Transforming Franchises Through Technology

Imre Szenttornyay is the Founder and CEO of Cielo, a leading provider of technology solutions for multi-unit franchises. Since 2009, he has driven innovation through his SmartFranchise Framework, helping businesses scale with automation and business intelligence. Under his leadership, Cielo IT has earned recognition from Inc. 500, MSP 500, and CRN NextGen 250.

With 30 years of international business experience, Imre is an Amazon #1 Bestselling Author, Forbes Technology Council member, and expert in IT consulting, software development, and franchise growth. He holds a B.S. in Management, an M.Sci. in Leadership, and is completing a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership.

Michael Poates is the Chief Operating Officer at Cielo, bringing over 30 years of executive leadership in the international hospitality, travel, and restaurant industries. With deep expertise in operations, franchising, M&A, and strategic planning, Michael provides comprehensive solutions that drive performance and growth. His customer-centric mindset, combined with a proven track record of transforming businesses, has made him a trusted resource for clients and partners. Michael’s extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience are invaluable to Cielo’s mission and vision.

Tyler Haney is the Vice President of Marketing at Cielo, where he brings over two decades of leadership experience, blending creative strategy, data, and AI to drive measurable business growth. Tyler has played a key role in aligning marketing and sales, leading brand transformations, and building high-performing teams that deliver results. His strategic thinking and ability to simplify the complex have made marketing a true engine of performance at Cielo. Tyler’s dedication to innovation and impact makes him a vital contributor to the company’s continued growth.

Jim Mack is the Vice President of Product and Customer Success at Cielo, bringing over 25 years of experience in POS, video, physical security, and IT. Jim plays a pivotal role in developing innovative solutions and ensuring a seamless customer journey—from quote to post-installation. With a strong focus on delivering value and ROI, Jim’s leadership has helped streamline operations and elevate the customer experience. His straightforward approach—“Client Wants + Cielo Features = Client Benefits and ROI”—drives both product success and long-term client satisfaction.

Michael Vorsanger offers more than 15 years of proven success in accelerating revenue growth and elevating customer experiences within the technology and software startup ecosystem. He has adeptly led sales and partnership teams, placing a strong emphasis on delivering exceptional customer outcomes. Early in his career, he honed his operational expertise in the hospitality sector, working with globally recognized brands like MGM Resorts and Morgans Hotel Group. A dedicated learner, Michael stays at the forefront of AI and automation trends, driven by a commitment to empowering clients with innovative solutions that unlock value and fuel sustainable revenue growth.

Shannon Anderson is the Vice President of Client Relationships at Cielo, where he has been a pivotal part of the team since the company’s inception. With over 20 years of experience in senior leadership roles across various industries, Shannon brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his position. His commitment to fostering strong client partnerships and driving strategic initiatives has been instrumental in Cielo’s growth and success. Shannon’s extensive background and passion for client engagement make him a valuable asset to the organization and its clients.

James is a seasoned technology leader with 20+ years of experience driving innovation across diverse domains, including adtech, martech, e-commerce, and cybersecurity. He holds an MBA, BSBM, and is a certified AI Solutions Architect. James thrives on leveraging cutting-edge technology to solve complex business challenges.