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Measurable, proven results—that’s what sets Upside apart from other franchise consulting groups in the industry. To develop and expand franchise systems, franchisors need step-by-step coaching and consulting that focuses on one thing: increasing the number of franchise units sold by developing a solid branding platform upon which a results-oriented marketing and sales strategy can be built. |
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Why the name Upside Group? When President Mario Altiery founded the firm in 2002, it was in response to a noticeable void in the franchising world: while there was no shortage of franchise advisors, there was no comprehensive consulting business that had the front-line experience and insider’s understanding to be able to be accountable for a franchisor’s ongoing and long-term success. Mario Altiery believed there was a true upside to franchising that could be realized through a practical system of results-oriented solutions tailored to each client’s needs.
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“At Upside, we do not focus on franchise sales only—we consider all aspects of franchise development. We think in terms of multi-tier, interconnected systems and how they each contribute to and strengthen the complete franchise structure.”
Mario Altiery, President |
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Upside comprises the best minds in the industry. Handpicked, professional staff is recruited from across the country, offering clients traditional marketing experience from multiple disciplines, as well as franchise marketing expertise in advertising, sales, public relations, web site optimization, manuals and documentation, training, and business development. Headquartered in the Phoenix, Arizona, metropolitan area, Upside also has satellite offices across the country.
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Upside Group founder and President Mario Altiery began his franchise career working for some of the world’s most successful franchises, including an international retail sign franchise, where he was Regional Vice President and pioneered the company’s sales and marketing processes, developed several national landmark programs, implemented a franchise resale program, and institutionalized royalty maximization training seminars. He also specializes in the technology training industry and spearheaded the sales efforts for an internet-based technology training industry.
Mario founded Upside Group to fill a need in the industry for comprehensive franchise consulting services that focus on accountability and unit growth. Regarded in the industry as an authority on franchise development, he is a regular speaker and trainer for the International Franchise Association (IFA) and International Institute for Franchise Education (IIFE).
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Management, marketing, sales and regional franchise development and operations are a few of the strengths Elizabeth offers to Upside Group’s domestic and international franchise clients. She also specializes in managing profit and loss operations, negotiating leases, coordinating construction of new franchise sites, and multi-franchise cooperative marketing, and is a lead Upside Group trainer, developing and conducting seminars on various franchise sales topics. |
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As a Managing Partner for Upside Group’s east coast division, Doug oversees franchise development for some of the fastest growing franchises in their industries. Clients rely on his 25 years in sales and new client development to measurably increase franchise sales, develop franchise support systems, refine sales screening and qualification, provide franchise marketing support, and to provide competitive and marketplace analysis. |
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Upside Group Senior Consultant Larry Schwartz has more than 18 years of corporate and business development experience and has held executive level positions in the ancillary healthcare and franchise industries. During that time, he has been instrumental in developing and managing new business ventures and has spearheaded the growth of several start-up, early and middle stage companies.
Larry began his career in franchising as a Master Developer for a multi-brand organization in Southern California. Shortly after, he was asked to help lead the company’s National franchise development efforts as well as assist in the launch of a new high-profile brand. In that capacity, Larry was responsible for developing, implementing and executing a National rollout strategy with emphasis on sales and marketing, resale transactions, contract negotiation and real estate procurement. He also served as regional Vice President for a multi-brand International franchise company were he was responsible for the development of several brands in the Southwestern US.
Larry joined Upside Group to pursue his passion for working with companies to develop new and existing concepts, create new business opportunities and facilitate the growth and development of Regional, National and International franchise systems. |
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As Upside Group’s SEO developer, Mike is responsible for modifying or building client web sites according to search engine optimization standards, and developing web site marketing plans that increase traffic to client sites. |
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As the administrative powerhouse at the Upside Group home office, Lori Bayda uses her 20 years in administration, office management and information technology to train administrators on handling leads, facilitating leads and interpreting lead status reports, market research, and tradeshow development. She is also responsible for all administrative support for the Upside Group’s national sales team. |
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Maria Verlengia produces franchise manuals for Upside Group. Maria has over 15 years of documentation and writing experience. She has written a variety of business and technical documentation for various types of companies, including Vertical Alliance, GMAC Commercial Mortgage, Shire Pharmaceuticals, GSK, and David’s Bridal. She also held positions at eCal and the National Board of Medical Examiners. Maria graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. |
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Chad Grant serves as a creative design and information technology specialist. Under this role Chad develops marketing materials, websites, and maintains Upside Group's website, intranet and computer-based infrastructure. He has worked in the information technology field for over ten years serving in a variety of creative and technical roles. |
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