Launch Your Ideas
into Action

Pitch the Pros® is a major event where entrepreneurs have the unique opportunity to present their innovative ideas directly to industry leaders and investors. At our most recent Pitch the Pros® event, held at the Alibaba.com Co-Create 2024 in Las Vegas, we saw a vibrant convergence of cutting-edge startups and seasoned professionals. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as entrepreneurs showcased their groundbreaking solutions, receiving valuable feedback and forging crucial connections. This event truly highlighted the dynamic synergy between emerging talent and industry expertise.

What's the Big idea?

Overview

Pitch the Pros® an international LIVE Pitch Premiere: A live pitch competition combining the excitement of a Shark Tank-style event with the iconic South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame. We’re searching for innovative entrepreneurs, inventors, and creative minds with groundbreaking ideas in business, entertainment, and beyond.

Pitch the Pros®: An International LIVE Pitch Premiere
Pitch the Pros® is an exciting live pitch competition that combines the thrill of a Shark Tank-style event with the legendary South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame. We are searching for innovative entrepreneurs, inventors, and creative minds with groundbreaking ideas in business, entertainment, and beyond.

Steps of the Process:
Submission: Submit your product or idea by completing all sections on the Eventbrite page: https://pitchthepros.eventbrite.com.

If your submission passes our rigorous review process, you'll qualify to attend our Pitch Off event on June 20th, where you'll have 90 seconds to pitch your idea LIVE to a panel of judges. If you're selected to move on, you'll enter the final Pitch the Pros® event on June 21st.

About the Final Event (June 2025, Liberty, SC): The main event will take place on June 21st and promises to be an exciting, action-packed day filled with valuable networking opportunities and insightful seminars designed to help refine your pitch and explore key industry topics. The event will feature several rounds: in the first round, each inventor will have 90 seconds to pitch their idea. After all pitches are complete, the judges will review the presentations, and the top 20 finalists will be announced. These finalists will then have 5 minutes each—2 minutes to pitch and 3 minutes for a Q&A session with the judges.

The grand prize, including cash, valuable services, and a featured spot at the SC Hall of Fame event, will be awarded after the finalist has presented. Get ready for a full day of anticipation, networking, and the thrill of competing for the top spot!

*Please note: Additional qualification days may be added leading up to the event day June 21st based on submissions.

Who can attend the Final Event in June 2025? The event is open to everyone! Submit your ideas now and if selected, there are admission tiers listed below. Whether you're attending to watch, network, or actively participate, we welcome everyone to join in this exciting experience!

Do you believe your big idea has what it takes? Submit your idea now and if selected, options below to attend and participate.

General Admission - $25

One entry ticket to the event.

Basic Pitch the Pros® Admission - $99

2 tickets to watch one day of live pitches.
5min Zoom link coaching on “How to Pitch” leading up to the event.
One entry into the VIP-only raffle for a chance to win exciting prizes.
Your Logo is featured on our website and social media.

VIP - Pitch the Pros® Admission - $299

All benefits of Basic Pitch the Pros® package.
Guaranteed TV airing of your product by Chris Guerrera on CBS or Fox ($499. Value)
Exclusive access to VIP networking reception with Christopher Guerrera for photos.
Radio exclusive interview on The 'FAME' radio show with Christopher Guerrera.

Disclaimer: Please note that guest appearances, judges, and other event details for the Pitch the Pros® event are subject to change. While we strive to provide an exciting and high-quality experience, we reserve the right to adjust the lineup as needed. Additionally, refunds are not available.

Pitch the Pros® - Innovator Showcase Submission

Amplify Your Concepts

Embark on an exhilarating journey with Modern Inventor as we invite visionaries to pitch their groundbreaking ideas. Our platform is your stage to spotlight innovations that can redefine industries. If you have a concept that merges creativity with practicality, we're here to amplify it.

Your Pathway to Pitching Perfection

Presenting your brainchild to the pros is a thrilling opportunity. Start by filling out our submission form with details about your invention. Attach any prototypes or documents that will aid in illustrating your concept's potential. Our team will review your submission and contact you to discuss the next steps.

man standing in front of people sitting beside table with laptop computers

Craft a Compelling Pitch

Preparation is key to a successful pitch. Ensure your idea is clearly defined, marketable, and technically feasible. Gather evidence of concept validation, such as market research or prototypes, and be ready to discuss your vision with passion and clarity.

Ready to Change the World?

Don't miss the chance to showcase your invention to a team that can bring it to life. Submit your pitch now and take the first step towards making a lasting impact.

SOME OF THE PREVIOUS PROS

Beyond funding, entrepreneurs gain access to mentorship, industry connections, and strategic advice from their investor "PROS."

Daymond John

An entrepreneur in every sense of the word, Daymond John has come a long way from taking out a $100,000 mortgage on his mother’s house and moving his business operation into its basement.

Read about Daymond

An entrepreneur in every sense of the word, Daymond John has come a long way from taking out a $100,000 mortgage on his mother’s house and moving his business operation into its basement. John is CEO and Founder of FUBU, a much-celebrated global lifestyle brand, and a pioneer in the fashion industry with over $6 billion in product sales world-wide. Former President Barack Obama appointed Daymond John a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE) to harness his energy, ideas, and experience to help develop the next generation of entrepreneurs both at home and abroad.

John is an award-winning entrepreneur and has received 100s of awards including the Brand Week Marketer of the Year, Advertising Age Marketing 1000 Award for Outstanding Ad Campaign, Ernst & Young’s New York Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and was named #2 on LinkedIn’s Top 20 Voices, a list of the top influencers, who are using their voice to help us analyze today’s changing world of work, navigate our industries, and find balance. Most recently, Real Leaders Magazine named Daymond John one of the Top 50 Keynote Speakers in the World in 2022, a list of “real teachers — people who speak from experience.”

His marketing strategies and ability to build successful brands has made him a highly influential consultant and motivational speaker today. His marketing firm The Shark Group offers advice on how to effectively communicate to consumers through innovative means and connects brands with the world’s top celebrities for everything from endorsements to product extensions.

John is also an author of 5 best-selling books including his New York Times best-selling books, The Power of Broke (2016) and Rise and Grind (2018). In 2020, John released his fifth book, Powershift, that walks through his tried-and-true process of how to transform any situation, close any deal and achieve any outcome. John’s most recent book is his first for kids. Little Daymond Learns to Earn (March 2023) illustrates the process of starting a business and provides a glossary of financial literacy terms for kids 4-8 years old.

Finally, John is celebrating his 14th season on ABC TV’s critically acclaimed business reality show Shark Tank by renowned producer Mark Burnett, which has reinvigorated entrepreneurship around the world. Shark Tank has now gone on to win five Emmy® in the US and millions of weekly viewers world-wide tune into the show as John demonstrates his marketing prowess and entrepreneurial insights.

Aaron Krause

Aaron Krause, an accomplished entrepreneur and inventor, has made a significant impact with his invention Scrub Daddy, achieving widespread retail success and recognition on Shark Tank.

Read about Aaron

Aron Krause is an accomplished entrepreneur and inventor with more than 20 years of experience in patenting and manufacturing innovative products. With patented products in major big-box retailers by such industry giants as 3M Company, Krause prides himself on hard work, dedication and imagination.

Krause received national attention when he appeared on the ABC show Shark Tank with his invention Scrub Daddy. After successfully pitching the sharks Krause received a capital infusion from inventor and celebrity mogul Lori Greiner. Since then, Krause and Greiner have sold millions of “the smiling sponges” to well-known retailers including QVC, Bed Bath & Beyond, Wal-Mart, ShopRite, and Buy Buy Baby. Scrub Daddy has exceeded $15 million in retail sales and continues to gain recognition as a household brand.

Prior to Scrub Daddy’s success, Krause developed and patented a double-sided buffing pad that solved many problems he encountered in the car detailing business. Krause then refined the pad and developed more car detailing products. Knowing he was onto something, Krause’s mantra summarized what he was most dedicated to: solving problems through innovation. In September 2008, after Krause engaged in discussions with the industry leader in his category, 3M agreed to acquire his inventions.

Krause is currently starting up four other companies, his inventions have earned the attention of several media outlets and have been featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer, as well as on high-profile TV shows like Good Morning America, Anderson Cooper 360, New York Live and ABC’s Shark Tank. A graduate of Syracuse University with a degree in Psychology, Krause plays and coaches ice hockey in Voorhees Township, New Jersey. Although his managerial duties often take him around the globe, he makes time to mentor budding entrepreneurs, and enjoys spending time and traveling with his devoted wife Stephanie, and 8-year-old twins Bryce and Sophie.

Christopher Guerrera

Read about Mr. Guerrera

Mr. Guerrera is an accomplished executive with over 35 years’ experience as a Mechanical Engineer who is a Lean 6 Sigma Manufacturing expert that has successfully led multiple teams through new Product Launch and is known as the "King of Manufacturing". He has enjoyed National Media exposure recently featured on the Shark Tank Season 12 Finale. He is the host of a weekly podcast "Made in America" and is the Vice President of the United Inventors Association. He has been featured on Good Morning America, Shark Tank, and was the Emcee of the Shark Tank panel for the MAKE48 competition hosted by the Smithsonian Lemelson Center in Washington DC. His "Made in America" manufacturing plant is Walmart Certified and his products are displayed alongside such household name products as Scrub Daddy®, Squatty Potty®, Paint Brush Cover®, Drop Stop®, and ReadeRest®, all products that have achieved mass distribution & sales after their appearance on the reality TV series ‘Shark Tank’.

Judy Edwards

Judy Edwards, along with her son Bobby and husband Bill, are the innovative minds behind Squatty Potty® toilet stools, aiming to offer a natural solution for colon health issues.

Read about Judy

Judy Edwards along with son Bobby and husband Bill are the designers and creators of Squatty Potty® toilet stools and the owners of Squatty Potty LLC. Judy is also the Mother of 7 children and 33 grandchildren 7 of which are great grandchildren. Bill and Judy have been married for almost 52 years. Started Squatty Potty at the early age of 60.

We have always been a very health conscious family, but after a lifetime of colon issues Judy was searching for an alternative solution to her problems instead of laxatives. Judy was seeking a natural and inexpensive solution that would help correct and heal the problems she was experiencing. That's when we found a wonderful and simple solution... "Squatting!"

The simple knowledge of getting our knees up while going to the bathroom made a remarkable difference. We searched and searched but we could not find a good solution for putting us into a squatting position while using our toilet. After trying different stools, books and buckets - not to mention stubbing our toes many times (especially in the middle of the night) we decided to take matters into our own hands. That's when we came up with the Squatty Potty® toilet stool.

Squatty Potty wraps perfectly around your existing toilet and easily stores out of the way when not in use. We designed, created, tried and tested and then did it again and again. We thought of everything to make your bathroom experience better and more enjoyable. Squatty Potty is the perfect height, shape and design to work with any toilet. It's comfortable, ergonomic, easy to use, attractive and affordable.

Aaron Cordovez

After a successful career in computer science and software engineering, Aaron Cordovez transitioned to online sales, leveraging his expertise to create significant success on data-heavy marketplaces.

Read about Aaron

Aaron Cordovez - After having great success in the computer science and software engineering world, I moved on to online sales on marketplaces that are heavy on Data. I created overwhelming success rapidly using my previous experience writing for non-profit magazines, high-visibility ghost writer blogs, and understanding of computers and algorithms.

I now provide select Amazon consulting to brands and companies that I believe in, as well as provide software (currently many features are in beta) for E-commerce businesses to thrive. Naturally, this was the route I would go to systematize what could be systematized and help good employees do their jobs more quickly and efficiently.

Rudy Mawer

Investor, Speaker, and Entrepreneur.

Read about Rudy

Rudy Mawer is a successful serial entrepreneur, investor, and CEO with a proven track record of building and scaling multiple businesses across diverse industries. With a background in digital marketing, he has a deep understanding of business growth strategies and has helped both startups and established companies achieve significant success.

As the CEO of several brands, Rudy oversees a team of over 70 professionals, driving innovation and operational excellence. He is well known for his role in co-founding a Marketing Capital group alongside Kevin Harrington, the original "Shark" from Shark Tank. This partnership has enabled him to work with over 50,000 small businesses worldwide, providing them with cutting-edge marketing solutions, strategic advice, and tools for expansion.

Rudy’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by his ability to navigate complex business challenges and identify profitable opportunities. He has become a respected figure in the business community, recognized for his expertise in digital marketing, e-commerce, and business development. Additionally, Rudy is passionate about empowering other entrepreneurs, sharing his insights through various platforms, speaking engagements, and mentorship opportunities.

Known for his forward-thinking approach and innovative mindset, Rudy Mawer continues to inspire business owners globally, helping them scale their operations, increase revenue, and achieve lasting success.

Dara Trujillo

Dara Trujilllo is a seasoned retail executive with over 30 years of experience, bringing innovative strategies to brick and mortar and Disney theme park merchandise, with a focus on maximizing revenue and customer engagement.

Read about Dara

Dara Trujillo is a retail executive with more than 30 years of experience in brick-and-mortar and Disney theme park merchandise with a new focus on television retail. Experienced in brand management, developing signature events and private label lines to grow gross profit, customer perception and awareness. Ability to determine and develop business strategies producing growth opportunities, identify white space and generate points of differential retail to maximize revenue. Negotiation skills partnerships and responsibility are key traits to success. Leader, mentor, excellent presentation skills- concept developer, brand builder, experienced in all aspects of retail development and management. Excellent executive references and current keynote speaker and creator of an entrepreneur business segment for HSN.

Carmine Denisco

A successful Entrepreneur, Inventor, Author, Podcaster, Investor, Carmine Denisco is dedicated to helping inventors navigate the invention and manufacturing process.

Read about Carmine

Carmine Denisco is a successful Entrepreneur, Inventor, Author, Podcaster, Investor, Patent and Trademark Holder. He has designed, developed and manufactured many products sold in retail Stores, TV shopping channels, online and infomercials some have gone on to be licensed by major chain stores. Denisco is dedicated to helping inventors correctly navigate the invention and manufacturing process, giving each inventor their best shot at success. Earmark Sourcing www.earmarksourcing.com is a privately held product development and manufacturing company with one of the largest and fastest growing inventor networks in the world. As leaders in the industry, it is our goal to disrupt the invention industry by re-imagining the development process into the fastest and most cost-effective way to monetize an invention.

Bob Circosta

TV's original home shopping host, has been a monumental figure in creating the multi-billion dollar TV home shopping industry, known for his extensive experience and heartfelt approach to sales.

Read about Bob

TV's ORIGINAL Home Shopping HOST | SPEAKER | AUTHOR and one of the individuals who helped create the multi-billion dollar TV home shopping industry.

Over the past 42 years, Bob has logged over 25,000 hours of LIVE selling on television... made over 75,000 separate product presentations... and has, individually, sold BILLIONS of dollars in merchandise - earning him the title "TV's BILLION DOLLAR MAN."

As a SPEAKER, Bob authentically connects with an audience through his stories of success and challenges, by way of his own personal experiences and by virtue of his beliefs that sales should be about service to others.

Bob received the first-ever "HSN LEGEND AWARD" for his contributions and lifetime achievements in the electronic retailing industry. For more details on this award, visit www.bobcircosta.com

Bob's breakthrough strategies have been proven in the real world and featured on NBC's Dateline, ABC's Good Morning America, The Today Show, 20/20 and in USA Today and the Wall Street Journal.

Today... Bob is the on-air spokesperson for various products on TV, searches for products to market via TV shopping channels and travels the world helping entrepreneurs. He places products on TV shopping channels worldwide and hosts "WHAT A GREAT IDEA with Bob and Chad" on the live shopping channel seen in Canada (tsc).

In addition, Bob helps entrepreneurs launch and market their products, services and ideas via video on various social media platforms.

Over the years, Bob has taught thousands of people how to effectively communicate what they have to others - how to MASTER THEIR MESSAGE. No matter if it's looking through a TV camera... on the telephone... face-to-face...or if you are doing a video, Bob can help you sell more of what you have!

Mike Watts

Mike Watts is an experienced entrepreneur with a track record of founding and exiting multiple successful companies, including striking a deal with Daymond John from Shark Tank.

Read about Mike

Mike Watts is an experienced entrepreneur who has 6 startup companies under his belt including founding three consecutive multi-million dollar companies in the last 10 years. Mike has successful exits from three companies including one for over $6 million and he even struck a deal with Daymond John from Shark Tank. Mike currently serves as CEO of LoveHandle, a fast-growing American manufacturer of patented custom smartphone grips and accessories where he leads a team of 35 full-time employees proudly manufacturing exclusively in the USA. Mike is a regular keynote speaker for entrepreneur and inventor groups as well a guest professor at Texas A&M University's entrepreneur program in College Station. Mike is a 3-time winner of the Aggie 100 Award for fastest growing companies and has been listed on the Fortune 5000 multiple times.

Joe Farco

Joe Farco is an Intellectual Property attorney with extensive experience in all aspects of patent work, from litigation to prosecution, ensuring inventors and businesses protect and leverage their innovations.

Read about Joe

I am an Intellectual Property attorney experienced in trade secret, copyright, and patent litigation (district court, ITC, and USPTO IPR/PTAB proceedings), patent prosecution (writing patent applications and drawings for inventions), patent opinion work (whether your invention is new, and whether your patent is valid and/or enforceable and/or infringed) and licensing/valuation of your IP.

I am experienced in all aspects of patent work: strategic discussions of when and what to file for patent protection, prosecuting patents before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and strengthening a patent after it issues.

If you have a patent or a patent concerning you or your business, I can assist in bringing/defending a lawsuit related to the patent from beginning to end, including trial in district courts, the International Trade Commission (ITC), and in inter parties review proceedings (IPR) in the USPTO. I have been peer reviewed by Super Lawyers and named among New York's Rising Stars in Intellectual Property Litigation for 2012-2019 and was named a Super Lawyer in Intellectual Property Litigation in 2020.

Technology experience areas: Consumer products (toys, product packaging and manufacturing methods, tools and hardware), drugs and cosmetics, biomechanical devices (medical instruments, prosthetics, artificial limbs, etc.); automated mechanical and electronic devices such as generators, turbines, automotive parts, digital cameras, wireless devices, cell phones and web-based media applications.

Chris Landano

Chris Landano, with a rich background in emergency services and invention, is dedicated to protecting inventors through education and advocacy.

Read about Chris

Mr. Landano was born and raised in Queens, New York and is a Patented Inventor & Retired FDNY Firefighter. His passion for helping others began at the age of 12 and in his late teens he began training as an EMT. A few years later, he was promoted to firefighter and served over 20 years with the FDNY, including 9/11. Mr. Landano retired in 2021 to launch his own invention and follow his passion for protecting inventors through education. He is the co-host for the NYC Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club and an Ambassador for the United Inventors Association (UIA). Mr. Landano plays a key role in advocating for inventors and can be found attending tradeshows and industry events nationwide.

Jeff Shavitz

Jeff transitioned from a high-intensity corporate job to entrepreneurship, launching "Spectoculars" and securing a major NFL license.

Read about jeff

Although working 80-100 hours, I didn’t feel vested in the deals and this wasn’t what I wanted in my professional life. I deferred business school and decided to leave my fast-paced, well-paying position to start up a 1-person business; friends would say “what are you thinking?” From my tiny New York apartment while still working on Wall Street, I created “Spectoculars”, a paper folding binocular; in 1991, I received a NFL license and sold 250,000 pairs that were distributed at Super Bowl XXX. Welcome to entrepreneurship!

Several years later, I co-founded Charge Card Systems Inc., a national credit card processing company that helped merchants with their processing requirements including the acceptance of Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

The company grew to over 500 sales agents with 3 regional offices. In 2012, our business was sold to Card Connect, their largest acquisition at that time; in 2017, the company was acquired by First Data for $750 MM.

In the past 20 years, I have started several payments companies working with CEOs and CFOs. I work with them to explain the hidden fees of credit card processing, the 600+ various interchange rates, new regulatory fees, and share new technologies entering our marketplace.

In the past 30 years, I have started 4 companies and served on the advisory board of many start-ups, philanthropic organizations and more established companies.

Regardless of the industry type or size, I enjoy the process of working with business leaders and management teams in helping them achieve their goals (candidly and humbly, we don’t always get there, but we definitely try). I hope that my insights, empathy and my real-life business stories will act as your coach and confidant as you embark on your own journey in the world of business.

Tasha Terria Dennis

Tasha Terria is a highly experienced Credit Specialist and Consultant, boasting over 25 years of expertise in assisting both celebrities and executives with their personal and business credit matters. She is the author of "The Ultimate Credit Tracker,".....

Read about Tasha

Tasha Terria is a seasoned Credit Specialist and Consultant with over 25 years of experience, catering to both celebrities and executives, assisting them with their personal and business credit needs. She's renowned for her expertise, having hosted her own radio show, "Credit Champions," in Lakeland, FL, and authored "The Ultimate Credit Tracker," available at major retailers like Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Walmart, and Amazon. Tasha's book offers invaluable techniques for increasing, tracking, and disputing credit scores.

Her prowess in the field has earned her the moniker "The Credit Ninja" from ABC's TV Star Daymond John, thanks to her remarkable ability to swiftly remove negative accounts from her clients' credit reports. Tasha's achievements speak volumes, having successfully eliminated over $1 million dollars of bad debt from credit reports.

Driven by a passion for financial education, Tasha aims to empower as many individuals as possible. She envisions establishing a Financial Empowerment Center within her community, offering various training programs on financial literacy and entrepreneurship for the youth.

For more information, visit Tashaterria.com.

Devron "Doc" Dennis

Dr. Dennis brings over 30 years of dedicated service to his community, serving as CEO of Mastery Beyond Boundaries, LLC. With a Ph.D. in Holistic Life Counseling, he delves into the root causes of trauma and offers practical solutions.

Read about Dennis

Dr. Dennis has over 30 years as a community servant and liaison. He is the CEO of Mastery Beyond Boundaries, LLC., a published author of two books, and has a Ph.D. in Holistic Life Counseling, where he tackles the root causes of trauma and provides tangible solutions for clients. Dr. Dennis is a Conscious Business Ethics practitioner, where he guides business leaders back into personable relationships with employees, stakeholders and community. He is the Vice President of H.O.P.E. (Helping Our People Emerge), and the VP of Operations for B.E.G.I. Most importantly he is a father, friend, Brother and mentor.

Sean Murphy

Sean Murphy, a believer in capitalism and the American dream, has thrived within the financial industry for over 34 years, sharing his insights with over 200,000 people.

Read about Sean

Sean Murphy is a graduate of the esteemed McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas, Austin. He is a true believer in capitalism and the American dream. For the past 34 years, Sean has thrived within the financial industry and has spoken coast to coast to well over 200,000 people. He has been voted a 5 Star Wealth Manager four times by the Kansas City populace. Currently, he is in the final stages of completing his book; Success Doesn’t Care How You Feel! Sean served for 4 years as the CEO of the Inventors Center of Kansas City (ICKC) widely regarded as one of the nation’s most successful inventor organizations. He remains on the Advisory Board. ICKC’s mission is to assist inventors and entrepreneurs in bringing their products successfully to market. While serving as CEO of ICKC he was one of the principals involved in creating and launching the invention-based TV program now known as Make48. The show is in its 5th season and featured on PBS. Sean has served as both MC and as a presentation coach for contestants on the show. Sean serves as a mentor at the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) within the Bloch School of Business E-Scholars program. Students that are accepted to the program are challenged to create an actual business within 9 months that can scale to $5 Million in 5 years.

Sean’s specialties include sales training, time management, and communication.

Trish Dowling

Trish Dowling is an innovative merchant with a strong track record in brand and business building across multiple industries, specializing in direct response, social media, and retail.

Read about Trish

Trish Dowling is an accomplished, innovative merchant with a strong track record of brand and business building in multiple industries. Focus on short form direct response, social media and retail. Excels at creating winning products, brands and promotions, increasing sales and growth to the bottom line. Specializes in entrepreneurial environments and launching, building, and creating businesses in highly competitive marketplaces.

Austin Maxwell

An engineer turned entrepreneur, Austin Maxwell is passionate about startups, culture, and customer service, with a notable appearance on ABC's Shark Tank.

Read about Austin

Austin Maxwell is an engineer turned entrepreneur with a passion for PEOPLE, startups, culture and customer service!

ABC's Shark Tank Season 10, Episode 18

Things I'm pretty OK at:
1. TikTok marketing
2. Event execution & logistics (B2B and DTC trade shows, promotional events, & travel planning)
3. Public speaking with an emphasis on inspiring others to just go for it

December 2017 graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) degree in Industrial Engineering from Clemson University. Wasn't a fan of engineering but it sure helped with problem solving skills, so now we're here!

I also have an insane passion for traveling and creating travel content. My wife and I started social media accounts called @themaxwellstravel which have gained over 750,000 followers across platforms in 2023.

Amy Jo Brogan-Wagner

From a young age, Amy Jo Brogan-Wagner has pursued a successful career in the entertainment industry, transitioning into a resourceful leader in the Product Licensing industry.

Read about Amy Jo

Amy Jo Brogan-Wagner has always had the desire to be a successful career woman. Beginning her career in the entertainment industry as young as age 13, she became a model and actress. By age 15 she earned her SAG card (Screen Actors Guild) by booking a Barbie commercial for Mattel, and by 16 she graduated early so she could work as an adult on set. In this space, these experiences helped her to learn early in life how business is conducted and what contracts are all about, along with many other lessons working in a creative field.

When she hit her early 20’s she wanted to get more involved in business practices focused on sales and marketing. This is when inventing fell into her lap, literally!

Through all the hustle, Amy Jo always had her coffee on-the-go and would spill it either in her truck or on herself almost everyday! She decided to create a spill-resistant coffee tumbler lid that she wanted to bring to market but had absolutely NO CLUE how to do so. After a lot of research and talks with manufacturers, she discovered the path of licensing.

For over ten years, Amy Jo has had the goal to be a credible, helpful leader and resource for those in the Product Licensing industry. Up to date, she has licensed two products of her own, one in the kitchenware industry and the other in the beauty industry.

She has also been working as a Senior Coach for over seven years, helping hundreds of independent inventors learn how to execute the process of licensing successfully. You may know her from her former YouTube channel, Straight 2 Licensing with Amy Jo. You can now find her on her new channel, Products2Market with Amy Jo!

Amy Jo believes you always need to tackle your dreams. Whenever you feel like you have failed, you should view it as an opportunity to learn, to grow, to succeed!

Chris Annoual

Chris Annoual is a serial entrepreneur with expertise in Brand Strategy, Marketing, and Product Innovation, known for his successful ventures including the innovative Pump Pal product.

Read about Chris

Chris Annoual is a serial entrepreneur from Miami, Florida who founded C1 Aerospace – a jet engine sales business that built and sold JT8D jet engines around the world. After realizing his passion wasn’t in aviation he started solving problems in the world with products.

He currently has founded three 7 figure businesses and is building another 2 in public.

Chris most recently founded Pump Pal® a silicone gas glove that protects people's hands from coming into contact with filthy gas pump handles while offering an eco-friendly and sustainable solution. Pump Pal was designed to reduce the spread of bacteria prevalent on gas pump handles while being a safe alternative to disposable plastic gloves offered at gas stations. Within the first year Pump Pal has sold over 100,000 units around the world and has grown to a 7-figure brand.

Pump Pal was invited to an Emmys celebrity gifting event and was featured in Allure magazine with Viola Davis as her favorite holiday gift.

Pump Pal has become a brand trusted by hundreds of thousands of people and continues to create sustainable products.

Chris continues to solve real world problems by building products that people need. He also dedicates his time to helping and mentoring other entrepreneurs and inventors.

Shirah Benarde

Shirah Benarde, the inventor of NightCap, was motivated by a desire to combat drink spiking, creating a practical and comfortable solution for safety in social settings.

Read about Shirah

NightCap was invented by then 16-year-old Shirah Benarde from West Palm Beach, Florida. The idea came to her in a dream after hearing about the horrors of drink spiking from friends who experienced it after going off to college. Fortunately, her friends were okay, but Shirah was determined to come up with a pragmatic solution to this problem that could protect her and her friends when they went off to college. She also wanted to make sure that the product would be something that girls would feel comfortable using. The next morning, she went to her mother’s closet, grabbed a pair of pantyhose, cut them up, and attached them to a scrunchie to create the first prototype. To learn more about NightCap, visit NightCapit.com.

Steven Greenberg

Steven Greenberg, known as the “Gadget Guy,” is an experienced reporter, producer, host, and product scout, dedicated to showcasing innovative products in various media formats.

Read about Steven

Steven Greenberg is a Reporter, Producer, Host, “Gadget Guy,” Product Scout— “Gadget Nation” author, contributor on NBC's “Today Show” and other TV stations around the US-- also the host of YouTube’s gadget game show “What The Heck Is That?” Check it out at: www.gadgetgameshow.com —I’m always searching for cool new gadgets & showcasing innovative products in print, online, and on television. Specialties: I have more than 15 years of experience as a television producer and on-camera talent. Though I have covered news, health, science, cooking, home repair, and home design, my area of expertise is innovative products/gadgets/technology. Check out www.gadgetnation.net and www.stevegreenberg.tv.

Morgan Uhl

Morgan Uhl is the owner and Creator of Knobēz/ Cabinet hardware decorations.

Read about Morgan

Morgan Uhl is a native Floridian and a graduate of the University of South Florida. Morgan had a creative and entrepreneurial spirit from a very early age. After graduating from the College of Education at USF, she began her professional career as an Elementary Teacher in Tampa, Fl. Shortly after beginning her teaching career, Morgan had her first child and decided to put her professional career on hold to raise her children. Unsatisfied by the local school options for her children, Morgan began homeschooling her 2 children when they became school aged and soon became the Director of their local homeschooling co-op.

Realizing that she did not want to continue teaching her children in middle school, Morgan and her husband decided to send their children to a local private school and Morgan went back to the workforce as a Preschool Director for a local private school. Morgan managed a staff of 17 women, oversaw enrollment of over 70 students, led monthly meetings with the Board, chose age-appropriate curriculum, updated policies and procedures, and managed all marketing and daily operations for the school. Unfortunately, Covid affected the school's enrollment and operational budget for the following year and Morgan decided to return to the classroom at her children's school where she taught third grade for the next 2 years.

It was at the beginning of Morgan's second year of teaching at her children's school when her children requested to return to homeschooling. Morgan left the classroom and has been homeschooling her children with the help of local homeschooling co-ops for the last 2 years. It was in her last year of teaching that the idea of Knobēz came about, and she has been working diligently for the past 2 and a half years to fully launch Knobēz to the market. After a successful launch in the summer of 2023 with the Red Peppermint Knobēz Collection, Morgan added a Pumpkin Knobēz and Peppermint Stick Handles Collection for the 2023 holiday season. Morgan launched her first licensed Knobēz with Peeps this spring and she is now launching her products in boutiques nationwide and is entertaining retail opportunities. Morgan spends her days creating new Knobēz and Handles Collections, fulfilling orders, attending conventions, speaking to college classes, connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, creating social media content, and looking for opportunities to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Vance Morris

Customer Experience & Customer Service Authority | Keynote Speaker | Coach | Best Selling Author | Vance helps businesses create Customer Experiences that Drive Extraordinary Customer Referrals & Profits.

Read about Vance

My client Ben Settle says it best:
"Vance is by far the single best resource for learning how to merge customer service with direct response marketing to exponentially ratchet up sales I’ve ever heard."

"I hereby declare him the best there is at intelligently & practically discussing merging customer service with direct response marketing — potentially turning your current customers & leads into the bigger, more stable, and more enjoyable business experience, for both you and them"
Bring the magic and profitability of the Disney Experience to your business or practice.

I conduct intensive, behind the scenes and interactive 3 day boot camps for masterminds, member events, businesses and professional practices. These boot camps reveal the secrets the the Disney company uses every day to create magical experiences for their guests and profits for their shareholders.

Attendees will get the exact model (strategies, tactics & workbooks) that I used to design and manage some of Disney's iconic resorts and attractions that delivered world class service and profitability.

Not ready for a boot camp at Disney? I can bring the magic of the Disney experience to your next event as a keynote speaker or conduct seminars.

If your profession deals with interacting with people and providing a service, then there is a lot to be gained from modeling Disney.

As a Public Speaker, I have had the opportunity to speak at events for some great companies: Ben Glass and Great Legal Marketing, GKIC, Dustin Burleson and Burleson Seminars, Joe Polish & Piranha Marketing, Infusionsoft, Dr. Jeff Anzalone & Dental Insiders Circle, Chem-Dry Carpet Franchises, and of course Walt Disney World. I have also been featured on some great podcasts (Outlier, Franchise Connect, Entrepreneur On Fire) as well as NBC, CBS, FOX. For more visit: http://www.VanceMorris.com

I am not your run of the mill customer experience consultant or Disney Way strategist. I still own a Service Company on the Eastern Shore of Maryland where I test my service and marketing strategies. I actually implement my strategies in my own small business before I teach them to others.

Request more information by faxing 410-697-6072 or emailing vance@DeliverProfitsNow.com

David Fedewa

David Fedewa, a negotiations coach and licensing specialist, has successfully coached over 180 students to license their products, combining business acumen with psychological insights to achieve win-win scenarios.

Read about David

David Fedewa, negotiations coach and licensing specialist, has coached over 180 students to successfully license their own products. He has been featured in Inc. and Entrepreneur’s online publications on licensing and negotiation strategy. He has licensed five of his own products, with one being featured on Time magazine, CHIVE, and CNET Father’s Day Product of the Year list. David and his team built the world’s largest actively managed database of companies that license new innovative products. His strengths lie where business and psychology meet. While coaching students through multi-million dollar negotiations, he not only looks at the present deal at hand but teaches strategies that can be used in constructing deals with a win-win scenario throughout life.

Brian Wholehan

Brian Wholeman the inventor of EZ-Shade

Read about Brian

Robert Bruza

Robert Bruza is a business development and retail marketing
professional with over 15 years of experience helping startups
and D2Cs bring new and innovative products to retail.

Read about Robert

Robert's retail background includes retail buying for 27 stores at
Neiman Marcus, retail store merchandise planning with the
Taubman company, and e-commerce product marketing for
clients like Disney, Unilever, Pottery Barn, and Adidas.

Currently, Robert is working with Retailbound, a retail consulting
agency helping startups and D2Cs diversify and grow product
sales by expanding into offline channels like stores, catalog
companies, home shopping, and premium incentive.

Beyond retail, Robert has also been a successful entrepreneur.
He has founded four startups, raised over $15 million in
investment capital, and had 3 successful exits. Robert uses his
startup experience to help product development-heavy
startups assess market fit, define value propositions, and
cultivate their marketing narrative.

Because Robert combines both retail and startup experience he
is uniquely suited to help emerging consumer product
companies better understand and prepare for the challenges of
launch and initial market traction. As a result, Robert is actively
engaged with accelerators and CPG startup communities,
helping them define their business value proposition and
successfully pitch investors.

Launch Your Ideas
into Action

What's the Big idea?

Amplify Your Concepts

Your Pathway to Pitching Perfection

Craft a Compelling Pitch

Ready to Change the World?

SOME OF THE PREVIOUS PROS

Daymond John

Aaron Krause

Christopher Guerrera

Judy Edwards

Aaron Cordovez

Rudy Mawer

Dara Trujillo

Carmine Denisco

Bob Circosta

Mike Watts

Joe Farco

Chris Landano

Jeff Shavitz

Tasha Terria Dennis

Devron "Doc" Dennis

Sean Murphy

Trish Dowling

Austin Maxwell

Amy Jo Brogan-Wagner

Chris Annoual

Shirah Benarde

Steven Greenberg

Morgan Uhl

Vance Morris

David Fedewa

Brian Wholehan

Robert Bruza

Contact Us

Social
Media

Press Inquiries

Launch Your Ideasinto Action

What's the Big idea?

Amplify Your Concepts

Your Pathway to Pitching Perfection

Craft a Compelling Pitch

Ready to Change the World?

SOME OF THE PREVIOUS PROS

Daymond John

Aaron Krause

Christopher Guerrera

Judy Edwards

Aaron Cordovez

Rudy Mawer

Dara Trujillo

Carmine Denisco

Bob Circosta

Mike Watts

Joe Farco

Chris Landano

Jeff Shavitz

Tasha Terria Dennis

Devron "Doc" Dennis

Sean Murphy

Trish Dowling

Austin Maxwell

Amy Jo Brogan-Wagner

Chris Annoual

Shirah Benarde

Steven Greenberg

Morgan Uhl

Vance Morris

David Fedewa

Brian Wholehan

Robert Bruza

Contact Us

SocialMedia

Press Inquiries

Launch Your Ideas
into Action

Social
Media