Rafael Escoton, Tres Crow, Pamela Currie, Mark Jones, Marcia Jaffe, Ken Escoe
Tres Crow/The Ritz Group
Tres Crow (guest co-host) is an experienced marketing and sales professional. Having worked successfully in a variety of fields–as a lender, banker, insurance agent, membership manager, marketing and copywriting freelancer, as well as a sales and operations manager at both regional and national retail banks–Tres have a wide-ranging view of several key aspects of the business and entrepreneurial communities.
He has an eclectic range of personal and semi-professional interests, which make him exceedingly unique in the business world. In addition to over 8 years of sales, marketing, and management experience, Tres is also a published fiction author who has completed two novels, an adapted screenplay, and countless short stories. He spent over 8 years in Nashville and Ann Arbor, MI as a songwriter, releasing 2 LPs, 2 EPs, and 2 digital singles during that time. He has also developed a keen interest in developing green and sustainable solutions through entrepreneurship, which led him to form the Green Entrepreneurs of Atlanta group in October of 2013, which has seen its membership grow to 30 in just a few months.
He completed his MBA at University of West Georgia in July, 2013, where he maintained a 4.0 GPA and was honored with induction to the prestigious Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society. He is currently an Ambassador for the Ritz Group, tasked with growing and maintaining membership.
Ken Escoe/Alpharetta Beverage Company
Marcia Jaffe/Buckhead Business Association
A graduate of the University of Florida Marcia is now retired after 37 years with the Atlanta Journal Constitution. She currently divides her time as the Senior Captain Cheerleader of the WNBA Dream Dancers and columnist with the Atlanta Jewish Times. Marcia is a well known figure in the Buckhead business community, currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Buckhead Business Association as Vice President of Area Retailing.
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Mark Jones/Franchise Systems
Mark Jones is a sales and management professional consultant with over 20 years of experience in franchise sales, master Franchise operations and single-unit franchise operations. He has owned franchises; sold franchises; created franchises; and managed a master franchise. As the owner of Franchise Systems Advisors, he helps individuals find a franchise business they can own & enjoy and most importantly, CREATE EQUITY.
Mark Jones and Pamela Currie are Franchise Advisors, who help people find the franchise business that meets their client’s skillset, financial capability, lifestyle and business ambitions. They are “Business Matchmakers” and each has their own franchise consulting company with additional services. Mark and Pam collaborate together to provide a comprehensive service to their clients and would be happy to speak with anyone who has questions regarding franchising.
Pamela Currie/Franchise Intellect, Inc
Pamela Currie has over 20 years in franchising and traditional corporate America; She has aacquired business acumen from multiple perspectives of the franchise business model, starting at the franchisee level, then as a franchisor business support & trainer, to a franchisor launch & system developer, all of which included creating strategies for sales development and implementation of effective-relevant training programs. Her experience puts her in the role of training other franchise advisors.
She founded Franchise Intellect, Inc. and offers franchise consulting to individuals who are interested in pursuing franchise ownership and to franchisors that are looking to receive assistance in developing a franchise growth strategy and/or a training strategy. She specifically enjoys guiding her client’s in making a knowledgeable decision in selecting the best franchise based upon their criteria, with the objective of achieving financial health and life enjoyment.
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Rafael Escoto/Executive Trade Expo
Store Manager Executive Clothiers January 2011 – Present (3 years 3 months)Assist customers with men’s wear clothing and accessories Took measurements to make sure attire was fitted to perfection Manage interns to assure quality assurance and customer service is met Keep track of inventory and sales on weekly basis Experienced Manager skill sets with hands-on approach to business, service and techniques that achieve successfull outcomes Cheif Executive Officer Home Furniture, Art April 1996 – November 2010 (14 years 8 months)Baltimore, Maryland AreaTransferred, developed and established a 20,000 sq ft showroom and gallery Build continuous relationships with high-end manufacturers, vendors and new industries Developed brochures which showcase styles, services and creative programs Tenacious with flexible markets and economic stratus Hands-on approach to business, service and techniques that achieve successful outcomes Gain expedient turnaround on short term projects Experienced Manager skill sets with vendors, subcontractors and distribution channels President and CEO Interiors & Furnishings by Rafael April 1982 – April 1996 (14 years 1 month)Baltimore, Maryland AreaSpecialized in high-end home furnishings, art and design services Marketed and promoted to residential, government and high-profile clients Subcontracted with vendors, installers and product specialists Researched and executed all phases, on-time and within budgets In-depth knowledge of form, function, trends Published in Architectural Digest Chief Executive Officer In-House International April 1968 – April 1982 (14 years 1 month)Baltimore, Maryland AreaIdentified international business opportunities, imports and textiles for US market Planned, developed and organized wholesale distribution operations in North Carolina’s furniture mecca Developed international business and strategic relationships across Europe Set national wholesale distributorship and manufacturing to secure styles and unique business offerings Contracted and negotiated short term agreements between multiple businesses Created partnerships to expose international companies to American counterparts Successful B2B relationships opened pathways, eliminating barriers to trade Implemented Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) with systematic delivery and customer satisfaction Established a new division supportive of business development and written plan for success Modeled a creative process which offered an array of merchandise well below competition Utilized varying media approaches to advertise and promote amongst broad audiences
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