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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Kevin Coffey

Development Director

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Adam McCurry

Development Director

Tomra Martin

Morganton - Office Manager - Executive Admin

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Operations Team

Michael Audette

VP-KFC

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Gary Mingo

VP - Taco Bell

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Kevin Gainey

VP - KFC

Clay Brown

Director of Operations

John Sherrill

Market Coach

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

Cherie Ellerbie

Charlotte - Office Manager

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

Al Benson

Payroll Specialist

Ashlee Sherill

Staff Accountant

Catering and Outside Client Stores Team

Kathy Burton

Colonel's Pantry Manager

Geoff Harvey

BBQ Concept Leader

Information Technologies Team

Aric Whisnant

CIO

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Steven Yang

IT Administrator

Aaron Dennie

IT Technician

Michael Harris

IT Technician

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.

Executive Bio Questionnaire

Name? Virginia Fulenwider
Where are you from? Where do you live now? Morganton, NC
Do you have any kids? What are their names?
Do you have any pets? What kind?
3 Dogs!
When did you start with Fulenwider? Birth!
What position do you hold now? What positions have you held to get here? Chief Marketing Officer – Worked in a wide variety of positions at Fulenwider Enterprises
What are your hobbies? Graphic Design, Dog Care
What do you do for fun? Takes her dogs for a walk
What are you passionate about? Dog Care, Graphic Design, and Fulenwider Enterprises
What is your favorite color? Blue
What is your favorite animal? I love all 3 of my dogs equally

Quick Fulenwider Summary:

Virginia Fulenwider is the youngest of the three Fulenwider siblings. She graduated from NC State University and has worked in a wide variety of positions at Fulenwider Enterprises – ranging from serving at Judge’s Riverside to training managers at Taco Bell to her current position as Fulenwider Enterprises’ Chief Marketing Officer. Virginia is passionate about dogs, and spending quality time in her hometown of Morganton, NC with her husband, Bobby.

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.

Name? Kevin Coffey
Where are you from? Where do you live now? Blowing Rock and now in Morganton
Do you have any kids? What are their names? 3 children (now old people) Natalie Clark, Brandon Coffey, Lauren Morgan
Do you have any pets? What kind? How old are they and what are their names? NO
When did you start with Fulenwider?1976
What position do you hold now? What positions have you held to get here? Director of Development………… hourly employee, shift mgr, assist manager, RGM, Area coach, Director of Ops, Training director, Director of Facilities and now Development
What are your hobbies? Family, Music, guitar, golf, fish, wood working
What do you do for fun? Family, golf, fish
What are you passionate about? Family and yard work
What is your favorite color? Green
What is your favorite place to visit? Anna Marie Island
What is the coolest thing you’ve ever done? Build a house with lots of help
Who is your role model? Big Mike
What is your favorite animal? Dog
Did you go to school? Where? What did you get your degree in? Caldwell Comm College Lenoir 2 years, no degree, I was offered my own store so I pursued KFC management

Name? Tomra T. Martin
Where are you from? Where do you live now? I am from Morganton and still live here.
Do you have any kids? What are their names? I am married to Bobby and we have a son named Jaylan.
Do you have any pets? What kind? How old are they and what are their names? N/A
When did you start with Fulenwider? I started with Fulenwider on February 23, 1998
What position do you hold now? I am currently the Executive Assistant to the CEO, Michael Fulenwider and the Office Manager. What positions have you held to get here? In 1998, I began my career here as the receptionist. Throughout my tenure I have been the Operations Assistant, COO Assistant, HR Assistant and the Executive Assistant to the President and Vice President.
What are your hobbies?
What do you do for fun? In my free time, I like spending time with my family.
What are you passionate about?
What is your favorite color? Red
What is your favorite place to visit? The beach is my favorite place to visit. It’s my quiet place.
What is the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Who is your role model? My parents are my role models. They taught me to stand for what I believe in and to treat people the way that I want to be treated.
What is your favorite animal? N/A
Did you go to school? Yes Where? WPCC What did you get your degree in? I received a Certificate in Human Resources Management.

Michael Audette
Where are you from? Tampa Florida Where do you live now? Charlotte NC
Do you have any kids? 4 kids Nick, Jennifer, Jeffrey and Caleb and 9 grandkids Cloey, Ali, Jeffrey, Brinlee, Colt, Everly, AJ, Robin, Emily
We have a dog who is 2 years old his name is Charlie. Shih tzu and Chihuahua mix
When did you start with Fulenwider? July 2018
What position do you hold now? VP of Operations. Before this I was the franchisee business coach for KFC corporate
What are your hobbies? MMA, Scuba Diving, Fishing, Playing Sports and Astronomy
What do you do for fun? Fishing and Hiking
What are you passionate about? Astronomy, Fishing and Helping people grow
What is your favorite color? Too many and it depends on the item.
What is your favorite place to visit? Boston or any place I have yet to explore.
What is the coolest thing you’ve ever done? Scuba diving in the Grand Caymans 140’ wreck dive
Who is your role model?
What is your favorite animal? None really
Did you go to school? Where? What did you get your degree in? Some college but never finished.

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.

Name? Pamela Brabb
Where are you from? Where do you live now? I live in York South Carolina
Do you have any kids? What are their names? 2 sons (Brandon and Spencer) and 3 granddaughters (Summer, Peyton and Vanessa)
Do you have any pets? What kind? How old are they and what are their names?
When did you start with Fulenwider? June 22^nd 2011 after 19 ½ with Corporate Taco Bell
What position do you hold now? What positions have you held to get here? Director of Restaurant Excellence. Shift Manager, Assistant Manager, RGM, Training Manager, Area Coach, Field Training Manager, Ops Leader and Director of Training.
What are your hobbies? Gardening
What do you do for fun? Play with my granddaughters and garden
What are you passionate about? People and training
What is your favorite color? Pastels
What is your favorite place to visit? Anna Maria Island in Florida
What is the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Who is your role model?
What is your favorite animal?
Did you go to school? Where? What did you get your degree in?

I started out with Taco Bell in 1992 as a Shift Manager within 5 years I was running a restaurant in Rock Hill South Carolina. Ran Rock Hill for about 2 years then took over Gastonia Taco Bell where I was the RGM/Restaurant Training Manager for about 2 years when I was promoted to Area Coach supporting 2 stores in Monroe, 2 in Rock Hill, Lancaster, Shelby and Gastonia for about 9 years. I was then promoted to Field Training manager of the Mid Atlantic Territory supporting both Company and Franchise restaurants in Virginia, Georgia, North and South Caroline, Ohio, and Maryland. I traveled 4-5 days a week for 1 year when I was promoted to Ops Leader for 33 corporate and 51 franchise restaurants. After being the Ops Leader for 2 years I moved from work for corporate to working for Fulenwider Enterprises where I started as the Director of Training for only half the company but as the company grew, I quickly found myself supporting the entire company. I have enjoyed every day working for Fulenwider because of the family culture and how much leadership really cares for people.

Name? Tijwanna Ketter
Where are you from? Where do you live now? From Augusta, GA! I’ve lived in the Charlotte Metro area for the past 12 years.
Do you have any kids? What are their names? One daughter, Madison. She is a total sweetheart!
Do you have any pets? What kind? How old are they and what are their names? New pet fish, Jase!
When did you start with Fulenwider? 2009
What position do you hold now? What positions have you held to get here? I begin as an Administrative Assistant back in ’09. I have also been the Office Manager for the Charlotte Office. I begin working as an HR Specialist in 2013 and was promoted to HR Manager in 2019.
What are your hobbies? Reading, volunteering at church and chaperoning my 6-year-old social butterfly to swimming and dance classes.
What do you do for fun? Visit my family and friends back in Georgia and grilling in the backyard.
What are you passionate about? Faith and family.
What is your favorite color? Red – Go Bulldogs!!
What is your favorite place to visit? Anyplace that has a beautiful, sandy beach.
What is the coolest thing you’ve ever done? Hiked to the top of mountain. Absolutely breathtaking.
Who is your role model? My 94-year-old grandmother. She is honest, lives life to the fullest and has no regrets.
What is your favorite animal? Cheetahs
Did you go to school? Where? What did you get your degree in? Bachelor of Science from Albany State University. Master of Public Administration from Augusta State University.

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!