​Join us!

​In collaboration with The Center for Entrepreneurship at Monmouth University, we're stoked to invite you to join Jersey Shore Tech & Design - Creative Talks #201 event.

​🚀 First Customer to Funding: A Panel Discussion

​Join us for an exclusive panel discussion featuring accomplished entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs with a diverse range of experiences in technology, design, and business. Learn firsthand insights and practical strategies for taking your startup from its first customer to securing funding.

​The panel will be led by a moderator with a mixture of questions submitted by community members (submit your questions) as well as an interactive Q&A session for those in attendance.

​Our featured panelists include (with full bios below):

• ​Geoff DiMasi: Geoff is an experienced entrepreneur, leader and community builder, Geoff has co-founded and successfully exited multiple ventures. Currently a professor at the Fox School of Business of Temple University, Geoff brings his passion for innovation and a deep understanding of the startup ecosystem, along with a wealth of experience to the panel.

• ​Jenna Gaudio: A seasoned tech professional with a proven track record of leading early-stage tech companies to successful exits and building high-performing teams. Jenna brings her extensive experience in product development, marketing, and operations, and offers insights on the operational aspects of running a startup and the importance of strategic planning.

• ​Bret Morgan: A versatile entrepreneur with a diverse background in technology, real estate, and hospitality, Bret Morgan has successfully founded and grown several businesses, including Cowerks, FRESH Markets and The Surf Village, among others. Bret has successfully raised funds for various hospitality projects and offers valuable insights into funding strategies and effective management in local community spaces.

​Learn much more about each panelist below. Don't forget to submit your questions in advance!

​More Info

​🙋‍♀️ What is this?
Jersey Shore Tech and Design (JST&D) is a the largest group in Monmouth & Ocean Counties for tech and design professionals, students, startups, and leaders looking to network, learn, and grow. All are invited connect, share ideas, collaborate, catch up with friends, and hang with people from the local tech and design community. Chill vibes.

​Visit our site to learn more: www.jerseyshoretech.com

​👋 Attendees?
The group consists of developers, designers, entrepreneurs, managers, product, marketing, research, etc. It's an eclectic mix of all types of creators and makers helping to build products. Everyone is welcome. You'll be in great company.

​​Our only rule: be kind.

​​​🗺️ Location
In partnership with The Center for Entrepreneurship at Monmouth University we are excited to host events on the Monmouth University campus. Follow @monmouthentrepreneur on IG.

​

​📋 Event Schedule

​Doors open at 6:30 for grabbing a slice and networking. We'll begin the event at 7pm. There will be interactive Q&A during the panel.

​6:30pm Doors (pizza, networking)
7:00pm Welcome
7:05pm Featured panel begins

​
👥 Panelist Bios

​We're super thankful to have such a terrific group of panelists for the event.

​Geoff DiMasi

​Professor at the Fox School of Business of Temple University where he teaches classes at the intersection of creativity, design, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He is affiliated with the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute that supports entrepreneurial activity across the Temple community. He founded P'unk Avenue, a not-just-for-profit, branding, design, and web studio which was acquired in 2021. He co-founded the pioneering coworking community, Indy Hall. He co-founded and still curates Ignite Philly, a twice-yearly speaker series that won a “Best of Philly” for ”Best Way to Learn Something (in a Bar)“. He currently serves on the board of the software company he co-founded, ApostropheCMS and has served on the board of many organizations like Leadership Philadelphia, Sunday Breakfast Club, and Collingswood Odyssey of the Mind. He is very proud to have been nominated as a Rad Guy of the Year by Rad Girls in 2019 and identified as one of Philadelphia's Creative Connectors. A father of three, his favorite bio remains, "Still excited!"

​Jennna Gaudio

​Jenna Gaudio is a media technology executive specializing in building, aligning, and scaling successful teams that deliver industry-leading outcomes. Gaudio currently serves as the Co-President (Previously COO and VP Product Management) at Vydia, a NJ-based media technology company recently acquired by former Apple Music Executive Larry Jackson’s new venture, gamma. Before Vydia, Gaudio played an integral role in another successful exit of early-stage, NJ-based Ad Tech startup, Yashi, which was acquired by Nexstar Media Group in 2015. She is an active leader and supporter of many industry educational programs and community-driven organizations, including Jersey Shore Women in Tech, Women in Music, and Executive Women in Product. Gaudio’s most recent accolades include being named a Top Business Influencer by the APP, NJBIZ Top 50 Women in Business, ROI-NJ Top Tech Influencer, honored at the Music Business Conference in Nashville as a finalist for the #NextGen One-to-Watch Award and was recently distinguished by Monmouth University with their Recent Alumni Award.

​Bret Morgan

​Bret Morgan is an entrepreneur, software developer, and real estate investor who leads and innovates in businesses across technology, hospitality, and community development. His current ventures include FRESH Markets, The Surf Village, and upcoming restaurants and bars in Spring Lake and Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ. He has also co-founded Cowerks, Asbury Agile, The Jersey Shore Tech Meetup, and other initiatives. Bret, a husband and father of three, shares his insights and experiences through writing and speaking engagements.