Meet the Freddy’s Franchise Leadership team
Chris Dull, CEO
Chris Dull, Operating Board Member with Freddy’s since March 2021, is the CEO of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Chris brings over 20 years of experience in working with franchise brands and brings strong leadership, strategy, and operations skills to the table. The former President and CEO of Global Franchise Group and two-time Iron Man finisher is also an active member of the International Franchise Association and has received the distinction of Certified Franchise Executive.
Hear from CEO Chris Dull on why Freddy’s is an appetizing franchise to own.
Favorite Freddy’s meal: Double Steakburger California style with bacon, pickles and mayo, onion rings and a vanilla shake with stawberries.
Andrew Thengvall, Chief Development Officer & Chief Legal Officer
Andrew Thengvall is the Chief Development Officer & Chief Legal Officer of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. He is responsible for new market expansion, development, construction, and real estate, as well as handling all the company’s legal affairs. Prior to Freddy’s, Andrew worked as Chief Counsel for a privately held multinational conglomerate. Andrew holds three degrees from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln; he earned a Juris Doctorate, with distinction, in May 2003, a Master of Business Administration in August 2003, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in May 1997.
Favorite Freddy’s meal: California Style Double Combo.
Bill Valentas, Chief Financial Officer
Bill Valentas is the Chief Financial Officer of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. He oversees day-to-day proceedings of the finance, accounting, and IT departments and is credited with implementing business-intelligence software that collects and streamlines data for convenient interpretation. Prior to Freddy’s, Valentas worked nearly 20 years in the financial realm, most recently as CFO and COO for MoJack Distributors, LLC, a product and sales distribution company. Valentas’ restaurant-industry experience includes SVP and COO of Shared Services with LS Management, a restaurant business that oversees 325 locations, including Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon, Texas Land & Cattle Steak House, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, and Del Frisco’s Steak House. Valentas earned an accounting degree from Saint Xavier University in Chicago, Ill., and a Master of Science in Taxation from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
Favorite Freddy’s meal: Patty Melt with grilled jalapenos, cheese curds and a chocolate & peanut butter shake.
Laura Rueckel, Chief Marketing Officer
Laura Rueckel is the Chief Marketing Officer of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. She is responsible for all areas of brand marketing, including strategy, creative, media, and digital marketing efforts. Additionally, she is responsible for new product development & menu innovation, communications and digital guest hospitality. Before joining Freddy’s, Laura was Vice President of Marketing for Edible Brands, where she led marketing for the company’s 1,000 stores across the United States and Canada. Laura spent most of her career in marketing leadership with The Coca-Cola Company, where she led brand initiatives for the Foodservice division, partnering with top customers such as McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Olive Garden and SUBWAY. She also has worked in marketing with other franchise brands such as Schlotzsky’s Deli and The HoneyBaked Ham Company & Café.
Favorite Freddy’s meal: California Double with pickles and a side of gooey cheese curds with marinara sauce and iced tea. On days when there’s room, add that extra strawberry shake!
Brian Wise, Chief Operating Officer
Brian Wise is the Chief Operating Officer for Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers. Brian oversees the operations, training and innovation teams that partner with franchise operations to deliver genuine hospitality, quality and cleanliness in the unique Freddy’s Way. Prior to joining Freddy’s, Brian was a partner and COO of HCI Hospitality, an award-winning restaurant ownership group of franchised and independent restaurants stretching from the Midwest to the East Coast.
Favorite Freddy’s meal: Jalapeno Pepperjack Double combo with Fries.
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