Benjamin C. Litalien

Certified Franchise Executive

Ben has invested almost two decades in the franchise community, with a broad range of key management and franchise-building experience. His specific strengths are in strategic planning, organizational development, concept management, and franchise system growth. He has developed and implemented strategic plans for a diverse group of companies including a major oil company, quick serve concepts including a sandwich and catering franchise and a national franchiser of food court cafes. Under his direction and management, he forged significant expansion in the United States and abroad, as well as increasing brand awareness and improving profitability.

Currently, Ben is Director of U.S. Dealer Sales for Newbury, Ohio based Kinetico Incorporated. Kinetico manufactures complete systems that improve water quality for general use as well as those that provide high-quality water for consumption. Kinetico quality water systems are used in rural, problem water areas and where water is supplied by municipally controlled water utilities. Innovative technology and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction have distinguished the company and positioned Kinetico as a leader in today's ever-changing water treatment industry.

Ben also serves as Strategic Franchise Advisor for Social Franchise Ventures, LLC (SFV) a Washington, D.C. based consulting firm that exclusively represents nonprofit organizations seeking to enter the franchise community. He is also on staff at Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Education as the Academic Advisor for Entrepreneurship and Franchise programs, and teaches the Franchise Management Certificate program each semester for franchise professional from across the Country.

Prior to SFV, Ben spent four years with the ExxonMobil Fuels Marketing Company as the U.S. Franchise Development Manager based in Fairfax, Virginia. He oversaw the Company's On the Run convenience store franchise for Exxon and Mobil branded distributors in the U.S., generating more than 40 Regional Franchise Developers and securing a 900+ store development schedule.

Ben is a Certified Franchise Executive and recognized speaker for the International Franchise Association on "Turnaround Strategies" and "Franchise Development." He also serves on the advisory board of the newly formed Diversity Institute on the IFA Education Foundation. He has been referenced as a franchising expert in feature articles of Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Chain Leader, Entrepreneur, Supermarket News, Successful Franchising, Convenience Store Decision and Restaurant Hospitality magazines. He has also authored articles that appeared in industry periodicals such as Successful Franchising and Franchising World.

He holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas and an Executive MBA degree from the University of Houston in Houston, Texas. He received his CFE (“Certified Franchise Executive”) designation from the International Franchise Association in 2001.