Franchising Veteran to Lead Mail Boxes Etc.

UPS today announced the appointment of Stuart Mathis as the next president of its Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE) subsidiary. Mathis replaces Jim Amos, who retires on Sept. 30.

Mathis's promotion comes as UPS prepares to launch an extensive marketing test of how lower retail prices and different branding can expand the use of MBE centers by small businesses and consumers. UPS acquired MBE last year.

Mathis, an experienced Franchising professional, joined MBE in 2001 as executive vice president of operations. He previously served 14 years with Domino's Pizza Inc., advancing to the post of executive vice president of Franchise operations. Mathis holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Georgia and a master's degree in business administration from Georgia State University.

"Stuart's extensive knowledge of franchising and the retail industry will be invaluable as we build on the success of Jim Amos's tenure and map out the future direction of the MBE organization," said Rocky Romanella, vice president of UPS Retail Services. "UPS is committed to expanding its retail accessibility, and Stuart will play a vital role in leading the MBE organization, from franchisees to employees, through this critical phase of development."

"I consider this the most challenging, yet invigorating, assignment of my career," said Mathis. "My focus, along with the UPS retail team, is growing this company by providing our franchisees better ways to serve their customers and expand their businesses."

UPS acquired MBE in April 2001 with the goal of making the UPS portfolio of services more readily available to small businesses and consumers at a competitive price through retail channels. Since that time, UPS has significantly enhanced the technology infrastructure that supports all MBE centers and began testing new retail pricing at MBE locations in San Antonio and Phoenix last fall.

Next month, UPS and MBE will expand the market research to four additional markets, including Harrisburg, Pa.; Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C.; St. Louis, and Seattle. Participating MBE locations will continue to offer multiple shipping services from a variety of carriers, but will provide the option of lower prices for UPS services. The centers also will be branded to reflect their franchisor's position as a UPS subsidiary.

"Together, we believe UPS and MBE will redefine the way the public views and uses retail shipping outlets," said Romanella. "Our goal is to make MBE's conveniently located retail shipping outlets the first and obvious choice among consumers and small businesses seeking great service at extremely competitive prices."

Established in 1980, Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE), a UPS company, is the world's largest franchisor of retail postal and business services. There are more than 4,000 MBE locations worldwide, with master license agreements covering more than 75 countries. Entrepreneur magazine's annual "Franchise 500" has rated MBE #1 in the postal and business services category for 12 consecutive years. In the United States, MBE locations are owned and operated by licensed franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. Outside the United States, MBE locations are owned and operated by MBE master licensees or their franchisees.