NC SBTDC

In this role I lead the Business Launch Program, a team of counselors spread across the state who help entrepreneurs launch their dreams. We deliver the successful Taking the Leap cohort-based training program. In addition to leading Business Launch, I assist statewide leadership with any initiatives that will improve the already great program that is the NC SBTDC -- a business advisory resource, funded in part by the U.S. SBA, for small and mid-sized businesses across North Carolina.

Interim Director, Business Launch Program

The John Arthur Company

We're a high-touch strategic growth consultancy for food brands based in Italy that seek to launch or grow presence in natural or conventional grocery retailers in the United States.

Principal

The Ponzi Playbook

The Ponzi Playbook is a podcast that exposes the dark underbelly of the financial world. (Opinions are my own, not that of my employer nor of any affiliation of mine.)

Podcast Host

The Calmery Co.

The Calmery is a forthcoming online boutique that sells luxe calming products.

Owner

RodeoCPG

Director, Client Management

SBTDC

In this role I led a team of talented business counselors, ensured client success, built synergy and partnerships with our regional and state partners to help businesses reach their full potential, and advised businesses myself. We helped over 2,000 business in our office during my tenure, helping raise over $150M in capital and grew sales by over $60M. The SBTDC is a business advisory resource, funded in part by the U.S. SBA, for small and mid-sized businesses across North Carolina.

Regional Director

Nellino’s Sauce Co.

Built Nellino's into a top 5 premium pasta sauce brand in the southeast U.S. per Nielsen data, with even broader distribution, including four regions of Whole Foods, Harris Teeter, Kroger, Costco, Ingles, Lowes Foods, Earth Fare, Fresh Thyme, Plated, and more. Secured key distributor partnerships (KeHE, DPI, UNFI). Featured in The New York Times, Forbes, and Southern Living. Recognized "Entrepreneur to Watch" by Food Navigator Magazine and "40 under 40" by Triangle Business Journal. Guided company to monthly recurring revenue exceeding $100k and strategic due diligence phase for acquisition.

Founder & CEO

The Kitchen Raleigh

Contributed to the growth and enhancement of The Kitchen Raleigh, a dynamic collaborative agency serving the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors. Supported managing partners in securing new business opportunities and optimizing existing operations. Leveraged expertise to drive sales, elevate brand presence, and facilitate operational improvements.

Strategy & Sales Consultant

GROW - GrowMyFoodBusiness.com

GROW was a Management Consultancy that assisted other CPG (food) businesses do just that: GROW. As one who had built two brands from scratch landing space in mainstream grocery (Harris Teeter, Costco, Whole Foods, Earth Fare, Food Lion, Ingles, Kroger, Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, Central Market, Market Street, etc), I am in a unique position of being able to provide real world, practical advice and solutions for my clients.

Principal & Founder

Meredith College

Primarily specialized in delivering introductory Italian language instruction while occasionally guiding students through the exploration of Italian food and its cultural significance. Played a vital role at Meredith College in facilitating language acquisition and cultural understanding, aligning with the institution's commitment to integrity, leadership, and addressing societal challenges.

Adjunct Professor, Italian

I'm a passionate business advisor, entrepreneur, educator, and connector who loves creating and building great things with great people. I have a diverse professional background -- I earned a PhD from UNC-CH in Italian Language, teaching over 20 college courses. Transitioning to entrepreneurship, I built a food brand from scratch, expanding to 1,500+ retail locations in major US retailers. Since 2020 I’ve committed my energy to helping businesses thrive. I let my creative juices flow as the co-host of "The Ponzi Playbook," a business podcast on financial fraud. I help Italian food brands land success in the U.S. market through strategic advising. And I'm the owner of a startup, The Calmery. I'm always eager to collaborate and connect—don't hesitate to drop me a line.

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