Leadership
Steve Kleppe
Steve Kleppe, Owner and President of Arizona Restaurant Systems, Inc., started the company in April 1987 with six locations. Mr. Kleppe began his career in fast food with a chain called Smacks based out of Kansas City, MO. He received an opportunity to run Sonic Drive-Ins in Arizona in 1976 and went on to become Director of Operations for Sonic Drive-In’s Corporate Drive-Ins during the 1980s.
Spencer Manke
Spencer Manke, Chief Financial Officer, joined Arizona Restaurant Systems, Inc. in August 2007. Prior to joining ARS, Mr. Manke was in commercial banking for 12 years providing financing to multi-unit restaurant operators. Mr. Manke’s primary responsibility is to oversee the accounting and finance functions of the company. Mr. Manke is also Certified Public Accountant.
Carla Murphy
Carla Murphy, Director of Training and Quality Assurance, began her employment with Sonic in September,1984 in Flagstaff off of 4th Avenue as a fountain crew person. Her accomplishments include, but are not limited to, 2002 Sonic Drive In National Convention speaker with Steve Kleppe – “Food Safety Drives Net Profit”, in 2006 received the Sonic Training Award at Sonic’s National Convention. Carla is a certified Serv Safe instructor as well. Carla believes that “my success is dependent upon the success of everyone around me!”
Ahmad Awik
Ahmad Awik, Director of Operations, joined Arizona Restaurant Systems in August of 1993, and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Northern Arizona University. Ahmad is in charge of the supervisors and the opeations of 29 Sonic Drive-Ins Arizona Restaurant Systems, Inc. owns.
Nicole Kleppe
Nicole Kleppe, Vice President of Marketing and Human Resources, joined Arizona Restaurant Systems, Inc. in August of 1999. Nicole received her Masters of Business Administration in May of 2006 and her Professional in Human Resources certification in December of the same year. She enjoys working with a passionate and committed staff and group of managers and supervisors every day.
Gail Ferguson
Gail Ferguson, Sr. Staff Accountant, joined Arizona Restaurant Systems, Inc. in October 2008. Prior to joining AZRSI, Gail was an Accounting Manager for over 25 years, managing the accounting staff and all accounting processes with several mid-size companies. During this time she also functioned as the lead on several accounting system integrations. It was her experience with Microsoft Dynamics-Great Plains that brought her to ARSI. Never having done franchise accounting before, working for ARSI offered an exciting new adventure!
John Sallee
John Sallee, Refrigeration and Maintenance Technician, moved to the Phoenix area from Chicago, ILL, in 1973. He has worked for several different refrigeration companies in the Phoenix area, and was hired by Arizona Restaurant Systems, Inc. in May 2005, looking for better opportunity.
Dennis Murphy
Dennis Murphy, Supervisor, came to work for Arizona Restaurant Systems, Inc. at its beginning in April of 1987. Not only does Dennis supervise but oversees the maintenance program at all Drive-In locations.
Jaime Vigil
Jaime Vigil, Administrative Assistant, joined Arizona Restaurant Systems, Inc. in July of 2010. Jaime has 9 years of professional experience in an administrative capacity in a number of industries; Human Resources, Accounting, Management, Education, Information Technology, and Healthcare. Jaime has provided individual high level support to C-level officers as well as department support in her experience which allows for an opportunity to make a positive contribution to ARSI. Jaime’s primary responsibility is to provide all administrative support to Human Resources, Marketing, Accounting, and Management for our company.
