Our Culture

We have a strong belief in our people. As servant leaders, we will make a difference in each team members personal and professional development. We build great teams one person at a time. We are “Family”.

Our Vision

We will ensure we have the right people in the right places at the right times in order to deliver 100% of the brands expectations and operations processes. Prepare the team to deliver a “Best on Block” experience through the eyes of the guest.

Our Mission

Have fun while consistently delivering on sales and transaction growth through improving our customer measures (Internal and External), which will enable and support long term shareholder value. Building a future.

Our Team

Our Legacy

Verbon Fulenwider

1915-1982

"Big Mike" Fulenwider

1947-2020

Owners & Executive Team

Michael Fulenwider

Owner / CEO

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Brian Goldstein

COO / President / Owner

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Virginia Fulenwider

Marketing Manager / Owner

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Aric Whisnant

CIO

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Mary Ann Campbell

CPO (Chief People Officer)

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Noy Hensley

CFO

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Tomra Martin

Morganton - Office Manager - Executive Admin

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Development Team

Kevin Coffey

Development Director

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Adam McCurry

Development Director

Todd Williams

Development Coordinator

Operations Team

Michael Audette

VP-KFC

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Gary Mingo

VP - Taco Bell

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Kevin Gainey

VP - KFC

John Sherrill

Market Coach

Jeff Moone

Facilities Director

Human Resources Team

Mary Ann Campbell

CPO (Chief People Officer)

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Pamela Brabb

Director of Restaurant Excellence & Training

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Tijwanna Ketter

Field HR Manager

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Kim Burnette

Senior Compliance Analyst

Anthony Monjure III

Benefits Administrator

Tess Lyttle

Executive Admin

Finance Team

Noy Hensley

CFO

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Julie Williams

Accounting Manager

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Teresa Edwards

Staff Accountant

Lisa Xiong

Staff Accountant

Ia Vue

Payroll Manager

Tina Caldwell

Payroll Specialist

Ashlee Sherill

Staff Accountant

Brittany Hodges

Staff Accountant

Catering and Outside Client Stores Team

Kathy Burton

Colonel's Pantry Manager

Lisa Widner

Catering Coordinator

Information Technologies Team

Aric Whisnant

CIO

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Steven Yang

IT Administrator

Aaron Dennie

IT Technician

Michael Harris

IT Technician

Brian Gordon

IT Technician

Jacob Barnett

Loss Prevention

Tyler Hodges

Loss Prevention

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Michael Fulenwider joined Fulenwider Enterprises in May of 2004 and currently lives in Charlotte, NC. He is married to the former Jennifer Hartley of Morganton, NC. Together, they have three daughters, Hannah, Charlotte, Olivia and a son, Michael. Currently serving as Chief Executive Officer, Michael has assumed executive responsibility for real estate functions of the company as well as providing direction to the Company’s Executive Leadership Team. With a vision to become a World Class Franchise organization, Michael has built an upper management team with more than 500 years of Yum! Brands experience. Furthermore, under his leadership the company has enjoyed an unprecedented period of development and growth through the construction of new restaurants and acquisitions. Annual revenues more than doubled from $70 million in 2014 to over $170 million today.

Fulenwider Enterprises currently operates 110 restaurants in 6 states and employs more than 3000 people. In addition to his contributions to Fulenwider Enterprises, Michael currently serves on the KFC US National Marketing Subcommittee. Originally from Morganton, NC Michael has taken an active role in local community service. Specifically, he served as member and chair of the Blue Ridge Community Action Board, a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating poverty in Morganton and surrounding counties through the promotion of self-sufficiency. Michael earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill in 1997 and Master of Business Administration from Colorado University (Boulder) in 2004.

Brian has a strong passion for People, Operations, and Community. He began his career with Taco Bell as a team member 36 years ago at the age of sixteen and a half. He has grown and held various roles in the company including Shift Manager, Assistant Manager, General Manager, Area Coach, Field Training Manager, Market Coach, Director Of Operations, Director of Multi-branding, Franchise On-boarding Director, Division Leader, Sr. VP of Operations. Brian was the COO for KFC and led the KFC Operations turnaround plans for 4 years. During the last 4 years, Brian became a Franchise owner, President, and COO for Fulenwider Enterprises which owns and operates 108 Taco Bell and KFC restaurants in the South East. Fulenwider Enterprises is a family- oriented growth company which is based out of Morganton, NC. Brian has led the system in World Class Operations, People Development, Customer leading results, and Sales and Profit growth. He is known for creating a fun family winning culture with company and franchise owners and operators that ultimately produces consistent top results.

Brian lives in Belmont, NC with his wife Barbara of 30 years and two daughters, Kaitlyn and Cierra. His son Joshua was in the Air Force and is now an Area Coach for Fulenwider Enterprises. His daughter Kaitlyn is a certified RN and works in Hospice. Cierra and Barbara enjoy riding and caring for horses. He also has one grandchild Kinsley who is 3 years old and one grandson on the way due in July 2021. Brian enjoys spending time with his family and doing anything outdoors, especially gardening, riding ATVs, fishing and cooking out. He served on the board of directors for the Armed Forces Foundation which is a non-profit that helps military families by raising money and leading projects at military bases, VA hospitals, and USO centers benefiting the handicapped, injured and families of Veterans. Brian was also involved with Boys & Girls Clubs, St Jude Hospital and World Hunger Relief throughout the country. He is one to give back to others and help anyone in time of need.

Hey there! My name is Virginia Fulenwider and I am Chief Marketing Officer as well as the youngest of the Fulenwider siblings!

I was born in Morganton North Carolina and graduated from North Carolina State University! I got my start with Fulenwider serving at Judges Riverside. After my experience at Judges Riverside, I took the skills I developed and began training managers at Taco Bell where I eventually worked my way to Chief Marketing Officer!

I have 3 adorable dogs that my husband Bobby and I have a deep love for! Aside from my deep passion for Fulenwider, I also love taking care of my dogs, spending time in my hometown with my husband Bobby, and graphic design!

My first job at Fulenwider was my first official job ever – as a KFC cook at 17 years old. I moved from cook to cashier and began training as shift manager before realizing my passion for technology. I worked as a shipping clerk, and eventually, the shipping manager in a local textiles company to help pay for college. After college, I worked in advertising for a trade paper, creating display ads and maintaining the creative side of the network. I transitioned from advertising to computer technology when I found a technician role in a local computer sales, training, and service store. In 2000, and after much experience as the lead (and often, only) tech in the retail store, I accepted a technician position in the IT Department at Fulenwider Enterprises. I focused on bringing efficiency, cost-savings, and customer (coworker) service due to my experience in the retail setting. The technology leadership position opened in 2003, and I was promoted to Chief Information Officer in 2005. I have had the opportunity to travel, learn more about the restaurant industry, and help lead Fulenwider with its technology path since.

Mary Ann Campbell, SHRM-SCP, began her tenure at Fulenwider Enterprises in August of 2017. Prior to joining Fulenwider, Mary Ann worked for Taco Bell Corporate for nearly 30 years, spending the first 14 years in Operations and the next 16 years in Human Resources, consistently progressing into various leadership positions. Mary Ann joined Fulenwider Enterprises as a Human Resource Director, promoting to Vice President in 2019 and assuming the CPO role in December 2020. In her current assignment, she has executive responsibility for all areas of Human Resources at Fulenwider Enterprises and is known for her advocacy and passion for people.

Outside of work, she has spent a significant amount of time counseling victims of abuse and serving in various leadership roles for the church. She is married to Randy and they will soon celebrate their 35^th wedding anniversary. The couple have two grown children, son Joshua (wife Kelsey); daughter Caitlyn, and three grandsons – Lucas, Isaac and Cylis. For fun, the family enjoys camping, swimming, outdoor events and spending time at the beach.

Airnoi (Noy) Hensley, a native of Laos, has lived in Morganton, NC for the past 37 years. She began her tenure at Fulenwider Enterprises in July of 2000 as a part-time Staff Accountant. During the past 20 years Noy’s distinguished performance has resulted in a progression of promotions, culminating in her being named Chief Financial Officer in July of 2017. In her current position, Noyis responsible for the accounting function and strategic financial planning for all Fulenwider entities. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Gardner-Webb University (2007), and a Master of Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University (2012). She is married to Preston Hensley of Morganton, and the couple has 2 children, Daisy, and Isaac.

Hey there! My name is Tomra t. Martin and I am the Executive Administrator at our Morganton location.

I am originally from Morganton and love it so much that I decided to stay here! I began working with Fulenwider in 1998 as a receptionist. Throughout my tenure with Fulenwider, I have also been the Operations Assistant, Chief Operations Officer Assistant, HR Assistant, and Executive Assistant to the Vice President and President where I now operate as the Executive Administrator.

Before Fulenwider, I attended Western Piedmont Community College where I received a certificate in Human Resources Management. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family and visit the beach!

My name is Kevin Coffey and I am the Development Director and best on block builder for Fulenwider Enterprises!

I am originally from Blowing Rock North Carolina but now reside in Morganton North Carolina with my wife! I have 3 children, Natalie, Brandon, and Laura. My tenure with Fulenwider begins in 1976 as an hourly employee. After some time as an hourly employee, I then got promoted to shift manager. Following my time as a shift manager, I was then given a position as an assistant manager, RGM, Area Coach, Director of Operations, Training Director, Director of Facilities, and now operate as the Development Director. My educational path begins at Caldwell Community College in Lenior where I then became pursuant of Fulenwider as a career after being offered my own KFC location to manage.

Outside of Fulenwider, I love to spend time with my family, woodworking, fishing, golf and playing guitar. I am deeply passionate about my family and yard work. Fun fact: One of the coolest things I have ever done is build a house with helping hands from scratch!

My name is Michael Audette and I am the VP of KFC and scuba diver extraordinaire!

I was born in Tampa Florida and moved to Charlotte to Join the Fulenwider team as the Director of KFC operations in 2018. Before becoming the VP of KFC, I was the Franchisee Business Coach for KFC Corporate. I have 4 kids named Nick, Jennifer, Jefferey, and Caleb in addition to 9 grandkids named Cloey, Ali, Brinlee, Colt, Everly, AJ, Robin, and Emily.

On top of having 4 kids and 9 grandkids, I also have been blessed to have a Shih Tzu and Chihuahua mix named Charlie! Outside of Fulenwider, I am passionate about MMA, Scuba Diving, Fishing, Hiking, Playing Sports, and Astronomy. My most proud moment is being able to scuba dive in the Grand Caymans 140’ Wreck dive.

My name is Gary Mingo, and I am currently the Taco Bell vice president of operation.

My previous positions include Area Coach at Taco Bell and Director of operations at KFC in Charlotte. I started with Fulenwider in November of 1998!

I was born and raised in Charlotte. I live there now too, though sometimes my travels take me to one of my favorite cities Atlanta GA, or another new city for work.

One of the things that excites me the most is working with young people from my community who are passionate about making a difference in their social sphere but need some guidance on how to get started.

When I'm not traveling, you can find me grilling out at home while listening to old tunes or working on old cars

I look up to my father but I'm not a parent myself. I have, however, been fortunate enough to be the uncle of six kids.

I attended North Caroline Central University graduating with a BA degree in Criminal Justice.

H! My name is Pamela Brabb, and I am the Director of Restaurant Excellence!

I started with Fulenwider in 2011 after having developed a 19 ½ year tenure with Taco bell corporate.

My exceptional Taco Bell corporate career begins as a shift manager in 1992. After 5 years as a shift manager, I was then provided with the opportunity to run my own store in Rock Hill South Carolina as an assistant manager. After 2 years of exhibiting great tenacity operating my own store in Rock Hill, Taco Bell presented me with the chance to advance my career by becoming the RGM and Restaurant Training Manager for Taco Bell in Gastonia and I happily took the chance! Expanding on my Taco Bell corporate tenure, I then, after 2 years in Gastonia, advanced the skills I had developed and became an Area Coach where I supported 2 stores in Rock Hill, 2 in Monroe, Lancaster, Shelby, and Gastonia. Succeeding my 9-year tenure as an Area Coach, I was then promoted to Field Training Manager covering both franchise and company restaurants in Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. To add to my tenure with Taco Bell, I advanced as the Operations Leader for 33 corporate locations and 51 Fulenwider restaurants. Following my career with Taco Bell Corporate, I moved on to work with Fulenwider Enterprises where I quickly became the Director of Training for the entire company.

Outside of Fulenwider, I have 2 sons named Brandon and Spencer, as well as 3 granddaughters named Summer, Peyton, and Vanessa. Aside from my family, I am also very passionate for people, training, and gardening!

Hello! My name is Tijwanna Ketter, and I am the Field HR Manager and resident Georgia Bulldog fan!

I am originally from Augusta Georgia and have lived in the Charlotte Metro area for 12 years.

Before my career with Fulenwider, I attended the University of Albany where I received A Bachelor of Science followed by A Master of Public Administration from Augusta State University.

My tenure with Fulenwider Enterprises begins as an administrative assistant in 2009. After my stint as an administrative assistant, I advanced to become the office manager for the Charlotte office where I later was promoted to HR specialist in 2013. Succeeding my role as an HR specialist, I became the HR manager in 2019!

Outside of Fulenwider, I love my pet fish Jase, spending time with my daughter Madison, reading, volunteering at my Church, and chaperoning my 6-year-old social butterfly to swimming and dance classes.

My name is Julie Williams, I grew up in Morganton, NC and now lives in Valdese.

I enjoy baking and going to minor league baseball games as hobbies and my furry baby at home is her cat Max.

I started in the Fulenwider office in January 2003 after her time at Butch’s. Currently, I am the Accounting Manager, but my previous positions included Front Desk, Staff Accountant, Payroll, and Assistant Accounting Manager

Purple is my favorite color, family is my favorite place to visit and going on an archeological dig and finging historical artifacts at the McDowell House was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. My mom has been a role model for me throughout everything that we have experienced together. And lastly all animals are equally amazing! 😊

I'm not sure what makes me more proud, my business degree from Western Piedmont Community College or the time I spent studying accounting at Pensacola Christian College. You can't have one without the other!