Ned Nelson

About Ned Nelson

Known for partnering closely with franchise owners, driving revenue growth, improving unit-level performance, and building scalable systems that support brand growth and unit economics. Deep expertise across the full franchise lifecycle—from FDD management and franchise sales through site selection, lease negotiation, buildout, opening, and ongoing franchisee support. CORE Franchise Dev & Expansion StrategyFranchise Sales, Discovery & Candidate QualificationFDD & Franchise Agreement OversightSite Selection, Real Estate & Lease NegotiationFranchise Operations & Field SupportFranchisee Coaching & Performance ManagementP & L Review, Forecasting & KPI ManagementVendor Negotiation & National Procurement ProgramsCross-Functional Leadership (Marketing, Ops, Development)JEFFERSON’S FRANCHISE SYSTEMS Vice President, Operations, Development & Procurement | July 2017 – 2025Scaled system-wide sales from $27M (2018) to $60M (2024).Supported 100% unit growth during tenure through disciplined development and franchisee onboarding.Led franchise development from FDD through opening, including market analysis, site selection, lease negotiation, vendor coordination, and launch support.Acted as a primary business partner to franchise owners, supporting growth strategy, operational execution, and financial performance.Led end-to-end site selection strategy evaluating trade areas, demographics, traffic patterns, and competitive landscapes.Reviewed and approved LOIs and negotiated lease terms including rent, TI allowances, exclusives, and renewal options.Developed detailed pro formas to validate unit economics and ROI.Managed construction timelines and new restaurant openings.Provided operational guidance across 40+ locations.Direct oversight of Directors of Marketing, Operations, and Procurement.Negotiated national vendor partner agreements across food, packaging, equipment, and services.Increased vendor contract rebate revenue from $300K to $1M while focusing on COGS.Managed $20M+ in annual purchasing.GOODCENTS FRANCHISE SYSTEMS, INC. — Kansas City, MOVice President, Operations & Development | November 2002 – July 2017Led company growth through integrated marketing, operations, procurement, and real estate initiatives.Managed franchise development from FDD to opening including market research, site selection, lease negotiationSupported franchise owners with operational coaching, vendor programs, and performance improvement initiatives.Responsible for contract review and negotiation including franchise and vendor agreements.

Experience

1. Vice President of Business Development

   Jefferson's Franchise Systems, LLC

   Jul 2017 — Present

Education

• The University of Kansas

  Bachelor's degree, communications

  1990 — 1995

• The University of Kansas

  Bachelor's degree, Communications

Skills

• Food
• Team Building
• Menu Development
• Restaurant Management
• Sales
• Profit
• Food Service
• P&L
• Income Statement
• Food & Beverage
• Customer Service
• Franchising
• Restaurants
• Multi-Unit
• Market Planning
• Marketing