OUR PEOPLE
Cindy Buell Founder / Chairperson
Cindy is an educational visionary in both business and institutional experience, founding and managing Curve Systems Inc, the first computer training centre in Oregon. Cindy and husband John Buell, were the original founders of Cantina Los Tres Hombres in Lake Tahoe, Nevada in 1974. By 2005, they brought the Mexicali Fresh operation to New Zealand expanding the brand to a 14 store franchise, and acquired the Burger Wisconsin business in 2015. Cindy is accredited by the Hospitality Standards Institute of New Zealand and supports the business with NZQA training and support.
Conor Kerlin Brand Dude & Founder
Conor has been bringing the Cali-Mex flavour to Aotearoa for over 20 years. Part of the family who opened one of the very first Mexican restaurants in New Zealand, he helped turn a bold idea into a nationwide franchise that’s now a staple of the Kiwi food scene. Known for his energy, vision, and knack for making things happen, Conor’s passion has always been about more than just food — it’s about culture, community, and keeping Mexicali Fresh at the heart of NZ’s dining scene.
Rex Radford Franchise Performance Manager
Rex brings over three decades of expertise in building and managing restaurant businesses, both for multisite operations and single business owners. He joined our team in early 2024, following the successful founding of his own consultancy company, which helps hospitality business owners build and scale their operations for sustainable, profitable growth. Rex's extensive skill set includes working with franchising businesses and renowned local and international brands.
Andre Chappell Operations Manager
Andre is responsible for Burger Wisconsin and Mexicali operations and franchisee support, store audits, procurement and supply chain. Andre spent the first part of his career as a police officer, before becoming a Burger Wisconsin franchisee in 2003 and successfully running his own restaurant in Papanui, Christchurch.
Janet Cole Financial Controller
Member of the Mariposa team since 2006, Janet is responsible for general accounting, annual budgets, forecasting, and financial reports for the business. A wealth of knowledge and experience is held having worked on business acquisitions, brand launches, franchisee expansion, and growth as the company has evolved.
Amanda Farrant Marketing Campaign Manager
With 15 years in advertising and marketing and a Bachelor of Business in Advertising & Marketing, Amanda is the driving force behind our campaigns. She brings a unique blend of strategic expertise and entrepreneurial insight, having also run her own naturopathy clinic for 10 years. Amanda leads our marketing with creativity, precision, and a focus on results.
Tayla Williams Creative & Design Coordinator
With 10 years of design experience and a background in education, Tayla brings creativity and clear communication to every project. What began as a side hustle has fueled multiple entrepreneurial ventures, giving her a unique perspective on how design can shape both storytelling and business growth.
Cindy Buell Co-Founder / Chairperson
Cindy is an educational visionary in both business and institutional experience, founding and managing Curve Systems Inc, the first computer training centre in Oregon. Cindy and husband John Buell, were the original founders of Cantina Los Tres Hombres in Lake Tahoe, Nevada in 1974. By 2005, they brought the Mexicali Fresh operation to New Zealand expanding the brand to a 14 store franchise, and acquired the Burger Wisconsin business in 2015. Cindy is accredited by the Hospitality Standards Institute of New Zealand and supports the business with NZQA training and support.
Conor Kerlin Brand Dude & Founder
Conor has been bringing the Cali-Mex flavour to Aotearoa for over 20 years. Part of the family who opened one of the very first Mexican restaurants in New Zealand, he helped turn a bold idea into a nationwide franchise that’s now a staple of the Kiwi food scene. Known for his energy, vision, and knack for making things happen, Conor’s passion has always been about more than just food — it’s about culture, community, and keeping Mexicali Fresh at the heart of NZ’s dining scene.
Rex Redford Franchise Performance Manager
Rex brings over three decades of expertise in building and managing restaurant businesses, both for multisite operations and single business owners. He joined our team in early 2024, following the successful founding of his own consultancy company, which helps hospitality business owners build and scale their operations for sustainable, profitable growth. Rex's extensive skill set includes working with franchising businesses and renowned local and international brands.
Andre Chappell Burger Wisconsin Franchise Manager
Andre is responsible for all Burger Wisconsin franchisee support, store audits, procurement and supply chain. Andre spent the first part of his career as a police officer, before becoming a Burger Wisconsin franchisee in 2003 and successfully runs his own restaurant in Papanui, Christchurch.
Janet Cole Financial Controller
Member of the Mariposa team since 2006, Janet is responsible for general accounting, annual budgets, forecasting, and financial reports for the business. A wealth of knowledge and experience is held having worked on business acquisitions, brand launches, franchisee expansion, and growth as the company has evolved.
Amanda Farrant Marketing Campaign Manager
With 15 years in advertising and marketing and a Bachelor of Business in Advertising & Marketing, Amanda is the driving force behind our campaigns. She brings a unique blend of strategic expertise and entrepreneurial insight, having also run her own naturopathy clinic for 10 years. Amanda leads our marketing with creativity, precision, and a focus on results.
Tayla Williams Creative & Design Coordinator
With 10 years of design experience and a background in education, Tayla brings creativity and clear communication to every project. What began as a side hustle has fueled multiple entrepreneurial ventures, giving her a unique perspective on how design can shape both storytelling and business growth.