Two-time international bestselling author, Jeff Barnes, is a former US Navy Nuclear Power Plant Operator on a submarine, Navy diver, risk management director, technology enthusiast, business growth expert, advisor, and management consultant. Mr. Barnes helps businesses develop systems and processes based on military principles to create exponential growth.

As a nuclear-trained mechanic and scuba diver on a US Navy submarine, Jeff Barnes traveled the world underwater at extreme depths, running a nuclear power plant and sleeping alongside torpedoes while mastering invaluable skills. His innate leadership abilities and understanding of complex systems allowed him to manage the largest division on his submarine and lead the ship’s quality control program.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Mr. Barnes joined Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company (HSB) as a boiler inspector. His discipline and expertise rapidly advanced him through the ranks, making him one of the youngest managers in the company’s history. He was entrusted with managing the largest geographic region, spanning from Alaska and Hawaii to Colorado, and ultimately rose to become Director of Technology. In this role, he oversaw the deployment of mobile technology solutions across the globe, supporting more than 500 inspectors and claims investigators.

Following Munich Reinsurance Company’s acquisition of HSB in 2009, Mr. Barnes's responsibilities expanded further. He became a global innovation coach tasked with identifying cutting-edge technologies and opportunities for investment, partnership, or acquisition. Under his leadership, HSB spearheaded several eight- and nine-figure investments and acquisitions that significantly enhanced both the company’s operations and those of its clients. These investments ranged from crowdsourced insurance platforms and insurance technologies to Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, drones, Agritech businesses, and more. Many of these ventures achieved unicorn status, and some were later acquired into the Fortune 500 landscape for nine- and ten-figure sums, showcasing Mr. Barnes’s ability to identify and nurture high-value opportunities.

In 2018, Mr. Barnes made the decision to leave the corporate world and acquire Angel Investors Network, continuing his passion for advancing innovation and investment throughout the United States. As the CEO of Angel Investors Network, he now helps entrepreneurs bring their products, services, and technologies to market through advisory services, mentorship, and venture capital management. With over $10 million personally invested in digital marketing campaigns, more than 1,000 companies advised, and $1 billion raised in capital under his guidance, Mr. Barnes has developed a reputation for scaling high-growth companies at a rapid pace. His entrepreneurial journey includes building multiple seven- and eight-figure businesses, including an eCommerce company that skyrocketed from $0 to $17 million in just nine months.

Mr. Barnes is also the founder of Digital Evolution Marketing Group and the manager of the Angels & Heroes Venture Growth Fund, which focuses on identifying and managing high-return angel and private investment opportunities. His portfolio spans multiple sectors, including finance, insurance, real estate, health care, IoT, AR/VR, FinTech, eCommerce, and mobility.

In 2011, Mr. Barnes earned his Leadership MBA from the University of Washington. Outside of work, he mentors young professionals and entrepreneurs, coaches his two boys’ sports teams, enjoys the outdoors, travels extensively, and spends quality time with his wife, Amara. Driven by his passion for business growth, innovation, and investment, Mr. Barnes continues to empower others to build thriving enterprises and unlock groundbreaking opportunities.

With over 30 years of experience in business development, capital raising, and investor relations, John Reighard has played a pivotal role in shaping AIN’s strategic growth. His extensive background in structuring complex investment deals, combined with his strong network of high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors, has allowed AIN to attract and secure significant capital for its portfolio companies. John’s expertise spans multiple sectors, including real estate, private equity, and venture capital, and he has been involved in numerous high-profile mergers and acquisitions. His hands-on approach ensures that every investment opportunity presented to AIN’s investors is rigorously vetted and structured for long-term success.

John Mortenson is a CPA and AI marketing expert with over 40 years of C-suite experience in technology-enabled business services. As the CFO and Co-Founder of Lifewise Digital, he oversees the financial, operational, and strategic aspects of the company's innovative AI-guided marketing solution, which empowers small and medium-sized businesses to manage their own digital marketing programs using the same tools as giant tech companies and advertising agencies.

Throughout his career, Mortenson has led and executed multiple successful mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures across various industries, including marketing services, SaaS platforms, and healthcare. He has held diverse leadership roles such as CFO, COO, CEO, and VP of Sales, and has developed new products and services that have generated millions of dollars in revenue and margin growth. Mortenson is passionate about creating value, solving problems, and delivering results for his clients, partners, and stakeholders.

Michael Fugler is a Creative Critical Thinker, Rainmaker, Negotiator, Consultant, Attorney, Investment Banker, Motivational Speaker, TV and Radio Personality, Wine Aficionado, Avid Swimmer, and Private Pilot.

Michael helps entrepreneurs build companies and is frequently brought into difficult situations to assist with outside-the-box problem-solving. He is skilled in successfully negotiating, structuring, and executing the delivery of high-quality advice, creative financing solutions, strategic planning, and corporate finance. Michael’s hands-on, real-life experience sets him apart from other investment bankers, attorneys, and business consultants advising today’s entrepreneurs. His goal is to concisely and constructively solve problems, grow companies, and guide entrepreneurs to their next level of success.

Adam Kay is an accomplished marketing professional and serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in building and scaling businesses across diverse industries. He is the founder of Loyalli, a customer loyalty and marketing platform, showcasing his deep expertise in digital marketing, customer engagement, and brand strategy.

As the CMO of Angel Investors Network, Adam oversees the company’s marketing initiatives, focusing on expanding the reach and impact of AIN’s brand through innovative digital strategies and compelling content. His forward-thinking approach is designed to enhance investor engagement, drive business growth, and position AIN as a leader in the private capital space. Adam’s expertise in leveraging data-driven marketing and customer-centric strategies plays a crucial role in ensuring that AIN’s message resonates with both entrepreneurs and accredited investors.

Kelly Bennett is a seasoned public relations expert with over 17 years of experience in broadcast journalism and community affairs. She is the founder of Bennett Unlimited PR, where she helps individuals, nonprofits, and businesses enhance their public visibility and achieve local, national, and international media attention. Her expertise spans across broadcast journalism, where she won awards such as the Golden Mike Award for her reporting, and her subsequent roles in public relations for companies like Adelphia Communications and Time Warner Cable.

Kelly’s work in PR has included managing media campaigns, producing TV shows, and leveraging her vast network of contacts to help her clients achieve their goals. Her portfolio includes handling public relations for nonprofit events, corporate initiatives, and various high-profile projects. Known for her creativity and dedication, Kelly has a reputation for delivering tangible results, making her a trusted advisor in the field of public relations (Bennett Unlimited).

Often referred to as “The 6 Billion Dollar Man,” Mr. Ullmann has led some of the most iconic fashion and celebrity brands to massive success. As President of FUBU International, he led the fashion giant from $70 million to $700 million, and in his role as President of New Business Development at Phat Fashions, he led the organization from $80 million to $800 million.

He is arguably the world’s leading expert in celebrity brand development, brand management, licensing, and monetization, having overseen the successful launches of brands for clients including Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, Nicki Minaj, and many others. The brands he has worked with have generated over $6 billion in global sales.

Often referred to as “The Entrepreneur’s Best Friend,” Greg has spent over 15 years coaching thousands of entrepreneurs to raise capital, market their businesses, and ring the cash register.

At the age of 21, he was the youngest owner of a full-service investment bank in the history of the United States. Since then, he has been directly involved in over $100 million in financing, dozens of IPOs, and mergers & acquisitions for early-stage and startup companies.

He has over 35 years of experience in corporate finance, capital formation, executive-level management, mergers & acquisitions, software development, licensing & distribution, and sales & marketing.

As a self-declared “digital marketing guru,” Greg has generated millions of dollars in revenue using the exact strategies he teaches in seminars and keynotes across the country. These days, he’s on a mission to help celebrities & influencers accelerate their business growth, increase their revenues, and build “brand equity” through e-commerce and online digital marketing.