business advisors

Rick Cesari specializes in creating and implementing D2C marketing plans that generate robust growth for both your businesses and brand.

Rick was the first person to use direct response television marketing to build a national brand (Juiceman® Juice Extractor). By applying similar direct response strategies and video marketing he has been responsible for helping to create and market many well-known, iconic brands you use in your home every day. Products like Sonicare®, Clarisonic, The George Foreman Grill, OxiClean, Rug Doctor and GoPro.

Having run one of the most successful full-service direct-response marketing agencies for over twenty years, which provided creative, video production, media buying, interactive, and campaign management services, he is now offering his broad range of D2C experience, knowledge and wisdom as a consultant to best assist your brand.

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Rick received a BASc from Westminster College (PA).

Karen Copeland, Ph.D., has more than 25 years of experience as a statistical consultant with a focus on general/graphical data analysis, design of experiments, sample size determination, and FDA documentation. Dr. Copeland is the principal of Boulder Statistics, a consultancy firm specializing in BioStats for medical device and diagnostic companies. Dr. Copeland has worked with over a dozen medical device companies at all stages of product development, from basic R&D through FDA filings. Dr. Copeland has assisted in obtaining FDA clearance for several products, including the Tivic Health ClearUP device.

 

In addition to her medical device experience, Dr. Copeland has worked with clients in pre-clinical pharmaceutical production, veterinary science, marketing, product usability, food production, and engineering industries. She has authored two books and a dozen peer-reviewed journal articles. 

 

Dr. Copeland received a BA from St. Olaf College, and a MS and Ph.D. in Mathematical Sciences from Clemson University.

Donna DiGangi assists companies in meeting regulatory requirements and implementing process and operational improvements for environmental, sustainability, regulatory, and efficiency purposes.

Her expertise is in environmental sustainability & corporate social responsibility, medical devices, 510(k)s, FDA De Novo, quality and environmental management systems, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing.

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Donna received a BS in Environmental Engineering and a MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering form California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and a MS in Quality Assurance from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Gretchen Dirks is a seasoned integrated marketing communications professional with an impressive 30-year track record in the field. Specializing in B2B industries such as software, technology, telecommunications and financial services, Gretchen has become a driving force in developing and executing marketing and communications campaigns that propel companies forward and prepare them for mergers and acquisitions.

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With a keen focus on promoting brand awareness, creating demand, and generating leads, Gretchen excels at crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences in a variety of industries. Her passion lies in the art of effective storytelling, and she has consistently demonstrated the ability to build and enhance branding and messaging strategies.

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Gretchen holds a BA in Communications and Sociology, along with a Master of Applied Communication, both earned at the University of Denver. 

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Beyond her professional pursuits, Gretchen is a multifaceted individual. She serves as a general partner in her family's farm in Northeastern Colorado, showcasing her strong ties to her roots. In addition to her business acumen, Gretchen is an active participant in competitive dog show events, including conformation and agility, with her standard poodles. Her love for animals extends beyond the show ring as she volunteers with various dog therapy programs, embodying a compassionate and community-focused approach to her personal and professional life. 

Maxwell Minch assists emerging growth companies as their general counsel, corporate counsel or intellectual property counsel.

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He is an owner/ principal attorney, electronic technician/ reactor operator and corporate counsel experienced in developing innovative technologies, managing patent portfolios, counseling business clients on commercial and IP related legal issues, counseling cross-functional groups to resolve strategic business issues of all sizes, and supporting clients with commercial contracts. He has demonstrated leadership experience as senior member of corporate governance, management committee, and company boards; effective communicator for the technical community (patents, patents pending, articles, training materials); experience with start-up companies.

 

Maxwell received a BS in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Florida, a JD in Intellectual Property from the University of Florida College of Law and a MS in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Florida.