Steven Cooper ~ S.D. Cooper Company
Steven D. Cooper, President, has 25 years of Benefits Consulting and Pension Administration experience. Steve popularized The ERSOP(tm) Plan by being the first to make it accessable for franchisers and business brokers in 2000. He coined the term "ERSOP(tm)(Entrepreneur Rollover Stock Ownership Plan)" in 2001. He has owned and operated his own pension consulting and administration firm since 1984, designing several thousand plans over the years.
Daryl Dollinger ~ Raving Brands
As president of one of the nation's fastest-growing restaurant enterprises, Daryl Dollinger's leadership has been integral to the success of Atlanta-based Raving Brands since its inception.
Dollinger has overseen the franchise sales and development department for the Raving Brands portfolio of nine unique brands including Moe’s Southwest Grill, Doc Green’s Gourmet Salads and Shane’s Rib Shack for the past six years. As the head of the company’s sales and development teams, he oversees functions including franchisee marketing, sourcing and qualification, sales and recruiting, franchisee relations and general administration.
Dollinger has been a key player on the Raving Brands management team since the company's inception six years ago. Dollinger was one of a group several business leaders that included Raving Brands' Founder and CEO Martin Sprock, who developed and launched the company's first portfolio success story – Planet Smoothie. Fueled by passion and the momentum of the booming business, Dollinger went on to purchase a total of six Planet Smoothies in the Atlanta area and helped to develop the Moe's Southwest Grill and Mama Fu's Asian House concepts.
Prior to his time at Raving Brands, Dollinger was owner and general manager of an Einstein's Bagels franchise. He received a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of South Carolina, and is a member of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Dollinger lives in Atlanta with his wife and three children.
John Moak ~ Universal Franchising Inc
John Moak is Managing Partner of Universal Franchising Inc., a Chicago based marketing and consulting firm. He has served in various capacities for franchise companies, including licensing, site location, and marketing. John is host to a nationally syndicated radio show discussing the processes for targeting the right franchise or business opportunity, and is also a national trainer for a franchise syndication network.
James H. Pipper ~ U.S. Small Business Administration
James Pipper has been with SBA for 28 years; spending the last 8 years as a Business Development Specialist. Most of his career was spent as a Workout Officer trying to resolve problematic situations of all different kinds. In addition to his government service, he was a Commercial Banker for five years and a former Small Business Owner. He’s a very proud Air Force Veteran, holds a Baccalaureate Degree in Business Administration and he and his wife, Barbara have raised six children – three girls and three boys.
Lynne Shelton ~ Shelton and Power LLC
Lynne D. Shelton, Esq. has assisted businesses with their franchise and business opportunities since 1993. She especially enjoys working with small business owners to assist them in “Expanding their Brand". As a past franchisor herself, Ms. Shelton understands the needs and growth pains of her clients. While Ms. Shelton has represented both Franchisor as well as Prospective Franchisee, her specialty is in the area of providing experienced counsel for Startup and Emerging Franchisor's who wish to establish or grow into a Regional, or National Franchise System. Ms. Shelton's area of expertise transverses many different industries including restaurants, financial systems, construction, interior design, mining, senior care, and service industries including painting, installation, heating and air-conditioning.