FIRE DEPARTMENT COFFEE

Luke Schneider is the founder and CEO of Fire Department Coffee based in Rockford, IL. He’s a U.S. Navy veteran that served amid our nation’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. After leaving the Navy in 2008, he became a professional firefighter for the city of Rockford. In addition to his passion for serving his country and his community, he also found a passion for crafting great-tasting coffee and started Fire Department Coffee in 2016.

Brad Flaherty is the Chief Creative Officer for Fire Department Coffee. He leads the company's branding and marketing with a focus on successfully growing the company’s digital presence. Brad has a background in graphic design and he’s been creating professionally since 2001 where he’s worked for both in-house studios and design agencies over his career. Most notably he’s worked with brands like the NFL’s Washington Football Team, Hilton Hotels, Wilson Sporting Goods, MillerCoors, Conair and UFC — designing the Legacy Belt for all UFC champions.

Jason Patton is the Senior Vice President and co-owner of Fire Department Coffee. Jason is also a 17 year Driver Engineer/Paramedic for a South Florida fire department. Jason has been responsible for the growth of Fire Department Coffee's video presence on Social Media and TV commercials. These responsibilities include, but not limited to, writing, producing, directing, editing and starring in videos. Jason has helped grow the social following of Fire Department Coffee and Fire Department Chronicles to a combined 5.5 million followers through fun, engaging and emotionally capturing videos.

Jeff is the acting Chief Financial Officer at Fire Department Coffee and Professor Emeritus of Business at Rockford University. Jeff works with and supports the FDC Leadership Team to develop and execute strategic direction and goals. He also helps with analysis and decision-making related to financial operations. While at Rockford University Jeff was Assistant Professor and the MBA Director. In this role he was also responsible for Executive Development Training and the Graduate Assistant program. Jeff has been recognized for his contributions to the Rockford Community, such as being named 2014 Citizen of the Year and 21 People You Should Know in Rockford in 2011 by the Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce.

Stacey Helbig is the Chief Operating Officer of Fire Department Coffee. She leads the company's day-to-day operations and strategic growth initiatives with a focus on driving operational excellence across the organization. Previously serving as VP of Wholesale over the last year, Stacey has been instrumental in expanding FDC's market presence and developing key business relationships. Prior to joining Fire Department Coffee, she held executive positions at Staples over the last 13 years ranging from Sr. Merchant, Vice President of Strategy and Vice President/General Merchandise Manager. In these roles, she led high-impact transformation projects that delivered significant EBITDA growth and increased customer traffic to Staples retail stores. With a vast background in business development and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Stacey brings valuable expertise in innovation, strategic planning, and customer-centric solutions to the leadership team.

With 40 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods industry and private equity, Don currently serves on the boards of Slawek Family Investments, House of Spice, Devansoy, and Fire Dept Coffee. He is a Managing Director at Akoya Capital, focusing on the firm’s consumer packaged goods, ingredients, and health and wellness businesses.

Peter Provenzano is the President & CEO of SupplyCore Inc., a supply chain integrator and government contractor. An advocate for innovation, Peter has helped shape the federal defense contracting industry. After years of leading SupplyCore to refine its technology, procurement and logistic capabilities, Peter transitioned the company in the 2000s from a transactional store and forward model to a programmatic, direct-to-the-customer supply chain integrator. This innovative approach, supplying mission critical materials directly to military bases and end users, has aided both the U.S. and foreign military services in supporting sustainment and maintaining readiness.