Corporate Team

Meet Team Chestnut

Ed Muransky
Ed Muransky
Chief Executive Officer
Chris Sammartino
Chris Sammartino
Chief Operating Officer
Angela Duskey
Angela Duskey
Chief Financial Officer
Eddie Muransky
Eddie Muransky
Vice President & General Counsel

Tanner Avnet
Operations Team Specialist

Linda Benson
Operations Team Support

Gina DiFrancesco
Recruiter
Ashley Fuller
Ashley Fuller
Recruiter
Tracy Gillette
Tracy Gillette
Receptionist

Leo Henry III
Director Of Operations

Kasie Machingo
Lead Recruiter

Bekah Marstellar
Director of Human Resourses

Andrew Moody
General Counsel

Christina Noufer
Payroll Coordinator

Frank Perrotta
Operations Team & Loss Prevention

Joe Safarek
Marketing Manager

Kristene States
Payroll Assistant

Scott Valentine
Director of Construction

Justin Vallia
Operations Team & Loss Prevention

Chris Sammartino_

Christopher A. Sammartino began his career as the Chief Operations Officer of Chestnut Land Company in January 2009. As COO, Chris oversees the daily success of Chestnut Land Company. This involves interacting with departments and team members throughout the company. Chris classifies himself as being a people person, as he loves to work with people every day and helps them in their journey to be successful and happy in what they are doing. One of Chris’s strengths as a leader is that he prides himself on actively pursuing the business fundamental of the “open door policy” because he truly listens, directs, and supports the individuals on our team for personal as well as professional growth. As a company, we pride ourselves on being a family and he works hard to make sure everyone is taken care of and treated with respect. Chris understands the value our employees bring to the team, no matter what position they hold. Chris is also responsible for researching, negotiating, and acquiring our new locations and partnerships. He also focuses on maintaining the fantastic relationships we have with our current landlords and especially within all divisions of our franchisor, Auntie Anne’s.

Chris currently lives in Canfield, Ohio, with his wife Lisa and their three children: Francesca, Christopher, and Giavanna. He was born and raised in Boardman, Ohio, where he graduated from Boardman High School and attended classes at Youngstown State University. He has a strong belief in the Youngstown, Ohio, area and has surrounded himself with great family and friends. In his free time, Chris enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, reading, entertaining family and friends, and attending all different sports events and charity functions.

His favorite pretzel is an original with yellow mustard and a large cherry lemonade.

Chris Sammartino
Chief Operating Officer

Gary Lockhart

Having been with the company since inception, Gary is the Chief Financial Officer for Chestnut Land Company. After acquiring his MBA, Gary spent a dozen years with a large regional public accounting firm gaining practical experience in a multitude of business disciplines. Being a CPA in both Ohio and Pennsylvania has provided Gary with a solid basis in strategic planning, acquisitions, and tax management. This has allowed for his intimate involvement in all aspects of the business as a member of Chestnut’s executive team.

Married for 35 years, Gary is the father of two children and has a Cocker Spaniel named Nugget. When not working, he enjoys traveling with his wife to national parks, NASCAR racing, hunting and fishing.

The pretzels may be magnificent, but Gary’s favorite Auntie Anne’s pretzel is a piping hot pretzel dog!

Gary Lockhart
Chief Financial Officer

Eddie Muransky

Eddie Muransky, Vice President and General Counsel for the Chestnut Land Company, joined the team in February 2012 after spending three years as business litigation associate attorney for the Ulmer Berne LLP law firm in Cleveland. He will be working primarily on leasing contracts, strategic planning, and the legal side of the human resources department. He vividly remembers attending the first store opening at the Florida mall with his father in 1994 when he was only 9 years old, and now he couldn’t be happier to contribute his legal knowledge as Chestnut moves into the future.

Eddie received his J.D. Degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 2009 and his B.B.A. degree with distinction from the University of Michigan business school in 2006. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, watching sports, dining, and traveling (often together!). He also hosts a radio show right here in Youngstown every Wednesday.

He thinks all of our pretzels are fantastic, but his favorite starts and ends with the pretzel dog.

Eddie Muransky
Vice President & General Counsel

Angelo Babbaro

Angelo is one of the newest additions to the Chestnut Land Company, joining in early 2012. He attended Villanova University in Philadelphia, PA, and graduated Summa Cum Laude receiving a M.S. in Human Resource Development and a B.A. in Economics. Angelo also earned 3x Academic All-American Honors and the 2010 Villanova Student-Athlete of the year Award while playing running-back for the 2009 Division I National Championship Villanova football team.Angelo is no stranger to teamwork, a fast-paced environment, or performing under pressure. This is precisely what Angelo and his team was brought here to do: assemble and motivate the strongest, most effective performing teams in the quick-service food industry. Angelo also wears the hats of Co-manager of Social Media and Leader of the S.M.A.R.T. team (Specialized Management Action Response Team): a group of specialized employees that is deployed to address issues in the field. High-level performance is his passion and he is a firm believer that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

When not in the office, Angelo is most likely exercising, playing sports, boating, traveling, listening to country music, or coaching high school football.

He has an extreme addiction to the cinnamon sugar pretzel that none of us can explain!

Angelo Babbaro
Chief Performance Officer

Linda Benson

Linda has been a part of the Chestnut Land Company since October 2006. She formerly worked for the largest shopping center developer in the country for 28 years, the Edward J. Debartolo Corporation, which became Simon Property Group in the 90’s. On a daily basis, you can find Linda processing cash reports, verifying deposits, reviewing voids, and confirming all stores have their food permits and business licenses.

She has resided in Poland, Ohio, all of her life and has been married to Scott for 28 years. She has two beautiful daughters; Michelle, a registered nurse and Courtney, a junior fashion merchandising major at Kent State University. Linda also enjoys spending time with her two cats.

Her favorite pretzel flavor is original but loves the pretzel dog as well!

Linda Benson
Operations Team Support

Melissa Bohr

Melissa Bohr is the Operations Manager for Chestnut Land Company joining the in November 2001. Melissa maintains the register system for all Chestnut Land franchise owned Auntie Anne’s. With extensive knowledge of the credit card system she maintains all accounts with various processing companies, maintains monthly rents, landlord billings and creates bank accounts for all locations. She also can be found verifying month end data prior to submitting for month end financials, and working on special projects as requested by Ed or Chris.

She previously worked 15 years for a corporate office in Youngstown, OH, for a discount drug store chain, and a few years with an entertainment company.

Her favorite pretzel is the Original with a Hot Salsa Cheese dip.

Melissa Bohr
Operations Manager

Tricia DeBarr

Tricia DeBarr is Chestnut Land’s Payroll Manager. She joined the Chestnut team in February of 2013. Tricia graduated from Kent State University in 2004 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising. Following college she spent a few years in the marketing field, but decided to leave marketing and pursue a career in payroll. She has always been really good with numbers and enjoys working with clients so payroll was an obvious fit. She comes to us from Paychex, where she spent multiple years as a Human Resource Payroll Specialist. Tricia and her husband live in her hometown of Salem, Ohio, with their two cats Nash and Winter.

Tricia’s favorite pastime is game night with her friends and family. She loves to play Euchre, Poker, and pretty much any other card/ board game. She loves a good story and she spends a lot of her free time lost in a good book or movie. Her favorite book is Pride and Prejudice and she has read it at least 4 times.

If she is really hungry, her favorite pretzel is the pretzel dog. If she is just looking for a sweet snack it is the cinnamon sugar with cream cheese dip – YUM!

Tricia DeBarr
Payroll Manager

Kasie Machingo

Kasie joined Chestnut Land Company in June 2016.

Kasie Machingo
Recruiter

Leo Henry III

His day to day tasks vary by the minute, keeping him constantly ready for anything. It is never a dull day in the office of Leo Henry, and this is one of his favorite things about his job. Leo began his career with the Chestnut Land Company rolling, twisting, and selling pretzels. Now he oversees construction of new facilities and daily operations of all 64 stores. During his time at Chestnut Land, he has been given the opportunity to meet and work with many different people from around the country on a variety of different projects.

He enjoys going home to his wife Sue, daughter Rebecca, son Nick, and dog Zeke after an exciting day at the office. His passions reside in Notre Dame athletics, with football easily being his favorite. He is a graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School and currently resides in Poland, Ohio.

Leo loves all Auntie Anne’s pretzel products, but is a self-proclaimed “nugget man.”

Leo Henry III
Director Of Operations

Don Kratofil

Don has been with the Chestnut Land Company for 17 years. He began as a Store Manager at the Southern Park Mall location in Boardman, Ohio. It was the third store in the Chestnut Land portfolio and opened three days before Black Friday. This was a hectic opening for Don, but was a great experience to add to his resume. He has been involved in every aspect of the daily operations of an Auntie Anne’s store over his time with the company and can solve just about any problem a manager may encounter. Don’s primary responsibilities include: purchasing, troubleshooting, monthly inventory, and controlling the cost of goods for every store.

Don has been married for 23 years to his wife Mary. Together they have three children: Colleen – a junior journalism major at Ohio University, Donny – a freshman at Youngstown State University studying engineering, and Kelly – a sophomore at Boardman High School.

Don loves Auntie Anne’s jalapeno pretzel with the hot salsa cheese dip.

Don Kratofil
Operations Team Leader

Bekah Marstellar

Bekah is the Director of Human Resources for Chestnut Land Company. She started in Human Resources 12 years ago as a management trainer for a quick service pizza franchise company; there she worked her way up from a delivery driver to a strategic HR partner. She attributes her success to her passion for people capability and running great operations. Bekah enjoys interacting with people and assisting the company with benefits, payroll, employee relations, training and development, and strategic management. Bekah earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Youngstown State University and a Master’s of Science Degree in Human Resources Management from Capella University. She is excited to be working for Chestnut Land, and hopes to use her experience to help the company continue to grow!

She and her husband, Larry, live in Austintown, OH with their six children, ranging in ages from 7 years old to 20 years old. Most of their weekends are filled with baseball, competitive cheerleading, or soccer! Bekah also enjoys photography, reading, or a night out with friends.

Her favorite pretzel is the Almond Pretzel with caramel dip, but can always go for some mini dogs! YUM!

Bekah Marstellar
Director of Human Resources

Anne-Marie Turner

Anne-Marie Turner is Marketing Manager for Chestnut Land Company She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Prior to joining The Muransky Companies in 2011, a love of history and the arts led her to teach middle school social studies and English.

Anne-Marie’s personal passions are her faith, family, decorating and treasure hunting at flea markets. Professionally, her passion is creativity and design, along with organization.

As for her favorite pretzel – it’s a toss-up between almond and cinnamon sugar.

Anne-Marie Turner
Marketing Manager

Kristen_States

Bio Coming Soon!

Kristene States
Payroll Assistant

Amy DicrossAmy DiCross joined the Chestnut Land team in April 2015, where she is a Payroll Coordinator. Amy was born and raised on over 50 acres in East Palestine, OH. She has been in the work force since her Senior year, where she realized her love for numbers.

Amy comes to us with over 20 years of Payroll experience and 14 years of Human Resources and Business Office Management. Amy also owned her own business and awarded with “Leaders of Tomorrow” honors. She knows the importance of team work and brings respect, experience and pride in her work.

Amy enjoys helping others, especially children. She was a Co-coordinator which helped to raise over $25K in food for the Back Pack Program for the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning County. Amy is married to a wonderful man where they enjoy spending time with family, riding their Harleys and 4 wheelers, grilling as well as hunting and fishing.

Amy believes in working hard, playing hard and enjoying life. Amy is very excited to be a part of the Muransky Companies. She loves the Almond Pretzel

Amy Dicross
Payroll Coordinator

Nick Keller

Nick joined Chestnut Land Company’s Operations Team in 2012. After graduating from Youngstown State University with Bachelor degrees in Biology and Philosophy, Nick went on to study law, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Juris Doctor degree in 2010 from Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley Law School (Go Broncos!). As an attorney, Nick practiced in Ann Arbor, MI before making the leap from the courtroom to the world of pretzels and lemonade.

When he isn’t at the Home Office or visiting stores, Nick enjoys hiking, fly fishing, target shooting, kayaking, playing guitar, going to concerts (he’s a huge Dave Matthews Band and Bruce Springsteen fan), traveling to new and exciting places, and spending time with his family and friends.

Nick’s favorite pretzel? The Almond Raisin whenever he can find this rare treat.

Nick Keller
Operations Support Specialist

Justin Vallia

Justin joined the team in March of 2015. He attended Youngstown State University and studied Criminal Justice. He has worked as a part-time police officer and a full-time prison guard before joining Chestnut Land Company. Justin works with Mike on the Loss Prevention side of the operations to help enforce standard operating rules and regulations. He is responsible for monitoring surveillance systems at our locations, completing incident documentation, and working with Store Managers to correct any issues with the store, its customers, and employees. While not watching the cameras, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys, along with spending time outside and watching football.

His favorite pretzel is cinnamon-sugar.

Justin Vallia
Operations Team & Loss Prevention

Jillian Flauto

Jill is originally from Poland, Ohio and attended Ohio University earning a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies in 2010. She worked in Career Services at Ross Medical Education in Niles, Ohio, and most recently was working as the Director of Career Services at ITT Technical Institute in Columbus, Ohio. She decided to switch to Recruiting this spring and wanted to move back to her hometown. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with family and friends. She loves being outdoors, reading, going to concerts, traveling, and being a Cleveland sports fan.

Her favorite pretzels are the mini dogs!

Jillian Flauto
Recruiter

AJ Minotti

AJ works as the Media Specialist for the Chestnut Land Company. He graduated from Duquesne University in 2007 and 2010, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts and a Master of Science degree in Multimedia Production. After spending a few years on the road filming travel documentaries and working for various startups, AJ is delighted to handle the company’s needs for websites, photography, videography, social media, and A/V support.

AJ currently lives in Poland, OH with his wife Jessica and his twin baby girls, Sophia and Olivia. In his free time, he enjoys BBQing, video games, and rooting on Cleveland sports.

For AJ, nothing beats a hot and fresh Almond Pretzel with an ice cold Lemonade.

AJ Minotti
Media Specialist

Tanner Avnet

Tanner joined our team in June of 2015. He attended Youngstown State University and got his bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. He previously worked as a server at The Lake Club for five years before joining the Chestnut Land Company family. Tanner is working with Angelo and his team on the recruiting side where he is looking to develop and expand a new career in HR. When Tanner is not on the phone he enjoys playing basketball, relaxing with his friends, and cheering on THE Ohio State Buckeyes.

His favorite pretzel is the Almond Pretzel with caramel dip!

Tanner Avnet
Operations Team Specialist

Tim Norris

Tim is one of the newest additions to the IT Department, joining in May 2015. He grew up in New Middletown, OH and attended Youngstown State University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2015, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology.

Outside of work, Tim enjoys playing basketball, boating, running and is currently taking lessons to become a private pilot.

Tim’s enjoys Cinnamon Sugar Nuggets with a sweet glaze dip.

Tim Norris
IT Support

Frank Perrotta

Frank began his career with Chestnut Land Company in 2015. He worked as a part-time police officer prior to accepting his current Loss Prevention position with the company. At Chestnut, Frank monitors the stores to help enforce standard operating procedures, rules and regulations. He is responsible for reviewing surveillance systems at all locations, completing incident documentation, and working with Store Managers to correct any issues with the store, its customers, and employees.

In his spare time he enjoy riding 4-wheelers and spending time with friends and family. He also enjoys going to motocross races.

His favorite Auntie Anne’s pretzel is the Cinnamon Sugar.

Frank Perrotta
Operations Team & Loss Prevention

Lisa_Kaschak

Lisa Kaschak joined the Chestnut Land Company in November 2015 as a HR/Payroll Assistant. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Youngstown State University where she is proud to be a YSU alumni. She previously worked fifteen years in a dental office, where she had experience with accounts receivable and payable, scheduling, insurance claims and payroll. Interacting with patients daily is what she enjoyed most about her job in the dental field. She also volunteers at her children’s school and currently holds the treasurer’s position for Austintown PTA.

Lisa resides in Austintown, Ohio with her husband and two children, Mya and Drew. Her free time is usually spent at soccer, baseball or basketball cheering on her children. Sunday dinners at her parent’s house with her siblings and nieces and nephews is what she looks forward to every week. Lisa’s also enjoys relaxing at the campground, reading a good book or planning a Disney trip.

Lisa’s favorite pretzel is the Original with Cream Cheese dip.

Lisa Kaschak
HR / Payroll Assistant

Ryan_McCreary

Ryan joined The Chestnut Land Company in June of 2016. Prior to coming on board, he graduated from Youngstown State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and worked as a full-time correctional officer. Ryan works with Justin and Frank on the loss prevention side of operations to help enforce standard operating rules and regulations. He is responsible for monitoring surveillance systems, completing incident documentation, and working with store managers to correct all issues with the store, its customers, and its employees. When not at work, Ryan enjoys spending his time with his wife doing anything outdoors; he is an avid snowboarder in the winter months.

His favorite pretzels are cinnamon sugar and almond.

Ryan McCreary
Loss Prevention Specialist

Bryan O'Shaughnessy

Bio Coming Soon!

Bryan O’Shaughnessy
Chief Information Officer

Scott_Valentine

Scott joined the Chestnut Land Team in March 2016. As Director of Construction, he oversees the processes of store design through the construction phase to grand opening, which includes budgeting, hiring contractors, scheduling and everything in-between. He manages store remodels and re-imaging existing stores to the latest prototype, as well as handling the larger maintenance and repair needs of each store. Prior to joining the Chestnut Land team, he worked for Zabel’s, a foodservice equipment supplier, where he learned the nuts and bolts of foodservice and the value of professional relationships. Scott especially enjoys the variety of his job and working with many different people in the field. Construction can be chaotic, but it’s one of the most exciting things about his day. His Bachelor’s degree is in Psychology from Youngstown State University.

When not in the office or traveling, Scott loves spending time with his wife Shannon, and his two son’s Gus and Tommy. Most of his spare time is spent playing and watching sports with his family.

Mini-dogs, yellow mustard and a large cherry lemonade… delicious!

Scott Valentine
Director of Construction

Christina_Noufer

Christina joined are team in March of 2018 as the Payroll Assistant. She attended Youngstown State University and received a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She previously was an online teacher and Human Resource Manager at a retail store before joining the Chestnut Land Company family. Christina is very excited to be working for Chestnut Land and hopes her experiences will help the company continue to grow. She enjoys shopping, beach vacations, laughing and spending time with family and friends.
Her favorite pretzel is the mini dogs with cheese of course!

Christina Noufer
Payroll Assistant

Joe_Safarek

Bio Coming Soon!

Joe Safarek
Marketing Manager

Ashley_Fuller

Bio Coming Soon!

Ashley Fuller
Recruiter

Angela Duskey

Bio Coming Soon!

Angela Duskey
Chief Financial Officer

Tracy Gillette

Bio Coming Soon!

Tracy Gillette
Receptionist

Ed Muransky

Bio Coming Soon!

Ed Muransky
Chief Executive Officer

Ed Muransky

Bio Coming Soon!

Adam Crist
Manager of Financial Accounting

Ed Muransky

Bio Coming Soon!

Krista Nolfi
Recruiter

Andrew Moody

Bio Coming Soon!

Andrew Moody
General Counsel

Bio Coming Soon!

Gina DiFrancesco
Recruiter

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