Leadership
Successful Leaders Empower Our Franchisees
Sheldon Yellen, the CEO, established BELFOR Franchise Group in response to the increasing demand for reliable service-based franchise businesses. Since its founding in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company has experienced remarkable growth. This expansion and achievement are attributed to the robust leadership and compassionate management of our team. We view our franchisees as an extension of our family, and, as a result, our leadership team is dedicated to providing unwavering support, essential tools, and necessary resources to ensure their success.
Get to Know Our Leadership Team:
Sheldon Yellen
CEO, BELFOR Holdings, Inc.
Sheldon Yellen has garnered a formidable reputation through his distinctive approach to leadership. In his role as CEO of BELFOR Holdings, Inc., a $2 billion conglomerate encompassing various enterprises, including the globally renowned BELFOR Property Restoration, he maintains a vigilant eye on fiscal responsibility. Yet, he doesn’t hesitate to embark on private flights to visit ailing employees or customers when necessary. His motivation? The BELFOR community, to him, is akin to family.
Within the restoration industry, Sheldon Yellen stands out as a prominent figure, commanding a dedicated following of decision-makers who appreciate his unorthodox management style. His presentations serve as a reflection of his management principles, intertwining his personal leadership journey with his unwavering belief in individuals from all walks of life. The concept of failure simply doesn’t align with his mindset.
Rusty Amarante
President of BELFOR Franchise Group
Rusty Amarante, CR, has over 40 years of experience in the restoration industry. He is the President of BELFOR Franchise Group and the Director of Operations for BELFOR Property Restoration, the global leader in disaster recovery.
Whether handling a loss that affected a family of three or a major catastrophe requiring teams of 3,000+, he knows every situation is its own unique challenge. Rusty is responsible for coordinating the BELFOR National Catastrophe Team’s logistics, manpower, equipment, and resources in the aftermath of national disasters on a daily basis.
Rusty was past-President of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) and served as Vice Chair to the development of the IICRC S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration. He is a sought-after speaker in the restoration industry and has conducted hundreds of training classes throughout his career to encourage passionate restorers for the future.
Doug Smith
Senior Vice President, Franchise Development, BELFOR Franchise Group
Doug Smith, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group, has decades of experience in the industry. He has a strong track record working in franchise sales and development leadership roles to help franchise systems grow their footprint.
Doug has been an integral part of BELFOR Franchise Group’s acquisition of HRI and the expansion of the group’s strong community of residential and commercial service brands. He leads an experienced franchise development team focused on helping aspiring entrepreneurs take control of their future through franchise business ownership.
Ken Osness
Vice President, Franchise Development, BELFOR Franchise Group
Ken Osness, serving as a Vice President of Franchise Development within BELFOR Franchise Group, boasts a wealth of industry experience spanning several decades. With a proven history of excelling in franchise sales and leadership positions dedicated to fostering the growth of the family of brands within BELOFR Franchise Group.
Ken’s contributions have been pivotal to the rapid growth of our portfolio of residential and commercial service brands. His primary mission is to empower prospective entrepreneurs by enabling them to seize control of their destinies through franchise business ownership.
D’Wayne Tanner
Vice President, Franchise Development, BELFOR Franchise Group
D’Wayne Tanner, serving as a Vice President of Franchise Development within BELFOR Franchise Group, has an extensive history in the world of franchising. His impressive resume includes stints with well-established national brands like Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Ruby Tuesday, and Focus Brands.
D’Wayne’s contributions have played a crucial role in the swift expansion of our collection of residential and commercial service brands. His central objective is to embolden aspiring entrepreneurs by facilitating their journey to take charge of their futures through franchise business ownership.
