ASHLAND, NH – The Common Man family is pleased to announce the promotion of Sean Brown to Chief Executive Officer.
An employee since 1995, Brown now leads the independent hospitality family in implementing strategic initiatives, driving business growth, and monitoring financial performance. He oversees the senior leadership team, working collaboratively to model and develop the company’s culture, values, and Do Good mantra of offering helping hands in the community.
“Sean has great attention to detail, a tireless work ethic, strong integrity, and an innate sense of responsibility for our success,” said Common Man owner and founder Alex Ray. “He’s moved up through the ranks and has been a strong leader in many facets of our complex business. I couldn't be prouder of Sean. I have a lot of respect for him, so it was an easy choice to have him be the next leader of our company,” said Ray.
“I’ve worked countless years side by side with Alex and I believe in his long-standing mission of providing ‘WOW’ hospitality, a unique dining experience, opportunities to our staff, and service to our communities,” said Brown. “That mission speaks to me, and I look forward to keeping it going.”
Brown most recently served as the Chief Operations Officer for The Common Man, overseeing the daily operations of 17 restaurants, four Inns, two stores, and The Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center. Prior to that, he was District Operations Manager, overseeing all front of the house operations for The Common Man’s specialty brands including all Meredith locations, and Foster’s Boiler Room and The Italian Farmhouse in Plymouth. In his earlier tenure, he was general manager for Lago, Lakehouse, and Camp Restaurants in Meredith. He started as a server in 1995 at what was previously Boathouse Grille in Meredith, now Lago.
“I’ve learned and grown here, and I’m invested in our people, our restaurants, and our communities,” said Brown. “As we get ready to celebrate 55 years in business this November, we’re working hard to keep our menus fresh and appeal to the next generation while at the same time focusing on the traditional fare that our long-time guests have come to know and love.”
The Common Man named Brown General Manager of the Year in 2007 and 2009, and he’s been nominated as General Manager of the year several times in his career. He’s served as a board member for the Lakes Region Association, Greater Meredith Program, New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association, and he is currently on the Lakes Region Community College Culinary Program’s Advisory Committee and President’s Council.
Brown can often be found volunteering at community events representing The Common Man at Pedaling for Payson, the Sandwich Fair, Swim with a Mission, Harbor Care’s community Thanksgiving meal, Hands Across the Table, and other activities. He partners with the Plymouth State University Business Department annually to mentor students in The Common Man Ice Cream apprentice and business plan program.
Founded in 1971 by owner Alex Ray, the Common Man family in New Hampshire is made up of 17 restaurants, four Inns, a Spa, two stores, and The Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center. Common Man locations include Common Man restaurants in Lincoln, Ashland, Concord, Claremont, Merrimack, and Windham; The Barn on the Pemi, Common Man Inn & Spa, The Ranch, The Lodge, Foster’s Boiler Room, Italian Farmhouse, New Berry’s and JJ’s, and The Flying Monkey in Plymouth; Common Man Inn & Restaurant in Claremont; Lakehouse Grille, Camp, Lago, and Town Docks in Meredith; Lincoln Diner in Lincoln; Route 104 Diner in New Hampton; Tilt’n Diner in Tilton; Airport Diner in Manchester; and the Common Man Company Store in Ashland. The Common Man sister businesses include Common Man Roadside at the welcome centers on Interstate 93 north and south in Hooksett and Common Man Roadside Market & Deli locations in Plymouth, Manchester, Epsom, Portsmouth, and Derry. For more information, visit thecman.com or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thecommonmannh and Instagram @thecommonmannh.
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