Leadership

		Jim Rudolph Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Click for Bio Jim Rudolph, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rita’s, acquired the concept in 2005 after recognizing the organization’s tremendous potential. Rudolph, an experienced franchisee turned franchisor, took the helm of the largest Italian Ice concept in the industry and immediately set into place plans to take the company to the next level. Jim Rudolph and the Rudolph family founded and built Wendy’s of Greater Pittsburgh in 1976 and developed and operated 48 stores in the Greater Pittsburgh area. In addition, they owned and managed five Wendy’s Restaurants in New York, had ownership interests in Wendy’s South Florida and managed several Wendy’s locations in Southern New Jersey. The Rudolph’s received the Wendy’s Award and R. David Thomas Award and Jim was inducted into the Wendy’s Hall of Fame. An active franchise partner, Jim was also a member of the Wendy’s Franchise Advisory Council and served as its President. In 1995, the restaurants were sold to Wendy’s International.  Jim was also a franchisee of Chuck E. Cheese Pizza Time Theater. Rudolph owned and operated five restaurants and served on the Franchise Advisory Council before selling them back to the company in 2001. In addition, Jim operated several other franchises including Church’s Chicken and Baskin Robbins Ice Cream. Rudolph and his family have been engaged in both real estate development and construction since 1975 and currently own and manage over 5 million square feet of office space in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas. Jim along with his brother Bill, formed McKnight Capital Partners, a private equity firm based in Pittsburgh, PA, where he has served as Chairman of the Board since 1996. After McKnight Capital Partners purchased Rita’s in 2005, Rudolph assumed the position of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer at the then 300 plus store frozen dessert concept. Although he had only planned to stay at the company for a few months while selecting the management team, Jim soon found that he could not imagine life without Rita’s. While his family continues to live in Pittsburgh, Jim works each day at Rita’s Trevose, PA headquarters, aptly called the Cool Support Center, and commutes home each week to spend time with his family.    As a former franchisee turned franchisor, Jim brings with him a unique set of leadership qualities. He believes that in order to be a success, Rita’s Franchise Partners must have faith in the concept, the leadership and the organization’s practices. Jim is committed to providing each of Rita’s Partners with all of the tools they need to succeed and take the concept to the next level. Jim admits that it is difficult to pick his favorite treat and especially hard to pick just one favorite flavor of Italian Ice! However, one of his favorite Rita's treats is Slenderita--a Fat-Free, vanilla soft-serve.
		Bob Guthmann Vice President of Finance Click for Bio Bob Guthmann joined Rita’s in January 2007 as Vice President of Finance and is charged with leading the company’s Finance and Information Technology (IT) Teams with responsibility for all finance, accounting, and IT functions.   Bob has extensive financial and accounting experience and has previously held management positions in the manufacturing, distribution, and telecommunications sectors. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Southern Illinois University and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Keller Graduate School of Management. Bob’s passion for finance (and frozen desserts) led him Rita’s where he enjoys working with the team at the Cool Support Center as well as Rita’s many Partners. An avid fan of Philadelphia area sports, he also continues to follow his hometown Chicago teams. Bob’s favorite treat is custard twist featuring our famous vanilla and chocolate custard. A man who knows the numbers, Bob always picks a treat that is sure to satisfy no matter what the occasion!
		Lynn Hoban Vice President of Marketing Click for Bio A dynamic leader, Lynn Hoban brings over 20 years of experience in consumer, retail, and food related marketing to her position as Vice President of Marketing for Rita’s. Before arriving at the treat company, Lynn worked at some of Philadelphia’s top advertising agencies and gained a wealth of experience with brands such as Roy Rogers Restaurants, KFC, Domino's Pizza, Amoco Split Second Mini Markets, Whole Foods, Wawa Food Markets, and Mobil on the Run, to name a few. Today, Lynn is charged with leading the Rita’s Marketing Team and the Research and Development Team to ensure the success and longevity of the brand.  As the “keeper” of the cherished Rita’s brand, Lynn’s goal is to develop exciting, new treats supported by innovative marketing programs that will attract new guests and keep our current guests coming back to Rita's for more. A Rita’s lover, Lynn’s favorite treat is a cup of chocolate custard covered with chocolate sprinkles.
		Brian Carlisle Vice President of Development Click for Bio Brian Carlisle, Vice President of Development for Rita’s, is responsible for managing the Real Estate and Construction Teams. As a member of the Rita’s family for over 10 years, Brian has played a crucial role in the growth of the concept.   From ensuring the proper location of a store to ensuring it meets Rita’s high standards, Brian leads a team of real estate and project managers to ensure the successful site selection and opening of each and every Rita’s store.  Brian began his career with Rita’s in 1998 as a Franchise Service Manager and has excelled in each position he has held with the company. He was promoted to Director of Franchise Services in 2003 and to Director of Construction in 2005 before being named Vice President of Development in 2007. Brian’s favorite Rita’s treat is the Banana Split Cream Italian Ice. A tried and true favorite!
		Roger Falloon Vice President of Operations Click for Bio Roger Falloon, Rita’s Vice President of Operations, is no stranger to the Rita’s concept. As a Philadelphia native, Roger grew up holding a Rita’s Ice in his hand and for more than ten years, he has diligently worked to help build the brand. Roger began his career at Rita’s in 1997 as an education specialist in the training department, teaching Partners how to successfully operate stores as well as helping to open new stores. Just two short years later, he seized the opportunity to run a corporate store in Columbus, OH. Since then, Roger has been promoted to a Franchise Service Manager and later to Director of Operations. In 2008, Roger was appointed Vice President of Operations and is responsible for leading a team of over 30 Operations and Training staff.  He received his Bachelor of Arts from Holy Family University and his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing from LaSalle University. Roger credits his success to the influence of his parents who have taught him not to settle for anything less than the best—a philosophy that he incorporates into his work each day at Rita’s and something he strives to instill in his Operations and Training Teams. When asked about his favorite treat, Roger is hard pressed to decide. However, since he is a long time Rita’s fan, he often orders his tried and true Large Lemon Italian Ice (one of Rita’s first two flavors) but without a spoon. Coming in at a close second for Roger is a Blendini with Mint Chocolate Chip Italian Ice, creamy Chocolate Custard, and Oreo cookie pieces. Yum!