Guided by Proven Entrepreneurs

Meet the passionate team who are in front and behind the camera to connect our small business communities with one another to help each other learn and grow.  

Rob Dandrea

A lifelong entrepreneur, Rob Started his first business venture at the age of 26 with a nationally launched product. Holds a product design and manufacturing method patent.

Having sold his company five years later, he then started another national business venture; which launched successfully and sold three years later.

He then owned and operated an Italian Seafood Restaurant

Rob then launched a third consumer product nationally. He holds two addition design patents.

Rob then joined a newly formed start-up company and led teams with nine different consumer brands which sold in 2021.

He also co-founded a professional services company supporting leading medical device companies that sold in 2022.

As a connector of people, process and strategy, Rob has a long track record of starting and growing a business. 

As a graduate from Rochester Institute of Technology, Rob currently serves as an Executive Mentor on the RIT Venture Creations business incubator and is the 2022 recipient of the RIT Sarah Gillam Award in recognition of outstanding contribution and excellence within industry and community.

Johan Klarin

Johan currently serves as the Director of Venture Creations Incubator at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).

With a passion for helping businesses launch and grow; Johan has been a lifelong entrepreneur, but it took him years to realize it. Before founding his first startup he tried to affect change inside traditional public companies in aviation, finance, and healthcare.

Several startups later he now identifies great early-stage companies and helps create commercial successes with the backing of RIT, investors, and alumni.

He grew up in Scandinavia, lived in England nearly eight years, and also loved his year living and working in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Sean Popen

Sean is a dynamic entrepreneur and marketing leader with a proven record of driving growth for consumer services. With a strong background in online marketing and ecommerce sales; he serves as the head of digital activities at The Sparkr. 

Since 1998, he started and operates a marketing consultant business to businesses of all sizes. His business start up ventures also include founding Shakoi Digital while also operating a a business franchise for helping companies reduce their operating expenses and increasing their profits. 

Alex Bailey

Alex Bailey has dedicated his career to helping individuals and businesses enhance their brand identities through photography, videography, and graphic design. He is an all-around multi-disciplinary creative with over 13 years of experience in the industry. Alex has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and combines combines his technical skills with a deep passion for storytelling, ensuring that every project not only looks stunning but also resonates with its audience. As the founder of BLIEVE Media and Alex Bailey Photos, he focuses on crafting compelling narratives that bring brands to life.

Driven by an unwavering attention to detail, Alex excels in transforming ideas into visually captivating content that communicates effectively. His diverse skill set allows him to navigate various creative disciplines, ensuring a cohesive and impactful brand presence. Whether working on a commercial project or a personal endeavor, Alex is committed to delivering high-quality results that exceed client expectations, all while fostering a collaborative and innovative creative environment.