Breakfast and Program Kick-off

Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Universal Royal Pacific Hotel, Orlando, FL

Breakfast 8:00 am; Program Kick-off 9:00 AM

Begin your Leadership Institute experience with a delicious breakfast and an inspiring program kick-off. Connect with fellow high-growth CEOs and prepare to unlock your company’s full potential.

February 25, 2026, Morning Sessions

9:30 am – 11:30 am

Joey Princz: Fight or Flight: When Flight Is Not An Option And Yes, The Fight Can Be Scary.

Joey Princz, CEO of Wrecking Ball, will share lessons learned from over 30 years of constant change in the digital advertising world. He will talk about surviving multiple industry shifts, market crashes, and personal setbacks, including starting over with no clients or portfolio. His talk will focus on the “hustle and grit” needed to reinvent a business, find new clients, and thrive by providing unique value.

Wendy Romeu: Resiliency: Focus. Fortify. Forward Progress.

Wendy Romeu, CEO of Alluvionic Inc., will share the personal story of how she led her company through a crisis after her husband suffered a serious injury. Her presentation will focus on three key principles: Focus, which involves identifying what matters most during a crisis; Fortify, which is about strengthening the business’s foundation; and Forward Progress, which emphasizes the importance of momentum. She will offer a practical and inspiring perspective on leading with resilience through adversity.

Panel: The Intentional Entrepreneur: Building Value, Cultivating Leadership, and Mastering the Exit: David P. Carrier, Jason Hendren, and Dena Jalbert

A trio of experts will explore the strategic journey of entrepreneurship. David P. Carrier, Managing Partner at QuantumFly Capital Group, will share his insights on how leaders are forged through adversity and the importance of using difficult experiences to build resilient teams. Jason Hendren, President of Hendren Business Advisors, will provide a detailed look into the world of private equity and business exits, covering topics from business valuations to the typical sale process. Finally, Dena Jalbert, CEO of Align Business Advisory Services, will present a roadmap for building a company with an exit in mind, guiding entrepreneurs on how to structure their business from day one to attract a premium acquisition offer. This session will provide attendees with a comprehensive view of how to navigate the challenges of building a business while simultaneously preparing for a successful sale.

Simona Faroni: The Power of Perseverance: Turning Every Obstacle into Opportunity

Simona Faroni, Co-Founder of G.S. Gelato, will share her journey of building a nationwide gelato business from scratch after moving to the U.S. from Italy. She will discuss how she and her husband overcame significant obstacles, including a major client loss that nearly ended the company. Her presentation will highlight how this setback led to a defining shift toward diversification and innovation, teaching attendees how to design resilience into every aspect of their business.

February 25, 2026, Luncheon Session & Networking

Navigating Rapid Growth and Unexpected Challenges: From Trade Show Breakthroughs to Pandemic Pivots

Join us for an exclusive session with Nicole Emerson, founder of Emerson and Friends, where she’ll share the pivotal strategies that have driven her company’s remarkable growth. Nicole will guide us through the journey of building a brand that transcends trends, emphasizing the power of purpose-driven growth and sustainable practices. Discover how Emerson and Friends prioritized ethical manufacturing, eco-friendly materials, and community engagement to forge a strong, enduring brand. Then, delve into the realities of navigating rapid growth and unexpected challenges, as Nicole recounts strategic pivots, like those made during the pandemic, and the calculated risks that fueled her company’s success. Finally, explore the critical importance of cultivating a thriving company culture, learning how investing in your team and fostering a collaborative environment can be the cornerstone of long-term success. This is a unique opportunity to gain actionable insights from Nicole’s experiences and connect with fellow CEOs passionate about achieving sustainable and impactful growth.

February 25, 2026, Afternoon Sessions

1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Kaustubh Kale: Mission Meets Momentum: Aligning Purpose and Strategy to Scale Resiliently

Kaustubh Kale, Founder & CEO of AVENTUSOFT, will explore how to intentionally connect personal purpose with a business’s strategic decisions. His talk will provide a roadmap for leaders navigating second-stage growth by aligning their “why” with their business strategy. He will discuss how this alignment builds organizational resilience, attracts the right talent, and helps leaders maintain clarity and momentum during the inevitable ups and downs of scaling a business.

Garth Arevalo: Experience is expensive. Learn from it!

Garth Arevalo, CEO of Lukos, an Air Force veteran, will share how military-grade “lessons learned” methodologies can transform an organization’s performance. He will discuss how his company has led these programs for elite Special Operations units, highlighting a process that helps organizations learn from both their successes and missteps. The presentation will offer practical insights on how to avoid making the same mistakes and continuously improve.

David Hartmann: The Entrepreneur’s AI Playbook: Scaling for Resilient Growth

This breakout session will explore how artificial intelligence is not just a tool for startups but an imperative for second-stage business growth. We’ll move beyond the hype to provide a practical roadmap for entrepreneurs ready to leverage AI for sustainable scaling and enhanced resilience. You’ll learn how to strategically integrate AI into core business functions—from predictive analytics and customer service to operational efficiency—to build a company that is not just competitive but designed to withstand future disruptions. The discussion will cover common pitfalls, ethical considerations, and actionable steps to turn AI from a buzzword into a foundational pillar of your company’s long-term success.

Bank of America: Navigating Government Contracting: Strategy, Uncertainty, and Your Tribe

Led by Bank of America executive and veteran Edward Spenceley, this session provides a strategic roadmap for navigating the complexities of federal and state procurement. Participants will master a “Bid vs. No-Bid” framework to protect resources while learning how to build a resilient professional “tribe” and ensure their company is prepared for future acquisition. The interactive format shifts leaders from a reactive mindset to a proactive approach, offering actionable insights on securing capital and scaling within the government contracting landscape.

Synovus: The Power of Unlearning – A CEO’s Advantage in Times of Change

Led by Synovus experts Sean Flannery and Sheri Evett, this session explores “unlearning” as a critical strategy for CEOs to shed outdated assumptions and improve their Adaptability Quotient (AQ). Through the “Cycle of Unlearning” framework and interactive myth-busting exercises, participants will learn to identify “success traps” that hinder innovation in volatile markets. The workshop ultimately shifts leadership focus from past habits to present effectiveness, fostering an organizational culture that prioritizes curiosity and evidence-based agility.

Northern Trust featuring Rob Ashcroft, Business Advisory Services Lead

An unsolicited offer sounds flattering. It is also a test. Buyers are trying to learn how prepared you are, how dependent the business is on you, and where they can press for a discount. This session with Rob Ashcroft is built for CEOs who want leverage before the first serious conversation. You will leave with a simple framework to decide when to engage, what to say first, what not to share, and how to keep control of timing and terms. And a reminder of the stakes: the Exit Planning Institute is often cited for the statistic that roughly 70 to 80 percent of businesses that go to market never sell. Preparation is a big reason why.

G&A Partners: Ilona Lukianova, Business Advisor and Emily Slater, Business Advisor

Olive Gaye: From Purpose to Powerhouse: Designing Resilience Through People, Culture & Purpose-Driven Growth

Olive Gaye, Founder & President of GenCare Resources, will share her journey of transforming a Home Care startup into a multi-division healthcare enterprise. Her presentation will focus on how her purpose-driven leadership, centered on human dignity, created a resilient foundation for sustainable growth. She will provide actionable strategies for embedding purpose into a company, building adaptable teams, and designing a culture that fuels innovation and long-term loyalty.

An Evening of Inspiration with Networking and Dinner

5:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Join us at Antojitos in City Walk for an unforgettable evening of inspiration, networking, and delicious cuisine. This exclusive event, designed specifically for CEOs attending the GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Leadership Institute, offers a relaxed and elegant setting.

Connect with fellow visionary leaders: Forge meaningful relationships with other high-growth CEOs from across the state.

Unwind and recharge: Enjoy a delightful dinner and conversation in a captivating ambiance. Gain fresh perspectives: Be inspired by the unique experiences and insights of your peers. Celebrate your achievements: Acknowledge the remarkable accomplishments of Florida’s most promising companies.

This will be followed by an optional Karoake night at Rising Star in City Walk.

Celebrate Florida’s Rising Stars at the 15th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Awards Gala!

This event takes place at Hard Rock Live, Universal CityWalk, Orlando, FL.  Tickets for the event can be purchased when you register for the Leadership Institute.

Florida’s dynamic business landscape is thriving, thanks to a wave of innovative companies making their mark on the state. The 15th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards ceremony will spotlight the exceptional businesses driving this growth. Join us for an electrifying evening at Hard Rock Live! in Orlando as we gather to recognize the 50 companies selected for their outstanding achievements. This prestigious award honors second-stage businesses demonstrating high performance, innovative strategies, and a significant impact on Florida’s economy. Prepare to be inspired as we celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and economic vitality that these companies bring to our state.

Gala Agenda
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM VIP Guest Arrival
Check-in at the GrowFL Registration Desk

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM VIP Reception
Hard Rock Live: John Lennon Room (2nd Floor)

6:00 PM – 9:30 PM Dinner & Awards Presentation
Hard Rock Live: Main Stage

9:30 PM – 11:00 PM Dessert Reception & After Party
Hard Rock Live: John Lennon Room (2nd Floor)