Brokers Expo New York welcomes small business financiers from across the country to New York to learn from and network with some of the nation’s top small business industry thought-leaders and policymakers.
This one-day program will provide you with the tools, strategies, and best practices you need to successfully compete in today’s rapidly changing business environment.
Brokers Expo New York will take place on November 6th, 2024 at The Glasshouse, 660 12th Ave, New York, NY 10019
The New York metro area is served by three major airports, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are available. For sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities, contact info@thefundersforumbrokerexpo.com
Please contact info@thefundersforumbrokerexpo.com
November 2024
Registration For Broker Expo NYC 2024 Opens at 9:00 AM.
Mary Donohue, Executive Director of the Revenue Based Finance Coalition, gives us opening remarks to kick off Brokers Expo New York City 2024.
O
ne of the original “stars” of the hit TV show Shark Tank, the creator of the infomercial, pioneer of the As Seen on TV brand, and co-founding board member of the Entrepreneur’s Organization, Kevin Harrington has pushed past all the questions and excuses to repeatedly enjoy 100X success. His legendary work behind the scenes of business ventures has produced more than $6 billion in global sales, the launch of more than 500 products, and the making of dozens of millionaires. He’s launched massively successful products like The Food Saver, Ginsu Knives, The Great Wok of China, The Flying Lure, and many more. He has worked with amazing celebrities turned entrepreneurs including, like Billie Mays, Tony Little, Jack LaLanne, and George Foreman to name a few. Kevin’s been called the Entrepreneur’s Entrepreneur and the Entrepreneur Answer Man, because he knows the challenges unique to start-ups and has a special passion for helping entrepreneurs succeed. kevinharrington.tv
A discussion for brokers, both established and new, about ways to improve your business and best practices to follow. Discussion topics include:
Moderator: Reuven Mirlis, President & CEO – Fintap
Panelists:
Lunch & networking in the vendor hall
With Broker Expo NYC taking place the day after the November elections, join us for an update and discussion with political experts about how the results of the election will impact the RBF industry. Discussion topics include:
Moderator: Porter Byers
Panelists:
A look at forward-thinking topics within the commercial finance industry to help you learn what is on the horizon and how to best prepare your business. Discussion topics include::
Panelists:
Engaging and impactful content is only as strong as the venue it is presented in, that is why Brokers Expo New York City creates a full top notch experience down to the very last detail.
Another year, another industry leading experience everyone will be talking about. This year we will be heading to an incredible new venue to create incredible new experiences. Brokers Expo New York City will continue to grow and change the industry, and it will continue to be the event of the year everyone will be talking about. Don’t wait, lock in this year’s event at its low super early bird rate.
This year, the Brokers Expo NYC is set to take place at The Glasshouse in the vibrant Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood.
This premier, state-of-the-art venue provides an elegant and modern backdrop, ensuring a luxurious and unforgettable experience for all attendees. Join us for an event filled with unparalleled networking opportunities, insightful sessions, and a chance to connect with industry leaders in a stunning setting.
The Glasshouse, 660 12th Ave, New York, NY 10019
We are thrilled to announce INK Hotel as our official hotel. Enjoy exclusive rates starting at $339 per night, plus tax.
Reservation Deadline: October 7, 2024. All reservations must be secured with a valid credit card, and cancellations must be made at least 7 days prior to arrival.
Bill Gallagher has been the President of CFGMS since its inception in 2015. Prior to that, Bill was the Chief Credit Officer of CapFlow Funding, CFGMS’s factoring sister company, since 2009. Bill has held various senior-level Capital Markets and Investment Banking positions in the Institutional Fixed Income divisions of Lehman Brothers, and Barclays Capital.
Scott Crockett is the founder and CEO of Everest Business Funding. He is a seasoned professional with 20 years of experience in the finance industry. Mr. Crockett’s track record includes raising more than $500 million in capital and creating thousands of jobs. Scott has founded, built, and managed several finance companies in the consumer and commercial finance sectors.
Dan Gans is the founder and managing principal of Polaris Consulting, LLC. Prior to establishing Polaris, Dan managed the Telecommunications, Technology and Energy practice at a top 20 lobbying firm in Washington, D.C. for three years. Under Dan’s stewardship, Polaris Government Relations has quickly become one of the most in demand boutique lobbying firms in Washington. Dan in an expert in fintech policy and works closely with the House Financial Services Committee and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs.
Dan is an eleven-year veteran of Capitol Hill. Most recently, Dan served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Bob Riley (R-AL). In addition to serving as Riley’s Chief of Staff, Gans was also a Senior Advisor (in a volunteer capacity) to Riley’s successful gubernatorial campaign in 2002. Dan worked with the campaign General Consultant to develop and implement a successful media, grass roots, and fundraising plan.
As Chief of Staff, Dan served as Congressman Riley’s principal strategist and advisor on all legislative and political matters including the Congressman’s work on the Financial Services, Armed Services and Agriculture Committees. Dan’s responsibilities included oversight and management of the Washington, D.C. and Alabama offices. Dan also served as the Congressman’s liaison to House leadership and the Republican Study Committee.
During his tenure as Chief of Staff, Gans was recognized by The Wall Street Journal for designing a state-of-the-art interactive Congressional website that implemented an e-video communication platform. Bob Riley was the first Member of Congress to communicate with his constituents using video email technology. It was no surprise that Campaigns and Elections magazine cited Bob Riley’s campaign website as one of the best in the country and critical to his election success in 2002. Dan has been a regular speaker on internet communication and e-strategy for the House Republican Conference. Dan also held a Department of Defense security clearance, which he was required to have in order to handle Riley’s work on the House Armed Services Committee.
Mary Donohue is the Executive Director for the Revenue Based Finance Coalition (RBFC). Before joining RBFC, Mary worked as a government relations specialist for CATALYST Government Affairs. At CATALYST, Mary managed various client portfolios in areas ranging from a variety of financial services issues to foster care policy in many states across the country as well as in Washington, DC. Her prior work also consists of developing and managing the federal and state public policy strategies for the small business lending brands within Enova International (NYSE: ENVA) (OnDeck, Headway Capital, The Business Backer), including coordination with Enova SMB’s P&Ls, corporate support groups, third party consultants, and industry organizations. Mary also developed and led public policy promotion campaigns and built networks of trade associations, industry partners, and non-profit groups to support policies that help create and maintain access to credit over the internet for America’s small businesses.
A well-seasoned government affairs professional, Mary lived and worked in Washington, DC for over ten years with a significant amount of time spent at one of DC’s top federal lobbying firms, Polaris Consulting. At Polaris, Mary specialized in financial services and labor client portfolios and implemented various strategic objectives through Congressional outreach and research.
Mary holds a Masters in Public Administration and Policy from American University and graduated magna cum laude from St. Lawrence University with a double major in Government and Psychology. In her free time, Mary enjoys hanging out with her husband, Parker, who is a U.S. Naval Officer and former Fighter Pilot, and their two dogs Cosmo, a Dalmatian, and Comet, an English Setter as well as her off the track Thoroughbred, Mucho.
Joshua is a partner at SBL Strategies and focuses on financial services lobbying amongst other areas. He has worked as an advisor for multiple U.S. Senators and Governors on both the political and official side for over 10 years. Joshua served as a senior advisor for former U.S. Senator and Ranking Member of the Banking Committee Pat Toomey.
Joshua has been in the government relations industry for close to 10 years and focuses his lobbying on FinTech, alternative consumer and commercial lending, debt collection, credit reporting, international finance issues as well as some transportation, health care and immigration issues.
Mr. Novotney stays very politically active as well working on super PAC’s and informally advising campaigns.
Alex Shvarts is a distinguished American business executive, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FundKite, a leading Florida/New York-based fintech company. With over 30 years of experience in starting and scaling businesses, Alex consistently has showcased his entrepreneurial acumen.
Prior to founding FundKite in 2015, he engineered and sold proprietary technology to the fintech industry. From his early involvement in chess clubs as a child, Alex developed a passion for numbers and strategic thinking, skills that he seamlessly incorporates into his projects. As the CEO of FundKite, he oversees both day-to-day operations and the technical side of the business, contributing to the company’s success in the alternative funding market. Beyond FundKite, Alex is the founder of the Bytox Hangover Patch, showcasing his versatility. His management experience enables him to understand the nuanced needs of business owners, addressing aspects such as cash flow, leadership, seasonality, and expansion. In recognition of his contributions, Alex was included in the Forbes Technology Council in March 2021, highlighting his role as a distinguished technology executive. With an innovative vision and entrepreneurial drive, Alex Shvarts continues to propel FundKite to the forefront of the financial technology sector.
Kate is a partner in Hudson Cook, LLP’s Maryland office and co-chair of the firm’s Business Funding practice group. Her practice focuses on the areas of Consumer Financial Services and Small Business Financing. Kate represents banks, finance companies, private equity and investment bank investors, merchant cash advance companies, and small business lenders establishing new programs and products, and conducts due diligence and compliance reviews of consumer lending and business financing portfolios.
Rachael Schreiber helps lead CATALYST’s multistate government affairs practice nationally and leads the firm’s Texas office.
After two decades navigating government from the municipal to the federal level, Rachael has a unique blend of private and public sector experience making her an effective advocate and strategist. She previously served as vice president of government relations for one of the largest consumer specialty finance companies in the United States and led its professional teams across the country. Prior to more than a decade of lobbying on financial services issues, Rachael served at some of the highest level positions in the Texas State Capitol.
Joshua Karp brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Senior Vice President of Production and Revenue at CFG Merchant Solutions. Joining the company in 2015, Mr. Karp initially served as Head of Operations, where he employed the independent contractor / joint venture model, built out the production team, and architected the CFGMS systems and operations team to better serve the needs of small and mid-sized businesses seeking capital access.
In his current capacity as SVP of Production and Revenue, Mr. Karp leads the charge in driving revenue generation strategies and overseeing the production of financial solutions tailored to the unique needs of clients. Leveraging his extensive background in financial services, he harnesses data analytics, proprietary underwriting, and predictive technologies to ensure timely and flexible provision of capital, empowering businesses that have historically faced challenges in obtaining financing.
Before joining CFG Merchant Solutions, Mr. Karp held notable executive roles, including Chief Operating Officer at Yellowstone Capital LLC, and key positions at Macquarie Bank and Goldman Sachs Asset Management. His tenure at these prestigious institutions has honed his skills in operational efficiency, revenue optimization, and risk management.
Mr. Karp holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Yeshiva University, providing him with a solid academic foundation for his successful career in the financial services industry.
As Founder and Managing Partner at Hollis Public Affairs, Brian works hand-in-hand with clients from across the board in health care, not for profits, financial services,
infrastructure, tourism, Technology, education and Native American tribes to identify, develop, and capture opportunities, as well as providing legislative and regulatory
guidance. He brings decades of experience in shepherding and overseeing public and private projects that impact capital and social infrastructure and medium-to large-scale economic development, providing him with first-hand knowledge of what it takes to achieve ambitious goals.
As the former Director of Government & Community Relations at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Brian oversaw and facilitated significant developments through
project review and construction. While at the Port Authority, he also managed the Office of Strategic Planning Analysis, where he worked closely with the Executive Chamber
to advance critical transportation infrastructure policy aligned with a transit-oriented development agenda within the Port Authority.
Brian previously served as senior staff in the United States Congress, including roles as Deputy State Director to US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Executive Director to
Congressman Gregory Meeks. In 2004, he was tapped by Senator John Kerry’s presidential campaign to serve as its national Deputy Director for African-American Affairs.
Matthew Feit entered the Merchant Finance space in 2014 and founded the ISO High Power Capital Group in 2016. His acumen was built by personally working directly with thousands of Small Business owners across the country over the last decade. The High Power moniker is a name synonymous with client relationship building, as well as working with some of the largest Funders and Lenders in the Industry. Matthew ‘s professional financial brokering experience is prided on successful completion of over 1000+ transactions in the Business Funding arena. High Power Capital Group was the first Brokerage firm to join the RBFC in 2023.
Since joining in early 2019 as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of United First, Boris has been responsible for driving company-wide Operations, Information Security, and Underwriting program deployment. Boris has over twenty years of Cybersecurity and Operational executive experience, having previously served in these roles as an Executive Director for JP Morgan Chase (JPMC). Prior to his executive experience at JPMC, he developed his encompassing skill set in global leadership roles at the Royal Bank of Scotland, Citigroup, and Deutsche Bank. This experience has allowed Boris to drive company-wide critical improvements across people, processes, and technology, successfully securing a senior debt facility of up to $100 million and setting the stage for continued growth.
As the CEO of Llama Loan, Misha leads a passionate team that provides financial solutions to small businesses. By combining a consultative approach with its technology platform, Llama Loan connects small businesses with funders and lenders to provide clients with access to the capital they need to be successful.
Misha has over 15 years of experience in leading and operating successful hedge funds and startups. Prior to Llama Loan, Misha spent 10 years at two successful hedge funds. He was Partner and CFO/COO at Union Square Park Capital Management as well as Director of Operations at Tree Capital. Misha spearheaded the infrastructure and institutional framework at both funds which allowed them to scale and raise institutional capital.
He also spent 4 years as the CFO of a portfolio company, STRIVE, a tech startup focused on the health of United States military personnel and professional athletes. As an entrepreneur in the tech industry, Misha is familiar with the pain points of the entrepreneurial journey. He uses his experiences, combined with his CFA charter, to guide Llama Loan’s mission to help small businesses flourish in an economy that favors big corporations.
Reuven founded FinTap in 2015 to revolutionize small business financing. As CEO, he leads the company’s mission to empower underserved merchants across the US with innovative capital solutions.
Reuven is an experienced financial professional and early-stage tech investor based between New Jersey and Florida. When he’s not analyzing the market trends, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, snowboarding, and watching sports. Reuven also has a strong interest in economics, history, and geopolitics.
Natasha Dillon is co-founder and CFO at Fundfi Merchant Funding. Since 2007, Natasha has been in the financial services space, with 10 years dedicated to small business commercial financing.
At Fundfi, Natasha overseas a wide range of functions, including; underwriting, operations, financial management, accounting, technology and legal regulations. Earlier this year, under Natasha’s leadership, Fundfi expanded operations into the Canadian market.
Natasha is passionate about the future of small business financing. She is committed to ensuring that alternative financing solutions remain accessible to small businesses, recognizing their vital role in driving economic growth and innovation.
Porter Byers is a Vice President of Government Relations at Polaris Consulting where he continues to build on a decade of experience in Washington, D.C. At Polaris, he manages federal advocacy efforts and all policy-related workstreams while overseeing daily client needs.
Porter came to Polaris in 2020 from the Cypress Group, where he analyzed policy and conducted outreach on multiple issue fronts including trade, health care, telecommunications, financial services, and geopolitical affairs. He contributed to a number of successful campaigns ranging from tariff exclusion to tax reform and was active in the firm’s strategic planning practice. Porter spent a cycle at the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) where he personally configured data points to develop narratives and effectively frame competitive congressional campaigns. He has also worked as a staffer in the U.S. Senate and in government affairs at a technology-focused trade organization.
Porter earned a BA in Political Science and a BA in International Studies from Southern Methodist University.
Joseph Grodko is the Founder & CEO of Oval Ventures. He worked in various roles across the private lending providing credit facilities to lower middle market businesses. He specializes in private structured credit facilities by raising capital through a network of sophisticated bank and non-bank lenders including asset-based lending, venture-debt and revenue-based financing. Joseph founded Oval Ventures in September 2022 with a goal to help business owners across the U.S. gain access to efficient capital in order to grow their business while maintaining shareholders equity. Since launching Oval, he has completed over $300 million in financings across 80+ credits.
