Discussion “Founder’s Journey: Food”
Founder’s Journey is a speaker series sponsored by 187 Labs & the Williams Center, where we explore the journey of some of the most influential entrepreneurs in Rutherford and beyond. The purpose of this panel discussion is to help motivate, prepare, and guide the next generation of founders coming out of Rutherford, NJ.
This month’s guests are:
Manny Padron
Manny Padron has been the local men’s hair guru of Northern New Jersey for over 15 years. He’s the creative presence behind Substance Salon. His work behind the chair is a fusion between Barbering and Modern Hair Styling. Manny was trained as a Master Barber/Cosmetologist in one of New York’s leading institutes and over the years has learned from some of the top stylists in the industry.
Manny is also an Educator in the Beauty & Grooming industry. Teaching stylists and salon owners men’s grooming and also how to excel in customer service and experience. His dedication to the beauty & grooming culture is evident and on display as a passionate artist.
Alejandro Rad
The Nuts4Nuts brand was started in New York in 1993 by Alejandro Rad. Mr. Rad, born in Mendoza, Argentina and now an American citizen, started out as a honey-roasted nuts vendor in 1989. He began with one pushcart and grew steadily. Today, the company he owns in partnership with Bronx native Cliff Stanton — United Snacks, Inc. — supplies nearly 100 pushcarts throughout the city.
Renee Faris
After getting her college and culinary school degrees and honing her baking skills at Carlo’s Bakery, Gramercy Tavern, and Fig & Olive, Renee knew it was time to strike out on her own. Seeing a need for a European-style coffee shop in Northern NJ, she opened Erie Coffeeshop & Bakery in Rutherford, where she serves up delicious pies, cakes, and unique baked treats like blood orange brioche and coconut raspberry scones, along with locally roasted coffees. And after seven years, Renee still makes everything in-house in small batches, choosing quality over quantity and creative freedom.
Time: 7:00-9:00 pm EDT
Free!
