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Our Board of Directors brings decades of combined experience in franchise law, operations, and business development. These industry leaders guide our organization's mission to educate and connect the Philadelphia franchise community.
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Co-Founder and Franchise Attorney, Spadea Lignana LLC
Tom Spadea is a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) with extensive experience representing both franchisors and franchisees. His legal practice builds on more than fifteen years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience in the franchise industry.
Tom's executive background includes senior positions with major franchise systems including Saladworks, Huntington Learning Centers, and Rita's Water Ice. This hands-on operational experience gives him unique insight into the practical challenges facing franchise businesses.
Prior to his legal career, Tom worked as a Franchise and Business Broker for Sunbelt of Philadelphia and was the owner and President of LPB Communications where he co-founded a manufacturing facility in Latin America.
Tom holds a law degree from Temple University's Beasley School of Law and graduated Cum Laude with a Finance degree from Marquette University.
Co-Founder and Franchise Attorney, Spadea Lignana LLC
Josh Lignana brings over fifteen years of securities and finance experience to the Philadelphia Franchise Alliance. His combined business and legal background provides valuable perspective on issues affecting franchise businesses and their stakeholders.
Josh's approach focuses on helping clients balance the pursuit of their legal rights with maintaining valuable business relationships and achieving strategic objectives. This pragmatic viewpoint informs his contributions to the Alliance's educational mission.
A graduate of Rutgers School of Law in Camden, Josh also holds undergraduate degrees in Physics and Political Science from Rutgers College in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
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Managing Partner, DOXA Talent
Nicole Smith helps businesses scale through ethical outsourcing and strategic delegation. Her organization development background informs her approach to franchise operations and growth.
Nicole's franchise industry experience includes serving as Chief of Staff at a national franchise law firm, where she now sits on the Board of Directors. She is a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE), demonstrating her commitment to professional excellence in the franchise industry.
A Philadelphia native and Temple University graduate, Nicole combines local knowledge with global perspective, helping businesses leverage talent solutions to achieve their growth objectives.
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