Welcome to the Ocean Crest Advisory Board!

The Ocean Crest Advisory Board was formed to help founders maximize their potential and save time, energy and money. We offer a problem-solving "concierge model" which provides candid feedback, critical thinking, robust analysis, and strategic insights. 

  • How to form, legally protect or value the business

  • How to scale the business, identify addressable markets & solve business challenges

  • How to capitalize the business and protect equity

  • Attracting and retaining key personnel needed to grow 

  • Other strategic or technical advice

    The Ocean Crest Advisory Board convenes on a semi-regular basis and provides input and guidance on every potential investment we consider. In some instances, the Advisors simply offer opinion, while in others they may be contracted by the founder to provide expertise. Advisors also have the option to participate in funding new Ocean Crest Ventures and take an equity stake.

  • Nick Briere

    CEO at NextMinds (home of Invention Convention), Partner at Sonick Group

    A former student inventor and now CEO of NextMinds, Nick Briere leads nationally recognized programs that bring invention, STEM, and creative problem-solving to thousands of K–12 students.

    Meet Nick

  • Michael Carter

    Carter Morse & Goodrich (Managing Partner)

    Michael Carter is a veteran investment banker and founding principal of Carter Morse & Goodrich, known for guiding private and public companies through complex M&A, growth, and financial strategy with decades of hands-on leadership across industries.

    Meet Michael

  • Warrick Dunn

    Warrick Dunn Charities: (Founder, Former NFL Player & NFL Man of the Year, Minority Owner Atlanta Falcons)

    Warrick Dunn is a celebrated NFL icon turned transformative philanthropist, using his platform to help single-parent families achieve homeownership and break cycles of poverty through his multi-program foundation, Warrick Dunn Charities.

    Meet Warrick

  • Evan Gappelberg

    Investor, CEO/Founder: (Nextech3D.ai | CEO, ARway.ai , CEO, Toggle3D.ai

    Evan Gappelberg is a trailblazing founder whose early conviction in AR and AI led to a $700M market-cap run, 10 strategic acquisitions, and a world-class team now building the next generation of generative 3D technology.

    Meet Evan

  • Wendy Guillies

    Retired, President and CEO, Kauffman Foundation, Board Member Center for American Entrepreneurship

    Wendy Guillies is a nationally recognized former CEO and strategic leader whose 22-year tenure at the Kauffman Foundation shaped major entrepreneurship, education, and capital-access initiatives across the country.

    Meet Wendy

  • Michele Henry

    Face Foundrie (Founder & CEO), Founder + Skin Scholar Savant aesthetics,  Former Co-Founder Primp Boutique

    Michele Henry is a born entrepreneur who went from running her father’s construction crew to building two powerhouse beauty brands—Primp and Face Foundrié—redefining accessibility and confidence in skincare.

    Meet Michele

  • David Karp

    Cresset Capital: (Co- Founder & Senior Managing Director, Financial Advisor, Barron's Top 100 Independent Advisors for 2023)

    David Karp, one of Barron’s Top 100 Independent Advisors and the #1 ranked advisor in Virginia, brings 25+ years of elite wealth strategy experience to entrepreneurs and family office clients nationwide.

    Meet David

  • David L. Katz, MD, MPH, FACPM, FACP, FACLM

    Diet ID, Inc. (Founder and CEO) 

    From founding Yale’s Prevention Research Center to authoring 19 books and influencing global nutrition policy, Dr. David Katz is one of the most respected voices in health, longevity, and lifestyle medicine.

    Meet Dr Katz

  • John Lawrence ESQ.

    Shipman & Goodwin LLP: (Partner, Legal Advisor on M&A)

    A trusted legal advisor in mergers, acquisitions, and venture deals, John Lawrence brings deep experience and a collaborative, steady hand to business owners navigating high-stakes corporate transitions

    Meet John

  • Ronald Larrow, CPA

    Simione, Macca & Larrow: (Partner, CPA & Business Advisor)  

    With a career spanning advanced tax consulting, industry leadership, and meaningful civic involvement, Ronald Larrow is a respected CPA known for his technical insight and commitment to community.

    Meet Ron

  • Lawrence P. Ward, Ed.D

    President, University of Hartford

    Dr. Lawrence P. Ward is a dynamic higher education leader known for transforming student success, strengthening institutional partnerships, and building authentic, high-impact campus communities.

    Meet Dr. Ward

  • Wayne M. Zell, Esq.

    Zell Law: (Founder, Tax & Estate Planning Advisor)

    Wayne Zell Esq., is a nationally recognized expert in business succession and estate planning, guiding entrepreneurs and families through complex transitions with clarity, strategy, and confidence.

    Meet Wayne