Eric Lavinder

About Eric Lavinder

I help franchise brands stop spinning and start scaling.As an Executive Growth Integrator with 25+ years across restaurant operations, franchise development, and private equity-backed environments, I operate at the exact intersection where strategy meets execution — where most brands get stuck.Through Scale For Success, I partner with franchisors, emerging brands, and PE-backed platforms as a Fractional CDO and executive integrator. My Scale Architecture framework gives organizations a clear, repeatable path:Strategy → Structure → Systems → Execution → ScaleWhat I build with your team:Franchise growth strategy & development architectureFull lifecycle execution: deals → leases → openings → renewals → transfersOrganizational structure & shared services alignmentKPI visibility, reporting, and accountability systemsExecutive leadership integration & team alignmentPre-acquisition diligence & post-acquisition integrationWho I work with best:Franchisors preparing to scaleBrands stuck between vision and executionPE-backed platforms seeking structure and integration supportOrganizations lacking development infrastructure

Experience

1. New Spring Franchise Group Chief Development Officer for Food and Beverage

   Newspring

   Aug 2024 — Present · Philadelphia, PA, US

   Serving as fractional Chief Development Officer for multiple food and beverage brands within the NewSpring Franchise Group portfolio, providing executive-level development leadership across the full franchise lifecycle.Current client brands include Federal Donuts and Chicken, Shake Smart, Duck Donuts, and Great Harvest Bread Company.Key contributions across engagements:Franchise growth strategy, territory development planning, and deal architectureReal estate oversight: site selection criteria, deal structures, and lease negotiationsFranchisee onboarding, training coordination, and opening readinessDevelopment team leadership and cross-functional alignment with operations and marketing

Education

• Radford University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Criminal Justice

  1996 — 1999

Skills

• Leadership
• Employee Management
• Sales Management
• Marketing
• Sales
• Income Statement
• Strategic Planning
• Employee Relations
• Process Scheduler
• Hospitality
• Sales Operations
• Customer Service
• Team Leadership
• Account Management
• Restaurants
• Purchasing
• Profit
• Market Research
• Franchising
• Hiring
• Merchandising
• Social Networking
• Food Service
• New Restaurant Openings
• Employee Training
• Negotiation
• Scheduling
• Restaurant Management
• Recruiting
• Customer Satisfaction
• Training
• New Business Development
• Cold Calling
• Compliance
• Business Development
• Inventory Management
• Coaching
• Leadership Development
• Local Marketing
• Management