DDIFO Board of Directors
Dan Connelly
Chairman
Dan heads up the JCM Franchise Development division for Joyal Capital. Since joining the Joyal team in 2007, Dan has efforts have produced over $50,000,000 of Dunkin’ Donuts M&A related closings.
Dan’s past leadership in mergers and acquisitions at Dunkin’ Brands included the facilitation of the Purchase and Sale activity of Dunkin’ restaurants in New England. This process required leading more than 150 store transfers that involved store valuations, lease negotiations, lease assignments, valuation of rent streams and debt restructurings. Most importantly, Dan was able to bridge the gap between Dunkin’ Brands and the franchisee to allow for a smooth transition and an ultimate closing that provided a value proposition for everyone involved.
Dan began his career in the Boston office of Ernst & Young, LLP where he spent six years in the audit and consulting divisions.
Masters Degree in Business Administration- Babson College, Magna Cum Laude
Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics with an Accounting Major- College of the Holy Cross. Certified Public Accountant- State of MA.
Asheesh Seth
Vice-Chairman
Asheesh Seth holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Loyola University as well as a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management in Chicago. Seth is the Business Development Manager at Sterlite Software USA. His work with Sterlite firm has further spurred his keen business sense and knowledge base.
As Executive Director of the MWDDFA—founded in 2005 with 85 members representing 400 of the 500 stores in the Illinois/Indiana market— Seth fulfills a variety of managerial and communications functions, which have helped him to gain ample knowledge about a myriad of pressing issues affecting franchise owners.
“I look forward to the opportunity to work more closely with the DDIFO and hope that we can strengthen the position of existing franchise members while, at the same time, working toward the goal of a nationwide association,” said Seth.
Joseph Kimball, Jr., CPA
Treasurer
Joseph Kimball is a partner in the firm Sansiveri, Kimball & McNamee, which currently works with Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees.
Mr. Kimball has provided tax advice and general business counsel to closely held businesses and their owners for more than three decades. He began his career with KPMG Peat Marwick and joined SKM in 1980.
Mr. Kimball has lectured at tax seminars and addressed various civic and business groups on the impact of new tax legislation and sophisticated tax planning strategies. He is member of the International Business Development Task Force of the PKF North American Network and currently serves on its international tax committee. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants, and a former member of the University of Rhode Island Tax Committee.
Mr. Kimball received his Master of Science degree in taxation from Bentley College and has held faculty positions in the MBA and MST programs at Bryant University. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Stonehill College where he remains active in alumni affairs.
Tom Colitsas
Clerk
Since 1974, Tom has directed an accounting and consulting practice of 11 Professionals and Staff. His firm has approximately 500 Clients ranging anywhere from income tax preparation to full range of accounting services for small and medium- sized companies. The firm specializes in franchise accounting services, they represent such franchises as Burger King, Wendy’s, Applebee’s, Dunkin Donuts, Paneras, KFC’s etc. throughout the United States.
In the early 70’s Tom was the Personnel Manager for the New York Region for McDonalds Corporation and he was part of the McDonald’s National Labor Relations Force. He assisted franchise owners in setting up personnel practices, assisted in the selection of managers and other management personnel. Assisted store owners in establishing proper employee relations programs for the crew members.
Tom has recently been named a member of the board of directors for the Independent Association of Franchise Operators (IAFO), a franchisee association of franchise owners based the New York Metropolitan area.
Patrick Kaufmann
Director
Patrick Kaufmann is Professor and Chair of Boston University’s Marketing Department and renowned expert on Franchising.
Professor Kaufmann holds a BA in Economics from Georgetown University, a JD from Boston College Law School, an MBA from Wharton, and a Ph.D. in Marketing from Northwestern University. Prior to joining Boston University, he was on the faculty of the Harvard Business School and Georgia State University, and practiced law in Boston.
Professor Kaufmann is on the executive committee of the International Society of Franchising; he chaired the organization in 1992. He has also served as a member of the Education Committee of the International Franchise Association and is a member of the New England Franchise Association (NEFA).
Mark Dubinsky
Director
Mark Dubinsky is former CEO of The Dubinsky Group, a 27-unit Dunkin’ Donuts franchise network. Mark has served on multiple advertising and franchisee advisory council positions in his 22-year career as a franchisee.
For over two years, Dubinsky served as President and CEO of the DD Independent Franchise Owners Association and for 13 years served as a Director for the Dunkin’ Donuts Northeast Distribution Center. Dubinsky also has extensive experience in real estate development, food manufacturing, supply chain logistics and franchisee associations.
Presently, Dubinsky is Co-Manager of Dubinsky Management Group, LLC—a real estate development and management company and serves as Secretary and Director at SmartSports, LLC, a sports technology company. Dubinsky also serves as President of a Central Manufacturing Location (CML) providing donuts and other fresh-baked goods for 92 Dunkin’ Donuts locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Originally from Andover, MA, Dubinsky studied Business Administration at Bentley and Harvard Universities. He was a founding Director of the Coalition of Franchisee Associations, and for four years was a Director of Andover Chamber Music Series, Inc.
Dubinsky resides with his family in Bedford, New Hampshire.
Allen Cicchitelli
Director
Allen is the President of Northeast Ventures, Inc., a real estate management and holding company in Johnston, RI, he has built a real estate portfolio valued at approximately $500,000 to assets of greater than $10M. For 25 years he was the President and CEO of Nature’s Best Dairy in Cranston, RI. Nature’s Best Dairy was a wholesale fluid milk processing facility that specialized in the pasteurization and homogenization of raw milk and cream products and simultaneously produced ancillary products like juice and fruit drinks.
These products were packaged and distributed, in-house, in paper and plastic containers from 4oz to multi-gallon sizes. Allen increased annual sales from under $500,000 to approximately $50M. Nature’s Best Dairy’s customer base encompassed institutional accounts, retail stores, and restaurants, including a forty year relationship with numerous Dunkin Donuts franchisees. Product quality and credibility was paramount, and as Nature’s Best possessed the only Dept. of Health certified laboratory, the Dairy was able to supply Dunkin Donuts with the consistency needed in butter fat for taste, along with the ability to reconcile cream, coffee, and sugar inventories.
DDIFO Management Team
Jim Coen President and COO
Jim Coen, took over as President and Chief Operating Officer on December 1, 2008 prior to that he has been a director of and the Clerk for the DDIFO board since May, 2008. Recently Jim and DDIFO entered into a employment agreement that will run thru November 2012.
With 30 years of franchise, marketing, and entrepreneurial experience, Jim Coen, brings key skills in communications, management, and franchisee relations, to DDIFO.
For over 20 years Jim worked with Super Coups. Super Coups is a MA based direct mail franchise business to business opportunity.
Jim successfully marketed franchises for Super Coups as well as Uniglobe Travel Northeast a travel franchise, Merry Maids a maid cleaning franchise, & Emack & Bolio an Ice Cream franchise, where he was also a franchisee.
Mr. Coen is a member of the Board of Directors for the New England Franchise Association, an association that is dedicated to sharing best practices to franchise professionals in New England. He also is the founder of Franchise Perfection a franchise consulting firm that helps those interested in investing in a franchise business opportunity.
Coen also serves on the Board of Directors for the Coalition of Franchisee Associations, a group of franchisee associations that includes: Pizza Hut, Burger King, Meinieke, Super Cuts, Hardees, Subway, Buffalo Wild Wings, and JD Byrider.
In addition to his interests in franchising Mr. Coen serves as a member of the Board of Directors for The Bridge Center a facility in Southeastern Massachusetts that support families by providing children with special needs the opportunity to build social, emotional, & physical skills so they may participate fully in their communities.
Joan Gould, DDIFO Sponsor Coordinator
Joan began working in 1992 as an advertising account executive with a newspaper chain in Essex County Massachusetts. In 2000, she took a media buying position with Moynihan Lumber Company. These positions afforded Joan a unique and valuable perspective since she served as both a seller and a buyer.
Joan is the Sponsor Coordinator and is responsible for the DDIFO sponsor program where she develops individualized advertising and marketing plans for each DDIFO sponsor.
Matt Ellis, Ellis Strategies, DDIFO Communications Director
Matt is a former television news executive with 20+ years at the local and network level. As the Head Writer for Good Morning America in New York, Matt earned a prestigious Peabody Award for his work covering the September 11th Attacks.
Matt led teams of broadcast journalists who covered local news and produce Emmy Award winning programs as a News Director at WBZ TV in Boston and WPRI TV in Providence and as Executive Producer for WCBS TV in New York.
Matt is a cum-laude graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and lives in Boxford with his wife and daughter.
Joe Giannino, Government Relations Group, DDIFO Government Relations Director
Joseph A. Giannino is the principal and founder of Government Relations Group (GRG), which is based in Boston. Joe serves as the DDIFO’s Government Affairs Coordinator. According to DDIFO President Jim Coen, Joe’s expertise helps ensure the interests of Dunkin Donuts franchise owners are protected and enhanced at the legislative and regulatory levels. With more than 20 years of service in government, as well as experience as a small business owner, Joe brings firsthand knowledge and expertise that provide a unique and indispensable perspective together with a myriad of valuable contacts.
Before entering the private sector, Joe spent many years working in government. He served as Legislative Director to former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and worked alongside the former Massachusetts House Speaker Thomas M. Finneran. Joe also worked as the Director of Government Relations and Educator Licensure for the Massachusetts Department of Education. In addition, he was elected to two terms as a City Councilor-At-Large for the city of Revere and served as an elected member of Revere’s School Committee for six consecutive years.
Jim Ventriglia, James P. Ventriglia CPA Inc., DDIFO CPA
AccountantJim is a graduate of Bryant College of Business Administration with a BSBA majoring in Accounting in 1982.
Received a Master’s of Science in Taxation in 1992.
Successfully completed the uniform CPA exam in 1982 and has been practicing as a CPA since1985. Received a Certificate of Achievement from the Massachusetts Society of CPAs.
Has a variety of large firm (Big 4), local firm and controllership experience. Drawing on this experience established the accounting firm of James P. Ventriglia, CPA, Inc. in 1991 to satisfy the accounting, tax and business advisory needs of a Dunkin Donuts franchisee. Developed the practice to serve a variety of franchisees as well as many other types of businesses.
Formed Westminster Franchise Advisors in 2004 to reflect the firm’s area of specialization.
Professional Associations:
- Member of American Institute of CPA
- Member of Rhode Island Society of CPAs
- Member of National Society of Public Accountants
- Member of the Massachusetts Society of Public Accountants
- Member of the Cranston Chamber of Commerce and currently serving on their Board of Directors
- Treasurer for the Cranston Chamber of Commerce
- Member of the New England Franchise Association (NEFA)
Carl Lisa, Lisa & Sousa Attorneys at Law, General Counsel
Carl B. Lisa was admitted to bar, 1964, Rhode Island; 1965, U.S. District Court, District of Rhode Island. Education: University of Rhode Island (B.A., 1961); Boston University (LL.B., 1964). Smithfield Probate Judge, 1973-1975 and 1977-1981.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION: Outstanding Franchise Lawyer, Franchise Times; Certificate of Distinction, Rhode Island Bar Association. Member: Rhode Island Bar Association; American Bar Association (Member, Sections on: Probate; Franchise; Corporation; Banking; Business Law). Reported Cases: Smithfield Voters for Responsible Development, Inc. v. LaGreca, et al 755 A.2d 126 (R.I. Sup. Ct. 2000) Practice Areas: Franchising Law; Land Use Law; Zoning Law; Business Law; Real Estate; Probate Law.
Carl ’61 was inducted in the University of Rhode Island Athletic Hall of Fame in 1977. Carl was an indoor and outdoor track star who held the all-time URI 100-yard dash record of 9.5 seconds, was voted the outstanding athlete at Kingston in 1961. He held the New England 100-yard dash record for 12 years following graduation, won the Yankee Conference title twice, and qualified for the 1960 Olympic Trials and NCAA Championships as a six-letterman for the Rams.
Eric Karp, Witmer, Karp, Warner & Ryan LLP, DDIFO Counsel
Eric Karp serves as counsel to numerous franchisee associations in such chains as McDonald’s, Choice Hotels, Popeye’s Chicken, Cartridge World, TCBY Yogurt, Portable On Demand Storage, Fitness Together, 1-800 Radiators, Resort Maps, Colors on Parade, Massage Envy and DDIFO.
In that capacity, he provides a broad range of advice and guidance to the leadership of the associations on matters including the franchise disclosure documents, franchise agreements and issues that affect the relationship between the franchisee community and the franchisor as well as vendors and suppliers to the system. He has represented franchisees throughout the country in a myriad of franchise issues including sales, purchases, relocations, remodels, transfers, defaults and terminations and lease issues.
He served on the Board of Directors of the American Franchisee Association (AFA) for ten years, was Chair of the AFA Model Responsible Franchise Practices Act Committee, was the principal author of the Model Act and served as the Program Chair of the 1999 AFA Franchisee Legal Symposium. Mr. Karp was a member of the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD), a member of its Fair Franchising Standards Committee and was Co-Chair of the AAFD 17th Anniversary Conference and Franchisee Leadership Summit in 2009. In 2006, Mr. Karp served on the Nominating Committee of American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, was Editor-In-Chief of The Franchise Lawyer from 2008 to 2010 and now serves on the Forum’s Governing Committee.
Since 1996 Mr. Karp has served on the Franchise Project Group of the Franchise and Business Opportunities Committee of the North American Securities Administrators Association. He has five times been a presenter at the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, twice at the International Franchise Association Legal Symposium and an active participant in the decade long debate over the revision of the Federal Trade Commission’s Franchise Disclosure Rule.
Mr. Karp is a graduate of Boston University and Boston University School of Law. He is member of the American, Massachusetts and Boston Bar Associations.
