Tag: Business Growth

Zac Johnston: Entrepreneurial Leader and Community Builder in Food and Franchise Development

Zac Johnston is a driven entrepreneur and community leader whose passion for food, business, and mentorship has shaped a dynamic career across multiple ventures in the Atlanta area. As the founder of Bread and Butter Bakery, now expanding into franchising, and the creative force behind BeeFresh Bowls, Zac has built a reputation for blending quality, innovation, and hometown pride. His leadership extends beyond business through nearly eight years of coaching football at Eastside High School, reflecting his dedication to personal development and community impact. With a foundation in business management and hands-on experience in hospitality, retail, and real estate, Zac continues to grow enterprises that are as purpose driven as they are successful.

Kevin Powers – Strategic Technology Executive | Builder of Cultures, Teams, and Scalable Innovation

Kevin Powers is a visionary technology executive known for blending strategic thinking with hands-on leadership to drive innovation, growth, and operational excellence. With a career spanning startups and Fortune 500 environments, he has consistently delivered high-impact results by aligning IT strategy with business objectives, transforming team cultures, and building scalable solutions that generate long-term value. His reputation as a trusted leader is grounded in his ability to foster collaboration, develop talent, and communicate with clarity across all levels of an organization.

Bill Breen: Shaping Industries and Transforming Companies Through Strategic Leadership

Bill Breen is a highly accomplished M&A advisor and executive with over 50 years of leadership in the specialty chemicals and petroleum industries. Throughout his career, he has built and scaled businesses, executed complex mergers and acquisitions, and advised corporate and private equity clients on growth and strategic initiatives. With a strong foundation in chemical engineering, finance, and marketing, and international exposure across Europe, Bill combines technical expertise with business acumen to deliver transformative results. His collaborative leadership style and commitment to creating win-win outcomes make him a trusted partner for companies seeking strategic guidance, operational excellence, and sustainable growth.

Gregg Donnenfeld | Experienced Legal Executive and Brand Protection Expert

Gregg Donnenfeld is a seasoned legal executive with nearly 30 years of expertise in corporate law, trademark licensing, brand protection, and intellectual property management. As the chief legal officer and general counsel at WHP Global, he oversees legal operations for a diverse portfolio of globally recognized consumer brands. His career spans leadership roles in major apparel, technology, and entertainment companies, where he has played a pivotal role in structuring high-value transactions, managing corporate governance, and safeguarding brand integrity. With extensive international experience, a strong academic foundation, and a commitment to legal excellence, Gregg is a trusted advisor and strategic thinker who continues to drive business growth and innovation through legal expertise.

Strategic Growth Initiatives: Positioning for Market Leadership

Strategic growth initiatives serve as the backbone for companies aspiring to achieve market leadership in a fast-evolving business landscape. By integrating strategic planning, financial foresight, and organizational capacity, businesses can align their operations with long-term goals while remaining agile in the face of change. A solid strategy acts as the intellectual core, financial planning ensures the lifeblood flows efficiently, and organizational capacity provides the structural support needed to execute plans effectively. Tools like the balanced scorecard bridge vision and execution, fostering accountability and cross-functional engagement. Ultimately, a well-rounded, forward-thinking approach to growth empowers organizations to capitalize on opportunities, weather uncertainties, and thrive sustainably.

Jon Schemmel: Visionary CEO, Strategic Investor, and Growth-Focused Board Advisor Driving Operational Excellence Across Industries

Jon Schemmel is a results-oriented CEO, investor, and board advisor with nearly two decades of experience leading high-performing businesses across manufacturing, real estate, and private equity. As Co-Founder of SBL Ventures, Jon has scaled a profitable portfolio of semi-passive service businesses while advising companies on mergers, acquisitions, and operational strategy through his consulting firm, Tidewater Consulting. Known for his sharp financial acumen, global experience, and hands-on leadership style, Jon brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial grit and corporate strategy to every venture he joins.

Greg Vance: Transformational Financial Leader with Global Expertise in Strategy, Operations, and Investor Engagement

Greg Vance is a results-driven financial executive with over 30 years of global experience leading finance, operations, and strategic transformation across the financial services and technology sectors. Recognized for his ability to drive growth, operational excellence, and investor confidence, Greg has held senior leadership roles at TradeStation, FIS, and Thomson Reuters, where he guided organizations through IPO readiness, complex M&A, and large-scale business integrations. He brings a strong track record in financial planning and analysis, regulatory compliance, and performance optimization, with a leadership style grounded in integrity, transparency, and team development.

Anthony Strunz | Vice President | Property Management Technology Leader | SaaS Growth Strategist

Anthony Strunz is a dynamic technology and sales leader with over a decade of experience at the forefront of property management innovation. With a track record of success at companies like AppFolio, Yardi, Proper.ai, and Hawk Operations Inc., he brings deep expertise in SaaS integration, accounting systems, and B2B growth strategies. Known for his collaborative leadership style and ability to bridge technology with operational excellence, Anthony is passionate about helping organizations modernize, scale, and thrive in an increasingly digital landscape.

Jeff Hicks: Empowering Teams, Advancing Supply Chains, Building the Future

After three decades in the industrial supply industry—most of it spent helping teams grow, innovate, and solve big challenges—I'm excited to share my executive biography. It highlights my journey, the lessons I’ve learned, and how I hope to contribute at the board level moving forward.

John P. Boyle II: Visionary Infrastructure Leader, Board Director, and Best-Selling Author Driving Growth Across America’s Built Environment

John P. Boyle II is a seasoned infrastructure executive and board leader with over two decades of experience driving growth, operational excellence, and strategic innovation across the construction and civil engineering sectors. As President of United Infrastructure Group, he has led the company through rapid expansion, managing landmark transportation projects and a portfolio exceeding $750 million in backlog. Known for his authentic leadership, deep industry expertise, and dedication to safety and team development, John also brings a powerful voice to national policy discussions through his work with ARTBA and other industry associations. An Amazon best-selling author and respected public speaker, he combines business acumen with a passion for mentoring and mission-driven leadership.

Brian R. McNeill: Strategic CFO and Board Leader Driving Financial and Operational Transformation in the Global Energy Sector

Brian McNeill is a strategic CFO and accomplished board leader with a proven track record of transforming financial performance, strengthening governance, and driving operational excellence across the international energy sector. With more than 30 years of experience at National Grid, he has led complex business units through large-scale transformation, delivering measurable results in return on equity, cash recovery, and business growth. Recognized for his ability to align financial strategy with operational execution, Brian has played a pivotal role in accelerating the clean energy transition, integrating emerging technologies, and building diverse, high-performing teams. His expertise spans financial planning, regulatory strategy, board governance, and organizational performance, making him a trusted advisor and respected leader in navigating the evolving challenges of the global energy industry.

Alan Peters: Startup Veteran, Building and Scaling Software Companies.

I’m excited to share my executive biography, showcasing my journey in building companies, scaling products, and leading teams across the tech and startup ecosystem. With over two decades of experience, I’ve had the opportunity to drive innovation, develop strategic partnerships, and mentor teams to success.

Cairo Amani: Trailblazing Customer Success Leader and Tech Influencer

Cairo Amani is a seasoned customer success executive, tech industry thought leader, and career coach dedicated to transforming customer engagement through strategic leadership and data-driven decision-making. With over a decade of experience spanning customer success, sales, and recruitment, she has built and led high-performing teams that drive retention, loyalty, and business growth. Passionate about mentorship and inclusion, she co-founded ThriveNetwork to support women and gender nonconforming professionals in navigating careers centered on customer relationships. Amani’s expertise in customer advocacy, team development, and market research has made her a sought-after leader in the tech industry, continuously shaping innovative programs that elevate customer experience functions and empower professionals to succeed.

Erik Hendrickson | Strategic Sales & Operations Executive | Retail and Manufacturing Leader | Growth-Focused Innovator

Erik Hendrickson is a high-performing sales and operations executive with over 23 years of experience leading strategic growth initiatives across the retail and manufacturing sectors. Known for his authentic leadership and sharp business acumen, Erik has consistently delivered multimillion-dollar revenue growth by combining analytical insight, cross-functional collaboration, and a deep understanding of market dynamics. His ability to lead teams, optimize operations, and develop innovative product strategies has made him a trusted leader among peers and partners alike.

The Cost of Waiting: Why Inaction Is the Riskiest Move for Small Businesses

In times of uncertainty, it’s natural for small business leaders to hesitate — to conserve resources and delay big decisions until things feel more stable. But in today’s rapidly evolving market, waiting isn’t a neutral act; it’s often the most costly choice you can make. Every outdated system, manual process, or missed automation opportunity silently compounds inefficiencies, draining your team and stalling your growth. The businesses that thrive through volatility aren’t the ones with the biggest budgets — they’re the ones with the strongest discipline, intentional processes, and a mindset of continuous improvement. Inaction may feel safe, but in reality, it’s often the riskiest move of all.

Surya Krishnan: Finance and Strategy Leader Driving Corporate Growth and M&A Excellence

Surya Krishnan is a seasoned finance and strategy executive with over two decades of experience in corporate development, M&A, valuation, and strategic planning. He has led over $25 billion in transactions, managed $150 million in revenue, and advised C-level executives on financial strategy and business growth. With a strong background in corporate finance, venture capital, and financial consulting, Surya has played a key role in high-profile acquisitions and investment initiatives. In addition to his leadership in corporate finance, he is committed to mentorship and professional development, guiding MBA students and emerging business leaders through financial strategy and career growth. His expertise in data-driven decision-making, market analysis, and corporate advisory continues to shape the future of finance and business strategy.