LUIS RODRIGUEZ

Board Chair

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Mr. Rodriguez is a Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac approved commercial real estate investor with a significant schedule of commercial real estate nationwide comprised of several Multifamily and Student Housing properties ranging from 100 units to over 200 units.  He is also a nationwide residential and commercial lender. His expertise is in the structuring of complex financial transactions targeting hedge funds, REITS, equity portfolios, private merchant banks, pension funds, life insurance companies, and high net worth family offices.

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Lou's expertise includes:

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Bridge Financing 

Construction Debt 

Junior Debt 

Non Recourse Permanent Debt 

CMBS financing   

Mezzanine Debt 

Floating Rate Debt  Management- Led Buyouts of Public/Private companies 

Joint Venture Participation 

Portfolio Financing 

Entry- Level Capitalization and Recapitalization 

Participating Equity 

Customized Convertible Debt/Equity Instruments 

SIMONE SLOAN, MBA, Rph

Board Member

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Simone is an Executive Strategist, Facilitator, and Executive Coach.  Her mantra is “Voice, Power, & Confidence.”  She is a goal-oriented business owner with a passion for achieving positive results.  As an emotional intelligence business and executive coach, she changes the way businesses engage their employees and clients. Simone emphasizes the human element with a focus on diversity and inclusion. She is an active member of the Tri-State Diversity Council and an advocate for women professionals and entrepreneurs. Through her educational talks, workshops, and writing, Simone inspires women leaders and business owners. 

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Simone successfully launched and led products and services, implemented programs for stakeholders across the globe, and developed and trained sales, medical, and technical teams. Key roles held include: Marketing, Communication, Medical Affairs, Promotional Regulatory / Compliance, Customer Service, and Global Business Strategy. She partnered with companies such as: Pfizer, Bayer, GlaxoSmithKline, Medco, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, GE, Volkswagen, financial and banking industry, Medco, and Merck. 

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In 2013, Simone launched Your Choice Coach. Your Choice Coach leverages business strategy, emotional intelligence, and executive coaching to help companies become more human to realize results.  We provide training on personal branding, pitch your business, negotiations, and diversity, cultural competency, & Inclusive leadership.  Executive coaching is focused on emotional intelligence to help managers become better people managers. 

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Simone holds a BS in Pharmacy and an MBA from Howard University. She is co-author of the book: Achieving Results, is DISC certified, Emotional Intelligence (EQI) 2.0 certified, IDI Cultural Competence certified, Block Chain certified, Behavior Design certified, and accredited via the International Coaching Federation.

ABIY BIRHANU

Board Member

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Abiy has 15 years of progressive FP&A experience with a focus on decision support, driving profitability, corporate governance and analytics. He has served as a trusted Finance business partner to various functions such as Sales, Corporate Finance, Operations and HCM. His experience spans Retail, Professional Services & Technology sectors. 

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An Ethiopian native, Abiy spent his early years living abroad. He migrated to the US during his High School years where he graduated from John Bowne H.S in Queens, then later attended Hunter College (CUNY) in NYC where he graduated with an Accounting degree.

 

Abiy is an active member of his community where he serves as a Head Coach for recreational Soccer and Basketball. 

 

Licenses:

New Jersey Licensed Realtor

Steve Duke

Board Member

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Steve enjoys over 20 years of experience in the franchise industry. He has successfully developed cross-functional consensus and directed needed change for franchise organizations; thereby, increasing revenue, efficiency and profits with proactive business management approaches connecting people, spearheading strategies, and continuously enhancing operations.

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Steve has owned his own residential remodeling business and has served as Director of Operations for the franchisor Aamco Transmissions, Inc. He has also served as Vice President of Operations, Merchandising and Integration for Floor Coverings International corporate. He is currently Owner and President of Duke & Duke Consulting, Inc, specializing in assisting clients with finding the proper franchise system which matches their personal and financial goals. He also assists emerging franchises with operational support. 

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Steve is Caliper Assessment certified and possesses overwhelming experience in strategic planning, operations oversight, performance improvement, franchise evaluation, business development and brand strategy.

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Steve and his wife Ashley have been married for 27 years and they have three daughters. Steve is active in his church, local community, and loves golf, tennis, coaching baseball and just about any other sport.