Leadership

Kevin K. Cushing
Chief Executive Officer
As Chief Executive Officer for AlphaGraphics, Inc., Kevin K. Cushing is responsible for driving overall business operations and leading a systemwide effort to pursue opportunities and increase global business. Cushing has more than 25 years of experience in operations, finance, sales and marketing, real estate development and managing large and small organisations.

Before joining AlphaGraphics, Inc., Cushing created Progressive Partners in Minneapolis, MN, with the sole purpose of owning and operating AlphaGraphics centres in the Twin Cities market. Progressive Partners opened its first location in downtown Minneapolis, MN in 1995 and a second location in Plymouth, MN, in 1998. Both locations were among the first AlphaGraphics locations to be accredited with ISO certifications, signifying they had met international quality management and assurance standards. Cushing’s superior leadership and visionary approach to quality operations, outside sales and e-Commerce initiatives proved to be a successful combination. He has earned numerous awards, including the AlphaGraphics Rising Star Award, Chairman’s Club Award and Gold Circle Status every year since 1998.

Cushing’s foray into the franchise business industry came during his post as President of Terratron Inc., a company responsible for turning around franchise restaurants that experienced significant operational challenges. During his time with Terratron Inc., Cushing led the firm’s growth to become the fourth largest operator of Hardee’s Restaurants in the U.S., operating 80 locations in seven states and employing more than 3,000 people. Cushing held several positions at Terratron Inc., including Vice President and Director of Leasing, and Leasing for commercial real estate properties.

A native of Chicago, IL, Cushing attended Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, where he earned a B.A. in 1978. He also earned his M.B.A from The University of Chicago in 1982. Heavily involved in his community, Cushing has served on the Board of Directors for the Special Olympics in Utah, sponsored events for the San Miguel Middle School and the Hennepin Theatre Trust in Minneapolis and coached Little League baseball.

Darnell Ghidotti
Vice President, Business Solutions
Darnell Ghidotti oversees development and implementation of the company’s training, technology, special events and research and development initiatives. The Business Solutions Group is responsible for assessment, development, implementation and training of the primary franchise business process and tools used by the AlphaGraphics Network.

Ghidotti has more than 15 years of operational, training, technical and management experience with AlphaGraphics, Inc. Since she began working for AlphaGraphics in August of 1990, Ghidotti has held increasingly responsible positions in technology and training. In 2000, she was promoted to the Director of Business Software and Services, and in 2005, she was appointed Senior Director, Training and Technology.

A native of Colorado, Ghidotti served six years in the U.S. Navy and earned her B.S. from the University of Maryland. She and her husband, who are avid runners and dog fans, have a 20-year-old son and volunteer for sports and football programs in their local community.

Art Coley
Senior Director of Franchise Development
Art Coley leads the company’s franchise development strategies and implementation, working with company team members as well as outside resources to grow the AlphaGraphics franchise network.

Before joining AlphaGraphics, Coley was Executive Vice President of Franchising for the International Center for Entrepreneurial Development (ICED). ICED is the franchisor of concepts such as Computer Explorers, Kwik Kopy, Women’s Health Boutique and Parcel Plus. In addition, Coley served as president of Computer Explorers for four years, growing the number of locations from 58 to 105. Coley’s experience also includes owning and operating a successful small business. He is a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE).

Randy Plant
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary
Randy Plant joined AlphaGraphics, Inc. as CFO in August of 2003. His most recent position was Chief Financial Officer for Flying J Oil & Gas Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Flying J Inc. From 1985 until 1997, Plant was vice president and controller for Huntsman Corporation, the largest privately held chemical company in the U.S. His experience also includes nine years with financial consulting firm Arthur Andersen & Co. Plant earned a B.A. from the University of Utah and an M.B.A. from Northwestern University. He is a certified public accountant and is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and Financial Executives International. He is an active member of his community, serving several youth sports programs as coach.  

David Kovacs
Director of US Operations
David Kovacs joined AlphaGraphics, Inc. in 2006 as Director of US Operations. As Operations Director, he leads a team of AlphaGraphics Service Centre and field personnel who provide support, training and consultation services to AlphaGraphics US franchisees.

David has more than 18 years of experience in the print industry. In 1990, he took over a bankrupt business to form his own print company and began printing in his garage and basement. In 1992, he joined Dayton, New Jersey, AlphaGraphics location as their in-house print department, providing posters and mailing. Four years later, he purchased that AlphaGraphics business centre, and he continues to operate it today. Kovacs’ business centre has been recognised by AlphaGraphics with many awards, including Gold Circle, an award for top sales performance, and Best Operations, awarded annually an AlphaGraphics business centre for excellence in sales, operations and profitability.