Meet the Frios Team
Cliff Kennedy
CEO
A single bite of an extraordinary Key Lime Pie Frios pop unexpectedly changed the life of Cliff Kennedy, now the CEO of Frios Gourmet Pops Franchise
It all began when Cliff, who had been working in his family’s Mobile, Alabama oil and gas supply company, was stuck in daily school and work traffic. He would pass by a Frios pops trailer every day, and the trailer always had happy, smiling people outside. One day, curiosity got the best of him, and he decided to stop and see what the fuss was all about. Little did he know, this decision would lead to a life-altering moment. After trying the Key Lime Pie pop, coated in graham cracker crust, Cliff was instantly hooked. He knew at that moment he had to learn more about this business, its economics, and its potential.
From the fall of 2017 to May 2018, Cliff dove deep into understanding the franchise model, ultimately becoming a multi-unit Frios franchisee himself. Like any great entrepreneur, he noticed areas where the business could be improved. So, he took a bold step and called the owner to propose buying the business. With the help of investors, Cliff officially took over Frios Gourmet Pops Franchise on December 21, 2018.
Entrepreneur magazine ranked Frios Gourmet Pops to its Top New Franchises of 2022 list, granting this emerging brand a spot at #35. The Frios Gourmet Pops franchise has also received a ranking in Entrepreneur’s Top Low-Cost Franchise list as well as taking the number one spot in their category of Misc. Frozen Dessert Franchises. Frios is now the largest gourmet pops franchise in the country!
Alison Groom
VP of Operations
Meet Alison Groom, the VP of Operations for Frios Gourmet Pops. Alison’s Frios story began as a Franchisee, and let’s just say, it was love at first lick. She devoured every aspect of the business and quickly became the reigning queen of pops. Her knack for sales and her passion for the brand made her a star performer in no time! With over a decade of sales experience, Alison is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to problem-solving, negotiation, communication, and goal-setting.
But it’s Alison’s true passion for people that sets her apart. She thrives in an environment where she gets to share, create with, and learn from others. And if you’re looking for the life of the party, look no further than Alison – she’s always ready to have a good time and bring a smile to your face.
Whether she’s helping franchisees navigate the ups and downs of running a business, or working behind the scenes to ensure the success of Frios as a whole, Alison brings her infectious energy and enthusiasm to everything she does. So, if you’re looking for someone who’s both a team player and a trailblazer, Alison is your go-to person. She’ll make sure that whatever challenge comes your way, you’ll tackle it with a smile on your face and a Frios pop in your hand!
Jen Rogers
Brand President, and CMO
Meet Jen Rogers, Brand President of Frios Gourmet Pops and the driving force behind the brand’s evolution and momentum. With more than two decades of experience building and scaling brands, Jen has a track record of turning strong concepts into recognizable, growth-focused businesses across both B2B and B2C spaces.
As Brand President, Jen leads the vision, strategy, and marketing direction for Frios. From brand positioning and franchise growth to customer acquisition and long-term retention, she connects the big-picture strategy to the day-to-day execution. She’s helped modernize systems, strengthen franchise support, and build campaigns that fuel both revenue and brand awareness. Innovation, demand generation, and operational alignment all sit squarely in her wheelhouse.
Jen is passionate about building brands that are not only profitable, but meaningful. She believes business should be both disciplined and fun, structured and creative. That balance is what she brings to Frios every day.
Outside of work, you’ll find Jen cooking for friends and family, planning her next travel adventure, or exploring the outdoors with the people she loves. She approaches life the same way she approaches business: with energy, curiosity, and a drive to make every experience memorable.
