How Much Is a Duck Donut Franchise?

Russ DiGilio is the founder and CEO of Duck Donuts Franchising Company, one of the United States's fastest-growing donut franchises, located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Hebegan his donut venture in 2006 in hopes of solving a family vacation problem: "Our family wanted a place to buy warm, delicious, and made-to-order donuts in the Outer Banks, and when we couldn't find one, we decided to start our own."

In his role as CEO, DiGilio is responsible forleading and setting a vision for the franchising company, whiledeveloping strategic long-term and short-term growth opportunities to ensure the overall success of the franchisees.

Prior to establishing the franchising company in 2013, he spent more than 25 years in the health care industry. DiGilio was the founder and president of The Autumn Group, a management company for long-term care facilities, where he owned and operated senior care facilities.

Duck Donuts specializes in warm, delicious and made-to-order donuts. Customers can choose from a variety of topping combinations, including traditional favorites such as chocolate icing with sprinkles and more adventurous creations such as maple icing with bacon. The family-friendly stores offer a viewing area where children and adults alike can watch their donuts being made. Duck Donuts also sells coffee, tea, donut breakfast sandwiches, donut sundaes, milkshakes and more.As of November 2020, there are 96 operational U.S. stores, one international location and more than 145 locations signed to contract in 27 states and four countries.

Russ resides in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania with his wife,Christy, and his five children, all of whom are integral to the family business. Heholds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from West Chester University and is an active member of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber, the West Shore Chamber, and the Mechanicsburg Chamber.

Betsy Hamm, MBA, is the chief operating officer of Duck Donuts Franchising Company. In her role, she is focused on building and protecting the franchise brand and providing best-in-class franchise support while driving company growth and profitability. Betsy is committed to providing strategic leadership and oversight of the corporate team, including operations, marketing and franchise development. She is responsible for strengthening company culture, ensuring operational efficiencies and maximizing franchisee success. Prior to being named chief operating officer, she served as the marketing director.

Prior to Duck Donuts, Betsy spent 15 years at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R) in various marketing leadership roles. HE&R is a world-class entertainment and hospitality company that owns and operates many of the sweet attractions, resorts, and entertainment venues across Hershey, Pennsylvania including Hersheypark.

Betsy serves on the Board of Directors for The Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City Region and Harrisburg Capital Region Economic Corporation. She is also an active member of the Women Presidents' Organization Harrisburg Chapter. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Master of Business Administration from Shippensburg University.