Odette D’Aniello is the Founder and CEO of Celebrity Cake Studio, a family-owned and operated retail cake boutique. The company has received numerous awards, including winning Best of Western Washington several times. With experience in the food industry, business strategy sales, and marketing, Odette has obtained additional skills in product desig…

Nancy Fateen is the President of Seizmic Inc., an engineering and consulting firm within the material handling industry. She is also the President of Submittal Services, Inc., which provides permit management services for the material handling industry. Nancy started her career in material handling at the age of 17 and has held roles in customer se…

Danielle Neely is the Co-founder of KNC Marketing, where she creates custom marketing plans to help businesses increase sales. As a seasoned digital marketer, she has worked in the food service, manufacturing, automotive, finance, and nonprofit spaces. Danielle specializes in content creation, social media marketing, and digital advertising. In thi…

Mark Hiddleson is the Owner of Specialized Storage Solutions, Inc., a nationwide logistics company with industry-leading warehouse storage solutions. It provides clients with innovative products, facility layouts, and designs to optimize their logistics operations. With several decades of service experience in the warehousing and logistics industry…

Lenore Hirsch is the Owner of Laughing Oak Publications, where she self-publishes blogs on travel and restaurants, poetry, short stories, and books, including My Leash on Life and Laugh and Live. She was instrumental in founding the Napa Valley branch of the California Writers Club and has written columns and features for the Napa Valley Register. …

Carl Comeaux is the CEO of Crust Pizza Co., a rapidly expanding pizza brand recognized for its nostalgic dining experience and dedication to quality. Under Carl's leadership, Crust Pizza Co. has grown to 30 locations across Texas and Louisiana, with plans to expand further into the southeast US. His innovative strategies and passion for creating me…

Yvonne Sams is the Director of Logistics at True Organic Products, an organic fertilizer manufacturer. With over 25 years of experience in the agricultural food and beverage industry, she has worked in supply chain management for companies, including G3 Enterprises, Frito Lay, Inc., E. & J. Gallo Winery, and Tyson Foods. Yvonne is also the Regional…

Beau Maxon is the Founder and Owner of Park City Company and multiple Mid City Vapor Lounge locations. He is an experienced entrepreneur who recently opened a Beans & Brews location in Santa Clara, Utah. Known for his diverse business ventures, Beau has successfully founded a cannabis processing facility and serves as a commercial real estate landl…

Jorge Llapur is Co-founder and Managing Partner of Cuban Guys Restaurants, a vibrant eatery known for serving delicious Cuban fritas and authentic Cuban cuisine. With over 25 years of experience in multi-unit leadership within the restaurant industry, Jorge has successfully expanded Cuban Guys to five locations and a food truck, showcasing his comm…

Randy Cohen is the Chief Energizing Officer at Z'Tejas, a Tex-Mex restaurant chain with locations in and around Austin, TX and Phoenix, AZ. He’s also the Chief Energizing Officer and Founder of TicketCity, a leading ticket brokerage company providing access to major sporting events worldwide. Throughout his career, he has made significant contribut…

Ken Rice is the Chief Operating Officer at Pickleman's Franchising, a company specializing in upscale, fast-casual sandwich shops known for their fresh, high-quality food. Under his leadership, Pickleman's has achieved 14.57% same-store year-over-year growth and expanded to 28 locations, with plans to add 20 to 25 additional units in the coming yea…

Britni DeLeon and Kasia Bednarz are the Co-founders of FARE, a healthy fast-casual restaurant chain local to Chicago specializing in nutritious, seasonal, and locally sourced meals. Under their leadership, FARE has expanded to multiple locations in Chicago, garnering significant media attention and a loyal customer base for their innovative approac…

Joie Seldon is an emotional intelligence expert and life and career coach who helps professionals create self-enablement and boundaries, manage stress, take action, and communicate productively. With over 30 years of experience as an actor, acting teacher, and somatic therapist, Joie has coached professionals at organizations like NASA, AT&T, and W…

Mark Hiddleson is the Owner of Specialized Storage Solutions, Inc., a nationwide logistics company with industry-leading warehouse storage solutions. It provides clients with innovative products, facility layouts, and designs to optimize their logistics operations. With several decades of service experience in the warehousing and logistics industry…

Florian Pfahler is the Founder of Hannah's Bretzel, an innovative sandwich chain in Chicago known for its organic pretzel bread and commitment to sustainable practices. Originally from Stuttgart, Germany, Florian moved to the US in 1992 with a background in marketing and advertising. His passion for healthful, flavorful food and the absence of trad…

Adam Webster is the President and CEO of Monterey Automation, a service provider company that supports automation in the life science industry. As an executive logistics and service manager, he transitioned from the automotive and racing service and logistics industry to a career in life science, specializing in lab automation, instrumentation, and…

Eric Slaymaker is the Founder and CEO of Wingers Restaurant & Alehouse, a family-friendly sports alehouse known for its robust craft beer selection and tasty wings. He has a rich history in the restaurant industry, following in the entrepreneurial footsteps of his father, who was a franchisee of several nationally recognized brands. Eric, along wit…

David Steele is the Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Flour + Water Hospitality Group, the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Great Gold Hospitality Group, and the Founder and CEO of One Wealth Advisors. The Four + Water Hospitality Group’s restaurants have become a cornerstone of San Francisco's culinary scene. FWHG brings a range of resources …

Michael (Mick) Mankowski is the Managing Partner of Symphony Investment Partners, a global boutique for M&A strategy and licensing. In his role, he works with partners to identify strategic acquisitions and partnerships and develops licensing opportunities and strategies. Mick is also the President of SBL, Symphony Investment Partners’ licensing ar…

Austin Holmes is the CEO of Signal Raptor and President of Publicity for Good. A serial entrepreneur, he played a key role in scaling his wife Heather Holmes’ PR firm, growing their monthly revenue from $12,000 to $163,000. Previously serving as a Naval Special Operations EOD tech, he brings a disciplined, systems-focused approach to his current ro…

Joe Pallo is the Founder of Sell Nothing, a consulting company where he works with CEOs, EVPs, and sales professionals to grow their businesses by establishing emotional relationships with clients. As a professional speaker and coach, he has helped hundreds of top producers double their businesses. Joe is the best-selling author of How to Sell Noth…

Michael Karsch, CEO and Chairman of Juice Press, is an accomplished entrepreneur with 25 years of diverse business experience. He began his career by establishing a successful hedge fund, growing it from $150 million to $3 billion. Michael then transitioned to the food and beverage industry, acquiring Juice Press, which he expanded from four to 80 …

Michael Burlace is the developer of Seizmic Engineering’s sister company, S-Mark, which specializes in the inspection portion of material handling projects, including pallet racks, mezzanines, conveyors, and automation initiatives. As an 18-year-old entrepreneur, he is the third generation of the Seizmic family business, specializing in innovation …

Dr. Jeremy Weisz is the Co-founder of Rise25, a company whose mission is to help businesses connect to their ideal prospects, referral partners and strategic partners using a podcast. With over 15 years of experience in podcasting, he has been featuring top entrepreneurs with video interviews since 2010 and was a senior producer at one of the early…

Heather Holmes is the Founder and CEO of Publicity for Good, a millennial-run communications firm that provides high-level disruptive publicity and social media services across industries. A seasoned professional in communication and marketing, Heather is dedicated to fostering community growth and brand development. With an inspiring journey guidi…

Judy Hanna is a mother, grandmother, and educator of over 50 years. She has used music as a tool for innovative teaching in grade school and special education classes. Beyond music, Judy is passionate about history and language. In this episode… Everyone has unique learning methods, and the teachers who can unlock each student’s pathway to equal ed…

Andrew Dana is the Founder and Co-owner of Timber Pizza Company and Call Your Mother Deli. He started both successful restaurant concepts in Washington, D.C., establishing them as local favorites known for their high-quality and creative food offerings. Prior to launching his two restaurant brands, Andrew served as the Director of Business Developm…

Sharon Seivert is the CEO of CORE Coaching & Consulting, LLC, a global professional services organization that provides customized one-on-one coaching for business leaders and owners. With a distinguished background as CEO of a Group Health Plan, Sharon's expertise lies in guiding leaders and businesses to sustainable growth strategies. Her acclaim…

Dennis Hoang is the COO and Co-Founder of Patturn, a company that aims to extend the life cycle of products, promote sustainability, and power circular shopping. With over a decade of expertise in reverse logistics and the returns industry, Dennis brings a wealth of experience to the table. Recognizing that solving the returns issue is not only cru…

Jason Ogden is the President and Partner at Syrup, a marketing agency specializing in fostering revenue and maturity for B2B companies. With a robust background in finance and operations, Jason spearheads revenue-generating initiatives, account services, and financial operations at Syrup. Prior to his role at Syrup, Jason served as the Director of …

Kevin Lawton is the host and Founder of The New Warehouse podcast, where he champions the belief that warehouses are downright sexy. The podcast provides insights and ideas from the distribution, transportation, and logistics industry, offering a unique blend of industry expertise and an infectious passion for innovation. With hands-on experience n…

Octavia Gilmore is the CEO of Creative Juice, a minority and female-owned creative agency, disrupting marketing the millennial way. From discovering her passion for graphic design at 14 to founding her agency at age 23, Octavia's journey epitomizes creativity, determination, and entrepreneurship. With a mission to promote diversity and empower mino…

Joey Spanjers is the Chief Strategy Officer and Partnerships at Teicor, a company that helps firms boost their profitability. Joey's expertise spans various domains, starting from his early days producing shows like Survivor and The Voice. Transitioning to the digital media landscape, he collaborated with brands and content creators, leading him to…

Markus Pineyro is oomi Digital Kitchen's Co-founder, a dedicated entrepreneur and visionary leader with 18 years of experience in the restaurant industry. His journey began with the founding of Dallas-based Urban Taco in 2007, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. In 2020, Markus ventured into the world of digital innovation by co-founding oomi Di…

Jonathan Weathington is the CEO of Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar, a fresh seafood and cold beer concept with locations spanning the Carolinas, Georgia, Maryland, Florida, and Illinois. Featured on the cover of FSR magazine and making appearances on Good Morning America, Jonathan has garnered recognition in esteemed publications like The Wall Street Jou…

Jeff Kennedy is Founding Partner at Moe's Original BBQ, a venture that began in 2001 as an effort to bring Southern flavors to the mountains of Colorado. Armed with a marketing degree from the University of Alabama, Jeff's journey has been a fusion of culinary passion and a commitment to creating spaces that exude comfort and inclusion. His focus o…

Paul Jarrett is the CEO and Co-founder of Bulu, a trailblazing woman-owned logistics business specializing in high volume kitting, e-commerce fulfillment, and multichannel logistics. Paul's Hybrid, Hub & Spoke fulfillment model empowers brands with unlimited sales channels and packaging options. Over the years, he’s launched programs for renowned b…

James Choi is the Owner of Cafe Dulce and a seasoned entrepreneur with a unique journey. Initially aspiring for a career in the PGA Tour, James found himself on a different path, obtaining his CPA license and working at Ernst & Young. Drawing upon his entrepreneurial spirit, he assisted his mother in launching various small businesses, including a …

John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, author, and former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and ran his own boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. As the host of the Smart …

Peter Boniface is the Owner and Co-founder of Yampa Sandwich Company. He grew up in Sandwich, Massachusetts, where he learned how to cook and blend flavors from his mother. He started in the restaurant business in 1983 and moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 1991 with the intention of being a ski bum. Seeing the need for a local quality delicat…

Mehdi Zarhloul is the CEO of Crazy Pita Restaurant Group, a beloved fresh-casual Mediterranean cuisine establishment he founded in Las Vegas in 2006. Recognized for its delectable signature dishes and warm service, Crazy Pita Rotisserie and Grill has been a top choice in the city for over 17 years. Driven by the brand’s consistent success, in 2022 …

Ric Ochoa is the Owner of SoCal Pizza in Norwalk, California. With 17 years of experience in sales operations, Ric's love for cooking led him to open SoCal Pizza in 2010, where he introduced a pasta bar and proudly sources fresh ingredients from local small businesses. Actively engaged in the community, his commitment to excellence earned SoCal Piz…

Mario Valencia is a multi-store Robeks franchisee and seasoned entrepreneur who has leveraged over two decades of food industry experience into a transformative business venture that mirrors his profound personal health journey. As an Air Force veteran who has battled to overcome PTSD, anxiety, and obesity, Mario's commitment extends beyond busines…

Patrick Terry, Owner and Co-founder of P.Terry's Burger Stand, launched the brand's first location on July 5th, 2005 in Austin, Texas. Inspired by classic burger stands like Mack Eplen's in Abilene, P.Terry's emphasizes fresh, all-natural ingredients — from its beef and chicken to fresh-cut fries devoid of trans fats. Beyond its signature burgers, …

Leigh Feldman is the CEO of Bishops Cuts/Color, a unisex hair shop concept with franchise locations in 21 states. Founded in 2001, Bishops provides customers with haircare services fueled by art, music, culture, acceptance, and community. Leigh was the CMO of Bishops and has been with the company for six years. Before that, he spent six years worki…

Bennett Maxwell is the Founder of Dirty Dough. Beginning his entrepreneurial journey in elementary school by selling candy bars, Bennett now leads a pioneering cookie-selling franchise. Dirty Dough's innovative centralized production introduces the first-ever three-layer cookie, streamlining franchise operations by addressing challenges like waste,…

David Dittenber is Co-founder of BYOD — Bring Your Own Data. The company creates easy-to-use digital tools to improve operations and enhance customer experience. David is a longtime restaurant operator whose mission has been to leverage technology to address common problems with everyday operations in the restaurant industry. With BYOD, he has come…

Josh Molina is the CEO of Makers & Finders, a specialty coffee brand and Latin café with locations in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada. Josh is a first-generation Colombian-American entrepreneur who opened his first brunch restaurant at age 25. A graduate of University of Nevada-Las Vegas, he toured the coffee countries of South America in 2013. In …

Brent Schwoerer is the Owner and Founder of Engrained Brewing Company. Raised on a family dairy and grain farm, Brent earned his bachelor's in mechanical engineering and a master's in human resources from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. After a decade in the corporate world — including two years in Brazil focusing on new product dev…

Steve Rowbotham is the Managing Director at Navigator Technology, an innovative solution that connects brands to the travel industry with first-party data. He is a former Olympic medalist whose current passion is building a global marketing technology business. Steve is also the Chief Commercial Officer at Ink, a travel media company. In this episo…