Tommy Clark

Mr. Clark’s unparalleled experience includes the leadership and enhancement of large dealer systems. Some years ago, Clark led the successful transition of a 1,500 unit system for Pearle Vision Centers. Later, he led the completion of the conversion of the 4,200 Snap-on Tools dealers in North America generating over $1.5 billion in system sales.

Mr. Clark also had operating and P&L responsibilities for business units in Snap-on generating $300 million in annual system sales.

Mr. Clark offers expertise in system conversion, program design, development and turnaround, training programs, and web-based lead management– with recent experience in managing growth at a rate of more than 500 units per year. Mr. Clark completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Arkansas and received his M.B.A. from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

Dave Hood, Ph.D.

Specializing in aggressive growth strategies and implementation, Mr. Hood has held senior management and consulting positions within the service and retailing industries since 1988. He is an expert in areas of business system development and implementation, retail management, site selection, international business, and strategic planning. Over an eight-year period, Mr. Hood directed the expansion of Auntie Anne's Soft Pretzels, one of the fastest-growing and most highly regarded franchise systems throughout the 1990s.

During his career at Auntie Anne's, the company expanded from a start-up concept to an international system comprising 640 retail locations, 320 corporate employees, and system-wide sales of over $200 million. Mr. Hood has also consulted with a wide range of business organizations in the U.S. and abroad, including Amoco, Armstrong World Industries, Transmedia Network, Groupo Marti, Allstate Insurance, Peachtree Software, Australia Post, Ryder Truck Rental, Bridgestone/Firestone, Brunswick Corporation, and Goodwill Industries. Mr. Hood's expertise includes organizational development, marketing and sales strategies, regulatory compliance programs, business support systems, retail brand development, site selection, and operations training. Mr. Hood holds a B.S. in Economics from Elmhurst College, an M.A. in Economic Geography from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. in Industrial Geography from the University of Tasmania, Australia.

Scott Jewett

Mr. Jewett specializes in implementing rapid growth strategies. During the course of his career, he has consulted with hundreds of companies on their growth strategies.

As CEO of LINE-X (and its sister company, PAXCON), Mr. Jewett played a key role in the development and implementation of the company's business development strategies in both the U.S. and 23 international markets.  LINE-X has won awards for its growth, management, and/or operational excellence by Frost and Sullivan, SEMA, and a host of other organizations.  PAXCON, the industrial coatings division, is the only coating system to gain U.S. Department of Defense, Army Corps of Engineers, and Navy approval to protect against potential terrorist attacks.

Through Jewett’s efforts, PAXCON won a coveted contract to protect the U.S. Pentagon and many other government and military buildings. Jewett led the efforts to sell LINE-X to Graham Partners (a private equity firm) in August of 2005, and completed the divestiture of his equity holdings in LINE-X in January of 2007.  The terms of the transaction remain confidential.    Having sold three separate companies, he intimately understands the process of business valuation, private equity, and the process of maximizing shareholder value.  Mr. Jewett holds a B.S. in Business and an M.B.A. from San Diego State University.

Cynthia Clarkin

Ms. Clarkin has extensive experience as both a business executive and entrepreneur. In her 16 years at Armstrong World Industries as Manager of Marketing Services, Ms. Clarkin orchestrated the marketing and communications for both Armstrong’s retail program and flooring dealer network. She was involved in marketing the Armstrong expansion program to approximately 700 retail locations nationwide.

Ms. Clarkin’s experience in managing multiple distribution channels for a major manufacturer provides a wealth of knowledge for clients seeking to enhance the performance of their dealer network. In addition to her corporate experience, Ms. Clarkin spent six years as a business owner within the home furnishings industry. Her experience as a business owner allows her to advise clients on managing expectations and providing effective support programs. Ms. Clarkin has a solid understanding of retailer networks, distribution systems, and channels of trade for both consumer and institutional industries, as well as various small business formats.

She has the skills to analyze and develop solid viable business models, as well as the experience to create achievable implementation plans for growth. Ms. Clarkin received her Bachelor’s Degree in Science from Albany State University in New York and has a strong working knowledge of Spanish.

Our Team

Terry Conroy

Conroy brings over 12 years of experience in education and writing to Channel Improvement Group. Her background includes teaching, writing curriculum, and authoring textbooks and teaching manuals.  As an Operations Consultant, Conroy has written Operations Manuals and Training Manuals for companies in the education, restaurant, retail, and service industries.

Among the clients Conroy has worked with are Kennelwood Pet Resorts, Häagen Dazs Shoppes, Fed Ex International, Ouidad Hair Salons, YAS Yoga and Fitness, and CD One Price Cleaners.  Conroy holds a B.A. in English from Marquette University and a teaching certificate from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Mark Siebert

Mr. Siebert has worked with hundreds of businesses, from start-up operations to corporate giants. A noted business consultant since 1985, he is an expert in evaluating companies, structuring, and developing strategic planning recommendations.

Mr. Siebert is widely acknowledged as a leading authority on business system development and finance. During his career, Mr. Siebert has personally assisted over 30 Fortune 1000 companies. Some of the more prominent companies he has helped include Ace Hardware, Amoco, Armstrong World Industries, Berlitz, BP Oil, Bridgestone/Firestone, Chevron, Circle K, Coldwell Banker, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Guinness, Hallmark, Horizon Pharmacies, IBM, John Deere, Lenscrafters, Line-X, Mobil Oil, National Easter Seals, Philips Van Heusen, Ryder Truck Rental, Shell Oil, Successories, and Texaco. With a B.S. in Advertising and an M.B.A. from Northern Illinois University, Mr. Siebert is an internationally published author and is widely quoted in the business press. He has taught graduate-level courses at DePaul University in Chicago.

Channel Improvement Group

Kati Chupa

Ms. Chupa has over 25 years of Healthcare Industry experience within the Johnson & Johnson network of companies. She has held leadership positions in the following disciplines: Business Development, Sales, US Marketing, Global Marketing and Global Healthcare Strategy.

Her leadership in the company’s Global Healthcare Strategy resulted in adoption of numerous new business model frameworks to position J&J for success in the future healthcare marketplace.  Ms. Chupa has a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Business Administration, as well as an MBA from the University of Tulsa. 

Barry Falcon

With a career that spans more than 40 years across numerous industries, Falcon has over 15 years of direct experience in franchising, including executive positions with two national franchise systems, as well as a franchise owner. 

Prior to joining iFranchise Group, Falcon served as CEO of Concrete Craft where he oversaw operational improvements and ultimately led the sale of the company.  Falcon was also President and Co-Founder of ShelfGenie Franchise Systems which, under his guidance, grew to 145 units in five years and was recognized by both Inc. and Entrepreneur magazines.  Falcon remains as a partner and Chairman of the Board of ShelfGenie. 

Falcon is a Georgia Chapter Board Member for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and an advisor for an Atlanta-based technology company.  Falcon was a former franchisee of Velocity Sports Performance, ultimately growing his location and selling three years later to start ShelfGenie.  He holds a Professional Designation in Business Management from UCLA and has also received Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) designation from the International Franchise Association.  Falcon is a frequent speaker at regional and national franchise events.  He is an active endurance athlete competing in triathlons, marathons and cycling events to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

Dan Levy

With 25 years of experience, Levy has personally been involved in the operational documentation of more than 300 companies, including Ace Hardware, BP, Sears Auto Centers, Federal Express, Chem-Dry, Häagen Dazs, Payless ShoeSource, and many others.  During the course of his career, he has helped develop training programs for companies such as Texaco, Bridgestone/Firestone, and Potbelly Sandwich Works.

As a former regional director for a national mall-based retail company, he also brings significant “hands-on” experience to bear in the development of these vital quality control documents.  In this role, Levy grew his region from five units to over 50 units in two years, and was responsible for unit sales, site selection, field support operations, and training.

Levy has spoken on the role of operations manuals, training programs, and field consulting operations at international seminars and universities.  He holds a B.S. from the University of Illinois and attended Northern Illinois University’s Graduate School of Business.

Jim Green

Green brings with him a wealth of operational experience obtained from his work over the past twelve years with companies ranging from small businesses to Fortune 100 companies. Throughout his career, Green’s responsibilities have ranged from implementing inventory tracking systems, authoring methods and procedures, and training co-workers on new product offerings. His experience includes a supervisory role for a statewide government contractor as well as training and managerial responsibilities at SBC.

While at SBC, Green played an integral role in supporting the sales staff that spans SBC’s 13-state region, including sales support and training, as well as identifying and implementing best practices company-wide.

During his career, Green has written hundreds of Operations Manuals in a variety of industries for companies including Ace International Hardware, British Petroleum, Payless Shoe Source, DuPont, Schwab, Sears Auto Centers, Oreck Clean Home Center, Potbelly Sandwich Works, College Hunks Hauling Junk, True Religion, Nissan, and Senior Helpers.  He holds a B.S. from the University of Illinois at Chicago.