Meet Our Management : About Annex Brands : Annex Brands, Inc.

Sean has been with Annex Brands since November 1991, starting with the Company as a store manager. Subsequently, he was promoted to Vice President of Franchise Services.

In 2006, he was elevated to the position of Senior Vice President and in April, 2016 to his current position of Executive Vice President with responsibility for strategic planning, training, store buildouts, vendor relations and Franchisee support.

Sean studied at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in Psychology. Immediately after college, he spent two years as a professional cyclist before beginning his career in the industry as a manager of a retail mail and parcel center.

In 2008, the International Franchise Association awarded Sean the industry's designation as a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) for his knowledge and experience in the franchising industry.

Ryan joined the Company in 2002 in a franchise sales and development capacity, working with prospective owners seeking to join the franchise network.

Subsequently, Ryan was promoted to Franchise Development Manager in 2006, to Director of Franchising in 2007, to Executive Director in 2012, and in 2016 became a corporate officer with his promotion to Vice President of Franchising.  In 2018, he was promoted to Senior Vice President of Franchising, and in 2020 added oversight in Marketing with his promotion to Senior Vice President of Franchising & Marketing.

Ryan's responsibilities are to develop and expand the franchise systems of Annex Brands, Inc. worldwide, both through internal unit growth and also in assisting in the evaluation of external acquisition opportunities as they present themselves.  He also assists in overseeing the Real Estate & Leasing function.

Ryan studied at the University of California at San Diego, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Philosophy. Prior to joining the Company, he worked in a career placement firm, assisting people transitioning from military service into positions with Fortune 500 firms.

In February, 2011, Ryan was awarded the designation of Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) from the International Franchise Association for his demonstration of knowledge and experience in the franchising industry. Ryan also has earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America.

TanaSue joined Annex Brands in June 2012 as the Director of Accounting, and in 2018, was promoted to Executive Director of Finance & Controller. She was promoted again in November 2020 to Vice President of Finance before becoming the company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in December 2022. She is the second CFO in company history, and the first woman to hold the position.

On a day-to-day basis, TanaSue oversees the structure, implementation, and supervision of all accounting functions and systems for Annex Brands. Her department assists with franchise accounting, including the set-up of individual location financial systems and their reporting functions.

In June 2003, TanaSue earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an Accounting major from the University of Phoenix. Continuing her education, she earned a Master of Business Administration degree in 2006 from the same university.

In October 2015, TanaSue earned her license to practice as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) from the State of California, and in February 2017, TanaSue was awarded the designation of Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) from the International Franchise Association in recognition of her knowledge and experience in the franchising industry.

Before joining Annex Brands, TanaSue held various positions in a quick-service franchise restaurant system, including Training Manager and Area Manager. She also worked at a local real estate development firm in various accounting positions.

Michelle joined Annex Brands in fall of 2020 as the Executive Director of Marketing following the retirement of Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer Steve Goble. She was promoted to Vice President of Marketing in fall of 2021, making her both the 4th woman to hold an Officer position, and the 1st woman Officer under 40 in company history.

Under Michelle's leadership, the Marketing Department is responsible for all marketing and communications initiatives for Annex Brands and the franchise system, including development of marketing strategies rooted in data and research to drive growth. Her department provides brand designs, marketing tools, programs, training, and support to guide franchisees in local marketing efforts, in addition to management of digital marketing communications.

Michelle is a seasoned marketing leader with 20 years’ experience across various industries including 10+ years at franchise brands like Jack in the Box, Flippin’ Pizza, and Sport Clips. Before joining Annex Brands, she led the in-house agency at Belmont Park beachfront amusement park where they managed 30+ entertainment, restaurants, and retail brands.

Michelle holds a B.A. in Communication with a minor in TV, Film & Media from San Diego State University. Michelle values diversity of thought and people—she believes ongoing education and a curious state of mind is key to driving growth. She enjoys giving back to others and actively volunteers at the Emilio Nares Foundation, Toys4Tots, and Boys and Girls Clubs.