Chef Guy Carmeli, Chef and owner of Pasta di Guy, is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in London, UK. Initially studying computer engineering, he later pursued his true passion—cooking. After completing the Grand Diploma at Le Cordon Bleu, he worked in various UK kitchens, including a Michelin-starred restaurant. In 2019, he launched Pasta di Guy as a food truck in Tampa Bay, FL, which has since expanded to three successful brick-and-mortar locations: two in Florida and one in Indiana, serving Italian gourmet in a fast-casual concept. Now, Pasta di Guy is open to franchising nationwide.

Cassie Ghaffar, a native of Houston and dynamic businesswoman, has a diverse background in both science and business. While pursuing her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston, she simultaneously owned her own business in the nightclub industry and worked as a consultant for dental practices. Through these experiences, she gained expertise in business and marketing within the medical and healthcare industries. Cassandra joined ZT Wealth in 2009 and quickly aligned with the company's vision. In addition to her responsibilities in corporate marketing and events, she spearheaded the management and consulting for the dental division at ZT Wealth, drawing from her firsthand experience and passion for dentistry. She made an impressive mark in her career after climbing the corporate ladder as Senior VP of Marketing and Operations at ZT Wealth. Shortly after having a family, she embarked on a new entrepreneurial venture and focused her effects into becoming a franchisee of Amazing Lash Studio with six successful locations in Dallas and Austin.

Sandy Nguyen, a Houston native and first-generation Vietnamese, has achieved remarkable success as an entrepreneur. Graduating from the University of Houston with an accounting degree, she drew inspiration from her mother's entrepreneurial spirit to forge her own path. After successfully managing her initial restaurant startups for over a decade, Sandy redirected her focus toward scaling quick-service restaurants. In 2019, she co-founded Ordinary Concepts and introduced Saigon Hustle, Sunday Press, and Ginger Kale, all-day cafes that proudly showcase her Vietnamese heritage. Sandy firmly believes that food possesses the extraordinary ability to unite people. Her goal is to achieve a space where relationships can flourish, mirroring the bonds and friendships she has built throughout her years in the food and beverage industry. Her goal was to create a welcoming environment where people could experience meaningful connections and create lasting memories.

Harold Walters is first and foremost a husband, and father of 3. Featured in QSR Magazine as one of 35 young leaders to watch, Harold has casted a vision for Shootz to be a top nationwide Hawaiian Asian Fusion QSR. Prior to co-founding Shootz, Harold cut his teeth as an entrepreneur in the world of internet marketing and ecommerce. His past experience has helped him develop and execute innovative and effective digital marketing strategies that drive massive acquisition, frequency, and retention.

Kira Zabrowski, Founder and Managing Partner of Much Ado About Pizza in Pleasanton, CA, brings her passion for pizza and the arts to life. With a BA in Theatre and a CA Teacher’s credential in English, Kira's diverse career spans teaching, acting, and authorship before launching Much Ado in 2022. Known for its slow-fermented sourdough crusts and seasonal toppings, Much Ado has earned acclaim as a top pizzeria, recognized on Yelp’s 2024 Top 100 US restaurants list and by Diablo magazine as a top 5 Bay Area pizzeria in 2023. Kira's commitment to her community and culinary craft shines through her involvement with the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, Women in Pizza, and the US Pizza Team.

Mark Zabrowski, Managing Partner and Operator of Much Ado About Pizza in Pleasanton, CA, leads a celebrated pizzeria renowned for its slow-fermented sourdough crusts and seasonal toppings. Recently honored on Yelp's 2024 Top 100 US restaurants list and recognized by Diablo magazine as a top 5 Bay Area pizzeria in 2023, Much Ado was also named one of PMQ magazine's top 20 pizzerias to watch in 2024. Before founding Much Ado in 2022, Mark earned a Marketing degree from Florida State University and enjoyed a career in sales management and education, including teaching Business and Economics. He finds joy in working alongside his family at the pizzeria, driven by a passion for community engagement, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and crafting exceptional pizzas. Mark actively participates in the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, Slice Out Hunger, and the US Pizza Team, showcasing his dedication to both his craft and community.

Zack Oates is an author, husband, father, entrepreneur, and hot tub aficionado (but not in that order, necessarily). He grew up in restaurants before getting into startups. He was voted Top 100 Entrepreneurs, rang the NASDAQ bell, won the world’s biggest business competition, has been to 50 countries, and started 3 companies. He went on over 1,000 dates before he got married and wrote a book, “Dating Never Works…Until it Does.” He currently is Founder and CEO of Ovation, the no. 1 restaurant feedback platform in America, voted Top 50 Most Influential Supplier by Nation’s Restaurant News, and host of “Give an Ovation: A Podcast for Restaurants.”

A Yale alum and emigrant to the US, Etkin Tekin brings 15 years of entrepreneurial and corporate experience to the Haven Hot Chicken team. Cutting his teeth in the hospitality space with two startups in his early twenties, he then moved to ZX Ventures, the corporate innovation and venture capital arm of AB-InBev, where he gained the management and leadership experience he has today. As HHC's CEO, Etkin’s primary responsibilities for Haven include business planning & strategy, leadership development, marketing & branding, and fundraising & investor relations.

Over the past decade, Michele Walters has become the go-to-expert for all things regarding SBA lending. Michele uses her financial and lending experience to help entrepreneurs realize their dream of running successful businesses by financing business acquisitions and refinancing debt to improve cash flow. She has also helped other small business owners purchase commercial real estate and expand their operations with working capital and equipment financing. As a problem solver, Michele likes finding innovative solutions to the challenges small business owners face.