Meet the Team
Ernie and Kathryn Padalino (Co-founders)
Brand President and COO of COOL-BINZ
COOL-BINZ was established by husband-and-wife-team Ernie and Kathryn Padalino in 2017, after Hurricane Irma devastated their neighborhood in Naples, Florida. “The heat, humidity, and storage just weren’t a good mix,” said Ernie, “so we knew we needed to develop a better solution to help people.”
Since then, the Padalinos have researched and developed the best methods to create a fully insulated storage bin with properly functioning climate control, and they continue to develop new ways to improve their COOL-BINZ products. Most recently, Ernie, Kathryn, and their COOL-BINZ team experienced a full-circle moment when they were able to help neighbors throughout the Southwest Florida community rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
The Padalinos share a strong passion for helping others in need and providing innovative solutions to homeowners and business owners. With that in mind, they decided to partner with BELFOR Franchise Group, one of the world’s largest residential and commercial services franchisors. The Padalinos are ecstatic to offer aspiring entrepreneurs a rewarding franchise opportunity that will soon provide communities across the country access to their climate-controlled portable storage bins.
Rusty Amarante
President of BELFOR Franchise Group
Rusty Amarante, CR, has over 40 years of experience in the restoration industry. He is the President of BELFOR Franchise Group and the Director of Operations for BELFOR Property Restoration, the global leader in disaster recovery.
Whether handling a loss that affected a family of three or a major catastrophe requiring teams of 3,000+, he knows every situation is its own unique challenge. Rusty is responsible for coordinating the BELFOR National Catastrophe Team’s logistics, manpower, equipment, and resources in the aftermath of national disasters on a daily basis.
Rusty was past-President of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) and served as Vice Chair to the development of the IICRC S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration. He is a sought-after speaker in the restoration industry and has conducted hundreds of training classes throughout his career to encourage passionate restorers for the future.
Doug Smith
Senior Vice President, Franchise Development, BELFOR Franchise Group
Doug Smith, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group, has decades of experience in the industry. He has a strong track record working in franchise sales and development leadership roles to help franchise systems grow their footprint.
Doug has been an integral part of BELFOR Franchise Group’s acquisition of HRI and the expansion of the group’s strong community of residential and commercial service brands. He leads an experienced franchise development team focused on helping aspiring entrepreneurs take control of their future through franchise business ownership.
Stephan Taub
Director of Franchise Development, COOL-BINZ
Stephan has decades of relatable experience working in various business leadership and development roles in the investment banking industry. He is passionate about using the skills and insights he has gained through his career to help others achieve their business ownership goals through franchising.
Shannon Janeczek
Marketing Manager, COOL-BINZ
Shannon brings over 20 years of marketing and communications experience to the COOL-BINZ franchise support team. Her proven track record of developing local marketing plans, optimizing websites, developing content, and overseeing communications make her a valuable leader to the COOL-BINZ marketing support team. Shannon works alongside brand leaders and experts at BELFOR Franchise Group to launch a business marketing package for new COOL-BINZ owners that help them establish a local presence, educate customers, and begin generating leads in their markets.
