Hot Dog on a Stick (HDOS) regretfully announced the death of its president and CEO Fredrica Thode. Thode passed away Jan. 13 after battling an advanced case of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

With more than 27 years of service with HDOS, Thode was appointed as president in 2001 and CEO in 2005 where she oversaw day-to-day operations of the company. Prior to becoming president and CEO, she held the position of executive vice president where she oversaw leasing, development, marketing and promotions and international franchising and legal affairs. Thode brought her personal goals and drive to HDOS and prided herself on a successful balance of training and education to maintain and grow the now 61-year-old company.

Personally, Thode devoted considerable time to her husband, Jimmie and their two children, as well as three grandchildren. Thode also proudly maintained an extensive 400-rose bush garden. She also sat on the Board of Directors for the National Center for Employee Ownership and HDOS Enterprises. Additionally, she held memberships with several civic and business organizations including the Women President’s Association.

In memoriam, the company has made a $10,000 donation to the San Diego chapter of the ALS association, the only national not-for-profit voluntary health organization dedicated solely to the fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Chief Operating Officer Dan Smith has been appointed president for HDOS with the support of the company’s experienced management team. Smith joined HDOS in 2000 as a Franchise Compliance Manager, becoming Director of Operations in 2002 and then promoted to COO in 2004.