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.

I offer two decades of experience in branded merchandise. I have worked with Fortune 500 companies, small businesses and everything in between to develop premium branded merchandise strategies. My companies have sold 10s of millions of dollars in branded merch. I am currently a Partner at the branded merchandise agency, WABII Branding. During my time in the branded merchandise space, I have attended hundreds of events around the globe. I am well versed in what works well and what does not. I help clients enhance their brands, increase marketing ROI and get more out of event initiatives through well-planned, creative merch. When you put your company’s logo on merch and give it to someone it is a representation of your company. If this is done well branded merch can be a powerful marketing tool. If it is done poorly it can be detrimental. I am here to share my deep knowledge working with some of the world’s most recognizable brands to develop winning branded merch strategies. Want to elevate your company’s branded merch? Get in touch

I am a first generation Apparel manufacturer from the worlds second largest garment producing country. A proud moment on Minnect is that we, Apparelz360 are also the official manufacturer for the premium merchandise that Valuetainment host . What makes us different from the rest of the world is our physical footprint at every location we produce from. We are a faith based business operated by family that has co-founders in our facilities at multiple countries, with our marketing office right here in South Florida, currently suppling goods to USA, Germany, Norway, Amsterdam, England, Qatar, & some of the Islands of New Zealand. We’ve taken the middle-man out & are bringing the root of factory customized manufacturing capabilities straight to the customer cutting out red tape, high broker fee’s, limited capabilities on customized fabrics and prints. Our desire is to grow with brands & our commitment shows in the quality of our craft, process, & delivered satisfaction. You can find our work & products at Valuetainment, Nordstrom, Lululemon, Qatar Airlines, just to name a few partners we are proud to be able to serve. Our passion is driven by the quality of our relationship with the brands and the products & NOT but the quantity we have in either. Looking forward to connecting & turning your visions into global brands. Anything is Possible

Hi, I’m Claire a French executive who spent 25+ years working for Global corporate brands in the sport industry. I have developed a passion for Cultural Intelligence and helped countless teams and individuals bridge gaps and improve their communication, management style and efficiency. Have you ever wondered why you can’t get feedback from your Asian teammates? Why is your European team being always so negative? Why do you feel like walking on eggs when you give feedback to your US headquarters? Why do you feel uncomfortable travelling to a new country? Why can’t you easily connect with foreigners and engage in a discussion? I can help you, your team with quick and easy solutions. It’s all about understanding the other side of the bridge while being conscious of your own cultural habits. I can also help with anything France related: your next travel plan, French politics, #jeanmichel or any cultural question you might have. Let's Minnect!

Driven by a relentless entrepreneurial spirit and inspired by my father’s legacy, I’ve spent over 15 years mastering the art of watch dealing, transacting more than $120 million annually. My expertise spans the intricacies of horology and the watch market, and I’m here to answer any questions, whether they involve the business of watches or the passion behind them.

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.

I’m a master grower with over 25 years of experience in cultivation of different crops indoors and outdoors. Expect in all methods of cultivation and facility design and operation. I grew up on a farm in St.Petersburg Russia and my earliest memories are growing fruits and vegetables. I’m fluent in English and Russian. I have two great boys ages 5 and 9 and a loving vvife and family. I’m currently a partner at a licensed cannabis cultivation facility in Michigan as well as a COO of an Organic Compost and Worm Castings company. We focus on regenerative farming methods and supply local communities with an all organic means of cultivation. Currently I’m writing a book on cultivation which is going to be published this summer.

With over 25 years of experience a proven track record of success in retail management, merchandising, design and sales, I love helping small business owners and entrepreneurs apply strategies to elevate their enterprise and vision. I guide them to their full potential with strategies that streamline processes to ultimate success. Drawing upon my personal background and insights, we save time with trial-and-error and painstaking experimentation whilst pursing aggressive timelines to victory. I look forward to connecting with those who seek to build and grow their empires and apply limitless creativity.

John LaRoy is the CEO of Apparel Redefined, a premier print-on-demand and apparel decoration & fulfillment company. With a strong focus on efficiency, quality, and innovation, John has built a business that helps brands scale through high-quality printing, streamlined logistics, technology, and process optimization. With years of leadership experience, John has implemented LEAN methodologies, automation, custom software, and performance-driven strategies to optimize operations, reduce waste, and enhance profitability. His expertise spans supply chain logistics, production workflows, sales strategies, and team leadership, ensuring businesses can grow without compromising quality. At Apparel Redefined, John and his team offer customized fulfillment solutions, fast turnaround times, and state-of-the-art printing technology. Whether you're a brand looking for high-quality custom apparel or a company in need of a reliable 3PL partner, John provides tailored solutions to streamline and scale operations. 💡 Expertise: ✔ 3PL & Fulfillment Strategies ✔ Print-on-Demand & Custom Apparel ✔ Business Process Optimization ✔ LEAN Manufacturing & Automation ✔ Scaling & Growth Strategies ✔ Sales & Customer Acquisition

Joseph Michael is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriterand record label owner currently residing in Los Angeles, California. Born on December 26, 1979 in Utica, New York, Michael presently fronts Los Angeles-based progressive dark metal outfit Witherfall, Seattle-based technical metal group Sanctuary, and Los Angeles-based thrash metal-gothic music hybrid Midnight Reign. Apart from his schedule fronting internationally recognized metal acts, Michael also privately teaches music theory and application, as well as voice, to aspiring musicians and songwriters. Privately, Michael enjoys sushi, red wine, and airport lounges. He’s related to former Black Sabbath/Rainbow/Dio singer, the legendary Ronnie James Dio and renowned Bewitched actress Agnes Moorehead. Born Joseph Michael Furney in Utica, New York—also home to television star Dick Clark, Boston’s Tommy DeCarlo and Fran Cosmo, and famed guitar player Joe Bonamassa—Michael’s primary interest growing up was baseball. From sun up to sun down, he played “America’s Game.” At an early age, Michael was also exposed to live music—mostly country artists like Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, and Kenny Rogers—through his father. At home, he would jam Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones, and Neil Diamond on an 8-track player that he coveted. After the wearing out rock ‘n’ roll’s superstars, Michael graduated to heavy metal via his cousin, with whom he discovered King Diamond, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden. King Diamond was of specific interest to Michael, as the Danish native was an exceptional vocalist and a highly visual performer. But Michael’s switch from baseball to rock ‘n’ roll/heavy metal didn’t come at the behest of his cousin. Rather, Michael saw and became enamored with guitarist Saul Hudson (better known as Slash) after seeing the Guns N' Roses video for “November Rain” on MTV. At that point, there was no turning back for Michael. “There were guitars around the house, but I didn’t really have my own instrument,” Michael says. “My dad bought me a Cruz Strat copy from Japan. I think it was $100. In a few days, I was reading tablature. Within a week or two, I was playing the usual songs that beginners play. I remember my first band was formed after a baseball game—my father was a baseball coach. A couple of the guys there played. I ended up meeting up with those guys and formed a band called, Asylum. We played Black Sabbath songs. We were terrible. I got better at playing guitar relatively quickly. So, I kept forming bands. People would come and go. So, I started to work on music by myself. I started to put on independent shows. I was sort of a promoter. I worked with the mayor and created the Music Utica Music Festival. I still couldn’t make things happen in Utica—beyond guys doing cover bands—so I started to travel to New York City.” Michael spent a year between Utica and New York City trying to make bands work. Midnight Reign, the band … more here: https://josephmichaelofficial.com/biograph