Welcome to the Ocean Crest Advisory Board!
The Ocean Crest Advisory Board was formed to help founders maximize their potential and save time, energy and money. We offer a problem-solving "concierge model" which provides candid feedback, critical thinking, robust analysis, and strategic insights.
How to form, legally protect or value the business
How to scale the business, identify addressable markets & solve business challenges
How to capitalize the business and protect equity
Attracting and retaining key personnel needed to grow
Other strategic or technical advice
The Ocean Crest Advisory Board convenes on a semi-regular basis and provides input and guidance on every potential investment we consider. In some instances, the Advisors simply offer opinion, while in others they may be contracted by the founder to provide expertise. Advisors also have the option to participate in funding new Ocean Crest Ventures and take an equity stake.
Meet the Advisors!
Warrick Dunn Charities: (Founder, Former NFL Player & NFL Man of the Year, Minority Owner Atlanta Falcons)
Warrick Dunn
Warrick Dunn is the founder of Warrick Dunn Charities composed of Homes For The Holidays, Count on Your Future, Sculpt, and Hearts for Community Service Scholarships. These four programs are dedicated to strengthening and transforming communities by combating poverty, hunger, and improving the quality of lives for families academically, socially, and economically. The HFTH program rewards single-parent families for reaching first-time homeownership. HFTH recipient families are chosen through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity affiliates and WDC with complete home furnishings and down-payment assistance. HFTH has assisted over 150 single parents and over 300 dependents in Atlanta, Baton Rouge, Tampa and Tallahassee. By providing families with a positive home environment, WDC believes that children can thrive educationally, socially and economically. For his efforts, Warrick received a Giant Steps Award in civic leadership from former President Bill Clinton for his program.
A former National Football League (NFL) running back for twelve seasons, Dunn was the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and earned three time Pro Bowl selections in his career. After his playing career, Dunn took a minority stake in the Falcons' ownership group led by Arthur Blank and was honored with the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. This award is the only NFL award that recognizes a player for his community service as well as for his excellence on the field. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Dunn challenged all NFL players, except for those who play for the New Orleans Saints, to donate at least $5,000 to the effort. The effort received over $5 million in contributions.
Dunn, along with Andre Agassi, Muhammad Ali, Lance Armstrong, Jeff Gordon, Mia Hamm, Tony Hawk, Andrea Jaeger, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Mario Lemieux, Alonzo Mourning and Cal Ripken Jr., founded Athletes for Hope, a charitable organization that helps professional athletes, sports industry professionals and fans get involved in charitable causes. For his exceptional involvement on and off the field, Dunn was awarded with the Bart Starr Award. He also received a Jefferson Award for Outstanding Athlete in Service and Philanthropy.
Superpower: Instilling goodness, determination and grit within our entrepreneurs
Fun Fact: Warrick is a minority owner of the NFL Atlanta Falcons and founder of multiple charities
Evan Gappelberg
Investor, CEO/Founder: (Nextech3D.ai (OTCQX: NEXCF | CSE: NTAR) | CEO, ARway.ai (OTCQB: ARWYF | CSE: ARWY) CEO, Toggle3D.ai ( OTC: TGGLF | CSE: TGGL)
Superpower: Teaching entrepreneurs the art of idea formation and mindset mastery to attain generational wealth
Fun Fact: Evan and his family launched Hampton Chocolate Factory, "The Official Chocolatier of Ocean Crest Ventures"
Evan Gappelberg, investor, entrepreneur, futurist, founded Nextech in January 2018, with a back of the napkin idea that AR / 3D was Going to be a Mega-trend and then raised $3 mill to see if he was right. He went public in October 2018 with big plans - In 2019 reality hit when both Apple & Google explained it was a bit early to the AR party… so he pivoted and purchased a few ecommerce sites and a virtual event platform in 2019/2020. Timing is EVERYTHING!!…2020 turned out to be a 1 in 100 year storm in which his ecommerce + virtual events business grew exponentially along with the stock price growing 40X with our market cap topping out at $700 million… In August of 2021, he placed a largest bet on AI by acquiring AI startup Threedy.ai for $10 million.
Fast forward to summer of 2022, with AI becoming our secret sauce and a clear path to 3D profits and scale, he doubled down on AI…sensing something magical about AI - he went all in! Timing is EVERYTHING! …, in 2023 we are the future of ecommerce- building Generative AI-powered software to scale the production of 3D models for ecommerce …only now he has a battle tested amazing team. TODAY- Evan leads the ONLY publicly traded company that is a preferred 3D model supplier for Amazon, TGT, Kohls, Dyson and hundreds of ecommerce brands and sites. After 5 years & 10 acquisitions Evan has not only acquired pivotal tech but also talented like minded people. Through these acquisitions he has incubated, invested and commercialized exciting new technologies.
Fun Fact: John is a Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Law: Corporate and Tax Planning for Business Transactions
John Lawrence
Shipman & Goodwin LLP: (Partner, Legal Advisor on M&A)
John Lawrence focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, venture capital and private equity transactions, angel investments, private equity fund formation, and securities transactions in a broad range of industries, including aerospace, insurance and managed care, health care, energy and natural resources, and technology. He represents public and private companies in merger and acquisition transactions, private equity and venture capital investments, joint ventures, recapitalizations, corporate governance matters, shareholder disputes and business separations and dissolutions.
John has significant experience in transition planning for family-owned and closely held businesses and assisting owners and management in preparing for and executing sale transactions and other transitions to the next generation of owners and management. John’s broad range of experience as a general corporate and business lawyer has proven invaluable to business owners who have not been through a sale transaction and are unfamiliar with the complex and fast-moving process. John’s collaborative approach and breadth of knowledge of business, financial and tax issues, as well as his sensitivity to the complexities of family-owned or closely held businesses, make him particularly well-suited to manage the legal aspects of a sale process that maximizes value to the current owners and positions the company for continued growth.
John has testified on numerous occasions before the Judiciary, the Commerce and the Banks Committees of the Connecticut General Assembly on behalf of the Business Law Section of the Connecticut Bar Association in support of various amendments to the Connecticut Business Corporation Act, the Connecticut Entity Transactions Act; he also played a significant role in drafting and testifying in favor of the adoption of the Connecticut Benefit Corporation Act.
Ronald Larrow, CPA
Simione, Macca & Larrow: (Partner, CPA & Business Advisor)
Ronald Larrow, CPA, is a partner at Simione Macca & Larrow LLP. Prior to joining our firm, Ron spent more than 20 years at Simione Scillia Larrow and Dowling, LLC, providing federal and state tax consulting services to closely-held businesses and their owners.
Over the years, Ron's clientele has included companies within the construction, manufacturing, financial, and service industries. Earlier in his career, Ron honed his tax consulting skills with the national accounting firm of Ernst & Young of New Haven and Hartford.
Ron served on the State Taxation Committee of the Connecticut Society of CPAs, and as issue editor of the society's CPA Quarterly publication. Ron is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Active in various charitable and civic organizations, Ron serves as treasurer of Fellowship House in New Haven. In addition, he is an ongoing author and speaker on a variety of financial and tax planning issues.
Ron received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Bryant College in 1980, and his Master’s Degree in Taxation from the University of New Haven in 1983.
David L. Katz, MD, MPH, FACPM, FACP
Diet ID, Inc. (Founder and CEO)
David L. Katz, MD, MPH, FACPM, FACP, FACLM is a specialist in Internal Medicine, Preventive Medicine/Public Health, and Lifestyle Medicine, with particular expertise in nutrition. His career-long focus has been the translation of science into action for the addition of years to life, and life to years, and on the confluence of human and planetary health. He earned his BA at Dartmouth College; his MD at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine ; and his MPH from the Yale University School of Public Health.
Katz is the founder and former director of Yale University’s Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center (1998-2019) where he secured and managed roughly $40M in research funding; Past President of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine; President and Founder of the non-profit True Health Initiative; and Founder and CEO of Diet ID, Inc. He is a Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine; the American College of Physicians; the American College of Lifestyle Medicine; and Morse College, Yale University.
The recipient of numerous awards for teaching, writing, and contributions to public health, Katz was a 2019 James Beard Foundation Award nominee in health journalism, has been a widely supported nominee for the position of U.S. Surgeon General, and has received three honorary doctorates. He is a 2023 recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Doctors’ World Gala.
Katz has an extensive media portfolio, having served as a nutrition columnist for O, the Oprah Magazine; an on-air contributor for ABC News/Good Morning America; and with appearances on most major news programs and contributions to most major magazines and leading newspapers, including OpEds in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. He is one of the original 150 “Influencers” selected by LinkedIN, and has a social media following of nearly one million.
He holds multiple US patents; has over 200 peer-reviewed publications; has published many hundreds of on-line and newspaper columns; and has authored/co-authored 19 books to date including multiple editions of leading textbooks in nutrition, preventive medicine, and epidemiology. His most recent book for a general audience, How to Eat, co-authored with Mark Bittman, was a 2021 IACP Awards finalist. Katz has presented at conferences in all 50 U.S. states and in multiple countries on six continents. Represented by the Harry Walker Agency, he has been recognized by peers as the “poet laureate of health promotion.” He and his wife, Catherine, live in Connecticut. They have five grown children.
Superpower: Maximizing diet and wellness to obtain the essential vitality entrepreneurs need to thrive and scale
Fun Fact: David is one of the original 150 “Influencers” selected by LinkedIN, and has a social media following of nearly one million
Superpower: Simplifying the complex and sometimes mystical M&A process with legal protections
Superpower: Helping entrepreneurs navigate the complex tax code and deploy capital appropriately
Fun Fact: Ron has over 30 years experience providing closely held businesses and owners with high quality professional tax and business consultations and strategic planning services
David Karp
Cresset Capital: (Senior Managing Director, Financial Advisor, Barron's Top 100 Independent Advisors for 2023)
Barron’s once again named Cresset Advisor David Karp to its list of the Top 100 Independent Advisors, ranking #1 in Virginia and #15 in the nation. Karp, who has more than 25 years of experience providing sound financial investment and wealth strategies to high-net-worth entrepreneurs and family office clients, said, “I am honored to be included in this list of Barron’s top advisors for another year. It truly is a team effort at Cresset, and on behalf of our entire team, we are deeply appreciative and humbled by this recognition. It is a privilege to have the trust and support of our clients, as that is the lifeblood of our success.”
Barron’s rankings of the 2022 Top Independent Advisors and Top RIA Firms is based on assets managed by the firms, technology spending, staff diversity, succession planning, and other metrics as of 6/30/22. Individual and firm rankings were developed by Barron’s using a proprietary algorithm.
Per Chris Kuselias, Ocean Crest Ventures Founder, "David is a true professional. We are delighted that he is a member of our emerging OCV Advisory Board. He adds tremendous advice and counsel to our growing list of founders who can utilize his expertise."
Superpower: Creating optimal wealth strategies for entrepreneurs in the face of market turbulence
Fun Fact: David was recognized as a fiduciary and quoted in Tony Robbins’ best-selling book, MONEY Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom, on the importance of the fiduciary standard in financial advisor/client relationships
Wayne M. Zell, Esq.
Zell Law: (Founder, Tax & Estate Planning Advisor)
Wayne M. Zell, Esq., is the CEO and Managing Member of Zell Law and Founder of Aspire to Exit. Based in Virginia, he has been advising clients for over 30 years on business succession and estate planning. Wayne is an expert in complex estate planning, business planning, taxation and business exit strategies. With over 37 years of experience speaking, educating, advocating, writing and advising clients on Business Success(ion) planning, he has become the architect behind hundreds of multimillion dollar transactions.
Per Chris Kuselias, Ocean Crest Ventures Founder "we are delighted to have Wayne Zell on our Advisory Board. Estate planning is an often neglected and misunderstood area and Wayne is a foremost authority. He has over 4,000 clients, started 550+ businesses, handled over 140+ M&A Transactions and created over 2,700 Trusts. In our view, Zell Law is the destination for individuals, entrepreneurs, executives and small businesses looking for honest, fair advocates and counselors who will effectively plan their futures and give them the peace of mind they need to conduct their lives and achieve their goals. Our founders and partners will benefit greatly from his inclusion."
Superpower: An icon regarding mastering your blueprint for wealth, estate planning and business succession planning
Fun Fact: Wayne is the author of "Your Multi Million Dollar Exit" profiled by Entrepreneur.com and teaches at George Mason University School of Business
Michael Carter is the founding principal of Carter Morse & Goodrich where he serves as Managing Partner. He has been on the financial side of business from many perspectives: as a business founder, commercial lender, investment banker, board director, and business advisor.
With a broad-based background in a myriad of industries, Michael is well acquainted with the special requirements of each business situation. As a seasoned investment banker, he has advised over 100 M&A and financing transactions. In addition to his work with private companies, Michael has worked with several public companies as a board member and advisor. Michael also serves as the Co-Lead on CMG's Fuel & Retail Convenience advisory team.
Michael began his career in private industry in operations. Thereafter, he was a vice president at Chase Manhattan Bank responsible for middle-market commercial lending and corporate finance activities in New England. Michael has been a board director for World Business Capital, First International Bancorp, Command Security Corporation and Cannondale Corporation.
Michael is a founding member and former board director of the Association for Corporate Growth, Connecticut Chapter. He served on Weston’s Board of Finance for ten years.
Michael joined the Fairchester board for National Federation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), a non for profit, dedicated to teaching inner city kids about starting their own business. His last position was the chapter’s Vice Chairman.
Michael founded Push for Entrepreneurship, an extreme push-up fundraiser where participants do push-ups for two hours. Since its founding over a $100,000 has been raised for teaching students from low income neighborhoods about innovation and entrepreneurship.
Michael was the former President of Weston Little League and has been active in coaching youth sports teams in Weston, Connecticut. He founded Weston Sports Commission and served as President for ten year. He was honored by the Fairfield County Sports Commission as Weston’s Sportsperson of the Year.
Michael earned an MBA from Columbia University and a BA from the University of Rochester.
Michael Carter
Carter Morse & Goodrich (Managing Partner)
Superpower: World class expert in business valuation, merger, and acquisition
Fun Fact: Michael Carter can do tons of push ups!
Michele Henry
Face Foundrie (Founder & CEO), Founder + Skin Scholar Savant aesthetics, Former Co-Founder Primp Boutique
Michele knew at a very young age she wanted to be an entrepreneur. Heading her father's construction crew before the age of 20, she wasn't afraid of hard work or manual labor. She swapped construction boots for stilettos and started Primp, a cheap chic boutique, in 2010. With eight brick and mortar locations throughout the Midwest, the concept has styled nearly a million women and counting.
Her love for all things beauty didn't stop with clothing as she set out to fill a major void in the aesthetics marketplace.After having her third child, Michele Henry searched for skincare treatments that could support her changing skin, the shift in hormones, age, pregnancies, and life—her skin needed some serious help!
With three little ones at home, she didn't have the flexibility to book a spa day three weeks in advance or fit within the typical narrow business hours.Unimpressed with the amount of time and money she had spent, she was determined to build the bridge to accessible and approachable skincare.
She dreamed of a concept that acclimated to the busy lifestyle trends of current society—a place where you have a unique and catered menu of services and a modernized way of booking same-day services. Your face is the first thing that walks into a room, and if you aren't confident in that, it will show. Michele wanted somewhere to help build people up because when you feel and look your best, you do your best.
Michele opened The Face Foundrié in 2019 featuring walk-in service accommodations for lash extensions, facial waxing, 20 to 40-minute facials, and an array of custom-curated skincare products. She was ready to make accessible and approachable skincare an industry standard.
Superpower: Inspiring Entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and aspirations; and lead by example!
Fun Fact: Michele is EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2023!
Lawrence P. Ward, Ed.D
President, University of Hartford
Dr.Ward provides strategic direction and executive oversight for a comprehensive student and campus experience that supports the academic, professional, social, and cultural development and personal well-being of students. Larry leads an integrated portfolio of student-centered services, programs, systems, and policies that deliver excellence in the learner and campus experience.
Larry holds degrees from the University of Connecticut and University of Michigan, and earned his doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania. A popular and engaging featured speaker and panelist, Larry serves in national leadership positions in higher education and holds a faculty appointment in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. He is recognized for helping individuals and organizations to reach their maximum potential for success. Larry is widely respected for his ability to build authentic and impactful connections with students, faculty and staff.
A popular and engaging featured speaker and panelist, Larry serves in national leadership positions in higher education and holds a faculty appointment in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. He is recognized for helping individuals and organizations to reach their maximum potential for success.
Superpower: Ability to build authentic and impactful connections with students, faculty and staff.
Fun Fact: Dr. Ward is an avid Pickle Ball Player!
Wendy Guillies
Retired, President and CEO, Kauffman Foundation, Board Member Center for American Entrepreneurship
Superpower: Strategy Development
Fun Fact: She was selected to join the Women Who Mean Business program through the Kansas City Business Journal.
Wendy Guillies, a seasoned c-suite/senior executive with deep experience in strategy development, talent management, culture, marketing/communications, and board service has joined the Ocean Crest Ventures Advisory Board. In 2022, Guillies retired from a 22-year career at the $2.5 billion Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, where she served as President and Chief Executive Officer for eight years. During her tenure, she oversaw the development and implementation of a new strategic plan, the incubation and launch of three nonprofit education organizations, a comprehensive capital access strategy for entrepreneurs, tremendous growth in the Foundation’s staff and operations, and the onboarding of eight new trustees.
Guillies joined the board of the Center for American Entrepreneurship in 2023. She also serves on the boards of Folience, a for-profit ESOP holding company that was named the national Employee-Owned Company of the Year in 2022; Saint Luke’s South Hospital; the Economic Club of Kansas City; and on the Advisory Committee and President’s Cabinet for Enterprise Bank & Trust’s KC Region. Previously she served on the Boards of Enterprise Bank & Trust in St. Louis and the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. She was a member of The Generosity Commission in Washington DC from its inception in 2021 until her retirement from the Kauffman Foundation in 2022. Guillies also served on the Missouri Innovation and Entrepreneurship Steering Committee in 2021-22. In 2022, she was selected as a “Master” representing the College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as part of UNL’s prestigious Masters Week Program. She was selected to join the Women Who Mean Business program through the Kansas City Business Journal. The Business Journal also named her to the Kansas City Power 100 list for multiple years.
