Chasing Wisdom

Highly collaborative, results-focused Chief Executive Officer/Senior Executive with deep knowledge of Large Enterprise Executive Leadership, Business Development, Navy and Joint Acquisitions, Federal Government Operations, Academic Research, Organizational Learning, and Mission-driven Cultures. Applies strong financial and technological acumen to ensure outstanding human performance. Drives strategic change through exceptional leadership and organizational skills. Ensures success by developing and enabling structured, goal oriented teams who focus their planning on defined objectives that surpass organizational and customer expectations. Key accomplishments include:

•Experienced Leader: Selected to run three of the Navy’s highest profile units that required unparalleled execution of assigned tasking at sites across the globe. To include current assignment of running a 1,200 person business unit that is responsible for developing the vast majority of all in-service training for the United States Navy.

•Business Development/Financial Management: Grew business unit top line twenty percent per year. Successfully managed the execution of $1.25 billion in annual contract actions, a $52 million capital budget, and a $220 million payroll.

•Visioning: Developed, planned, and executed learning and cultural initiatives to transform a 400,000 person organization. Expertise led to consultation on future projects for the White House, Department of Defense, and the Department of the Navy.

•Corporate Development: Co-founded and managed a national 401c3 organization that realized increased member data base by 400% and major donor contributions by 300%.

•Change Agent: Hand-picked to develop and pilot a Learning Organization vision for an internationally recognized organization, incorporating a greater degree of oversight, culture change management, tightening of internal procedures, and empowering the workforce.

Owner and head chef of 4 Rivers Smokehouse and restaurant entrepreneur, John Rivers, is a Jacksonville native and graduate of the Florida State University College of Business. He spent 20 years in the healthcare industry, leading strategic growth and business development efforts with Johnson & Johnson and American Home Products subsidiary, Sherwood Medical, finally becoming President of CuraScript Specialty Distribution, where he managed a $1.4 billion pharmaceutical operation.

During this time, in 2004, John Rivers launched his "Barbecue Ministry," a philanthropic effort to bring comfort to local organizations, schools, churches, and families in need. His passion for this cause and love of brisket led him to end his longtime career in healthcare and pursue what would become 4 Rivers Smokehouse, named in honor of his family: Monica (wife), Cameron (daughter), and Jared (son).

John has received national recognition, having cooked at the James Beard House in NYC and participated four consecutive years (2011-2014) in the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival. He was named a Florida finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, and was guest chef at the 2013 and 2014 Atlanta Food and Wine Festival.

Walk With The Wise - Gordon Mason | President, Choice Assets by Dr. Sam Certo

A native Floridian, Eric developed a strong sense of devotion to the nonprofit sector at a young age. As a college student he helped to organize the very first University of Florida Dance Marathon benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network in 1995, and went on to chair the committee in 1997. After witnessing what he describes as “the magic of fundraising and the power of people coming together for a cause,” Eric committed himself to leading a philanthropic life.

Prior to joining United Against Poverty, Eric developed a strong background in nonprofit management including six years serving as Executive Director for the Central Florida office of the American Lung Association and two years as Vice President of Advancement for Give Kids The World. Today, Eric is proud to dedicate his days to keeping Central Florida an incredible place to live. As Executive Director of UP Orlando, he oversees the busiest single-site social service agency in the state of Florida where more than 520 families visit each day. Under his leadership, the organization’s facility and programs have been transformed drastically. The number of new clients applying for UP programs each day grew from an average of 2 to 29 today. New education and employment programs have been developed, including on-site GED classes and a Success Training Employment Program. Volunteer hours have increased 47%, from 47,195 recorded in 2014 to 69,623 in 2015.

In addition to his work at UP Orlando, Eric is a sought-after speaker on marketing and student involvement in the nonprofit sector. He currently serves on the Florida Citrus Sports Pageantry and Presentation Committee and the University of Central Florida’s Nonprofit Management Program Advisory Board. He has a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunication from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management from the University of Kentucky.

Mr. Randal M. Alligood is a Partner in the Orlando office of Broad and Cassel. He is a co-chair of the Firm’s Affordable Housing and Tax Credit Practice Group and is a member of the Corporate and Securities and Public Finance and Capital Projects Practice Groups.

Mark’s background in construction is well rounded with nearly 30 years of large project experience in Central Florida and throughout the southeast, including k-12 and higher education, healthcare, government, high rise, office, retail and airports. Mark spent years as a senior project manager responsible for the successful completion of many projects, has expertise in general contracting, design - build and the government CM at risk process. The past 15 years, Mark has delivered dozens of projects in Central Florida worth over $500 million. As a Central Florida native, Mark is invested in his family and many local organizations, boards and charities. Mark has a passion for creating jobs, building a great company culture and developing Evergreen’s people to be the best.

Roy Reid is a leading authority on public relations, business communications, and marketing with extensive experience in healthcare. He works with business leaders and organizations as a counselor, strategist, and coach to grow, maintain, and protect their interests. He is the Executive Director of Communications for Adventist Health System's Florida Division and previously worked with the University of Central Florida College of Business. Formerly and was a partner with Consensus Communications, an Orlando based public relations firm. In 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 he was named as one of the Top 100 Thought Leaders Influencing Trusted Business Behavior.

He has worked with Fortune 500® companies, healthcare organizations, entrepreneurs, professional service firms, and public agencies. He has successfully worked with leading brands, including Wal-Mart, Walt Disney Resorts, 5/3 Bank, CSX Transportation, Tavistock Group, Lake Nona, Progress Energy, and Burger King.

Roy is a sought after speaker on numerous business topics including trust, issues management, crisis communications, ethics, change, and other related topics. He is the author of Outrageous Trust®, a program that provides a framework and understanding of how to improve results by improving relationships through a more intentional focus and effort on earning, cultivating, and restoring trust.

Roy earned a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Communications from the University of Central Florida, where he also served as student body president. In 2007, he was recognized by the College of Business as its Alumni of the Year, and in 2010 he was inducted into the Nicholson School of Communications Hall of Fame. Roy is Accredited in Public Relations (APR) and an active member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). He is a Certified Public Relations Counselor (CPRC) of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA). Roy is a student and instructor of martial arts and holds a fourth degree black belt in Taekwondo.

Well known for his ability to “set the scene” and get the best from talent, Australian born Director, David Nixon, has a style that enhances every project. His experience includes producing and directing documentaries, feature films, and national commercials. David’s success is due in large part, to his ability to create classic, elegant images that evoke emotion. His experience with all facets of production provides him a big picture perspective enabling him to give producers the absolute best.

Rajiv Kapur brings more than thirty years of business leadership and start-up development to the SystemsMerge™ team. During his career, he has enhanced, and grown numerous companies including Configurations, the industry leader in experiential branding and marketing. Rajiv is a leading authority on business development and branding strategies, and has applied his talent for companies such as Northrop Grumman, Applied Research Associates (ARA), Ryder Systems, Harris Corporation, and Nestle. Rajiv will lead the company’s efforts in new product development. He is known for having a keen understanding of market trends and audience behavior, as well as in-depth knowledge of the issues and challenges facing emerging and growth companies. Among his numerous recognitions, Rajiv received a three star Medal of Honor from the Pentagon – the highest award given to a civilian organization - for his work with the U.S. Armed Forces in innovation and design.

Rajiv Kapur is a respected expert on integrating technologies and has extensive experience in consulting and growing technology companies. He built the company on that first-hand perspective of providing real solutions to improve processes & working conditions through technology. Subsequently, he has positioned SystemsMerge™ to introduce a full complement of products and services that provide physicians and healthcare professionals with solutions to deliver images, data, and treatment through the most productive and economical platforms.

After completing studies in Marketing and International Business from Atlantic University and brings his experience as both an entrepreneur and marketing expert to the SystemsMerge™ team to enhance its competitive positioning and build international relationships.

Rajiv Mixdown by Dr. Sam Certo