Our History: Rooting for SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

Prior to founding Welcomemat Services in 2003, Brian spent nearly a decade with two enterprise software companies. Brian was Director of Sales for OSI Software, handling many Fortune 1000 accounts, including HCA Healthcare, International Paper, and Dollar General. Brian also ran a sales division with Platinum Technology which was acquired by Computer Associates. Brian received a BA with honors from Georgia State with a major in marketing, and has completed executive coursework at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

Michelle began her career in public relations with Fleishman-Hillard, Chicago, working on several regional and national accounts. She has been published as a freelance writer in national, local and online media and has contracted as a copywriter for advertising agencies on regional and international campaigns. When Welcomemat Services was formed in 2003, Michelle took on a project management role focused on brand development and business expansion. Currently, she is the Vice President of Operations. Michelle attended The College of Charleston, received the Scholarly Journal Award and graduated with a BA in English Literature.

Colby graduated from the Savannah College of Art & Design in 2011 with a B.F.A in Illustration. Since then, he has worked as a Graphic Designer and Marketing Manager for several independent businesses in Savannah and Atlanta and continues to pursue freelance illustration.

Terry manages production schedules, vendor relationships, and print coordination. Terry began her career with the Westin Hotels & Resorts. She later worked with Gordon Paper Company where she managed communication with the Walmart account. Terry also has been a highly successful teacher at Primrose School winning several awards. Terry grew up in the Atlanta area and holds a B.A. from Auburn University.

Tarra focuses on onboarding and training new franchisees, as well as support initiatives such as process improvement, enhancing training modules, and acting as a liaison between franchisees and the corporate office. She is also involved in project management. Tarra holds a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of West Georgia and a certification in Human Resource Management.

Erica assists Brian and Joe in growing the Welcomemat Franchise network by recruiting new franchisees and supporting them throughout their discovery process. She is focused on developing and executing marketing plans that support corporate growth strategy through building relationships with referral partners and prospects. Erica is finishing up her B.B.A. from Georgia State University, set to graduate in Spring of 2017.

Shakira holds a B.A. in Accounting and has functioned in all manners of accounting and finance. She has worked for small businesses, startups, as well as with global brands. She is very passionate about giving back to her community and volunteers her services at the United Way of Greater Atlanta and for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offering free tax help to low-to-moderate income individuals.

Alex works in the graphics department and is responsible for creating designs for Welcomemat kits, offering design support to franchisees and preparing design files for production. Alex is also a freelance graphic designer who has worked with multiple start up companies as well as large multi-unit chains. She grew up in Southeast Asia and holds a B.F.A in Advertising Design from the Savannah College of Art & Design.

Julia works in the graphics department creating clever and brand-consistent designs, communicating with franchisees, and proofreading graphics for print production. She grew up for the most part in Macon, GA and graduated from Emory University with a double BA in Russian and Comparative Literature. In her free time, Julia likes music, solving logic puzzles, and watching Planet Earth with her cat, Dmitri, so he can try and catch gazelles.

Jessica works with the Welcomemat team to make processes more efficient. She grew up in Atlanta and holds a B.A. in English from the University of Georgia, but probably can’t tell you how the Dawgs are doing. If she’s not reading with a cup of coffee, you can probably find her in the woods somewhere, hiking or camping.