Meet Our Team
ERIC STITES, CFE
CEO & Managing Director
Eric leads FBR’s research and consultants with clients in the area of franchise performance. He is an active member of the International Franchise Association (IFA), serves on the IFA’s VetFran and Franchise Relations Committees, and speaks frequently on topics related to franchise relations and best practices in franchising. Eric lives on the coast of Maine with his wife and two daughters, and enjoys spending as much time as possible on the ocean.
MICHELLE ROWAN, CFE
President & COO
In addition to her role at FBR, Michelle is also chair of the International Franchise Association Women’s Franchise Committee, and a Certified Franchise Executive. She has facilitated CEO Performance Groups and Executive Networking Groups and is a frequent speaker at industry events (in person & virtual). When not at FBR, she is hanging out with her daughter and husband at their tasting room & brewery they own in Kittery, Maine.
NICOLE DUDLEY
Director of Client Relations
Nicole works closely with our sales team and FBR clients to ensure research needs are met – customizing client research efforts, answering questions, and helping franchisors analyze and understand their results. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband and son, being on the lake in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter.
COURTNEY STILLINGS, CFE
VP of Growth
Courtney handles new business development, as well as ongoing client relations and account management within FBR. As a person who is passionate about making sure every business can succeed, Courtney loves to get creative in helping franchisors exceed their goals. Outside of work, you can find Courtney going on adventures with her Golden Retriever, Tuckerman and watching any New England sports team!
MARIAH MORGAN
Senior Director of Marketing
Mariah leads FBR’s overall marketing and communications strategy and execution, aligning activity with the broader direction of the company. Prior to joining FBR, Mariah led brand and marketing strategy and client service departments in advertising agencies both large and small. She is an active member of the New Hampshire Seacoast community, a runner, a foodie, and a lover of live music.
ALI FORMAN
B2B Marketing Director
Ali helps to educate franchise companies about and inspire them to participate in FBR’s research in order to grow and improve their brands. Ali’s previous experience includes senior marketing communications roles in the employee benefits, data privacy, and publishing sectors. She lives in Maine with her husband and two sons.
STACY RICHARDS
B2C Marketing Director
Stacy oversees FBR’s candidate-facing marketing initiatives, including the B2C website, advertising, email, social media, the Franchise Buyer’s Guide, and working with franchisors to develop compelling, high-conversion sponsored content. Stacy lives in Seacoast New Hampshire and enjoys writing, wine tasting, cooking, photography, yoga, and exploring the seacoast.
YAHINA SANTANA
Client Success Manager & Events Coordinator
Yahina collaborates with the FBR team to drive sales efforts and meet client needs – managing client survey projects from creation to reporting, as well as maintaining and organizing office operations and event planning. Outside of work, she enjoys juicing, spending time with family & friends, and staying active with her overzealous rescue pup named Ziya on the trails.
MARIA HARMON
Client Success Manager
As a Client Success Manager, Maria manages survey project preparation, build, and run time. She meets client needs across a variety of disciplines including custom reporting, validation, and coordinating client exposure while managing the administrative side of FBR office operations. She enjoys spending her free time with her partner Rowan, her dog Maisie, and a good book.
KYLE LOVEJOY
Sr. Client Consultant
Kyle carries out new business development outreach, as well as managing current client relationships to ensure the overall health and success of client accounts within FBR. Prior to joining the team, Kyle worked in sales and business development in the tech start-up environment. Outside of work, you can find him at the local pool hall or soaking up the summer sun by the lake in Maine.
JULIA PALMISANO
Digital Marketing Specialist
Julia assists in the development, implementation, tracking, and maintenance of various digital marketing programs to grow our business and help our existing clients be more successful. Outside of work, Julia enjoys spending time with friends and family, and staying active through exercising and long walks. She has a passion for travel and loves nothing more than spending sunny days on the beach.
OWEN NOVAK
Account Manager
Owen’s focus is new business development along with assisting current clients. Owen likes to spend time with family and friends and stay active outside of work.
CJ FLECK
Senior Web Developer
CJ keeps FBR technology running smoothly, helps clients extract actionable insights from their data, and look at their company in a completely new way.
“ZAK” BENALI ZAKARIA
Web Developer
ASHLEY BALDWIN
Product Leader
Ashley has extensive experience guiding startup product development serving nonprofits and small businesses. Outside of work, you can find her hiking with her partner and their three dogs all over Midcoast Maine, relaxing in her sauna, or tending to her oyster garden.
Eric Stites, FBR Founder