Did You Know...
The Pro Martial Arts Corporate Team
Ed Samane: President
Ed Samane, a career martial artist, national speaker and consultant to the Martial Arts industry, is President and founder of PRO MARTIAL ARTS Franchise Corporation. With extensive experience in sales, marketing and customer service management for membership-based billing and consulting businesses, including Fitness Funding Corporation and Member Solutions, Ed Samane has dedicated his life to inspiring, educating and mentoring both business owners and his beloved students.
Mr. Samane holds a BBA in Marketing and currently owns six successful karate schools in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. He has earned a 7th Degree black belt in Tang Soo Do and an 8th degree black belt in Sin Moo Hapkido, and is internationally certified as a grand master instructor.
Kris Smith: Vice President of Operations
Kris is a franchise veteran with more than 25 years of experience in the industry. He began his career with Domino's Pizza in 1985, where he started as an hourly employee working his way through school. Upon graduating, Kris spent 13 years with Domino's Pizza in several positions, to include Senior Franchise Consultant as well as a successful multi-unit franchisee. Kris left Domino's Pizza in 1998 to purchase an 18 unit Pizza Hut franchise in New Jersey, where he successfully turned around the failing business and led the company to double digit increases in revenue and profit. He has also held the position as Development Manager for Dunkin Brands, where he was responsible for the Real Estate and Construction team that developed over 100 new locations within a twelve month period. Kris was recruited to Hollywood Tans as the Director of Real Estate and Construction for this 325 unit national brand.
In 2008 he was brought on as Vice President of Brand Services for Saladworks, a 100+ unit chain of fast casual salad restaurants. As VP of Brand Services, Kris was responsible for several divisions within the company, to include Operations, Design & Construction, Training, Procurement & Distribution, as well as the Research & Development department. Kris resides in Burlington, NJ with his wife Angelya and their two children.
Matt Dillon: Vice President of Sales and Development
Matt has over 10 years of Franchise Development experience. Prior to joining PRO MARTIAL ARTS, he was involved with franchise development for Great Clips, Inc., Service Brands International, and most recently Senior Helper Franchising. His current responsibilities include management of the franchise marketing and sales programs for PRO MARTIAL ARTS by supervising the development staff and assisting them with their franchisee candidates. Matt lives in Holly Springs, North Carolina with his wife, Mari and their three boys. Away from work, Matt enjoys spending time with his family, traveling to the coast, and playing golf.
Howard L. Soloway: Director of Finance, CLU, ChFC, MSFS
Mr. Soloway is an Executive Vice President of the Delaware Valley Financial Group. He has been a financial consultant for over twenty years. His areas of expertise include investments, insurance, accounting and finance.
Prior to becoming a financial advisor, Mr. Soloway held various positions including Financial Advisor/Agent for Mutual of New York, Vice President of Operations for United Health Clubs and Vice President of Operations for Continental Bank of Colorado.
Mr. Soloway is past president of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals and a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and the Philadelphia Estate Planning Council.
Mr. Soloway is responsible for overseeing all accounting and reporting functions at PRO MARTIAL ARTS Franchise Corporation.
Master Louis M. Marvil: Chief Martial Arts Trainer
Master Louis Marvil began his training in Tang Soo Do in 1978 at the age of 11 under the direction of Master Young Kwon. He earned his 1st Dan in 1982 from the U.S. Tang Soo Do Federation. Master Marvil earned his 2nd Dan in 1985 and began his teaching career that same year under Master Young H Kwon. In 1986 he was chosen as the new Chief Instructor for the World Tang Soo Do Assoc. Headquarters where he served for 5 years. During these years he developed many outstanding black belts, instructors and champions. He was also the captain of the East Coast Demonstration Team which set the bar for others to follow. In 1988 he was awarded his 3rd Dan and later that year went on to capture the World Champion Title earning 1st place in Forms, Weapons and Sparring at the WTSDA World Championships. He went on to earn the honored Instructor of the Year Award in 1990 before he began his journey as a school owner. Master Marvil opened his 1st location in 1992 and later that year he earned his 4th Dan. He went on to run 4 locations in the Philadelphia area before joining the Pro Martial Arts team. During this time he was responsible for more than 250 students being promoted to black belt including four to the level of Master. He most recently earned his 7th Dan in 2011. Master Marvil resides in the Philadelphia area with his wife Jennifer and their 2 children who are all active in the martial arts.
Master Bejar Fazliu: Trainer
Master Fazliu is a Certified Instructor at PRO MARTIAL ARTS. He holds the ranks of 5th Dan in Shotokan and 4th Dan in Tang Soo Do. Master Fazliu has a wealth of international experience having taught Karate and Self Defense to the Kosova Protection Corps. He currently holds the positions of Technical Director of the Kosova Traditional Karate Federation and Technical Advisor to the Albanian Karate Federation.