HOME ABOUT US FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES OUR BRANDS CONTACT US Leadership / Ownership Team What makes Alliance Franchise Brands different? Every member of our leadership team is an owner of the business, intimately involved in day-to-day operations. Five members in our ownership group have been long-time, successful owners of franchise locations. We are privately owned with no outside capital. Mike Marcantonio CEO Chief Executive Officer since 2011, Mike Marcantonio became an investor in the company in 2000 with others on the management team. In 2006, he expanded his role by becoming Chief Strategy Officer. His entrepreneurial spirit and success-driven attitude has been instrumental in planning the future of the company and positioning it as a driving force in the marketing and visual communications industry today. He has spearheaded growth strategies through acquisitions and company restructuring, paving the way for growth. Marcantonio’s franchising experience began at Domino’s Pizza, Inc. in Ann Arbor, MI where he served as Vice President of Tax. Kevin Cushing President, Strategic Ventures Kevin Cushing was named the President of Strategic Ventures in 2020. He joined the team in 2015 as President of the Marketing & Print Division. He is the former CEO of AlphaGraphics Inc. in Salt Lake City from 2004 to 2012 as well as an owner of two franchise locations in Minnesota that received numerous awards for their achievement. Prior to these roles, Cushing was president of Terratron, Inc., a specialist in restaurant turnarounds in ailing markets (owner of 81 Hardee’s Restaurants in six states). Cushing’s honors include induction into Special Olympics Utah Hall of Fame, Soderstrom Society and Print CEO of the Year. He is a graduate of Saint Mary’s College of Minnesota and The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Ramon L. Palmer President, Franchise Operations Ray Palmer was named the President of Franchise Operations in 2020 to provide executive oversight for all Marketing & Print and Sign & Graphics brands. As president, CEO and co-founder of Palmer Vohrer Enterprises, Palmer had been a multi-unit Signs By Tomorrow franchise owner for more than 10 years. He served as a member and chairperson of Signs By Tomorrow’s Franchise Advisory Council on which he played a key role in developing a national website for the firm and establishing an advertising fund for franchise members. Palmer holds both an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in business from The Johns Hopkins University. Michael Cline Chief Development Officer With over 17 years of franchise experience in the print and sign industry, Mike Cline is a wealth of knowledge with unmatched dedication and passion. As Alliance Franchise Brands Chief Development Officer, Cline serves as a key member of the Leadership Team and is an active participant in directing strategic decisions toward the company’s overall vision and growth. He is responsible for overseeing the Franchise Development Team, promoting system growth via new Center placement and acquisition, maintaining third-party broker relationships and assisting Franchise Members with exit strategy. Having supported dozens of entrepreneurs in gaining ownership success, Cline has a deep understanding and breadth of knowledge within all facets of the industry, and truly understands the joy of creating profitable and fruitful businesses. Harry Silverman Chief Financial Advisor Harry Silverman was named Chief Financial Advisor in 2009. His 30-plus years of experience in public accounting began at Grant Thornton International where he worked with several NYSE firms. Silverman joined Domino’s Pizza in 1985, leading several restructurings and recapitalizations, including the sale of the company to Bain Capital. In his role as Executive Vice President & CFO, he led Domino’s $1.1 billion recapitalization in 2003 and its Initial Public Offering in 2004. He serves as treasurer of the Cancer Support Community in Ann Arbor, MI. Laura Pierce-Marutz Chief Administrative Officer Laura Pierce-Marutz began her career at American Speedy Printing Centers in 1996. She was promoted to controller in 1997 and transitioned to vice president and controller in 2004 overseeing the accounting, financial services, compliance and human resources departments. As Vice President, she maintains responsibility for all internal financial statements. Previously, Pierce-Marutz worked for EDS and James Communications. Joe D’Aguanno Chief Technology Officer Joe D’Aguanno was named Chief Technology Officer in 2013 with responsibilities spanning across the Marketing & Print Division, Sign & Graphics Division, Shared Services Division and Corporate Operations Division to leverage technology across business units, identifying best practices with new tech and applying them company-wide. D’Aguanno is a long-time Allegra franchise member in the Detroit and Windsor, Ont., markets. Earlier in 2013, he was named Vice President of Technology and Digital Services for Allegra Corporate Operations. D’Aguanno has more than 25 years of experience in the print and graphics industry. He began his career as an entrepreneur in college when he founded a graphic design business. He became Director of Technology and a partner in the Windsor, Ont., and Clawson, Mich., Allegra centers in 1994. Brian Tyll Vice President, Corporate Operations Brian Tyll began his career in the printing industry as a pressman for a Detroit area company. He worked his way up to Production Manager, overseeing prepress, print, bindery and shipping at a publication production company. He spent the next eight years in management positions at Admore before launching a service bureau and purchasing a commercial printing company. He was named Vice President, Corporate Operations in 2013. Greg Schwartz General Manager Greg Schwartz oversees operations of the corporate-owned Image360 franchise in Plymouth, Mich. A founding member of Progressive Art and Frame Design, Schwartz has more than 18 years of experience providing first-in-class artwork, display consultation and fulfillment solutions to discerning corporate and healthcare clientele. With the merger of Progressive Art and Frame Design with Image360, Schwartz continues his focus of refining and redefining the value proposition Image360 brings to its customers through high quality, innovative and fresh offerings combining aesthetic and function to produce unparalleled results. Schwartz began his career in public accounting for KPMG and later worked in the private sector in various finance, tax and treasury capacities. As general manager of Progressive Art and Frame Design, he was instrumental in the diversification and expansion of the company’s product offerings and design driven growth strategy and had oversight of a number of the company’s major client relationships including University of Michigan Health System, Beaumont Health System, Oakwood Health and others. Alliance Franchise Brands 47585 Galleon Drive Plymouth, MI 48170 Toll-free: (800) 726-9050 Telephone: (248) 596-8600 Fax: (248) 596-8601 About Us Who We Are Core Values & Focus Leadership Team Career Opportunities Our Brands Marketing & Print Sign & Graphics Franchise Opportunities Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms Of Use © 2020 Alliance Franchise Brands LLC. All Rights Reserved. Alliance Franchise Brands LLC is the parent company of KK Printing Canada ULC.