Tag: Entrepreneurship
Oliver Parker: Creativity and Strategy Drive Success, Blending Vision with Execution is the Key to Transformation.
I’ve built my career at the intersection of strategy, innovation, and leadership, helping businesses navigate change and seize new opportunities. As I look ahead to the next phase of my journey, I’m excited to explore board positions where I can contribute my expertise in finance, marketing, and operational strategy. Here is my biography.
Ned Munroe: Visionary Global Brand Strategist & Creative Leader
Ned Munroe is a renowned global brand strategist and creative executive with over 30 years of experience leading some of the world’s most iconic consumer and lifestyle brands. As the former Global Chief Design Officer at Hanesbrands Inc., he played a key role in revitalizing Champion, Hanes, and C9 by Champion, driving billion-dollar growth and securing high-profile collaborations with Supreme, Coach, and Todd Snyder. Now the founder of Copper Drifts Studio, Ned helps brands navigate market disruption, product innovation, and strategic expansion with a visionary approach that merges design, storytelling, and business strategy. His expertise in trend analysis, merchandising, and creative leadership makes him a sought-after advisor and board member, guiding companies toward sustained growth and market leadership.
Gary Woodward: Strategic Leader in Operations and Business Development
Gary Woodward is an accomplished executive with a proven history of leadership in business operations, professional coaching, and strategic growth. With expertise spanning the building supply industry, leadership training, and organizational management, he has successfully scaled businesses, optimized operations, and mentored professionals throughout his career. As Director of Operations at SLITERS Lumber and Building Supply, he oversees multiple locations, applying his extensive experience in team building, negotiation, and operational efficiency. His tenure as an Independent Certified Coach with The John Maxwell Team highlights his dedication to leadership development, while his role in expanding a family business into a multi-million-dollar enterprise showcases his strategic acumen. Rooted in integrity, strong communication, and a commitment to excellence, Woodward continues to make a lasting impact in every professional endeavor.
Robert Gassen: Seasoned IT and Business Development Executive with Expertise in Customer Support, Project Management, and Photography
Robert Gassen is a seasoned IT and business development executive with over 50 years of experience in software development, project management, customer support, and entrepreneurship. He has successfully led large-scale enterprise projects, managed teams of up to 60 professionals, and built strategic partnerships with major software companies. Transitioning from IT to photography, he founded HumaNature Photography, growing it into a full-service studio before specializing in real estate photography. Currently, he remains active in the workforce while seeking board and advisory roles where he can contribute his extensive expertise. With a strong background in technology, operations, and business growth, Robert is a valuable asset for organizations looking for experienced leadership and strategic insight.
Leadership in Transition: From Founder to Executive
Transitioning from a founder to an executive within a larger corporate structure is a journey of transformation, requiring a shift from hands-on leadership to a broader strategic approach. Michael Beuchat’s evolution from leading MDB Enterprises, Inc. to a senior executive role at Sonny’s Enterprises Inc. highlights the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and long-term vision. While entrepreneurship fosters agility and rapid decision-making, corporate leadership demands alignment with governance structures, empowering teams, and leveraging scale for greater industry impact. Through this transition, Beuchat underscores the power of vision, customer-centric strategies, and the ability to inspire others—ensuring leadership is not just about change but about growth and influence at a higher level.
Richard Morgin: A Results-Driven Leader in Franchise Development and Corporate Finance
Richard Morgin is a hands-on and accomplished consultant with The Franchise Consulting Company, bringing extensive expertise in lead generation, franchise development, coaching, and closing. As a trusted advisor to executive leadership, he excels at dissecting complex financial and operational challenges, synthesizing data, and presenting strategic solutions that drive business success. With a proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams, Richard fosters a results-oriented culture that maximizes efficiency and profitability. His forward-thinking leadership in controllership, financial planning, and internal audit has consistently delivered significant cost savings and operational improvements. Recognized for his ability to vet strategic plans, analyze financial assumptions, and present data-driven recommendations, he continues to be a key force in helping businesses navigate growth and transformation.
Jerry Elliott: Transformative Leader in Telecom, Technology, and Media
Jerry Elliott is a transformative business leader with a proven track record of driving exceptional financial performance and operational excellence across telecommunications, technology, and media industries. Known for turning around underperforming companies, he has successfully led organizations to industry-leading positions by implementing strategic growth initiatives, optimizing financial structures, and fostering high-performance teams. As President, CEO, and board member of multiple publicly traded and private equity-backed companies, Jerry has consistently delivered shareholder value through innovation, execution, and disciplined leadership. His ability to navigate complex business challenges, coupled with his deep expertise in finance, operations, and corporate strategy, has made him a sought-after leader in dynamic and high-stakes environments.
Cindy Dunston Quirk: Trailblazing Entrepreneur and Pet Industry Innovator
Cindy Dunston Quirk is a pioneering entrepreneur and pet industry leader, best known as the Founder, Chief Dog Lover, and Creative Mind behind Scout & Zoe’s Premium Pet Products. Driven by her deep love for animals and a commitment to pet wellness, Cindy turned a personal challenge—finding safe, allergen-free chews for her dogs—into a thriving global brand with over 150 products sold in more than 10,000 stores. With a background in marketing, sales, publishing, and nonprofit management, she combines business expertise with innovative thinking to develop high-quality, USA-sourced treats and chews for pets of all kinds. Her strategic vision, hands-on leadership, and ability to connect with pet owners have propelled Scout & Zoe’s to industry success while staying true to her mission of improving the lives of pets everywhere.
Matthew G. Bente: Transformational Financial Leader Driving Growth and Operational Excellence
Matthew G. Bente is a dynamic financial executive with over 12 years of experience driving strategic growth and operational excellence across industries such as food and beverage, real estate, and financial services. Currently serving as the Head of Finance at Workhorse Brewing Company, Matthew has a proven track record of implementing transformative financial strategies, streamlining operations, and securing capital for growth initiatives. His leadership has consistently delivered measurable results, including significant revenue growth, cost savings, and enhanced organizational efficiency. Guided by his personal mission—"If you're not going to do it right, then don't do it at all"—Matthew is dedicated to helping businesses achieve sustainable success through collaboration, innovation, and financial stewardship.
Paul Sieben | Strategic Executive Leader & Board Advisor
Paul Sieben is a dynamic executive leader with over five decades of experience driving business growth, operational excellence, and strategic transformation across healthcare, construction, and automation industries. A visionary strategist, he has successfully scaled companies, optimized financial performance, and guided organizations through complex transitions. With a deep expertise in stakeholder relations, P&L management, and risk mitigation, Paul has played a pivotal role in high-growth enterprises and board leadership. His ability to foster innovation, build strong teams, and navigate change makes him an invaluable asset to organizations seeking sustainable success. Currently serving on multiple boards, Paul is actively pursuing additional opportunities to leverage his expertise in governance, strategy, and business development.
David T. Clements: Dynamic Executive Leader and Transformative Strategist
David Clements is a seasoned executive leader with over 25 years of diverse experience spanning executive management, financial strategy, business development, and organizational transformation. Known for his results-driven approach and dynamic leadership style, David has successfully guided teams across the public and private sectors to achieve operational excellence and sustainable growth. His career highlights include founding and leading impactful nonprofit organizations, optimizing multimillion-dollar budgets, driving innovative business solutions, and fostering community partnerships. A dedicated educator and mentor, David serves as an Associate Professor, sharing his expertise to empower future leaders. With a robust educational foundation and a proven track record of strategic success, David continues to deliver transformative results that align with organizational missions and goals.
Mary Beth Galey: Transformational Leader in Behavioral Health and Business Development
Mary Beth Galey is a dynamic leader with over 30 years of experience at the intersection of behavioral health, business development, and client success management. A Licensed Clinical Psychologist with dual Master’s degrees, she has excelled in leading national teams, driving sales and operational efficiencies, and delivering innovative mental health solutions across non-profit and Fortune 100 organizations. Known for her entrepreneurial spirit and exceptional relationship-building skills, Mary Beth is adept at navigating complex, matrixed environments to achieve unprecedented growth, profitability, and client satisfaction. Her career highlights include managing multimillion-dollar P&Ls, spearheading compliance strategies, and developing client-specific solutions that align with organizational goals. With a passion for innovation, problem-solving, and leadership, Mary Beth continues to be a transformative force in behavioral health and business operations.
Nicholas Hrycun: Pioneering in Drone Technology and Construction Management.
Nicholas Hrycun is a seasoned leader and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the construction and drone technology industries. As the CEO and Owner of Aries Drone Services LLC, he combines technical expertise and innovative solutions to deliver high-quality aerial services across various sectors, utilizing tools like AutoCAD and Adobe Photoshop to solve complex challenges and enhance operational efficiency. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Nicholas excels in his role as a Construction Manager III at QualTek, where he oversees large-scale tower and civil projects, ensuring safety compliance, budget adherence, and timely completion. His diverse career journey, encompassing roles from technician to foreman and licensed electrician, demonstrates a relentless commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in every project he undertakes. Nicholas’s unwavering dedication to leveraging technology and fostering client value positions him as a transformative figure in both the construction and drone services industries.
Jack Fridge: Building Businesses, Strengthening Teams and Creating Impact.
I’m excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my journey as an entrepreneur, business strategist, and leader in the waste industry. With over 15 years of experience, my passion lies in building businesses, fostering innovation, and helping others succeed.
Michael Steingrebe: Transformational Executive Driving Strategic Growth Across Technology, Manufacturing, and Clean Energy Sectors
Michael Steingrebe is an accomplished executive with extensive expertise in technology, manufacturing, and clean energy, blending financial acumen with operational leadership to drive transformative growth. With a career spanning over three decades, he has raised over $100 million in private equity, negotiated multi-million-dollar credit facilities, and led international corporate development initiatives, including acquisitions, joint ventures, and intellectual property licensing agreements. Known for his strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving abilities, Michael has a proven track record of enhancing financial performance and operational efficiency across diverse industries. A thought leader and mentor, he has served on public and private advisory boards and lectured at the university level, sharing his insights on turnarounds, mergers and acquisitions, and competitive market positioning. Currently, he leverages his expertise as a Partner at C Squared Solutions LLC and as COO/CFO for ENFusion and Premier Manufacturing, driving innovation and growth in emerging and established markets.
Dr. Michael Baptiste: Visionary Leader in Education, Sports Management, and Entrepreneurship
Dr. Michael Baptiste is a dynamic leader in education, sports management, and entrepreneurship with over 30 years of experience in transforming academic programs, businesses, and student careers. As a seasoned educator and program director, he has developed and taught numerous courses across multiple universities, integrating real-world applications and cutting-edge technology to enhance student learning. Beyond academia, Dr. Baptiste is a serial entrepreneur, having founded and managed over a dozen businesses, secured two U.S. patents, and successfully revitalized struggling ventures. His expertise spans leadership, curriculum development, strategic planning, and business growth, making him a sought-after mentor and advisor. Passionate about youth development and community engagement, he has served on school boards, coached young athletes, and authored children's books to inspire the next generation. With a keen ability to drive innovation, foster strategic partnerships, and deliver measurable results, Dr. Baptiste continues to shape industries and empower future leaders.