Founder’s Journey is a speaker series sponsored by 187 Labs & the Williams Center, where we explore the journey of some of the most influential entrepreneurs in Rutherford and beyond. The purpose of this panel discussion is to help motivate, prepare, and guide the next generation of founders coming out of Rutherford, NJ.

This month's guests are:

Jonathan LeVine - Owner of Jonathan Levine Projects

Jonathan Levine Projects is committed to new and cutting edge art. Our roots go back to 1995 when LeVine's life-long participation in punk and underground music grew into a curatorial experiment with the visual culture that surrounded him. In 2005, he opened Jonathan LeVine Gallery in the Chelsea district of New York City and had great success nurturing the careers of many celebrated artists.

In 2017, the gallery relocated to Jersey City with a newfound focus on community and collaboration. The newly named Jonathan LeVine Projects aims to create engaging programs and interesting partnerships beyond the traditional gallery space. With an eye towards honoring and connecting with the history and context of Post War art, Jonathan LeVine Projects explores the terrain of the high/low and everything in between.

Michael Pelczynski - VP of Strategy at Soundcloud

Michael Pelczynski is a strategist, economist and music rights expert that has been a pioneering force in evolving the streaming business. As Vice President of Strategy at SoundCloud, Michael had architected, licensed and launched an award winning new economic model and fan-powered business.

Continually working on improving the economics of music, Michael had delivered multiyear first-to-market licensing deals with major record labels while conceiving and developing artist-to-fan product tools that enhance the commercial value proposition.

Focused on the future state of the industry, Michael has led cross-functional teams to identify and evaluate new strategic business opportunities, including new initiatives, partnerships and operational improvements.

Ross Pino - Fine Artist

Ross Pino is an artist who’s main focus is to conceptualize the awakening process. Telling the story of life and death, good and evil, and in general the duality within this world. His main objective is to set people free from negative mindsets and destructive thought patterns, and to help them step into their fullest most elevated Verizon of themselves.

Founder’s Journey is a speaker series sponsored by 187 Labs & the Williams Center, where we explore the journey of some of the most influential entrepreneurs in Rutherford and beyond. The purpose of this panel discussion is to help motivate, prepare, and guide the next generation of founders coming out of Rutherford, NJ.

This month's guests are:

Manny Padron

Manny Padron has been the local men’s hair guru of Northern New Jersey for over 15 years. He’s the creative presence behind Substance Salon. His work behind the chair is a fusion between a Barbering and Modern Hair Styling. Manny was trained as a Master Barber/Cosmetologist in one of New York’s leading institutes and over the years has learned from some of the top stylists in the industry.

Manny is also an Educator in the Beauty & Grooming industry. Teaching stylists and salon owners men’s grooming and also how to excel in customer service and experience. His dedication to the beauty & grooming culture is evident and on display as a passionate artist.

Alejandro Rad

The Nuts4Nuts brand was started in New York in 1993 by Alejandro Rad. Mr. Rad, born in Mendoza, Argentina and now an American citizen, started out as a honey-roasted nuts vendor in 1989. He began with one pushcart and grew steadily. Today, the company he owns in partnership with Bronx native Cliff Stanton – United Snacks, Inc. – supplies nearly 100 pushcarts throughout the city.

Renee Faris

After getting her college and culinary school degrees and honing her baking skills at Carlo’s Bakery, Gramercy Tavern, and Fig & Olive, Renee knew it was time to strike out on her own. Seeing a need for a European-style coffee shop in Northern NJ, she opened Erie Coffeeshop & Bakery in Rutherford, where she serves up delicious pies, cakes, and unique baked treats like blood orange brioche and coconut raspberry scones, along with locally roasted coffees. And after seven years, Renee still makes everything in-house in small batches, choosing quality over quantity and creative freedom.