Zac Coughlin
Zac’s Sweet Shop is a chocolate company creating high-quality, innovative bite-sized chocolates, likened to a modern See’s Candies with Zac Coughlin as the Black, Gen-Z Willy Wonka. Relaunched in 2024, the brand is preparing for a 2025 retail launch with upgraded packaging and strategic partnerships. A Pittsburgh native, Zac developed his passion for flavor and baked goods early on, influenced by his grandmother's expertise. By age 13, he launched Zac’s Sweet Shop, crafting desserts for parties and events throughout high school. He has since been featured in outlets like the LA Times and Entrepreneur, creating custom sweets for high-profile events, including Black-ish and The Oscars. His impressive client list includes Gary Vee, American Express, and Disney, all while giving back to the communities he supports as a proud adoptee.
Alejandro Salazar
Alejandro Salazar is a renowned strategist and the founder of Breakthrough, a consultancy firm that has helped over 250 companies, including global corporations, achieve success in competitive markets. With a PhD from Northwestern University, his career has been shaped by extensive hands-on experience rather than just academic theory. Alejandro's work focuses on guiding businesses to adopt innovative approaches to strategy that emphasize adaptability and action over rigid planning, which has made him a prominent figure in the field.