About Gerald Franklin Agency – Texas Liquor License Experts

Gerald Franklin Agency specializes in handling new and renewal applications for a wide range of Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) permits and licenses, including those for retail alcoholic beverage sales, wholesale distribution, and manufacturing. Additionally, the company supports clients in obtaining related ancillary licenses, such as:

Sales and Use Tax Permits,
Special Occupational Tax Stamps,
Lottery and Tobacco Permits,
Food Stamp Licenses,
Special Use Permits,
Dance Permits,
Federal Wholesaler’s and Importer’s Basic Permits.

Our Staff

Richard Wills

Executive Director

Email Richard Wills

Richard (Dick) Wills is the Executive Director of GFA (Gerald Franklin Licensing) Texas premiere liquor licensing service. GFA has been providing the liquor industry with quality licensing service since 1944. Dick is retired from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission as a Regional Supervisor of Licensing and Compliance. Prior to his TABC service Dick was a co-owner of a multi store retail operation where he worked for 22 years.

An Eagle Scout and honorably discharged Marine, Dick served at Marine Barracks in Norfolk. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin and has studied at universities in Israel, England, and Mexico. Currently, Dick is an Ex-Officio Director of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a former Ex-Officio Director of the Greater Houston Restaurant Association, and has served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for Sea Scout Base Galveston.

Rhonda Williams

Director of Operations

Ms. Williams has over 20 years of experience in the alcoholic beverage industry. She is responsible for planning and monitoring the day-to-day running of the business to ensure smooth progress. She works with the Executive Director to make decisions for operational activities and set strategic goals, supervise her team, and provide constructive feedback. She also processes original mixed beverage permits, wine & beer (on premise) permits, federal basic permits, & label approvals.

Deborah K. Johnson

Client Service Specialist

After 35 years of service to the State of Texas, Mrs. Johnson retired from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and joined GFA in March 2006. Mrs. Johnson has a total of 48 years of experience in this industry. She does All classes of original applications, renewals, and bonds.

Angela Gurka

Receptionist/Client Service Specialist

Angela Gurka joined our team in August 2016, bringing 19 years of application experience with her. She assists in all application
processing and off premise renewals.

Chanya Krisko (Noo)

Administrative Assistant

Ms. Krisko joined us in 2006 and is an administrative assistant.

She works with accounts payable and also assists with general clerical duties. She is also fluent in Thai.

Melanie Herrera

Client Service Specialist

Melanie joined our team in November 2021. She is bilingual, and speaks both English and Spanish fluently. She is responsible for processing City of Houston & Harris County permits, bond renewals, original mixed beverage permits, wine & beer (on and off premise) licenses, and tobacco, lottery and food stamp applications, as well as temporary event permits.

Joshua Lopez

Receptionist

Joshua joined our team in December of 2021, and is bilingual. He speaks both English and Spanish fluently. He is primarily responsible for greeting customers, answering the phones, scanning files into GFA’S database system and is responsible for mixed beverage invoicing & processing of mixed beverage renewals.

Jane O’Malley

Controller

Ms. O’Malley joined the company in 2015 as the controller for the company. Jane is a licensed Certified Public Accountant.

Colin Ryan

Agency Liaison / Runner

Colin delivers essential paperwork to government entities which include city, county and state offices.