ROI’s Into the Corner Office Podcast: Powerhouse Middle Market CEOs Telling it Real—Unexpected Caree...

Re-Release: Jonas Bordo, CEO and Co-Founder, Dwellsy

About Jonas Bordo

Jonas Bordo is the CEO and Co-Founder of Dwellsy, the free residential rental marketplace that makes it easy to find hard-to-find rentals. Prior to co-founding Dwellsy, Jonas was a senior executive at several leading real estate firms including Essex Property Trust and Bentall GreenOak and was with the Boston Consulting Group after graduating with his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.  Jonas has had the good fortune to build, re-build and lead amazing teams across the multifamily and commercial real estate operational and strategic spectrum, manage large P&Ls, deliver big profit increases, orchestrate the sale of several businesses, develop a strategic plan for one of the world’s leading symphony orchestras, implement a Toyota production system and create more than 40 brands. He is husband to Rosalind and father to Bailey, Zach and Thea, an avid hiker, a lifelong learner and a maker of things, sometimes out of wood.

About Dwellsy

Dwellsy is a comprehensive residential home rentals marketplace based on the radical concept that true, organic search in a free eco-system creates more value than the pay-to-play model embraced by all of the current rental listing services. Indeed, while barely more than a year old, Dwellsy has more residential rental listings than any of the major listing sites—as well as the most diverse set of listings—including both affordable and higher-end properties. Dwellsy’s entirely different approach to residential rental listings focuses on presenting houses and apartments based on features renters need and want — not based on how much landlords pay to show their listings. Dwellsy investors include Blackhorn Ventures, Anne Wojcicki, Stanford Professors, and a number of residential real estate industry insiders.

Jonas and the Dwellsy team have also recently launched their own podcast, Rent Matters, available wherever you listen to podcasts!

Craig Barber, Past CEO, Restaurant Growth Services

Craig Barber is the past CEO of Restaurant Growth Services, with several years of experience as a C-level executive for a multi-concept franchisor along with owning a franchise while serving as board chair for the franchisee association provides unique insight into the opportunities (and challenges) of franchise relationships. Have served on the boards of a public company, private equity-owned companies and the franchisee association of a large (1,500+ unit) mid-scale restaurant concept.

Re-Release: Cameron Gunter, CEO, PEG Companies

Cameron Gunter is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of PEG Companies, a full-service commercial real estate investment firm known for its unique approach to creating value. A bold leader, Cameron has a widespread reputation for successfully guiding his teams through challenging endeavors that many others in the commercial real estate space have shied away from. 

Cameron’s farm-raised work ethic, outside-the-box thinking, commitment to absolute transparency, and past professional experience have helped him to lead PEG to where it is today. A CPA by training with over eight years mastering the entitlement process in city management, Cameron brings a perspective that helps PEG offer compelling investment opportunities through innovative and cost-effective solutions to the complexities of real estate markets today. As one of the youngest finance directors in Utah’s city government history, Cameron structured the largest tax incentive project in the western United States at the time for the city of Lehi, Utah with Micron Technology, Inc. and continues to make headlines as PEG grows throughout the United States and Canada. 

With dozens of projects completed and many others under way, Cameron is proud of the market-leading position PEG has secured in its nearly 20 years of operation. Whether it is becoming the first developer ever to finish an AC Hotel by Marriott on time and under budget, building one of the only four-story branded hotel buildings in downtown Jackson Hole, developing a major student housing hub for Utah’s largest university, or breaking ground on the first Qualified Opportunity Zone projects in multiple states, Cameron Gunter rises to every challenge and finds great fulfillment in spurring economic growth for communities everywhere. 

Cameron received his BA in Business Administration from Idaho State University.

 

Jorge Titinger, Founder & CEO, Titinger Consulting

Jorge Titinger is a seasoned executive and board member with over 35 years of experience in the high-tech industry, focusing on strategy, corporate transformations, and leadership development. As the founder and CEO of Titinger Consulting, Jorge provides strategic advisory services, guiding companies through complex M&A processes, digital transformations, and cultural alignment initiatives. His expertise is sought after by organizations ranging from multi-billion-dollar corporations to innovative startups.

Jorge has an impressive track record of board service across public, private, and non-profit sectors. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Board at Axcelis (NASDAQ: ACLS), where he also chairs the Compensation Committee and was a member of the Audit Committee. In addition, he is an independent board member at FormFactor (NASDAQ: FORM) and Ichor Systems (NASDAQ: ICHR), leading key committees including Nominating & Governance, Compensation, and Cyber Security & AI. He has been recognized for his Board service as one of the NACD 100 in 2023 and 2024.

His past board experience includes roles at CalAmp, COHU, HTGC, Xcerra, SGI, Verigy, Electroglas, and Thermawave, where he has played pivotal roles in governance, strategic planning, and corporate oversight. Jorge’s contributions to board governance are well-recognized, particularly his leadership in Compensation/Human Capital, Nominating and Governance, and Cyber Security committees.

Jorge's board involvement extends beyond the corporate realm into the non-profit sector, where he has served on the boards of the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, the Stanford Children’s Hospital, Innovate Public Schools, Nashville Entrepreneur Center, and Valor Academy. His commitment to community service is further reflected in his role as Chairman of the Board at the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, where he led initiatives to improve the lives of the Hispanic community in Silicon Valley.

Jorge’s executive leadership experience includes his tenure as President, CEO, and
Director of Silicon Graphics (SGI) and Verigy Inc., where he successfully led turnarounds that culminated in high-value acquisitions. His strategic leadership has been instrumental in driving operational excellence, fostering innovation, and building high-performing teams.

An award-winning author, Jorge co-wrote "Differences that Make a Difference" with Pedro Espinoza, capturing insights from over
100 top executives on the positive impact of diversity and inclusion on business success. His expertise in DEI, innovation, and
corporate strategy makes him a sought-after speaker and thought leader in these areas.

Jorge holds a B.S. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering and an M.S. in Engineering Management and Business, all from Stanford
University. A former accomplished athlete, Jorge captained both the Stanford Varsity soccer team and the USA national indoor
soccer team. He remains passionate about education, leadership, and contributing to the success of businesses and
communities.

Greg Ward, Founding Partner, Ward Law Group

Greg Ward stands as the entrepreneurial force behind Ward Law Group, a Miami-based personal injury firm distinguished by its empathetic engagement with the community, client-centric values, and a progressive strategy that has fueled its swift expansion. His journey began in 2012 when he, alongside his partner and wife, Jany, laid the foundation for Ward Law Group. Starting in a modest office with nothing but a folding table and a laptop, they quickly expanded their team and set their sights on serving the Hispanic communities in South Florida, focusing on car accident victims.

Under Greg's leadership, the firm has evolved from a humble two-person operation into a prominent legal entity in South Florida, now boasting over 120 dedicated team members. This growth trajectory is a testament to Ward's entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to providing Spanish-speaking clients with unparalleled legal representation.

Ward's legal prowess, backed by a juris doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law and over two decades of experience, has been instrumental in securing more than $250 million in compensation for clients in Miami/South Florida and New York. His strategic vision has propelled the Ward Law Group to achieve an impressive annual growth rate of over 40% in the last eight years, alongside securing 22 settlements of over $1 million each. A standout achievement includes a landmark settlement exceeding $100 million, marking one of the nation's largest of its kind.

Greg's entrepreneurial journey is decorated with numerous accolades recognizing his innovative business practices and legal expertise. He has been honored by the National Trial Lawyers, the South Florida Legal Guide, Florida Trend Magazine, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers in America, among others. Beyond the courtroom, Ward is an influential voice in the entrepreneurial community, frequently sharing his insights on news programs, conferences, and podcasts nationwide. His discussions span a range of topics, from business growth strategies and systemization to personal development and faith-based entrepreneurship, showcasing his multifaceted approach to leadership and success in the legal sector.

Haresh Patel, CEO & Co-Founder, Mercatus

As CEO and Co-Founder of Mercatus, I grew a dining-room-table idea into the largest private market investment platform, managing $1.5 trillion in assets across real estate, infrastructure, and energy sectors. Following its acquisition by State Street, I successfully guided the integration while doubling revenue and maintaining less than 2% employee turnover.

Before Mercatus, I spent 25 years in the semiconductor industry, driving growth and innovation at market-leading companies like Texas Instruments, Fujitsu, PMC-Sierra Agilent Technologies and WJ Communications. These global head of sales and marketing roles honed my expertise in navigating complex markets, scaling teams, and delivering operational excellence.

Advisory and Board Expertise in Fintech AI, SaaS Platforms, and Semiconductor technologies, with experience in:

-Strategic growth and scaling: Proven ability to align people, processes, and priorities to create exponential growth.

-M&A and integration: Hands-on expertise in acquisitions, ensuring seamless transitions while maintaining momentum.

-Corporate governance: Seasoned in board-level decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and fostering accountability and transparency.

-Culture and talent development: Building high-performing teams and creating cultures that drive innovation and execution.

What Others Say About Me

"Haresh has an exceptional ability to foresee trends, identify opportunities, and navigate challenges with confidence and precision."

"A revenue-driven leader who harmonizes all aspects of a business to deliver aggressive, sustainable growth."

"His focus on culture, transparency, and integrity sets him apart as a board member and trusted advisor."
Let’s Connect

I’m passionate about leveraging my experience to help early and mid-stage organizations achieve their full potential. Whether as a board member, advisor, or consultant, I’m eager to work with leadership teams and investors to drive growth, help execute a critical pivot, and achieve product market fit. and solve challenges.

Summer Craig, President & CEO, Craig Group

Summer Craig, the President & CEO of Craig Group, is a seasoned digital marketer with a background driving ROI-focused strategies for multi-million dollar companies.

From starting her career at Austin-based ad agency GSD&M working on Mastercard, Walmart, and Southwest Airlines to navigating the corporate communications complexities of mergers and buyouts in the telecom industry at SBCGlobal-Cingular-AT&T, Summer rapidly rose through the ranks and her analytical prowess became a hallmark of her career. This skillset, combined with her expertise in media buying and selling, positioned her as a standout in the early advertising landscape.

Charging into the digital realm, Summer played a pivotal role at AOL, contributing to the adoption of innovative Martech and pioneering programmatic advertising. That experience was a stepping stone to Summer’s tenure at HomeAway.com (later VRBO), where the company completed a successful IPO and delved into the world of venture capital, and her entrepreneurial flame was lit.

She moved back to Houston and soon became a regional client rep with New York-based Publicis ZenithOptimedia overseeing Gulf States Toyota, where she learned the intricacies of operating one of the world's largest privately held businesses under a major brand. Summer transitioned into an in-house leadership role where she was responsible for showing marketing effectiveness to the board, dealer council, and executive stakeholder groups.

In 2019, Summer founded Craig Group, a company rooted in data-first sales and marketing, leveraging her extensive wisdom and expertise built over the course of 20 years to create impactful results for clients.

Beyond building a large team across four states, Summer's most impressive personal accomplishments include summiting Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Rainier as a proud mom of three. Her out-of-the-office passions — ranging from mountain climbing and camping to competitive sports and giving time to causes she believes in — reveal an authentic commitment to pushing boundaries and pursuing hard goals.

For decision-makers at private equity-backed businesses and independent family-owned companies, Summer Craig is a valuable and dynamic partner, combining a wealth of experience with a relentless focus on delivering tangible value.

Re-Release: Dave Powers, CEO, Deckers Brands

Dave Powers serves as President & CEO of Deckers Brands, a global footwear and apparel company based in Santa Barbara, Calif.

His current role includes prioritizing strategic initiatives and investments to expand the global distribution footprint of Deckers Brands, while also ensuring consumers have a seamless experience when engaging directly with each channel or brand. He focuses on long-term growth and Omni Channel strategies for the company’s five high-performing brands: UGG®, Teva®, Sanuk®, HOKA One One® and Koolaburra®.

Since 2012, Dave has served in various roles at Deckers Brands, including spearheading growth initiatives for the company’s brand portfolio as President of Brands and leading direct-to-consumer strategies as President of Direct-to-Consumer.

Dave is passionate about consumer-led insight and innovation as well as doing great in business and doing good for people and the planet. His passion for innovation as well as improvement led by consumer insight has resulted in gains in operating margin and revenue. Dave also remains committed to sustainability as well as making a positive societal impact and leading a strong company culture.

Under his leadership as President & CEO since 2016, Deckers Brands has received accolades for stellar financial performance and sustainability efforts. In 2019, Deckers was selected by Investor's Business Daily® as one of the 50 Best ESG Companies: A List of Today's Top Stocks For Environmental, Social and Governance Values. The company was also recognized by Footwear News as 2020 Company of the Year for its financial performance and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as well as significant charitable giving for COVID-19 relief. 

In 2020, Dave was named a 2020 Businessperson of the Year by Fortune, ranking number 13 on their list of top executives.

Dave has over twenty years of experience in merchandising, concept development and leadership of global retail operations at some of the industry’s top brands. Prior to joining Deckers Brands, he held executive leadership roles at Converse, including four years as Vice President of Global Direct-to-Consumer where he successfully guided the expansion of the brand globally, and Timberland, where he led worldwide retail merchandising, marketing, visual and store design as well as the creation of a sustainable line of footwear and apparel.

A native of New Hampshire, Dave graduated Cum Laude from Northeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Now residing in Santa Barbara, Calif., he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two sons.

Peter Dickstein, Founder, ShadyPower Technologies

Peter Dickstein is a 35-year business leader (Founder, CEO, CFO, and strategy advisor).

He is Founder of ShadyPower Technologies, developer of a proprietary, patent-pending IOT technology platform for climate-sustainable, enhanced comfort outdoor work and living. He is Co-Founder of TAPS, a machine-learning consultancy focused on sales lead optimization and churn prevention. He is Chairman (Emeritus) and Co-Founder of Solful (www.solful.com), a California-based branded destination cannabis dispensary company and a guest lecturer at universities including the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley.

He has served in CEO, Chairman, and other C-Suite roles for IOT, SAAS, cleantech, and travel insurance companies. In 1999 Peter founded and served as CEO of eProsper, Inc. (ultimately acquired by Morgan Stanley in 2018 for $900MM) whose patented, SAAS capitalization management system (“CapMx”) became the industry gold standard in the early 2000s and is used today by more than 6,000 venture-funded companies and their corporate law firms.

Peter served as CFO for several medical device and technology companies including TruMed Systems, Inc., EndoTex Interventional Systems (acquired by Boston Scientific) and Atrionix (acquired by Johnson & Johnson). He was an EIR at Los Alamos National Laboratory where he identified and helped commercialize technology including Acoustic Cytometry Systems (acquired by Thermo Fisher Scientific) and architected the Los Alamos Venture Acceleration Fund.

In the early 90s Peter negotiated a $500MM vendor financing facility for Pyxis Corporation (ultimately acquired by Becton Dickinson for $12BB) with GE Capital that rapidly accelerated Pyxis’ market penetration and provided non-dilutive growth capital in lieu of equity.

In addition to his general management roles, Peter has initiated, organized, negotiated, and completed numerous equity, debt, and M&A transactions with angel, institutional and strategic investors, and lenders. He has managed functional areas including product development and engineering, sales, service, finance and administration, and external relationships with investors, contract manufacturers, investment bankers, banks, attorneys, and auditors.

Peter has served on the boards of Friends of the Urban Forest, the San Francisco Day School, and multiple companies. He is a dual citizen of the United States and Germany.

He holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and a M.B.A. from The Wharton School.

Andrew Joiner, CEO, Hyperscience

Andrew serves as Hyperscience’s CEO. He brings a wealth of experience and proven track record that advances the company’s overall strategy and growth initiatives—at a time in which Hyperscience is experiencing rapidly expanding demand. Prior to Hyperscience, Andrew was CEO of InMoment, a recognized leader in the customer experience (CX) software industry, where he oversaw significant growth and expansion. He has also held strategic executive positions at several other successful technology companies, including HP Software, where he was responsible for driving key innovation, product development, and revenue growth. Before that, he led the high-growth business unit within HP Autonomy, a $1.1 billion market leader in unstructured data applications and solutions, focusing on customer experience and marketing technology. In 2006, his firm Singlecast Technologies was acquired and brought into Autonomy via ZANTAZ.