Ryan Brings Extensive Franchise Development Experience to the Role
HomeFront Brands, an umbrella franchisor of home improvement franchises, has appointed Tom Ryan Jr. as chief development officer. He is responsible for overseeing the developmental and strategic expansion of the company’s portfolio of franchise brands.
Ryan’s introduction to franchising came when he managed a franchise location as a college student in Minnesota. He went on to join his family’s Colorado-based Cartridge World master franchise business as director of operations. After leaving the business in 2010, he held leadership positions at Homewatch CareGivers, College Nannies, Sitters and Tutors, Regis Corporation, OneTenTen Homes and, most recently, Franchise FastLane.
“After three great years working in and experiencing the franchise sales organization world, I’m excited to develop our brands at HomeFront,” Ryan said. “It’s clear to me that there is a strong cultural relationship and responsibility between leadership, support and sales here at HomeFront Brands, and that is something that energizes me greatly.”
Ryan said meeting Zack Dudan, HomeFront Brands’ chief growth officer and son of chairman and CEO Jeff Dudan, contributed to his excitement. “Zack was relatively new to the franchising world, and he understood the landscape better than most. I had always known of Jeff, but when I truly got to know him, [President of Franchising and COO] Michael O’Driscoll and other key team members, I knew this was something I had to be a part of,” Ryan said.
Zack Dudan said Ryan is the right person to drive HomeFront’s growth moving forward. “With extensive experience as a master franchisee, director of operations and franchise development leader across a diverse portfolio of renowned brands, Tom brings a unique blend of skills and expertise perfectly suited to drive exponential growth,” Dudan said. “Tom’s strong alignment with HomeFront’s culture — as a team builder and a results-driven leader focused on franchisee success — makes him an ideal fit to lead the company’s next chapter in franchise development.”
Franchising: Never too Late to Start
Throughout his 20 years in franchising, Ryan said he has grown to appreciate that it’s never too late — or early — to start. “My start in the industry and the personal experience my dad had going from corporate America to franchising show me that this business ownership model is age agnostic,” he said. “It’s never too late to own a franchise. You have not run out of time! And once you launch, no boss can take it away from you. You are in control of your success if you put in the work! You call the shots. You have a real opportunity to earn your financial independence!”
Ryan said he has benefited from mentors who have shared their knowledge throughout his career. “I have been incredibly fortunate to find meaningful mentors along the way who have taught me much of what I know. I love sharing what I’ve learned, and I can’t wait to see what this great team at HomeFront can accomplish.”
Ryan lives in St. Paul, Minn., with wife Virginia, children Maeve, Mona and Tommy, and puppy, Randy.
About HomeFront Brands
Founded in 2022, HomeFront Brands helps emerging and established concepts accelerate their growth by delivering enterprise-level solutions that leverage integrated technology, data-driven intelligence and advanced learning management systems. The company’s portfolio includes Window Hero, Top Rail Fence, Temporary Wall Systems, The Designery and Roof Scientist.
