Experts

Meet Zac Stern, a young visionary with a keen mind in business and love.Earning a coveted spot at the NYU Stern School of Business was just the beginning of Zac's early success. While still in school, Zac interned at UBS, AIG, Stifel, and Rosecliff Ventures. After realizing that he enjoyed the world of startups, he worked full-time as a VC his Senior year at Stern and was promoted to associate upon graduation in 2020. At the same time, Zac founded an angel investment group with three other friends called O-Ventures, which raised over $1M and funded various top companies within the consumer space. While working as a venture capitalist, Zac got to see Innovation firsthand and realized after seeing the 50th pitch deck for a dating app that the matchmaking market was oversaturated. Still, no one was looking at what came after the match. With an ear toward opportunity and a desire to fill an unmet need, Zac went right to work building an app so everyone could have better relationships. Official was born, a next-generation social media app built to help couples have healthier and happier relationships. After being honest with his employer about moonlighting with his project, Zac was congratulated by being flat-out fired. This proved to be a gift, as Official became his sole focus as of October 2020. After being interviewed by the Mayor of Miami and going viral on TikTok, Official's beta crashed from too many people mobbing the platform. After taking the feedback and putting out an MVP In July, the app once again was overrun with over 85k people signing up for the platform In a week., putting the app at #5 within the US on Apple's Lifestyle Charts. The team raised from top Investors such as Global Founders Capital, Gaingels, and various notable angels, bringing the funding to 750k. After a much-awaited hiatus, Official Is back and Is here to redefine what It means to date, and really, what It means to be Official.

Zack Bates is a visionary hospitality and marketing professional with a proven track record of success. As the founder of Private Club Marketing in 2009, he has been sought after by some of the world's most iconic private members' clubs to implement strategies that protect and preserve their legacies, such as the Monterey Peninsula Country Club, The Riviera Country Club, Gleneagles Resort, The Vintage Club, Mayacama Golf Club, San Francisco Yacht Club, Peninsula Hotels, and Montage Hotel Group.With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Bates began his career at ClubCorp in 2003, where he quickly rose to the top of the list among 200+ global properties for member retention and sales. He was recognized in 2015 by Platinum Clubs of America and Platinum Clubs of the World as their preferred Membership Marketing Firm.Bates' passion for connecting high-net-worth golf enthusiasts and country club members to unique golf and real estate content around the globe led him to found Club Estates, a digital platform that has reached over 1M views in its first year. The platform offers an invitation-only and curated list of luxury golf, city, yacht, and country club real estate on the market.In addition to his professional achievements, Bates is an active board advisor to Sport at the Service of Humanity, a cooperative between the Vatican, U.N., and the International Olympic Committee. He is also a dedicated father to his two children and enjoys golf, travel, food & wine, community, and the arts. He resides in Newport Beach, CA.

Hailing from the picturesque town of Granbury, Texas, Zach Maxwell has become a formidable force in the political landscape of the Lone Star State. With an academic foundation from Baylor University, Zach Maxwell's journey into the political realm has been nothing short of remarkable.From the bustling campaign trails to the hallowed halls of the Texas legislature, Zach Maxwell has been at the forefront of some of the most pivotal moments in recent Texas political history. Notably, Zach Maxwell played a role in Governor Greg Abbott's inaugural gubernatorial campaign, a testament to his strategic prowess and dedication. This dedication was further recognized when, in 2016, Texas Insider Magazine awarded him for orchestrating the best-run Texas House campaign for the Republican primary in House District 60.But Zach Maxwell's influence wasn't limited to the campaign trail. Serving in the Texas Senate during the 84th legislature in 2015, he transitioned to the Texas House as a Chief of Staff, continuing his service through the 85th and 86th legislatures. His commitment to transparency and accountability led him to take a brief hiatus for investigative journalism. During this period, he exposed and highlighted local corruption. He also traveled extensively, engaging with grassroots organizations, empowering them with the knowledge and tools to make a tangible impact both locally and in the legislature.Today, while Zach Maxwell is venturing into the world of Real Estate alongside his wife, building a community lifestyle brand, his heart remains deeply rooted in Texas politics. As the Senate District 22 Platform Committeeman for the Republican Party of Texas, he played an instrumental role in crafting the 2022-2023 Republican Party of Texas platform.Media outlets have been quick to recognize Zach Maxwell's contributions. Featured in CNN's "Deep in the Pockets of Texas" and NBC's "Against All Enemies", he has consistently sought to expose corruption, aiming to dismantle a two-tiered justice system. His testament to intellectual honesty and consistency, as well as a great dislike for bad actors is clearly but respectfully present, even if that means casting a difficult light on outspokenly likeminded political figures. His vast experience has made him a sought-after voice on Texas public policy, having influenced and crafted key pieces of legislation and policy initiatives.In a state known for its larger-than-life personalities and fierce independence, Zach Maxwell stands out as a beacon of integrity, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the people of Texas.

A serial entrepreneur with more than 20 years of management experience, Co-Founder of MTC Global and Rest® Yong Zhou has successfully introduced dozens of international businesses and teams from across the world to China by helping them localize their business for the Chinese market. With the firm belief that digital transformation is the future of manufacturing and recognizing a trend of the globalization of Chinese enterprises, Zhou continues to utilize his international management experience, working closely with top manufacturers to help them build brands for overseas markets.Graduating from the University of Birmingham with an undergraduate degree and an MBA, Zhou utilized his entrepreneurial skills to found his first company. Eventually acquired by American education group, KAPLAN, he then received tens of millions in investment from a leading venture capital institution for his next venture.Zhou’s mission is to use digital means to transform traditional manufacturers and help connect them with consumers to better understand and quickly respond to their needs. He aims to continue bringing positive changes to stagnant industries and build modern solutions empowered by new science and technology advancements for current demands.Zhou grew up in Shanghai and currently resides in Hangzhou, China. When not helping to build brands he enjoys time traveling with his family.

For information on the Caribbean, and specifically St. Maarten / St. Martin.

Founder & CEO, Divergent Money | Fintech Innovator | Creative Strategist | Digital PioneerWill Janczewski is an entrepreneur, fintech innovator, and creative strategist with a distinguished career spanning financial technology, AI-driven automation, digital marketing, gaming, and entertainment. As the Founder & CEO of Divergent Money, they are pioneering an AI-powered financial ecosystem designed to make personal finance more intuitive, accessible, and neurodivergent-friendly, helping individuals manage their money in ways that align with their cognitive strengths.With a multi-decade track record of leading creative, technological, and strategic initiatives, Janczewski has worked at the forefront of digital innovation, shaping experiences across robotics, aerospace, gaming, consumer technology, and finance. They have held key leadership roles, including Head of Extended Robotic Experiences at Embodied, Inc., where they developed next-generation AI-powered interactive robotics, and Creative Director at MC3, where they led engagement strategies for major pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms such as AstraZeneca, Bayer, and GSK.As a serial entrepreneur and former executive producer, Will Janczewski has founded and led multiple creative ventures, including Unbound, Wyrd Studios, OhHello Studio, and Kaiju Empire, spearheading projects that blended technology, storytelling, and consumer engagement. Their tenure at Fox Mobile Studios saw them overseeing global mobile content production for major brands like The Simpsons, Ice Age, and Blue Sky Studios, shaping the early landscape of digital entertainment.Through Divergent Money, Janczewski is bringing their expertise in UX, AI, and behavioral finance to an industry in need of radical inclusivity. Their work has been featured across leading finance, technology, and entrepreneurship publications, and they are a sought-after speaker on topics like AI-driven financial innovation, behavioral finance for neurodivergent minds, and the future of inclusive fintech.Speaking Topics & Expertise:✅ Neurodivergent Personal Finance – Rethinking budgeting, investing, and money management for ADHD, ASD, and dyslexic minds.✅ AI & Fintech Innovation – The role of AI-driven automation in financial wellness and banking.✅ Creative Strategy & UX – How user-centered design and behavioral insights can transform fintech.✅ Entrepreneurship & Disruption – Lessons from building cross-industry ventures in gaming, entertainment, robotics, and finance.

ABOUT: Wayne Boich— Founder & CEO, Reserve Padel | Chairman & CEO of Boich Investment GroupWayne Boich is the CEO and Founder of the leading luxury lifestyle brand in the United States, Reserve Padel.  In 2022, Wayne organized the largest padel tournament in U.S. history, the Blockchain.com Miami Padel Open, which showcased top international players from around the world and raised over $2 million for local charitable causes. Among the attendees were prominent figures such as Jimmy Buffet, Vince Vaughn, Ludacris, Wyclef Jean, Jimmy Butler, Alonzo Mourning, Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, and Shane Battier, among others. A year later, in February 2023, Wayne launched Reserve Padel— a versatile brand that focuses on establishing premier padel clubs nationwide, expert court installation and management, lifestyle apparel, and hosting various events, exhibitions, and tournaments. The launch of Reserve Padel heralded the opening of Miami’s most luxurious padel club, Reserve Miami Seaplane, followed by Manhattan's inaugural padel club, Reserve NYC Hudson Yards. By April 2024, Reserve introduced its first members-only club in Miami's Design District, further cementing its status as a leader in the padel industry. Today, Reserve operates three elite padel clubs, with ambitious expansion plans underway for 2024-2025. Renowned for merging sport, wellness, and luxury lifestyle experiences, the brand is committed to redefining the future of padel, by introducing and enhancing the fastest-growing sport worldwide.  Beyond padel, Wayne serves as Chairman and CEO of Boich Investment Group, where he oversees global investment strategies and a diverse U.S. real estate portfolio, including hotels, offices, and residential projects.

Vanessa Valiente is San Diego's #1 Personal Stylist and creator of VSTYLE, the first and longest standing fashion blog in America's finest city (Est. 2007). She has worked with numerous celebrities and was voted a “Top Stylist” by Modern Luxury and FINE magazine. Vanessa is also the author of, The Personal Stylist’s Handbook, the bible for aspiring stylists. Vanessa has been featured in The Washington Post, InStyle, The Zoe report and BOF.

Tripp McLaughlin stands out as one of Atlanta's top leaders due to his impressive track record and current role as the Chief Marketing Officer at The Honey Baked Ham Company, LLC. With his extensive experience and dedication, he is poised to significantly impact the growth and success of this Atlanta-based brand which boasts over 440 locations nationwide and a thriving direct-to-consumer business.Having previously served as the Global Brand Head for Hilton, Tripp brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the hospitality industry to his current position. During his tenure at Hilton, he played a pivotal role in the groundbreaking for Motto by Hilton Atlanta Old Fourth Ward (O4W), a pioneering mixed-use property, demonstrating his ability to contribute significantly to Atlanta's business landscape and economic growth.As the Chief Marketing Officer at The Honey Baked Ham Company, LLC, Tripp McLaughlin is focused on spearheading a new phase of growth and transformation for the brand. He is committed to maintaining the company's legacy of quality and excellence while creating unforgettable experiences that deepen customers' connection to the brand. Tripp holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. 

Trevor Blyth, is at the front of Kamut International, serving as president and committed to continuing his family's legacy. Under Blyth, and in addition to leading the operation of the company, he is actively working on undertaking a carbon footprint study and assessment along with the internationally recognized sustainability consultancy Soil & More Impacts (now operating as Sustainable AG) in order to understand the impact of its complete supply chain from farm to customers, including assessing the contribution and/or benefits of all KAMUT® Brand Wheat being grown exclusively organic. Working in collaboration with all members of the supply chain from the growers up to the end customer, the goal is to measure and understand the environmental impacts and be able to determine areas where improvement and reductions can be made.

Tonya McKenzie, founder of Sand & Shores, is an international speaker, moderator, author, and civil servant. Tonya is also a Los Angeles County Commissioner of Alcohol and Other Drugs. She is a master storyteller at the intersection of communications and leadership. Tonya consults organizations and businesses to help them tell their story, elevate their brand awareness, and build a strong reputation. Tonya is a PR and reputation specialist. She hosts the top-100 leadership podcast, Leaders & Learners, and is the co-host of My Morning Coffee Podcast.Tonya McKenzie was the first African American woman elected to the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors, and president of the North Redondo Beach Business Association. She was the only African American named Redondo Beach Woman of the Year (2021). She serves on the City of Redondo Beach GPAC (General Plan Advisory Council), is Vice president of the Black Public Relations Society – Los Angeles, the Redondo Beach Emergency Crisis Council, and the Advisory Council for Better Youth. Her body of work with chambers and business associations has shaped her into an advocate and valuable resource for small businesses and community organizations.Tonya McKenzie can be found highlighted in the pages of Amazing Moms: Parents of the 21st Century. As a young gun violence survivor, she has become a dedicated youth advocate. She is the author of a memoir titled, A Child's Memories of Cartoons and Murder. Tonya has been married for over 20 years, and has four kids, including a set of twins.

Tom First launched Culture Pop Soda in June 2020, reinventing what soda should be. Tom co-founded Nantucket Nectars in the 1980s and has spent the last two decades working with emerging beverage brands. He couldn’t ignore the gap in the carbonated soft drink industry any longer and set out to craft a soda that doesn’t skimp on flavor and is just sweet enough. The idea for Culture Pop struck Tom when he tried a sip of his son's mocktail. "I remember the mocktail had sprigs of rosemary with juice, and I'm a beverage guy, so I'm sitting there starring at my son's drink thinking, my gosh, why hasn't anyone done this with a soda?" He knew he was ready to re-enter the ring when he and the founding team unlocked a winning formula by combining organic fruit juices with real, organic herbs & spices to create dynamic, delicious flavors. No need to add the high sugar levels of traditional soda or ultra-sweet substitutes of diet sodas. Culture Pop also contains billions of live probiotics in every can to aid gut health and digestion, which is something Tom is a strong proponent of supporting.