Food/Beverage

ENERGY

THOMAS NEYHART

CEO

PosiGen

Founded in 2011, PosiGen’s mission is to “make a positive financial impact by providing green energy solutions to lowto-moderate income homeowners.” During Neyhart’s tenure as CEO, the company has been named to Inc. Magazine’s “5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies” list for three years in a row, and has established credit lines totaling more than $150 million.

Education: Louisiana State University Nonprofit Cause: Kids Across America On the Horizon: Introducing solar roof shingles Best Fest: French Quarter Fest Go-to Restaurant: GW Fins Hidden Gem: Stanley’s Hero: Ted Lasso Hobby/Passion: “Riding my Harley with my wife.”

ENERGY

DEANNA RODRIGUEZ

President and CEO Entergy New Orleans

Rodriguez, a 28-year veteran of Entergy, has served in a variety of capacities at the company. She worked closely with the New Orleans City Council to launch the first Energy Smart program. She also coordinated post-Hurricane Katrina funding efforts, which resulted in more than $200 million in community development block grants for the region.

Education: The University of Texas at Austin (MPA, BA) Hidden Gem: Barracuda’s Hobby/Passion: Running and reading Advice: “Be kind to everyone.” Go-to Restaurant: Sofia and Pêche Nonprofit Cause: Youth Empowerment Program Best Fest: Jazz Fest

ENERGY

KARL WEBER

Vice President of Public Affairs

Atmos Energy Louisiana

Weber oversees the development of business relationships and stakeholder engagement for Atmos, an S&P 500 natural gas distribution company. He is program committee chair for the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber, serves on the chairman’s council for the New Orleans Chamber and is an at-large board member for the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute.

Education: Kent State University (MA), Loyola University New Orleans (BAS) Advice: “Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic.” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Poboy Pick: Oyster, dressed Hidden Talent: Disruption Best Fest: Jazz Fest

ENERGY

JARED WIMBERLY

Refinery Manager

PBF Energy

With a refinery background that goes back almost 25 years, Wimberly has held almost every job in the industry, starting as a process engineer and working his way up to a management role. He actually volunteered to be transferred to the Chalmette refinery. “I love the people,” he said. “That is why I raised my hand and asked the company to move me back home to Louisiana.”

Education: Louisiana State University (BS) Best Fest: “Growing up in Church Point, I always loved Courir de Mardi Gras.” On the Horizon: “We’re very excited about the renewable diesel project that was approved to be built within the Chalmette Refinery.” Nonprofit Cause: United Way of Southeast Louisiana

FOOD/BEVERAGE

JAMES ARMAND

Owner

Joe’s Café

Armand got his first taste of the restaurant industry when he was 14 years old, starting out as a donut fryer working for two former nuns who owned a West Bank donut franchise. He and his wife, Stacey Favre Armand, bought their first location in 1988 and, to this day, their hand-cut glazed donuts are still the top seller at all of their franchise’s locations.

Best Fest: Gretna Heritage Festival Hidden Gem: Port of Call On the Horizon: “We’re opening a franchise location in Gretna.” Advice: “Stop and smell the roses. Take vacations and spend time with family. Life is shorter than you think.” Nonprofit Cause: Teen Challenge

FOOD/BEVERAGE

PEPPER BAUMER

President

Baumer Foods

Baumer Foods is the maker of the worldrenowned Crystal Hot Sauce. According to family lore, Baumer’s grandfather started the business in 1923 using a recipe he found inside the drawer of a snoball syrup production company he bought on Tchoupitoulas Street. Now, the company makes millions of gallons of hot sauce annually for distribution to more than 30 countries.

Education: University of Alabama Best Fest: Jazz Fest Go-to Restaurant: Commander’s Palace Hidden Gem: Wetlands Sake Brewery Nonprofit Cause: NOCHI and Krewe of Red Beans Best Part of Job: “Making good food taste GREAT!” Company Headquarters: The 190,000-square-foot Globalplex Intermodal Terminal in Reserve BIZNEWORLEANS.COM

FOOD/BEVERAGE

DAVID BLOSSMAN

President

Abita Brewing Company

This Covington native began brewing beer before he was old enough to legally drink, with the guidance of Abita founders Jim Patton and Russ Cummings. Ten years later, he took over as president of the brewery and began sourcing local ingredients to craft the Harvest Series. Abita now boasts an output of more than 100,000 barrels of beer and soda annually.

Education: Louisiana State University (BS) On the Horizon: “We’ve released a line of ready-todrink crafted cocktails so you can spend less time making the drink and more time enjoying it.” Poboy Pick: “Fried oyster, dressed, no tomato, lots of Crystal Hot Sauce” Best Fest: French Quarter Fest Snoball Style: Nectar cream with condensed milk

FOOD/BEVERAGE

MONICA BOURGEOIS

Owner

Wild Bush Farm + Vineyard

Bourgeois is a photographer, retailer, distributor, producer, winemaker and viticulturist. “I have certifications and education,” she said, “but I am currently learning as I go with the help of a lot of people with life experience far greater than anything I could learn in a classroom.” She makes Vending Machine Wines in California and Wild Bush Farm + Vineyard wines in Louisiana.

Education: Louisiana State University (BFA) Go-to Restaurant: Marjie’s Grill Hidden Gem: Lola’s Advice: “Ask for help when you need it.” What Do You Love About Your Job? “Working with nature to create sensory experiences.” Hero: Oregon farmer Nate Ready Nonprofit Cause: SPCA

FOOD/BEVERAGE

KEVIN BRATCHER

Co-Founder

Beyond the Equator

Bratcher started his superfoods retail brand in 2017 along with co-founder Carl Newton. Their products have earned accolades from the Specialty Food Association (the sofi Award for Best New Product) and KeHE Distributors (On Trend Award for Condiments). Beyond the Equator recently announced a partnership with Ocean Spray Cranberries to launch two new products.

Education: Tulane University (MBA), Denison University (BA) Best Fest: Red Dress Run Hidden Gem: Rosalita’s Backyard Tacos Go-to Restaurant: Fharmacy Hobby/Passion: Painting and golf Heroes: Paul Newman, Rob McElhenney Nonprofit Cause: Son of a Saint

FOOD/BEVERAGE

CHRISTA COTTON

CEO

El Guapo

Before founding the New Orleans Beverage Group and acquiring the El Guapo trademark in 2017, Cotton worked alongside chefs, hoteliers and event planners as an ad executive. She has combined her marketing experience with her family’s distilling expertise to launch a brand of small-batch cocktail bitters, syrups and mixers that have won four Good Food awards.

Education: Auburn University (BS) Go-to Restaurant: “If it’s date night, we’re heading to Saint Germain.” Hidden Gem: Lab + Lounge Advice: “Attitude, persistence, integrity and consistency matter so much more than intelligence.” Nonprofit Cause: Son of a Saint

FOOD/BEVERAGE

MIGNON FRANCOIS

Founder/Director of Joy

The Cupcake Collection

A New Orleans native and mother of seven, Francois tells a powerful story about the origin of her business: She says she took the last $5 she had for dinner one week and made cupcakes. A decade and a half later, her shop, the Cupcake Collection, is ranked among the top 10 of its kind in the country and has two locations: one on Magazine Street and one in Nashville.

Education: Houston Christian University (BS) Honors/Awards: Francois earned a Black Entrepreneurs Day NAACP Powershift Grant and has been named one of Nashville’s Most Powerful Women by the Nashville Post. Mission: “We want to be a lighthouse in the community as an example of what good business looks like doing what’s right because it is right.”

FOOD/BEVERAGE

AARON GAILMOR

Founder

Brass Roots

In 2019, this Vermont native launched his New Orleans-based brand of nutrient-dense, allergen-friendly snacks made from the sacha inchi seed. That same year, he founded the New Orleans Food & Beverage Group to connect packaged food and beverage companies. He’s active in civic affairs. Brass Roots products are available nationwide and sales have grown three times year over year.

Education: Boston College (BS) Go-to Restaurant: Bearcat Cafe Best Fest: Bayou Boogaloo On the Horizon: “Growing sacha inchi in Louisiana” Advice: “If you want to follow your passion, be willing to FIGHT for it.” Hobby/Passion: “Outside of my family and Brass Roots: nutrition, soccer and golf”

FOOD/BEVERAGE

LINH GARZA

President

Dong Phuong Bakery

Garza runs a family business that began in the 1980s on Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans East and has exploded in popularity in the new millennium. Dong Phuong bread is used by many New Orleans restaurants, and the bakery’s king cakes are worth lining up for each Carnival season. The bakery has earned accolades from many sources, including the Food Network.

Education: The University of Texas at Dallas (MS, BBA) Best Fest: Fried Chicken Fest On the Horizon: “Possibly a new king cake flavor this year” Advice: “Just try it!” What Do You Love About Your Job? “Not having to stand in line for king cakes”

FOOD/BEVERAGE

WILLIAM GOLDRING

Chairman

Sazerac Company

This billionaire businessman is chairman of the Sazerac Company — home to Buffalo Trace Distillery and another 450 brands of spirits — and Crescent Crown Distributing, the beer wholesaler. Raised in New Orleans, Goldring contributes to many local philanthropic causes. He graduated from Tulane University in three years but has spent a lifetime supporting his alma mater.

Education: Tulane University Best Fest: Jazz Fest Hidden Gem: Sazerac House On the Horizon: Purchasing a 300-year-old distillery in Ireland Advice: “Stay focused and persistent in your dreams.” Hobby/Passion: Tennis

FOOD/BEVERAGE

VINCE HAYWARD

Owner and CEO

L.H. Hayward & Company

Hayward is the fourth-generation owner of L.H. Hayward, makers of the worldfamous Camellia Beans. For the first time in the company’s nearly 100-year history, Camellia products are now available throughout the country. Hayward has also acquired Louisiana-based companies Gulf Coast Blenders and Dagostino Pasta Company.

Education: The Thayer Institute (MA), University of Louisiana at Lafayette (BBA) First Job: Store manager at K&B Advice: “If all you ever do is to teach your children they are loved and accepted, you’ve done your job.” Best Fest: “French Quarter Fest!” Snoball Style: “Jungle Juice ... from the daiquiri shop.”

FOOD/BEVERAGE

FRED BRATTON HOLLEY

Event Coordinator

Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC)

RNDC traces its roots back to 1898, when Newman Goldring opened the first beer distribution company in Florida. Since then, the company has expanded its footprint from coast to coast, becoming the nation’s second-largest wine and spirits distributor. Holley is an essential contact for event producers hoping to feature Republic’s products at their events.

Education: Benedictine College (BA) Nonprofit Cause: Cafe Reconcile Advice: “Improve your attitude, knowledge, skills and work habits each and every day.” Jazz Fest Food: Crawfish Monica Poboy Pick: Fried shrimp Best Fest: Zurich Classic Fave Parade: Italian-American Parade

FOOD/BEVERAGE

KYLE HULING

Co-Founder and Vice President

Urban South Brewery

Huling worked with company founder Jacob Landry to open breweries in New Orleans and Houston that now employ 50 people. Urban South products are available in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. Florida distribution is next. “I love seeing people enjoying a beverage we create,” he said. “We’ve been lucky enough to be a small part of the culture of our city.”

Education: Loyola University (MBA), Louisiana State University (BA) Go-to Restaurant: Pêche Best Fest: Hogs for the Cause Advice: “Choosing your partner in life is the most important decision of your life. That person will be there every day supporting and challenging you to be your best self.”

FOOD/BEVERAGE

TREVIS JOSEPH

Owner

The Southern Franchising Group

Joseph has worked in education, banking and real estate investing but really found his footing as a business developer working with the Subway brand. SFG says it has been contracted by Subway to provide franchising and consulting services to more than 350 Subway restaurants in southern Louisiana and Mississippi. Joseph is on the board of directors for the Subway Cares Foundation.

Education: University of New Orleans (BA) Go-to Restaurant: Saint John On the Horizon: “A great new series that will see the brand move in an exciting direction for customers.” Advice: “Always treat people with respect and humility.” Hobby: “Collecting art that speaks to me.” BIZNEWORLEANS.COM

FOOD/BEVERAGE

COLLEEN KEOGH

Founder

Kingfish Cider

With financing help from JEDCO, Keogh opened her micro-distillery and tap room in 2021 in Old Jefferson. She serves “not-toosweet” ciders and perries (brewed with pears rather than apples), plus charcuterie, local beers and craft cocktails made exclusively with Louisiana spirits. “I like playing with the flavor profiles and making delicious cocktails with my cider,” she said.

Education: Louisiana State University (BA) Hidden Gem: Juan’s Flying Burrito in the LGD On the Horizon: “Distribution at the end of 2022 so look for us at a bar or restaurant in your area.” Advice: “It always takes more money and time than you would ever expect, so plan ahead.” Hobby/Passion: “Dogs. Needless to say, Kingfish is dog friendly and I raise funds for animal rescue.”

FOOD/BEVERAGE

SHELBY WESTFELDT MILLS

President

Westfeldt Brothers

Founded in 1851, Westfeldt Brothers lays claim to the title of being the oldest green coffee importer in the country. In recent years, it has broadened its scope to include gourmet and chicory coffee, as well as tea. Mills — a former queen of Mardi Gras — is the sixth generation to run the company, which ships millions of pounds of coffee to New Orleans annually.

Education: University of Alabama (BA) Hobby/Passion: “Traveling, especially with my husband and two girls. It is so fun to visit new places together.” Nonprofit Cause: The Chartwell Center Best Part of Job: “I am very lucky that I get to work with friends and family.” Go-to Restaurant: Mr. John’s and Vincent’s

FOOD/BEVERAGE

WILLIAM “BO” REILY IV

President and CEO Reily Foods Company

Reily Foods is one of the city’s oldest companies, and Reily is the fourth generation of his family to run it. Over the past 120 years, the business has grown from a single grocery store into a mini-conglomerate that makes and sells Luzianne Iced Tea and Blue Plate Mayonnaise, along with coffee, cake flour, sauces, chili seasonings, salad dressings and more throughout the U.S. and globally.

Education: Tulane University (BA) Known for: Blue Plate Mayonnaise, French Market Coffee, Luzianne Iced Tea, New England Tea & Coffee Did You Know? Reily Foods is comparable in size and makeup to B&G Foods, a publicly listed New Jersey-based food mini-conglomerate with a market value of about $1 billion.

FOOD/BEVERAGE

JON RENTHROPE

CEO and Brewmaster

Cajun Fire Brewing Company

A native New Orleanian and member of the United Nation of Houma Indians, Renthrope is an internationally recognized brewmaster, and runs the first Black and Native-owned brewing company in the South. He’s also recognized as a cultural ambassador for the historic Treme community and serves on the executive board of “100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans.”

Education: University of New Orleans (MBA), University of Florida (BA) Hidden Gem: 504 Craft Beer Reserve Hero: “My wife” Advice: “Challenge and commit to yourself to development a mindset to never stop learning and making intentional decisions.” Go-to Restaurant: Dooky Chase’s Restaurant

FOOD/BEVERAGE AIMÉE SEDKY

COO and Co-Founder

Drink Mockly

With recipes crafted by renowned New Orleans mixologist Jesse Carr, Sedky and her husband started their nonalcoholic beverage company in 2020, launching three flavors of “mocktails” in the New Orleans region. The drinks were quickly added to the menus of bars and restaurants all across the city, as well as the shelves of local grocers like Rouses and Langenstein’s.

Education: Louisiana State University (BS) Best Fest: Jazz Fest Hidden Gem: “N7. It is the most magical restaurant in the city!” Advice: “Know when to cut it loose. Success is found in what you do AND what you don’t do.” Nonprofit Cause: New Orleans Women and Children’s Shelter

FOOD/BEVERAGE

DAN SHAPIRO

CEO

Krispy Krunchy

Shapiro joined the company he now runs in 2001, but got his start in the convenience store business working as a third-shift cashier. While he takes pride in his own accomplishments, he said he’s most proud of his company’s work in times of crisis. “We’ve provided thousands of meals during natural disasters, including hurricanes Gustav, Ida and Michael,” he said.

Education: Austin College (BA) Go-to Restaurant: Arnaud’s Advice: “Hire people smarter than you.” Hero: “Benjamin Franklin. Statesman, inventor, all-around genius.” On the Horizon: “Growth, baby! We’re in 47 states. We’re about to open a location in Montana, which will give us all 48 contiguous states.”