Our Coffee Franchise Team

Formally Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer for Ballard Brands, Peter joined Ballard Brands full-time in October 2011 serving on their Board of Directors for several years before that time. Boylan adds over 25 years of professional and executive leadership experience to the Ballard Brands team. Prior to joining Ballard Brands, Boylan held senior executive positions in various companies to include the Coca-Cola Company and Honeywell, Inc. He earned an MBA from Wake Forest University’s Babcock Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Favorite PJ's Drink: Medium Origin Coffee (Dark or Medium Roast) and occasionally a Latte!

Mr. Jones joined the PJ’s Coffee production team in 1993 under the direction of Phyllis Jordan, our Founder. From 1996-99 Mr. Jones moved to a position with Coffee House Inc. where he became General Manager of Coffee Operations and began his journey towards gaining Roastmaster status. In 1999, Mr. Jones returned to PJ’s Coffee at the request of Phyllis Jordan to assume the position of VP of Wholesale Operations and Quality Control Manager. In 2003, Mr. Jones achieved his status as Roastmaster, and Coffee Buyer for PJ’s Coffee. Mr. Jones is certified by the Specialty Coffee Association of America in green coffee purchasing and contracts, and now operates as our Chief Roastmaster and Brand Ambassador.

Favorite PJ's Drink: Wedding Cake Velvet Ice

David Q. Mesa II, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer for PJ’s Coffee and Ballard Brands. In March 2005, he received the designation of Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) by the International Franchising Association for his work and study in the franchise industry and has maintained that designation to date. In January of 2018 Mesa was appointed to a four-year term, by United States Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, to the Louisiana District Export Council to contribute leadership and business experience in support of the Nation's joint industry/government export expansion efforts. Mr. Mesa also served eight years in the United States Marine Corp. as an Air Traffic Controller.

Upon Mr. Stansbury receiving his Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of New Orleans, he began working for Planet Beach Franchising Corporation (PBFC); a New Orleans based international spa franchise. Over a ten-year span, he served in numerous capacities for PBFC aiding the company’s growth from 55 units to nearly 400 units across 42 US states and eight different countries. Mr. Stansbury was also a multi-unit Planet Beach franchisee from 2001 to 2015.

In 2010, Mr. Stansbury joined Ballard Brands as Director of Franchise Development. In 2019, he was promoted to Vice President of Franchise Development. With over 20 years of franchise development experience, Mr. Stansbury’s primary responsibility is to facilitate domestic and international growth of a portfolio of retail brands. Mr. Stansbury is also a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE), a designation issued by the International Franchising Association and one he has maintained since February of 2007 for his continued work and study in the franchise industry.

Favorite PJ's Drink: Caramel Velvet Ice

Tori earned a Bachelor of Science from Louisiana State University while interning with LSU Sports Properties in the areas of client services, sponsorship sales, and marketing. She has over a decade of experience in customer service, sales, and marketing and most recently was a franchise development executive for Shipley Do-Nuts. Tori is also a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE), a designation issued by the International Franchising Association and one she has maintained since October 2020 for her continued work and study in the franchise industry. Tori proudly serves as the Director of Franchise Development for Ballard Brands and PJ's Coffee and she looks forward to using her experience and love for the brand to introduce others to the franchise ownership opportunity! A Louisiana native married with three dogs and one cat, Tori spends her free time outdoors hiking, gardening, or playing with her fur babies.

Favorite PJ's Drink: White Choco Latte

Lory joined Ballard Brands in 2020 as a Franchise Development Coordinator and was promoted in 2023 to Franchise Development Manager. A New Orleans native, she has more than 15 years of experience in marketing and advertising sales. She has experience in launching, operating, and selling a successful publishing industry franchise. Lory is a wife of 20 years and mom of two teenagers. She has been a PJ’s customer and lover of coffee for many years! With a natural desire to help others, Lory looks forward to using her experience and love of coffee to introduce others to the PJ’s franchise ownership opportunity.

PJ's Coffee Drink: A non-fat vanilla Latte

Lindsay earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of New Orleans. She then began her career at Ballard Brands in 2018 as the Administrative Coordinator. One year later, Lindsay was promoted to a Franchise Business Consultant where she learned the operational aspect of the business, as well Marketing, Sales, and building and maintaining relationships with Franchisee’s. Recently switching rolls in becoming the Franchise Development Coordinator, Lindsay is eager to welcome those interested in the PJ’s Coffee Franchise Opportunity and will assist in the on-boarding evaluation process!

Favorite PJ’s Drink: Southern Wedding Cake Velvet Ice

Mario Arthur is joining the Ballard Brands, LLC team as the Project Manager for Franchise Location Development. Mario began his career with a prominent commercial construction company in Louisiana as a Property and Project Manager where he lead the development of the Property Division. He provided insights and attention to multi-million dollar projects ensuring optimal completion and high client satisfaction. After his years of Property Management, Mario joined a company and team that managed the construction and certification of USP 797 and 800 controlled environment rooms for hospitals and pharmacies throughout the country. He currently resides in Madisonville, LA with his wife, Amanda, and three kids. Mario enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoor, and traveling to the beach on hot Louisiana weekends.

Favorite Drink: Hot Coffee

Roy McManus is joining the Ballard Brands, LLC team as a Project Manager for Franchise Location Development. Roy began his career with a mechanical construction company in Louisiana as a Project Manager and Project Estimator. He was working for the large projects group to help construct multi-million dollar projects in health industry and hospitality industry. After spending time in the construction field, he branched out and created his own residential construction business. He currently resides in Madisonville, LA with his wife, Jacqueline, and three kids. After spending time with the family, Roy enjoys being outdoors and hunting and fishing. He is also an aspiring apiarist.

Favorite Drink: Hot Drip Maple Street Blend

James is a native of southeast Louisiana with nearly 10 years of experience in the franchise industry. James began his franchising career in operations where he spent 3 years as a multi-unit general manager for Smoothie King Franchises, Inc in Baton Rouge. In 2018, James joined the New Orleans based start-up franchise Main Squeeze Juice Co. as a Corporate Trainer. A year later, James was made the Director of Site Development and would then spend the next 5 years leading the development of 35 new store openings and conversions. James is very excited to continue his franchising career with Ballard Brands and is passionate about coaching franchisees through the process of opening their own business. On his free time James enjoys being outdoors, taking trips to the beach, going to sporting events and music festivals, and spending time with his newlywed wife and 2 dogs.

Favorite PJ's Drink: Caramel Granita

Ryan started his real estate career over 40 years ago, while in high school with a market research company, where he researched and analyzed basic groundwork to identify highest and best use for retail development projects. Since then, he has traveled nation-wide selecting, negotiating, and developing sites for retailers such as Popeye’s, Jiffy Lube, Jack-in-the-Box, Burger King, CVS, Church’s, McDonald’s, La Madeleine, Arby’s, Wendy’s, and PJ’s Coffee. He worked with PJ’s Coffee three and a half years as a real estate broker prior to coming on board. Ryan graduated from the University of Saint Thomas in Houston, Texas, with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Economics. He is a licensed real estate Broker in the state of Louisiana and is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).

Favorite PJ's Drink: Original Cold Brew

Cassidy earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2022. She began her career as an Event Coordinator and Marketer for the Jerusalem Shriners. During this time, she found her passion for building relationships with clients. Cassidy loves everything about the New Orleans' culture and in her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her dog, family and painting!

Favorite PJ's drink: Mocha Protein Velvet ice with an extra shot!

Since 2008 to present, Mr. Shaheen has served as Vice President of Operations for Ballard Brands, overseeing franchise support operations for New Orleans Brew, LLC (PJ's Coffee of New Orleans), and WOW Franchising, LLC (WOW Cafe) in Covington, Louisiana. From 2006 to 2008, Mr. Shaheen served as Director of Operations for WOW Cafe. Prior to 2006, Mr. Shaheen worked for Smoothie King Franchises (Sr. Operations Consultant), Raving Brands (Regional Director of Operations), and Evamor Water (Business Development). Mr. Shaheen graduated from Louisiana State University in 1990.

Favorite PJ's Drink: Protein Velvet Ice

Danielle has been in franchising for over 2 decades, gathering corporate franchising experience in various support departments such as franchise development, customer service, products/services, Marketing, technology and business management coaching for overall franchise performance success. With her background in these areas of business, she has brought substantial growth to multiple franchise concepts over the years, and continues to do so today.

Favorite PJ's Drink: Hot vanilla latte- with an extra shot... always!

Logan has been in the consulting and sales industries for 13 years. She has developed onsite and virtual training programs for local sales organizations and an international franchise, as well as consulted with local and international markets. She has always taken a customer centric approach to operations while ensuring the satisfaction and success of her franchisees. She is looking forward to maintaining her track record of success in the PJs Brand.

Favorite PJs Drink: She has recently jumped ship from her Chai Tea loyalty and pledged her allegiance to the Iced White Chocolate Latte.

PJ's is thrilled to have Annika as our dedicated Senior Franchise Business Consultant!  Always ready to help our franchisees grow their business, Annika has a passion for helping people and providing exceptional service. 

Krista Ohler attended Loyola University New Orleans and earned her Bachelor's of Business Administration Degree with a focus in Management and Marketing. During college, she worked at PJ's Coffee. Krista started working with us in December 2016 and worked her way up to become the Store Manager in May 2019. Now as a Franchise Business Consultant, she's ready to help our franchisees grow their business. In her spare time, Krista enjoys hanging out with her dog, reading, and very occasionally running.

Favorite PJ's Drink: French Vanilla Iced Mocha

Lyntrell earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Southeastern Louisiana University. She began her career at Ballard Brands in 2018 as a Barista. Lyntrell has participated in several coordinated events helping to support brand awareness. She showed so much passion and drive for the brand, she was promoted to manager and was awarded Barista of the Year, while also carrying out tasks as an SBA. This year Lyntrell has been promoted to a Franchise Business Consultant where she learned the operational aspect of the business, as well Marketing, Sales, and building and maintaining relationships with Franchisee’s. Lyntrell is enthusiastic about supporting current franchise owners and welcoming new ones.

Favorite PJ’s Drink: White Chocolate Latte with coconut milk.

Haley Robbins has been working for PJ's for 3 years. She started working as a barista in 2018 and worked her way up to a multi-unit store manager in 2019. In 2020 she moved to Texas and was promoted to the role of Franchise Business Consultant for the Texas and West Coast markets. Haley is very excited to assist in and watch the success of these markets. In her spare time, she likes to play guitar as well as hang out with her cat and dog.

Favorite PJ's Drink: Iced Salted Caramel Latte

Brandon Shaheen worked with Zeas Restaurant Group for the past 4.5 years as a certified trainer and quickly became a valued leader in the operations of the restaurant. Mr. Shaheen was voted BOH Employee of the Year in 2019 and earned a spot on the Taste Buds catering event team, executing events at the New Orleans Jazz Fest among others. Mr. Shaheen became a training coordinator in 2019, opening two new restaurants for Zeas in Denham Springs, LA and Jackson, MS and has now joined the PJ's Coffee team as a Store Opening Specialist.

Favorite Drink: Southern Pecan hot drip

Francesca (Frankie) LaMalfa attended Loyola University of New Orleans and earned her Bachelor's in Criminology and Political Science. During college she began her career at PJ's in October 2020 and worked her way up to General Manager in November 2021. After she graduated college, Frankie began working in corporate as a Store Opening Specialist. Now, as an Operations Consultant, she is ready to help our franchisees succeed. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends and pets.

Favorite PJ's drink: Hazelnut Cold Brew

Lauren was hired as a barista for PJ’s in 2015 and immediately fell in love with PJ’s culture. Within one year, she went from shift lead to an assistant, and finally the store’s manager. She managed the same store for 8 years, and in that time gained a ton of knowledge on how to fully operate a store. While she is so sad to leave all of her “regulars” she would see every day, she is so excited for her new role and can’t wait to continue to grow with PJ’s!

Favorite PJ's Drink: Iced white chocolate latte with lavender and an extra shot of espresso

Sydney Claire has been working for PJ's Coffee for seven years as a barista and manager. As a manager, she learned the importance of customer service, sales, and store operations. With the knowledge she has gained from her time inside the stores, she is ready to help other franchisees grow their business and expand their knowledge with the PJ's brand and history.

Favorite PJ's Drink: Caramel latte

Lindsay is bringing over 16 years of Business Management experience to Ballard Brands. Her specialty is in increasing profitability opportunities for businesses through the implementation of strategic business planning. She also has extensive knowledge of inventory control, profit & loss control, and leadership development. In her experience, she's worked hand in hand with all positioned staff, from part-time associates to managers and regional managers, to business owners, to ensure a clear vision of shared goals to drive success. Lindsay very much looks forward to her ongoing professional development in her role with us, while implementing her existing skill sets that will surely impact success for PJ's Coffee. Her passions are being a mom and an explorer of all trails with her family.

Favorite PJ's Drink: Wedding Cake Cold Brew with sweet cream

Amanda Nohra graduated from the University of New Orleans with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education in 2016. She began her career in teaching, where she spent six years in the St. Tammany Parish School System, earning top evaluation scores and recognition for her innovative teaching methods. Amanda recently joined our team as a Franchise Business Consultant in 2024. In this role, she is excited to leverage her educational background and strong interpersonal skills to assist franchisees in achieving their investment goals. Amanda is committed to providing personalized support and fostering a collaborative environment, ensuring each franchisee receives the attention and guidance needed for success.

Favorite PJ's Drink: Caramel Granita

Derington “Jack” Ketchum first started serving coffee as a barista in 2017 and has been working in coffee ever since! Since then, Jack has earned his Master of Arts in English from Southeastern Louisiana University, joined the PJ’s Coffee team in 2023, and began working with the corporate office in March of 2024. Aside from great coffee, Jack’s favorite part of working for PJ’s is meeting new people, forming connections, and creating spaces for communities to gather. In his free-time, Jack practices guitar, goes on walks with his dog, and plays video games.

Favorite PJ’s Drink: Cold brew shaken espresso with praline and oat milk

Joey began his PJs career in 2016 and over his 8-year tenure worked as a barista, shift lead, assistant manager and manager. His experience and joy for the brand and coffee led him to working at 12 locations spread out across Louisiana and even helping with special events for corporate. This joy for the brand and its customer base led to him winning Barista of the Year for the brand. As a Store Opening Specialist, He is excited to be of this company and is eager to help grow the franchise. In his spare time he loves to serve at his church, travel and do photography

Favorite PJ's Drink: Black and white southern pecan iced mocha

Reid F. Nolte, Director of Marketing & Brand Strategy for PJ’s Coffee and Ballard Brands. With over 10+ years of Restaurant Marketing experience, Mr. Nolte has a successful track record of overseeing and directing brand strategy resulting in overall company profitability, franchise development growth, and store level profits. Joining Ballard Brands in 2007, Mr. Nolte specializes in Integrated Marketing Communications consisting of advertising, product innovation, public relations, digital media, product marketing, and building brand equity. Reid graduated from Saint John Fisher College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and Marketing.

Favorite PJ's Drink: Sumatra Mandheling Medium Roast Hot Coffee

Nicole attended the University of New Orleans where she majored in Marketing and with a minor in HRT. Her entire marketing career has been centered around the food and beverage industry. As Marketing Manager for regional coffee brands, she directed marketing, advertising, and branding initiatives. In 2009, Nicole launched her own agency, Brand Outsource, consulting for major brands like Coke Zero on grassroots and experiential marketing. She has also managed marketing for emerging franchise brands such as Another Broken Egg and VooDoo BBQ. Nicole served as Brand Manager for the relaunch of the historic Dixie Beer brand in New Orleans before re-joining the team at PJ’s Coffee as the Product and Services Marketing Manager in 2021. Recently she was promoted to Director of Marketing. Nicole lives in Slidell, LA with her husband and son.

Favorite PJ's Drink: Bananas Foster Iced Mocha

Brandon Mueller has worked for PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans, as a local market operator since early 2006. Just recently moving to Ballard Brands in the digital marketing department as a specialist. His marketing and design stint for Ballard Brands began years ago, as a contracted artist, helping with larger projects to further push the visuals of PJ’s Coffee, WOW Café and more. With a background in graphic design, photography and videography, Brandon has had the opportunity to travel internationally with the PJ’s Coffee team to document our Direct-Trade Honduran coffee farm.

Fav PJ's Drink: Iced vanilla latte

Alexandra Davidson is a Marketing Manager at Ballard Brand and PJ’s Coffee. She is a graduate of ULL with a concentration in Marketing. She has worked in the retail and hospitality sectors for the past 10 years. Some of the companies and franchises she has worked with are Smash Burger, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Southern Theatres where she coordinated and executed marketing for 42 theatres in the gulf coast/southern region. Her main focus at PJ’s is pre-open local store marketing, store openings, grand openings, and overall marketing strategy after open.

Favorite PJ's Drink: Protein Velvet Ice or the seasonal Cold Brew with Oat Milk

In 2008, Erin began her career with PJ's Coffee as a barista at one of the Mandeville, Louisiana locations. After 1 year of service, she was promoted to Management. After managing a variety of stores for over a decade, Erin transitioned to a corporate role serving as our Special Events Coordinator in the Marketing Department.

Favorite PJ's Drink: Southern Pecan Iced Mocha or Wedding Cake if it's in season

Brooks Ballard, Digital Marketing Specialist for PJ’s Coffee and Ballard Brands. He has worked for several of our locations over the years and thoroughly enjoyed his time at PJs Coffee as well as Wow American Eats. After graduating from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a minor in History, Brooks has continued his career at Ballard Brands in the marketing department. Since joining Ballard Brands in 2021, Brooks specializes in design work, advertising, product marketing, public relations, digital media, and managing social media platforms.
 

Favorite Drink: Black Iced Coffee

Jaycie Chance started as a Barista for PJ’s Coffee in 2019 and worked their way up to a Store Opening Specialist with Ballard Brands in 2021. Jaycie has certifications in Microsoft Programs and is passionate about technology development across all platforms. Jaycie’s hobbies are singing, making coffee, and bringing a positive atmosphere to all.

Favorite PJ's Drink: White Chocolate and Praline Latte with Oat Milk.