Jim Bitticks is the President and Chief Operating Officer for Dave’s Hot Chicken. He oversees the day-to-day operation of the company with direct oversight over operations, training, procurement, construction, and technology. Jim joined the Dave’s team when there were just four restaurants and has helped grow the brand to 150 locations across the U.S., Canada, and the Middle East. Prior to his current role, Jim was the Chief Restaurant Officer and EVP of Operations, Training, and Construction for Blaze Pizza, and oversaw the successful growth of that brand from two restaurants to three hundred seventy-two restaurants before making the move to Dave’s.

David Bloom’s early career in the restaurant and hotel industries included working with and for some of the most iconic brands and leaders in their respective industries where he learned how to strategically accelerate sustainable brand expansion. Having grown up in the restaurant industry in and around NYC, David’s entrepreneurial career began as a large multi-unit franchisee and serving as the SVP of Brand Expansion for Quiznos, growing it from a small regional brand of 18 restaurants to opening over 5,000 locations in 28 countries. Subsequent senior roles included the rapid growth of numerous enterprises including; Clockwork Home Services, Bridge International Academies based in Nairobi, Kenya, Famous Brands International with approximately 900 franchised restaurants in over 30 countries and as President of Office Evolution. Today, David is responsible for all aspects of franchise development, growth, and operations for both Capriotti’s and Wing Zone.

Craig Blum is the heart and soul behind Johnny Doughnuts, a beloved Bay Area institution known for its delectable, handcrafted doughnuts in both classic and inventive flavors. Craig's journey began in 2010 with a simple yet revolutionary idea: to elevate the humble doughnut using locally sourced, organic ingredients and to share these treats from a traveling food truck. Today, Johnny Doughnuts boasts four brick-and-mortar locations, with one more on the way in 2024, and a fleet of food trucks. The shop has been recognized as one of the top 5 doughnut shops in the country by Food Network.

Steven King is the Distinguished Professor of Innovation and Emerging Technologies at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, holding a joint appointment with the Hussman School of Journalism and Media and Kenan-Flagler Business School. He combines computer science concepts, human-centered design and storytelling to create new ways to present information through emerging technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and other interactive media forms. Steven is the CEO of Blue Sky Robotics, which leverages computer vision and robotics to solve difficult problems in the supply chain, manufacturing, and hospitality industries.