NextMe

NextMe is a modern virtual waiting room that makes it simple for the service industry to manage their waitlist and serve more guests. Eliminate long lines and create amazing first impressions, all while saving money on outdated technology.

CEO / Co-Founder

Vault Innovation Group

Vault Innovation Group is an agency focused on building and growing mobile and web businesses through innovation.  We pride ourselves in delivering the entire software development cycles from beginning to end.  This includes research/consulting, user experience design, visual design, branding, development, and post launch services.

Business Development Executive

Shatkin Arbor

Shatkin Arbor, Inc., a futures brokerage and clearing company, provides trading tools and professional services to novice traders and hedge funds in the United States. It provides CBOT on-site trading, execution, and support and training services. The company was incorporated in 1990 and is based in Chicago, Illinois. As of August 2008, Shatkin Arbor, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Macquarie Futures USA Inc.

Analyst

I’m the son of a South Korean immigrant and entrepreneur. My single-parent mother taught me the value of hard work and resilience by involving me in her small dry cleaning and salon business, where I learned the ropes behind the cash register.

My entrepreneurial journey began early. Teaming up with my brother James, we launched our first business offering dog walking services to our mom’s customers. What started as a way to help out quickly turned into a thriving venture, serving 50+ clients and helping our mom pay off school tuition.

In college, my passion for entrepreneurship deepened during my internship as an analyst at the Chicago Board of Trade. Working closely with business owners and entrepreneurs, I saw firsthand the challenges and rewards of running a business, which further fueled my drive.

Today, I’m the Co-Founder and CEO of NextMe, a modern virtual waiting room designed to help the service industry, manage their waitlists and retain more guests. Whether it’s a busy restaurant, a packed event, or a delayed doctor's appointment, NextMe makes the waiting experience seamless so businesses can focus on delighting their customers. Since launching, we’ve been featured in Forbes, The Eater, EventMB, Food & Wine Magazine, and the Chicago Tribune for our innovative approach.

I’m also passionate about giving back to the entrepreneurial community. I serve as a mentor at DePaul University’s Coleman Entrepreneurship Center and at The Garage, Northwestern University’s hub for student entrepreneurship and innovation. Empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs to dream big and make their mark is something I care deeply about.

John Y.

Praytell

Senior Integrated Producer

Senior Project Manager

Project Manager

Blue Point Brewing Company

Brand Activation Manager

Brand Activation Coordinator

PUSH Wellness Solutions, Inc.

Director of Operations

TGI Media

• Create proposals and quotes for potential LED advertising signage for sports clientele. 
• Led redesign of TGI corporate web site and developed communication plan for Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms. 
• Organize travel arrangements for LED technicians to and from out of state/country events.

Social Media and Marketing Coordinator

Butler University Internship and Career Services

•	Write articles and update content for website and promotional materials.
•	Monitor and suggest content for social media accounts.
•	Help plan and coordinate networking events for students and employers.

Intern

SGA Program Board Concerts

Oversee a $150,000 budget for concerts at Butler University and personally correspond with major music artists' agencies to negotiate and book concerts.

Concert Co-Chair

Carol Fox & Associates

•	Wrote 2-3 press releases per week for Chicago’s largest marketing and public relations firm dedicated solely to promoting arts, special events and entertainment clientele.
•	Assisted in specialized event planning for clientele. 
•	Monitored media for clientele, and oversaw social media for both the clients and the PR firm.

Fox Chicago News

•	Wrote 5-12 stories per week for the 9PM Newscast, FOX Chicago’s most highly rated newscast
•	Assisted reporters with field work, edited stories, and reviewed stock footage

taplio

The Battle

John Y.

Elyse Carlucci

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