Ray Titus
Chief Executive Officer

Ray Titus is the CEO of United Franchise Group and its affiliated companies. Mr. Titus is a life-long entrepreneur who began his career with his father, franchising legend Roy Titus, and went on to develop a group of successful brands and franchise development services.

Todd Newton
Chief Financial Officer

Todd Newton was appointed Chief Financial Officer of United Franchise Group in 2008. Based in West Palm Beach, he leads the global finance team, managing all financial aspects of United Franchise Group’s worldwide operations. Prior to joining UFG, Todd was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Management Consulting Group, PLC. In that position, he was responsible for the delivery of results for multi-million dollar consultancy projects across a wide range of industries for Fortune 500 companies. In addition, he served in numerous financial capacities for MCG including Senior Vice President of Finance and Worldwide Director of Internal Audit. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina – Charlotte earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a minor in Computer Science.

AJ Titus
President, Starpoint Brands and Signarama

A.J. Titus has a passion for franchising that few share. The son of Ray Titus, the founder and CEO of United Franchise Group, A.J. is no stranger to franchising and Business Development. A.J. is the President of the largest brand at UFG, Signarama, the world’s largest sign and graphics franchise. In this role, A.J. spearheads the growth of Signarama throughout the United States around the world while also developing ways to help current franchise owners expand their businesses. A.J holds an International Business degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University (2014), an MBA from the University of Miami (2017) and is a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE). He resides in West Palm Beach, Florida with his wife Laura.

Michael White
Chief Development Officer and President Venture X

​Michael’s passion for franchising and United Franchise Group began in 2000 while working as a marketing representative for a local Signarama store in his home state of North Carolina.  Since then, he has held a number of positions within the organization, from Regional Vice President to Director of Sales.  Presently, Michael leads UFG’s franchise growth and expansion as Chief Development Officer, and also serves as President of Venture X.

Brady Lee
COO of United Franchise Group

Brady Lee has been with the company for more than eight years, with his career starting with working for the Signarama store in Tallahassee. Brady has held a number of positions at UFG including Franchise Development in both the U.S. and Australia, Director of Sales, Vice President of Franchise Development and Director of Sales in the Australia Corporate Headquarters. Brady is currently the COO of UFG.

Andrew Titus
President of Fully Promoted

Andrew Titus is a driven and motivated professional with a strong background in business and sales. Born and raised in West Palm Beach, FL, he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a focus in management and marketing from Samford University. Throughout his career, he has consistently proven his ability to excel in leadership roles, starting as a Franchise Development Representative and working his way up to his current position as President of Fully Promoted and Executive Vice President of Development at United Franchise Group (UFG). Throughout his journey, Andrew has received numerous awards and accolades, including being names UFG’s MVP in 2021 and receiving the UFG Sales Award in 2020 and 2021. In his current role, he is responsible for overseeing the development of Fully Promoted and driving revenue and unit growth for the company. Andrew’s strengths include his ability to excel in sales and leadership, as well as his relentless desire to improve and be the best. In his free time, he enjoys sports and playing piano.

Andy Cagnetta
CEO of Transworld Business Advisors

Andy came down to Florida in 1995. While looking to buy a business, he encountered a company named Transworld Business Brokers. He continued his search for a business but was offered a position at Transworld as an agent. He joined the company and quickly became one of South Florida’s top performers.

Now over thirty-eight years old, Transworld Business Advisors is the number one business brokerage and an international Franchisor through a partnership with United Franchise Group. They have currently over 400 business brokers in the organization and have over 3,000 businesses for sale. They also have 120+ franchisees in the US and several internationally.

Andy is a recognized speaker and trainer in the subject of business sales, valuation, and negotiations. He has taught his self-authored negotiations class to associations, construction companies, media sales teams, government agencies, high school & university students.

His signature charity event “Andy’s Family Pasta Dinner” is in its 16th year and has raised over $1,000,000. He is a father to two. Rachel, Lauren and his wife, Allison are Hollywood residents (Allison since 1970, Andy since 1994).

Jason Anderson
Chief Strategic Officer and President of Coworks LLC

Rich with franchising, real estate, marketing and technology experience, Jason Anderson leads the Venture X brand.  Jason oversees all aspects of the growth and development of this dynamic business after serving in other leadership roles at United Franchise Group including President of Accurate Franchising and Chief Technology Officer. Jason also has strong real estate management skills which he honed as the founder of Premier Property Marketing Group in Dallas.  It was in that capacity that he was recognized by Forbes Magazine in their coveted “30 Under 30” list which chronicles the brashest entrepreneurs across North America.

Max Taha
Chief Technology Officer

As the Chief Technology Officer, Max Taha directs the company’s online presence and its technology platforms, from websites, networking to franchisee store management and support tools. Max started his career in a Signarama store in Fargo, ND before transitioning in 2011 to the Corporate office in West Palm Beach, FL.

Bob Andersen
President of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill

Highly regarded as restaurant industry leader with a successful track record in growing emerging restaurant brands. Bob has developed a unique and diverse perspective in all aspect of the restaurant business. His experience includes C-level and Senior executive positions with a large international restaurant company to launching a start-up restaurant brand. Bob has also owned, developed and operated multi-unit restaurants as a multi-brand franchisee, area developer and Area Representative.

Having successfully led teams in QSR, fast casual and full-service restaurant brands to achieving remarkable results in operational performance, brand experience, franchising and sales growth. Each brand has achieved exceptional growth results and recognition from the national press, including Nation’s Restaurant News “Hot Concepts” and Fast Casual Magazines “Top Concepts to Watch” awards. Bob credits the driving force behind his team’s success is their focus and commitment to delivering on three simple principals; Engage Great People, Nurture a Great Brand Culture, and Select Great Restaurant Sites.

Austin Titus
President of Network Lead Exchange & Franvestco

Austin Titus has been with the company for more than five years, with his career starting with working for the Fully Promoted store in Boynton Beach. Being the middle son of CEO, Ray Titus, Austin has grown up in franchising and has a strong passion for it. Most of Austin’s experience is in Franchise Development and Broker Relations. Austin is currently the President of Network Lead Exchange and Franvestco.

Cory Hibbard
President of Graze Craze

Cory Hibbard is a seasoned business professional with a strong background in operations and leadership. Born and raised in South Jersey, Hibbard received his degree in business form the Rinker School of Business at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He began his career in brand development with Red Bull North America before joining the United Franchise Group (UFG) in 2014 as a Franchise Development Representative. From there, he joined the Transworld team, where he held various positions including Operations Advisors, Operations Manager, Director of Operations, and eventually Vice President of Operations. In his current role as President of Graze Craze, Hibbard is responsible for driving the strategic direction of the company and building strong relationships with clients and partners. Throughout his career, Hibbard has developed a reputation for his ability to think outside the box and leverage the size and strength of networks to secure the best deals. He has received numerous awards, including the 2018 UFG MVP and the 2021 UFG CEO’s Award, in recognition of his exceptional work.

Tipton Shonkwiler
President of Accurate Franchising Inc. & President of Consulting Division

Tipton Shonkwiler is the Brand President for Accurate Franchising and also the President UFG Consulting Division. Tipton has been with United Franchise Group for more than 20 years. He has been working in the franchise industry for the past 30 years and has served in various capacities including franchise development, sales and marketing, international master license sales, international brand development, along with having the direct responsibility for the day to day operations for several UFG brands throughout his career. Tipton is a Certified Franchise Executive within the International Franchise Association and holds a Franchise MBA from Nova Southeastern University. Originally from Ohio, Tipton now resides with his wife and 3 kids in Palm Beach County, FL.

Bill Luce
President & Director of Sales of Transworld Business Advisors

Bill Luce, President of Transworld Business Advisors has more than 20 years of experience in global sales and executive management. Bill joined United Franchise Group in 1994 as the Director of Franchise Development. During his time in this role, he designed and developed a franchise sales system that included all aspects of advertising, lead generation, software implementation, collateral material, initial prospect contact and management with Regional Vice Presidents.  He continues to strengthen the foundation of the company and ensure the success of Transworld Business Advisors worldwide.  In an industry where businesses are put up for sale, every day and franchising is experiencing explosive growth, the Transworld Business Advisors model is poised for international success.

Michael Brugger
President of Franchise Real Estate

Michael Brugger is the President of Franchise Real Estate. Mike joined United Franchise Group (UFG) in 1994 and has been very successful in overseeing multiple departments of the company since. In 2000, Mike opened and managed the very first EmbroidMe store in West Palm Beach, FL. Among many other roles, Mike has managed UFG’s marketing, technology, and training departments and spent 4 years as the President of Fully Promoted where he lead the Fully Promoted team to help the brand and franchise owners grow profitability. Most recently Mike transitioned to President of Franchise Real Estate where he with oversees UFG’s real estate team to find ideal locations for our franchise owners to get them open as quick as possible while setting them up for success.

Paula Mercer
VP of CoWorks

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As Vice President of Coworks, Paula Mercer oversees all aspects related to operations and new location openings for both Venture X and Office Evolution. With a focus on each franchise owner’s experience, she brings together both teams to offer the best-in-class industry expertise.  She has a strong focus on evaluating and implementing brand initiatives related to operational processes. Her extensive global travel experience brings a wealth of knowledge to the Coworks brands as they continue to grow domestically and internationally.  Paula previously served as Vice President of Operations for Venture X where she was involved in the brand’s development from its beginning.  She has held several operational roles within United Franchise Group over the past twelve years and holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Liberty University.

Jim Butler
Director of Sales – Food Division

Jim Butler has worked in the franchising industry for almost 30 years. His career in the industry started as the Marketing Representative for Signarama in Farmingdale, NY. He was promoted to Regional Vice President developing over 150 Signarama locations in Arizona and California. Most recently serving as Director of Sales for five years, overseeing the sales for the United Franchise Group brands in the U.S. and Australia. Jim is currently the President of The Great Greek along with Division Leader and Director of Sales for the Food Division.

Evan Foster
Global Director

Evan Foster has been in franchising for close to 20 years, with the majority of that spent across various roles at United Franchise Group. Joining the company in a local support role in 2006, Evan led the Australian operation across the UFG portfolio for 7 years. Since 2017 he has led the Signarama brand in Australia through significant growth, before being appointed as the Global Director in 2022 to work with the company’s Master Franchisees internationally to develop the brands around the world.

Evan was inducted as a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) in 2017.

Tim Smith
Managing Director – Australia

Tim Smith has been with the company for over 4 years. Tim is the current Managing Director of UFG in Australia. Tim’s career started in education, and he is a graduate of The Australian College of Physical Education. Tim has served as a senior executive in organisations both in Australia and The United States. His prior role was Investment Director with a Private Equity Investment firm in Australia. Tim has held positions as both a Franchisee and a Franchisor, he is married to Melinda and has two son’s Callum and Fraser.

Matt Fitzpatrick
Signarama Australia – Brand Leader

Matt Fitzpatrick is the Brand Leader for Signarama in Australia, and was
appointed in May 2022. Matt’s history with United Franchise Group dates back to 2004 when he became the first Australian EmbroidMe franchisee (before it rebranded to Fully Promoted). He established and grew the store as the number 1 store in Australia for the following decade before selling the business and joining head office as National Operations Director.
After a 7 year stint in the mortgage industry, Matt has returned to lead the Signarama brand through its next level of growth.

Rosemary Canty
Fully Promoted Australia – Brand Leader

Rosemary Chidiac-Canty is the Brand Leader for Fully Promoted in Australia, and was
appointed in September 2019. Prior to joining Fully Promoted, Rosemary
operated her family owned business, a Multi Site Facility management company, responsible for managing and growing the business. For 14 years prior to this, she served on the Production Team of Australia’s Premier Fashion Brands. From 2008, she worked for a Private Label wholesaler, launching their boutique
brands into the US / UAE and EU markets through Australian Fashion Week.

Stephen Seltzer
Chief Marketing Officer

Stephen is the Chief Marketing Officer at United Franchise Group, where he directs the Marketing and PR efforts to promote eleven franchise brands. Prior to joining the company, Stephen developed, implemented, and evaluated consumer marketing programs for the past 30+ years. He has a degree in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Mark Nichols
General Counsel

Mark brings a wealth of legal experience to UFG. Mark received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a focus in finance and Juris Doctorate both from the University of Florida. Mark began his legal career as a litigator throughout the state of Florida. He represented a variety of individuals and businesses in various commercial disputes not just around Florida, but several states in the Southeast. Mark also served his profession by serving in leadership positions with the Florida Bar Business Law Section, and with the American Bar Association, including Treasurer for the ABA’s Young Lawyers Division. He began his career at UFG in 2019 as its in-house litigation attorney and was ultimately promoted to General Counsel in November of 2020.

Mark lives in Fort Lauderdale with his wife Amanda. When he isn’t cheering on his Florida Gators, he enjoys spending time at the beach with his wife and working on his 10-handicap golf game.