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 Head of Merchandising at Valuetainment, I leverage 19 years of retail expertise to drive global strategies and optimize revenue growth across sectors like licensing, retail buying, and direct-to-consumer. My proactive approach to market trends ensures impactful merchandise solutions that meet evolving consumer needs. Partner with me to elevate your business performance and achieve proven results.

Executive Vice President Stefano Ricci America! From Sales Manager to Executive Vice President, I have led our business to new heights with innovative strategies and a cutting-edge supply chain. Elevate the luxury retail experience for our esteemed clientele while building a powerhouse team of visionaries.

As a seasoned entrepreneur and strategic leader, I am Renzo Contreras, the CEO and founder of two successful enterprises, KINREX and Kosmos Peru. With over a decade of experience in business management, digital marketing, and strategic planning, I have a proven track record of driving growth, fostering innovation, and delivering exceptional results. At KINREX, which I launched in 2016, I have spearheaded the company's growth to become a leading manufacturer and distributor of plush toys and gifts. My role involves overseeing all aspects of the business, from strategic planning and product development to supply chain management and digital marketing. Through my leadership, KINREX has achieved significant market penetration, expanded its product portfolio, and increased annual revenue year by year. I am particularly adept at leveraging SEO tools, Google Ads, and social media strategies to enhance online visibility and drive sales. Prior to KINREX, I founded Kosmos Peru in 2011, transforming a family venture into a premier distributor of authentic Peruvian products. My comprehensive management skills and strategic vision have established Kosmos Peru as a trusted name in the market. By developing robust business strategies, managing supplier relationships, and leading marketing initiatives, I have ensured consistent year-over-year revenue growth and strong community engagement. My educational background in Business has helped laid the foundation for my entrepreneurial journey. Over the years, I have honed a diverse skill set that includes branding, project management, business consulting, financial management, and e-commerce (Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Etsy, Shopify). I am also proficient in using tools like Google Analytics, Microsoft Excel, and QuickBooks, Inventory Management, and hold certifications in Microsoft Office, Social Media Marketing, Google Ads, and Digital Marketing. I offer consultations in business development, digital marketing, strategic planning, and product innovation. Whether you are looking to enhance your brand, optimize your digital marketing strategies, manage your supply chain effectively, or develop new products, I am here to provide actionable insights and practical solutions. My approach is client-focused, aiming to understand your unique challenges and goals to tailor strategies that drive success. Join me on Minnect to leverage my extensive experience and expertise. Let's work together to transform your business ideas into reality, achieve sustainable growth, and navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape. Whether you are a startup seeking guidance on market entry or an established business looking to innovate and expand, I am committed to helping you achieve your vision and surpass your business objectives.

My name is Maxim Kornilov, and I am a entrepreneur, consultant, e-commerce and manufacturing expert with a passion for empowering individuals and businesses to achieve their full potential. I began my journey in e-commerce in 2017, founding and successfully operating my own e-commerce marketing agency. This early experience provided me with a deep understanding of digital marketing, product positioning, and strategies that drive online sales and brand growth. Today, I serve as the full-time CEO of a thriving company that owns two successful brands and operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Over the years, I have built and scaled multiple ventures, including Organorepublic.com, a multimillion-dollar seed manufacturing and e-commerce business. My expertise spans across major platforms such as Amazon, Walmart, Shopify, and Etsy, driving over $7 million in annual revenue. Our brands proudly hold multiple best-seller products on Amazon in their category and are ranked among the top three sellers in our niche. These achievements reflect our dedication to product quality, customer satisfaction, and strategic marketing. I specialize in strategic marketing within the U.S. market, with a focus on product positioning and market differentiation to maximize brand impact and growth. By leveraging insights into consumer behavior and market trends, I develop and execute strategies that foster brand loyalty and drive sustainable success. I am passionate about creating and optimizing processes that ensure efficiency, profitability, and long-term value. With a Master’s degree in Accounting, I bring a data-driven approach to decision-making and business strategy. My leadership extends to manufacturing, where I’ve developed innovative operational strategies, including compliance with organic certification standards, to meet the needs of modern consumers. As a mentor, I take pride in offering personalized, actionable advice. My approach focuses on addressing challenges such as procrastination, overwhelm, and strategic scaling—combining business expertise with insights from personal development practices. Whether working with startups to achieve their first milestones or guiding established businesses through scaling, I bring a unique perspective grounded in hands-on experience and innovative thinking. Outside of business, I am an active real estate investor and a sports enthusiast, holding a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Based in Miami, I believe in fostering a balance between professional and personal growth to achieve long-term success. My mission as a mentor is simple: to empower you with the knowledge, strategies, and tools to unlock your potential and achieve measurable results in your entrepreneurial journey.

Ryan has spent the last 20 years in sales. Some of those years were in door-to-door cells, cold, calling, warm calls, retail cell, and even starting his own sales organization. Ryan has worked in large and small organizations and understands how interpersonal dynamics can impact the workplace and performance. Ryan also has a masters from Central Michigan. University has completed graduate coursework from Harvard University. He holds industry certifications, such as a project management professional, CCNA, ITIL, AWS cloud practitioner, and many more. He understands technical and non-technical sales and can help your company or you with best practices strategies and how to go to market. His philosophy is sales creates the life blood of a company.

Mike Palmer is a seasoned international business professional with over two decades of experience navigating the complexities of global commerce, with a particular focus on China. Over the past 20 years, he has built a reputation as a trusted expert in supply chain logistics, product development, Asian manufacturing, and international shipping. His career has taken him deep into the heart of China’s industrial zones—Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Ningbo, and beyond—where he forged long-term partnerships with factories, logistics providers, and sourcing agents to develop and deliver quality products to clients around the world. Mike’s ability to bridge cultural and operational gaps has been instrumental in his success. He possesses an in-depth understanding of Chinese manufacturing protocols, factory audit processes, quality control standards, and compliance requirements. His hands-on approach has enabled him to guide clients from concept to completion, overseeing the development of everything from consumer electronics and lifestyle goods to custom packaging and promotional items. Whether it’s negotiating with factory owners, resolving production issues on-site, or coordinating large-scale shipments by sea and air, Mike brings clarity, confidence, and proven results to every phase of the supply chain. In addition to his sourcing and logistics expertise, Mike has led product development initiatives for countless brands and companies, often acting as a liaison between engineering teams, designers, and manufacturers. His strategic insights into production timelines, cost management, and international trade regulations have consistently helped businesses reduce risk, increase speed to market, and drive profitability. Beyond his work in international trade, Mike has spent the last seven years cultivating a second career in podcasting. As the co-host of a long-running and well-regarded podcast, he has built a loyal following through candid conversations, industry insights, and a distinctive voice that blends humor with authenticity. In addition to his flagship show, he has also launched and contributed to several special project podcasts, ranging from niche industry topics to lifestyle and entertainment. His work behind the mic has allowed him to connect with diverse audiences, grow communities, and offer a unique storytelling platform for brands and personalities alike. Today, Mike leverages his deep knowledge of global commerce and his creative communication skills to advise businesses, appear on podcasts, and speak to audiences about the intersection of entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and media. His story is one of resilience, curiosity, and adaptability—a testament to what’s possible when you combine business savvy with a passion for connection across borders.

Bridging the Gap Between East and West in Social Commerce & Live Social Shopping Award-winning U.S. and Greater China executive specializing in Social Commerce, Livestream Shopping, Retail, and Global Expansion. With 15+ years of hands-on experience in China’s digital commerce landscape, I now help U.S. brands adapt, localize, and accelerate social commerce and livestream shopping strategies for Western markets. 📖 Author of the #1 Amazon Best Seller: Innovation Factory – a behind-the-scenes playbook revealing what U.S. brands can learn from China’s digital landscape to drive success in social commerce. Industry Impact & Expertise: 🚀 Pioneering Social Commerce & Live Shopping ➡️ Co-founded the first cross-border livestream marketplace, featuring 30+ premium beauty and wellness brands from the U.S., UK, and France, targeting China and Japan. ➡️ Led $60M+ in brand acquisitions across three countries, achieving a dual listing on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE) and UK Aquis Stock Exchange (AQSE). ➡️ Scaled a partner brand from zero to #1 in its category for three consecutive years, generating millions in sales and earning multiple industry awards. 🏆 Leadership in China’s Digital Ecosystem 🎥 Built the largest Western-owned, full-service social commerce agency in China, with 8 livestream studios, driving award-winning brand launches and revenue performance. 🔥 Launched, advised, and managed 150+ Western brands across China’s advanced digital and eCommerce ecosystem. 🏆Alibaba Tmall/Tmall Global Multi-Year Award Winner & member of JD.com’s Global China Experts Group. 🎯 Spearheaded social commerce for Fender Guitars, NFL China Shop, Harley-Davidson, Victoria’s Secret, Pat McGrath Labs, Ocean Spray, Smucker’s, Micron Tech, Dr. Bronner’s, etc. Bringing Social Commerce Innovation to the U.S. 💡 Since 2016, I’ve managed thousands of livestream shopping hours with global brand partners—seeing firsthand how live shopping drives engagement, loyalty, and sales at scale. 📲 Over the last 18 months, I’ve been at the forefront of bringing China’s most successful social commerce strategies to the U.S.—but not as a copy-paste model. 🔬 We’ve rigorously tested, adapted, and localized these strategies for U.S. brands, creators, and consumers—identifying the most scalable and profitable approaches to: ✔ Drive social commerce revenue ✔ Build engaged communities ✔ Create lasting brand equity 🤝 As the U.S. market embraces social commerce, brands that master this model now will have a massive competitive advantage. Let’s build the future of live shopping—together.

Results-driven IT executive with a proven track record in leading strategic initiatives, optimizing enterprise systems, and driving operational excellence in complex, regulated environments. Extensive experience in designing, developing, deploying, and migrating mission-critical applications, ensuring scalability, security, and compliance. Adept at building and mentoring highperforming teams, fostering collaboration across departments, and aligning technology strategies with business objectives. A trusted leader and hands-on innovator, dedicated to enhancing data management, automation, and digital transformation at scale.

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