NEW YORK, June 29, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Soupman, Inc. (OTCQB:SOUP) today announces that Jamieson Karson has joined Soupman's Board of Directors as Chairman of The Board and James Stephen Shipp and Randy Beller have also joined the Board of Directors.
As Chairman of The Board, Mr. Karson will work with the Board and the management team to strengthen and develop the business strategy and will also spearhead the search for the hiring of a new CEO. Mr. Karson is the former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Steve Madden, LTD. the global footwear, accessories and apparel company. During his tenure at Steve Madden, the company's revenues grew significantly and the market cap grew to approximately $1 billion. He is credited with stabilizing the company and expanding the company's footprint into the global retail and wholesale markets. He has won numerous awards including Steve Madden being named "Footwear Company of the Year" twice and "Top Ten Retailers in America" by ICSC. Karson was named "Top Ten Best Retail CEOs in America" by consulting firm HVS. After Steve Madden, Mr. Karson was a partner at Lightship Partners, which is a retail consulting firm. He also holds a law degree and is Senior Counsel at Dentons, the largest law firm in the world, where he specializes in corporate securities, corporate governance and crisis management. He also has extensive experience in the restaurant business.
In addition, Soupman Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of James Stephen Shipp and Randy Beller to its Board. Mr. Shipp is a recognized expert in securities operations clearing, compliance and IT platforms for securities processing. He has over 10 years of executive experience at SunGard Data Systems, ADP and Citibank and 25 years plus experience within broker dealer operations and financial services securities clearing and settlement technology. He is currently head of Business Development at Able Venture Group LLC.
Randy Beller, Founder of Beller Securities, is widely recognized as an expert in floor brokerage and broker dealer securities operations including securities clearance and settlement. He was a 30 year member of the New York Stock Exchange.
"We are excited to have Mr. Karson serve as our Chairman. Mr. Karson brings a wealth of leadership and expertise to Soupman Inc.," explains Robert N. Bertrand, President and CFO of Soupman "We believe he can unleash the great potential of the Original Soupman brand. The new members will play vital roles and we look forward to a prosperous future under the new and powerful leadership team led by Mr. Karson."
"Soupman has such an interesting history. As Seinfeld recognized, this is a great, iconic brand, with fantastic product and I am excited to have an opportunity to bring Soupman Inc. to the next level," says Jamieson Karson. "Soupman makes the best soup in the world, and I look forward to working with the team to exponentially grow our brand and business."
Daniel Rubano and Dan Noor Sr. resigned from the Board of Directors and Lloyd Sugarman stepped down as Chairman. Mr. Rubano remains as Senior Vice President of Franchise Development of the Company.
About Soupman, Inc.
In 1984, The Original SoupMan opened its doors at 55th Street & 8th Avenue in Manhattan and quickly became a worldwide destination. Rated #1 by Zagat and praised by the New York Times as "Art, not Soup," it set the standard for innovation and excellence long before the famous "Seinfeld" episode made it a cultural icon. We sell soup across America in Tetra Pak cartons in grocery stores next to Campbell's and Progresso as well as in our franchise restaurants, soupmobiles and foodservices. Shaquille O'Neal is an advisor and equity partner, as are Mr. October, Reggie Jackson and the award-winning actor, Jason Alexander. Soupman Inc., is a fully reporting public company trading under the symbol SOUP. For additional information on our company please visit: www.originalsoupman.com. Follow us on Twitter @OriginalSoupMan and "Like" us on Facebook.
Safe Harbor Statement:
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections made by management. The Company intends for the forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements. Words such as "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "plans", "believes", "seeks", "estimates" or variations of such words are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements other than as required by law. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements, such as our ability to attract franchisee interest, add new grocery customers or our ability to otherwise implement our marketing plan, including raise necessary capital, and the risk factors discussed in the Business and Management's Discussion and Analysis sections in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Copies of these filings are available at www.originalsoupman.com.
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