Contact Us Today
(800) 496-9019
Jay Caiafa is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of leadership experience spanning franchising, hospitality, law, and strategy consulting. As CEO, he brings a proven track record of driving growth, operational excellence, and innovation across complex global organizations.
Before joining Authority Brands as CEO in August 2025, Jay most recently served as Chief Operating Officer for the Americas at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). There, he led the vision, strategy, and execution for operations across approximately 4,500 hotels in 26 countries—representing the majority of IHG’s global revenue and profit. During his 12-year tenure with IHG, he played a pivotal role in leading transformative initiatives, enhancing efficiency, and driving performance. Jay also played key roles in brand building, acquisitions, and integrations (including some of the largest in IHG’s history). Jay helped integrate the newly acquired Kimpton brand into IHG in 2015, and his team later created the franchise offer for the brand. He was also instrumental in the launch of IHG’s new brands, including Avid Hotels, Atwell Suites, and Garner.
Jay’s earlier career includes diverse leadership roles. After graduating from the United States Air Force Academy, Jay served honorably in the United States Air Force during the pre- and post-9/11 period. He was a decorated pilot and a squadron flight safety officer and reached the rank of Captain. After his military career concluded, Jay earned a JD from the Duke University School of Law and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, after which he worked as a commercial real estate attorney with Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP, and as a Case Team Leader at Bain & Company.
Jay lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife Meredith; his three sons Enzo, Lincoln, and Soren; and their Great Dane, Typo. In his personal time, Jay volunteers across multiple organizations and is a member of the Foundation Board of Trustees for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. He previously served on the Metro Atlanta Chamber Board of Directors, the American Hotel Lodging Association Board of Directors and led numerous programs supporting the prevention of human trafficking.
Josh Greear brings an impressive track record of financial and business leadership across nationally recognized franchise and consumer-focused organizations.
Before joining Authority Brands as CFO in September 2025, Josh served as CFO of Primrose Schools, where he led cross-functional teams across finance, analytics, accounting, and business services. Prior to that, he held the role of Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Cracker Barrel and held several financial leadership positions at The Home Depot.
Josh holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond and a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University. He currently resides in Atlanta with his wife and their four children.
Ryan Bowes brings nearly two decades of proven leadership experience across franchising, real estate, and hospitality, with roles at globally recognized brands such as IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Most recently, he served as Chief Investment Officer at FirstKey Homes, where he helped transform and scale the company's position into a single-family rental industry leader. Ryan holds both master's and bachelor's degrees in real estate development and finance from Clemson University.
In his role, Ryan leads key growth functions across Authority Brands, including franchise development, call center operations, and BuyMax, the company's procurement platform. He is also focused on strengthening performance across existing business models and supporting the integration of mergers and acquisitions to enable continued, disciplined expansion.
Laura Sheehy has more than 25 years of strategic HR leadership experience. Recognized for her ability to build high-performing teams and drive organizational transformation, Laura has overseen global HR operations in various industries and is recognized for her strong partnerships with executive leaders to align people strategies with business objectives and growth.
Laura was CHRO at Odyssey Logistics Corporation, where she led a global HR team and contributed to the organization’s Most Loved Workplaces® certification. Laura’s expertise encompasses talent acquisition, compensation strategy, and organizational development, consistently delivering cost efficiencies and enhancing the employee experience.
Laura’s career spans founder-led companies and private equity portfolio organizations, including leadership roles at Subway Franchise World Headquarters and SAI Systems International, Inc.
A recognized leader in HR and talent management, Laura has been honored as a Woman in Supply Chain (2023, 2024) and regularly shares her insights through industry publications. Laura earned her B.S. magna cum laude, from the University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT and serves on the board of Junior Achievement Greater Fairfield County and is actively engaged in professional communities.
Kenneth Schweighofer is a seasoned marketing leader with over 15 years of experience driving brand success and innovation. As the Chief Marketing Officer at Authority Brands, he brings a wealth of expertise in commercial strategy, P&L management, and cross-functional leadership.
Prior to joining Authority Brands in July 2024, Kenneth served as the CMO for ServiceMaster Brands, leveraging his deep understanding of franchising to deliver impactful marketing strategies. His experience also includes roles as CMO for ATI Restoration and Head of Marketing for Sanofi.
Kenneth holds an MBA from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin.
.jpg)
Jordan joined the Authority Brands team in January 2023 and brought with him more than 15 years of expertise in business development sales in franchise and national brands. Most recently as Senior Vice President, Franchise Sales at Scorpion he helped grow the franchise vertical from the ground up to now one of the leading franchise suppliers in the space.
As the lead of Authority Brands’ entire franchise development function, Jordan’s priority is to serve our team and develop a results-based culture. His passion is for developing people and implementing processes that enable us to hit our goals.
Jordan received his B.S. in Marketing from the University of Mobile and received his Certified Franchise Executive accreditation in 2019 from the International Franchise Association and served on the IFA Convention Committee from 2017-2019.
Tom Swift has been an Executive Vice President for Authority Brands since June 2023, overseeing Mosquito Squad Plus, Monster Tree Service, Doody Calls and Screenmobile. Prior to this position, he served as the Brand President of Mosquito Squad Plus from November 2019 to June 2023. From January 2009 to November 2019, Mr. Swift was the President and Chief Operating Officer of ASP – America’s Swimming Pool Company (“ASP”). Mr. Swift holds his Juris Doctorate degree, Masters of Tax Law and Certified Financial Planner’s License.
Stewart C. Vernon is a lifelong entrepreneur and is the Founder of America’s Swimming Pool Company (ASP), the nation’s largest swimming pool cleaning, repair, and renovation franchise system. Post-acquisition of his company by Authority Brands in 2019, Vernon moved into the role of Executive Vice President at Authority Brands, in charge of their Emerging Brands division. Over his career, Vernon was a founding partner of various other business ventures: Founding startups such as Classic Overland (a car import company), KUDU Outdoor Grills, Central Piedmont Investment Group and Valid Music.... As well as actively investing in many entrepreneurial ventures along the way: VS Investment properties, 428 Second Street, Timber Lane Farm, South River Mist, 4 Eyes Holdings, Splash Investments, and others. In addition, Mr. Vernon is a professional speaker with experience in serving as a keynote speaker for occasions, as well as a mentor to many aspiring entrepreneurs.
Steve Clemente is President and COO of Trades Brands. Steve brings over 30 years of proven leadership, transforming multi-unit service and retail businesses into high-performing organizations. With a track record of accelerating growth, maximizing profitability, and elevating operational standards, Steve is recognized for driving results through strategic leadership and innovation.
Before joining Authority Brands, Steve served as President of Primrose Schools, a national premier early childhood education and care franchise, where he led all internal operations and key strategic growth initiatives. Throughout his career, Steve has played a pivotal role in driving success at leading organizations, from publicly-traded giants like Dick's Sporting Goods and Target to privately held businesses such as Nebraska Book Company.
As President and COO of Trades Brands, Steve will spearhead initiatives to enhance operational excellence, drive organic growth, and unlock cross-selling opportunities across Authority Brands' four trade brands: Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Mister Sparky Electric, and DRYmedic Restoration Services.