Thomas J. Coba is an accomplished executive whose journey through the complex terrain of global franchising, food service, residential and commercial services, and business brokerage has been defined by transformation, scale, and lasting impact. Known for his ability to lead with precision and vision. Tom has operated at the helm of some of the world’s most recognized brands, guiding them through periods of exponential growth, operational reinvention, and strategic acquisitions. His work has influenced industries as diverse as hospitality, financial services, and residential and commercial services, each time leaving behind a stronger, more future-ready organization.
Tom’s career began humbly but ambitiously, developing his leadership acumen with early operational roles at McDonald’s in the Greater Boston area. It was there that he sharpened his eye for scalable processes and customer-centric models, setting the foundation for what would become a career defined by operational excellence and bold strategic thinking. His tenure at Dunkin’ Brands followed, spanning over 20 years and culminating in high-impact roles such as Vice President of Franchising and New Business Development for three QSR brands in USA and CN. At Dunkin’, Tom helped pioneer multi-brand strategies and drove growth into non-traditional venues, unlocking more than $30 million in incremental EBITDA and reshaping how the brand engaged with new markets.
His transition to Subway as Global Chief Operations Officer represented a career milestone that would place Tom at the forefront of the global franchise arena. Over seven years, he oversaw a network of over 36,000 restaurants across 99 countries, growing systemwide sales from $8 billion to $16.5 billion. Under his leadership, Subway surpassed McDonald’s as the largest restaurant brand in the world by unit count, an achievement built on smart innovation, enforcing brand standards, training and franchisee engagement, and a legendary value proposition—the $5 Footlong campaign. Tom implemented a broad set of strategic tools and technological platforms that increased franchisee profitability and customer satisfaction, while maintaining Subway’s brand integrity across cultures and continents.
Tom’s leadership continued to evolve at ServiceMaster, where he served as CEO and President of the Franchise Services Group. Leading five category-dominating service brands across 23 countries, he executed a successful IPO on Wall Street in 2014. His ability to inspire high-performance cultures and attract elite leadership talent led to record-setting years in franchise sales and double-digit revenue growth. ServiceMaster’s transformation under his watch wasn’t just financial—it was cultural and systemic, as Tom restructured and reenergized leadership teams to focus on accountability, innovation, and customer excellence and included the introduction of the ServiceMaster Restore brand launched with a National TV media campaign and anchored by the branding of a NASCAR race with the newly introduced RESTORE brand.
Beyond the corporate boardroom, Tom’s entrepreneurial spirit and financial acumen found new expression as CEO and Partner at Murphy Business & Financial Corporation and National Pool Route Sales. He executed turnarounds for two PE-owned business brokerage firms, rebuilding their value from loss to profit while scaling operations across 39 states and Canada. Over this period, he had oversight into more than 4,000 business transactions and advised on over 90 M&A activities ranging in enterprise value from $50 million to over $2 billion. His dual perspective, as both strategic leader and tactical dealmaker—has made him an invaluable asset to private equity partners and business owners alike.
Tom’s breadth of expertise spans franchise strategy, international operations, leadership coaching, and capital structure optimization. His work through Premier Franchise Advisors continues this mission, guiding CEOs, board chairs, and private equity investors through inflection points that define the future trajectory of their brands. Whether scaling an emerging brand or restructuring a mature enterprise for maximum valuation, Tom’s approach is grounded in thoughtful mentorship, vision, passion, and driven execution.
Tom also brings robust boardroom experience, currently serving as a Board Director or Advisor to companies across restaurant, marketing, residential services, and franchise technology sectors. These include Aroma Joe’s, Franchise123, Repipe Specialists, Service Minds, and Thomasville Restoration, among others. His presence on these boards is not symbolic; it is strategic. He is known for rolling up his sleeves, collaborating with founders and executives, and anchoring growth to actionable insights and sustainable models.
Tom brings a unique global sensibility to every engagement. His leadership has always transcended language and culture, rooted in the universal principles of trust, accountability, and shared success. His international exposure, while vast, is matched by a deeply personal commitment to integrity and service. From his induction into the Fairfield Prep Athletic Hall of Fame to his tenure as Grand Marshall for NASCAR and community leadership as league President in two youth sports, Tom’s life outside the office mirrors the values he brings to business: discipline, teamwork, and legacy-building.
Tom holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Tufts University, where he also engaged in graduate medical research. His educational path reflects the same intellectual rigor and curiosity that have guided his professional one. He is a lifelong learner, mentor, and advisor who believes in elevating others while building resilient enterprises. With an unwavering commitment to both strategic vision and human capital, Tom’s journey continues to inspire leaders in boardrooms, startups, and global corporations alike.
Character:
Tom’s reputation is built on a foundation of trust, humility, and service. He approaches leadership with empathy and integrity, ensuring that decisions are guided not only by data but by the human stories behind the numbers. His unwavering moral compass makes him a dependable force for ethical leadership in any organizational context.
Knowledge:
With decades of cross-industry experience, Tom’s strategic insight into franchising, value creation, operations, and business development is unparalleled. His knowledge spans both public and private companies, and he has played central roles in IPOs, M&A, and global expansions. Tom combines practical experience with intellectual curiosity, always staying ahead of market shifts and industry trends.
Strategic:
Tom is a master architect of growth, possessing a rare ability to transform vision into action. He identifies inflection points and leverages them to create value, whether through operational turnarounds, market expansion, or digital innovation. His board work, executive mentorship, and investor relations reflect a consistently forward-thinking, results-driven mindset.
Communication:
Tom’s communication style is clear, engaging, and deeply human. He knows how to inspire teams, build consensus among stakeholders, and communicate strategy in ways that drive alignment. Growth and experience in many countries and cultures Tom is comfortable on global stages, he adapts his messaging to diverse audiences while maintaining authenticity and impact.
