About Us

Bob Looney CEO & Co-Founder

Bob brings nearly two decades of experience in restaurant technology and company leadership, having built multiple software platforms used by hundreds of thousands of users. With a strong network of mentors and collaborators, he has a deep understanding of the unique challenges in restaurant operations and finance.

Bob recognizes that while technology offers exciting opportunities, it can also present frustrating challenges for restaurants. His goal at Forte is to provide streamlined and effective solutions while prioritizing customer service, just as great restaurants prioritize quality food and the guest experience.

He is committed to honesty, ethics, and building lasting partnerships that help customers succeed

Pat Darling COO & Co-Founder

Pat has over 35 years of experience in restaurant technology, company leadership, and customer service excellence, with a proven track record of building successful customer relationships and long-term partnerships.

Her expertise bridges the gap between the practical needs of restaurant operators and the technical capabilities of modern software solutions. She understands the unique challenges restaurants face with both technology and compliance, including navigating complex labor laws. She focuses on helping customers maximize the company’s tools and solutions, empowering them to concentrate on their teams and customers.

She believes that collaboration and cooperation are key to long-term success, and she is dedicated to fostering strong partnerships with both employees and customers."

Nick Anderson Principal Software Engineer & Co-Founder

Nick serves as the Principal Software Engineer at Forte, with 18 years of experience in engineering and development, including over a decade dedicated to restaurant software. He has deep experience with point-of-sale data, creating robust data integrations and web development.

Nick is passionate about creating practical, high-quality tools that deliver real value to restaurant operators, addressing the industry’s increasing complexity and variety of systems. Known for his problem-solving skills and keen attention to detail, Nick is dedicated to building impactful solutions.

Rob D'Ambrosia Board Member

Rob D'Ambrosia has dedicated over 30 years to advancing the Hospitality Technology sector. As the founder and former CEO of Ctuit Software, he built one of the industry’s leading restaurant management platforms, recognized for its depth and impact. With hands-on experience both in restaurant operations and technology development, Rob brings a unique and comprehensive understanding of the challenges and needs faced by restaurant operators. 

Since his successful exit from Ctuit in 2017, Rob has been a strong advocate for the adoption of AI tools to drive efficiency in both business and daily life. Today, he serves as an advisor, investor, and board member, supporting founder-led startups across multiple industries.

Bill Sheely Board Member

Bill brings extensive experience in the restaurant technology space, having co-founded Ctuit Software and served as its Chief Technology Officer for 17 years.  Under his leadership, Ctuit became a leading SaaS provider, addressing the challenges faced by restaurant operators through innovative software solutions.  Prior to his tech career, Bill spent years as a restaurant manager, gaining valuable firsthand insight into the operational challenges of the industry.

Currently, Bill owns and operates The Adventure Begins Comics, Games, and More, a specialty retail store.  His experience in both retail and restaurant operations provides him with a unique perspective on software platforms that serve both industries.  Bill believes in Forte’s leadership team, composed of key members from the original Ctuit team, and he is confident in their ability to build a robust platform and deliver outstanding client service.

Michelle Stuttgen Board Member

Michelle has over 30 years of progressive experience in the Restaurant, Consumer Products, and Healthcare industries.  Most recently, she served as the Chief Financial Officer for Culver Franchising System, LLC (CFS), the franchisor of more than 900 Culver’s restaurants across 26 states.  During her eight-year tenure at CFS, Michelle was responsible for financial planning, accounting, treasury, information technology, and human resources.

Currently, Michelle serves on the National FFA Board of Trustees, volunteers with youth sports programs, and provides strategic advisory services to restaurant industry franchisees.

Before her time at Culver’s, Michelle held senior leadership roles at Burt’s Bees (a Clorox subsidiary), Jarden Corporation, and Pacific Cycle, Inc.  She also served on the National FFA Sponsors Board for five years, acting as Chairperson in 2022.

Michelle earned her undergraduate degree from Bluffton University in Ohio and her MBA from the University of Miami in Florida.