James
James graduated from Cass Technical High School in the City of Detroit and has been entrepreneurial since birth. At a very young age, he opened a lizard breeding facility which sold reptiles to local pet shops, online consumers, and reptile shows. Additionally, he started a lucrative online apparel business and also opened a variety of small businesses focusing on nutritional juice and online marketing. He currently is a Life Licensed Independent business owner through Primerica Financial Services. James has been given the gift to turn his ideas into profits and has plans to open several businesses in Detroit. James is launching Jimmy Kicks. Jimmy Kicks is a limited edition footwear company that allows its web-based community to design their own sneakers and then vote on the best design for the next production run. Designers and artists submit sneaker designs on line. Visit www.jimmykicks.com for more information.
Ken
Ken grew up in the Metro Detroit area and graduated from Livonia Churchill High School. After earning his Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from the University of Michigan, he put his education to use as Director of Digital Print for Robot Digital Solutions. In this capacity, he implemented a new job management system in order to streamline workflows, helped migrate several print and warehouse distribution programs to print-on-demand solutions, and managed their variable data direct marketing operations. Ken is excited to be a part of the renaissance that Detroit is going through and can't wait to help make the City of Detroit a better place to live, work, and enjoy life. Ken has partnered with Judy Davids to launch PostEgram. PostEgram is making it possible for those without a computer or the desire to socially network online, to keep in touch with their loved ones. PostEgram uses an application on the Facebook® Platform that gives users the ability to transform their personal updates and photos into a full-color printed newsletter which is then delivered to the mailboxes of family and friends. Visit www.postegram.com for more information.
Chanell
Chanell is a new-school entrepreneur that has combined her love for Detroit, entrepreneurship, and sustainability into the business she co-founded. Guffly is the stylish consumer's source for unique and creative gifts that ease the conscience by being eco-friendly or fair trade. Together with business partner, Jordan Contreras, she came up with Guffly's unique business model - a style-hunting internet retail store that features a new product every weekday in addition to its customers' favorites and top sellers that are always available in the store's "Top Guffs" catalog. Prior to launching Guffly, Chanell began her career at Detroit's Mosaic Youth Theater working to organize hundreds of performances and events around Detroit, Michigan, as well as nationally. Her BA in Sociology & Communications from the University of Michigan was the springboard to her role as Guffly's "Chief Guffly Love Distributor" (or CEO) where she steers the path for the new eco-stylish company.