Mike Rohrkemper, CEO
Mike Rohrkemper joined Gold Star Chili in May 2008, bringing with him more than 30 years of senior-level experience, strategic leadership and financial expertise. His transition into this new role was seamless – largely because of the management consulting work Rohrkemper had already done with Gold Star as a principal at Kemper & Brown Business Consultants, and as a partner with Rohrkemper, Ossege & Combs accounting firm.
Of his position, Rohrkemper says it is an honor to hold the reins of one of Cincinnati's signature institutions, one that occupies such an important place in the minds and hearts of people throughout the Tri-State. His vision for Gold Star includes a strong future both creatively and financially, while holding true to the traditions that have earned loyal Gold Star Chili fans across the globe.
Rohrkemper's strong background in finance and management also includes CFO and directorship positions at Pomeroy IT Solutions, Inc., from 1993 to 2005.
Basheer DaoudBasheer F. Daoud, the 46-year-old director of development for Gold Star Chili, died January 6, 2010 after a yearlong battle with cancer.
Mr. Daoud's father and three uncles founded their first Cincinnati-area chili restaurant with a closely guarded secret spice blend in 1965. In recent years, Mr. Daoud was one of two family members working as an executive for the chain, which has grown to more than 100 franchises.
Mr. Daoud devoted his entire career to Gold Star Chili. As development director and a board member, he contributed to the chain's development, according to family members. Mr. Daoud is survived by his wife, the former Amal Azar of Anderson Township, and their young daughters, Julia and Sally.
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Kimberley S. Olden, Controller
With multiple responsibilities as Controller, HR Director and CQO, Olden's job description over the years has expanded over several areas to meet the growing needs of the company.
Olden began her career with Gold Star Chili as part of the office staff while she worked to obtain her bachelor’s degree from Miami University Ohio in 1981. Through the years, Gold Star Chili has received many awards, which Olden was instrumental in obtaining, including the Small Business
of the Year Award in 1991 and the Ohio Quality award in 2001.
Mike Mason, Director of Operations
As Director of Operations and Purchasing for Gold Star Chili, Mike Mason oversees franchisee consulting and training, company store financials, quality assurance and new product testing. Mason has played a vital role in the growth of the Gold Star Chili brand with innovative tactics and dedication to consumer needs, notably his instrumental work in developing the Coney Crate – which was awarded the 2004 “WOW Factor” Packaging Award by QSR magazine. Since his start in
1991, Mason has been involved in the development of a standard operations manual and
implementing a quality assurance program for all Gold Star Chili restaurants.
Charlie Howard, Marketing Director
Charlie Howard brings more than 25 years of marketing experience to the Gold Star Chili executive team. Since July 2008, Howard has led strategic product marketing, product management and marketing communications for the iconic Gold Star Chili brand. Howard continues to strengthen customer loyalty through new promotions and build upon existing community sponsorships such as Gold Star Chili's role as the Official Chili of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Prior to joining Gold Star Chili, Howard served for six years as a senior director of marketing and communications for the Cincinnati Museum Center, and for nearly 15 years as a vice president and partner of J. Malsh & Company, a full-service marketing agency headquartered in downtown Cincinnati. Howard has held vice president and director of marketing positions at Didday & Brand Sales Promotion, Inc., and a corporate marketing manager position for Clopay Corporation.
Howard is a graduate of Miami University and also earned a Master of Business Administration with a marketing concentration from Xavier University.