James Amos

Chairman and CEO, James Amos, Jr., acquired Tasti D-Lite in 2007 with New York-based private equity firm Snow Phipps Group. Mr. Amos has assembled a world-class franchising team with the goal of opening 500 centers globally. In 2011, Planet Smoothie was acquired to be integrated into the Planet Tasti platform.

Before Tasti D-Lite, Amos was the CEO of Mailboxes, Etc., the world’s largest non-food franchise, which is now the UPS Store. He grew MBE from 2,500 to 4,000 locations in 80 countries, making it the world’s largest and fastest-growing franchisor of retail business, communication and postal service centers. Amos was Chairman of the IFA in 2001, and gained experience in the frozen dessert category through building a 2,500 store network for “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt!”

A former Marine Corps captain and veteran of two combat tours in Vietnam, Mr. Amos received 12 decorations, including the Purple Heart and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. A graduate of the University of Missouri, he is the author of several books including the best sellers The Memorial, Focus or Failure: America at the Crossroads, and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Franchising.

Mr. Amos has served on or is serving on the board of directors of The National Veteran’s Administration, The Marine Military Academy, The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, Meineke Car Care Centers, Oreck Corporation, Zig Ziglar Corporation, WSI of Canada, The University of Missouri, The HealthStore Foundation and Ken Blanchard’s Faith Walk Leadership Foundation.

In 2012, Jim’s leadership in the franchising industry was recognized with induction into the International Franchise Association Hall of Fame.