trade journal. Best known as founder of Restaurant Finance Monitor (www.restfinance.com) the “must read” financial newsletter that covers capital markets as they relate to the restaurant industy. His sometimes contrary, but invariably prescient, advice to operators and financiers alike is invaluable, a product of his personal experience through numerous market cycles. He produces a number of “must attend”industry conferences, including the annual Restaurant Finance & Development Conference in Las Vegas. He resides in Minneapolis. Contact info: 612 767 3201 jhamburger@franchisetimes.com
Ned Grace III – 40 year restaurant veteran. Provides consulting and director services to private and publicly held companies. Founded Capital Grille and Bugaboo Creek Steak House. Senior advisor to $25 billion private equity firm, Angelo Gordon & Co. Currently a Director of Benihana, Firebird’s Wood-Fired Grill and others. Has been Director of Logan’s Roadhouse, RARE Hospitality, Claim Jumper and others. Past Trustee and Chair of the Executive Committee at Johnson & Wales University. Resides in Palm Beach, Florida. Contact Info: 407 835 7900 Cell: 321 377 6500 ned@gracevp.com
Stephen Pettise – 35 years in food service marketing and strategic consulting. Under his leadership, IHOP reported 146 consecutive months of same store sales gains, tripling average volume/store. Prior to IHOP he was Director of Market Development for Carl’s Jr. and a Senior Account Manager at Rogers Merchandising where he headed a field staff of 20 on the Burger King Account. In 1996 he founded Golden Spike Resources Group, to provide marketing and strategic planning advice. His clients have included Brinker Int’l, McAlister’s Deli, Panda Management, and Baja Fresh, to name just a few. He resides in Park City, Utah. Contact info: 435 604 0752 Cell: 323 620 1858 pettise@gsrg.net
Mark Bromberg – A 40 year restaurant executive and a graduate of Cornell University Mark is the CEO of Apex Restaurant Group, the nation’s only contract management firm managing chains of between 10 -1,000 restaurant units owned by private equity and investors. The founder of East Side Mario’s®, Mr. Greenjeans® and Ginsberg + Wong®, he has served as an advisor to public and private restaurant companies world-wide, with offices in Dallas, Toronto, San Diego and Paris. Mark is a highly sought-after consultant, expert witness and guest lecturer. He resides in Dallas, TX. Contact Info: (972) 333-0777. mbromberg@apexrestaurants.com
Drew Mason – in accordance with Roger’s long term interest in preciouus metals, he recommends Drew, who is a principal with St. Joseph Partners, an investment boutique dealing with gold, silver and other precious metals, including coins. Prior to founding his firm, he spent fifteen years and was a founding partner in the Palos Harbor Fund, a physical gold income fund. He has written and lectured extensively regarding optimization of metals storage globally and includes that service in his precious metal dealing. He is a graduate of The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania. Contact info: 610 326 2000 drew.mason@StJosephUSA.com