Meet Our Team
Larry Pettit, President
Larry has a long track record in building and developing companies successfully. He started eleven businesses of his own from start-up positions and sold each successfully, two of which were acquired by public companies. Larry became a franchise consultant shortly after selling his real estate firm in 1992. As a previous franchisee, he fully understands the motivation and emotions on both sides of franchising, and as a result, advises with insight that few have. Larry is often invited to speak on franchising & business development to various business groups. Since creating FranPros in 2004, FranPros has directed several companies from start-up to international expansion.
When away from his clients Larry treasures spending time with his family. Sunday is family day!
Favorite Food: Italian
Favorite Drink: A good Cabernet Sauvignon
Favorite pastime: Golf and going to the Ballpark.
Favorite Book: The Bible
Life's Motto: If at first you don’t succeed...call FranPros!
Amy Fisher, Vice President
Amy began her franchise career in 1988 when she joined a Century 21 office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida as Office Manager. Amy’s administrative skills were soon discovered, and from 1992 to 2004, she was Administrative Director for Shepherd Companies, a business consulting firm in Boca Raton, Florida. Amy joined FranPros at its inception in 2004 and as Vice President, she brings over 25 years of experience in administrative expertise that includes human resources, internal controls, preparing operations manuals, accounting functions, and information technology.
In her free time Amy enjoys relaxing by the pool, boating and traveling.
Favorite Food: Lobster
Favorite Drink: Margarita
Dream Vacation: Staying in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora
Life's Motto: “There's a way to do it better . . . find it.”
Craig Lund, Senior Managing Director | Midwest Office
Craig has been successfully managing & developing companies for over 35 years. A true sales specialist, Craig is highly respected, having set several sales records and earning numerous awards with fortune 500 companies. As an entrepreneur, he started Value Added Business Services in 1997 with one employee. Today, under Craig’s leadership and vision, VABS is a multi-million dollar company that successfully competes with industry giants like Staples & Office Depot. As Regional Vice President, Craig oversees the franchise expansion efforts for our clients throughout the Midwest.
Kia Karimi, Senior Managing Director | West Coast Office
Kia brings a wealth of experience to FranPros, holding executive positions for over 24 years. As a former global hospitality and food & beverage executive, Kia specializes in negotiating multi-unit territory development agreements and implementing international growth strategies in key markets. He has a proven track record in the franchise industry having represented some of the largest franchise companies in the world, expanding them into 23 different countries. His hands-on approach to launching new companies into new markets is unequaled. Kia received his MBA from Cornell University.
Waleska Diaz, Director of Marketing|Orlando Office
Waleska is a seasoned marketing executive with a successful career path of over 20 years. She has worked in multinational advertising agencies managing marketing and promotional campaigns and events of various global brands like Pepsi, Heineken, Mars, McDonald's, Frito Lay, American Express, Pantene, and Sears among others. She was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and specializes in developing multicultural integrated campaigns that yield ROI for our clients. Waleska has an energetic personality and is committed to providing the best creative solutions to clients. Her passion is to create memorable marketing strategies. When not working she enjoys her foodie and wine enthusiast side either cooking at home for her family or exploring what Central Florida (and beyond) has to offer.
Favorite Food: Tacos, tacos, tacos!
Favorite Drink: Prosecco
Dream Vacation: Vineyard Tour in Spain and Portugal
Favorite pastime: Cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones.
Life's Motto: “If you need to bring a problem, bring also a solution”
Bayley Ramos, Marketing Director | Miami Office
Born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Bayley now resides in South Florida and brings more than ten years of Marketing experience. Her passion is helping businesses be more efficient by integrating a proactive marketing plan that includes clear objectives and goals. She has spearheaded programs for hundreds of companies, including International Projects in European Market Communications, South America, and the Caribbean.
Bayley has a Bachelor's and Associate's Degree in Marketing from Johnson & Wales University. In 2015 Bayley developed the curriculum for Developing a Successful Social Media Marketing Campaign for your Business, currently taught at Miami Dade College. Bayley focuses on consulting with a business by first establishing a strong brand and using that foundation to cultivate a community. She enjoys volunteering, traveling, spending time with loved ones, and always finding ways to help others.
Favorite Food: Ceviche
Favorite Drink: Iced Coffee
Life's Motto: "these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love."
Melissa Bill, Director of Public Relations and Business Development
Melissa is a Florida native and seasoned news reporter who began her career 13 years ago after graduating with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from Florida International University. As a journalist, she understands what it takes to gain media exposure in broadcast news and print. Now, she uses her skills to assist franchise clients with special events planning and media communication services, working in harmony with marketing & advertising firms. Melissa is a respected professional and has spearheaded media campaigns for companies such as Corona Cerveza USA, DataNumen, and Jean Claude Novaro Galleries, securing feature stories in both local and national media outlets.
Melissa blends creativity with commitment to help clients take their media goals to the next level. In her free time, she enjoys going to the stables with her daughter and horse-back riding through the SW Florida trails, exploring the beauty nature has to offer.
Favorite Food: Thai
Favorite Drink: Pale ale beer
Dream Vacation: Guided safari of the African plains
Life's Motto: “Success is achieved when you stop waiting for it to happen, instead take the right steps to make it happen”
Luis Lozada, Industrial Designer
Luis Lozada, studied design in South America and is inspired most by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, and the Bauhaus Movement. Luis is known for designing without boundaries implementing modern applications of furniture design and space planning. Luis now resides in South Florida and is fluent in English and Spanish. He is supported by professional associations such as allied member ASID, IIDA, and has been awarded numerous recognitions.
Favorite Food: Italian
Favorite Drink: Green Tea
Favorite pastime: BBQing with the family
Favorite Book: Gladiator