Ron is a leader in corporate restaurant management with extensive experience in executive development. He has been the President & COO of Roaring Fork Restaurant Group for the last 19 years and led the opening of 58 restaurants during that period.
Roaring Fork Restaurant Group is the 2nd largest franchisee within the QDOBA Mexican Eats system and has been one of the fastest growing restaurant companies in the country. Ron founded the QDOBA Franchisee Association in 2017 and served as its chairman for 9 years, representing the needs of over 80 QDOBA Franchise groups, with over 500 restaurants in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
In 2021, Ron partnered with Mike Pranke to create MR Chicken (the MR stands for Mike & Ron), committing to open 17 Dave's Hot Chicken franchises in Wisconsin within six years, sparking an exciting new chapter of growth for Roaring Fork Restaurant Group.
Prior to his current position, he was the owner and founder of Personalized Management, a recruiting company specializing in retail and restaurant management. During that 7-year window, he worked with companies across the country helping them develop strong leadership teams.
Ron was also a Region President and Partner for R.T.M. Inc, an Arby’s franchisee, leading their operations in Portland, Seattle and Salt Lake City.
He began his career with Pepsi in their Pizza Hut division. While at Pepsi he worked in various operational capacities across the country in places such as Des Moines, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Milwaukee, Chicago and Indianapolis. He was also an instrumental leader in their training department and on the forefront of helping Pizza Hut develop their emerging markets.
Ron lives in Wauwatosa with his wife and enjoys staying competitively engaged in activities such as biking and running. Ron has a passion for developing leaders through teaching, coaching and speaking.
Fun Facts:
- Favorite place in the world - Puerto Vallarta Mexico
- Favorite food - Qdoba...of course
- Favorite sport - Football
- Favorite recreational activity - Golfing
- Loves to Travel
- Bucket list - Finish writing one of several books I have in my head