Executive Team

Mr. Harper has served as Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc.’s Interim Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer since June 2026. He previously served on the Company’s Board of Directors and brings extensive executive leadership experience including franchised, consumer-facing, hospitality businesses and public companies. Mr. Harper is the Co-founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American Heritage Railways, Inc., a Durango, Colorado-based heritage tourism company. As a shareholder and former director, Mr. Harper brings familiarity with the Company, its Durango roots and its key stakeholders. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, with a minor in Business Administration, from Principia College and completed post-graduate studies in finance at the University of Missouri in St. Louis.

Ms. Cass joined the Company in August 2024. Previously, she served as CEO of a multimedia agency where she oversaw all aspects of the business’s goals, growth, and profitability.  Prior to that, Ms. Cass was the CFO of an aerospace research and development company after leaving public accounting. She earned her BS in Business Administration and Accounting from California State University, Northridge and is a certified public accountant.

Mr. Harvey joined the company in 2026, bringing more than 30 years of experience in franchise operations, management development, and multi-unit leadership. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Franchise Operations for Franchise Group, LLC, where he oversaw franchise operations for The Vitamin Shoppe, Pet Supplies Plus, Buddy’s Home Furnishings, American Freight Furniture, and Sylvan Learning Center. Previously, Mr. Harvey spent 27 years with Aaron’s Inc., where he held leadership roles including Vice President of Franchise Operations and Vice President of Management Development. Earlier in his career, he served as Vice President of Operations for a 16-store Aaron’s franchise. Mr. Harvey studied Electrical Engineering at DeVry Institute of Technology and is a Certified Franchise Executive.

Mr. Denker joined the company in 2025 with deep expertise in franchising, business development, and operational expansion. Most recently, he served as President and Chief Growth Officer of Cookie Plug, where he led rapid franchise expansion, integrated digital learning platforms, and enhanced marketing and loyalty programs to drive revenue growth. Previously, Mr. Denker spent a decade at The Vitamin Shoppe, where he designed and launched the company’s omni-channel franchise program and negotiated multi-country license agreements to open more than 30 international locations. He holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of Vermont and is a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE).