SELECTED PAST VENTURES
Featured Innovative Companies (Clients and In-House Ventures):
Shopping Delivery Service Inc. Founder & Investor: Developed an optimal business model and negotiated all pilot and customer partnerships, including discussions with QVC for a local delivery service of non-perishable foods dubbed the "Virtual Pantry"Founded this early online grocery delivery service in the early 1990s that partnered with local stores to deliver goods directly to customers’ doorsteps. Secured a pilot program with Pathmark Stores to launch one of the industry’s first grocery shopping and delivery services. Expanded through strategic pilot programs with complementary retailers such as The Coffee Beanery, Blockbuster, Wendy’s, Cinnabon, MailBoxes Etc., Toys "R" Us, as well as a marketing agreement with Christiana Mall (Delaware’s largest shopping mall). SDS also provided corporate catering services to clients including DuPont, Conrail, and several Delaware state government agencies. Ceased operations due to a combination of financial difficulties and the structural challenges of the early e-commerce grocery model — one that was capital-intensive, heavily reliant on ongoing venture funding, and arguably ahead of its time. Company contracted out certain operational components in return for perpetual revenue-sharing agreements or ongoing service rights. The PopsyCakes Company Majority Shareholder & Management: Acquired majority ownership stake; negotiated all retail and strategic marketing partnerships, and secured product placement on a nationally #1-rated FOX showCreator of the original “cupcake on a pretzel stick”, a unique and eye-catching dessert concept that gained national attention after being featured on FOX’s #1-rated show The Five. Successfully retailed products nationwide through top-tier outlets including HomeGoods, Six Flags, and Mall of America. The cupcakes became a popular party highlight among high-profile clientele, including NBA star Dwyane Wade and other nationally recognized figures. Acquired by Unique Pizza Corp.
Dealer Information Solutions, Inc. Co-Founder: Focus: developing the rollout strategy & securing dealership partners, including negotiating the development contract with ChryslerInventory management software analyzes dealership performance by make, model, and trim, including sales, costs, days to turn, and gross profit. Offers customizable reports on ROI, inventory aging, and more. Co-developed "U-TOPS" for Chrysler (Used Vehicle Total Order Planning System). Powerful inventory management tool used by thousands of dealers nationwide. U-TOPS has helped boost used-vehicle gross profit by 17%, cut over-aged inventory by 20%, and reduced inventory age by 14 days, leading to a 20% increase in annual turn rates. The firm also partnered with GMMDA (General Motors Minority Dealers Association) to develop a separate inventory management solution, tailored to support GM dealerships. PTseats.com InvestorOnline ticketing platform specializing in poker tournament seat reservations. Company operates as a secondary market ticket broker, facilitating the purchase of seats for sold-out events. Partnered with casinos such as The Isle Casino & Racing at Pompano Park in Florida and the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, allowing players to securely reserve their tournament seats online using major credit cards.
iTrackr.com Major Shareholder & Management: Focused on creating the vertical strategy and establishing retail implementation partnershipsEngages in the development, marketing, and commercialization of an online product and inventory search application for retailers and consumers. Operates itrackr.com, a social networking platform that enables users to locate products and services available in brick-and-mortar stores within their local communities, based on real-time inventory data and geographic location. Early adapters included Best Buy & Radio Shack. Dealerwire.com Management & Lead for acquisition: Evaluated potential growth strategies for the company, concluded that acquisition was the optimal path, identified a prospective acquirer, and led the acquisition discussions Evaluates a dealership’s sales and inventory performance by vehicle make, model and trim, including information about unit sales, costs, days to turn, and front-end gross profit. The solution reviews actual vehicles on the lot and provides specific recommendations for vehicles that should be added or deleted to improve a dealership’s profitability and return on investment. Acquired by DealerTrack Holdings THE YANKLES MOVIE Lead for the DVD deal: Lead for the DVD deal: Sourced potential companies and negotiated deal terms 2009 film about a college baseball team from an Orthodox Yeshiva. The film, shot in Utah with a predominantly Mormon cast, won several awards at film festivals. Did not receive a theatrical release Magnolia Home Entertainment acquired the rights and released it on DVD in 2012 ANTOINE AMRANI CHOCOLATESRestructuring & Strategic Management: As part of an operational restructuring initiative, optimized production and cut costs while maintaining quality, boosting margins and revenue, strengthening key retail partnerships, and repositioning the brand for acquisition.Antoine Amrani Chocolates is a premium producer of gourmet and artisan chocolates, known for its luxurious, handmade confections. The company operated through a boutique retail location and a robust direct-to-consumer online store, with additional distribution through prestigious retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Dean & DeLuca. LENNY DYKSTRA'S CAR WASH & WAX KIT Creator & Strategist: Developed viable extension of the car wash business, overseeing all aspects of product formulation, packaging, and establishing retail partnerships"Grand Slam" Car Wash & Wax Kit, inspired by Lenny Dykstra’s successful Southern California car wash chain. The product was marketed through QVC, Pep Boys, and other automotive retailers. One highly reputable industry expert praised the car wax and wash as a high-quality product—delivering a long-lasting shine and protective finish, all enhanced by a rich cherry scent that leaves vehicles looking and smelling showroom-fresh. Discontinued product line based on its heavy reliance on athlete tenure for promotions during the post launch phase. Also co-managed several of other Dykstra’s business ventures.
CARSARRIVE NETWORK, INC. Inception Advisory: Provided strategic guidance and business focus to develop a viable concept for investors and market entryAutomated vehicle-shipping platform that facilitates digital vehicle movement analysis. Platform connects shippers and carriers to optimize load management and track shipments. CarsArrive is North America's largest automated vehicle transport provider, delivering over 3 million vehicles annually. The company operates a vast network of more than 30,000 transportation service providers, including 4,500+ registered carriers with access to over 30,000 trucks, ensuring reliable and efficient vehicle logistics across the continent. Acquired by OPENLANE, Inc. ("OPNN")
HUGHES SUPPLY, INC. Logistics Consultant: Streamlined supply chain inventory management and delivery operations across distressed distribution centers nationwide, enhancing efficiency and service reliability. Distributor of HVAC and electrical supplies servicing residential, commercial, light industrial, and government markets. Specialized in a broad product range including faucets, valves, hand tools, and heaters, along with delivery and consultation solutions. Acquired by Home Depot, Inc. Other Notable Ventures & Initiatives ScoutLit Athlete performance tracking application developed to support real-time metrics, analysis, and player development insights for scouts, coaches, and teams. Evolution Media Group Creator of Q-Builder, a software platform enabling college students to create customized educational tools and study aids. Acquired by Cendant Corporation VoiceFlash Networks Provider of cutting-edge speech recognition, wireless communication, and Bluetooth™ integration technologies. Piloted at the ARCO Arena to demonstrate voice-controlled venue services. Sears Roebuck Co. – “Store to Door" concept Originated and developed the “Store to Door” local delivery concept for Sears (to be piloted at select Delaware stores), seeking to pioneer same-day and next-day local delivery long before it became an industry standard. Miscellaneous Notables: • Raised over $70M in venture capital across multiple startups and business ventures • Investor in Allied Esports Entertainment’s capital raise via SPAC • Co-Founder, Darren Daulton Foundation – Supporting patients and families affected by malignant brain cancer • Entrepreneur Mentor, Enterprise Development Corporation of South Florida – Supporting 300+ startups annually; contributed to over $500M in economic impact since 1994 • Elected Delegate, 1995 White House Conference on Small Business – Contributed to national small business policy recommendations Selected Sport World Clients: Pete Rose (Pete Rose Ballpark Café)Curt Schilling (38 Studios) Lenny Dykstra (co-managed off-the-field business ventures)Tommy Lasorda (Lasorda Foods & Lasorda U apparel)Darren Daulton (Darren Daulton Enterprises & BackStopDaily.com) Fred Rubino (comic) Mike Missanelli (MikeMiss Ventures) Paul Wahlberg (Wahlburgers Corp.) Eric Lindros (MBNA affinity card) Curtis Sliwa (Guardian Angels) Simon Cowell Philadelphia Union Philly Sports HoldingsFlorida MarlinsMiami DolphinsMiami HeatHouston AstrosBaltimore Orioles
Shopping Delivery Service Inc. Founder & Investor: Developed an optimal business model and negotiated all pilot and customer partnerships, including discussions with QVC for a local delivery service of non-perishable foods dubbed the "Virtual Pantry"Founded this early online grocery delivery service in the early 1990s that partnered with local stores to deliver goods directly to customers’ doorsteps. Secured a pilot program with Pathmark Stores to launch one of the industry’s first grocery shopping and delivery services. Expanded through strategic pilot programs with complementary retailers such as The Coffee Beanery, Blockbuster, Wendy’s, Cinnabon, MailBoxes Etc., Toys "R" Us, as well as a marketing agreement with Christiana Mall (Delaware’s largest shopping mall). SDS also provided corporate catering services to clients including DuPont, Conrail, and several Delaware state government agencies. Ceased operations due to a combination of financial difficulties and the structural challenges of the early e-commerce grocery model — one that was capital-intensive, heavily reliant on ongoing venture funding, and arguably ahead of its time. Company contracted out certain operational components in return for perpetual revenue-sharing agreements or ongoing service rights. The PopsyCakes Company Majority Shareholder & Management: Acquired majority ownership stake; negotiated all retail and strategic marketing partnerships, and secured product placement on a nationally #1-rated FOX showCreator of the original “cupcake on a pretzel stick”, a unique and eye-catching dessert concept that gained national attention after being featured on FOX’s #1-rated show The Five. Successfully retailed products nationwide through top-tier outlets including HomeGoods, Six Flags, and Mall of America. The cupcakes became a popular party highlight among high-profile clientele, including NBA star Dwyane Wade and other nationally recognized figures. Acquired by Unique Pizza Corp.
Dealer Information Solutions, Inc. Co-Founder: Focus: developing the rollout strategy & securing dealership partners, including negotiating the development contract with ChryslerInventory management software analyzes dealership performance by make, model, and trim, including sales, costs, days to turn, and gross profit. Offers customizable reports on ROI, inventory aging, and more. Co-developed "U-TOPS" for Chrysler (Used Vehicle Total Order Planning System). Powerful inventory management tool used by thousands of dealers nationwide. U-TOPS has helped boost used-vehicle gross profit by 17%, cut over-aged inventory by 20%, and reduced inventory age by 14 days, leading to a 20% increase in annual turn rates. The firm also partnered with GMMDA (General Motors Minority Dealers Association) to develop a separate inventory management solution, tailored to support GM dealerships. PTseats.com InvestorOnline ticketing platform specializing in poker tournament seat reservations. Company operates as a secondary market ticket broker, facilitating the purchase of seats for sold-out events. Partnered with casinos such as The Isle Casino & Racing at Pompano Park in Florida and the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, allowing players to securely reserve their tournament seats online using major credit cards.
iTrackr.com Major Shareholder & Management: Focused on creating the vertical strategy and establishing retail implementation partnershipsEngages in the development, marketing, and commercialization of an online product and inventory search application for retailers and consumers. Operates itrackr.com, a social networking platform that enables users to locate products and services available in brick-and-mortar stores within their local communities, based on real-time inventory data and geographic location. Early adapters included Best Buy & Radio Shack. Dealerwire.com Management & Lead for acquisition: Evaluated potential growth strategies for the company, concluded that acquisition was the optimal path, identified a prospective acquirer, and led the acquisition discussions Evaluates a dealership’s sales and inventory performance by vehicle make, model and trim, including information about unit sales, costs, days to turn, and front-end gross profit. The solution reviews actual vehicles on the lot and provides specific recommendations for vehicles that should be added or deleted to improve a dealership’s profitability and return on investment. Acquired by DealerTrack Holdings THE YANKLES MOVIE Lead for the DVD deal: Lead for the DVD deal: Sourced potential companies and negotiated deal terms 2009 film about a college baseball team from an Orthodox Yeshiva. The film, shot in Utah with a predominantly Mormon cast, won several awards at film festivals. Did not receive a theatrical release Magnolia Home Entertainment acquired the rights and released it on DVD in 2012 ANTOINE AMRANI CHOCOLATESRestructuring & Strategic Management: As part of an operational restructuring initiative, optimized production and cut costs while maintaining quality, boosting margins and revenue, strengthening key retail partnerships, and repositioning the brand for acquisition.Antoine Amrani Chocolates is a premium producer of gourmet and artisan chocolates, known for its luxurious, handmade confections. The company operated through a boutique retail location and a robust direct-to-consumer online store, with additional distribution through prestigious retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Dean & DeLuca. LENNY DYKSTRA'S CAR WASH & WAX KIT Creator & Strategist: Developed viable extension of the car wash business, overseeing all aspects of product formulation, packaging, and establishing retail partnerships"Grand Slam" Car Wash & Wax Kit, inspired by Lenny Dykstra’s successful Southern California car wash chain. The product was marketed through QVC, Pep Boys, and other automotive retailers. One highly reputable industry expert praised the car wax and wash as a high-quality product—delivering a long-lasting shine and protective finish, all enhanced by a rich cherry scent that leaves vehicles looking and smelling showroom-fresh. Discontinued product line based on its heavy reliance on athlete tenure for promotions during the post launch phase. Also co-managed several of other Dykstra’s business ventures.
CARSARRIVE NETWORK, INC. Inception Advisory: Provided strategic guidance and business focus to develop a viable concept for investors and market entryAutomated vehicle-shipping platform that facilitates digital vehicle movement analysis. Platform connects shippers and carriers to optimize load management and track shipments. CarsArrive is North America's largest automated vehicle transport provider, delivering over 3 million vehicles annually. The company operates a vast network of more than 30,000 transportation service providers, including 4,500+ registered carriers with access to over 30,000 trucks, ensuring reliable and efficient vehicle logistics across the continent. Acquired by OPENLANE, Inc. ("OPNN")
HUGHES SUPPLY, INC. Logistics Consultant: Streamlined supply chain inventory management and delivery operations across distressed distribution centers nationwide, enhancing efficiency and service reliability. Distributor of HVAC and electrical supplies servicing residential, commercial, light industrial, and government markets. Specialized in a broad product range including faucets, valves, hand tools, and heaters, along with delivery and consultation solutions. Acquired by Home Depot, Inc. Other Notable Ventures & Initiatives ScoutLit Athlete performance tracking application developed to support real-time metrics, analysis, and player development insights for scouts, coaches, and teams. Evolution Media Group Creator of Q-Builder, a software platform enabling college students to create customized educational tools and study aids. Acquired by Cendant Corporation VoiceFlash Networks Provider of cutting-edge speech recognition, wireless communication, and Bluetooth™ integration technologies. Piloted at the ARCO Arena to demonstrate voice-controlled venue services. Sears Roebuck Co. – “Store to Door" concept Originated and developed the “Store to Door” local delivery concept for Sears (to be piloted at select Delaware stores), seeking to pioneer same-day and next-day local delivery long before it became an industry standard. Miscellaneous Notables: • Raised over $70M in venture capital across multiple startups and business ventures • Investor in Allied Esports Entertainment’s capital raise via SPAC • Co-Founder, Darren Daulton Foundation – Supporting patients and families affected by malignant brain cancer • Entrepreneur Mentor, Enterprise Development Corporation of South Florida – Supporting 300+ startups annually; contributed to over $500M in economic impact since 1994 • Elected Delegate, 1995 White House Conference on Small Business – Contributed to national small business policy recommendations Selected Sport World Clients: Pete Rose (Pete Rose Ballpark Café)Curt Schilling (38 Studios) Lenny Dykstra (co-managed off-the-field business ventures)Tommy Lasorda (Lasorda Foods & Lasorda U apparel)Darren Daulton (Darren Daulton Enterprises & BackStopDaily.com) Fred Rubino (comic) Mike Missanelli (MikeMiss Ventures) Paul Wahlberg (Wahlburgers Corp.) Eric Lindros (MBNA affinity card) Curtis Sliwa (Guardian Angels) Simon Cowell Philadelphia Union Philly Sports HoldingsFlorida MarlinsMiami DolphinsMiami HeatHouston AstrosBaltimore Orioles