Brad Vorhees: Chairman, President, CEO
Brad Vorhees holds an MBA with concentrations in finance and marketing, and
worked as a stockbroker for sixteen years after college. In late 2003 he
founded Dinners Ready, bringing in a partner early on. As CEO of that
company, he led it to an 18 location chain in 18 months, with 20 additional
'coming soon' locations under development. Mr. Vorhees' leadership resulted
in the company setting new qualitative standards in the industry in the
areas of culinary quality and value, location design, food safety,
franchisee support and marketing. However, due to differences of opinion
with his partner, Mr. Vorhees negotiated a buy-out of his ownership in early
2006 to form and launch Day-by-Day Gourmet, in which no partners are
involved and the highest levels of business excellence are pursued.
Mr. Vorhees brings experience working with people in a lead role, has a good understanding of capital formation and the capital markets, possesses an ability to envision a finished project with all its attendant features, then drive toward the actualization of that finish, and is one of the most experienced lead executives in the CAM industry. A creative, 'outside-the-box' thinker, a stickler for quality and value delivery to the customer and franchisee, and a student of effective team-building and leadership techniques, Mr. Vorhees will settle for nothing less than to be the qualitative leader in the industry in every measurable way.
Stacy Evans: Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Prior to entering the CAM industry, Stacy Evans was an account director for a Northwest marketing firm where he was responsible for creative and strategic marketing development for a number of regional and national retail clients. Mr. Evans was hired in January of 2005 by Dinners Ready, the aforementioned company founded by Mr. Vorhees, to function as Director of Sales and Marketing. There he provided detailed market analysis, designed the roll-out strategy of new franchise locations, headed the sale of franchises to candidates qualified by him, and helped design the company's marketing program. He now joins the launch of Day-by-Day Gourmet, responsible for the Company's national franchise expansion strategy, initial franchisee qualification, franchise sales, and all aspects of marketing program development and deployment. Mr. Evans brings a high level of passion, creativity, commitment to the highest product quality and customer and franchisee service, and motivation to the team.
Graham Kerr: Director of Culinary Creation
Famous as the former Galloping Gourmet, Mr. Kerr is without question one of the most highly renowned and regarded food experts in the world. More recently known for his emphasis on nutrition and health, and as a widely published author of many books on the subjects of food and health, he is passionate about educating North Americans to the fact that food which tastes great can also be food which is great for you. His no-compromise approach to menu creation will place the Company's culinary offerings at the forefront of the CAM industry. Mr. Kerr will oversee the design and implementation of all of the Company's culinary offerings, as well as provide a recognizable personality to promote the Company itself. He is fully committed to and passionate about Day-by-Day Gourmet's mission.
Karl Guggenmos: Advisor, Culinary Products
Karl Guggenmos is internationally recognized and celebrated in culinary circles as one of the most influential culinary academics in the world. Currently serving as the Dean of Culinary Studies at Johnson & Wales University, the largest culinary educator in the world, Mr. Guggenmos is a German Master Chef, a member of many of the most prestigious culinary organizations in the world, and a well-known international speaker on culinary issues. Working with Mr. Kerr to develop the Company's culinary offerings, Mr. Guggenmos will aid in managing the Company's products to their final form.
Debbie Runkel: Director of Creative Design & Web
Debbie Runkel brings many years of professional experience as a Creative Director and Web Designer. Most recently, she designed the website and marketing materials for one of the leaders in the CAM industry, demonstrating a level of competence which has made her much desired within the industry. With the ability to envision and quickly implement creative design solutions for multiple departmental needs, she will protect the Company's brand and communicate our image clearly and powerfully throughout our web presence, printed presentations, and a host of related items.
Lee Goehner: Director of Finance
Lee has served in various executive-level roles over the course of his career, including Director of Information Systems, Director of Human Resources, Operations Officer and Financial Officer. He brings extensive experience in the development of both operational and financial management systems for both corporate and not-for-profit entities in multiple nations. Most recently, he exercised financial oversight of a European satellite of an American university. Lee is now responsible for financial oversight and legal compliance of the Company.
Lisa Borders: Director of Business Development
Having spent many years selling advertising for local radio and television stations, and having coordinated many community-level promotional partnerships, Lisa has developed exceptional skills in marketing, promotions and business development. She brings strong project management capabilities to the Company, and is a creative and strategic thinker with the ability to establish profitable strategic alliances and earn long-term trust with business partners. Lisa is now responsible for building business at the retail level for Day-by-Day Gourmet, and for training regional Business Development Managers to do the same.
India Simmons: Public Relations
India has worked as a television news producer since 1978, garnering three Emmy awards while at KING Broadcasting (NBC), KOMO TV (ABC) and KIRO TV (CBS) in Seattle. Also serving as press secretary for various high-profile political campaigns, she founded PR, Inc. in 1998, from which she directs the Company's public relations efforts. Currently an independent contractor, she looks forward to the day she can join the Company full-time.
Alma Nocchi, RDLD: Field Operations & Nutrition
Alma, a registered and licensed dietician, has been a food service and culinary professional for 25 years, and has served as catering director to such organizations as Microsoft and Intel. She is currently responsible for the operational oversight of the Company's corporate store, interfacing with our culinary team to ensure smooth operational implementation of culinary offerings into our retail environment. She also provides analysis to ensure that the nutritional standards set by Mr. Kerr are being consistently met or exceeded.
Will Stout: Site Acquisition and Leasing
Over his twenty five year real estate career, Will Stout has focused on leasing and property acquisition for some of the largest retailers in the country. Recently, he has executed more leases for CAM franchise operators than any other known leasing agent in the country, and knows what types of locations afford the franchisee the most success at the least cost. He is an expert negotiator and has a proven track record of obtaining the best terms for franchisees with the least relational strain between franchisee and landlord.