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Troy, MI, January 7, 2004 |
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Allegra Network® LLC, one of the world's
largest printing franchises, announced today that Carl Gerhardt,
Allegra's vice president of franchise consulting, has been named
the company's new president and COO.
In efforts to enhance the organization's position within
its marketplace, Gerhardt will be responsible for the growth
and expansion of Allegra Network. In addition, he will oversee
the company's technology, marketing, operations and franchise
support efforts. Bill McIntyre, former president, will continue
as CEO in addition to his promotion to chairman and will continue
to focus on acquisitions and new initiatives.
"Evolving customer needs and new technologies continue
to reshape our industry," McIntyre explained. "Carl's
invaluable experience will be a great asset to our organization
and to our franchise members, positioning us to maximize growth
opportunities created by industry change."
For nearly 20 years, Gerhardt has played an instrumental role
in the development of the Allegra Network. He joined the franchise
in 1985 when he and his wife, Judy, opened an American Speedy
Printing Centers franchise in Colorado Springs, Colorado. As
one of the leaders in the Allegra Network system, they grew
their business to more than $2 million in sales. In 1997, they
were among the first franchisees to offer advanced digital technologies
and transition to the company's premier brand, Allegra Print
& Imaging, and have since sold the company to their business
partner. Throughout the years, Gerhardt has assisted in the
development of master franchises, conducted Profit Mastery Assessments
for franchisees and provided regional support. Recently, he
worked with the National Association for Printing Leadership
(NAPL) to develop and launch the company's first Strategic Management
course held last year.
In addition to his numerous achievements within the Allegra
Network, Gerhardt is also a leader within the industry. Last
year he was recognized by Print Image International as an
Honorary Lifetime Member. He served six years on the Print
Image International board of directors, including a term as
Chairman of the board.
Gerhardt commented, "I am very excited about this opportunity
to contribute to the growth of our franchise network and I
especially look forward to working with our dynamic group
of employees and franchise members."
McIntyre added, "I have worked with Carl for more than
16 years and have come to know him as a seasoned executive
and a man of integrity, vision and the ability to get the
job done. I look forward to working with him to continue to
grow our organization."
McIntyre was asked to take over as president in 1991, when
Allegra Network (then American Speedy Printing Centers, Inc.)
was experiencing serious financial and operational problems.
McIntyre re-engineered the company's focus away from increasing
the number of franchise locations to increasing value at existing
franchise locations. Under his leadership, the company emerged
from bankruptcy reorganization in early 1993 and dramatically
increased franchisee profitability, while focusing on technology
enhancements and customer relationship building. During this
time, the company launched a new brand, changed its name and
completed three acquisitions, including the most recent acquisition
of more than 200 Insty-Prints locations in 2002.
Allegra Network, with nearly 500 locations in North America,
Japan and Poland, supports seven brands including Allegra Print
& Imaging, American Speedy Printing, Insty-Prints,
Quik Print, Speedy Printing, and Zippy Print. The
company is ranked the best in its industry and the 20th fastest
growing franchise according to Entrepreneur Magazine (2003).
Allegra Network was also rated the 54th best franchise in the
Franchise 500® based on the company's financial strength,
stability, growth rate and size. Its independently-owned franchises
specialize in full-service print and graphic communications.
Principal shareholders include members of Allegra Network management
and Domino's Pizza founder and former CEO Thomas S. Monaghan.
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