Richard’s Foodporium™ Directors

John Rorer - Proprietor

John Rorer has been in the natural foods industry for over twenty-eight years. His career began in the early 1980’s as retail Store Manager On the fast track to succeed; John applied himself to become a top performing Field Representative for Twinlab by 1990. While at Twinlab, he also learned other vital components of the industry such as manufacturing and distribution. In 1994, John joined two other partners in developing a new natural food store concept and subsequently they purchased the former, “Richard’s Whole Foods” chain in July 1997. With a vision of growth and in order to position the chain for expansion, in 2005, John Rorer acquired sole proprietorship. A few years later, in conjunction with his decision to implement a unique store design, he decided to become a Franchisor, and then the name Richard’s Foodporium™ was born. With past success in other areas of Retail, Real Estate Investments, Sub-Contracting, Graphic Design, and Food Services, John’s knowledge of the natural food industry along with the plethora of business expertise, astuteness, and vision combined to form the leader and entrepreneur that embodies Richard’s Foodporium™ today. His Franchisees indisputably agree to his impeccable character and genuine concern and respect for others. Under his tutelage, his Corporate Team of Directors are equipped to excel and serve all franchisees.

Currently John Rorer serves as our Managing Member and has done so since our incorporation in July 2009. In addition, since their inception, John Rorer has served as President/Manager of our Parent and Affiliate organizations, Opportunity Central Holding Company, LLC, Whole Foods, Inc., Opportunity Central Distribution Services, LLC, Opportunity Central Retail Services, LLC, and Commodity Packaging, LLC in Sarasota, Florida.

Matt Woodbury - General Operations Manager

Matt Woodbury graduated the University of Central Florida with a B.S. in Economics and a minor in Business Management. While attending UCF, Matt was honored for his leadership and participation in various business related projects. In January 2009, Matt joined Richard’s Foodporium™ at the store level and quickly became an expert on all operational policies and procedures. Matt rapidly proved himself to be an effective manager and leader with a strong work ethic, the ability to multi-task, and directing others. Due to his highly advanced skill set and exceptional performance along with a broad understanding of technology, business management, and finances, Matt was promoted to Project Director, where he planned, organized and implemented all events, new undertakings, and initiated systems for Richard’s Foodporium™ franchise operations. In this position Matt servesas a liaison between franchisees, the Team of Directors and John Rorer. Recently promoted to General Operations Manager, Matt now works directly with John Rorer to coordinate the Management Team’s efforts. Matt oversees all corporate, franchised and affiliate operations and their corresponding long term goals.

Diana Capirano - Director of Franchise Development and Franchise Operations

Diana Capirano graduated Villanova University, with a B.S. in Biology. Diana has always been connected to the field of health and wellness, although choosing retail as her career. She piloted start-up and expansion initiatives into Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions for the mega-retailer, The Gap, Inc. and Banana Republic. In the 1990’s, she took Nutri-System Weight Loss Centers to new heights through strategizing and implementing new trainings, pricing structures, policies and procedures. As Regional Franchise Operations Manager, Diana visited franchise sites to facilitate trainings, coach performance, and work with owners on operational compliance. She supported franchisees and area developers with site selection, staff planning, setting and achieving sales and operational goals. Diana was promoted to Director of National Sales Development for the company, where she impacted unprecedented sales gains and profit margins. Later, as Director of Retail Stores for QVC, Inc., Diana served as principal divisional executive for the TV retailer to maximize recovery from loss liquidation. Her skills in benchmarking, analysis, sales, and cultivating superior customer service have won her many awards and accolades in the retail arena. With her rich experience and intuitive leadership skills, Diana is tasked with developing the franchise business for Richard’s Foodporium™ as well as operational support for existing franchisees.

Karen Abbattista - Director of Finance and Human Resources

Karen Abbattista, A National Merit Scholar at Dickinson College brings over twenty plus years of experience in the natural foods industry. Karen was a sociology and psychology major when a part time job in her senior year permanently altered her career path. Combining a passion for health and fitness with a desire to learn and grow professionally, Karen has held multiple positions in the natural foods industry in both the public and the private sector. Karen was a Buyer, a Store Manager, and Human Resource Director for the Natural Retail Group (NRG Markets), the retail supermarket division of UNFI. Contributing her vast knowledge and skills, Karen was able to help take Richard’s Foodporium™ to a whole new level as she joined the Management Team in August 2000 as Assistant General Manager. A key individual in the organization, Karen wears several hats as she serves as Director of Finance and Director of Human Resources. Karen’s unyielding attention to detail and knowledge of all aspects of the Richard’s Foodporium™ operation, qualifies her as a valuable resource to the franchisees on many levels. Karen’s laser focus, sense of ownership, and sincere support of others is evident in her commitment to improving our company’s top and bottom lines.

Linda Sheehan - Director of Marketing

Linda Sheehan graduated New College, the Honors College of University of Southern Florida with a Degree in Political Science.  She had been an owner and proprietor of two advertising agencies specializing in natural health and retail strategic planning and marketing since 1987.  Linda’s knowledge and expertise in the natural foods industry included time with Bread & Circus in Boston (now Whole Foods Market) and The Granary Natural Foods Market in Sarasota, FL. Her pioneering research at the Granary led to co-founding Living Naturally, a health related, industry specific on- line network, in 1999. There she was actively involved with research and development of their retail product lines in website hosting, inventory replenishment, and loyalty marketing. Linda provided Living Naturally retailers with training and consultation for maximizing their Return on Investment. Her range of skills and proficiencies covers all aspects of marketing: public relations, event planning, print advertising, and emerging online, email and social media marketing. Her special interest in analysis and tactical execution is helping Richard’s to create exposure and increase revenues. Linda is poised to support franchisees marketing and advertising needs while educating them how to maximize their efforts.

Ben Adler - Director of Information Technology

Ben Adler graduated from Penn State University in 1993 with a Bachelor’s degree in Humanities. Ben’s computer experience began as a hobbyist in the later 1980’s. Applying his self-taught skills, in the mid 19990’s, Ben Adler took a position with an Internet Service Provider while working as an IT technician for an architectural company. He then went to work for the York Railway company maintaining their network between York PA, Auburn ME, and Quebec. Upon relocating to Florida, Ben joined Sprint HSDC as a Level 2 Technical Support Representative where he effectively problem solved logistical issues and customer concerns. In October, 2004, Ben joined Richard’s Foodporium™ as Director of Information Technology. Since then, Ben has guided the company with Point of Sale (hardware, software), other operating systems, data retrieval and reporting, logistical solutions, as well as integrating a new inventory and loyalty program. Ben’s experience provides well researched direction and ultimate support for the Richard’s Foodporium™ Corporate Team of Directors, company stores, and franchisee start-up as well as ongoing franchise IT assistance.

Joseph Scarry - Director of Retail Operations

Joe Scarry has worked for Richard’s Foodporium™ since March 2006, starting as a Store Manager at the Clark Road store. After learning about the operation from the ground up and displaying a broader skill set, Joe was promoted to Director of Purchasing for the entire chain and held that position for one year. As Director of Purchasing, Joe learned the buying and distribution side of Richard’s Foodporium™ and was able to impact the diversification of product in the stores. Again displaying skills that were worthy of a promotion, Joe Scarry then became the Director of Retail Operations position. His background in retail business stems from a long career with Kash n’ Karry Food Stores Inc. in Venice, Florida from February 1978 to October 2005. Having worked there for 27 years starting as a service clerk and working his way up to Store Manager, a position he held for 15 years. His greatest joy is working with people and the interaction with customers as well as co-workers. When not at work, he enjoys NASCAR, football and his family. He also enjoys participating in local trivia games with friends.

Rob Azeff - Director of Purchasing

Rob Azeff received his degree from Kutztown University. He was an Owner/Operator of a seafood restaurant in Glenside, PA. for twelve years until he relocated to Florida in August 1997. Rob’s industry experience began with the Natural Retail Group (NRG Markets), the retail supermarket division of UNFI, in Palm Harbor. At the NRG store in Sarasota (The Granary), Rob was the Produce Manager. He was quickly promoted to Assistant Store Manager and due to his knowledge and his unyielding drive for excellence; Rob was promoted again to Store Manager of one of the highest volume NRG stores. In 2005, after mastering all aspects of store operations, he was promoted once again to NRG’s Corporate Buyer. In March 2009, Rob Azeff joined the Richard’s Foodporium™ Team as Director of Purchasing. Now with over fifteen years of industry experience, Rob is responsible for purchasing and placement of all new products, coordinating the Monthly Sales advertising program, reviewing P & L statements, and overseeing product resets. Rob’s constant review of the market and competition contributes to Richard’s success in maintaining the competitive edge with products and pricing. Overseeing the Opportunity Central Distribution Services warehouse staff, he stands ready to help plan and expedite inventory and logistics for all of the franchise locations.