Leadership Overview
Kona Ice has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and brand experience.
Driven by innovation, Kona Ice reimagines the mobile shaved ice franchise experience, offering a community-focused alternative with vibrant trucks and customizable flavors, impacting markets across 49 states.
Driven by innovation, Kona Ice reimagines the mobile shaved ice franchise experience, offering a community-focused alternative with vibrant trucks and customizable flavors, impacting markets across 49 states.
Leadership Roles at Kona Ice
John Malandro - Chief Executive Officer
John Malandro, the Chief Executive Officer at Kona Ice, directs the overarching strategy and corporate vision for the mobile shaved ice franchise. Malandro guides the company's expansion efforts, ensuring alignment with its mission to provide a cleaner, more engaging, and community-focused alternative to traditional ice cream trucks. Overseeing franchise development and operational standards, Malandro ensures consistency across the more than 2,200 units operating nationwide. This leadership role involves fostering innovation in product offerings and truck formats, such as the Kona Entertainment Vehicle (KEV) and its variations, to meet diverse market needs. By focusing on strategic partnerships and market penetration, John Malandro drives the company's growth and solidifies its position as a leading food truck franchise system.
Renae Dearman - Ice Queens Extrodinare and CEO's of Fun
Renae Dearman, the Ice Queens Extrodinare and CEO's of Fun at Kona Ice, spearheads the brand experience and customer engagement initiatives. Dearman focuses on cultivating a fun and vibrant atmosphere associated with the Kona Ice trucks, ensuring each unit embodies the company's commitment to community and enjoyment. This role involves developing creative marketing strategies and operational guidelines that enhance the customer interaction with the patented FlavorWave dispenser and diverse flavor selections. By championing the unique, colorful aesthetic of the mobile trucks, Dearman reinforces Kona Ice's identity as a premier provider of Hawaiian-style shaved ice. The leadership of Renae Dearman ensures that the brand's core values of fun and community are consistently delivered across all franchise operations.
Derek Taylor - Chief Operating Officer
Derek Taylor, the Chief Operating Officer at Kona Ice, manages the day-to-day operational execution and efficiency of the franchise system. Taylor oversees the implementation of best practices across all franchise units, ensuring adherence to quality standards and operational protocols. This involves optimizing supply chain logistics for proprietary syrups and equipment, as well as supporting franchise partners in their local market operations. Taylor's responsibilities extend to refining the operational models for various truck formats, including the KEV, Kona Mini, and Kiosk, to maximize service delivery at diverse events like school functions and community gatherings. By driving operational excellence, Derek Taylor ensures the scalable and consistent delivery of the Kona Ice experience nationwide.
Bill Purper - President
Bill Purper, the President at Kona Ice, directs strategic initiatives focused on franchise growth and market expansion across the United States. Purper oversees the development and implementation of strategies designed to increase the number of operating franchise units and enhance their profitability. This leadership position involves cultivating relationships with prospective franchisees and providing ongoing support to existing partners to ensure their success. Purper's focus includes identifying new market opportunities and adapting franchise models to suit varied geographic and demographic landscapes. By driving strategic partnerships and operational alignment, Bill Purper plays a key role in extending Kona Ice's reach and solidifying its market leadership.
Wayne Reese - Owner and President
Wayne Reese, the Owner and President at Kona Ice, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the company's overall business objectives. Reese's ownership stake signifies a deep commitment to the long-term vision and financial health of the franchise system. This dual role involves overseeing critical business functions, including financial planning, resource allocation, and strategic partnerships that support sustained growth. Reese focuses on maintaining the company's competitive edge by fostering innovation in product development and operational efficiency. The leadership of Wayne Reese ensures that Kona Ice continues to evolve as a premier mobile shaved ice franchise, adapting to market dynamics and customer preferences across its extensive network.
Steve Webber - President
Steve Webber, the President at Kona Ice, drives strategic initiatives focused on enhancing the brand's market presence and operational effectiveness. Webber oversees key aspects of the franchise system, ensuring that growth strategies are aligned with the company's core mission of delivering a fun and community-oriented experience. This role involves collaborating with franchise partners to optimize their business performance and expand their reach within their respective territories. Webber's responsibilities include identifying opportunities for innovation in product offerings and service delivery, such as the diverse shaved ice options and self-serve flavor customization. By focusing on operational excellence and strategic market penetration, Steve Webber contributes significantly to Kona Ice's continued expansion and success.
Alisa Pompetti - President
Alisa Pompetti, the President at Kona Ice, directs strategic planning and operational oversight to foster sustained growth and market penetration. Pompetti focuses on enhancing the franchise system's efficiency and expanding its footprint across diverse regions in the United States. This leadership role involves developing and implementing strategies that support franchise partners in achieving their business objectives and maximizing customer engagement. Pompetti's responsibilities include overseeing key operational functions and ensuring the consistent delivery of the unique Kona Ice brand experience. By driving strategic initiatives and operational improvements, Alisa Pompetti contributes to the overall success and expansion of the Kona Ice franchise network.
Suniel Khem - President
Suniel Khem, the President at Kona Ice, leads strategic development and operational execution to drive franchise growth and market leadership. Khem focuses on expanding the company's presence across the United States, ensuring that franchise partners are equipped with the resources and support needed for success. This role involves overseeing critical business functions, including market analysis, strategic partnerships, and the refinement of operational models for various truck formats. Khem's leadership emphasizes innovation in product offerings and customer experience, aligning with Kona Ice's mission to provide a fun and community-focused shaved ice alternative. By driving strategic initiatives and operational excellence, Suniel Khem contributes significantly to the sustained expansion and success of the Kona Ice franchise system.
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