Take your business to the next level with an engaging networking event that will identify the most successful sales channels for your business. Discover nontraditional channel opportunities and unique ways to approach potential buyers or drive sales through promotions and partnerships. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, a startup founder, or simply looking to expand your professional network, this event is designed to provide you with invaluable insights and connections.
About the moderator
Natalie Shmulik is The Hatchery’s Chief Strategy and Incubation Officer and go-to resource for launching a successful food and beverage business. With an M.L.A. in Gastronomy from Boston University, Natalie has years of innovative experience working with supermarkets, culinary publications, consumer packaged goods companies, and food service establishments. She continues to play a valuable role in branding and marketing for food businesses around the country, with her specialty in trend forecasting.
About the speakers
Bridgett Allen Hedgeman, Founder Upgrade Sales Consulting. Bridgett is a sales consultant with over 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. She has worked with clients from a variety of industries, designing customized strategies to increase revenue and profits. Bridgett is a graduate of Howard University and has a deep understanding of the sales process and how to improve performance. She is passionate about helping businesses achieve their goals and grow sustainably and responsibly. We are striving for a superior version of success.
Dylan Melvin, Beverage Director at Foxtrot. Dylan has over a decade of experience in the food and beverage industry. During his career, Dylan worked with a variety of notable Chicago chefs including Stephanie Izard, Charlie McKenna, Bill Kim and Matthias Merges. Dylan spent two years at Pipeworks Brewing Company before joining Foxtrot as their Director of Adult Beverage in 2018. At Foxtrot, Dylan has worked closely with numerous food and beverage startups, many of which launched their products on Foxtrot shelves. Additionally, Dylan has helped develop and launch dozens of collaborations or private label brands at Foxtrot. Dylan is a Sommelier and Cicerone, who has been featured in Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Eater, Wine Spectator, WGN and, most recently, was recognized as a Market Watch Leader by Shanken Communications (Wine Spectator). Dylan is also the co-founder of is/was brewing in Chicago.
Disha Gulati, Founder and CEO of Here Here Market. Here Here Market is a technology startup at the cross-section of hospitality and retail. Prior to this, she was the head of global analytics for Mondelez International, a fortune 100 CPG company. Disha comes with over 20 years of experience in business strategy, innovation, and analytics. She spent her corporate years as a management consultant for Deloitte Consulting and as the Vice President of Corporate Innovation for 1871, one of the largest tech-incubator in North America. Disha has her MBA from the Booth School of Business. She currently lives in Chicago with her husband and son.
The Illinois Small Business Development Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, and the Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC). Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Please contact the center at (312)421-3941.
