Segment 1: Tom Hogan is co-founder of Crowded Ocean, a Silicon Valley-based marketing firm that specializes in launching startups. The company has launched over 40 startups to date, including some of technology’s market leaders, such as Palo Alto Networks, Nimble Storage and Sumo Logic. 

Segment 2: Julie Benezet has devoted her professional life to building companies, real estate and careers. She currently works as an executive coach, following 25 years in business and law.  She is the author of the book “The Journey of Not Knowing: How 21st Century Leaders Can Chart a Course Where There Is None”.

Segment 3: Heather McDowell is the founder and CEO of Tickle Water, a brand of naturally flavored sparkling water designed for kids. A New York-based entrepreneur, Heather launched the company to provide a fun but healthy, sugar-free, preservative-free beverage choice for families. 

Segment 4: Pat Swisher is considered the founder of the commercial hygiene industry. He started Swisher Hygiene in 1983, took it public and sold it to Wayne Huzienga. Five years ago, Pat started Enviro-Master and recently bought back his Swisher book of business from Ecolab.

Segment 5: Melanie Gass is a Senior Business Development Manager for Microsoft and the Brainchild behind Entrepreneurship Week. She helps shape Microsoft Community Connections (MCC) to deliver strong value to customers and influencers.

Sponsored by Nextiva and Microsoft.