Shipley Do-Nuts CEO Named A 2022 Most Admired CEO
Company Added
Company Removed
Apply to Request List

Shipley Do-Nuts CEO Named A 2022 Most Admired CEO

Houston Business Journal honors Clifton Rutledge in 5th annual awards

September 14, 2022 // Franchising.com // HOUSTON - Shipley Do-Nuts CEO Clifton Rutledge has been recognized as one of the Houston Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO Award recipients of 2022. He was among 45 honorees lauded during a luncheon on Sept. 1 announcing the 5th annual awards.

According to the Houston Business Journal, “the panel of judges looked for characteristics such as contribution to company success, civic involvement, career achievement and more.” Those honored at the event were from across multiple industries, including energy, real estate, nonprofits, the arts and of course, Houston’s favorite do-nut, Shipley Do-Nuts.

Rutledge, who was brought on board as CEO in February 2021 by Peak Rock Capital following its acquisition of Shipley Do-Nuts, is a veteran C-suite-level restaurant leader with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. He previously served as COO at Jack’s Family Restaurant, president and CEO of Bojangles Chicken and Biscuits and as COO at Whataburger.

The Houston Business Journal profiled Rutledge, who told the HBJ that when he joined the company, he was very mindful of maintaining the 86-year-old company’s family culture after it was acquired.

“I try to lead by example, and because Shipley was a family-run company before Peak Rock took over in early 2021, I wanted the brand to continue feeling like a family,” he said. “We have quarterly all-team meetings and regular updates to our team members. We celebrate wins both personal and professional and support each other through trying times as you would your own family. Sometimes as a CEO you can be removed from some things at the company since you’re hyper-focused on growth and building a brand’s legacy.”

Rutledge has spearheaded multiple initiatives, such as new market entries, brand unification, technology upgrades and more since he became Shipley’s CEO.

In a letter of recommendation to the Houston Business Journal, Shipley Chief Marketing Office Donna Josephson wrote, “In the year we’ve worked together, he has demonstrated servant leadership that has helped propel the brand forward. With a focus on brand communication and culture, he has quickly earned the trust of our entire system."

The Houston Business Journal reports that its judges this year were Carol Guess, interim president of the Greater Houston Black Chamber; Tim Jeffcoat, Houston district director for the U.S. Small Business Administration; Paula Mendoza, CEO of Possible Missions; and Dan Snare, retired former president of American Leadership Forum Houston/Gulf Coast Chapter.

About Shipley Do-Nuts

Founded in 1936, Houston-based Shipley Do-Nuts is a leading do-nut restaurant franchisor and manufacturer of specialty food products. Shipley franchises over 330 restaurants to a diverse group of operators across 10 states and has served its do-nuts, kolaches and beverages to generations of guests. Shipley is ranked No. 144 on?Entrepreneur’s 2022 Franchise 500?list, the highest in its category.?For information on franchising, visit www.ownashipleydonuts.com.

SOURCE Shipley Do-Nuts

###

Media Contact:

Ashley Lennington
SPM Communications
Ashleyl@spmcommunications.com
214-379-7000

Comments:

comments powered by Disqus
Share This Page

Subscribe to our Newsletters