Our professional mentors play an integral role in the success of our members and making their vision a reality.
Our Mentors serve as a resource to our community and share their professional experiences while providing support, insight and direction.
Featured Mentors
Rene Jacquat
Rene Jacquat is an advisor and the founder of LogiChain Solutions. He enables food and beverage companies to scale operations and optimize their supply chain while considering sustainable practices throughout all elements of the value chain. He supports companies that are at a pivotal moment with a need or opportunity for growth. Working hands-on from strategy to implementation, Rene focuses on the company's operations and business goals while driving change that has both immediate and lasting impact.
Rene has directed and managed global operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, India and Asia Pacific. He was responsible for overall management of end-to-end supply chains including the entire plan, source, make, deliver and return processes.
Rene is based in San Francisco and enjoys the bounty of what nature and the culinary ecosystem has to offer in the bay area.
Merrill Gilbert
25 years guiding companies from development to launch of innovative new products and establishing brand identity for the food and beverage industry. Always at the forefront of emerging trends on the future of food, technology, health and wellness, the recent expansion of legal Cannabis is the next frontier to scale.
Giovanni Montanelli
Giovanni Montanelli, Food and beverage expert with extensive turnaround experience and a track record of helping clients break into new markets, establish US operations and connect directly to consumers. President and Founder of VentiQuattro Food Consulting, Giovanni leads all facets of the company, including development and strategy implementation. He ensures that the values of VentiQuattro are applied consistently, creating a solid foundation for clients’ success. He also maintains a keen awareness of the import and food industry and is on top of key market trends.
Giovanni has a strong background in international business and over 16 years of experience promoting true best-in-class brands. He brings startup energy and career sales in excess of $36M along with a passion for identifying, training and helping new owners navigate the franchisee journey.
Giovanni holds a bachelors degree in Economics & Business. He is fluent in Italian, French, and English. His work is his passion, and he likes to golf, run and travel in his spare time.