SFLIVE25 - Speakers -

Speakers

StreetFight follows the dynamic disruption taking place in multi-location (MULO) marketing. Our brand and agency readers, read StreetFight to stay informed on the events, innovations, and moves of their peers and competitors.

Pepper
Humanoid Robot
RobotLab

Pepper is a friendly, four-foot-tall humanoid robot designed to interact with people in meaningful, engaging ways. Developed by SoftBank Robotics, Pepper is equipped with voice recognition, facial detection, and emotional AI that allows it to read and respond to human moods. Whether it’s welcoming guests, answering questions, or providing directions, Pepper brings charm and intelligence to retail, hospitality, education, and healthcare environments. With a tablet on its chest and a personality that’s hard to forget, Pepper isn’t just a robot—it’s an experience.

Jamie Adams
Chief Revenue Officer
Scorpion

Jamie Adams is Chief Revenue Officer at Scorpion, overseeing Sales, Business Development, and revenue strategy. With nearly 16 years of experience, he has helped B2B and B2C organizations leverage digital media to grow revenue and expand market share. Jamie specializes in digital marketing campaign execution and sales leadership. He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from Louisiana Tech University. Outside of work, Jamie enjoys reading about leadership, watching football, playing tennis, and playing the drums. He also enjoys running and spending time with his niece and nephews.

Gabe Alonso
Founder + Principal
Bebo Cafe Media

Gabe Alonso is a marketing leader and brand strategist with over 15 years of experience driving growth for iconic brands like Nike, PepsiCo, Activision, and El Pollo Loco. Most recently serving as Vice President of Integrated Marketing & Experience at El Pollo Loco, he led social, influencer & PR, partnerships & events, CRM, loyalty, and the digital ecosystem. Gabe specializes in creating brand experiences that resonate—connecting culture, community, and creativity to build deeper relationships between people and the brands they love.

Brett Baker
General Manager – Advanced Technology
Metropolis

Brett Baker is a results-driven sales and business development leader with over 15 years of experience at high-growth technology companies including Uber, Twitter, and Nextdoor. Currently serving as General Manager of the Advanced Technology Group at Metropolis, Brett specializes in building high-performing teams, launching innovative go-to-market initiatives, and driving strategic partnerships that deliver measurable revenue growth. He holds a BA in Economics for Business Management from Occidental College.

Dan Bejmuk
Co-Founder and CEO
Dreambox

Dan Bejmuk is Co-Founder and CEO of Dreambox, the nation’s leading digital advertising agency within the restaurant space. Fortunate to have worked with over one hundred-fifty national and regional restaurant brands in the firm’s twenty-five year history he brings a unique perspective to digital marketing across every segment of the industry. He has been named to the Nation’s Restaurant News “Power List” among the most influential service providers and serves as the Vice-Chair of the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group Steering Committee.

Nick Dan-Bergman
VP, Marketing & Insights
LaneTerralever (LT)

Nick is a seasoned digital marketer, generational researcher, and agency leader. He serves as CMO at LT and Convince & Convert, a marketing and digital experience agency primarily focusing on location-based entertainment (attractions, casinos, leisure, and hospitality) and growing franchisor brands across wellness, personal services, home services, and retail. His research has been featured by Forbes, Jefferies, Casino.org, IAAPA, Attractions Management, Boardwalk Times, and The Society of Digital Agencies. He’s also spoken at several recent events, including the Native Nations Marketing Conference, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Texas Travel Summit, IAAPA Expo, and RacquetX.

Jessyca Dewey
Founder & CEO
Y Collective

Jessyca is the founder and CEO of The Y Collective, a senior-led, social-first digital marketing agency that specializes in consumer brands. She was one of the OG team members of VaynerMedia LA with Gary Vaynerchuk, and she’s worked in social media and content marketing since 2009.

Shane Evans
Co-Founder and CEO
Massage Heights

Shane Evans is a renowned entrepreneur and franchising expert, best known as Co-Founder and CEO of Massage Heights, a membership-based massage and skincare franchise with 115+ locations across the U.S. and Canada. She also co-owns Summit Franchise Supply, Heights at Home, and Gents Place Franchising, and serves on the International Franchise Association board. With over a decade of leadership, Shane is dedicated to driving innovation and helping others succeed through wellness and entrepreneurship.

Monica Feid
Co-Founder and COO
Thunderly Marketing

Monica Feid is the Co-Founder and COO of Thunderly Marketing, an award-winning agency supporting national and international clients since 1999. With 30+ years of experience across media, client, and agency roles, she leads a team focused on impactful storytelling. Her expertise includes PR, lead generation, video, web, and crisis communications. She’s co-written books for CEOs and champions the American Dream through her work with the franchise community. A Baylor graduate with degrees in journalism and American Studies, she serves on advisory boards for Baylor and the Titus Center.

Michael Farmer
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Farmer & Company LLC

Michael Farmer is Chairman and CEO of Farmer & Company LLC, a strategy consulting firm for major advertisers and agencies. He is also a Professor of Branding and Integrated Communications at The City College of New York. A leading industry expert, he has advised ad agencies for over 30 years. Farmer authored Madison Avenue Manslaughter and Madison Avenue Makeover. He’s published 150+ articles on Media Village and Substack’s C-Suite Blues. Formerly a Director at Bain & Company, he led offices in Munich, Paris, and London. He holds degrees from Princeton (A.B.) and Harvard Business School (MBA, Baker Scholar). A U.S. Navy veteran, he’s lived and worked in six countries and speaks English and French.

Justin Freeman
Managing Director
Kindr Workplaces

Justin is Managing Director for Kindr Workplaces, bringing deep expertise in operations, strategic consulting, and transformative leadership. As a business owner, general manager, and board member, he understands the real-world challenges leaders face. His consultancy revitalizes workplace cultures across companies, nonprofits, and universities, guiding teams from dysfunction to thriving environments. Justin’s programs have impacted organizations across the Pacific Northwest by proving compassionate leadership drives high performance. A passionate advocate for economic development, he’s served on numerous boards shaping regional business ecosystems. His speaking engagements promote kinder, more effective workplaces. Justin helps organizations unlock potential through purpose-driven success.

Brynn Gibbs
Founder / CEO
Consumer Fusion

Brynn Gibbs is founder and CEO of Consumer Fusion, the IFA’s Preferred Vendor for Reputation Management, Local Listings, and Social Media. Her AI-powered platform is trusted by over twelve thousand businesses, including some of the nation’s most recognized brands, to protect and enhance their online presence. Through proprietary AI technology, Consumer Fusion helps companies monitor reviews, remove illegitimate content, boost customer satisfaction, and improve local visibility.

Aaron Goldman
Chief Marketing Officer
Mediaocean

Aaron Goldman is Chief Marketing Officer at Mediaocean, the mission-critical platform for omnichannel advertising. In this role, he leads a wave of initiatives across corporate marketing, communications, content, branding, and demand generation for the Flashtalking, Prisma, and Protected products. Prior to Mediaocean, Aaron ran global marketing for 4C, Kenshoo, and Resolution Media. He has 25 years of industry experience and, in his spare time, you can find Aaron posting clips of jam bands and trick shots on his YouTube channel @JudePerfect.

Brooke Henderson
VP of Strategic Partnerships
Yext

Brooke Henderson is the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Yext, a leading provider of AI-powered solutions for managing digital experiences across search, websites, and apps. An accomplished partnerships executive, Brooke brings over 20 years of experience in the digital marketing and online presence software industry, with a proven track record of leading high-performing teams across sales, marketing, and client success.

Ryan Hicks
Managing Partner
Franchise Supplier Network

Ryan Hicks has spent over a decade serving the franchise community as a trusted technology advisor, driving growth through expertise in franchising, strategy, AI, and business development. He is managing partner of Franchise Supplier Network and partner at Cornerstone Franchise Partners, owner of two franchisors. Ryan created the Modrn Business Podcast, hosts the Springboard event for emerging brands, and co-founded Franchise YoungConference for Millennial and Gen-Z executives. A Certified Franchise Executive, he serves on the International Franchise Association’s Marketing & Innovation Committee and previously on its FranPAC Task Force. Based in Dallas, he enjoys reading, traveling, chess, tequila, and discovering great restaurants.

Leeza Hoyt
The Hoyt Organization, Inc.

Leeza Hoyt, APR, President of The Hoyt Organization, Inc. (THO), is a nationally recognized public relations strategist with more than 25 years of experience building impactful communications programs. As the driving force behind THO, she has grown the firm into a premier, full-service agency. Under Leeza’s leadership, THO has earned consistent recognition, including repeated honors as one of the top public relations firms by the Los Angeles Business Journal, a spot on Forbes’ “Best PR Firms in America” list, and more than 100 industry awards for campaign excellence.

Elizabeth LaFontaine
Director of Research
Placer.ai

Elizabeth Lafontaine is a Director of Research at Placer.ai. Backed by a decade of retail experience, she uncovers emerging trends in consumer behavior to help retailers and brands tap into new insights and create winning strategies in the ever-evolving world of commerce. She most recently served as Chief Retail Analyst at EnsembleIQ, a B2B media, intelligence and events firm, where she helped to develop new thought leadership focused offerings and served as a presenter and author.

Shane Lukas
Owner / Creative Strategist
A Great Idea

After decades of creative communications work for global brands, Shane Lukas (he/him) now leads A Great Idea (agreatidea.com)—an award-winning agency delivering digital and print creative design and content solutions nationwide to grow, empower and activate brand advocates for purpose-driven nonprofit, healthcare, and education partners. In addition to his 10 years of success leading A Great Idea, he is a lifelong harm reduction organizer, author, and public speaker recently seen in his popular TED talk and named one of GDUSA’s “Designers for Good.”

Gregg Majewski
CEO and Founder
Craveworthy Brands

Gregg is the CEO and Founder of Craveworthy Brands, an innovative multi-concept restaurant platform and emerging fast-casual brand incubator founded in 2023. Craveworthy’s portfolio includes Wing It On!, The Budlong Southern Chicken, Krafted Burger Bar + Tap, Lucky Cat Poke Company, Pastizza, Scramblin Ed’s, and Dirty Dough Cookies. Gregg drove the expansion of Jimmy John’s from 33 to 300 locations, with 600 additional franchises sold. He serves on the boards of the Texas Restaurant Association, Big Chicken, Ovation, the Fast Casual Industry Council, and the Lunchbox Food Tech Council.

Reilly Newman
Founder, Brand Scientist at MOTIF Brand
Motif Brands

Reilly Newman, a trusted contributor to Inc, Forbes, Fortune, and MarketWatch, is a brand strategy and buyer psychology expert with 15+ years of experience. He founded Motif Brands and co-authored the award-winning book Brandy: 101 Sips of Wisdom for Attaining a Successful Brand, reaching entrepreneurs worldwide. A sought-after speaker and lecturer on the psychology of marketing, design, and branding, Reilly also co-hosts Brandy, a Top 3% global podcast, and has appeared on numerous leading business podcasts.

Rachel Noonan
Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer
Forward Studio

Rachel Noonan brings 15 years of experience at the intersection of technology, entertainment, and innovation. She holds a Master of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation and is recognized for shaping feasible futures. Rachel has led marketing, communications, and strategy teams across film, music, and tech, collaborating with companies like Samsung, Microsoft, and Universal. She excels at evolving user experiences and pioneering new ways of working. Her work includes creating immersive physical and mixed-reality brand experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. Passionate about responsible and sustainable design, she leverages storytelling and innovation to drive impact. Rachel is dedicated to shaping the future of both digital and physical worlds.

Dan Page
Global Head of Partnerships, New Screens
TikTok

Born in London, raised in Toronto, and now based in Los Angeles, Dan Page is a seasoned leader in the media and entertainment industry with more than 20 years of experience spanning telecommunications, digital media, and strategic partnerships. He currently serves as Global Head of Partnerships, New Screens at TikTok, where he drives global expansion beyond mobile platforms. Dan’s leadership was pivotal in creating and scaling TikTok’s “Out of Phone” business, a globally recognized initiative redefining how social content integrates into the physical world, as well as expanding TikTok Radio to reach over 200 million homes and cars.

Ben Pashman
Head of Business Development
Creatify AI

Ben Pashman leads Business Development for Creatify.ai. Ben is a media, adtech, and martech executive with 20+ years driving innovation and commercial growth at the intersection of technology and advertising. He has led Sales, Business Development, and Strategy at DoubleClick, Conde Nast, Samsung, and Basis Technologies.

Elaine Patel
VP of Guest Experience and Local Store Marketing
FAT Brands

Elaine Patel serves as the Vice President of Guest Experience and Local Store Marketing
across FAT Brands’ 18 concept restaurant portfolio, where she is responsible for developing impactful, turnkey marketing and guest experience programs across the system. Prior to her role at FAT Brands, Elaine was Vice President of Marketing for Fatburger, a current portfolio company of FAT Brands. Along with having over 20 years of marketing experience, Elaine has an extensive nonprofit background, currently serving as president of a Los Angeles nonprofit focused on childhood education.

Corey Quinn
Agency Growth Advisor
Corey Quinn, Inc.

Corey Quinn helps agency founders escape founder-led sales and scale fast. With over 18 years in the agency space, he served as CMO at Scorpion, helping scale revenue from $20M to $150M in six years. Corey is the author of the bestselling book Anyone, Not Everyone: A Proven System for Agencies to Escape Founder-Led Sales, endorsed by leaders like Aaron Ross, John Ruhlin, Dr. Benjamin Hardy, and Marcel Petitpas. Today, his company guides digital agencies to dominate their niche through his Deep Specialization™ Methodology. Corey helps agencies become the go-to choice in their vertical, close higher-value clients, and build scalable sales systems that don’t depend on the founder.

Lori Ruggiero
Managing Partner at 5W Public Relations
5WPR

Lori Ruggiero is Managing Partner & EVP of the Corporate & Technology Practice at 5WPR, where she also leads the agency’s Media Training Program, launched in 2019. A strategic media and messaging expert, she oversees campaigns across enterprise tech, B2B, fintech, AI, cybersecurity, and more. Lori trains clients in public speaking, on-camera presence, podcasting, and media navigation, and has led crisis communications for individuals and major organizations. A former journalist and TV news producer for over 16 years, she’s held roles at NBC, CNN, ESPN, and others, earning two Peabody Awards. Lori guides executives through IPOs, acquisitions, layoffs, and legal matters, drawing from deep newsroom and PR experience. She holds a Journalism degree from Boston University with a minor in Psychology.

Paige Sawin Krauss
President
Sparkcatcher Media

Paige Sawin Krauss serves as the President of Sparkcatcher Media, specializing in MuLo brand strategy. With over a decade of experience, she excels at creating customized, neighborhood-level marketing programs for clients. Her passion is in local search! Paige is keenly interested in how AI is transforming everyday marketing practices and seeks to harness technology to improve and refine client engagement methods.

Nancy A Shenker
Chief Trend Officer
Street Fight

Nancy A Shenker, Chief Trend Officer with Street Fight, is a former big brand (Citibank, Mastercard, Reed Exhibitions) marketing strategist and leader. She has been featured in Inc.com, the New York Times and Forbes. Nancy is a marketing innovator, brand builder, content marketer, writer, speaker, and entrepreneur with “dual citizenship in the analog and digital worlds.” A graduate of the University of Michigan and NYU’s graduate book publishing program, she serves on the Board of the SOS.

Joe Soltis
CEO
ChoiceLocal

After a successful career at a top digital marketing agency serving Fortune 500 brands, Joe launched ChoiceLocal to help franchise brands grow rapidly at both the franchisor and franchisee levels. Today, ChoiceLocal leads the AI revolution in franchising with CLAI™ (ChoiceLocal AI), a groundbreaking sales and digital marketing super-intelligence. CLAI™ drives same-territory sales growth with measurable ROI and helps solve staffing challenges to fuel sustainable expansion. Joe fosters a culture where teammates thrive, client partners achieve real, accountable success, and giving back is a core value. ChoiceLocal donates about 10% of its profits annually to help children in need. This mission—to Help Others—guides Joe’s leadership and defines ChoiceLocal’s purpose.

Emily Steele
CEO & Cofounder
Hummingbirds

Emily Steele is CEO & cofounder of Hummingbirds, a venture-backed marketing platform that connects place-based brands with community-minded content creators. Her expertise in facilitating authentic partnership experiences across channels drives revenue, increases relevancy, and maximizes relationships. Emily believes the future of retail revolves around real people exploring opportunities and sharing what they love. She built Hummingbirds to highlight the impact a group of enthusiasts can make for ‘mom & pop’ shops, emerging businesses, and established brands alike. Empowering a “charm” of advocates to champion products and services encourages growth and promotes vibrancy—just like small but mighty pollinators that give her company its name.

Brad Stevenson
Chief Development Officer
Neighborly

Brad Stevenson is an accomplished executive business leader with nearly 30 years’ experience in a variety of sales, marketing, and management roles in both franchising and the beverage industry. Currently, Brad serves as the chief development officer (CDO) for Neighborly and is a member of the Neighborly growth team. In this role, Brad is a driving force behind developing and implementing Neighborly’s aggressive strategic initiatives for North American franchise development.

Kevin Tarpey
EVP, Managing Partner
Assembly Global

As EVP, Client Experience, Kevin is a senior member of Assembly’s Integrated Communications team. His experience with the agency has included driving business results for clients such as AAA, Elevance Health, Brooks Running, DKNY, Tillamook, TriPointe Homes, and VCA. With deep experience across CPGs, Healthcare, Retail, and Finance, Kevin specializes in developing and executing smart audience and business strategies with a strong emphasis on analytics and attribution.

Gregory Ugwi
Co-Founder / CEO
Wefranch

Gregory Ugwi is the co-founder & CEO of Wefranch. Prior to Wefranch, he built Thinknum Alternative Data. Greg graduated from Princeton University with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and worked at Goldman Sachs as a strat in the sales and trading department.

Gabriella Velez
Senior Vice President
5WPR

Gabriella Velez is Senior Vice President at 5W’s Corporate Division, with over 15 years of experience leading integrated marketing and communications strategies for Fortune 500 companies and high-growth brands. Her cross-industry expertise spans technology, consumer products, healthcare, and financial services, with a strong track record supporting IPOs, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. Gabriella aligns PR, digital, and brand marketing to business goals, delivering measurable impact for both public and private companies. At 5W, she has led standout campaigns for clients including VIZIO, Columbia Care, P&G Ventures, Worldline, and Sedgwick through executive visibility, media relations, and storytelling. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business Marketing from Pace University.

Erick Weiss
Founder
Honeysweet Creative

Erick Weiss is creating the definitive global gathering where 20,000+ participants from aerospace, emerging space ventures, and adjacent industries converge to accelerate the trillion-dollar space economy. His vision for unprecedented cross-sector collaboration is backed by three decades of experience through Honeysweet Creative, where he has delivered transformative, multi-venue experiential events for National non-profits such as The Navy SEAL Foundation, Make A Wish, JDRF (now Breakthrough T1D), as well as Fortune 500 clients across industries including Web3, Blockchain, NFT, Glamour and sales, most recently returning from Riyadh for Outer Edge Riyadh. Erick has a rare blend of creative ambition, organizational discipline, and cross-industry expertise, which he brings to every event he touches.

Jessica Wiederhorn
Founder and President of FAT Brands Foundation
FAT Brands

Jessica is the founder and President of the FAT Brands Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization launched in 2022 to support and uplift communities where FAT Brands Inc. operates. She leads efforts to partner with local nonprofits, expanding the company’s charitable impact across its 18-brand portfolio. Jessica also oversees Non-Traditional Sales & Partnerships at FAT Brands Inc. and is Co-Founder and President of SoS, a nonprofit focused on supporting women in sales and business. In 2024, she was recognized by the LA Business Journal as Emerging Non-Profit Executive of the Year. She holds a bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Washington and an MBA from USC’s Marshall School of Business.

Chris Yorro
Head of Agency Development
Yelp

Chris Yorro is Head of Agency Development at Yelp, where he leads the company’s first senior team of Agency Development Directors. His team focuses on expanding revenue through strategic partnerships with the largest ad agency holding companies and independents. Chris joined Yelp in 2018 to help grow the Enterprise Sales division, and his rapid success earned him a leadership promotion within a year. Before Yelp, Chris spent 13 years at Yahoo, taking on various roles in sales management and Global Agency Development.

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