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Ray Titus

Ray Titus

CEO

Ray Titus is the CEO of Starpoint Brands and its affiliated companies. Mr. Titus is a life-long entrepreneur who began his career with his father, franchising legend Roy Titus, and went on to develop a group of successful brands and franchise development services. Ray founded Signarama, growing it into the leading sign franchise in the world and laying the foundation for what has become Starpoint Brands, The Global Leader for Entrepreneurs. Today UFG affiliated brands are among the most recognized within multiple industries, from franchise services to the family of affiliated franchise brands within the Starpoint Brands division. Ray’s commitment to franchising helped establish the Titus Center for Franchising at Palm Beach Atlantic University, the first university center of its kind. His philosophies on growth, positive attitude, and family influence the core values that have driven success within the award-winning brands he has developed from conception to international expansion.

Tipton Shonkwiler

Tipton Shonkwiler

Accurate Franchising Inc. President & Managing Director of Consulting Division, UFG

Tipton Shonkwiler is the Brand President for Accurate Franchising and also the President UFG Consulting Division. Tipton has been with Starpoint Brands for more than 20 years. He has been working in the franchise industry for the past 35 years and has served in various capacities including franchise development, sales and marketing, international master license sales, international brand development, along with having the direct responsibility for the day to day operations for several UFG brands throughout his career. Tipton is a Certified Franchise Executive within the International Franchise Association and holds a Franchise MBA from Nova Southeastern University. Originally from Ohio, Tipton now resides with his wife and 3 kids in Palm Beach County, FL.

Michael White

Michael White

Chief Development Officer

Michael White began his career as a Marketing Consultant for Signarama in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina. He officially joined us in 2008, when he was named a Regional Director for Starpoint Brands affiliated brands Signarama and Fully Promoted in the Carolinas. Over the past 15 years, Michael has worked up the ranks to become Chief Development Officer, where he oversees franchise sales and the development of our family of brands. In addition, he also serves as the President of Venture X, working towards elevating franchise owner success.

Austin Titus

Austin Titus

President of Network Lead Exchange & Franvestco

It is fitting that Austin Titus has a passion for helping people achieve the American Dream since his family is steeped in a rich tradition of entrepreneurship. His grandfather, Roy Titus, was the founder of Minute Man Press and his father, Ray Titus founded Signarama and Starpoint Brands, known as the global leader for entrepreneurs.

While attending Florida Atlantic University studying business, Austin gained hands on experience working for Signarama and Fully Promoted franchise owners. After college he began working at Starpoint Brands headquarters in the Franchise Development department, eventually becoming director of the department and also Director of Broker Relations, positions he held for four years.

Austin’s experience in development was instrumental in the creation of Starpoint Brands Emerging Brands division where he served as president and contributed to the growth of several brands, eventually leading to his appointment as President of Network Lead Exchange (NLX) in 2019.

His contributions to growth and dedication to the success of emerging brands culminated in his additional appointment in 2022 to FranVestCo, a franchise service that identifies and invests in promising new concepts. As President of FranVestCo, Austin is responsible for strategically identifying and cultivating top performing brands, influencing the future evolution of Starpoint Brands.

Timothy Smith

Timothy Smith

Managing Director - Australia

Timothy Smith is the Managing Director for Starpoint Brands Australia. With an extensive background in franchising and private equity, Timothy brings a wealth of knowledge having previously been CEO of successful café franchise Degani, as well as Head of Development and Operations at Gloria Jeans – steering both national brands through exceptional periods of growth. Timothy now overseas the entire Starpoint Brands operation in Australia and it’s affiliated brands as well as works closely with Accurate Franchising Inc clients providing strategic counsel in their franchise development process. Tim has a wife and two sons and shares his time between Brisbane and Sydney.

Julian Chong

Julian Chong

Director of Accurate Franchising Inc – Australia

Julian Chong leads the Accurate Franchising Inc team in Australia. Prior to joining Starpoint Brands in 2010, Julian gained his experience working in London for several years in tech as well as for a global communications agency. After completing his MBA over there, he returned to Australia and joined the UFG team. He has since held a number of positions within the company including franchisee operational and marketing support, franchisee recruitment, and working with the marketing funds across its brands. He now brings this wealth of knowledge to assist Accurate Franchising clients through their franchising journey advising them on key strategic decisions. Julian has a wife and two boys and is based out of Perth.

Mike Landis

Mike Landis

Regional Vice President – AFI

Mike Landis is the Sales Support Coordinator for Accurate Franchising Inc. Previous to his current position with AFI, he worked with several of Starpoint Brands Emerging Brands including Network Lead Exchange & Resource Operations International. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Florida Atlantic University. Mike is married to his wife, Brittany, and they currently reside in South, FL. He inherently understands that the franchisee is the single most valuable asset an organization can have, and is driven by the unrelenting pursuit of franchisee success & satisfaction.

Jason Jacobson

Jason Jacobson

Client Relationship Manager

Jason Jacobson has been with Starpoint Brands since 2014 in a variety of capacities with the company, and most recently transitioned over to Accurate Franchising in early 2021. He is responsible for project managing the entire development process for our clients, to include Strategic Planning, legal document creation, operations assistance and Sales and Marketing. He takes great pride in helping our clients develop their businesses into a lucrative and profitable franchise concept. He is originally from Islip, NY and now lives locally in West Palm Beach, FL with his wife, Jill, daughter Emma, and twin sons Pearce and Dylan.

Nadeen Retzler

Nadeen Retzler

Sales Support Coordinator

Nadeen Retzler has been with Starpoint Brands since 2008, with her career starting as the Director of First Impressions. Nadeen has held numerous positions at UFG including Communications Specialist, Franchise Development Representative, Executive Assistant and UFG Global Coordinator. She has been working with our Master License Partners around the world and takes great pride in assisting them with a “What Ever It Takes” attitude. Nadeen enjoys cruising and spending time with her family.

Chad Palmer

Chad Palmer

Vice President of Digital Marketing

Chad Palmer has been with Starpoint Brands since 2018 and has held roles as VP of Digital Marketing and VP of Franchise Development. He brings to AFI over 20+ years of Digital Marketing expertise in both franchising and multi-location businesses. Often featured as a guest panelist or as a podcast guest speaking on the latest trends in marketing, Chad is regarded as an industry expert and is a valuable resource for AFI clients. He has a passion for helping entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality. He also heads our Extended Support Program which is designed to give emerging brands the support they need most to succeed and grow.

Diego Verd

Diego Verd

AFI Sales & Marketing Representative

Diego Verd is the Sales & Marketing Representative for Accurate Franchising Inc and is also the Sales Representative for Latin American and the Caribbean. He has been with the company since 2018, with his career starting as a Franchise Development Representative. Diego is originally from the Dominican Republic and moved to West Palm Beach, FL to get his bachelor’s degree in Finance.

Lincoln Baker

Lincoln Baker

Client Relations Coordinator

Lincoln Baker is a Client Relations Coordinator for Accurate Franchising Inc. He started with Starpoint Brands in 2021 as a Franchise Development Representative. He then held the position of Marketing and Development Representative for Accurate Franchising Inc. Lincoln is originally from Kentucky. He has also lived in California and currently resides in South Florida. He is a graduate of the University of Florida where he majored in Political Science and minored in Communications Studies. Lincoln enjoys working with entrepreneurs, who are looking to franchise their own business, to help guide them to achieve their franchising potential.

Heath Hindman

Heath Hindman

Marketing Coordinator

Heath Hindman is the Marketing Coordinator for AFI. He started with Starpoint Brands in 2023 and feels right at home. Heath was born in Savannah, GA and moved to south Florida in 2011, where he has been ever since. Heath received his bachelor’s degree in business with a focus in entertainment from Full Sail University in 2021. Heath prides himself in using his skills in digital creation and marketing knowledge to assist the team, just as well as clients. As the company grows, Heath is excited to provide value wherever he can.

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