Frank LaRusso is Director of Training BU Americas at Lavazza Group and adjunct professor at Drexel University. Frank began his 31+year career with Mars, Incorporated in the M&M/MARS group, where he held various positions in sales & marketing. He led the project team that analyzed the U.S. coffee market to determine the viability for Mars. As of result of this research, the company launched the FLAVIA® Beverage Systems business unit (renamed Mars Drinks) in 1995. Frank helped establish FLAVIA® Beverage Systems & the FLAVIA® brand in North America (in head of marketing roles) and helped cultivate the B2B distributor network, and commercial real estate focus within North America. The FLAVIA® and the MARS Drinks business was bought by one of the worlds largest coffee companies - Lavazza Group- In December 2018. Frank was the only associate in Mars History to ever have received the global "MAKE THE DIFFERENCE" final award 2x for his work with coffee growing families in El Salvador and launching new global brands. Prior to joining Mars, Frank began his career at GUINNESS BREWING-working and living in London,England. Frank has an extensive marketing and management background and holds a BSBA from Boston University, an MBA from Drexel University and a MDC from Cornell University in Management Development. . He formerly served as president of the Boston Chapter of the American Marketing Association. Frank currently sits on the board of directors of the Society of Hospitality and Foodservice Management (SHFM). In 2022 Frank became a Authorized Specialty Coffee Association Trainer (AST). Frank lives in Bucks County, PA, with his wife Lisa and daughters Gianna and Donatella. He leads a youth ministry for children of the coffee growing regions of El Salavador- and enjoys scuba diving, fly fishing, and performing music for youth ministry at church.