Dave LaMere, Founder and CEO

Dave LaMere founded Almera Tech Services in 2018 to deliver full-service smart home integration and technology solutions. Originally launched under the Smart Homz brand with a focus on residential clients, the company quickly evolved as Dave identified a growing demand for commercial installations and large-scale support for home builders.

With a unique blend of corporate, entrepreneurial, and technical expertise, Dave has become a trusted mentor and strategic resource for independent, local franchise owners. In Almera’s founding territories, he leads teams delivering custom automation, security, and technology installations across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Dave actively supports franchise partners through strategic leadership in business development, marketing, and operational systems. Leveraging deep expertise in technology integration, customer experience, and multi-channel growth strategies, he helps franchisees build scalable businesses, optimize client solutions, and maintain brand consistency across all locations.

Prior to founding Almera, Dave spent 15 years in Marketing and Business Development, working with nationally recognized companies including American Express and Benjamin Moore. He is a graduate of Rutgers University and holds multiple industry certifications, including Control4, Lutron, and Certified Network Administrator credentials.

Dave lives in Ridgewood, New Jersey, with his two children, Joey and Blake. In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, and spending time with his family on Long Beach Island (LBI)

Navigator Partners: Bernard Markey and Bill Stewart – Partners & Board Members

Bernard and Bill founded Navigator Partners, LLC in 1999. As long term equity partners, they collaborate with seasoned management teams to build industry leading businesses.

Their main focus lies in franchising. Over the past 15 + years, they have made long‑term start‑up, growth, and acquisition equity investments in several top franchisors. They have helped established franchisors expand from 300+ to over 500 franchisees, and launched a new franchisor brand that now operates or has under development more than 200 franchise territories.

Their franchisor companies prioritize providing high quality support to franchisees, ensuring those franchisees consistently deliver outstanding customer experiences and generate strong profits.

With rapid growth across their franchisor businesses, they frequently require proven franchise‑industry executive talent to sustain ongoing expansion.

Steve Beagelman – Partner & Board Member

Steve is a franchise industry veteran, with over 35 years of experience holding various positions from entrepreneur to senior level executive, giving him a unique insight and perspective in growing, operating, and building brands. In 2009, Steve established SMB Franchise Advisors, a franchise consulting company specializing in advising franchise start-ups and existing franchise concepts of ways to drive business growth. Now almost 16 years later, the company has helped over 500 brands launch into franchising. Steve specializes in private equity transactions and in helping SMB clients expand their brands. He also invests in franchise brands across several different industries.

Brian Luciani – Partner & Board Member

Brian is the Chief Growth Officer and Venture Partner for SMB Franchise Advisors, bringing with him over a decade of experience from both Wall Street and Main Street. Brian has worked in investment banking, operations and technology as well as in technology sales and corporate venture at both established incumbent and growth stage businesses. In addition to managing the full life cycle of deal scouting, negotiation, and closing, Brian has led teams focused on sales, development, and go-to-market strategy for software and hardware solutions. Brian has been involved in the franchise industry since 2012, having long supported the marketing and roadshow efforts of SMB and their over six hundred clients since 2009.