Teddy Sanchez
Teddy is an award-winning innovator and CTO of Optimal Station, leading advancements in automation, robotics, and smart city solutions. Recognized as one of Automatic Merchandiser’s “Pros to Know,” he pioneers technologies that enhance connectivity, sustainability, and user experience, while mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Joe Hancock
Joe is the creative force behind Moxie Media Alachua, a premier video production company known for transforming ideas into powerful visual stories. With a passion for pushing creative boundaries, Joe takes pride in bringing each client’s vision to life through innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Their growing portfolio showcases a rich diversity of work—each piece a testament to Moxie Media’s signature energy, craftsmanship, and heart for storytelling.
Boaz Santiago
Boaz is an experienced entrepreneur and problem-solver with over 25 years of expertise. With a strong background in marketing, he has helped businesses and organizations grow by crafting creative strategies, building strong networks, and finding solutions that drive results. Boaz’s entrepreneurial spirit and ability to think outside the box make him a valuable resource for both business and community growth.
Quang Tran
Quang Tran is an entrepreneur and mentor dedicated to helping startups build strong teams, great products, and lasting companies. As co-founder of LaunchPad at Infinity Hall and Starter Space, he has played a key role in shaping Gainesville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and serves on the board of the Gainesville Tech Council.
Laurence Andrews
Laurence has over 20 years of experience in strategy and consulting, supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in the U.S. and the Caribbean. He currently serves as Program Coordinator for the Bradford County Incubator, helping local innovators grow their ideas into thriving ventures.
Shelley Vickers
Shelley is a strategic growth leader and community connector, building brands and relationships where marketing meets purpose and opportunity. With experience in the construction and nonprofit sectors, she brings expertise in marketing, operations, and event management, backed by a BBA in Marketing from Saint Leo University.
James Coats
James is a seasoned entrepreneur, community leader, and CEO of Phalanx Defense Systems. As Executive Director of Community Engagement & Continuing Education at Santa Fe College, he combines business expertise, creativity, and community passion to drive economic growth and inspire the next generation of leaders in North Florida.
Vanessa Vargas Wilson
Vanessa Vargas Wilson, known as The Crafty Gemini, is a creative entrepreneur and former college law professor who built a 7-figure business by using strategic video content to grow an organic audience of over 1 million followers—without paid ads. She now teaches creatives and small business owners how to use simple, video-first marketing to build trust, increase visibility, and convert viewers into paying customers.
Amy Cosper
Stay tuned to learn more about Amy!
John Spence
John Spence is a globally recognized business leadership expert, author, keynote speaker, and executive coach known for “making the very complex… awesomely simple.” He has advised organizations worldwide — from startups to Fortune 10 companies — taught at more than 90 universities, and been named one of America’s top business thought leaders and leadership development experts.
Brad Gamble
Brad Gamble is a seasoned sales and marketing executive and the CEO of the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention, where he leads efforts to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship. A University of Florida alumnus, he brings over two decades of experience driving growth across corporate, startup, and community-focused organizations.
Melissa Hough
Melissa Hough is the owner and creative lead of Magnolia Lane Studios, where she specializes in capturing authentic, heartfelt imagery through portraits, branding, and lifestyle photography. With a warm, personalized approach, she helps individuals and businesses tell their stories through timeless, high-quality visuals.
Scott Schroeder
Scott Schroeder is the Executive Director of StartGNV, where he leads efforts to grow and support Gainesville’s innovation and tech ecosystem by connecting entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and community partners. He is dedicated to fostering economic development and community engagement through strategic initiatives, partnerships, and events that strengthen the region’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Kamal Latham
Kamal is a globally experienced CEO, former diplomat, and author who has facilitated over $7 billion in business and economic growth across major global markets. As Co-Founder and CEO of Clean Spaces App and Managing Director of the F-300 AgFoodTech Park, he leads innovative ventures while inspiring individuals, businesses, and organizations to realize their full, God-given potential.
Nigel Newbutt
Nigel is a specialist in advanced learning technologies with over 17 years of research experience in human–computer interaction and user experience design, using qualitative methods to understand how technology can better support diverse users. His work focuses on inclusive immersive technologies—particularly virtual reality—with a strong emphasis on neurodiverse communities, translating research insights into practical strategies that influence education, policy, and industry standards.
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