Michael Buckles
Castle Rock,CO
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Five Guys, reversing an 18% sales decline and driving 9% year-over-year growth. Expert in strategic planning and team development, enhancing customer satisfaction to 96%. Adept at operational efficiency, managing portfolios over $70M while fostering talent and engagement in competitive markets.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Multi-Unit Franchise & Corporate Leadership
Five Guys
castle rock, CO
07.2020 - 08.2025
- Reversed 18% sales decline across four franchise groups, achieving sustained 9% year-over-year growth.
- Elevated customer satisfaction from 78% to 96%, securing Top 3 national ranking among 57 districts.
- Managed portfolios exceeding $70M in annual revenue across diverse operational models.
- Developed and mentored succession pipelines for Directors of Operations and senior leaders, enhancing organizational capacity.
Franchise Owner / Operator
Tom & Chee
Katy, Texas
02.2016 - 11.2019
- Achieved profitability within 90 days post-acquisition through strategic initiatives.
- Secured second SBA loan by demonstrating strong financial performance and lender confidence.
- Maintained 65% team retention in a competitive labor market through effective leadership.
- Balanced brand standards with local market execution, ensuring cost control and team engagement.
Education
Executive Leadership
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LABachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of Louisiana At Lafayette
Lafayette, Louisiana, LASkills
- Strategic planning and market analysis
- Revenue management and forecasting
- Customer engagement and relationship management
- Operational efficiency and performance metrics
- Team leadership and development
- Conflict resolution and decision-making
- Talent development and training
- Change management and adaptability
- Public speaking and communication skills
- Analytical thinking and detail orientation
Franchise Ownership And Pnl Accountability
Tom & Chee, Franchise Owner / Operator, Achieved profitability within 90 days of acquisition, Maintained 65% team retention through year two in a competitive labor market, Secured a second SBA loan based on financial performance and lender confidence, Balanced brand standards with local market execution, cost control, and team engagement
Advisory And Board Ready Experience
- Advising leaders on unit economics, operational infrastructure, and growth readiness
- Supporting franchise systems during early-stage expansion (5-30+ units)
- Translating board strategy into executable field priorities
- Bridging franchisor-franchisee alignment during periods of rapid scale
Leadership Philosophy
Servant leader with a strong operator's mindset. I lead from the front, stay grounded in field realities, and maintain a clear board-level view of enterprise value creation. Known for distinguishing what's urgent, what's realistic, and what's noise-and acting decisively.
Ideal Engagements
- Portfolio company advisory roles
- Fractional COO / Operations Executive
- Franchise system scale-up and turnaround support
- Board of Directors / Advisory Board positions
References
Available upon request
Value Delivered
- Turnarounds & Growth Acceleration - Reversed sustained revenue declines and restored profitable growth through disciplined execution and data-driven strategy
- Operational Excellence - Built scalable systems that improved quality, speed, safety, and guest experience at scale
- Leadership & Succession - Developed Directors of Operations and high-potential Leaders; built durable leadership benches
- Franchisee Credibility - Former owner-operator who understands capital risk, labor pressure, and field realities
- Board-Level Perspective - Balances near-term execution with long-term brand health and enterprise value
Professional Highlights
Five Guys, Starbucks, Piccadilly, Tom & Chee,
#1 in food sales per guest and team member retention, 2 consecutive years
Turnaround Leadership: Reversed an 18% sales decline across four franchise groups,
Delivering sustained 9% year-over-year growth through operational rigor, coaching, and accountability
Guest Experience Excellence: Improved customer satisfaction from 78% to 96%, achieving Top 3 national ranking among 57 districts
Revenue & Scale: Oversaw portfolios exceeding $70M in annual revenue across diverse operating models
Leadership Development: Built and mentored succession pipelines for Directors of Operations and senior leaders, strengthening long-term organizational capacity
Certification
Colorado food service contributer
Accomplishments
Awarded-Five Guys excellence coin for leadership
Multi-unit franchise operations and growth strategy
Operational turnarounds and P&L optimization
Franchisee relations and leadership development
Multi-unit franchise operations and growth strategy
Operational turnarounds and P&L optimization
Franchisee relations and leadership development
Affiliations
Five Guys-nominated to lead team from Director's role for 6 months
Timeline
Multi-Unit Franchise & Corporate Leadership
Five Guys
07.2020 - 08.2025
Franchise Owner / Operator
Tom & Chee
02.2016 - 11.2019
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of Louisiana At Lafayette
Executive Leadership
Louisiana State University