Our Team | Fulenwider Enterprises

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 Founders

Verbon Fulenwider

1915-1982

"Big Mike" Fulenwider

1947-2020

Owners & Executive Team

Michael Fulenwider

CEO / Owner

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Brian Goldstein

President / COO / Owner

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Aric Whisnant

CIO

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Mary Ann Campbell

CPO

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Kelly Bunyea

CFO

Virginia Fulenwider

Marketing Manager / Owner

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Tomra Martin

Executive Assistant – Morganton Office Manager

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Melanie Miles

Executive Assistant / Office Manager CLT

Operations Team

Michael Audette

Vice President – KFC

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Gary Mingo

Vice President – Taco Bell

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Pat Ahearn

Director of Restaurant Excellence

Brian Quintana

Director of Operations – KFC

Orlando Castrillo

Director of Operations – KFC

John Sherrill

Director of Operations – Taco Bell

Josh Goldstein

Director of Operations – KFC

Michael Cook

Director of Operations - KFC

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 tripled from $75 million in 2015 to over $250 million today.

Fulenwider Enterprises currently operates 149 restaurants in 6 states and employs more than 3,600 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.

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.

Hey there! My name is Virginia Fulenwider and I am the Marketing Manager 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 Marketing Manager!

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!

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 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.

Hello! My name is Tijwanna Ketter, and I am the Director of Human Resources 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 Albany State University 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 am married to my husband, Eugene, and love spending time with my daughter Madison, reading, volunteering at my Church, and chaperoning my 8-year-old social butterfly to swimming and dance classes.

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!

Our Culture

Our Vision

Our Mission

Our Founders

Verbon Fulenwider

"Big Mike" Fulenwider

Owners & Executive Team

Michael Fulenwider

Brian Goldstein

Aric Whisnant

Mary Ann Campbell

Kelly Bunyea

Virginia Fulenwider

Tomra Martin

Melanie Miles

Operations Team

Michael Audette

Gary Mingo

Pat Ahearn

Brian Quintana

Orlando Castrillo

John Sherrill

Josh Goldstein

Michael Cook

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