Michael S. Lassiter
President, CEO and Founder
Franchising Concepts

Mike Lassiter serves as President and Chief Executive Officer for Franchising Concepts, a franchise success company. In addition to this role, he provides full-time focus in his capacity as President of Rising Roll Gourmet, a fast casual restaurant concept. In his capacity, he focuses on the day to day responsibilities of a number of franchisor companies through concept managers and direct contact with emphasis on franchise marketing, strategic planning, consulting and supporting partners, franchisee communication, new concept evaluation, franchisee qualification and closings, as well as site selection management.

Mike’s franchising experience is extensive. He has launched seven new franchise companies and/or franchise related companies and has successful multi-unit management experience spanning almost 25 years. Mike has also been a franchisee, franchisor and area developer. This experience on all sides of the franchise model gives him a perspective that few can claim.

Prior to founding Franchising Concepts, Mike was President of Quality Concepts, Inc, an independent Area Developer for Schlotzsky’s, Inc, a restaurant franchisor. Contracted to Schlotzsky’s, Quality Concepts conducted franchise sales and support, store training and development, as well as market analyses and site selection. Mike was ultimately responsible for developing his territory to 85 units; making Quality Concepts the second largest Area Developer for Schlotzsky’s worldwide. During this time, Mike’s territory grew from less than $1M to approximately $40M in annual revenue, and he was awarded one of the top Area Developers for three sequential years.

Mike was also a Schlotzsky’s franchisee, purchasing one unit and building another; one in need of turnaround management and one new concept deli. These units subsequently were named "Best Deli" in north Atlanta by Creative Loafing Magazine, “Favorite place for a sandwich,” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, and designated "Top Deli in North Atlanta," for two years by Inside Northside Magazine.

Mike served as Regional Manager for Fox Photo Labs in a five state territory, where he was responsible for overall P&L, customer service, field support, site selection, inventory control, recruitment and quality assurance.

Mike also has extensive experience in commercial real estate and is a partner in real estate investment firms. On numerous occasions he has been a guest lecturer at Kennesaw State University. He completed a BBA in Management from Sam Houston State University and MBA studies at Mercer University. He is an active member of the 1% Club.

Erin Schwak
Franchise Development Manager
Franchising Concepts

Erin Schwak joined Franchising Concepts in November 2004, as our Franchise Development Manager. In her role, she coordinates the franchise development strategy for three franchise entities. Her focus is franchise sales and she is in contact with franchise brokerage networks across the country; sharing with them the unique franchise offering of Ageless Remedies, Justix and Rising Roll Gourmet. She is in constant contact with interested prospects and shares with them valuable information related to each concept. Erin also orchestrates the franchisee Discovery Days in Atlanta and travels to a number of industry trade shows.

Erin attends grand opening events, National Conferences and is strategic in managing franchisee communication. She participates in franchisee monthly conference calls and is crucial in recording franchisee performance data.

Prior to working with Franchising Concepts, Erin served as Product Specialist with Memberclicks in Atlanta, Georgia. She also served as Marketing Lead Coordinator with Kodak Dental in Atlanta, Georgia.

Erin graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.A. in Communications.

David Smith
Concept Manager
Ageless Remedies Franchise Company

As President of SOAR Management, LLC, David focuses on specific responsibilities of Franchising Concepts, as it relates to Ageless Remedies Franchising Company.  Responsibilities include: franchise marketing and sales, conducting new market analyses and creating market development plans, site selection support and review, manage all legal and UFOC documents, coordinate franchise communication, consult with founders on franchise related issues and advise Managers on business and franchise issues.

David comes to the Ageless Remedies team with fifteen years of broad-based experience in franchise, retail, service and consulting environments.  He has extensive franchise management experience, both as a franchisor and a franchisee.  Most recently he led a specialty-food retail organization to its highest revenue levels ever, all while driving added value initiatives that improved operations, financial control and profits.

Operationally, David has created margin-analysis models to aid profitability, designed and implemented point of sale systems, and reengineered and executed franchisor-franchisee communication plans that improved franchisee input and created lasting partnerships throughout the franchise system.

David obtained a Bachelors degree in finance from Georgia Southern University, and went on to graduate from and serve as an instructor for the LeaderShape Institute in Champaign, Illinois.

Mo Thomasos
VP, Marketing Strategy
Goods For You, Inc.

An admitted “brand advocate,” Mo spends much of his time positioning client brands to increase recognition and competitive advantage.

The last 15 years, Mo has honed his skills in business strategy, sales and marketing for General Electric Medical Systems, McKesson HBOC and Computer Associates. As a National Account Manager for all three organizations, Mo has focused primarily on marketing and business/technology solutions, mapping business objectives to strategy and creative execution.

In his career, Mo has helped develop strategy and execution plans for a number of clients including; Detroit Medical Center, Eastman Chemical, Columbia/HCA, University of Alabama-Birmingham, St. John’s Health System and Sentara Health Systems, Carnett’s Car Washes, Pure Fun! Inc., Arby’s Franchise Association, Rising Roll, US Cardiology, US Anesthesiology and Lucas Group.

Mo graduated from the University of Bridgeport, in Bridgeport, CT with a B.A. in Political Science.

William J. Tribble
Insurance Partner
McEver & Tribble, Inc.

Jack is an owner in McEver & Tribble, an independent insurance agency that he and his partner formed in 1996. The agency represents numerous insurance companies and services business insurance for many different industries and business segments.

Prior to the forming of McEver & Tribble, Jack worked with the Atlanta office of Sedgwick an international insurance broker. Jack was responsible for producing and servicing the insurance programs of numerous businesses throughout the country, many of whom were in or involved in the restaurant industry.

From 1980 until 1993, Jack was a partner in Duncan Peek, Inc., one of the largest independent agencies in Atlanta. During this time, many of Jack’s customers were in the restaurant industry, and this is where he developed his knowledge in this area. Jack managed the coverage for over 250 restaurants throughout the country. Jack also worked extensively on developing the insurance program for many other customers in industries such as wholesalers, real estate owners and managers, manufacturers, and hotels and motels.

Jack graduated from The University of Georgia, with a BBA degree in Business Administration, specializing in risk management and marketing. After graduating Jack’s 30-year career began in the insurance industry working as an underwriter for Aetna Insurance Company where he developed the technical knowledge of the insurance industry.

Harold Shumacher
Real Estate Partner
The Shumacher Group

Harold Shumacher is president of The Shumacher Group, Inc an Atlanta based commercial real estate company that specializes in site selection for national retail and restaurant chains. Among the company current or former clients are Rising Roll, Justix, Ageless Remedies, Schlotzsky's Deli, Lettuce Entertain You, Hooter's, Golden Corral, Jim & Nick's BBQ, Here to Serve (Strip & Shout), Frontera Grill, Bruster's Ice Cream and The Italian Oven.

Shumacher is a founding member of the Atlanta Hospitality Roundtable and is an active member of the Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA), International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), and a board member of Retail Broker Network, a national broker referral organization. In addition, Shumacher is a frequent guest lecturer at Georgia State University's school of hospitality management.