Alex Neist is the visionary founder and CEO of Hostage Tape, the #1 selling, original mouth tape that has revolutionized the market and drastically changed how millions sleep. The company has inspired over 200,000 customers worldwide and formed high-profile partnerships with the UFC and Joe Rogan's podcast, emphasizing the importance of quality sleep.

Before his entrepreneurial success with Hostage Tape, Alex was an Arena Football League quarterback. He later enjoyed a prosperous career in sports technology, building a seven-figure software business that provided video analysis tools for coaches and teams, which was eventually acquired. However, personal challenges, including chronic snoring that led to marital strife and divorce, prompted a significant life transformation.

The turning point in Alex's life came when he discovered the concept of mouth taping through James Nestor's best-selling book, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art. This simple yet effective technique not only improved his sleep but also profoundly impacted his physical health and mental well-being. He lost 25 pounds, regained his energy, and reconciled with his family.

Fueled by his personal transformation, Alex founded Hostage Tape in 2022 to provide others with the same life-changing benefits he experienced. The company's rapid growth and success reflect Alex’s commitment to promoting nasal breathing and improving sleep quality.

Alex’s journey is a testament to personal resilience and the power of change. After reconnecting with his ex-wife, the couple has since gotten back together, and Alex now enjoys a fulfilling family life, sharing the benefits of mouth taping with his loved ones.

Cabby Lolmaugh was appointed President, Chief Executive Officer in January 2019. After serving four year years in the U.S. Marine Corps., Mr. Lolmaugh joined our company in 2001, working in the warehouse of our Roseville, Minnesota store. From that time through 2014, he served in various roles at several locations, including Store Manager in Roseville, one of the company’s largest and most successful stores. In 2014, Mr. Lolmaugh was asked to lead the company’s pro customer strategy. Under his leadership, the company developed various programs focused on training, product assortment, merchandising and marketing to increase the level of service to the pro customer. In 2016, he became our organization’s first Director of Talent Development, and was responsible for creating and implementing a comprehensive new sales associate and store manager training program throughout the Company. This work included launching new training, development and compensation programs for new sales associates and senior assistant store managers, which became the foundation of our talent development strategy. In 2017, Mr. Lolmaugh was promoted to Vice President of Retail Stores West; responsible for the leadership and management of approximately half of our stores. In February 2018, he was promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer.

Michael McDermott, founder and former CEO of Kona Grill, is a seasoned restaurant industry leader with a track record of creating and growing successful concepts. His portfolio includes the development of Tavern23, Rojo Mexican Grill, and Sushi on Shea. With extensive experience and a passion for innovation, Michael is now leading Chi-Chi’s into its next chapter.

Carlos M. Llanes Jr. is the founder and CEO of Spartan Carrier Group, one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing logistics companies in North America. A U.S. Army combat veteran, accomplished executive, and man of deep Christian faith, Llanes has built Spartan into a powerhouse—closing in on $75 million in annual revenue in under three years, all without venture capital or outside investment.

Recognized as one of the Top 500 Largest Hispanic-Owned and Veteran-Owned Businesses in the United States, Llanes’ company has earned national attention for its rapid growth, operational excellence, and unwavering values. Spartan Carrier Group operates over 650+ assets across 12 locations in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, providing asset-based transportation, 3PL solutions, cross-border logistics, warehousing, and freight management.

Llanes’ leadership is shaped by four combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne Division, and by a steadfast belief that his success is a direct result of his Christian faith. Guided by biblical principles of service, integrity, and stewardship, Carlos leads a mission-driven organization that prioritizes people over profit and purpose over prestige.

Spartan Carrier Group has earned the trust of major clients such as Toyota Motor North America, Foot Locker, Highland Dairy, and leading Tier-1 automotive suppliers. The company boasts a 98% on-time delivery rate and is at the forefront of nearshoring efforts, supporting over 24 million square feet of warehousing and cross-docking space through key alliances across the U.S.–Mexico border.
More than a logistics company, Spartan is a movement—one powered by faith, forged in discipline, and focused on revolutionizing the supply chain industry. As Llanes continues to scale his operations and influence, he stands as a rising star in logistics, a bold entrepreneur, and a living testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership.

In 2010, I received a call from the hospital that would alter the course of my entire life. The nurse on the other end of the line said bluntly: “You need to stop telling my patients about nutrition.”I was a Home Health Physical Therapist at the time and had just discovered the vast world of nutrition. More specifically, I discovered how poor nutrition was linked to many of the health issues my patients were dealing with. So of course, I started telling them about it… I explained how gluten and dairy were big inflammatory foods. How sugar plays a role in things like high blood pressure, inflammation, and chronic disease. How toxic oils like canola and sunflower oil result in inflamed, calcified arteries. So when I received that life-altering call, I knew I had to do something more...So it began…In addition to the nutrition seminars that my wife and I were already hosting, I began researching whole-food nutrition products that would make people feel better. That’s when I stumbled upon this thing called collagen…And on that day—June 6, 2017—NativePath was born.

Based in St. Louis, Michael Lazaroff is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in jazz. As the director of Entertainment Cruise Productions, he oversees The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise and the most recently added Blue Note at Sea cruise. A former attorney, the energetic Lazaroff came into the business in 2000 when Norwegian Cruise Lines discontinued its jazz cruise and his mother Anita Berry, who ran a travel agency that serviced the jazz trips, said that she wanted to start her own jazz-themed cruise. The company, which initially started with the Jazz Cruise, has grown to now host five different theme cruises, including a Star Trek cruise and an 80s music one. Since 2001, Entertainment Cruise Productions has produced more than 70 full ship theme charters, entertained more than 125,000 guests and presented thousands of artists, musicians and performers.