Chief Development Officer (CDO)

Ari O’Brien is a high-impact sales and marketing leader with a passion for building and scaling successful franchise brands. With more than a decade of experience in franchise development, she has established herself as a trusted partner to both emerging and established concepts looking to grow with purpose and precision.

Before entering the franchise industry, Ari was a top national sales performer for one of the world’s largest food service distributors, where she helped restaurant brands expand and thrive in highly competitive markets. Since joining the franchise space in 2013, she quickly rose to become a top producer within the industry’s largest broker network—earning a reputation for her drive, strategic insight, and ability to connect the right people to the right opportunities.

As Co-Founder and Chief Development Officer of Red Rock Franchise Development, Ari leads with energy, integrity, and a relentless focus on results. She is deeply committed to building strong franchise systems by fostering meaningful partnerships, upholding the highest ethical standards, and ensuring every brand and candidate is set up for long-term success.