Growing Beyond 50 Units: The Right Capital Plans for Growth Facilitator: Rob Branca, CEO, Branded Management Group Panelists: Michael Knobelock, Owner, MSK Enterprises Tony Lutfi, President/CEO, Marlu Investment Group Dawn LaFreeda, CEO/President, Den-Tax Central

 Robert Branca, Jr., is President, General Counsel, and Director of Development for entities including Branded Realty Company and Batista Management Corp., doing business in Massachusetts, Ohio, New York, and Florida.  Chair of Dunkin’ Donuts Franchise Owners PAC and the Vice Chair of the Washington, D.C.-based Coalition of Franchisee Associations.  Owns and operates nearly 70 Dunkin’ Donuts and 5 Baskin-Robbins  Currently expanding his Dunkin’ Donuts and real estate businesses into the Midwest and also developing new concepts, which is intended to franchise.  Recently recognized for his significant historic renovation projects and community contributions in Massachusetts. Robert Branca

 Owns and operates 50 Church’s Chicken locations, making him the fourth- largest franchisee in the system.  In 2003, he opened his first Little Caesars Pizza. Today he owns 50 restaurants that operate in Texas, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida.  President of the 100-store Houston Church’s Chicken Marketing Co-op.  From 2001 to 2004, was elected as Treasurer of the Church’s Independent Franchise Association (CIFA), and from 2005 to 2008 was elected President.  Remains an active board member of CIFA, which represents 1,200 franchise stores.  In 2011, Mike received 26 President Awards from the Church’s Chicken system for excellence in store brand and cleanliness. Michael Knobelock

 Tony works tirelessly to grow his organization with a passion for his customers and a desire to provide more opportunities for the loyal employees and family members who have supported him for all the years.  Serves on various committees with almost all of his brands including the President Council with Arby’s, the supply chain board with Church’s Chicken as Vice President for the franchisee association, and is a member of the creative committee for Sizzler.  Operates: (in 8 states) — 53 Arby’s — 46 Church’s Chicken — 21 Jack in the Box’s — 21 Sears Outlet Appliance & Hardware stores — 5 Little Caesars — 5 Sizzlers Tony Lutfi

 CEO and President of Den-Tex Central.  72 units, across 7 states  Started working as a Denny’s hostess at 16, and then took a job at a software company where she learned accounting, payroll, and the business skills needed to pursue her dream of self-employment.  She and a partner bought their first restaurant, a Hobo Joe’s (part of the Denny’s chain at the time), using credit cards and small loans. Then, in just 18 months, they purchased four distressed Denny’s in West Texas.  Serves as Treasurer of the Board of the Denny’s Franchisee Association  Sits on the Development Brand Advisory Council for Denny’s, Inc. - Dawn LaFreeda