Ask An Expert
"On-the-Fly" Ask an Expert sessions are 30-minute virtual meetings that offer food entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect directly with our team of food industry experts. With their wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience, our experts can provide entrepreneurs with valuable insights, recommendations, and actionable strategies tailored to their unique needs. Simply schedule a convenient time slot, and our experts will be ready to lend their expertise and support.
Powered by Eastern Market and TechTown Detroit.
Bekah Galang
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Staff training and onboarding, training programs, product standards, food safety, project management, hiring, community engagement events, local sourcing, handbook creation, standard operating procedures, process improvement.
Ederique Goudia
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Food safety training, licensing, foodservice management and operation, recipe costs, menu development & engineering, and cost analysis.
Demarra West
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Mental Health clinician, Leadership coaching, Trauma-informed Leadership, Individual and Organizational Wellness Assessment, Essential Coping Skills for Wellness & Personal Growth, Resilience-building Strategies, Racial Healing, Crisis Intervention and Mediation, Diversity Equity & inclusion, Yoga, Reiki
Marcus Reliford Jr.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Retail management, sales growth, performance improvement, customer service, merchandising, inventory management, human resources, operations management, community engagement, and leadership development.
Laura Wood- Romito
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Food Product Development, Michigan State University Product Center, Labeling Requirements, Nutrition Facts, Shelf-Stability Testing/Process Authority Review, Recipe Development, Flavor Profiles/Industry Trends, "Retail Readiness", Commercial License Requirements, Cottage Food Law, Allergens, Scaling Recipes, Menu Development, Detroit/Michigan Food Business Resource Connections, Co-Manufacturing Resources
Meg Burritt
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Business planning, Business strategy, Strategic planning, Costing and pricing, Product development, Sourcing, supply chain and procurement
Sandy Levine
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Hospitality systems, Staff culture, Community engagement, Bar & restaurant efficiency , Bar & restaurant startup and growth, Menu development, costing, and optimization, PR & media relations, Navigating industry fluctuations and challenges, Problem solving
Not sure which expert will fit the needs of your business best? Need a deeper look?