I had the idea of Tandem while I was 4 months pregnant. I was constantly lugging around my water bottle but not actually drinking it. Acutely aware of the benefits of drinking water and staying hydrated but I had a hard time constantly drinking plain water. As an avid consumer of flavored waters and sparkling seltzers,  I was searching for an eco-friendly, healthier option, essentially a drink mix so I could cut down on my packaging. However most of the existing drink mixes either had electrolytes (essentially added salt) which required added sugar and sweeteners. I couldn't believe there wasn't a drink mix that didn't have either out on the market! Hence the idea for Tandem.While Tandem is a better-for-you product, I believed we can also be a better-for-the earth and better-for- community company.My inspiration for Slow Ride Instant Coffee happened much the same way, where I knew there had to be a faster way to make delicious coffee. Slow Ride is on a mission to transport you to the highlands of Vietnam where our beans are meticulously grown and harvested, roasted by master Vietnamese coffee roasters and ready to drink in an instant. We strive to use the freshest ingredients, pay workers a living wage, and be supply chain plastic free and carbon negative by 2022. 

Jeff O’Neill is a wine and spirits industry veteran, entrepreneur and CEO of family-owned and operated O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, a certified B Corporation. O’Neill’s commitment to sustainability translates across all aspects of the business, from encouraging sustainable winegrowing, to operating the county’s largest worm-powered wastewater treatment system, to testing the effects of regenerative farming in Paso Robles. All of this while producing high-quality, consumer-driven wines at scale. As a leader in environmental stewardship for over 20 years, Jeff is deeply committed to building a better and more sustainable future for the wine business and was recognized as Wine Enthusiast’s Person of the Year in 2022.

Jamie is a Brand Manager at O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, focused on two of the most innovative and exciting brands in the portfolio, Rabble and FitVine. She leads everything from strategy and planning to activation and partnerships, specifically focusing on the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series, Life Time, run clubs and more, with the ultimate goal of making FitVine a true lifestyle brand that people love beyond the wine in the bottle. Jamie graduated with a marketing degree from the University of Southern California, and has since gained her WSET Level II certification in wine. She is a lover of all things travel and food, and is a professional soccer referee, working in the top leagues across the US.

Hi, I'm Ryan and I'm now a serial entrepreneur. I started Big Bad Decaf with my wife, my former roommate, and our newly found expert roaster. We're on a mission to blow the house down on dull, flavorless decaf. We do this by sourcing the best organically grown beans, ensuring they're naturally decaffeinated, and roasting them to perfection.

Steven isn't your average winemaker, he's the mastermind behind wines that practically wink at your taste buds while giving a high-five to your active lifestyle. Armed with a degree in Enology from Cal State Fresno, he's like a mad scientist crafting flavors that'll make your taste buds do the tango. Steven's also about quality control that's tighter than your bike shorts after leg day. From picking high-quality California grapes to turning them into the nectar of the gods (aka wine), he's a perfectionist who doesn't mess around. Oh, and did we mention that Steven's a fitness freak too? He's not just about swirling glasses – he's also all about the swirl of the running track and the clank of weights. Whether he's pounding the pavement or perfecting his deadlift, this guy knows that balance isn't just a fancy wine term.

15 years experience in the wine industry. Previously managed luxury wineries in Napa and Sonoma for Foley Family Wines.

Tero Isokauppila is a Finnish entrepreneur, author, and the founder of Four Sigmatic, a company known for its innovative approach to functional mushrooms and adaptogens in everyday products like coffee, tea, and protein powders. Raised on a family farm in Finland, Tero grew up with a deep connection to nature, learning about foraging and natural remedies from a young age. This upbringing fostered his passion for wellness and natural health, leading him to study chemistry, business, and nutrition.Tero's interest in mushrooms grew from his personal experiences with their health benefits and his Finnish heritage, where the consumption of wild foods is deeply embedded in the culture. This passion culminated in the founding of Four Sigmatic in 2012, with a mission to make functional mushrooms and adaptogens more accessible to people around the world. His company quickly became a leader in the wellness industry, praised for its commitment to sustainability, clean ingredients, and transparency.As an advocate for natural health and functional foods, Tero has authored several books, including Healing Mushrooms, which educates readers about the science and benefits of medicinal mushrooms. His work has been featured in numerous media outlets, and he is recognized as a thought leader in the health and wellness space. Through Four Sigmatic, Tero continues to inspire people to make simple, everyday choices that can improve their health and wellbeing.

Blaire is Vice President of Marketing at O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, where she is focused on driving growth across a dynamic portfolio of wine brands designed to appeal to a diverse range of consumers. Throughout her 20-year global career in marketing at Diageo, PepsiCo, American Express and O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, Blaire has gained significant experience in understanding how to build powerful and distinct brand propositions, deliver on consumer needs and build meaningful connections with consumers throughout their purchase journey. Blaire earned her BA from Stanford University and MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She has her WSET Level III certification in wine and is an avid traveler, swimmer, dog mom and foodie. Originally from Toronto, Blaire is now based in San Francisco, CA.

Darrin Eakins is the Founder and CEO of DuBlasé Whiskey. He is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University and holds a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. A leader with over a decade of history in engineering, innovation and consumer goods. Darrin drives a robust business model that is the catalyst for the success of his business ventures, some of which include: Golden Age Innovations, and the Savannah Ghost Pirates ECHL professional ice hockey team.A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Darrin’s diverse professional background has landed him media coverage from national outlets, such as ABC, FOX, NBC and featured publications, such as Authority Magazine, Business Journal, and Forbes. Throughout his career, Darrin has earned a number of awards, including being named Top 40 Under 40 by Florida A&M University (2023) and Top 20 Under 40 by the Florida Black Expo (2021).  Outside of his entrepreneurial endeavors, Darrin is an active member in the community and is passionate about giving back. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Business REIN Panel, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, and FAMU National Alumni Association. Darrin serves on the Board for Level the Playing Field Leadership Academy and the DuBlasé Foundation. Darrin also serves on the Board of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, as appointed by the Mayor of Jacksonville. Darrin is a graduate of the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship Small Business Executive Program Class XV, Hightower Emerging Leader Fellowship Class VII, and Leadership Jacksonville ℅ 2023. Darrin looks to continue his efforts in leading the charge in building a strong community with a unified vision.

Priscilla Manzo is the Director of Public Relations at Dragon Glassware, a Sacramento-based boutique and luxury glassware company offering a variety of modern and unique barware and drinkware for the home and kitchen. Manzo leads all public relations, social media, and influencer marketing efforts on behalf of Dragon Glassware.For the entirety of her career, Manzo has focused on public exposure and brand advancement through digital marketing and effective public relations strategies. Manzo started her digital marketing career in NYC PR and Marketing firms that specialized in the fashion and beauty industry. From there, she moved on to work at an in-house social media firm for a sunglasses start-up. With a great focus on influencer marketing, Priscilla aided in the brand’s growth from a 5 figure brand to a 7 figure brand. Manzo combined her expertise in the marketing and public relations space to mesh together the ultimate PR and social media formula for Dragon Glassware’s social media success. Manzo joined Dragon Glassware in 2019, and has helped leverage the brand’s social growth ever since.

Matt Rollens is the Founder and CEO of Dragon Glassware, a Sacramento-based boutique and luxury glassware company offering a variety of modern and unique barware and drinkware for the home and kitchen.In 2016, Rollens received a glass tea bottle from Amazon that left him disappointed with its quality, so he decided to make a better one himself. Come 2017, the former exec at a small ad agency embarked on a glass constructing journey and never looked back. Rollens identified a need in the specialty drinkware market, concluding there was a gap in barware embodying bold, modern designs. Inspired by Jeff Bezos, Founder, and CEO of Amazon, Rollens also honed in on the customer experience to understand his consumers and create the best possible products and experiences. Fusing his graphic design expertise and consumer focus, Dragon Glassware, a leader in the barware industry, was born.

In 2002, Julie Smolyansky became the youngest female CEO of a publicly traded company when she took over Lifeway Foods at the age of 27. Since then, Julie has propelled the business forward with innovative product development and marketing, bringing kefir into the U.S. mainstream, growing the company from $6 million to $160 million in 2023, and expanding distribution to Mexico, Ireland, France, South Africa, UAE, various regions of Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Julie has been named to Fortune’s 40 Under 40, recognized among Fortune’s 55 Most Influential Women on Twitter, featured as one of the Best Instagrammers on the 40 Under 40 list, was honored as a 2020 Champion of Wellness by VeryWell, and was recently named the winner of a Gold Stevie® Award in the Female Executive of the Year – Consumer category, in the 18th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business.A University of Illinois at Chicago graduate, Julie is an emeritus member of the United Nations Foundation Global Entrepreneurs Council and a 2015 Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum. She has produced documentaries such as “The Homestretch,” “Honor Diaries,” “The Hunting Ground,” and “On the Record.” In 2013, Julie co-founded Test400k, a non-profit organization advocating to end the backlog of 400,000 untested rape kits in the U.S. Julie released her first book, The Kefir Cookbook: An Ancient Healing Superfood for Modern Life, Recipes from My Family Table and Around the World, in March 2018. She is the mother of two girls.

Role at Four SigmaticDanielle is Four Sigmatic's Head of Education and Innovation.BackgroundDanielle is a Registered Herbalist (RH) of the American Herbalists Guild (AHG), Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Best-Selling Author, and Head of Education and Innovation at Four Sigmatic. Prior to joining forces with Four Sigmatic, she received her BA in Environmental Studies and Philosophy from Whitman College.She studied Ayurveda in India and became a Certified Yoga Instructor on the banks of the Ganges River. She then worked with a Naturopathic Doctor in Indonesia where she became a Certified Raw Chef and Detox Coach. But it was leading trekking adventures into the backcountry of Thailand where she became particularly fascinated by herbal medicine. After several years in Asia, she landed in Boulder, Colorado to formalize her education in holistic medicine.Upon completing her graduate studies at the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism, she opened her private practice, Danielle Ryan Wellness, where she works with hundreds of clients across the US, specializing in functional mushroom based treatment for individuals with autoimmune conditions and chronic illnesses. She was invited to become the Instructor of Mycology at CSCH, where she taught for 5 years. Danielle brings her passion and expertise in herbal medicine, clinical practice, teaching, formulation, and her deep love for fungi, to everything she does.

Sarah Rahal, MD, is a double board-certified pediatric neurologist and trailblazing entrepreneur; recognized for her pioneering contributions to the health space, and sought-out expertise in colostrum science. As the founder of ARMRA, Dr. Rahal has distinguished herself as the creator and thought- leader of a disruptive category, marrying her expertise in functional medicine, environmental health, and quantum biology with an entrepreneurial mission sparked by her own life-threatening health battle and ensuing journey. Dr. Rahal obtained her medical doctorate from New York Medical College and completed her residency training at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York. Following this, she pursued a fellowship at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital NY, where she remained on faculty, serving as Assistant Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics and The Director of Pediatric Headache. She led the department’s inpatient pediatric neurology service, trained medical students, residents, fellows, and peers, and conducted research, authoring several articles and book chapters during her tenure as Professor.BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:Board Certification in Neurology with Special Qualification in Child NeurologyAmerican Board of Psychiatry and NeurologyBoard Certification in Headache MedicineUnited Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS)PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:American Academy of NeurologyAmerican Headache SocietyChild Neurology SocietyNational Headache Foundation (previous)

Ayumi Chikamoto, the visionary CEO and founder of TokyoTreat & Sakuraco, is breaking barriers in a still largely patriarchal Japan. In 2015, Ayumi embarked on her journey, sharing beloved Japanese snacks globally through Sakuraco's sister brand, TokyoTreat. However, Ayumi's affinity for the cultural tradition of pairing tea with sweets fueled her desire to explore the deep roots of Japanese snack and afternoon tea culture leading her to create Sakuraco.Ayumi's mission goes beyond mere culinary delights; it bridges the gap between local makers and the global audience, supporting small businesses and fostering cultural exchange. Beyond her role as a business leader, Ayumi embraces the joys and challenges of motherhood, balancing her role as a working mother of two children. Her journey shows that, even in a society where men typically hold more power, Ayumi is proof that women can succeed as CEOs.

Bill Shufelt is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Athletic Brewing Company, the largest and most decorated non-alcoholic brewery in America. As an outdoor enthusiast, trail runner, and busy modern adult, Bill realized that alcohol was holding him back from achieving all of his goals, so he left it behind for good in 2013. However, he still loved socializing with friends and family and pairing great brews with delicious meals. When Bill stopped drinking, he was surprised to discover that nobody had taken the time to develop a line of full-flavored, non-alcoholic beers for the 60% of Americans who drink less than one time per week. So, Bill set out to change that by creating a company focused on crafting delicious adult non-alcoholic beverages that didn't compromise on taste or quality. In 2017, Bill left a successful career at one of the world's largest hedge funds to begin building the first U.S. brewery and taproom dedicated entirely to non-alcoholic beer, despite skepticism from industry insiders. Today, Athletic Brewing is the #1 non-alcoholic beer brand in America, with over 19% market share.

Amy is passionate about investing in and promoting businesses in the lifestyle of health and sustainability “LOHAS” marketplace, which is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy. Looking at global trends, healthcare and food conditions in America, environmental causes, and the emergence of natural alternatives to wellness and “food as medicine,” Amy is using her experiences and knowledge to disrupt old business models. Nutrigenomics and Biohacking are the future of aging and DISEASE. now she is applying here.

Mariah Hilton Wood is the co-founder and President of Tilden, which she founded while earning her MBA at Harvard Business School. Previously, Mariah worked in Supply Chain Management consulting at PwC and. Mariah graduated with a degree in business management and supply chain Logistics from Brigham Young University. She is from Las Vegas, NV and enjoys bean-to-bar chocolate, adventuring (she most recently hiked Kilimanjaro), and beautifully organized excel models. She lives in Boston with her husband and young daughter.

In the late 1990s, “Chai Tea” began appearing on American coffee menus—an overly sweetened, syrupy imitation of the real masala chai beloved by South Asian families around the world. Kamini Mamdani, an immigrant with roots in Gujarat, India was stunned. The chai she grew up with—hand-ground spices, slow-brewed to perfection, rich in aroma and heritage—had been reduced to an artificial replica. Kamini was determined to reclaim chai. She began experimenting in her mother’s kitchen, hand-grinding cardamom, ginger, cloves, and other bold spices using her family’s cherished recipe. Soon, she was selling her handcrafted blends to those craving a real, authentic chai experience. What started as a personal mission evolved in 1997 to CHAI.COM—the first South Asian-founded online chai retailer in the United States. Today, CHAI.COM is more than a brand—it’s a way of mindful living. Their chai blends are made with organic, nutrient-dense spices, free of sugar, and sustainably sourced. For Kamini, chai is not just a beverage—it’s a ritual, a symbol of home, and a way to connect. Through CHAI.COM, she ensures that no matter what life offers you, a cup of real chai is always within reach.

Players may face a variety of perils and obstacles as the game develops, putting their survival abilities to the test. This could include avoiding notice by evil forces, fleeing risky situations, and defending themselves against injury. The that's not my neighbor game has a morality system that monitors the player's choices and actions. Players must face ethical quandaries and decide between self-preservation and assisting others, with effects that reverberate throughout the game.

Vanessa Royle is the co-founder and CEO of Tilden, a pioneering non-alcoholic cocktail company she launched after earning her MBA at Harvard Business School. After quitting alcohol in 2020, she became passionate about reshaping social drinking culture, bringing a sharp strategic lens to the industry informed by her background in high-growth tech. Before Tilden, she led communications at Cloudflare, a cybersecurity unicorn that went public in 2019. She holds a dual degree in Political Science and Media Studies from UC Berkeley and grew up in San Jose, CA. Vanessa enjoys spending time in Santa Barbara with her husband and baby, embracing the coastal lifestyle and the joys of family life.

In 2018, Martha founded her company, Storied Goods, makers of infused Sugar Cubes for cocktails, coffee, and tea. In 2019, Storied Goods won a Best of Virginia for the Rose Petal Sugar Cube for Champagne and in 2020, was a finalist in the Garden & Gun Best of the South Awards. Storied Goods Cubes are now found in major retailers and small boutiques across the country.Martha Bourlakas is a former instructor for police officers, traffic safety school participants, middle schoolers, high schoolers, and college students. Receiving her MFA in 2012, she published two books, Love Feast: Together at the Table, and Our One Word: Creating Spiritual Joy and Depth. Pre-Pandemic, she led Our One Word spiritual retreats for women across the county. Martha is wife, mother to three daughters, the oldest of whom has autism, and resides with her husband and two dogs in the mountains of Virginia.

Dirk Lindemans took over the family brewing business in 2006 alongside his cousin Geert Lindemans. Together, the two have grown Lindemans Brewery into the largest, family-owned lambic brewery in the world through their focus on innovation and export.

As Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tamer Essentials, Ashley combines financial expertise with a deep passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and wellness. She brings years of experience in finance and data science to her role, where she leads financial strategy, planning, and investor relations to support transformative, science-backed health products.Working alongside her father, Steve, Ashley co-founded Tamer Essentials after witnessing the life-changing effects of Coffee Tamer (which neutralizes up to 90% of the acids in coffee to provide a smoother, more comfortable coffee experience) on her parents’ health. Inspired by its potential to help millions manage acid-related discomfort without giving up coffee, food, or wine, she embraced the opportunity to build something meaningful while spending precious time working with her parents.Beyond her professional roles, Ashley is a mother of three, a wife, and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, especially in the areas of financial literacy and pursuing one’s life purpose. She thrives at the intersection of business and mission, and is committed to helping others unlock their full potential.

Lex Evan is the Founder, CEO & Chef of LEXINGTON BAKES.He is focused on building the company into the next great American bakery brand rooted in empowering consumer choice, improving equitability, and inspiring radical change in the food world.Before founding LXB, Lex developed his expertise in design and brand strategy through a 15-year career working in CPG.Spending a decade of his career at Johnson & Johnson, Lex led the design, strategy, and creative direction of iconic global brands, products, and teams for some of the world's most impactful beauty, health and wellness brands.Alongside his career in design, Lex also founded three previous startups, including a digital publication, a design marketplace, an LGBTQ+ activism apparel brand, Alt Pronouns, and a subsequent digital platform, Queerist.He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Montclair State University.

A North Carolina native, Kathryn Robinson is an accomplished alumna of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She graduated summa cum laude, earning an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, complemented by a minor in Journalism. Kathryn's professional journey spans diverse industries, both large and small, specializing in marketing and public relations. Her expertise lies in orchestrating brand creation, crafting dynamic marketing strategies, steering advertising campaigns, and executing public relations engagements. Kathryn's contributions extend to leading marketing research initiatives for industry giants such as McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Delaware North.In 2017, Kathryn embarked on a new career chapter, stepping away from the corporate world to channel her multifaceted expertise into her own consulting business. For the next five years, she offered invaluable guidance to small businesses across sectors, advising them on operational and marketing strategies, innovative product concepts and functional formulations . Among her clientele were two burgeoning cannabis companies, where she discovered the profound wellness potential of the plant, especially when synergized with other natural, functional ingredients. Kathryn noticed a gaping void in the market for innovative wellness products tailored for the modern woman and transparent brands didn’t exist (until now). Armed with this insight and her profound industry and product formulation knowledge, Kathryn sought to not only fill these gaps but to revolutionize women's wellness landscape altogether. In November 2022, NOVA was born.Beyond her professional commitments, Kathryn is an ardent fitness enthusiast and a dedicated dog mom. She cherishes her daily ritual of tackling the New York Times crossword over a latte each morning and she devoutly attends Elevation e-church on Sundays. Kathryn's free time is often spent in the introspective study of scripture and philosophical works, delving into her latest fascination, and rapping her favorite Jay-Z songs (but not every word…).

Anil caught the entrepreneurial bug watching his immigrant parents hustle after moving to the US from Albania when he was 11. A year studying in Tokyo during college didn't just leave him fluent in Japanese - it sparked a lifelong love affair with coffee that led to founding Jaho Coffee in his hometown of Salem, MA in 2005. Since then, he's built a mini empire with seven Massachusetts locations, two Tokyo cafés, and a string of ventures including Barista Connection (before coffee folks had Instagram!), Milkboy Boba & Ice Cream, and Bagel Boys. His latest venture, Dekáf Coffee Roasters, is on a mission to prove decaf drinkers deserve the good stuff too.

Born in Houston, TX, to Vietnamese immigrant parents and raised in Germany, Khanh grew up immersed in a blend of cultures, each shaping her appreciation for craftsmanship, aesthetics, and storytelling. After studying Psychology in Boston, a chance connection with the coffee world through Jaho Coffee sparked a new passion - one that merged community, experience, and design. As Director of Brand Development for Jaho Coffee, Khanh honed an eye for how branding and visual identity shape the way people experience coffee.With a deep love for design’s ability to elevate the everyday, Khanh founded CHEEBXDESIGN, a creative studio dedicated to capturing the beauty in design and how it enhances perception - because a well-crafted experience, much like a well-brewed cup of coffee, is greater than the sum of its parts. Now, as co-founder of Dekáf Coffee Roasters, that philosophy extends to redefining decaf. Caffeine-free should never mean flavor-free, and great coffee should look just as good as it tastes.When not shaping the future of decaf, Khanh enjoys traveling, discovering new foods, spending time with family, and doting on her cat, Jeffery (who, much like a great design, brings endless joy in the simplest of ways).

Christman is a creative and SEO wizard. With a long and prolific career, Christman has lived many lives and developed many talents with his short 40-some years on earth (but who’s counting). As a former audio engineer, accomplished entrepreneur, and tech nerd, Christman is one of the driving forces behind Fun Fact Co. He oversees the day to day and the nitty gritty of the company, ensuring that manufacturing, operations and finance are all in order. As a proud parent of two human children and some furry companions, he enjoys spending time with his family, gardening and the occasional forrest bathing (aka hiking) when he’s not digging up new fun facts.