Business Rockstars

Brian Meece is the CEO of RocketHub, one of the world’s top crowdfunding platforms - and was recently been featured on the A&E Networks documentary "The Startup Factor". He has lectured on crowdsourced funding at SXSW, TEDxBrooklyn, White House roundtables, Maker Faire, Cambridge, and Columbia University, as well as other colleges and institutions. His goal? To teach everyone how to leverage the crowd for funding and awareness.

Katie is an accomplished writer, editor, Tweeter, lip gloss enthusiast, Boggle champion and co-founder of FabFitFun. After graduating from George Washington University, Katie joined the fashion, beauty, and nightlife guide Scheckys.com as their LA Editor. She has written for an unusually eclectic variety of magazines, newspapers and websites including the Los Angeles Times, Art and Living, Women’s Life, Dining Out, Pasadena Mag, LA Splash, Spoil Spot, Gimundo, SoCal Senior News, Venice News and Girls Gone Wild Magazine (please don’t tell her dad). In between articles and blogs, Katie has worked in TV production on several shows including It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and jackass, and has also had a few of her own plays produced. Currently, she is testing out protein bars, experimenting with exfoliators, swinging kettlebells, seeking out sex secrets, testing fashion trends, investigating mood boosters, helping hangovers and more to find everything women need to feel good from the inside out as the Editor i

Pogoseat is an enterprise solution for sports teams and concert venues that enables their fans to upgrade seats and purchase unique VIP upgrades during events. Our mission is to provide fans with the ability to optimize their live entertainment experience and teams and venues a platform to increase fan engagement, monetize unused inventory and gather data to improve the fan experience.Evan guides the company vision and keeps money in the bank. He previously worked on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange and is a former sail boat captain in the Caribbean. Raised in Sisters, Oregon and majored in philosophy at the University of San Diego.

Jared Eng is the Editor-in-Chief & Founder of the entertainment authority Just Jared and its teen spin-off Just Jared Jr. His insatiable appetite for celebrities and pop culture led him to launch the flagship site as a hobby in 2005. The brands have experienced tremendous growth since then due to its unique combination of breaking entertainment news, celebrity photo galleries and Jared’s refreshingly positive spin on Hollywood. Just Jared was named to Yahoo’s prestigious Top 10 Bloggers Roll (alongside the Huffington Post & TMZ) and was previously highlighted by New York Times for his “nice-guy” approach to celebrity blogging. Prior to Just Jared, Jared was an Analyst at Time, Inc. He graduated from Columbia University in 2004 and currently lives in Los Angeles.

Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company, developing the curriculum of the programs and leading the executive speaking staff. He is internationally regarded as a top communications trainer and keynote speaker, as well as a savvy entrepreneur. Bates has been actively coaching since 2005, working with CEOs and the executive teams of PlaySpan, Prescience Intl., Motorola, Goldstar, Oculus International, LAZ Parking, Johnson & Johnson Innovation Labs, Janssen Labs, DudaMobile and many others on their presentation, media and business skills. Prior to his training career, he has been involved in helping to found and start up Goldstar, BigWords.com (which raised over $80 million) and VirtualVegas (the first online virtual destination site). He has raised hundreds of millions of dollars in venture capital funds, successfully opened resistant markets for new products and has run the customer service department for a multi- million dollar company. Bates is also a contributing author to the book World

Passionate about inspiring and guiding Millennials and teens/Generation Z for success, Jason L. Ma is the author of Young Leaders 3.0: Stories, Insights, and Tips for Next-Generation Achievers and is the founder, CEO, and chief mentor of ThreeEQ, Inc., a premier college counseling, life and career coaching, and global business consulting firm. Jason has mentored hundreds of high achievers, including his two teenage daughters. He frequently speaks at influential CEO summits, universities (e.g. UC Berkeley and Stanford), high school districts, and education and business events in the world theatre. Forbes recognizes Jason as a standout contributor and thought leader on education, college admissions, leadership, and entrepreneurship. He has appeared on CNBC Asia (including its top-rated shows, Squawk Box and Managing Asia), Forbes, Fast Company, Bloomberg, Yahoo! News, Business Journals nationwide, Core of Education, and various other leading media. LinkedIn recognizes Jason as one of the nation’s top career exp

Katie Linendoll is a two-time Emmy Award winning TV personality, writer, tech expert and global tech consultant. Known for her quirky expertise and high energy, Linendoll is one of the most in-demand tech personalities in the country for her first-look technology stories and gadget roundups. Whether she’s jetpacking across the Pacific Ocean, traveling to Kenya to see, firsthand, how technology is helping eradicate illiteracy in the world's poorest communities, or embarking on an underwater adventure with NASA astronauts, it’s not an unusual assignment for Linendoll. A writer and contributor for the “Today” show, Linendoll also regularly contributes to CNN and recently completed filming a series on innovation for Huffington Post. She's the former host of “All Access Weekly” on Spike TV and A&E’s “We Mean Business.” Linendoll and has also written for ESPN the Magazine, ESPN.com, Marie Claire, Shape Magazine, CBS.com and other national publications and is an Ambassador of Awesomeness for Brookstone. As a tec

Robert Tercek is one of the world’s most prolific creators of interactive content. He has created breakthrough entertainment experiences on every digital platform, including satellite television, game consoles, broadband Internet, interactive television and mobile networks. His expertise spans television, telecommunications and software.He has supervised new media strategy and the creation of online programs for many of the world’s leading motivational speakers and authors, including Anthony Robbins, Oprah Winfrey, Suze Orman, Dr Mehmet Oz, Elizabeth Lesser, Jean Chatsky, David Bach, Marcus Buckingham, Deepak Chopra, Debbie Ford, and Martha Beck.His entertainment credits include some of the most successful interactive titles on digital platforms, including Oprah Winfrey’s Live Your Best Life live web casts, Jeopardy Online and Wheel of Fortune Online, the bestselling Monty Python CD ROM series, and award-winning mobile content based on media brands from CBS Sports, World Poker Tour, Marvel Entertainment, 2

Dr. Jekyll's is a truly unique and incredibly tasting organic craft beer brewed and infused with exotic spices and super foods to create a "truly odd, yet oddly delicious!" beer. Or as some would say, "beer with benefits" that tastes awesome! Born in Vermont, Brewed in California.Dr. Jekyll’s was conceived in the heart of an old constable station turned brewery in Brattleboro, Vermont by three longtime friends united by their love of great beer and active, healthy lifestyles: Tom Costa, an avid home brewer, former paratrooper and entrepreneur, his high school friend Jimmy Triantafillou, a scientist and natural bodybuilder, and Ray McNeill, an award-winning master brewer. After Ray suffered a serious health setback, these friends were inspired to craft beers that not only tasted great, but had something special about them, something with a greater purpose - to be shared with the world - and so was born Dr. Jekyll’s.

E.P. & L.P - the restaurant-rooftop-bar -place-to-be-seen that Smillie and his fellow Australian business partner David Combes built from scratch in West Hollywood - counts the likes of Al Pacino, Matt Damon and Jerry Bruckheimer among its star-studded clientele.Such heady success is no small feat in a city that is notoriously difficult to impress. It was built on business acumen, creative nous, two years of hard work and an investment of about five million dollars. "When I started the project, I didn't have grey hair," Smillie reflects.A cornerstone of the overnight success story of E.P. & L.P., located on North La Cienega Boulevard near iconic Melrose Avenue has been its food offering. "We believe there was a gap in the market in the way that Australians do a spin on modern Asian. Louis Tikaram (formerly Longrain, Sydney) is a real asset." Being a pair of Aussies in Tinsel Town – where casting agents and barflies alike drink up the Antipodean accent and work ethic – certainly hasn't hurt. "America

Zach Obront is the co-founder of Book In A Box, a new type of publishing company focused on allowing busy experts with important messages to share to create their book without the usual barriers. Prior to Book In A Box, he ran Lioncrest Publishing and BookPop Book Marketing. As an expert in the changing publishing industry, he's spoken to crowds at Harvard, Yale, Google, and Adobe, and has worked directly with hundreds of authors to professionally publish and promote their books, reaching hundreds of thousands of readers in the process. Zach currently lives in Austin, TX, where he enjoys playing volleyball and eating the world's best barbecue.

Joel Trammell is the founder and CEO of Khorus, which he founded with the mission of helping chief executives run their businesses as effectively as possible. A 20-year software veteran, he is also chairman emeritus of the Austin Technology Council and co-founder and managing partner of private equity firm Lone Rock Technology Group. In addition, he serves on the boards of several public, private, and nonprofit companies.In his book, The CEO Tightrope, recognized by the 2015 Axiom Business Book Awards, Joel masterfully explains how no CEO can find a point of balance and then stand still—that’s not possible on a tightrope, or in the role of chief executive. The expectation is that the business will always move forward. Drawn from years of study and experience, the book explores the various points of balance that challenge every CEO. Joel identifies what it looks like when a CEO has lost balance and offers modern techniques and approaches for regaining it.

Brian Lee is chief executive officer and co-founder of The Honest Company, which he launched alongside Jessica Alba in 2012 with a mission to inspire and empower people to live a healthy life.The Honest Company sells products that are effective, safe, beautiful, accessible, and responsible. It is a trusted resource committed to providing education and support across its community of members. Its growing portfolio of more than 100 products addresses the ever- growing category needs of baby, personal care, home care, vitamins & supplements, and gear & more. The Honest Company now has a presence across the U.S. and Canada at Honest.com and in over 3,500 leading retail locations.Brian graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Economics and Business from UCLA. He received his J.D. from UCLA School of Law. He was named among the 25 Most Notable Korean-American Entrepreneurs by Forbes Magazine in 2009 and an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2014. He has two children and lives with his family in L

Mark became involved in credit card processing back in 1995 and never looked back. He has learned the business inside and out. He has spent the last 7 years consulting for ISO's, building as well as training their sales channels and partners. Mark is excited to bring his experience and enthusiasm to his own business. Mark lives in Laguna Niguel, California with his wife Kelly and their son Chase.

Our story is simple. Just like our beer. Over the years we’ve happily enjoyed all kinds of beer. From popular mainstream ones to smaller craft specialties. But there were times when we felt we had to choose between beers that were great for drinking and beers that tasted great. Why can’t you have your beer and drink it too?We were then fortunate enough to meet two award-winning brewers who shared our passion for creating a delicious quality beer without all the pretense or complication. And with that House Beer was born.A beer that’s simply nothing more than a great beer. Brewed with the taste and care you expect to find in most craft beers, but one you can drink time and time again without worrying about how filling it is or what it says about you. Because let’s be honest, all it says is you like beer.There’s one thing we care about as much as crafting House Beer, it’s taking care of the House we all live in. Yes we’re talking about Planet Earth. That’s why House Brewing is a proud member of 1% for the plane

Nolen Niu is an American Industrial Designer recognized for his holistic approach to design and clean, provocative aesthetics. After receiving his Bachelors of Science in Industrial Design from the world-renowned Art Center College of Design, in Pasadena, California, Niu developed private furniture lines, custom one-of-a-kind pieces, mass production furniture, residential and retail spaces for corporate, private and celebrity clientele. In 2005, Niu ventured out globally and began developing a collection of upholstered goods under the Nolen Niu brand. He was one of only a few American designers to achieve selection and awarded the opportunity to exhibit at the 2006 Salone Satellite Milan Furniture Fair where he debuted his first collection, which received enthusiastic reviews from the international community. In conjunction with his selection for the Salone Satellite, he was one of ten designers chosen to be showcased at the ICFF Studio / Bernhardt Design joint venture exhibit, a juried event aimed to support

Sugarman is founder, chairman and CEO of Valor Group Holdings, a billion dollar diversified insurance and financial services firm which owns Valor Life, Wealth Assurance, VL Bermuda, and VL Barbados.Sugarman is also founder of International Tower Group. A lead investor in myriad financial service companies and real estate projects, he serves as an advisor to and founding investor in Banc of California and Corum Financial Group, an advisor to Merriman Capital, a venture partner with Harvest, Bohai, Rosemont Fund, and a director of Burnham Financial Group, New Olympia Re, EQtainment and DSG TAG.

Chief Executive Officer, David Parent has led the growth of PixMob into a global leader in crowd experience. Under David’s vision and leadership, PixMob became a trusted source of innovation, attracting top performing artists and flagship events, ranging from Taylor Swift to Tiësto, the NBA All-Stars to the NFL Super Bowl. David obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Laval University and an Executive Certificate in Management and Leadership from the MIT Sloan Executive Education program. In 2012, the Youth Chamber of Commerce of Montreal named him Entrepreneur of the Year. David is an outdoor enthusiast and in his spare time, he enjoys white water kayaking, skiing and growing vegetables.

Matt Sinnott founded Creative Collision after cutting his teeth as an account executive in the television promo world, where he worked on highly successful campaigns such as American Horror Story, OMG-Insider and The Hunger Games.From his creation of Identity Videos and APP trailers to the production of promo campaigns for Social Media Week, Matt has a unique perspective on combining emerging technologies with storytelling. He has recently had the opportunity to work with such tech innovators as Entrepreneur, Start-Up Grind, Trep Score and Percolate. Creative Collision is a full-service digital content company specializing in the creation, production and execution of video content for a diverse group of clients, from emerging artists to established brands across all platforms.Combining emerging technology and Hollywood storytelling we transcend traditional rules to reach your brand’s audience. It is exactly the moment when innovative thought and experience collide that meaningful new ideas emerge. From you

David Jun is the founder and CEO/President of communication platform Aire Inc. and is responsible for overseeing the overall vision and growth of the company. A recognized veteran in the global technology industry, Jun founded Aire Inc. as a U.S. company in 2014, building off the success of his Korean company Jianglive, which quickly became a leader in the video communication space. Jun currently oversees all AireLive employees and company activity, working to bolster the app’s global presence. Prior to founding Jianglive and Aire Inc., Jun served as founder and CEO Freechal, an online community for users to freely share blog posts, music, avatars and more. Founded in 1999, the site became an instant hit with the Korean public, accumulating 12 million users and ranking No. 1 in Internet community services in Korea. Before founding Freechal, Jun spent 10 years working for Samsung in its Korean headquarters. He eventually received Samsung’s Man of the Year Award. Jun earned his B.A. in business management from