RON GARTLAN
Ron Gartlan graduated from Creighton University in Omaha, NE with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 1969. Upon graduation, Gartlan accepted a position with the accounting firm of Coopers and Lybrand. In that same year, Gartlan was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed in Vietnam. After his discharge in 1971, Gartlan resumed his position at Coopers and Lybrand where he became partner in 1981. One year later, Gartlan joined Godfather’s Pizza, Inc. as Treasurer and VP of Finance. In 1985, Gartlan was named VP of Corporate Development and was promoted to Executive VP of Strategy, Synergy and Services in 1986.
On September 16, 1988, Gartlan along with Herman Cain and the corporate’s senior management team became the new owners of Godfather’s Pizza, Inc. Gartlan then became the Chief Operating Officer. In June 1995, Gartlan assumed the role of President and in December of 1996, he obtained his current title and role of President and CEO.
Gartlan is a member of the Creighton University Board of Directors. Godfather’s Pizza is also the first national sponsor of Boys Town whose mission is to change how the world cares for children, families and communities.
Kathleen Johnson
Kathy Johnson began working for Godfather’s Pizza, Inc. in 1983 at the St. Cloud, Minnesota location while going to college. Johnson loved her time spent in the store so much that she worked her way into a management position in a Minneapolis Godfather’s Pizza franchise. This training provided her the opportunity needed to make her next move. In 1999 Johnson and her family relocated to Omaha where she became Vice President of Human Resources at the Godfather’s Pizza, Inc. Headquarters.
Today, after 34 years of service to Godfather’s Pizza, Inc., Johnson is the Senior Vice President of Franchise Services and provides leadership to the areas of franchise services, development, retail and corporate stores.
DAVE GARTLAN
Vice President of Development
After graduating from Creighton University in 2001 with a Bachelors of Arts Degree, Dave Gartlan began working at Godfather’s Pizza, Inc. as a Research & Development Assistant. Gartlan was promoted to Project Manager in 2002 and in 2005 became a Sales Associate. By 2006, Gartlan was the Director of Site Coordination and from there he became Director of Franchise Development – Non-Traditional Operations in 2009.
In August of 2016, Gartlan assumed his current position as Vice President of Development and is responsible for the implementation of Godfather’s Pizza, Inc. acquisitions and franchise development strategy in markets across the United States.
BRUCE JUST
Vice President Franchise Services-Traditional
After graduating from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with a Master’s Degree in Business Management, Bruce Just began working for Godfather’s Pizza, Inc. in 1992 as restaurant General Manager. Just returned to the company in December of 2009 as District Manager. In 2010 Just worked as GPI’s Senior District Manager, and in September of 2011 he became Franchise Operations Manager. In 2014 Just became Director of Franchise Operations.
Just was promoted to Vice President Franchise Services in August 2019. He provides expertise in assisting franchisees in all facets of their business. Among his core competencies are equipment maintenance, revenue maximization, cost management, P&L analysis, business plan writing, training, and strategic management.
BECKY BLAUFUSS
Director of Franchise Services-Non-Tradional
Becky Blaufuss graduated from the University of Nebraska—Omaha with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 2002. After teaching for two years, Blaufuss became a District Supervisor of Kum & Go out of Des Moines, IA in 2005. In 2013 she joined Godfather’s Pizza, Inc. as District Manager of Corporate Stores. Blaufuss then became Licensed Product Manager in June of 2015.
In January 2017, Blaufuss was made Franchise Business Consultant and then in June 2020 was promoted to Director. She is responsible for supporting franchisees in all aspects of their business including operational support, financial analysis and marketing.
We are looking for leaders to join in our success for the next 40 years and beyond.
Be a Part of the Success
Pizza has seen a lot of changes since its invention. Competitors have come and gone. But Godfather’s Pizza has stood the test of time. Our Quick Service Restaurant concept has expanded to more than 40 states in operations ranging from traditional dine-in restaurants to express outlets such as airports, convenience stores and college campuses.
Put Your Experience to Good Use
The requirements to begin your own operation is $200,000 minimum net worth (excluding personal residence and personal property and including, but not limited to, vehicles, furniture and jewelry) of which $100,000 should be liquid assets (excluding any retirement account including 401Ks, IRAs and pensions). You need a minimum of one year operations/management experience in the restaurant business; or you can hire someone with that experience to be your operator.
Assemble Your Crew
You must also follow equipment and décor specifications, attend a ten day certified training class for Traditional and Delco models or a five day certified training class for Express models, have proof of insurance, hire a manager on staff with minimum one year restaurant experience, and be a team player.
Our franchising process consists of six steps designed to ensure the absolute best possible outcome from the very start all the way through to the very end. Each step is required and builds upon the last.
1. Survey and Financial Application
2. National Headquarters
The investor will travel to Omaha, Nebraska where he or she will be introduced to the entire Godfather’s Pizza concept. The day would include meeting the family of owners, executives, research and development and marketing in addition to dining at a nearby Godfather’s Pizza restaurant to look at décor and product.