Bryan Hartnett ’87

From the summer 2006 issue of Assumption Magazine:
By Troy Watkins

One billion dollars … that’s how much Bryan Hartnett ’87 estimates is the total supply chain responsibility of the Dunkin’ Brands portfolio (Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin–Robbins, and Togo’s sandwiches) that he oversees as National Distributor Commitment Program’s chief executive officer. A tireless work ethic and a commitment to his family have led Bryan to where he is today.

His journey started back in his teenage years. A talented high school athlete, he knew what he was looking for at the college level. “I was interested in a small-sized school that offered the opportunity for an excellent education and the opportunity to play sports,” he explained. Fortunately for Assumption, and for Bryan, Bob Berard ’78 pointed Bryan in the direction of Assumption. A standout baseball and soccer player,

Bob is a member of Assumption’s Alumni-Athletics Hall of Fame, and was Bryan’s high school basketball and baseball coach.

Bryan treasures his Assumption education and experience. “The friendships I formed in my four years at Assumption have remained with me as strong ties through the years,” he said. “Friends and roommates of mine during the time, guys like Chris Gioffre ’87, Tom Schofield ’87, Tom Roach ’87, Freddie Kelley ’86, and Bob Molloy ’86 always were around. Together we worked hard, got involved in a lot of things, but always managed to have a lot of fun. That attitude has followed me into the work place, and I feel it has made me very successful personally and professionally.”

Assistant Professor of Accounting Bill Sullivan was another positive influence. Bryan recalled, “Professor Sullivan and the accounting department were very supportive. I think I appreciate more today the effort Professor Sullivan put into advising us what to expect and how to prepare for life. I remember his classes as including real life discussions, and he encouraged us to be well-rounded people, not just accountants. I carry that advice and share it with my people to this day. I tell them that their most important tool they have is their personality. If you can’t deal well with people, you’ll have a difficult time in your career.” Bryan has created a high-energy work environment, talking and joking with co-workers, and hires people who will work well with others and enhance the family-type work environment he established, one where people will go out of their way to help each other.

Bryan has a clear understanding of what he learned in college. He remembers, “Assumption provided a supportive environment to me as a student and a developing adult. Having the opportunity to live with a great bunch of people, attend the right–sized classes, and participate in sports really developed my entire self. I think that I arrived at Assumption as a typical freshman—not fully confident in my abilities or myself. I left there pretty confident that I was ready to succeed in my work and personal life.”

Bryan began his career in public accounting, working in Ernst & Young’s tax and audit division. Dunkin’ Donuts Northeast Distribution Center was a client of the firm. In 1990, the controller position at Dunkin’ Donuts was available. Bryan found the Dunkin’ position appealing because of the work environment. “I think you need to be proud of what you do and whom you work for,” he said. Bryan was interested in the position, applied, and soon began his career with Dunkin’ Donuts. Bryan was promoted to director of finance in 1996, moved up to vice president of the department two years later, and in April 2002, took over operations for the center as senior vice president/general manager. He became executive vice president and chief operating officer in November 2002, reporting directly to the board of directors, comprised entirely of Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners.

In October 2005, National DCP, LLC was created and Bryan was appointed CEO. There are approximately 1,000 employees in four Distribution Centers in the country (Massachusetts, Illinois, New Jersey, and Atlanta). As CEO, he strategically leads the entire effort, setting goals for each area (IT, HR, Finance, etc.) and looks at the whole organization and assesses whether there are any needs. Marketing and a quality assurance group were added in the past two years. He sets the direction, makes sure there are plenty of resources, provides those to his teams, and empowers them to make decisions. “I meet with Dunkin’ Brands, the franchisees and my people, ask each group what their needs are, then create and execute a business case and financial plan to deliver what is needed,” he summarized.

When Bryan started as controller in 1990, the Dunkin’ Northeast quadrant had 368 stores and grossed about $58 million annually. Today, there are 2,300 northeast stores grossing about $550 million … talk about moving up the ladder!

Some of the more rewarding aspects of Bryan’s job have been the opportunities to give back to those less fortunate. “I am part of an annual effort with the New England Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees that raises money for the Jimmy Fund through its golf program. The franchisees run a golf tournament once a year that raises about $1 million for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in one day! I am extremely proud of helping to organize and support the Jimmy Fund as it runs its tourneys throughout the summer, and sponsoring the kids’ Christmas party at Dana Farber.”

Like most Assumption alumni, Bryan knows what is most important to him. “My family is more important to me than my career,” he said. He readily admits that balancing work and family is a challenge, and quickly points to the support of his career that he receives from his family. “I am fortunate to have a wonderful wife, Lauren (Laske) ’87, and three girls—Lindsey (8), Katherine (6), and Tara (5)—at home supporting me. They have all put up with my very hectic travel and work schedule since I assumed the position of CEO in October. It is a new entity and organization, and I am in the process of creating a dynamic and successful team. Fortunately, Lauren and the girls are very supportive, and we make sure we keep our family life in balance and full of happiness.”

And the College is proud that Bryan and Lauren are among thousands of Assumption alumni who have learned, achieved, and continue to contribute to a greater good.

Last updated 12/18/07