Why We're Doing this
We don't have to tell you that retail & restaurants are experiencing monumental change and it is tough. To adapt, the industry needs to go about things differently. Connect Ventures was formed to provide a framework for building an innovation culture that will help retailers & restaurants to compete in today's customer driven environment.
In addition, we work with emerging technology companies that are taking unique approaches to industry challenges and teach them the language of retail while providing access to our retail ecosystem.
Meet the Founders
With over two decades working throughout the retail & restaurant ecosystem, we've seen the industry transform. We've also seen the multiplier effect that both innovation and community can have in helping to solve the industry's biggest issues.
David Weinand
Co-Founder & CEO
Beyond a bad golf swing and a love of power tools, Dave brings 20+ years of experience connecting technology providers with retailers & restaurateurs through content, research, and events. He understands the pain points of retailers and how technology can help solve them.
Cory Priggs
Co-Founder & Chairman Emeritus
Beyond Cory’s amazing jump serve on the volleyball court, he leveraged his 16+ years of retail & restaurant operator experience to co-develop the business model for Connect Ventures. Now at Apple, Cory sits on the board of the company.
Meet the Ecosystem
Our partners have spent decades in the trenches across multiple retail & restaurant formats. They bring incredible domain expertise across many functional areas.
Vicki Cantrell
Experience:
- SVP Communities NRF
- COO Tory Burch
- CIO Giorgio Armani
Michael Lehman
Experience:
- Consultant- Parachute CIO
- CIO - Batteries Plus
- IT Director - Roundys
Giri Durbhakula
Experience:
- CIO - National Pen
- VP-IT - Petco
- VP-IT - Charlotte Russe
Kim Lewis
Experience:
- VP Marketing & eCommerce - Golfsmith
- Dir CRM - Charming Charlie
- Sr. Mgr - CRM/Web Marketing - Sally Beauty
Ted Jackson
Experience:
- Sr Dir - DTC - Under Armour
- SVP-CIO - Sports Chalet
- CIO - Junior's Tools
Todd Michaud
Experience:
- Founder/CEO - Powerthinking Media
- VP IT - Focus Brands
- Dir IT - Dunkin' Brands
Meet Our Strategic Partners
EKN Research
POPin
Trace 3
Pretty great, right? Learn more...
Whether you're a restaurant or retail chain or an emerging technology company, we want to help. Contact us for information on how to become part of our community.