My career began as a humble shelf stacker at a local grocery store with a hunger for retail. Fast forward +20 years and I’ve worked with some of the world’s leading and fastest growing brands. Many of which, are house hold names today. > From food 🥜🥫🥟🧁 > To beverages 🧃🧋🧉🥤 > To disruptive concepts 🌱🤯🦄📡 > To non food or devices 🎧⌚️📱🪥 There’s not a concept I haven’t seen work or fail and the tangible reasons for the wins and losses. 💰My insights have SAVED brand owners 100’s of 1000’s of $$ in failed attempts. 💰 ———————————————————————— I’ve been launching, scaling and growing brands for myself and others for almost 20 years in the food, beverage or non food categories. 📈 I’ve project managed market leading concepts from ideation to launch. 🚀 I have a unique ability of taking consumer insights & trends and enabling them to shape category disrupting innovations & exciting new product developments. 📊 As a result of this success, I’ve become incredibly experienced in the process of mergers, acquisitions and strategic exits in the FMCG space. 💰 If you are; 🧐 • Seeking advice on a brand or business 📥 • Don’t know where to start the brand building process or if you should launch an idea 💡 • Need help to unlock innovation or new profitable ideas 💻 • Are thinking of selling your business but don’t know how to approach it 🏦 • Or, just in need of some guidance from someone who has ‘done it before’…..🏆 If you’re looking for support on anything you have just read…...📲 Then……..let’s 🛡️MINNECT! 🛡️ Chat soon, Chris Kitto

Uttam is the CEO of BrainforgeAI, a US based data analytics firm that helps companies measure their business and solve problems with data saving them time and making them more money. Brainforge has helped companies like - Athletic Greens - Reebok - WeWork - Flowcode Uttam has led data teams and worked with top CEOs across -Sales -Ecomm -Real Estate -Finance -Shipping/Logistics -Manufacturing Ask him about trends, tools, strategies, and how to measure your business! www.brainforge.ai

Howard Panes With over 25 years of experience as a professional trainer working with top-level athletes worldwide, Howard Panes has honed his entrepreneurial skills across 40 different companies. In 2010, he built the world’s largest electronic cigarette company from the back of his gym, scaling it to over $100 million in revenue within 18 months. Achieving the number one market share in the U.S., he later sold the business to Japan Tobacco through Goldman Sachs in 2015 in an all-cash exit. As a venture capitalist, Howard sits on the boards of numerous companies across health, tech, wellness, real estate, finance, and fintech. Now, he’s venturing into the electrified automotive industry, aiming to revolutionize the market by creating a motorized urban jet that fuses the innovation of Tesla with the luxury of Ferrari. Known as the billion-dollar brand builder, Howard specializes in guerrilla marketing and cost-efficient strategies, helping entrepreneurs save money and scale their businesses without wasting resources. His expertise lies in providing critical insights on whether a product or idea will succeed in the marketplace. By working with Howard, you can avoid costly mistakes, turning your current efforts into a five to ten times return. Above all, Howard believes “Health is Wealth.” Prioritizing your health is key to success in every aspect of life. His coaching focuses not only on scaling businesses but also on helping entrepreneurs put their health first to unlock their full potential.

As a dedicated servant leader with a passion for people-first management, I bring over 20 years of proven expertise in logistics, program management, and global operations. In my role as Senior Global Operations Director & Supply Chain Manager, I have thrived in diverse environments, collaborating seamlessly with individuals from varied backgrounds to consistently deliver impactful results for customers worldwide. I am proud of my track record in optimizing operational efficiency and reducing costs. Notably, I achieved an 80% reduction in freight costs by strategically optimizing backhaul schedules and skillfully negotiating carrier rates. My commitment to excellence is exemplified through the safe and successful delivery of sensitive equipment, including ammunition and explosives, to Marines stationed across the globe. Over the course of my career, I have directed and managed 150 personnel (Marines) and orchestrated ammunition logistics tactical operations in 12 different countries. Contributing to 35 Global Security Cooperation exercises across 20 countries, including Europe, EU, Germany, Norway, Japan, Korea, and East Asia, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver results in diverse international settings. I'm a strategic thinker and adept leader, I possess the capability to provide clear direction and drive continuous improvement initiatives. My commitment to executing business and operational strategies has inspired positive organizational change, and I take pride in leading teams of up to 400 personnel to achieve exceptional business outcomes. With a relentless focus on fostering collaboration and catalyzing positive change, I'm well equipped to help and provide sound practical technical information.

I am a Pre-engineered Steel Building expert. I will answer all your “red iron” questions with accuracy. I know how to save your overall costs. I have been with the #1 manufacturer for coming up on 2 decades. I work on basic “box” building and complex buildings. I can answer any question about an I-beam, pre-engineered, Steel Building. I also am expert in the other styles of Steel Buildings. I am a provider of American Institute of Architects (AIA) credits.

I’ve been in the Elevator industry since 2007 and have held every position in the industry. From truck driver to mechanic to foreman, onto regional manager and all the way up to owner and CEO of Evolution Elevator, a full service union independent elevator company. 5 years later we’ve grown into a multi-state independent company servicing a wide range of customers from the port of Miami to high rises skyscrapers in lower Manhattan, to fortune 100 companies like Target and Wholefoods and even Valuetainment! I’m also the founder of Accountability Elevator Consultants, a nationwide consultant agency bringing accountability to an industry surely lacking! Our goal is not a secret but instead broadcasted on our company name. Accountability is important in any industry but who knows an elevator guy? Typically, the answer is no one. This very niche industry has most people forced to take their companies word for it. But not anymore. We will hold your company accountable and make sure they’re holding up their end of the contract while also protecting against price gouging.  Having held every position in the elevator and escalator industry makes me uniquely qualified to speak on any and all subjects in this industry. I am also happy to share my travels in this industry and the experiences of a 1st time and now 2nd time entrepreneur! No matter if it’s construction, elevator code changes, expensive repairs, relationships or even start up questions I am here and I will be happy to help! The future looks bright!

I've always seen design and manufacturing not as separate realms but as interconnected parts of a single process. My journey began at Arcteryx and within the innovation hub of Lululemon, where I honed my skills before branching out to redefine the processes for clients in the outdoor industry. My agency, Grey Area Studio, isn't just about creating designs; it's about revolutionising how we think about product creation. We integrate rapid iterative prototyping with cutting-edge digital design to deliver not just concepts but complete, market-ready solutions. From the initial spark of an idea to the final stages of patterning, prototyping, tech packs, material sourcing, and manufacturing management, we're not just involved — we're embedded in every step. This is what sets us apart: a design agency that operates like a high-performance engine in the fast-paced world of innovation. How can I help you build a toolkit to engineer better product?

Founder and CEO @ Bright IA | Simplifying Automation and Robotics for Manufacturing - God fearing, Italian born, American made. I talk about God, how to raise up among a ton of competition, how to be a servant, how to be humble, how to be a giver and be a thinker. Leadership, intelligent solutions, generative AI, simulation, VR. Romans 1:16

Being a highly skilled professional with over two decades of experience in lean manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management across the agriculture and automotive industries. Born and raised on a farm, I developed a deep-rooted understanding of agricultural practices from an early age, which has profoundly influenced my approach to optimizing processes and driving efficiency in both sectors. Throughout my career, I’ve held key roles in leading multinational corporations, where I successfully implemented lean manufacturing principles to streamline production, reduce waste, and enhance overall operational effectiveness. With an ability to apply lean methodologies to diverse environments, from crop cultivation to automotive assembly lines, have consistently resulted in improved productivity and cost savings. My expertise extends beyond the factory floor, as I’ve also demonstrated proficiency in logistics and supply chain management. With a holistic understanding of the end-to-end supply chain, effectively optimized transportation networks, negotiated contracts with suppliers and carriers, and implemented inventory management strategies to ensure seamless operations and customer satisfaction. Driven by passion for continuous improvement, I remain committed to staying at the forefront of industry best practices and emerging technologies. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and have completed advanced training and certificate classes in lean manufacturing and supply chain management. My unique blend of agricultural upbringing, coupled with extensive experience in lean manufacturing and logistics, positions myself as a valuable asset capable of driving operational excellence and delivering tangible results in today's dynamic business landscape.

I am an entrepreneur, designer, manufacturer, and investor. I have a manufacturing business with +/- 45 employees in central Illinois. Our capabilities are extremely diverse, as we manufacture metal fabrications, push pull cables, assemblies, powder painted automotive accessories, plastics, sown fabric products, and rod ends/linkages. I am the product of great business and management mentors. I have tried a wide variety of ventures both successful and unsuccessful. All of which have taught me lessons on leadership and entrepreneurship. I did not graduate college. I am self taught (with internet guidance) in multiple programming languages, manufacturing softwares, and media production software. These include but are not limited to: FileMaker (business systems software) Python C++ G Code CAD software (solid works and fusion 360) Logic Pro (audio production software) Premiere Pro Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop Adobe Indesign Adobe Animate I have taken products from concepts to patented products sold both to oems and consumers. I completed independently all of the following steps in the idea to product pipeline: Concept Development 3D Modeling Prototyping Estimating and Quoting Patent Application Drawings Graphics and Branding Application Testing Market Testing Manufacturing Engineering Production Planning Cost Reduction Design Creation Of Operator Training Materials Production Management Product Packaging Design Marketing Material Design Marketing Distribution Dealer Networking Website Building Order Fulfillment System Creation I have done this for products in multiple applications and industries. I have done all of these steps alone for my products, as well as helping others with components of the process. I have personally researched, tested, purchased, installed, run, and designed products to be made with a variety of machines. These machines I am comfortable calling my self an “expert with” are: Cnc tube benders Cnc wire formers Cnc sheer plasmas Co2 sheet lasers Fiber sheet and tube lasers Injection molders 3d printers Press brakes (bending sheet metal) Cnc mills Cnc lathes Presses (all kinds of presses) Additional Noteworthy Experience: Started a newspaper company. Ran unsuccessfully for state level political office. Started a successful political service company. Run a hobby farm with my wife. Strong conservative. Strong believer.