A purpose-driven, groundbreaking C-level Executive, Business Builder and Strategist, Steve Heeley thrives on growing, reviving and catapulting brands into industry-leading, multimillion-dollar enterprises. Steve has gained a reputation as an innovator in fast-casual food brands, continually identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends. Steve believes in creating cultures of engagement in which a shared purpose and vision drives exceptional financial results, while balancing the health of the team and business. He possesses a natural talent for fostering collaboration, setting up transformational strategies, influencing, and building consensus among internal and external stakeholders within PE-backed and publicly or privately owned organizations. Steve is currently CEO of Pokeworks, the leading premium fast-casual poke brand. Steve has built the team, systems, and franchise support to scale rapid growth.

Along with his two business partners, André Vener co-founded Dog Haus in April 2010, with the mission of elevating stadium food classics into culinary masterworks. Over the last decade, Dog Haus has expanded from its Pasadena, CA, base to nearly 50 locations from coast-to-coast. André and his partners have spearheaded the craft-casual brand’s rapid expansion by forming alliances with leading ghost kitchen networks, an innovative partnership with Live Nation and the 2020 introduction of The Absolute Brands – a suite of virtual restaurant concepts spun off from several of Dog Haus’ signature menu items, such as the Bad Mutha Clucka. Prior to co-founding Dog Haus, André served as Executive Producer of Pasadena Entertainment, where he produced hundreds of events in venues of all sizes, including The Rose Bowl, Los Angeles County Arboretum, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and more. André founded and operated redwhite+bluezz, an award-winning restaurant and jazz club that served great food, wine and live music for eight years.