US Franchise Systems Grows, Appoints Flora To Position Of Senior VP, Franchise Operations

ATLANTA? US Franchise Systems is continuing to grow its pool of executives with the recent appointment of Roy Flora to the new position of senior vp/franchise operations. Flora has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. As senior vp/franchise operations, he will oversee the design, franchise services, training and quality assurance departments and will report to Steve Romaniello, executive vp/franchise sales, support and administration. According to Mike Leven, USFS president, ?we were not actively looking to fill this position,? but Flora contacted Leven late last year and ?since we were growing, this was an opportunistic situation where we could take advantage of Roy?s availability and create a position.? No other candidates were interviewed. ?The growth of USFS? brands has necessitated additional staff expansion. Roy is a well-known industry professional with a proven track record of ?making it happen? and getting the job done,? said Romaniello. Flora began with USFS on Jan. 1 after 23 years with Holiday Inn and nine years of running his own franchise consulting practice. ?I took a look at where I was in my consulting practice and realized I missed the very challenges associated with the corporate environment that I never imagined I would miss,? said Flora. Ironically enough, when Flora contacted Leven he was looking for input rather than a job. But his timing was right and so was his level of experience in key elements of franchising. ?I?m a people person and this is a people business. USFS is a company that cares about people. The cornerstone of a successful franchise business is the manner in which you execute that relationship. It depends on integrity, fairness, freshness, consistency, two-way communication, excellence and support,? said Flora.