Matt Bacon is a consultant, A&R man, and journalist specializing in the world of heavy metal. Having worked with everyone from glam rock icon Phil Collen of Def Leppard to black metal titans Enslaved by way of legendary thrashers Exhorder as well as labels including Prophecy Productions and Ripple Music he has dedicated his life to helping young bands develop. Having started his own blog at the age of 14 he views his career in artist development as 'a hobby that got out of hand'. In 2015 he formed Dropout Media in order to better support the artists he loves. We sit here now, years later with countless tours booked, records released and deals signed, and loving every minute of it.
Michael James Niner is the CEO of Blue Raven, Incorporated, which is considered by many as the top Executive Protection & Security Services company in the D.C. Metro area. He also currently serves as the Personal Protection Specialist Advisor to the Virginia CJSB (Criminal Justice Services Board).
Melissa Rodriguez is a Marketing and Advertising Specialist and the Founder of Social Media Relations out of Los Angeles, California. With over 10 years of experience, she specializes in branding, content production, social media marketing and public relations. Melissa holds BS degrees in Global Perspectives and Corporate Finance and Accounting from Bentley University. Melissa’s contributions to Social Media Relations have contributed to their 5-star rating across multiple platforms including Google, Yelp and Facebook. A visionary at heart, it is Melissa's mission to take your brand online and create relationships that matter.
Marcia Moran has written over fifty business plans and helped entrepreneurs strategize over how to differentiate their companies in changing environments. Her twenty-plus years of experience helping other entrepreneurs caused her to found her own firm, Performance Architect, in 2012 and co-founded Positive Business DC that same year. After suffering a major stroke in 2014, Marcia applied her skills in planning and strategy as she strived to become whole. Over time she learned to walk again, but Marcia struggled with aphasia, a language disorder. She joined Toastmasters International hoping to regain her speaking abilities, and it helped some, but in August 2017 she discovered a technological breakthrough that minimized her speaking disability. Let's hear from Marcia what coming back from the stroke was like.
Monique Blokzyl is the founder of HeartPowered Business, helping speakers and expert entrepreneurs worldwide to build scalable businesses, so they stop just selling their time, earn a 6+ figure income, and make a much bigger impact. Monique herself is an awarded international speaker, business mentor, podcaster and published author. Bringing her passion for business together with her love for speaking, she helps you turn your message into your golden key to success. Her business mantra: Speak up. Scale up. Impact the World!
Marcia Maxwell left the corporate world to pursue her passion of fashion and design. She founded her brand in her namesake, but it is also known as MBM Swim. Her first swimwear collection was in January of 2019 and has already gotten the attention of Victoria’s Secret, Sports Illustrated, Forbes, and many others. Through faith and grit, Maxwell is working to grow her brand to be the next big name in swim and resort wear.
Mira Whiting is an award-winning portrait and event photographer who loves making her clients feel calm, comfortable, and confident. Mira offers Newborn, Branding, Family, and Event Photography. Also a mom, Mira understands how busy life is and how kids don't always cooperate. Mira is based in the Greater Boston area.
Millen Haile is the founder of Millen’s Occasions, a seasoned event planning professional with 15 years of experience across the hospitality and professional event planning industry and now, a podcast!
Established in 2016, Millen’s Occasions specialize in all luxury weddings, multicultural weddings, as well as, social & corporate functions. Although, Millen’s Occasions is based in the Metro D.C. (DC/MD/VA) area & serving clients, they offer event planning & coordination services. They are willing to travel within the U.S. to ensure your special day is a success.
Established in 2016, Millen’s Occasions specialize in all luxury weddings, multicultural weddings, as well as, social & corporate functions. Although, Millen’s Occasions is based in the Metro D.C. (DC/MD/VA) area & serving clients, they offer event planning & coordination services. They are willing to travel within the U.S. to ensure your special day is a success.
I have prior military service, US Army and US Coast Guard. I discovered chiropractic care after numerous injuries had me side-lined from running. After being under care for a couple of months I was able to enjoy running again, and ran my first marathon, then ran more than 50 marathons and ultra-marathons since. After finishing up my military service I decided to go back to school and study chiropractic, and I hope to share better health and lifestyle to the community by providing chiropractic care.
Mike is the Founder of JETRO, a modern day digital accounting firm servicing small business owners across the country. Mike has spent the majority of his career as an entrepreneur. He was CFO and co-founded several companies and has experience in all business stages. He set out on a mission to help businesses that have seen and lived the same experiences he did in business. Mike has both a Bachelors and Masters in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant.