UNCLE WAITHLEY'S BEVERAGE COMPANY

Karl Franz graduated from Yale University with a degree in electrical engineering, eventually shifting his electricity to hospitality where he is now a nationally recognized restaurateur. He began his career as a corporate marketer for the likes of Procter and Gamble and Pepsi, which helped him hone his skills as an expert at branding. His stint in corporate was well recognized; he won key industry awards (both a Reggie and an Effie award) and has also been honored as one of FOX Business’s Young Guns, by Black Enterprise Magazine, and was the Wallpaper* City Guide New York Insider for 2012. A passion that started in conversation while working on an innovation project at Pepsi, ultimately led Karl to pursue opening cocktail lounges, eventually hitting his own mark and style, inspired by lost stories of African American culinary history and culture. In 2008, Karl opened 67 Orange Street (named after the last known address of Almack’s Dance Hall the Iconic NYC Bar from the 1840s where tap dance was created). In May of 2021, 67 Orange received its highest recognition yet, when it was listed on Esquire Magazine’s list of the 27 Best Bars in America. Karl’s family hails from the stunning Caribbean Island of St. Vincent. With the desire to celebrate this heritage and the Caribbean’s great spirit – RUM, Karl then opened Solomon & Kuff’s Rum Hall – a five thousand square foot pan-Caribbean restaurant, rum bar, and lounge – located in the Manhattanville Factory District of West Harlem. In July 2016, Karl re-imagined the iconic New Haven Anchor Bar and Restaurant. Specializing in craft cocktails, the menu is pan-Caribbean. The New Haven Chamber of Commerce has recognized the Anchor for its creative concoctions and awarded the kitchen teams its Best Savory Dish Award. With his captivating and charismatic approach, Karl is a sought-after speaker and presenter, particularly in the areas of mixology, craft bartending, and small business. He has been quoted in numerous articles in publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal, Crain’s, and NPR, to SevenFifty Daily, Eater, Time-Out, Thrillist, and Wine Enthusiast. He has been featured by T-Mobile, FreePour, and the Spirits Network and at the Harlem Eat Up Festival, Tales of the Cocktail, Miami Food & Wine, and Charleston Food & Wine amongst others. Karl is a proud resident of Harlem, NYC, and a founding member of Harlem Park to Park, a neighborhood merchant association formed to help more local businesses succeed. He is also a board member of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, serves as an advisor and faculty member to the Beverage Alcohol Resource 5 – Day (the leading spirits sommelier style course), and he is a Commissioner of the Town Green Special Assessment District in New Haven, CT. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc In 2021, Karl launched Uncle Waithley’s Vincy Brew – a small batch, all-natural ginger beer with Scotch Bonnet Pepper. Only a few months since launch, it can already be found at Whole Foods Market and at select craft cocktail bars and restaurants throughout NYC. Karl works full-time for Uncle Waithleys Beverage Company as CEO while also spending approximately 5 hours per week with his other companies The Anchor Spa Bar and 67 Orange Street.

Michael McConnell is a brand consultant, community builder, and wellness advocate who has helped launch everything from tech start-ups to orchestrating community meditation groups. He is a multi-dimensional creative, community leader and father of three who blends his love for marketing and wellness. Michael began his career as an intern for Sean “Diddy '' Combs, where he learned the true meaning of entrepreneurship. Michael went on to create his own brand marketing and consultancy firm securing some of the largest names in business as clients. Michaels's agency, The Rebel Camp helps start-ups and large corporations connect authentically to their desired consumers and provides multi-media services. The Rebel Camp has worked with Real Estate, Wellness, Non-profit tech, and Beverage based brands. In 2009 he was co-recipient of the “Big Apple” awards by the International Events Society. Michael also helped raise nearly $30 Million dollars for charity, through his hand in launching the successful fundraising program, Text to Pledge®. Michael is again at the forefront of innovation and is a founding board member for EquityCoin, a securities token focused on building affordable homes for homeless families. He has also taken on he role of head of culture and marketing director for Uncle Waithley’s Vincy brew. Michael has worked in tandem with The New York Department of Education and lives a life dedicated to uplifting his community. Michael is also a master community builder and outspoken advocate for mental health and wellness. He has dedicated his life to ensuring that people of color get the tools necessary to live full and healthy lives. Michael has been featured in Afrotech, Business insider and Black Enterprise. He has worked with Microsoft, Healthline, LVMH, Rockstar Games, Text-To-Pledge, Sprite, and more. Michael enjoys his country home in Georgia, three exceptional children, and serving his community.

Monica Freeman-Greene is an innovative and creative HR and Business Operations partner with a proven track record of managing projects and teams. Monica began her HR career in 2005 after graduating from Temple University, working with organizations such as Unisys and inVentiv Health (now Syneos Health) where she gained a breadth of experience with her diverse roles in industries such as healthcare, information technology and advertising/communications. Throughout her HR career, she became a sought-after HR Business Partner with her ability to navigate through complex situations such as leadership changes, large scale staff reorganizations, creating simplified HR and operational processes, and increasing employee engagement. In 2015 she began working with the Karl Franz Bar & Restaurant Group, which includes the Cocktail Bars 67 Orange Street in Harlem, NY and The Anchor Spa in New Haven, CT. Her focus is on creating streamlined processes in the areas of Onboarding, Training & Development, Payroll, Financial Management, Event Planning and Daily Operational Procedures. In 2021, Monica partnered with Karl Williams on launching Uncle Waithley’s Beverage Company and currently serves as the VP, Organizational Design where she drives strategies and designs solutions to optimize organizational structure and effectiveness.