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Melissa Laing

Director of Business Development and Training, United Franchise Group
Detroit Metropolitan Area,United States
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Melissa Laing's Overview

Total Experience23 years
CompanyUnited Franchise Group
CountryUnited States

Melissa Laing is an established Auckland-based artist, writer, and researcher whose practice critically engages with the intersections of art, urbanism, economics, and social systems. Her work is often research-intensive, manifesting in diverse forms such as installations, public art projects, performances, publications, and digital media. Laing explores how value is constructed, how communities are formed and sustained, and the complex ways individuals navigate contemporary societal structures. She holds a PhD in Fine Arts from Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland, and her projects frequently invite public participation and dialogue, aiming to make visible the often-unseen forces that shape our environments and experiences.

Professional Summary

Melissa Laing's work history includes a series of influential roles in various companies. Here is a detailed list of his professional journey:

United Franchise Group - Director of Business Development and Training (2024 to Present)
Dufresne Spencer Group, LLC dba Ashley - Retail Salesperson (2023 to 2024)
Office Evolution - Troy, MI - Business Center Manager (2022 to 2023)
Office Evolution Ann Arbor - Business Center Manager (2021 to 2022)
UPS - SPVD (2020 to 2021)
Merkle - Catalog Manager - Purchasing Lead (2018 to 2020)
Barton-Carey Medical Products - Measuring/Fitting Specialist (2015 to 2018)
Curves - Franchise Owner (2012 to 2018)
Z Spot Fitness Studio - Zumba Fitness® Instructor (2014 to 2017)
EXOS|MediFit - Zumba Fitness® Instructor (2010 to 2016)

Notable Achievements

PhD in Fine Arts

Completed her doctoral research at Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland, focusing on art's engagement with economic and social systems, further deepening her research-based practice.

McCahon House Artists' Residency

Awarded the prestigious McCahon House Artists' Residency in 2010, providing a dedicated period for research and development of her artistic projects in a historically significant setting for New Zealand art.

Extensive Exhibition Record

Has exhibited widely in solo and group shows across New Zealand and internationally, contributing significantly to contemporary art discourse through works like 'Controlled Environment', 'The First National Meal', and 'Fair-weather friends / All or nothing'.

Published Author and Editor

Contributes to art discourse through critical writing and publications, including co-editing 'DIRT: A Critical Art Journal' and authoring texts related to her artistic research and contemporary art practice.

Recipient of Creative New Zealand Grants

Has received multiple grants and funding from Creative New Zealand (Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa), supporting the development and presentation of her ambitious, research-led art projects.

Educational Background

Pre-Medical Studies/Business Administration

University of Nevada, Reno - Year 1991

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Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance

Company Overview

United Franchise Group
Total employees300
HeadquartersWest Palm Beach
Founded1986

United Franchise Group (UFG) is a privately held company based in West Palm Beach, Florida, that serves as a global leader for entrepreneurs. It is home to an affiliated family of brands and consultants, offering franchising opportunities and comprehensive support services across various industries. UFG specializes in helping individuals start and grow their own businesses by providing proven business models, training, marketing, and ongoing operational assistance. Their diverse portfolio includes well-known brands in sectors like business services, signage, and food retail.

United Franchise Group Funding Information
not applicable - Total Funding Raised
not applicable - Most recent funding amount
not applicable - Number of funding rounds
not applicable - Latest funding round
Lead Investors:
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