Irwin Much

President, Franchise Division

The ability to research facts, analyze information, make informed decisions and manage through disciplined goal-setting has served Mr. Much well. It has helped him to maneuver the challenging world of business with highly acclaimed achievements and to lead others to new levels of success. It has even helped him, over the years, to build a renowned collection of Chinese and Buddhist antiquities and art. Whether personal or professional, Much says, "Set your goal, be armed with facts, deal with integrity, and you will prevail more often than not!"

As president of Select's franchise division, Irwin is responsible for ensuring that franchisees have the tools they need to succeed, while aggressively growing their revenues year over year. He helps offer a strong brand, efficient operating system, and strategic marketing and sales expertise.

A Remedy Intelligent Staffing licensee himself for 10 years, Irwin's business focused on some of the largest contingent staffing users in Memphis, Nashville, and Atlanta. In 2003, he sold his business interests to Remedy and then consulted for the commercial side of the company on a part-time basis. After Select acquired Remedy Intelligent Staffing in 2006, Irwin returned full-time to manage the integration and growth of the company's expanding franchise division.

Irwin has set clear goals for the franchise division with the commitment to achieve double-digit growth, 100% renewal rate, and the addition of more franchisees through acquisitions. He has helped facilitate same-store growth by 18% over the last year, triple the industry average.

During the 1980s, Irwin was the president and CEO of Hartmann Luggage. Under his leadership, the company had record-breaking sales and profits. Irwin's accomplishments included creating an international sales and distribution network and growing the brand's recognition and dominance in the luxury goods market.

As a manufacturer with 600 employees in three domestic manufacturing facilities, Hartmann had to continually hone its production and distribution processes to remain competitive against a flood of lower-priced imports. Irwin helped to lead re-engineering initiatives that kept the company in the forefront of change.

In the 1970s, Irwin began his career in sales for Levi Strauss & Co. He was national sales manager, later General Manager, for the company, and he was instrumental in the development of the Docker's brand.

Mr. Much attended the University of Illinois, where he earned his bachelor's degree in English Literature.