Specializing in aggressive growth strategies and implementation, Mr. Hood has held senior management and consulting positions within the service and retailing industries since 1988. He is an expert in areas of business system development and implementation, retail management, site selection, international business, and strategic planning.

Over an eight-year period, Mr. Hood directed the expansion of Auntie Anne's Soft Pretzels, one of the fastest-growing and most highly regarded franchise systems throughout the 1990s. During his career at Auntie Anne's, the company expanded from a start-up concept to an international system comprising 640 retail locations, 320 corporate employees, and system-wide sales of over $200 million.

Mr. Hood has also consulted with a wide range of business organizations in the U.S. and abroad, including Amoco, Armstrong World Industries, Transmedia Network, Groupo Marti, Allstate Insurance, Peachtree Software, Australia Post, Ryder Truck Rental, Bridgestone/Firestone, Brunswick Corporation, and Goodwill Industries.

Mr. Hood's expertise includes organizational development, marketing and sales strategies, regulatory compliance programs, business support systems, retail brand development, site selection, and operations training.

Mr. Hood holds a B.S. in Economics from Elmhurst College, an M.A. in Economic Geography from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. in Industrial Geography from the University of Tasmania, Australia.

Mark Siebert

Mr. Siebert has worked with hundreds of businesses, from start-up operations to corporate giants. A noted business consultant since 1985, he is an expert in evaluating companies, structuring, and developing strategic planning recommendations.  Mr. Siebert is widely acknowledged as a leading authority on business system development and finance.

During his career, Mr. Siebert has personally assisted over 30 Fortune 1000 companies. Some of the more prominent companies he has helped include Ace Hardware, Amoco, Armstrong World Industries, Berlitz, BP Oil, Bridgestone/Firestone, Chevron, Circle K, Coldwell Banker, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Guinness, Hallmark, Horizon Pharmacies, IBM, John Deere, Lenscrafters, Line-X, Mobil Oil, National Easter Seals, Philips Van Heusen, Ryder Truck Rental, Shell Oil, Successories, and Texaco.

With a B.S. in Advertising and an M.B.A. from Northern Illinois University, Mr. Siebert is an internationally published author and is widely quoted in the business press. He has taught graduate-level courses at DePaul University in Chicago.

Cynthia Clarkin

Ms. Clarkin has extensive experience as both a business executive and entrepreneur. In her 16 years at Armstrong World Industries as Manager of Marketing Services, Ms. Clarkin orchestrated the marketing and communications for both Armstrong’s retail program and flooring dealer network. She was involved in marketing the Armstrong expansion program to approximately 700 retail locations nationwide.  Ms. Clarkin’s experience in managing multiple distribution channels for a major manufacturer provides a wealth of knowledge for clients seeking to enhance the performance of their dealer network.

In addition to her corporate experience, Ms. Clarkin spent six years as a business owner within the home furnishings industry. Her experience as a business owner allows her to advise clients on managing expectations and providing effective support programs.

Ms. Clarkin has a solid understanding of retailer networks, distribution systems, and channels of trade for both consumer and institutional industries, as well as various small business formats.  She has the skills to analyze and develop solid viable business models, as well as the experience to create achievable implementation plans for growth.

Ms. Clarkin received her Bachelor’s Degree in Science from Albany State University in New York and has a strong working knowledge of Spanish.