Eric Stensland

I am an accomplished professional in the franchising industry with expertise in field marketing, operations and business consulting, specializing in QSR and retail. After graduating from SUNY Fredonia with a degree in Business Administration, I dedicated 30 fulfilling years to building brands including Dunkin', Baskin-Robbins, Togos and Wegmans.

I'm a proud Upstate New York native who has built a wonderful life and family in Syracuse, the epicenter of the region. I am particularly passionate about building brand awareness through marketing differentiation, developing strong partnerships, and supporting local and regional community organizations that make an impact. When I'm not taking brands to the next level, I enjoy the outdoors, traveling, golfing, cheering on my favorite sports teams (Go Orange!), and volunteering at regional Food Banks.

My Story

2020-2021

2007-2020

In 2007, I was promoted to Field Marketing Manager for the Dunkin' brand in Upstate New York where I developed and led the marketing strategy for 8 core and emerging markets across the region. During those 14 years, we launched the iconic America Runs on Dunkin' marketing campaign and grew the Upstate New York region to over 400 restaurants. As an accomplished Field Marketer, I partnered with 57 franchisees and led the Media Planning, Agency Management, Event Activation, Sales Promotion, Sports Marketing, Digital & Social Media and all local and regional Community Engagement efforts.

2003-2007

After being promoted in 2003 to Franchise Operations Manager, I served as a business consultant to a portfolio of 25 franchise owners and provided guidance to over 150 restaurants. I led the brand transformation in Central New York, influenced franchise owners to accelerate remodels, add drive-thru service and increase the pace of development including non-traditional and APOD locations inside universities, hospitals, big-box retailers, airports, military bases, c-stores and arenas.

2000-2003

I began my journey in the franchising industry after joining Allied Domecq QSR as an Operations Consultant in Upstate New York. As a brand expert for Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togos Eatery I created a guest-first culture where I educated and trained franchise owners on new brand initiatives, marketing readiness, brand standards, merchandising and local store marketing opportunities. After being promoted to the Brand Services Manager, I took on responsibilities for a larger portfolio of restaurants throughout the northeast, provided guidance for new restaurant openings, and measured operational and food safety compliance.

1991-2000

I started my career in 1991 working for Wegmans Food Markets where I held various positions over nine years, and I was quickly promoted into management. Due to my multi-concept experience leading operations for Deli, Prepared Foods, Pasta, Coffee Bar, Sub Shop and Asian Cuisine, I was selected as part of the grand opening team and responsible for the success of nearly a dozen new Market Cafes.

Clients

EXPERTISE

•Building Brands
•Franchise Operations
•Brand Differentiation
•Sports Sponsorship
•Community Engagement
•Business Consulting
•Public & Media Relations
•Marketing Activation
•Event Planning
•Media Planning and Advertising

VIEW MY PROFESSIONAL GALLERY

TESTIMONIALS

“In today's environment where we are all tasked with stretching budgets and with generating as much value as possible without the luxury of incremental dollars, Eric is relentless with exploring every avenue to achieve success... Eric has demonstrated a tremendous aptitude in the area of fundraising and development to support non-profit organizations. He led a team of volunteers for several years in producing highly profitable events for various charitable organizations. While there are many golf tournaments and charitable events that tend toward the average, Eric's invariably stood out from the pack due to his fastidious attention to detail and his innate drive to deliver a superior experience for his guests...

I would recommend Eric without reservation to any company or organization seeking a top-notch, driven professional who is not afraid to challenge the status quo to enhance value and increase efficiency in the pursuit of success.”

President at Ed Lewi Associates

Mark Bardack