About The Grōth
Group
Operations Team
Meet Our Seasoned Leadership
The Grōth Group is led by a team of accomplished industry veterans with a proven track record of success in the restaurant and retail sectors. Our partners bring a wealth of experience and expertise, spanning all facets of consumer-facing businesses.
David Ulrich, CRO & Managing Partner
David Ulrich is a highly experienced Executive Search and Human Capital Strategist with over 15 years of experience in the Restaurant, Hospitality, Franchising, and Real Estate industries. He has a proven track record of success in recruiting, developing, and retaining top talent for organizations at all levels.
David is known for his client-focused approach, providing honest and timely feedback to build long-term relationships. His extensive industry network includes connections with major private equity firms and global restaurant and hotel companies, giving him unparalleled access to top talent and opportunities. David holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Randy Combs, CFO & Managing Partner
Randy Combs is a seasoned Restaurant Finance and Strategy Expert with 25 years of experience driving productivity and margin improvement. He specializes in franchise economics, business plan development, and real estate transactions, providing valuable insights to clients.
As a results-oriented leader, Randy excels at building high-performing teams and optimizing cash flow for businesses. His hands-on experience as a restaurant operator gives him a deep understanding of day-to-day management and multi-unit expansion strategies. Randy holds an MBA from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School and a BS in Management from San Diego State University.
Larry Strain, CCIM, Managing Partner & Multi-Unit Development Expert
Larry Strain is a dynamic Growth and Transformation Leader with over 30 years of experience in real estate, franchise development, and strategic leadership. He is a Franchise Development Expert with a proven track record of spearheading national expansion initiatives and driving franchisee success.
Larry is a strategic visionary, skilled in designing and implementing growth plans that leverage market analytics and financial modeling. He also has exceptional leadership experience in real estate development, overseeing acquisitions, new unit development, and major remodel projects. Larry is a skilled negotiator, securing favorable terms in real estate and franchise transactions. He is a CCIM designee.
lead Advisor
Jim Vinz
Jim retired as a fulltime CEO role in early 2020 after four decades in the hospitality industry. He has continued to serve on multiple restaurant industry groups as a board member and/or advisor. Vinz also serves on multiple non-profit boards.
Jim has held leadership positions in multiple restaurant companies over the past 40 years. His proven ability to think both strategically and tactically has enabled him to guide teams through various life-stages of company and franchise development, as well as turnaround strategies.
Jim is proud of the people development practices put in place in multiple companies, which helped in identifying and growing many leaders now in place throughout the industry. Vinz is an off-premise industry leader, and has launched catering and off-premise programs in multiple brands over his career to help optimize various growth channels.
Jim has served as CEO and/or President of Corner Bakery Cafe, Mongolian Concepts (Genghis Grill, bd’s Mongolian Grill, Flat Top Grill), TooJay’s Traditional Deli, Le Duff America (la Madeleine, Brioche Doree, Mimi’s Café, Bruegger’s Bagels, Timothy’s Coffee).
Jim has served on the advisory board of No Kid Hungry from 2008-2017 and was chairman from 2011-2012. No Kid Hungry is the leading restaurant industry organization seeking to eliminate childhood hunger in the United States. Jim also served on the board of the Fast-Casual Industry Council for several years as an advocate for the segment in partnership with the National Restaurant Association.
Vinz has his undergraduate degree from Bethany Lutheran College and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.
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