PickleRage has added Eric O’Connor to its leadership team as VP of franchise development. This move will strengthen the brand’s expansion efforts and streamline systems for franchisees.
PickleRage reported that O’Connor built his reputation in the industry with over 25 years of experience. Before joining PickleRage, he started a restaurant concept that he grew to multiple locations in two states and worked with a partner to establish a 14-unit gas and convenience store chain. O’Connor eventually worked as VP of franchise development for brands, including Huntington Learning, Edible Arrangements, Saladworks, World Gym International, and as a senior director of franchise development at Tommy’s Express car wash.
The company said O’Connor’s “knowledge and expertise make him the perfect fit to help passionate franchisees find success through PickleRage’s franchise opportunity.”
PickleRage said it recognizes the importance of franchisees having a support team that they can trust, and O’Connor’s knowledge in financing, real estate development and site selection are invaluable assets.
“Having built my own restaurant brand successfully and spent the majority of my career working to help concepts expand and establish themselves in their prospective industries, I was looking for the perfect fit for my next venture,” said O’Connor. “I was impressed with the dedication and professionalism each team member I met brought to the table and the boom that the sport is experiencing is an exciting prospect. I’m thrilled to start guiding franchisees throughout their journey and offering them the guidance that would’ve benefited me as I was growing my own brand.”
With locations opening in Florida and Maryland, following the recent opening of a PickleRage in Michigan, O’Connor is expected to be an asset in the new franchise locations, finding success in Grand Rapids, MI, Kalamazoo, MI, and Mobile, AL.
“We couldn’t be more excited for Eric to join the PickleRage family,” stated David Smith, COO of PickleRage. “His prior experience in franchise development and real estate will greatly benefit our future franchisees as we continue our national growth. The addition to our already stellar leadership team will help ensure PickleRage will thrive in new communities throughout the country.”
Images courtesy PickleRage
