Meet the Team

Ray Titus is the CEO of United Franchise Group and its affiliated companies. Mr. Titus is a life-long entrepreneur who began his career with his father, franchising legend Roy Titus, and went on to develop a group of successful brands and franchise development services. Ray founded Signarama, growing it into the leading sign franchise in the world and laying the foundation for what has become United Franchise Group (UFG), The Global Leader for Entrepreneurs. Today UFG affiliated brands are among the most recognized within multiple industries, from franchise services to the family of affiliated franchise brands within the United Franchise Group division. Ray’s commitment to franchising helped establish the Titus Center for Franchising at Palm Beach Atlantic University, the first university center of its kind. His philosophies on growth, positive attitude, and family influence the core values that have driven success within the award-winning brands he has developed from conception to international expansion.

Tipton Shonkwiler is the Brand President for Accurate Franchising and also the President UFG Consulting Division. Tipton has been with United Franchise Group for more than 20 years. He has been working in the franchise industry for the past 35 years and has served in various capacities including franchise development, sales and marketing, international master license sales, international brand development, along with having the direct responsibility for the day to day operations for several UFG brands throughout his career. Tipton is a Certified Franchise Executive within the International Franchise Association and holds a Franchise MBA from Nova Southeastern University. Originally from Ohio, Tipton now resides with his wife and 3 kids in Palm Beach County, FL.

Michael Brugger is the President of Franchise Real Estate & the Services Division. Mike joined United Franchise Group (UFG) in 1994 and has been very successful in overseeing multiple departments of the company since. In 2000, Mike opened and managed the very first EmbroidMe store in West Palm Beach, FL. Among many other roles, Mike has managed UFG’s marketing, technology, and training departments and spent 4 years as the President of Fully Promoted where he lead the Fully Promoted team to help the brand and franchise owners grow profitability. Most recently Mike transitioned to President of Franchise Real Estate & the Services Division where he oversees UFG’s real estate team to find ideal locations for our franchise owners and clients to get them open as quick as possible while setting them up for success.Michael White began his career as a Marketing Consultant for Signarama in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina. He officially joined us in 2008, when he was named a Regional Director for Starpoint Brands affiliated brands Signarama and Fully Promoted in the Carolinas. Over the past 15 years, Michael has worked up the ranks to become Chief Development Officer, where he oversees franchise sales and the development of our family of brands. In addition, he also serves as the President of Venture X, working towards elevating franchise owner success.

Michael White began his career as a Marketing Consultant for Signarama in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina. He officially joined us in 2008, when he was named a Regional Director for Starpoint Brands affiliated brands Signarama and Fully Promoted in the Carolinas. Over the past 15 years, Michael has worked up the ranks to become Chief Development Officer, where he oversees franchise sales and the development of our family of brands. In addition, he also serves as the President of Venture X, working towards elevating franchise owner success.

Chad Palmer has been with United Franchise Group since 2018 and has held roles as VP of Digital Marketing and VP of Franchise Development. He brings to AFI over 20+ years of Digital Marketing expertise in both franchising and multi-location businesses. Often featured as a guest panelist or as a podcast guest speaking on the latest trends in marketing, Chad is regarded as an industry expert and is a valuable resource for AFI clients. He has a passion for helping entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality. He also heads our Extended Support Program which is designed to give emerging brands the support they need most to succeed and grow.

As the Chief Technology Officer, Max Taha directs the company’s online presence and its technology platforms, from websites, networking to franchisee store management and support tools. Max started his career in a Signarama store in Fargo, ND before transitioning in 2011 to the Corporate office in West Palm Beach, FL.

As Regional Vice President at Accurate Franchising Inc., Mike Landis specializes in guiding businesses through the franchising process to achieve scalable growth. Prior to this role, he contributed to the development of several United Franchise Group brands. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Florida Atlantic University, he resides in South Florida with his wife, Brittany, their daughter, Layla, and their son, Lucas. Mike is deeply committed to ensuring clients’ success throughout and beyond their franchise development journey.

Jason Jacobson has been with United Franchise Group since 2014 in a variety of capacities with the company, and most recently transitioned over to Accurate Franchising in early 2021. He is responsible for project managing the entire development process for our clients, to include Strategic Planning, legal document creation, operations assistance and Sales and Marketing. He takes great pride in helping our clients develop their businesses into a lucrative and profitable franchise concept. He is originally from Islip, NY and now lives locally in West Palm Beach, FL with his wife, Jill, daughter Emma, and twin sons Pearce and Dylan.

Michael Bickford is the Client Development Manager at Accurate Franchising, Inc., where he focuses on driving franchise growth through client development and sales strategies. He specializes in identifying and engaging potential clients to expand partnerships and enhance the company’s Extended Support Program, delivering tailored solutions to help franchisors achieve their goals. With a proven track record as a top-performing sales professional and experience in operations and logistics, Michael brings a results-driven mindset and commitment to franchise success.

Nadeen Retzler has been with United Franchise Group since 2008, with her career starting as the Director of First Impressions. Nadeen has held numerous positions at UFG including Communications Specialist, Franchise Development Representative, Executive Assistant and UFG Global Coordinator. She has been working with our Master License Partners around the world and takes great pride in assisting them with a “What Ever It Takes” attitude. Nadeen enjoys cruising and spending time with her family.

Diego Verd is the Sales & Marketing Representative for Accurate Franchising Inc and is also the Sales Representative for Latin American and the Caribbean. He has been with the company since 2018, with his career starting as a Franchise Development Representative. Diego is originally from the Dominican Republic and moved to West Palm Beach, FL to get his bachelor’s degree in Finance.