Moderators
Jane Wooldridge
Is an award-winning travel and business journalist, entrepreneurial manager and an innovator in multi-media content delivered via newspapers, magazines, online and broadcast. In her current position as the Miami Herald's Business Editor, she is responsible for business editorial products including Business Monday, Sunday Money and daily business coverage. Most recently Jane co-authored of the upcoming National Geographic book, The 100 Best Affordable Vacations to Enrich Your Life.
Kevin Gale
Is editor of the South Florida Business Journal, overseeing the news operations in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The South Florida Business Journal is a weekly publication covering business throughout the tri-county area. The Business Journal has received numerous state awards during his time as editor, including a certificate of merit from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers.
Panelists
Crystal Culbertson
(INC 500 Rank #5) Culbertson began her IT career as a logistics specialist at the United States Air Force’s Civil Engineering Support Agency. in 2002 she founded her company Crystal Clear Technologies with the stated purpose of “serving those who serve” in providing technology support to the United States Armed Forces. The company specializes in information technology and data communications issues involving the federal government and is now ranked number five of the 2011 INC 500.
Andy Harold
(INC 500 Rank #36) Andy Harold is the president and founder his eponymous firm, A. Harold and Associate. He has over 17 years of program and project management experience. Additionally, Andy recently completed 20 years of service as a member of the U.S Navy Reserves as a helicopter pilot. His company AHA specializes in providing technology, education, engineering, and training support services to federal, state, and local governments, as well as private-sector organizations throughout the U.S. and abroad. Today AHA is ranked 36 of the 2011 INC 500.
Luke Roopra
(INC 500 Rank #16) Luke Roopra was born in Hertfordshire, UK, his Indian roots have played a major role in is life as a businessman. Luke launched Vertiglo, a Web design and software development firm that develops custom mobile applications, websites, and software for customers such as the BBC, Walt Disney World, and Department of Veterans Affairs. Today Vertiglo is ranked 16 of the 2011 INC 500.
Steve Anderson
(INC 500 Rank #71) Steve Anderson is the co-founder of Auto Loop, a company that makes software for the auto industry that features vehicle service scheduling, automated notifications, loyalty programs, customer data management, and electronic service menus.
Justin Blakes
(INC 500 Rank #94) Justin Bakes is the current CEO of 1st Merchant Funding, a company that provides cash advances against future credit card sales for small and mid-size businesses with bad credit. Bakes most recently served as Director of Mergers & Acquisitions of Watsco, Inc. a $3 billion annual revenue acquirer and operator of distribution businesses. 1st Merchant Funding is currently ranked 94 of the 2011 INC 500.
Jose Prendes
(INC 500 Rank #97) Jose Prendes, a Cuban-born entrepreneur, has been ranked by Inc. 500 as one of the "Top 10 Latino and Hispanic Entrepreneurs." Founder of PureFormulas.com in 2007, he helped it become one of the fastest growing E-retailers in the United States. His company, an E-retailer for pure and high-grade natural health supplements, was also ranked in the Inc. 500 ranks PureFormulas.com number 97 as well as one of the Fastest Growing Health Companies, Fastest Growing Companies in Florida, and Top Companies in the Miami Metro Area
Jayson Dubin
(INC 500 Rank #113) Jayson Dubin serves as Chief Executive Officer and President of Intergi LLC, a company that helps gaming websites monetize their content with advertising from major brands. Its customers include Ubisoft and Activision/Blizzard. It recently launched Playwire.com, and owns and operates GameZone.com. Dubin is also the founder and a board member of the South Florida Interactive Marketing Association. Today Integri is ranked 113 of the 2011 INC 500.
Zalmi Duchman
(INC 500 Rank #281) Le Cordon Bleu trained chef Zalmi Duchman, winner of the 2011 South Florida Business Journal Entrepreneur Awards for Product of the Year, established his company The Fresh Diet in November of 2005. The Fresh Diet is the first diet delivery company in Florida to offer clients fresh daily-prepared meals that are never frozen, freeze-dried or vacuum packed. Duchman, is an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2011 Florida Award finalist and today Fresh Diet is ranked 281 of the 2011 INC 500.
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