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Nathan Louer joined Jamba as chief brand officer in April 2023 after spending his entire career at Jimmy John’s. It was a monumental move for him.

The same industry, but varying obstacles. For instance, the 730-unit Jamba is a seasonal brand and has a different franchise makeup than what Louer has been accustomed to. He was faced with getting to know the people involved, integrating into the broader GoTo Foods company (parent of Jamba, in addition to Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, Carvel, McAlister’s, Schlotzsky’s, and Moe’s), and understanding the nuances of the chain.

But Louer calls those “soft things” that any leader would face when they come in. Tacked onto his arrival was hurting franchisee sales and profitability and a brand that hadn’t kept pace out of COVID.