The Management Team

Paul Eckert, Founder and CEO of the company, is a sought-after business consultant, turn-around specialist in general business disciplines and is recognized as a leader in the franchise industry. He is well-respected as an innovator, championing the use of technology, branding, and marketing long before the industry recognized the value of these systems. Mr. Eckert is President and Chairman of PAFSC, Inc. (Pennsylvania Financial Service Centers, Inc.), as well as a member of the International Franchise Association’s Franchise Relations Committee and has been a featured writer for several franchise and financial industry publications, including Cheklist Magazine and Franchise World. His vast experience includes the United Services Group, Midas International, Sparks Computerized Car Care, and Speedy Muffler King. Mr. Eckert has filled roles including President and COO, Regional Manager and Vice President of Operations. He specializes in growth, development, training, and creating cutting edge business models that meet the needs of advancing technology. Mr. Eckert has been a senior executive in the franchise industry for over 25 years. He is also the founding member of several other business endeavors. Mr. Eckert attended the University of Pittsburgh where he completed the coursework for the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business Young Executive Program. 

Ken Parsons, President of Family Financial Centers, has been an executive with the company for over 16 years. In his role as President, Mr. Parsons oversees all aspects of the Company operations including construction, real estate, strategic partners, and banking relationships. Mr. Parsons also has vast experience in acquisitions within the alternative financial services industry such as the purchase, lease and sale of the commercial real estate associated with the financial centers. He is the primary contact for independent MSB’s seeking an exit strategy or to discuss converting to a Family Financial Centers Franchise. Prior to his current roles he was a sales professional bringing more than seven years of experience in the product and service industries, working for Canon Solutions America, Inc. and Paychex Inc. He is a graduate of East Stroudsburg University.

Edie Erhardt serves as Director of Franchise Services and Development. Edie is responsible for overseeing and participating in all Franchise Development processes and procedures including the Franchise Disclosure Document and Franchise Agreements for new licensees. She is the liaison between our franchisees and our strategic partners, handling contract setup and approvals as well as overseeing daily support for our current franchisees. Prior to joining FFC, Edie worked for AAMCO Transmission Systems, Inc., most recently as Assistant to the COO, working with both the Operations and Marketing Departments.

David Jenkelowitz, is Director of Operations and Regulatory Compliance.  David has more than 35 years of experience in retail financial services and business management of MSBs. Prior to joining Family Financial Centers, David was a General Manager of a NYC based Independent check cashing business, overseeing day-to-day operations and managing 20+ retail locations. He has also developed training manuals on check cashing and money handling along with enforcing check cashing policies and procedures. He’s a professional member of the Association of Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS) and is certified in AML/BSA Compliance. He’s active with the state chapters associated with the Financial Service Centers of America (FiSCA). David will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations and compliance across the network of Family Financial Centers.

Cheryl Mullin serves as Family Financial Centers’ Corporate Legal Counsel. Cheryl earned her J.D. from Widener University School of Law in 1995, and her LL.M (Taxation) from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in 2013. She is recognized for her work in franchising by International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers (since 2013), Texas Super Lawyers (since 2012), and Best Lawyers in America (since 2007). Cheryl also has been recognized since 2007 by “D” Magazine as one of the best lawyers in Dallas, and by Franchise Times magazine since 2004 as a “Legal Eagle.” Cheryl lectures frequently on corporate and franchise-related topics and is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell. She is responsible for reviewing all of our internal vendor contracts, lease agreements, etc. She is also instrumental in working with all departments to ensure in the integrity and adherence to our franchise system. Additionally, Ms. Mullin handles all of the company’s legal work and any necessary litigation.

Linda Eckert, has been serving as Accounting Manager for Family Financial Centers since its inception in 2004. Linda handles the overall management and supervision of the accounting department.