Franchise Update Media Group
Executive Staff

Gary Gardner, CEO

Gary is a cofounder Franchise Update Media Group. He has over 25 years experience in the franchise industry. Prior to this he was a franchisee of a national executive recruitment firm. He has over 30 years experience in direct sales and business development including small to medium-sized businesses and Fortune 500 companies. Gary holds a Bachelor of Science and Commerce for the University of Santa Clara.

Therese Thilgen, President / Chief Content Officer

Therese is also co-founder of Franchise Update Media Group. She has over 30 years experience in the franchise industry. Prior to Franchise Update Media Group, she served as Vice President of Franchise Development for a national franchise chain for over seven years.

Steve Olson, Publisher

Steve became Publisher of Franchise Update Media Group in 2006 after an illustrious career as a franchise executive. Olson comes to Franchise Update Media Group from It's a Grind Coffee House, where as senior vice president he led the development team in making the company the fastest growing coffee franchise in the nation. Previously, Steve owned a successful consulting practice, providing sales, marketing, and development strategies to over 35 established and emerging franchise companies. Over his 25-year franchising career, Olson led franchise development teams for several industry leaders and has conducted workshops for thousands of franchise executives on successful lead generation and high-performance selling.

Sue Logan, Vice President Operations

Sue has over 20 years in the franchise industry including three years with a franchisor in the franchise development department and assisting with the launch of Franchise Update Media Group. She has held management positions with Creative Image Group, MacUser magazine and helped launch ZDTV, a division of Ziff Davis.

Kimberlie Guerrieri, VP Marketing

Kimberlie manages all marketing activities for Franchise Update Media Group's publications, conferences, and websites. She is responsible for overseeing all advertising, communications, and events. Prior to joining the company in 2005, Kimberlie owned a creative agency and had a successful career in Silicon Valley, helping high tech companies turn visions into profits.

Barb Yelmene, VP Sales

Barbara has been in the franchise industry for over 19 years. Prior to joining Franchise Update Media Group, she served as the Advertising Director for a national franchise media company. During her tenure there she helped develop, implement, and grow there lead generation websites and publications.

Benjamin Foley, Director of Technology

Since 1993 Benjamin has designed and developed Internet and intranet sites for companies such as Hewlett- Packard, Sony, Agilent, Siebel, and Oracle. Benjamin utilizes his expertise in technology, programming, search engine optimization, and business marketing across all Franchise Update Media Group's sites.