Board of directors
EXPERIENCED FRANCHISE SUPPORT TEAM THAT CONSISTS OF:
- Chairman, CEO & Executive Team with Franchise Experience
- Environmental Biologist and Canine Behavior Expert
- Senior Instructional Designer
- Certified Dog Trainers
- New Store Opening Support Team
- Franchise Retail and Operations Specialists
- Real Estate Professionals
- Marketing/Branding/Digital/PR Experts
- Industry-Specific Cleaning Protocols
- Leading-Edge Technology Providers
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chris Kempner, Chairman
Chris Kempner has been involved with Dogtopia for the past several years. Red Barn Dog Holdings, LLC acquired the largest Dogtopia franchise territory and has opened more than 30 daycares across the East Coast. Prior to founding Red Barn Equity Partners, Kempner was Vice President at private equity firm Metalmark Capital. Kempner has experience in both investing and private equity and has worked in numerous financial positions, including as an investment banking analyst at Goldman Sachs. He received an MBA from Harvard Business School and a bachelor’s degree from Yale University.
Neil Gill, CEO/President
Neil Gill is CEO and President of Dogtopia Enterprises. Neil has spent more than 35 years in franchising with international brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Brinker International, and Gloria Jean’s Coffees. He has experience in taking franchise brands through IPOs and worked in a variety of sectors, including online education, weight loss, bakery, and Asian tea. Neil has a love of franchising and the entrepreneurial spirit it enables in everyone involved.
Andy Freeman, Board Member
Andy Freeman has more than 16 years of middle-market private equity investment experience. Freeman began his private equity career in 2001 as a Senior Associate with Fremont Partners and subsequently led, managed, and harvested numerous successful investments at Paine & Partners between 2005 and 2016, becoming a partner of the firm in 2014. Freeman joined H.I.G. Capital as a Managing Director in 2017.
David Barr, Board Member
As previous Chairman of the International Franchise Association (2019-2020), David Barr has been a frequent speaker on Capitol Hill and has met with congressional leaders and White House staff to discuss the impact of laws impacting small businesses and franchising. Barr currently sits on the board of directors of a variety of public and private entities, both domestic and international.
David K. Lenhardt, Board Member
David K. Lenhardt is the former President and CEO of PetSmart. He joined PetSmart in October 2000 as Senior Vice President of Services, Strategic Planning, and Business Development. In June 2013, he was named Chief Executive Officer and in April 2014, he was named President and Chief Executive Officer. Lenhardt led the strategic review process of PetSmart in 2014, resulting in the sale of PetSmart to BC Partners for $8.7B, representing the highest equity valuation in the history of the company.
Jay Abramson, Board Member
Jay Abramson joined Halle Capital Management, a growth equity investment firm, in 2020 as a Senior Partner. Prior to joining Halle, Abramson spent 34 years at Cramer Rosenthal McGlynn, an investment management firm, where he served as CEO and Co-CIO. Abramson is a Trustee of Montefiore Health System and chairs its investment committee and is also a Trustee of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Jodi Watson, Board Member
Jodi Watson has served on several boards and in C-level operating roles: Senior VP and interim CMO at Petco, President of Consumer Direct at Wolverine Worldwide, and VP, Direct Marketing Services for Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Watson currently serves on two other companies’ board of directors: Petmed Express, Inc. and Dakota Supply Group. She also sits on three companies’ advisory boards: SmartCanister, QLTY Objective WorkBoots, and 12 Interactive Insights.
Justin Korsant, Board Member
Justin Korsant is Chief Executive Officer of Long Light Capital. Korsant oversees all aspects of the investment function, including asset allocation, portfolio management, and strategic planning. In addition to his Long Light Capital responsibilities, he also oversees the management of the Korsant family office. He serves on several corporate and nonprofit boards and advisory committees.
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