About DUA

We connect people.

Our mission is to propel restaurant brands forward by placing leaders who turn strategy into sustained growth, quickly, confidently, and with integrity.

Why We Exist

The right executive hire unlocks the full potential of every unit, team, and guest experience.

Yet in an industry where margins are narrow and expansion windows close fast, vacancies linger far too long and mis-hires cost millions. We exist to change that equation.

Our purpose is simple: match transformative leaders with visionary brands so both can thrive, creating workplaces people love, guest experiences that resonate, and growth that endures.

20,000+
restaurant leaders in our network
20+ yrs
of combined search experience
2019
founded by David Ulrich
St. Pete
headquarters, serving clients nationwide
Executive Search
Retained, exclusive searches from restaurant managers to the C-suite.
Explore Executive Search
L.E.A.P. Advisory Group
Fractional executive expertise for every stage of growth.
Explore LEAP Advisory
DUA Core Principles

Communication

We pride ourselves on tailoring each search to both our clients' and candidates' needs, ensuring long-term success.

Integrity

Building trust through honest communication and ethical practices, so clients and candidates receive clear, accurate information at every step of the process.

Adaptability

By staying responsive to the ever-changing needs of the job market, industries, and client requirements, we ensure tailored solutions for every situation.

Meet the Team

The people behind every search

David Ulrich, Founder and Principal
SearchLEAP
David Ulrich
Founder and Principal

David is an executive search and human capital strategist with more than 15 years of experience recruiting, developing and retaining leaders in the restaurant, hospitality, franchising and real estate industries. He's known for a client-first approach built on honest, timely feedback and long-term relationships, and his network spans major private equity firms and global restaurant and hotel companies. Before search, David spent close to 20 years in general management and strategy at organizations such as Merrill Lynch, Pitney Bowes and Gartner Group.

David began his career in sales and business development within the office equipment industry working for Lanier Worldwide, and later with Pitney Bowes. He then headed up the Northern New England region for Gartner Group. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

AS HEARD ONSharkpreneur, Ep. 1301: “From Resume to Results”
LEAP
Dale Herb
Managing Partner, Advisory Services

Dale creates world-class talent solutions that drive organizational success, with a focus on human capital strategies and technology. His career highlights include establishing a “Best Place to Work” culture at Payment Alliances Int'l, driving talent assessment and succession planning at KFC, developing a global leadership development program for Papa John's, and building a high-performing HR team at Diversified Restaurant Group, where implementing Workday HCM helped the organization scale into the third-largest Taco Bell franchisee.

Dale Herb, Managing Partner, Advisory Services
Larry Strain, Franchise Development & Real Estate
LEAP
Larry Strain
Franchise Development & Real Estate, CCIM

Larry brings more than 30 years in real estate, franchise development and strategic leadership, including national expansion initiatives for well-known brands. He builds growth plans on market analytics and financial modeling, and has led acquisitions, new unit development and major remodels.

Tim Schroder, Marketing & Revenue Growth
LEAP
Tim Schroder
Marketing & Revenue Growth

Tim brings more than 15 years of C-suite marketing leadership across restaurant, retail and franchise brands, including CMO roles at Golden Corral and Retro Fitness and Chief Sales, Marketing & Operations Officer at Save A Lot. He builds the brand, digital and franchise marketing strategies that drive traffic, sales and system growth, and has led Franchise Advisory Councils along the way.

Brody Ulrich, Associate Recruiter
Search
Brody Ulrich
Associate Recruiter

Brody helps restaurant, hospitality and franchise clients find operational leaders, corporate executives and specialized talent, with an eye on long-term fit for both the role and the person. A biology graduate with a lab background, he brings an analytical, detail-driven approach to assessing leadership, personality and culture fit, and writes regularly on hiring trends and career development.

Let's find your next great leader.