HTeaO, the Fort Worth-based iced tea franchising company, has appointed Shane Clark as chief development officer and Michael Stoddard as vice president of IT.
The company said both men bring extensive experience in their fields, positioning HTeaO for continued growth and operational excellence as the brand expands nationwide.
“With these strategic additions to our leadership team, HTeaO is further equipped to meet our growth objectives and fulfill our mission to ‘Brew Purpose’ in every community we serve,” HTeaO President Heath Nielsen said in a statement. “Both Shane and Michael bring invaluable experience and passion, and we’re thrilled to have them join us as we build an impactful future for HTeaO.”
Development expertise
Clark has more than 25 years of experience in commercial real estate and construction.
He previously served as chief development officer at Quality Brand Group LLC, a large-scale, multi-concept franchisee organization that operates a total of more than 180 Dunkin’, Baskin Robbins, and Buffalo Wild Wing Go locations across five states. Under his leadership, Quality Brand Group earned the distinction of 2023 Dunkin’ Brands National Developer of the Year for its exceptional expansion efforts.
In his new role, Clark will oversee real estate strategy, site selection, and construction management at HTeaO, driving the brand’s national expansion strategy.
“My goal is to help expand HTeaO’s presence by creating a streamlined, scalable development process that meets our high standards and resonates with each community we enter,” Clark said. “With a talented team and a dynamic brand, I’m confident we can make HTeaO a favorite stop in neighborhoods nationwide.”
Tech strategy and growth
The company said Stoddard brings a wealth of IT expertise to HTeaO, having rebuilt technology systems for several large, distributed brands from the ground up. With tenures at Taco Bueno, On the Border, Pei Wei, and Main Event, Stoddard has extensive experience designing scalable IT infrastructures, commercial POS systems, and back-office technologies to support rapid brand growth.
In his new position, Stoddard will be responsible for all aspects of HTeaO’s technology strategy, including launching a new app, introducing gift cards, and building an IT department capable of supporting HTeaO’s ambitious growth plans.
“I’m passionate about finding technology solutions that improve processes and rolling them out system-wide to make a direct impact in the field,” Stoddard said. “I’m excited to bring this approach to HTeaO as we work to enhance our technology for both our customers and our franchisees.”
HTeaO said it is the leading iced tea franchise in the nation. It said it offers a cost-effective, attractive business model and operates its own supply chain, resulting in significantly reduced costs of goods.
The brand offers a range of ultra-premium tea, water, and coffee products and caters to customers both in-store and through convenient drive-thru services.
In January 2023, HTeaO announced a minority partnership with two Dallas-based private equity firms, Crux Capital and Trive Capital, signaling what it said was a strategic move for stable expansion. The company reached 100 locations in early 2024.
Get on the list.
Dallas Innovates, every day.
Sign up to keep your eye on what’s new and next in Dallas-Fort Worth, every day.
R E A D N E X T
-
North Texas has plenty to see, hear, and watch. Here are our editors' picks. Plus, you'll find more selections to "save the date."
-
Premature babies diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) face the risk of rehospitalization, delayed brain development, and respiratory problems throughout childhood. No FDA-approved therapies are available for BPD—which is why the new FDA designation for AyuVis's drug candidate, AVR-48, could lead to game-changing impact.
-
MAA has long made its presence known with marquee projects across the Panther City. Now it's put down roots with a new office on West 7th Street, adding to its offices in Dallas, Austin, Cincinnati, and Charlotte.
-
Mobility startups from coast to coast—including those focused on innovative ideas to transport people or goods—are invited to apply. The unique accelerator program supports startups in the automotive ecosystem, ranging from AI-powered industry solutions and transportation infrastructure to dealer support and related services.
-
The A&M system said the donation builds on the support of a growing list of public and private partners—and places Texas A&M-Fort Worth in position to be a major hub for education, research, and innovation for years to come.
