Kona Ice Executive and Leadership Team

John Malandro, the Chief Executive Officer at Kona Ice, directs the overarching strategic vision for the mobile shaved ice franchise system. Malandro oversees the expansion of the franchise network, ensuring that the brand maintains its position as a leader in the hospitality sector. By aligning corporate goals with the needs of over 2,200 franchise units, the Chief Executive Officer drives consistent operational excellence across 49 states. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of the FlavorWave dispenser technology and the proprietary syrup supply chain to maintain product quality. John Malandro also collaborates with the board to identify new market opportunities for the Kona Entertainment Vehicle. Through rigorous financial oversight and a commitment to community-focused service, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term viability of the brand. Malandro ensures that every franchise partner receives the support necessary to thrive in diverse event environments, from corporate gatherings to school fundraisers.

Renae Dearman, the Ice Queens Extrodinare and CEO's of Fun at Kona Ice, architects the brand culture and community engagement initiatives that define the company experience. Dearman drives the development of interactive event strategies, ensuring that every Kona Entertainment Vehicle provides a memorable atmosphere for customers. By overseeing the creative direction of the brand, the Ice Queens Extrodinare and CEO's of Fun maintains the high energy and fun-focused identity that distinguishes the franchise from traditional ice cream trucks. This role involves designing engagement programs that support local fundraisers and private parties, effectively expanding the reach of the company into new community segments. Renae Dearman also manages the public-facing image of the franchise, ensuring that the core mission of spreading joy remains central to all operations. Through consistent innovation in event marketing, the Ice Queens Extrodinare and CEO's of Fun strengthens the emotional connection between the brand and its diverse customer base.

Derek Taylor, the Chief Operating Officer at Kona Ice, manages the daily logistics and operational efficiency of the expansive mobile franchise network. Taylor oversees the deployment of the Kona Mini, Kona Kiosk, and Kona Trailer formats, ensuring that each unit meets strict quality and safety standards. By optimizing the supply chain for proprietary syrups and Vita-Blend options, the Chief Operating Officer supports the seamless operation of thousands of units across the country. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional managers to streamline maintenance protocols for the KEV 2.0 fleet. Derek Taylor also implements data-driven systems to monitor franchise performance and identify areas for operational improvement. Through the refinement of internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the company maintains its rapid growth trajectory while upholding the high service standards expected by franchise partners. Taylor focuses on scaling infrastructure to support the increasing demand for mobile food services in diverse venues.

Suniel Khem, the President at Kona Ice, directs the strategic growth and market penetration initiatives for the franchise system. Khem oversees the development of new business territories, ensuring that the brand successfully enters and dominates regional markets across the United States. By analyzing competitive trends in the hospitality industry, the President identifies opportunities to introduce new product lines like sugar-free and dye-free shaved ice. This leadership role involves managing high-level partnerships and ensuring that the franchise model remains attractive to new investors. Suniel Khem also coordinates with the executive team to align regional operations with the national mission of community-focused service. Through the implementation of robust growth strategies, the President drives the expansion of the franchise footprint, ensuring that the brand remains a dominant force in the mobile food truck sector. Khem focuses on long-term sustainability and the continuous improvement of the franchise value proposition for all stakeholders.

Bill Purper, the President at Kona Ice, manages the financial health and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Purper oversees the investment in new mobile vehicle technologies, ensuring that the fleet remains at the forefront of the industry. By evaluating the profitability of different franchise formats, the President optimizes the allocation of resources to maximize returns for the company and its partners. This leadership role involves working closely with the finance department to maintain fiscal discipline while pursuing aggressive growth targets. Bill Purper also monitors the performance of regional operations to ensure that each territory meets its revenue goals. Through the strategic management of assets and capital, the President supports the overall mission of providing a cleaner, more engaging alternative to traditional ice cream trucks. Purper ensures that the company maintains a strong balance sheet, allowing for continued innovation in product offerings and service delivery across the entire franchise network.

Steve Webber, the President at Kona Ice, leads the development and execution of national marketing campaigns that elevate the brand profile. Webber oversees the integration of digital marketing tools with local event promotion, ensuring that franchise owners have the resources to succeed in their specific markets. By focusing on the brand's unique value proposition, the President drives customer acquisition and retention across all event types, including weddings and corporate gatherings. This leadership role involves managing relationships with national partners and sponsors to increase the visibility of the Kona Entertainment Vehicle. Steve Webber also collaborates with the product development team to ensure that marketing efforts accurately reflect the quality and variety of the shaved ice offerings. Through the strategic deployment of brand assets, the President strengthens the market position of the company, ensuring that the brand remains the preferred choice for mobile food services in communities nationwide.

Wayne Reese, the Owner and President at Kona Ice, provides the foundational leadership and vision that guide the long-term direction of the franchise. Reese oversees the preservation of the company's core values, ensuring that the commitment to community and quality remains intact as the brand scales. By mentoring franchise partners and fostering a culture of excellence, the Owner and President drives the success of the entire system. This leadership role involves making critical decisions regarding the evolution of the business model and the introduction of new service formats. Wayne Reese also maintains oversight of the company's headquarters operations, ensuring that the support structure for franchisees remains robust and responsive. Through a focus on sustainable growth and ethical business practices, the Owner and President secures the legacy of the brand. Reese continues to champion the mission of reimagining the mobile food experience, ensuring that the company remains a leader in the hospitality industry.

Alisa Pompetti, the President at Kona Ice, leads the human resources and organizational development strategies that support the growing franchise workforce. Pompetti oversees the training and certification programs for franchise owners, ensuring that every operator delivers a consistent and high-quality customer experience. By focusing on talent acquisition and leadership development, the President builds a strong internal team capable of supporting the needs of the nationwide network. This leadership role involves creating programs that foster a positive and inclusive culture within the company. Alisa Pompetti also collaborates with other executives to ensure that organizational structures are aligned with the strategic goals of the business. Through the implementation of effective management practices, the President drives employee engagement and operational efficiency. Pompetti ensures that the company remains an employer of choice, supporting the overall mission of providing exceptional service and community value through the mobile shaved ice franchise system.