THE JUDGES
Larry Gaynor
Founder & CEO TNG Worldwide, author of Take A Chance! published by Forbes Books
Larry Gaynor founded TNG Worldwide in 1985 and is the Founder and CEO. Gaynor leads TNG with its mission of 100% Customer Success. TNG is a Gallup-trained organization that focuses on its employees’ strengths and is what helped to make TNG a leader in the beauty industry. TNG’s best-selling brands include ForPro Professional Collection and Ginger Lily Farms. TNG manufactures more than 1000 products and continues to lead the beauty industry in new product innovation. TNG is an Amazon Top 200 Beauty Reseller. Larry won the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2001 and is the author of Take A Chance!, launching April 9.
Deanna Neeley
Founder & CEO Detroit Voltage
Deanna Neeley is the Founder & CEO of Detroit Voltage, Michigan’s leading and fastest-growing residential electrical contracting firm. Her company is also a certified Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprise, Deanna provides unwavering support through mentoring, coaching, and books for fellow women looking to embark on their journeys. She has also won several awards from Google, JP Morgan Chase, DTE Energy and made the Forbes Next 1000 List.
Josh Linkner
Serial entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author, and venture capital investor
Josh Linkner is a New York Times bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, venture capital investor, professional jazz guitarist, and a globally-recognized innovation expert. He’s been the founder and CEO of five tech companies, which created over 10,000 jobs and sold for a combined value of over $200 million. He’s the co-founder and Managing Partner of Muditā Venture Partners. Josh won the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award twice and does more than 80 speaking engagements annually.
Danny Beckett Jr.
Entrepreneur, Investor and General Partner at Entrepreneur Ventures
Danny is a General Partner at Entrepreneur Ventures, the venture capital arm of Entrepreneur Media, the leading media platform for entrepreneurs. He has over 20+ years of experience in launching, scaling, and exiting startups, as well as investing in real estate and family and founder-owned businesses. As a former professional motorcycle athlete turned entrepreneur, Danny has a unique perspective and a passion for helping founders achieve their vision and potential. He has started seven companies, four of which were venture-backed, three bootstrapped, and three exited. He has helped raise over $100 million from top investors and advised, consulted, and invested in hundreds of companies across various industries.
Larry Binker Jr.
CEO & President Brinker
Larry Brinker Jr. is an award-winning entrepreneur, impact investor and mentor. He is the CEO & President of Brinker, a group of family-owned and operated commercial construction services companies responsible for several billion dollars in construction projects. Larry won the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2018 and has served on many boards. In 2021, Larry co-founded Capsa Money, Inc., a banking model providing the underbanked with better access to financial services.
Jenny Feterovich
4-time Emmy Nominated TV & Film Producer,
lifelong entrepreneur
Jenny Feterovich is a 4-time Emmy Nominated TV and film Producer known for the hit TV show START UP and feature length documentary, The Russian Five. She is the Executive Producer of Muse Production House and co-founder of Parliament Studios. She’s a lifelong entrepreneur and the President of the Detroit chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization. As a small business advocate, she focuses on empowering women and immigrants in business. Jenny also made a name in the music world as the globetrotting DJ Jenny LaFemme and co-creator of Girls Gone Vinyl.
Marcel Badia
Founder & CEO Preneugrowth, TEDx speaker, startup advisor
Marcel Badia is the Founder & CEO of Preneugrowth and is a TEDx speaker, and author. With nearly two decades of entrepreneurial experience, Marcel has been guiding founders in launching new businesses, entering new markets, and commercializing ideas. Marcel's journey as a self-made entrepreneur has equipped him with invaluable insights, enabling him to mentor and guide others. Marcel loves to share his knowledge through his contributions to entrepreneurial publications and appearances on business podcasts.