Kathleen Kuhn
Long Beach Township,NJ
Summary
Proven track record as a C-level executive in Franchising. Excels in inspiring confidence and obtaining buy-in with diverse groups to drive results. Recruited and onboarded over 500 franchisees with consistently positive results, minimal attrition, and no litigation. Consistently achieved the highest rankings in Franchisee Satisfaction and industry high average until revenues. Launched system initiatives to drive revenue growth including expanded training, quality assurance initiatives and related service offerings which doubled average unit revenues. Launched new home services offering and grew system to over 40 units in 24 months. Navigated transition of company from family ownership to private equity. Exceptional interpersonal and relationship building skills coupled with marketing, strategy, branding, and financial acumen. Capable of resolving complex (sales, legal, financial, operational) issues. Directly responsible for the development and evolution of Franchise Agreements and the Franchise Disclosure renewal process annually. Strong communicator and spokesperson. Interviewed in print and on air in hundreds of major media outlets including Fox Business, CNN, CW11, ABC, NY Times, and others. Thrives in collaborative cultures. Values integrity, hard work, respect, results, and a good sense of humor.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER
FIXLE, INC
04.2023 - Current
- Spearheaded Fixle's growth strategy and market development initiatives, overseeing various functions such as sales, marketing, customer success, and business development
- Collaborating closely with CEO and CSO, Played pivotal role in crafting Fixle's launch plan targeted at sectors like home inspection, property insurance, and property management
- Established Fixle's commercial viability through securing enterprise agreements with numerous regional and national home inspection organizations, as well as insurance claim management with projected annual revenues of over $600,000. Built strong pipeline for continued growth.
- Inspired customer success leadership to define and deliver on customer value proposition without sacrificing profitability targets.
PRINCIPAL
MICHAEL RYAN CONSULTING, LLC
02.2007 - Current
- Consulting services catering to prospective franchisors
- Assisted in successfully launching several new home service franchisors.
- Services include development Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), Franchise Agreement, Operations Manual, and Discovery Process using a proprietary FDD Handbook created by Consultant.
- The FDD Handbook valuable resource developed to help entrepreneurs understand and build required details needed for the FDD and Franchise Agreement. The process assists business owners develop a clear understanding of each item's significance and its impact on the franchise system long term.
PRESIDENT
MOOVEGURU, INC
04.2021 - 04.2023
- Responsible for developing and launching the HomeKeepr Franchise System as the go-to-market plan to sell HomeKeepr subscriptions through real estate, lender, title, and inspection market
- Responsible for Franchise Disclosure and Franchise Agreement development, all legal compliance, franchise recruitment and support and franchise training
- Closed over 21 Regional Territories within 9 months of first FDD filing
- Instrumental in completing series B round of funding in February 2022.
PRES/CEO
MASTER HOME SERVICES, LLC
10.2013 - 06.2020
- Bottom-line responsibility for Master Home Services, LLC, (previously HouseMaster LLC) multi-brand home services franchisor with over 325 franchise locations
- Responsible for full launch of PatchMaster, a drywall repair franchisor growing the new brand to 49 franchise locations in first 18 month
- Efforts included development of FDD, Franchise Agreement, Training curriculum, Franchise Development Strategy and Support Structure and Team Recruitment
- Achieved industry high average unit sales with legacy brand (HouseMaster)
- Ranked as number one home inspection franchisor in franchisee satisfaction from Franchise Business Review for the last 5 years
- Assisted in growing average gross unit sales by 50% since 2013
- Implemented programs to grow customer satisfaction ratings (Net Promoter Score) to an industry high of 92.
PRESIDENT-HOUSEMASTER HOME INSPECTION SERVICES
DBR FRANCHISING LLC
09.2008 - 02.2012
- Oversaw all facets of the franchise system
- Developed new franchise recruitment processes and messaging and recruited new Franchise Development team to grow brand
- Established robust Franchise Development results despite housing recession hitting 320 units
- Implemented the most successful local marketing plan (still in use today) to grow same store sales and increase franchise level marketing
- Implemented comprehensive social media program for national and franchisees
- Created and executed all brand communications including marketing collateral, social media content, press releases and online content for HouseMaster and Lender Platform
- Managed all day-to-day operations in risk management, compliance, suppliers, Franchise Advisory Council and franchisee issues, and team development
- Worked with private equity partners to develop strategy for growth and increased profitability.
PRESIDENT – HOUSEMASTER HOME INSPECTION SERVICES
HMA FRANCHISE SYSTEMS, INC
10.2000 - 09.2008
- Helped position organization as recognized leader in marketplace through rebranding, extensive public relations, innovative marketing systems and national programs
- Created and implemented strategic direction, franchisee recruitment and team building
- Managed all financial aspects including budgeting, financial analysis, and employee benefits
- Oversaw all corporate communications both internally (intranet) and external
- Managed all aspects of the National Ad Fund
- Implemented complex multi-media and integrated marketing campaigns resulting in record sales growth
- Increased franchisor profitability by 50% while achieving top rankings in franchisee satisfaction by Franchise Business Review (rated #7 in franchisee satisfaction among franchise brands with 200 units or more and # 1 in category)
- Wrote and produced franchisee training video content and promotional video content
- Moved company from paper driven to fully integrated service delivery reducing franchisee costs and growing average unit sales
- Managed complete rebranding including messaging, visual positioning, online presence, and franchise development program
- Became founding member of the American Association of Home Inspectors and chairwomen
- Spoke on legislative issues facing the home inspection industry and helped shape licensing for home inspectors in 33 states
- Handled all aspects of Annual meetings, recognition programs and meetings
- Happily, participated in new franchisee training, and meetings
- Grew annual sales over 33 million
- Packaged and managed sale of company to Private equity partners in Sept 2008
- Was national spokesperson for HouseMaster and featured in thousands of new articles and interviewed on Fox Business, The Today Show, CW11 and CNN on a regular basis.
VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING
HMA FRANCHISE SYSTEMS, INC
06.1998 - 10.2000
- Responsible for all corporate and franchise level marketing including direct mail, email marketing, public relations, website development, advertisements (radio and TV), display ads, and national account promotion
- Secured national accounts with leading national real estate networks including Re/Max, Coldwell Banker, and Realty Executives
- Ran national contests which integrated field promotions to drive franchise level marketing
- Achieved consistently high levels of franchisee participation, satisfaction, and unit level sales
- Developed all marketing content including marketing plans, advertisements (TV and otherwise) print collateral for both franchise marketing and franchise development
- Oversaw and participated in all aspects of franchisee training
- Responsible for recruiting quality vendors needed to support franchisees
- Created the first online proofing and ordering system for franchisees to manage marketing materials and supplies
- Created all advertisements including print, radio, and TV
- Successfully launched and tracked strategic media plans to grow brand awareness
- Had full responsibility for running, participating in and managing Annual Convention
- Consistently attracted significant attendance at annual and regional meetings
- . Hosted Discovery Days and all Franchise Development marketing including all lead generation efforts resulting in franchise unit growth exceeding 20 units annually
- Increased brand awareness by developing and executing comprehensive marketing campaigns.
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
HMA FRANCHISE SYSTEMS, INC
06.1992 - 06.1998
- Responsible for onboarding new franchisees, training new franchisees on all marketing and operations to ensure successful launch
- Managed national and local Public Relations efforts with PR firm including press kit development, press release writing, pitch creation and PR calendar
- Personally, responsible for franchisee marketing support functions including coaching, and business plan development
- Managed lead generation budget, ad content and lead processing for Franchise Development
- Revamped Franchise Development materials, Discovery Day agenda resulting in a 90% closing rate for Discovery Day participants
- Launched and sold HouseMaster’s first franchise in Canada and managed registration process for further expansion across Canada
- Active in the development of the company’s online document and communication management system.
FRANCHISEE
HARDY AUSTIN ASSOCIATES DBA HOUSEMASTER HOME INSPECTIONS
10.1985 - 06.1992
- Launched a HouseMaster franchise in Westchester County, NY
- Hired office and inspector staff
- Generated sales through field marketing, direct mail, and seminars
- Managed all day to day operations including scheduling, budgeting, financial analysis, accounting, human resources, sales, public relations, risk management, report generation and legal
- Became the youngest franchisee in company history
- Received award for “FAST START” for dynamic sales results in first 2 years
- Began participating and revamping corporate marketing training development to best prepare new franchisees for success.
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
AT&T/BELL ATLANTIC
07.1983 - 09.1985
- Successfully completed extensive Account Executive certification program which included product training, cost justification, general professional selling skills and presentation skills
- Helped launch Bell Atlantic’s first Multi-Channel Sales Center
- Overall responsibilities included marketing equipment product lines to small and mid-size businesses and national accounts
- Participated on task force to create order processing, credit procedures, proposal development and sales process for various voice and data systems targeted for small business
- Won several sales achievement awards including most revenue generated.
Education
Skills
- Sales technology
- Collaborative Problem-Solving
- Data-driven decision-making
- Key Account Management
- Leadership Team Building
- Organizational Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Operational Excellence
- Integrity and ethics
- Contract Negotiation
- Budget Management
- Negotiation
- Financial Management
- Event Planning
- Innovation and Creativity
Certification
Certified Franchise Executive, 2012
Boards Memberships
- American Home Inspection Association, Founding member, 2008, 2012
- American Home Inspection Association, Chairwoman, 2009, 2011
- WEBB (Women Empowered by Business), Advisory Board Member, 2010, 2012
- IFA Franchise Congress, 2006, 2008
Hobbies and Interests
Family, sports, and artistic endeavors
Timeline
CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER
FIXLE, INC
04.2023 - Current
PRESIDENT
MOOVEGURU, INC
04.2021 - 04.2023
PRES/CEO
MASTER HOME SERVICES, LLC
10.2013 - 06.2020
PRESIDENT-HOUSEMASTER HOME INSPECTION SERVICES
DBR FRANCHISING LLC
09.2008 - 02.2012
PRINCIPAL
MICHAEL RYAN CONSULTING, LLC
02.2007 - Current
PRESIDENT – HOUSEMASTER HOME INSPECTION SERVICES
HMA FRANCHISE SYSTEMS, INC
10.2000 - 09.2008
VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING
HMA FRANCHISE SYSTEMS, INC
06.1998 - 10.2000
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
HMA FRANCHISE SYSTEMS, INC
06.1992 - 06.1998
FRANCHISEE
HARDY AUSTIN ASSOCIATES DBA HOUSEMASTER HOME INSPECTIONS
10.1985 - 06.1992
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
AT&T/BELL ATLANTIC
07.1983 - 09.1985
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