Tom has over 34 years experience in the retail and retail related industry, the past 30 years working in and with troubled companies. Since 1995 Hicks has operated Renaissance Partners, L.L.C. and developed successful turnaround, liquidation, value enhancement and financing strategies for Cato Corporation, Bobby Allison Wireless, Elder Beerman Stores Corp., Mettler’s, Montaldo’s, Toys International, Sundance Catalog, Welcome Home, Inc., The Walking Co., Scotty’s, Retail Concepts, Luxury Ventures, Bedford Downs Management Corp. and others. Previously, Tom helped create market capitalization, profit and cash flow gains for The Higbee Company, Cato Corporation, D.H. Holmes Co., Ltd., Butler Capital Corp. and Best Products Company, Inc. Hicks functioned at the CEO, COO and CFO levels in these assignments and is well versed in restructurings in and out of bankruptcy proceedings. Hicks previously served as CFO and in other senior financial management roles for divisions of Manhattan Industries, Inc., Borden Inc., Federated Department Stores, Inc. and Burroughs Corporation. Tom is a member of the Turnaround Management Association (“TMA”), American Bankruptcy Institute, Association for Corporate Growth, Atlanta Venture Forum, Commercial Finance Association, National Funding Association, National Retail Federation, International Council of Shopping Centers and United States Trotting Association and he serves on the Advisory Board of the “Fashion School” (Rogers & Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising) at Kent State University and as a Director of the TMA – Florida Chapter and ACG-South Florida. Hicks is a regular instructor in the Harvard Business School Management Development Program at Queen’s University (McColl School of Business). Tom earned an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and completed Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program and the Strategic Planning in Retailing program at The College of William and Mary - Babson College.
Raymond J. Miller, Senior Principal
Ray has over 30 years experience in department, specialty and discount store retailing, where he served as Chairman of the Board, CEO, COO, CFO and CRO in various assignments. For the past 10 years Mr. Miller has focused on troubled companies, most recently as EVP – Chief Operating Officer, Acting CEO and Acting Board of Directors of MARS, Inc., a big-box specialty retailer of musical instruments and related products with 41 stores in 20 states generating revenues in excess of $345 million. From 1995-2001 Ray served as CRO, CFO, COO, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Weiner’s Stores, Inc, a $275 million discount retailer with over 150 stores in five southwestern U.S. states. Previously, Mr. Miller was EVP-Finance and Operations of Carlisle Retailers, Inc., a $40 million specialty department store chain in northeast Ohio. Ray also held the position of Vice President – North American Operations with Industrial Equity (Pacific) Limited, an international investment vehicle of New Zealand based Brierely Investments, after beginning his career with The Higbee Company, an Ohio based upscale department store chain with sales of $310 million. There, Ray served in various financial positions including Vice President – Treasurer. Mr. Miller earned an MBA from Cleveland State University and a BS degree from Youngstown State University and is a member of Turnaround Management Association and the Association for Corporate Growth.
David Forell, CPA, Senior Principal
Dave has over 25 years experience in retailing, most recently serving as EVP – Chief Operating and Financial Officer of Catherine’s Stores Corporation, a 540 store, $400 million specialty women’s apparel retailer. At Catherine’s, Mr. Forell was responsible for finance, accounting, credit, treasury, tax, store operations, distribution and logistics, information technology and merchandise planning and allocation. During Forell’s 12 year tenure at Catherine’s he led an IPO, growth from 212 to 432 stores and revenue increased from $114 million to over $300 million. This led to the sale of Catherine’s to Charming Shoppes Inc. for a 50% premium to market price. Dave directed the sale process including due diligence, contract negotiations, accounting and investment banking relationships. Previously Mr. Forell was VP – Finance and CFO of Hutzler Brothers Company, a $120 million regional department and specialty store chain. He also held financial and accounting positions with BATUS, Inc. and Marshall Field & Co. after beginning his career with Arthur Andersen LLP where he as an Audit Manager specializing in retail, consumer products and health care clients. Mr. Forell earned an MBA and BSBA from Northwestern University (Barker Fellowship, Austin Scholar) and he is a CPA.
Dena P. McKinley, Senior Principal
Ms. McKinley has over 25 years experience in the retail and consulting industries with significant emphasis on merchandise planning, allocation, distribution and information systems. Most recently she served on the executive Committee of the Lane Bryant division of The Limited, Inc., as Vice President – Merchandise Planning and Allocation, improving regional inventory assortments, allocation and productivity. Dena previously served as Vice President – Merchandise Planning and Allocation at Sportmart and Vice President – MIS at the Rich’s/Goldsmith’s division of Federated Department Stores. Prior to joining Federated, Dena operated her own consulting practice, McKinley Associates, and individually and in conjunction with Senn-Delaney Management Consultants, specialized in merchandise organization, process improvement, information systems, planning, software design and purchase. Her retail management background developed from positions as Vice President – Controller of the L.S. Ayres division of May Department Stores, Vice President – MIS at May Company – California and Vice President – MIS of Macy’s Midwest. Dena’s systems expertise includes Arthur, MMS, E3, Inforem, JDA and STS. Ms. McKinley began her career on the Executive Training Squad at Bamberger’s after earning a Master’s Degree at Temple University and she currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Rogers & Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising at Kent State University.
John S. Lupo, Senior Principal
Mr. Lupo has over 35 years of retail merchandising, management, and operating experience in department and discount stores in the US and also internationally, having served as President, COO, EVP Merchandising and at the GMM level. John assisted in the development of the Bassett Furniture Direct stores. During his tenure with Wal-Mart, Mr. Lupo directed store operations worldwide, with stores in Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, China and Germany. Previously at Wal-Mart, John served as SVP-GMM for the entire Wal-Mart apparel operation. He directed the establishment of the Wal-Mart private label apparel business in 1993, developing the Kathie Lee, Catalina, White Stag, Basic Equipment and Faded Glory lines. Mr. Lupo served as President of The Higbee Company, having progressed through the ranks from trainee through department manager, buyer, store manager, DMM, GMM, and EVP Merchandising. John is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio. He serves on the Board of Directors of AB Electrolux, Citi Trends, Inc., and Spectrum Brands and on the Advisory Board of Hinckley Lighting, Mercury Plastics and the Kent State University School of Fashion Design and Merchandising.
Bernard M. Zindler, Senior Principal
Mr. Zindler has over 40 years retail experience in upscale apparel and accessories dominated department stores and specialty department stores, where he has served at the CEO, Chief Merchandising Officer and General Merchandise Manager levels. Bernard has served as President and CEO of B. Forman Co., Chairman and CEO of Charles A. Stevens, VP – Women’s Retail Group at Hartmarx Corporation and in various senior management assignments at Manhattan Industries, Inc., Swanson’s Kansas City, Joseph Magnin Co., Gus Mayer Stores, Neiman Marcus and Filene’s. Zindler is a graduate of the Wharton School of Finance, University of Pennsylvania.
Richard B. Alexander, Principal
Mr. Alexander has over 33 years experience in retailing and its supply chain, the past 27 years as founder, President and CEO of R.B. Alexander & Co., Ltd. Founded in 1974, R.B. Alexander & Co. designed, sold, sourced and merchandised promotional and moderate price point footwear for both retailers and branded wholesalers. The Company also maintained warehouse replenishment inventories of private label merchandise and offered full warehousing and distribution services customized to clients needs. The company sourced merchandise from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Brazil and the Pacific Rim nations of China, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. Alexander’s clients included Belk, Spiegel, Arizona Mail Order, Hamrick, Cato, American Eagle Outfitters, Elder Beerman, Federated Department Stores, Mercantile Stores Co., Peebles Department Stores, Pic ‘N Pay, Rack Room Shoes, Troutman’s Emporium, Deichmann-Schuhe (Germany), Frederick Atkins Group, C.R. Anthony, Stage Stores, Dillard’s, Shoe Show, Shoe Department, Shoe Carnival, B.C. Moore, Florsheim, Wolverine, and Brown Group. Alexander also formed a practice devoted to merchandising, private label program creation, sourcing of private label products and advisory services to retailers and foreign factories. Clients included Pic ‘N Pay, Bank of America, Brown Shoe, The Pan Group and others. Mr. Alexander previously served in merchandising and buying positions with Cato Corporation and Consolidated Shoe Co. Mr. Alexander is Vice Chairman of the Advisory Board of Branch Banking & Trust Co. (BB&T).
Jerry M. Monahan, Principal
Mr. Monahan has more than 30 years experience in sports/entertainment management with emphasis in racetrack management. Jerry has spent the last 15 years in restructuring and new business development, with extensive experience in legislative issues, management and government relations through projects in New York, Kentucky and Virginia. Since 1999 Monahan served as Senior Vice President and V.P. – Racing Operations of Colonial Downs, Virginia’s first pari-mutual racing operation. He developed a partnership between his company, state and local governments for simulcasting and an account wagering system to serve Virginia locations at nine in-state off-track facilities and multiple out-of-state wagering venues. Monahan was actively involved in legislative processes regarding pari-mutuel wagering, account wagering, interstate, intrastate, intertrack and off track issues, and was liason between Colonial Downs, New Kent County and the Commonwealth of Virginia. He launched Colonial Downs’ phonebet account wagering system in Virginia, managed racing activities for thoroughbred and harness racing meets and developed inbound and outbound simulcasting operations on and off-track. From 1991-97 Mr. Monahan served as EVP of Lexington Trots Breeders Association (The Red Mile/Tattersalls), where he blended live racing and simulcasting of thoroughbred and harness racing. He also restructured mutual operations increasing gross mutual handle by 60%, purses by 55% and the number of horses that raced at The Red Mile by 30%.Tattersalls became the first horse auction conducted by satellite allowing nationwide bidding. Red Mile publicity events also raised significant dollars for local charities. From 1987-91 Monahan produced similar improvements as VP – General Manager of Buffalo Raceway. He enabled the Company to be sold profitably following increases in handle, live attendance, and creation of nationally recognized stake programs. Previously, Monahan served in senior management capacities at Garden State Sales Company, Standardbred Owners Association of New York, Vernon Downs, Raceway Park, Northfield Park, Ocean Downs, Suffolk Downs, Brandywine Raceway, Yonkers Raceway, Liberty Bell Park, Pompano Park, Cahokia Downs and the Indiana State Fair. Monahan is a Director of the Thoroughbred Racing Association, serves on the Strategic Planning Committee of the Virginia Racing Commission and has served as Director of Harness Tracks of America.
Graydon D. Webb, Principal
Mr. Webb has over 30 years experience in restaurant and franchise retailing, having served as Chairman, CEO, Managing Director and Vice President-Franchise Sales. For the past 19 years Graydon has focused on food and food related technology companies as Managing Director of The Auric Group. Clients have included Rally’s/Zippos Drive Thru, Inc, Bojangles Inc., Wendco Inc., G.D. Ritzy’s Inc., TouchChoice Systems Inc., OneDentist Resources Inc., The Great American Bagle and AutoCafe Systems Inc. Mr. Webb also participated in management recruitment, corporate development, strategic planning, financings, concept direction, revenue enhancement and acquisition strategies for the above plus T.J. Cinnamon’s, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Pudgies Famous Chicken, I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt, Long John Silver’s, KFC, Taco Bell, Clucker’s, Rax Restaurants, Java Coast, Johnny Rockets Inc. and Au Bon Pain/St. Louis Bread (Panera). From 1980-86 Mr. Webb served as Founder and Chairman of G.D. Ritzy’s Inc., a chain of over 100 locations throughout the U.S. This nationally recognized “contemporary diner” restaurant concept featured award winning food and premium ice cream recognized by People Magazine, Town Square (Kansas City), Ohio Magazine, Orlando Magazine, Philadelphia Magazine, Columbus Magazine and The Columbus Dispatch. Webb led three equity offerings totaling $20 million. Graydon served as Vice President – Franchise Sales for Wendy’s International Inc. from 1971-80 where he initiated and grew U.S. franchise sales, planning and support to 2,000 locations. He defined and executed franchise agreements for international expansion in Canada, the Caribbean and Japan. Mr. Webb is a graduate of The Ohio State University.
Donald C. Smith, Principal
Don is a 20-year IT veteran of the general merchandise retail, restaurant, media and consulting industries. During that period Mr. Smith owned and operated Business Applications Engineering, Inc., his own network integration and application software development company that wrote, packaged and installed fast food point-of-sale software. Formerly, he operated his own apparel retail chain for 15 years. Mr. Smith has functioned as CIO, Director – Information Services, IT Director, Project Manager, Business Analyst, Systems Developer and Project Designer at Retail Media Systems Networks, 2Connect Express, Inc., American Express, The Alexander Proudfoot Co., Burger King Corporation and Tutor Time Learning Systems, Inc. Don is a graduate of Gannon University.
Judy Newdom, Principal
Judy has over 25 years experience in retailing, with information technology expertise in department stores, hardlines, softlines, shoe specialty chains, mass merchants, furniture, grocery, convenience stores and e-commerce channels in North America and internationally. Ms. Newdom has performed assessment and development of IT strategy, enterprise requirements analysis, systems development and implementation in merchandising, planning and allocation, distribution and warehousing, finance, point-of-sale and store systems, e-business, customer relationship management, labor scheduling and human resources. Judy was CIO at Bradlee’s and Sr. Director – Applications Development at Meldisco. She served as Director – Systems and Programming for Federated Department Stores, responsible for design of SABRE / FSG systems and managed IT related to its Chapter 11 case. As Executive Consultant at IBM and CSC, Judy assisted an array of retailers. She is a member of IMRA, former Vice Chair of IMRA’s Financial and Technology Conference and an author of IT articles for retail industry publications.
Advisory Board
The Company is honored to have the services of an accomplished Advisory Board comprised of
David T. Kollat, PhD – Chairman of 22 Inc., a research and consulting firm focused on retailing and consumer goods manufacturers. Dr. Kollat was formerly President of Victoria Secrets Catalog, EVP – Strategic Planning of The Limited Inc., and EVP – Research Director of Management Horizons, where he co-founded the Retail Intelligence Systems. Dr. Kollat serves on the Board of Directors of Limited Brands, Inc., Big Lots, Inc., Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and Select Comfort, Inc.
Wayland H. Cato, Jr. – co-founder and retired Chairman of the Board of Cato Corporation, a leading women’s apparel specialty retailer with over 1,250 stores in the U.S.
Bruce S. Foerster – CEO of South Beach Capital Markets Advisory Corporation, Director Cabrera Capital Markets, Inc. (investment bank), former Governor of Philadelphia Stock Exchange and Director/Trustee of Pilgrim (ING) mutual funds, visiting Lecturer University of Florida Business School and capital markets expert witness.
Peggy L. Montgomery – CEO of PLMShop, an international merchandising, marketing, product development and branding consultancy, and formerly Senior Vice President and Vice President Merchandising/Marketing at Life Uniform, Levenger and J.C. Penney
Charles Krallman – founder and CEO of ROI Consumer Research, a leading domestic and international consumer research and analysis firm.
Marshall E. Felenstein – President, Felenstein Was & Associates, real estate consultants.
Tom has over 34 years experience in the retail and retail related industry, the past 30 years working in and with troubled companies. Since 1995 Hicks has operated Renaissance Partners, L.L.C. and developed successful turnaround, liquidation, value enhancement and financing strategies for Cato Corporation, Bobby Allison Wireless, Elder Beerman Stores Corp., Mettler’s, Montaldo’s, Toys International, Sundance Catalog, Welcome Home, Inc., The Walking Co., Scotty’s, Retail Concepts, Luxury Ventures, Bedford Downs Management Corp. and others. Previously, Tom helped create market capitalization, profit and cash flow gains for The Higbee Company, Cato Corporation, D.H. Holmes Co., Ltd., Butler Capital Corp. and Best Products Company, Inc. Hicks functioned at the CEO, COO and CFO levels in these assignments and is well versed in restructurings in and out of bankruptcy proceedings. Hicks previously served as CFO and in other senior financial management roles for divisions of Manhattan Industries, Inc., Borden Inc., Federated Department Stores, Inc. and Burroughs Corporation. Tom is a member of the Turnaround Management Association (“TMA”), American Bankruptcy Institute, Association for Corporate Growth, Atlanta Venture Forum, Commercial Finance Association, National Funding Association, National Retail Federation, International Council of Shopping Centers and United States Trotting Association and he serves on the Advisory Board of the “Fashion School” (Rogers & Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising) at Kent State University and as a Director of the TMA – Florida Chapter and ACG-South Florida. Hicks is a regular instructor in the Harvard Business School Management Development Program at Queen’s University (McColl School of Business). Tom earned an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and completed Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program and the Strategic Planning in Retailing program at The College of William and Mary - Babson College.
Ray has over 30 years experience in department, specialty and discount store retailing, where he served as Chairman of the Board, CEO, COO, CFO and CRO in various assignments. For the past 10 years Mr. Miller has focused on troubled companies, most recently as EVP – Chief Operating Officer, Acting CEO and Acting Board of Directors of MARS, Inc., a big-box specialty retailer of musical instruments and related products with 41 stores in 20 states generating revenues in excess of $345 million. From 1995-2001 Ray served as CRO, CFO, COO, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Weiner’s Stores, Inc, a $275 million discount retailer with over 150 stores in five southwestern U.S. states. Previously, Mr. Miller was EVP-Finance and Operations of Carlisle Retailers, Inc., a $40 million specialty department store chain in northeast Ohio. Ray also held the position of Vice President – North American Operations with Industrial Equity (Pacific) Limited, an international investment vehicle of New Zealand based Brierely Investments, after beginning his career with The Higbee Company, an Ohio based upscale department store chain with sales of $310 million. There, Ray served in various financial positions including Vice President – Treasurer. Mr. Miller earned an MBA from Cleveland State University and a BS degree from Youngstown State University and is a member of Turnaround Management Association and the Association for Corporate Growth.
Dave has over 25 years experience in retailing, most recently serving as EVP – Chief Operating and Financial Officer of Catherine’s Stores Corporation, a 540 store, $400 million specialty women’s apparel retailer. At Catherine’s, Mr. Forell was responsible for finance, accounting, credit, treasury, tax, store operations, distribution and logistics, information technology and merchandise planning and allocation. During Forell’s 12 year tenure at Catherine’s he led an IPO, growth from 212 to 432 stores and revenue increased from $114 million to over $300 million. This led to the sale of Catherine’s to Charming Shoppes Inc. for a 50% premium to market price. Dave directed the sale process including due diligence, contract negotiations, accounting and investment banking relationships. Previously Mr. Forell was VP – Finance and CFO of Hutzler Brothers Company, a $120 million regional department and specialty store chain. He also held financial and accounting positions with BATUS, Inc. and Marshall Field & Co. after beginning his career with Arthur Andersen LLP where he as an Audit Manager specializing in retail, consumer products and health care clients. Mr. Forell earned an MBA and BSBA from Northwestern University (Barker Fellowship, Austin Scholar) and he is a CPA.
Ms. McKinley has over 25 years experience in the retail and consulting industries with significant emphasis on merchandise planning, allocation, distribution and information systems. Most recently she served on the executive Committee of the Lane Bryant division of The Limited, Inc., as Vice President – Merchandise Planning and Allocation, improving regional inventory assortments, allocation and productivity. Dena previously served as Vice President – Merchandise Planning and Allocation at Sportmart and Vice President – MIS at the Rich’s/Goldsmith’s division of Federated Department Stores. Prior to joining Federated, Dena operated her own consulting practice, McKinley Associates, and individually and in conjunction with Senn-Delaney Management Consultants, specialized in merchandise organization, process improvement, information systems, planning, software design and purchase. Her retail management background developed from positions as Vice President – Controller of the L.S. Ayres division of May Department Stores, Vice President – MIS at May Company – California and Vice President – MIS of Macy’s Midwest. Dena’s systems expertise includes Arthur, MMS, E3, Inforem, JDA and STS. Ms. McKinley began her career on the Executive Training Squad at Bamberger’s after earning a Master’s Degree at Temple University and she currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Rogers & Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising at Kent State University.
Mr. Lupo has over 35 years of retail merchandising, management, and operating experience in department and discount stores in the US and also internationally, having served as President, COO, EVP Merchandising and at the GMM level. John assisted in the development of the Bassett Furniture Direct stores. During his tenure with Wal-Mart, Mr. Lupo directed store operations worldwide, with stores in Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, China and Germany. Previously at Wal-Mart, John served as SVP-GMM for the entire Wal-Mart apparel operation. He directed the establishment of the Wal-Mart private label apparel business in 1993, developing the Kathie Lee, Catalina, White Stag, Basic Equipment and Faded Glory lines. Mr. Lupo served as President of The Higbee Company, having progressed through the ranks from trainee through department manager, buyer, store manager, DMM, GMM, and EVP Merchandising. John is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio. He serves on the Board of Directors of AB Electrolux, Citi Trends, Inc., and Spectrum Brands and on the Advisory Board of Hinckley Lighting, Mercury Plastics and the Kent State University School of Fashion Design and Merchandising.
Mr. Zindler has over 40 years retail experience in upscale apparel and accessories dominated department stores and specialty department stores, where he has served at the CEO, Chief Merchandising Officer and General Merchandise Manager levels. Bernard has served as President and CEO of B. Forman Co., Chairman and CEO of Charles A. Stevens, VP – Women’s Retail Group at Hartmarx Corporation and in various senior management assignments at Manhattan Industries, Inc., Swanson’s Kansas City, Joseph Magnin Co., Gus Mayer Stores, Neiman Marcus and Filene’s. Zindler is a graduate of the Wharton School of Finance, University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Alexander has over 33 years experience in retailing and its supply chain, the past 27 years as founder, President and CEO of R.B. Alexander & Co., Ltd. Founded in 1974, R.B. Alexander & Co. designed, sold, sourced and merchandised promotional and moderate price point footwear for both retailers and branded wholesalers. The Company also maintained warehouse replenishment inventories of private label merchandise and offered full warehousing and distribution services customized to clients needs. The company sourced merchandise from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Brazil and the Pacific Rim nations of China, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. Alexander’s clients included Belk, Spiegel, Arizona Mail Order, Hamrick, Cato, American Eagle Outfitters, Elder Beerman, Federated Department Stores, Mercantile Stores Co., Peebles Department Stores, Pic ‘N Pay, Rack Room Shoes, Troutman’s Emporium, Deichmann-Schuhe (Germany), Frederick Atkins Group, C.R. Anthony, Stage Stores, Dillard’s, Shoe Show, Shoe Department, Shoe Carnival, B.C. Moore, Florsheim, Wolverine, and Brown Group. Alexander also formed a practice devoted to merchandising, private label program creation, sourcing of private label products and advisory services to retailers and foreign factories. Clients included Pic ‘N Pay, Bank of America, Brown Shoe, The Pan Group and others. Mr. Alexander previously served in merchandising and buying positions with Cato Corporation and Consolidated Shoe Co. Mr. Alexander is Vice Chairman of the Advisory Board of Branch Banking & Trust Co. (BB&T).
Mr. Monahan has more than 30 years experience in sports/entertainment management with emphasis in racetrack management. Jerry has spent the last 15 years in restructuring and new business development, with extensive experience in legislative issues, management and government relations through projects in New York, Kentucky and Virginia. Since 1999 Monahan served as Senior Vice President and V.P. – Racing Operations of Colonial Downs, Virginia’s first pari-mutual racing operation. He developed a partnership between his company, state and local governments for simulcasting and an account wagering system to serve Virginia locations at nine in-state off-track facilities and multiple out-of-state wagering venues. Monahan was actively involved in legislative processes regarding pari-mutuel wagering, account wagering, interstate, intrastate, intertrack and off track issues, and was liason between Colonial Downs, New Kent County and the Commonwealth of Virginia. He launched Colonial Downs’ phonebet account wagering system in Virginia, managed racing activities for thoroughbred and harness racing meets and developed inbound and outbound simulcasting operations on and off-track. From 1991-97 Mr. Monahan served as EVP of Lexington Trots Breeders Association (The Red Mile/Tattersalls), where he blended live racing and simulcasting of thoroughbred and harness racing. He also restructured mutual operations increasing gross mutual handle by 60%, purses by 55% and the number of horses that raced at The Red Mile by 30%.Tattersalls became the first horse auction conducted by satellite allowing nationwide bidding. Red Mile publicity events also raised significant dollars for local charities. From 1987-91 Monahan produced similar improvements as VP – General Manager of Buffalo Raceway. He enabled the Company to be sold profitably following increases in handle, live attendance, and creation of nationally recognized stake programs. Previously, Monahan served in senior management capacities at Garden State Sales Company, Standardbred Owners Association of New York, Vernon Downs, Raceway Park, Northfield Park, Ocean Downs, Suffolk Downs, Brandywine Raceway, Yonkers Raceway, Liberty Bell Park, Pompano Park, Cahokia Downs and the Indiana State Fair. Monahan is a Director of the Thoroughbred Racing Association, serves on the Strategic Planning Committee of the Virginia Racing Commission and has served as Director of Harness Tracks of America. 
Mr. Webb has over 30 years experience in restaurant and franchise retailing, having served as Chairman, CEO, Managing Director and Vice President-Franchise Sales. For the past 19 years Graydon has focused on food and food related technology companies as Managing Director of The Auric Group. Clients have included Rally’s/Zippos Drive Thru, Inc, Bojangles Inc., Wendco Inc., G.D. Ritzy’s Inc., TouchChoice Systems Inc., OneDentist Resources Inc., The Great American Bagle and AutoCafe Systems Inc. Mr. Webb also participated in management recruitment, corporate development, strategic planning, financings, concept direction, revenue enhancement and acquisition strategies for the above plus T.J. Cinnamon’s, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Pudgies Famous Chicken, I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt, Long John Silver’s, KFC, Taco Bell, Clucker’s, Rax Restaurants, Java Coast, Johnny Rockets Inc. and Au Bon Pain/St. Louis Bread (Panera). From 1980-86 Mr. Webb served as Founder and Chairman of G.D. Ritzy’s Inc., a chain of over 100 locations throughout the U.S. This nationally recognized “contemporary diner” restaurant concept featured award winning food and premium ice cream recognized by People Magazine, Town Square (Kansas City), Ohio Magazine, Orlando Magazine, Philadelphia Magazine, Columbus Magazine and The Columbus Dispatch. Webb led three equity offerings totaling $20 million. Graydon served as Vice President – Franchise Sales for Wendy’s International Inc. from 1971-80 where he initiated and grew U.S. franchise sales, planning and support to 2,000 locations. He defined and executed franchise agreements for international expansion in Canada, the Caribbean and Japan. Mr. Webb is a graduate of The Ohio State University.
Don is a 20-year IT veteran of the general merchandise retail, restaurant, media and consulting industries. During that period Mr. Smith owned and operated Business Applications Engineering, Inc., his own network integration and application software development company that wrote, packaged and installed fast food point-of-sale software. Formerly, he operated his own apparel retail chain for 15 years. Mr. Smith has functioned as CIO, Director – Information Services, IT Director, Project Manager, Business Analyst, Systems Developer and Project Designer at Retail Media Systems Networks, 2Connect Express, Inc., American Express, The Alexander Proudfoot Co., Burger King Corporation and Tutor Time Learning Systems, Inc. Don is a graduate of Gannon University.