Ben is a serial entrepreneur and visionary with a track record of incubating and launching over 40 companies since 1995. His most recent success story involves the acquisition of the distressed parent company of UPTIME in July 2012. Recognizing the market opportunity for 'better for you’ beverages, Ben revived the original energy drink and introduced a sugar-free version. He further expanded his portfolio by acquiring a distribution company in 2014, providing a 2,000-store footprint in Santa Monica, CA.
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With his extensive expertise in product development and incubation, Ben established Drink Tank Ventures, LLC., his second incubator aimed at bringing new and innovative food and beverage brands to market. This initiative catalyzed the explosive growth of UPTIME Energy, which became the first energy drink to disrupt the mainstream category (Red Bull, Monster, Rock Star), earning recognition on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing companies for four consecutive years.

In 2009, prior to his ventures in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry, Ben founded RebuildUS, Inc., a real estate investment platform that raised over $60 million from high-net-worth investors and family offices. As a pioneer in the market, Ben developed an online platform connecting investors with first-time homebuyers to address the surplus of empty homes from entities like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Through strategic acquisitions totaling over 4,500 homes in bulk, Ben played a crucial role in stabilizing neighborhoods in key markets while simultaneously providing valuable homeownership opportunities to thousands of first-time home buyers.

In 1995, Ben co-founded Launchpad Communications, LLC., in Los Angeles marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey. This venture served as both a direct-to-consumer marketing firm and Ben's inaugural product/service incubator. Over more than a decade, Launchpad achieved remarkable success, generating over $30 million in annual revenue. Ben holds a BA in Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Tony brings a wealth of experience and success to his role as Chief Marketing Officer. A Stanford Industrial Engineer/Engineering Management graduate, Tony's career has spanned Manufacturing, Logistics, Technology, and Marketing, notably at Procter & Gamble where he ascended to the position of global Vice President for Home Care Products.

At P&G, Tony led the launch and oversaw operations for Febreze, a brand that has grown into a $4B franchise across 22 markets worldwide. With a well-rounded global management background, including extensive time in Europe and the US, Tony's expertise encompasses factory operations, logistics, technology, and marketing.
Transitioning to the Beijing Hualian Group as President and CMO, Tony established new brands and associated supply chains, diversifying into fruit snacks, diapers, men's clothing, essential wear, and flavored teas.

Upon returning to the US, Tony immersed himself in various startup ventures, including Fresh & Easy Markets, UST Global, TTEC, PatPat, and Vital Proteins, the latter being acquired by Nestle, where Tony was appointed global EVP for operations and business startups within Nestle Health Sciences.

Tony's dedication to sharing knowledge extends to lecturing at the Haas School of Business (UC Berkeley) for over the last 17 years on branding and operations, leveraging his experiences with Febreze and SKII. Additionally, he serves as an advisor to numerous startups across various industries, leveraging his expertise in marketing and operations.

Quintin is a seasoned executive with a rich background in strategic leadership and international operations, driving efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth. With over four decades of experience, he is a serial entrepreneur and business architect who has successfully launched and developed multiple ventures, holding key titles such as CEO, COO, CIO, and CIGO.

Quintin initially focused on the oil & gas sector for two decades. Notably, he supported Geophysical R&D and Exploration Processing at Saudi Aramco in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, where he led initiatives to optimize production workflows, enhance quality control measures, and maximize resource utilization. He ran their Cray Super Computers for seven years, helping break numerous throughput and performance records. Quintin's meticulous approach and international team collaboration resulted in significant efficiency gains, including reducing processing elapsed time on the Cray by two-thirds while upholding rigorous quality standards. Transitioning to Atlanta, GA, Quintin applied his expertise in data analytics and operations to pioneer advanced legal technology at eMag Solutions, LECG, and OrcaTec, where he held senior leadership roles. At LECG, he spearheaded operations, driving divisional growth from startup to over $40M in just two years just through professional services billing. Quintin co-founded OrcaTec, renowned for its groundbreaking LLM software, the first AI to receive court recognition and approval in 2010, laying the groundwork for future technologies like ChatGPT.

Quintin fosters a culture of excellence and innovation, empowering teams to achieve remarkable results, including several billion-dollar wins. His reputation for innovation led him to Deutsche Bank in Manhattan, where he played a pivotal role in transforming strategic data operations. Amidst the challenges of COVID-19, he pivoted to BlueGold Labs, focusing on basalt development and sales of advanced industrial coatings.

A graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology with an MSc in Management of Technology, Quintin’s education focused on business innovation and sustainability, complementing his passion for driving operational excellence.

Jeffrey has been starting and managing companies, raising funds for and investing funds on behalf of himself and his investors for over 35 years. Jeffrey began his career as an entrepreneur, starting his first company at 19. He has been in the financial services space for the past 23 years.

Most recently, Jeffrey was a director at IX Securities in New York, raising capital for impact and ESG focused companies. Prior to IX Securities, he managed 2 boutique investment banking groups (Commonwealth Associates and The Benchmark Company).

Prior to his career in investment banking, Jeffrey was part of the M&A group at Sumitomo Corporation of America. During his time there, Jeffrey executed multiple transactions totaling over $180 MM in synergistic and/or opportunistic acquisitions.

At various periods over the past 25 years Jeffrey has managed two family offices, one with AUM of over $2 billion. In addition to his sell-side and buy-side activity, Mr. Frank has also founded and or managed several companies, ranging from renewable energy, substance use disorder treatment facilities, LED lighting, e-commerce fulfillment, building materials and construction.

Jeffrey has an undergraduate degree in Accounting from Adelphi University, which he received while starting and running his first company. He also has an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School of Business, with a focus in entrepreneurship and Healthcare Management. He currently holds his series 7, 63 and 79 licenses.

Bryan brings over three decades of distinguished experience as a retired U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Colonel and former Commander/Military Lab Director. With extensive expertise in overseas operations, technology, and construction, including challenging global locations such as the Gulf, Africa, Pacific, and Asia, Bryan has led a $22 billion mega construction program for a new Military City and Power Projection Platforms on the Korean Peninsula.

As a seasoned Senior Executive and Executive Consultant, Bryan has a proven track record of delivering nationally significant projects that enhance lives, stimulate economic growth, and bolster U.S. National Security. His comprehensive business acumen encompasses program development, cross-matrixed team leadership, innovation integration, technology transfer, commercialization, government contracting, and resource management.

Specializing in research and technology development, Bryan drives innovation and delivers cutting-edge technologies and advanced materials across diverse sectors, including flood control, environmental conservation, power and utilities, emergency management, civil and military engineering. His expertise spans advanced manufacturing/3D printing technologies, novel materials manufacturing, autonomous systems, Engineering with Nature, power generation and resiliency, data centers construction and management, high-performance computing, and mega construction projects.

Throughout his career, Bryan has successfully managed and directed laboratories and facilities across the USA, overseeing teams of 3,000 researchers and scientists and managing budgets exceeding $2.0 billion. His thirty years of training, education, and experience as a Commissioned Army Engineer and Special Operations Officer, covering Science and Technology to major Global Construction Programs, GIS, IT innovation, and Special Operations, equip Bryan to deliver impactful results.

Bryan has a Bachelor of Science, Physical Science and Physics, Minor in Anthropology, University of Maryland– Salisbury State University. Master of Science, International Relations, Troy State Alabama, Ft. Bragg, NC. Master of Science, Engineering Management – Civil & Environmental – Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MS. Graduate Certificate, Mapping Charting and Geodesy, Defense Mapping Agency, Ft. Belvoir, VA. CERTIFICATIONS- Top Secret Clearance, periodic review August 2018 – ACTIVE; Certified DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF) analyst – ACTIVE; Certified, Construction and Services Contracting Officer representative – ACTIVE; Certified, Engineer Security Officer, United States Army Corps of Engineers – ACTIVE

Nick is a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in construction. Internationally recognized through the US Trademark “Basalt.Guru,” Nick brings a wealth of expertise to the field. Formerly the proprietor of a successful masonry construction firm, Nick has spearheaded projects ranging from hospitals and exclusive homes to ski resorts and historic restorations across the USA.

Transitioning to multi-media content graphic artistry, Nick discovered basalt fiber rebar in Newport, RI, sparking his passion for innovative materials. With over fifteen years of experience, he has become a renowned expert in basalt rock fibers, pioneering advanced composites known for their safety, sustainability, and durability.

Nick's product range includes Aerogel fabrics, celebrated for their insulation properties and versatile applications across industries. His fireproofing coatings, coupled with Aerogel fabrics, offer superior thermal controls, optimizing storage capacity and energy efficiency.

Prioritizing environmental safety and performance, Nick's Bis-A free epoxy formulations bond seamlessly with silica, enhancing durability and versatility. Specializing in Basalt Volcanic Rock fibers and fabrics, Nick revolutionizes concrete reinforcements with rebar that outperforms steel counterparts in strength, weight, and durability.
Nick's innovative solutions pave the way for a sustainable and efficient future in advanced concrete applications, reshaping the construction industry with superior materials and technologies.

Lee is a seasoned business leader renowned for his expertise in driving sales growth and expanding into new markets, particularly in technical products. With a robust background in managing B2B sales across domestic and international landscapes, Lee has excelled in various business environments, including start-ups, growth initiatives, and turnaround situations.

His skill set encompasses a wide array of competencies, including strategic market assessment, team development, technical sales, marketing, financial analysis, and long-term customer relationship building. Lee's versatility is evidenced by his involvement in diverse industries such as aerospace, automotive, power generation, and infrastructure.

In his recent role as VP Global Sales and Marketing at Mafic USA, Lee led efforts to advance basalt fibers in key applications across multiple markets. He effectively managed sales and technical teams, collaborated with senior leadership, and played a vital role in product management and startup disciplines.

Prior experiences at Saint-Gobain, Coats North America, SAERTEX USA, and B&W Fiber Glass underscore Lee's strategic business development prowess, international market expansion initiatives, and leadership in driving substantial sales growth. Throughout his career, Lee has consistently demonstrated his ability to catalyze business transformation, nurture customer relationships, and contribute significantly to organizational success.

Lee holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Polymer and Textile Chemistry from the Georgia Institute of Technology, reflecting his strong foundation in the field.

Habib is a distinguished Professor of Civil/Structural Engineering at the University of Maine, where he also holds the prestigious Bath Iron Works Professorship of Structural Engineering. He is the founding Director of the university's renowned Advanced Structures and Composites Center, recognized globally as a leading hub for integrated composite materials and structural component development. Throughout his illustrious career, Habib has garnered numerous accolades, including the Carnegie Foundation Maine Professor of the Year, the New England Board of Higher Education Excellence Award, the University of Maine’s Distinguished Maine Professor Award, and the UMaine Presidential Research and Creative Achievement Award. His scholarly contributions encompass over 120 technical publications, and he chairs national technical committees in the fields of structural engineering and composite materials.

In addition to his academic endeavors, Habib has played pivotal roles in advising governmental bodies, serving on the Science and Technology Advisory Board for Maine’s Governor and the Governor-appointed Innovation Economy Advisory Board. He has led multi-million-dollar Research and Development programs for esteemed federal clients such as the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and the U.S. Army, among others.

Habib is at the forefront of advancing renewable energy technologies, notably leading the DeepCwind Consortium, a DOE program focused on developing floating offshore wind technologies in the United States. His expertise in this area has led him to testify before the US Senate and US Secretary of Energy Chu.

Habib earned his Doctorate degree in structural engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, complemented by two Masters Degrees in Structural Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

Greg is the Chairman and CEO of Infrastructure Ventures LLC, headquartered in Lewiston, ME, with offices in Washington, D.C. and Santa Monica, CA.

With a distinguished 35-year career in local, state, and federal government, Greg emerged as a national leader in accelerating project delivery in the highway and bridge construction sector. As Deputy Administrator and later Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, he prioritized innovation, project efficiency, and highway safety. Notably, Greg spearheaded the Every Day Counts (EDC) partnership with states, driving the adoption of innovative strategies and technologies to save time, money, and lives.

Greg's public service extends to the Maine House of Representatives, where he served for 12 years. He currently serves on the board of directors for Advanced Infrastructure Technologies and as a senior advisor to Ridge-Lane Limited Partners.

Recognized for his contributions, Greg has received prestigious awards, including the President’s Award for Distinguished Service from the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials and the Lester P. Lamm Memorial Award from the Road Gang in Washington, D.C., honoring his exemplary leadership and dedication to U.S. highway transportation programs. Greg's educational background includes studies at the University of Maine at Augusta and the University of Southern Maine.

Joe is the founder and former Global Chairman of Dentons, the world's largest global law firm, brings over three decades of corporate legal expertise and strategic leadership. Renowned for his role as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) from 1999 to 2001, Joe's impact extends across legal, political, and social spheres.

During his tenure at Dentons, Joe spearheaded the firm's global strategy, shaping its growth, integration, and reinvention. With a focus on mergers and acquisitions, he has advised Fortune 1000 companies on complex transactions, drawing on his experience at the helm of DNC to navigate policy issues.

A seasoned negotiator, Joe has orchestrated deals exceeding $500 billion, including prominent mergers in healthcare and insurance sectors. His counsel spans diverse industries, from technology to banking, advising clients globally on corporate strategy and policy matters.
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Beyond his legal career, Joe is a multifaceted entrepreneur, author, and advocate for progressive causes. He has founded socially responsible ventures, authored published works, and championed corporate social responsibility and urban planning initiatives.

A graduate of Yale Law School and Yale University, Joe's academic prowess is complemented by his practical experience, including a clerkship at the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. He continues to be a thought leader in legal, political, and social arenas, enriching discussions on election law reform, demographic trends, and progressive investing. Joe is married to former US Ambassador Anne Slaughter Andrew.

Brent is the founder and CEO of Thrive Dynamic, a strategic alliance of domain experts dedicated to investing in and devising world-class solutions. With over two decades of experience as an entrepreneur, investor, and advisor, Brent has cultivated a distinguished career spanning Silicon Valley, Europe, and the Middle East.

During the dotcom boom, Brent founded and successfully exited two high-tech startups, showcasing his knack for innovation and business acumen. As a Board Advisor to KPMG and Chief Innovation Officer of Singularity University, he led corporate transformations aimed at generating and capturing new market value.

Brent's expertise lies in leveraging systems thinking and behavioral economics to guide companies through strategic innovation. Known for his resourcefulness, unconventional thinking, and collaborative spirit, Brent thrives on shaping the future alongside diverse teams.

A distinguished academic, Brent graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University, University of Michigan, and University of Berkeley, holding degrees in Business Administration, Public Administration, and Management Science. He has collaborated with renowned thought leaders such as Clay Christensen, Michael Porter, and Ray Kurzweil, contributing to groundbreaking projects across various sectors worldwide.

John is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with a diverse background in business operations and multi-asset class investing. He founded Breakthrough Capital, an investment fund focusing on early-stage ventures and new technology companies, and serves as a venture partner at Root & Shoot Ventures.

With over fifty early-stage investments under his belt, sourced through extensive networks, John is a member of multiple investment syndicates and advises Unity Angels, an Asian Pacific investment network. Additionally, he is a limited partner in four investment funds. Before delving into private and early-stage investments, John honed his skills in public market investing at Kinderhook Partners, a $400 million hedge fund. His expertise lies in identifying business models with strong moats, network effects, and recurring revenues. Prior to this, John worked at the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) in mergers and acquisitions, executing multimillion-dollar transactions and conducting due diligence.

In addition to his investment ventures, John is an entrepreneur passionate about quality physical products. He founded a Korean food company in 2018 and launched a fashion brand in 2016, leveraging his family's retail fashion expertise. Furthermore, John advises and serves on the board of several companies across various industries, including beverages, entertainment, gaming, fashion, and hospitality. John holds a BA in Economics from Yale University.

Julian is an accomplished industrial designer and pioneering leader in innovative modular construction, with over 35 years of hands-on experience. Proficient in Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Mechanical Computer-Aided Design (MCAD), adept at navigating the complexities of material selection, fabrication strategies, and project management.

Demonstrated expertise in assembling and managing multidisciplinary offsite design and precision manufacturing teams, delivering high-profile projects globally. Comprehensive understanding of modular and offsite project delivery, from conception to project completion, including contract negotiation, design assistance, material testing, and fabrication.

Proven track record as a business unit manager, revitalizing startup companies through robust processes, efficient facilities, and patentable innovations. Recognized for exceptional presentation, mentorship, and organizational skills, capable of driving progress through effective meetings and informed decision-making.

Founder of five successful enterprises, delivering projects in challenging locations worldwide, including Manhattan, Dubai, and Macau. Alumni of these ventures, totaling over 600 individuals,  have assumed key roles in the ultra-custom fabrication and modular industries, reflecting the enduring impact of leadership and mentorship.