Southeast Franchise Forum Elects New Board Members

The Southeast Franchise Forum (SEFF) has elected three new executives to its 11-member board of directors for the 2015 year. They are Rick Batchelor, Dave Bridges and Tray Doster.

Rick Batchelor is the CEO/owner of Qiigo, a company specializing in lead generation, reputation management and local listings strategies for franchises, national brands and multi-location businesses. Rick developed a focus on internet marketing during his early years at Arthur Anderson and, today, he pairs that expertise with his deep understanding of franchisee needs to deliver results for his clients.

Dave Bridges, CIC, is president of The Leavitt Group’s Atlanta office and is executive vice president of the company’s affinity programs division. Most recently with Wells Fargo Insurance Services, Dave has been in the insurance industry for over 20 years as a property and casualty specialist for large to middle market accounts with an emphasis on commercial real estate, manufacturing, hospitality, affinity groups, and franchised organizations.

Tray Doster is senior manager of franchise development for Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc. He has been an executive with the brand since 2007, is responsible for franchise related events and has assisted in granting more than 550 franchise agreements for Zaxby’s. Prior to his role in franchise development, Tray worked in the company’s real estate and site selection division.

The Southeast Franchise Forum (SEFF) is a regional organization established to foster professional relationships throughout the franchise community and to enhance the reputation of franchising through the exchange of information, ideas and solutions. Members meet monthly to address local, regional and national issues that are faced by franchisors and franchisees.

The three new board members join the following, previously-serving executives: Jim Squire (chairman - Firestorm), Clarissa Bradstock (vice chairman - Any Test Franchising), Rupert Barkoff (secretary/assistant treasurer - Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton), Sheryl Cassity (treasurer/assistant secretary - Grant Thornton), Stan Friedman (FRM Solutions), Tim Goodman (Focus Brands), Joe Lindenmayer (TSS Photography), and Dave McDougall (Backyard Burger).

For more information on the association or board members, visit www.sefforum.com.