About Kendall
From busser to C-level executive, Kendall’s experience is distinct, shaping his journey in how he approaches leadership and business. Before turning 35, Kendall served as the President/CEO of 6 different brands across 3 different industries. Regardless of the role or industry, his passion for developing leaders and elevating businesses has remained strong.
He has led successful acquisitions and exits for various brands as a franchisor and has invested in emerging brands as a franchisee along the way. This gives Kendall a unique perspective from both sides of the franchising relationship and taught him how to execute as a small business owner or an enterprise level organization. His extensive knowledge in scaling businesses across different industries is rare and influential.
Kendall grew up, a child of the military, living in twenty-two homes before getting his GED in a small town outside of Dallas, TX. His mind was set on future success, so he worked to expedite his education to pursue an early start on his career. Learning what it meant to embrace change, adapting with resilience, and understanding the importance of stability.
Kendall started working as a busser at age 16, by age 18, he was managing his first restaurant, by 19 leading corporate training and development programs for the fastest growing franchises in the nation. All while living his childhood dream as a professional rollerblader. He reached a point where he had a decision to make; go to college for a diploma or learn from ambitious entrepreneurs building a brand from 7 to 100 locations…he gratefully chose the latter.
Kendall is now a seasoned business and franchising leader with a drive for speaking and consulting with companies of all sizes. In his most recent role at In-Shape, a premier destination for health and fitness, he led them through a re-build in preparation for a merger and acquisition that increased the company’s size by over 50%. Prior to that, Ware led the iconic brands, Cinnabon and Carvel, with over 2,000 locations globally. He also served on the executive leadership team for the other specialty brands in the Focus Brands portfolio, Jamba and Auntie Anne’s.
Highlights
By age 30 he became President & CEO of a $85 million dollar business, Orange Leaf.
Former President of the world’s most iconic cinnamon roll brand that generated $2 billion in annual revenue, Cinnabon.
Former President of the original creator of soft-serve ice cream that generated $500 million in annual revenue, Carvel.
Awarded CFE designation from the International Franchise Association & CHT designation from the American Hotel & Lodging Institute.
Proud father to his two adorable children, Lively & Lucca.
