Founder Speaker Series 2024

Join us for a series of five casual, insightful fireside chats designed to educate and inspire early-stage entrepreneurs, agency founders, and small business owners aiming for growth.

The series will feature accomplished entrepreneurs who have carved their own paths, navigated challenges, and built scalable businesses. We'll showcase founders from various backgrounds and industries, each offering a unique perspective on success. Learn from those who achieved their goals through hard work, grit, teamwork, and leveraging the resources around them. Featured speakers will discuss their startup experiences and the key connections and resources that supported their growth. These conversations will be moderated by 1909 Members who themselves are founders and entrepreneurs, each bringing their own experiences and insights to guide these engaging discussions.

Thank you to Holland & Knight(opens in a new tab) for sponsoring this series.

September 10th: Jonathan Packer, Co-Founder of G.O.A.T Foods(opens in a new tab), a family-owned business that has been redefining the snack, confectionery, and baked goods markets with its elevated direct-to-consumer model. In a short amount of time since launching in 2021, the company has rapidly expanded to include four successful brands: Licorice.com, Pretzels.com, Caramels.com, and Chocolate.com, with four more exciting brands in development. Last month, G.O.A.T Foods secured a $10M investment from Lago Asset Management, highlighting its impressive growth and market impact. Moderated by Jeremy Pelley(opens in a new tab), Creative Director and 1909 Member.

Register to attend the 9/10 event here(opens in a new tab).

September 24th: Max Ringelheim, Co-Founder of viral Hoverboard(opens in a new tab) brand PhunkeeDuck. Most recently, he’s been focused on educational technology and finding innovative ways to equip students with 21st century skills. He serves as fractional Director of US Operations for Infento Electric Vehicles(opens in a new tab) and Riders Robotics(opens in a new tab). Max’s current entrepreneurial venture is growing his media company “When Going Viral(opens in a new tab)” which is on a mission to become the leading storyteller behind different viral business phenomenons. Moderated by Daniel Hutchinson, Founder of Project Spark(opens in a new tab) and 1909 Member.

Register to attend the 9/24 event here(opens in a new tab).

October 8th: Shirah and Michael Benarde, Co-Founders of NightCap(opens in a new tab), created innovative hair scrunchies that double as drink covers to prevent drink tampering. Featured on ABC’s Shark Tank in 2021 and Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2024, Nightcap has collaborated with over 150 universities to combat drink spiking. They've also partnered with dating app Bumble, providing customized scrunchies for their brand ambassadors, and secured a deal earlier this year with Forever 21 to sell the scrunchies in 400 stores. Moderated by Jessica Krupa, Founder of Panty Promise(opens in a new tab) and 1909 Member.

Register to attend the 10/8 event here(opens in a new tab).

October 22nd: Elisa Marshall, Co-Founder of Maman(opens in a new tab), a beloved café, restaurant, and event space with multiple locations across New York City, New Jersey, Toronto, Montreal, Miami, and soon, West Palm Beach at CityPlace. With a background in fashion, PR, and event planning, Elisa and fiancé Ben Sormonte launched Maman in Soho in 2014, inspired by childhood kitchen memories and a love for quality ingredients. They've grown to 40 locations, garnering recognition on Oprah's "Favorite Things" list and in New York Magazine. Moderated by Kye Akavia, Founder of (opens in a new tab)Extra Hands Hospitality(opens in a new tab) and 1909 Member.

Register to attend the 10/22 event here(opens in a new tab).

November 12th: Diane Hessan, Founder and Chairman of C Space(opens in a new tab), (formerly Communispace), the first company to leverage social media to help companies get insight and inspiration from their consumers. She's recognized as a disruptor in the market research industry due to her work in conducting breakthrough research via the internet. Diane grew C Space to 700 employees with 400 corporate clients (including Disney, Google, and Procter & Gamble) and then sold to Omnicom for well into 9 figures. She launched Salient Ventures, an investment and advisory company, which helps accelerate the next generation of startup companies in tech. Diane serves on several boards, including Panera Brands, Eastern Bank, Brightcove, Sago, Mass Challenge, and Tufts University. Moderated by Brian Schmitt, Co-Founder of Surefoot(opens in a new tab) and 1909 Member.

Register to attend the 11/12 event here(opens in a new tab).

Event Agenda:

5:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Drinks & Mingling

6:00 PM - 6:45 PM: Fireside Chat

6:45 PM - 7:00 PM: Q&A

7:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Wrap Up

Cost:

-1909 Members: FREE to attend

-Non-Members: $25/per event or $100 for the Series Package (save $25 and attend all 5 events on 9/10, 9/24, 10/8, 10/22, and 11/12)

*Beverages and light snacks will be provided!*