Tag: Entrepreneurship

Kathy McDonald: Strategic Business Leader with a Passion for Growth and Community Impact

Kathy McDonald is a results-driven executive with over a decade of experience leading business development, operations, and strategic growth across a range of industries. As Managing Partner at OX, she has successfully overseen company expansion, financial performance, and team leadership, driving innovation and operational efficiency. Her background includes pivotal roles in entertainment, hospitality, and security services, where she consistently delivered measurable outcomes through community engagement, brand development, and client relationship management. Kathy’s strength lies in her ability to build strong teams, implement effective systems, and create lasting business impact through thoughtful, strategic leadership.

Del Hawbaker: Vision-Led Design for a Meaningful Brand Impact

After 20+ years in branding, design, and creative leadership across apparel and lifestyle industries, I’m excited to share a deeper look at my professional story. From building global brand identities to founding my own purpose-driven venture, the journey has been one of creativity, collaboration, and impact. Here is my biography.

Joan Brothers: Visionary CEO, Real Estate Expert, and Global Business Leader

Joan Brothers is a dynamic leader in real estate and international business, serving as CEO and President of Manhattan Boutique Real Estate and President of Smart NY Solutions Inc. With a career that spans global corporations, boutique entrepreneurship, and Smart City consulting, Joan blends strategic expertise with a deep commitment to community and innovation. She holds degrees from Boston College and the University of Hartford and continues her professional development at NYU’s Schack Institute of Real Estate. A certified negotiation expert, published author, and award-winning entrepreneur, Joan is recognized for her ability to create meaningful connections, drive growth, and lead with vision and integrity in an evolving global marketplace.

Bud Patterson: Senior Executive in Construction, Military Contracting, Federal Infrastructure, and Entrepreneurial Development

Bud Patterson is a seasoned executive and decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran with over five decades of leadership in construction, federal contracting, and entrepreneurial development. Known for transforming high-stakes concepts into profitable ventures, Bud has led multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects across combat zones, federal agencies, and private industry. With a rare blend of operational discipline, strategic vision, and real-world grit, he brings unmatched expertise in building organizations, executing mission-critical programs, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.

John Settle

After decades of leadership in sales and operations, including entrepreneurial ventures and strategic roles in ISO compliance, I’m excited to share my executive biography. It highlights my professional journey, values, and aspirations for board service across the manufacturing and consulting sectors. Here is my biography.

James A. Ford: Driven by Purpose, Guided by Strategy, Committed to Impact

Over the past three decades, I’ve been fortunate to build, lead, and grow businesses across technology, manufacturing, and sustainability-driven sectors. I've learned that success lies not only in strategy but in people, vision, and the values we uphold. I’m now seeking new board opportunities to bring my experience and passion for growth to organizations ready to scale responsibly and creatively. Here is my biography.

Craig Smith

I'm excited to share an in-depth look at my professional journey, encompassing over 35 years in mortgage lending, real estate investment, and beyond. My commitment to ethical practices and continuous improvement has been the cornerstone of my career. Here is my biography.

Zach Froio

I'm proud to share my professional biography—a reflection of the journey so far, the values I lead with, and the strategic perspective I bring to every challenge. With experience across construction, entrepreneurship, and operations management, I'm driven to build impactful businesses and empower strong teams.

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.

Aarti Anand: Enabling Smarter Growth Through AI-Driven Innovation

Hi everyone! I’m excited to share a deeper look into my journey as a technologist, entrepreneur, and AI-driven growth strategist. Over the past 15+ years, I’ve moved from academia to engineering leadership to founding Kodenyx AI, where we help B2B businesses automate and scale their marketing efforts. Here is my biography.

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.

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.

Remona (Mona) Nordsell, CPA, CGMA | CEO | Fractional CFO | Strategic Business Advisor

Remona (Mona) Nordsell, CPA, CGMA, is a seasoned financial executive and strategic advisor with over 40 years of experience helping small and mid-sized businesses turn complexity into clarity. As CEO of Pathways 2 Abundance Inc., Mona offers fractional CFO services, tax expertise, and actionable guidance grounded in integrity, financial insight, and a deep commitment to her clients' success. Known for her approachable style and results-driven mindset, she partners with business owners to realign with their goals and build sustainable, thriving enterprises.

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.

Eric Gunderson: Where Technical Precision Meets Customer Passion

After 15 years of building high-impact organizations across digital marketing, SaaS, and the automotive industries, I’m excited to share a snapshot of my professional journey. From founding a seven-figure e-commerce brand to advising startups on strategy and execution, I’ve worn many hats—and I’m always looking for the next challenge.

Ross Bundy: Commercialization Strategy & Deep Tech Innovation

Ross Bundy is a pioneering biotechnology leader driving innovation in biosensor technology and genome editing optimization. As the CEO of CRISPR QC and co-founder of Cardea Bio Inc., he has been instrumental in developing platforms that enable real-time biological insights through the "Internet of Biology." With expertise in business development, financial strategy, and operational management, Bundy has successfully scaled multiple companies and forged key industry partnerships. His visionary leadership and strategic execution continue to shape the future of biotechnology, advancing diagnostics, therapeutics, and bioinformatics with cutting-edge solutions.