Simon Smith
For over 25 years, Simon L. Smith has been consulting on the development of multi-billion dollar franchise and company-owned operations. He has implemented and executed strategies for Blockbuster Inc., Ace Hardware, Chief Auto Parts, now Auto Zone, and Papa Johns International.
Currently, as Vice President North America for Papa Johns International, Simon’s responsibilities include P&L(s) for North America Franchise Operations; approximately $2.13 billion in revenue in 2015 and $2.04 billion in 2014. Simon provides support and consultation for over 700 Franchise owners throughout the United States and Canada. Papa John’s Pizza is an American restaurant company. It runs the third largest take-out pizza delivery restaurant chain in the world. Under Simon’s leadership sales for North America Franchise unites increased 3.6% in 2015, 6.2% in 2014 and 3.1% in 2013.
With Blockbuster, Simon served as Owner, President and CEO of Four Star Home Entertainment, a Blockbuster Franchisee, where he opened 15 Blockbuster stores in the under-served area of Los Angeles. With Chief Auto Parts, Simon served as Partner and Vice President of the Western United States. He brought eleven million dollars to help rebuild Los Angeles after the 1992 riots. Simon and his partners owned and operated over 600 units in the United States.
Simon has served on the Board of Directors for SSJT Marketing, Barron Mortgage, and RH Services.Currently he is part of the Executive Leadership Team for Papa John’s International and an advisor to Cowley Ventures, an emerging growth advisory firm specializing in helping early stage companies.
Mike Morris
Michael Morris is a Director and business strategist at EisnerAmper LLP, specializing in accounting, tax, and consulting services across a broad range of industries including financial services, real estate, and family offices. Mike is a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of experience in investment and development strategies; markets and competitive trends analysis and planning; acquisition, divestiture and joint venture analysis and planning; domestic and international business negotiations; management leadership and mentoring; and relationship management and team building.
Mike formerly served in leadership positions for a number of private equity and investment bank entities, as well as helping FedEx build its platform for 22 years. His business motto is "how can I be of service."
Michael attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout. He is a member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), Business Forum International (BFI), and National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP); and a former board member of the Real Estate Investment Advisory Council (REIAC) and the Dixie Children’s Fund of Marin County, California.
He is happily married with three great kids and lives in Marin County, California.