Top 15 Notable Entrepreneurs That Are Creating Waves in Their Respective Sectors

In a world brimming with endless possibilities and untamed imagination, a remarkable group of individuals is reshaping entire industries and redefining the very essence of success. Today, we proudly present the Top 15 outstanding entrepreneurs charting their own courses and leaving an indelible mark on their respective sectors. These visionary trailblazers embody unwavering determination and audacious ambition. Fueled by an unshakable belief in their ideas, they have embarked on extraordinary journeys toward greatness. With every step they take, they challenge the norms, push boundaries, and inspire countless others to join them on the path less traveled.

From the depths of their passion and perseverance, they have built enterprises that are revolutionizing their fields. Their stories are woven with threads of resilience, taking risks, and relentless pursuit of their dreams. These remarkable individuals have faced obstacles head-on, embracing failures as stepping stones toward unparalleled success. Embark with us on a captivating exploration into the lives of these outstanding entrepreneurs who are trailblazing and making waves in their respective domains. Uncover their unwritten playbook, where innovation intertwines with determination and where the spirit of entrepreneurship knows no bounds. It’s time to witness firsthand the unstoppable force that these emerging titans of industry embody and to be inspired to unlock your potential in the pursuit of greatness.

Pete Gillett

Pete Gillett is the CEO and founder of Marketpoint, a global recall and crisis management firm, and Zuant, a mobile lead capture platform. Finding the corporate world dull, he decided to create his firm. He began Marketpoint in 1982 as a passionate marketer, providing businesses with database marketing and CRM systems that would allow them to communicate with their consumers worldwide while guiding new sales prospects through Marketpoint’s spectrum of services and cloud-based dashboards.

image1 061523427

Over 40 years of marketing and sales experience have made Pete a sought-after thought leader on current issues such as mobile and GDPR. He has been a pioneer in database marketing since the 1970s, and in the 1990s, with support from Lucent Technologies, he created the first web-based CRM system in history. Pete is also primarily responsible for product development and client roll-outs for Zuant’s acclaimed mobile lead collection platform, used by leading US organizations.

Pete also oversaw the design and development of the first CRM App for the iPad IOS and is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the British Federation’s Award for Design and Innovation and a place in the Prince of Wales Competition finals for Industrial Design, among others. He is enthusiastic about the motorsports sector and the technical advances that enable prominent, cost-effective versions of the “original databased marketing” approach to be available to major international firms. Pete had a great racing career and now races for fun, indicating his competitive and energetic character goes outside the job!

Today, Pete’s goal is to increase the size of the Zuant Classic tech firm and return it to pre-pandemic levels by expanding the market reach of the new Zuant 3D product. With this program, you can standardize and streamline your data collection to ensure that your organization maximizes its sales opportunities both in person and online.

Florina ONETIU

The achievements and experience of women in tech must be amplified because they create a space for aspiring female entrepreneurs. Florina Onetiu is a tech mogul, marketing leader, and visionary investor, currently working as the CEO of the groundbreaking company Xclusiverse. Her rich experience spanning over twenty years in organizational, marketing and business development testifies to her impeccable education from renowned institutions such as Oxford, Stanford, and Cornell. She has worked in executive roles at prestigious organizations like Life Care while also being the co-founder of Unicorp Ventures.

image3 061523427

Her brainchild, “Xclusiverse,” became a sensation in the metaverse technology, making a world record by generating 2,041 avatars simultaneously, converging the physical and digital realms in this technological miracle. The record was certified by Official World Records, cementing their status as tech visionaries. The company offers its users a complete virtual business environment, revolutionizing how global markets are approached.

Florina plans to increase her ventures in a sustainable way, applying decentralized blockchain technologies in the payment industry. She also aims to promote equality, making tech more inclusive for females and other marginalized groups. Click here for more information on Florina’s current and future endeavors.

Christian Guzman

Christian Guzman is the founder and creator of Alphalete Athletics and CG Fitness. He is known for endeavors like Alphalete Athletic, AlphaEats, Alphalete Gym, and Alphaland. Alphalete Athletics provides comfortable and durable workout clothing. It was born to fulfill the desire for better quality clothing for workouts while being aesthetically pleasing.

image2 061523427 e1686861076612

Christian opened Alphalete Gym to provide people with inspiration and motivation to achieve their fitness goals and objectives. Building Alphaland has also been a significant accomplishment for him. He has over 1 million youtube followers and has launched an energy drink called “3D Energy Drinks,” which is a class apart.

Christian has no plans of stopping anytime soon and wants to take his brand Alphalete and Alphalete Gym international. He also wants to expand his coaching business CG Fitness and hopes to work more on his youtube channel.

Julie Cole

Meet Julie Cole, the powerhouse mom of six who traded in her legal briefcase for entrepreneurship and never looked back. As the co-founder and Senior Director of Mabel’s Labels, Julie is an insightful, sought-after speaker and emcee, appearing on NBC’s The Today Show and HLN’s Raising America. She’s also an award-winning entrepreneur, best-selling author, and passionate community advocate.

image5 061523427

Julie’s commitment to excellence has earned her numerous accolades, including the YWCA Women of Distinction award and the RBC National Women of Influence award for excellence in entrepreneurship. Her company, Mabel’s Labels, started as a humble basement startup and has since grown into a multi-million dollar business that continues to innovate and lead the market.

Despite her busy professional life, Julie remains dedicated to imparting wisdom, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and advocating for women’s issues and social justice. Whether you’re a mom looking for a durable labeling solution or an aspiring entrepreneur seeking inspiration, follow Julie on her website and social media profiles.

Megan Fazio

Megan Fazio is the owner and CEO of Neon PR Studios. She built one of the most successful PR agencies in Las Vegas at only 24 years of age, and last September, Neon PR Studios celebrated its 10th anniversary. As an early adopter of social media as a PR strategy, she incorporated the emerging medium into leveraging her client’s businesses, effectively disrupting the PR landscape in Vegas. Neon PR Studios currently represents some of the top hospitality clientele in the city, utilizing both traditional media relations and digital strategies.

image4 061523427

Due to her efforts to revolutionize the public relations industry, she has been recognized in the coveted 40 Under 40 in Las Vegas through Vegas INC and was awarded 2022 Top Twenty Women of the Year by Deluxe Version Magazine. In addition to the recognition, at just 34 years old, Megan recently purchased a million-dollar building for her company, committing to her staff and burgeoning business with a foray into commercial real estate.

By innovatively strategizing for businesses in the hospitality, events, tech and crisis management sectors, Neon PR Studios has been recognized as one of the top PR firms in the state of Nevada.

Marcos Ayash

Marcos Ayash is the CEO and founder of Nusa Investments LLC, an investment company in Miami. He is a knowledgeable and experienced real estate agent specializing in luxury properties in Miami-Dade County. With half a decade of experience in the market, Nusa Investments can navigate successfully even in uncertain conditions.

image7 061523427

As an investment expert, Marcos creates long-lasting client relationships by scoring the best rates on exclusive and luxury properties. He thoroughly evaluates the market to ensure his clients’ profitability, making him the county’s best estate agent.

Additionally, Maros loves interior design and renovates luxury properties all the time. His Instagram is filled with remodeled kitchens and living spaces in European styles. Also an avid sports lover, he regularly participates in triathlons and other sports.

Lacey Waterman

Ever heard of a branding expert who can skyrocket your business? Meet Lacey Waterman, the brilliant creative mind lending her skills to some of the biggest brands in the world. She is the Founder and Creative Director of Strand Studio, a full-service branding and advertising studio headquartered out of her A. Quincy Jones home.

image6 061523427

Combining her education in both Advertising at Art Center College of Design and her MFA in Graphic Design from Yale University, she takes a strategic approach to design and storytelling. Lacey has helped develop the brand identities of companies such as Hims, Ollie, Tend, and GoodNow by GoPuff, to name a few.

She has over 15 years of experience working at advertising agencies in both New York and Los Angeles, such as TBWA/Chiat/Day, McCann Erickson, 72andSunny, and Droga5 Moreover, Lacey has won awards such as the Bronze Cannes Lion, Gold, and Silver Obie Awards, and she has also been featured in many publications.

In the future, Lacey aims to continue providing one-on-one attention and maintain a collaborative process with clients and founders.

To learn more about Strand Studio, visit the official website and follow them on Instagram.

Liza Falzone

Meet Lisa Falzone, the co-founder and President of Athena Security, a company changing the school safety landscape. As a female entrepreneur, Falzone has raised over $100 million in funding for her startups. Her first startup, Revel System POS, was valued at $500 million before being sold to private equity. However, her second startup, Athena Security, is the one that has truly made an impact.

image9 061523429

In a world where school shootings were becoming increasingly common, Falzone founded Athena Security in 2018 to develop weapons detection systems for schools, hospitals, casinos, and small high-end retail.

With ambitions to reduce mass shootings, Falzone is a true visionary in the tech industry. Learn more about Lisa Falzone and Athena Security by visiting her LinkedIn and Website.

Jenny Jing Zhu

Entrepreneur Jenny Jing Zhu is no stranger to a good challenge. She launched Triangle Home Fashions in 2008 during the Great Recession. Brick-and-mortar retailers were not entertaining new vendors, so she quickly pivoted to a digital-first e-commerce strategy. She hasn’t looked back.

Jenny rapidly scaled the company and, in 2013, launched Lush Décor, THF’s signature brand. The luxury-for-less label now works with 50+ e-tailers, including Amazon, Target, Wayfair, and Kohls.

image8 061523427

Jenny credits her Surface Design and Textiles degree from FIT with preparing her for success, but her entrepreneurial fire burned bright long before she immigrated to the U.S. As a young girl growing up in rural China, she worked hard and dreamed big.

That work ethic paid off, and now Jenny leads a 9-figure business with a diverse, multi-national team of 80. The company’s mission to do good work that matters can be seen through partnerships with Make-A-Wish and the Lush Décor Home Stylist Collective.

Her many accolades include EY’s NJ Entrepreneur of the Year, Enterprising Woman/ Enterprising Women Media, and WPO’s 50 Fastest Growing Companies. She was recently appointed diversity, equity, and inclusion officer/YPO Garden State Chapter.

Jenny’s expansion plans include creating more opportunities to help customers create the home of their dreams.

Angelina Fabian

Angelina Fabian is a certified Human Design Teacher, Holistic Analyst, and Rave Psychologist and has worked with the Human Design system for nearly 12 years. She uses the Human Design System technique through her websiteto help people to unleash their potential, help them gently release trauma, and guide them to live deeply fulfilled lives. So far, she has given nearly 3000 personal Human Design analyses. On her website, you can discover your unique genetic blueprint to unleash your potential for free!

image12 061523427

Angelina uses the Human Design System created by Ra Uru Hu to assist individuals in uncovering their authentic selves, achieving inner harmony, and identifying their purpose in life. Her dedication is evident in her desire to work with diverse individuals, regardless of their backgrounds. Through her work, she instills hope and positivity in people, motivating them to achieve meaningful life transformation and empowering them to be their badass authentic selves. Her clients praise her as a talented and inspiring analyst who guides them toward an empowered life.

In addition, Angelina’s website is also available in both English and German, providing services to a broader audience. She aims to support and enable individuals to explore their true selves, seeking to realize their full capabilities. She is dedicated to guiding as many people as possible toward self-discovery and empowerment. She shares her empowering voice and wisdom also through her Instagram account.

Oluwatosin Alexander Ayilara

Meet Oluwatosin Alexander Ayilara, a fast-growing remarkable entertainment industry figure known for his work as a Creative Entrepreneur, Film director, and Creative Strategist. He is the brain behind Kreglex Productions and Concerns Limited, an international creative and media agency. With certificates in filmmaking, project management, marketing, and creative designing, he brings a wealth of expertise and experience as an Oracle professional expert.

image10 061523427

As head of Kreglex Productions, Ayilara has produced & directed award-winning films, documentaries, and commercials for brands such as African Magic, BetKing, Parimatch, Fidelity Bank, and GTBank. The company won the 2022 Media Innovation Award from The Entrepreneur Africa. Ayilara was nominated as the Young Male Entrepreneur of 2022 by the Africa Choice Awards. He is committed to using filmmaking to influence societal values and partners with Blue Pictures Cinema for giveaways and NGOs for The-Cabal-Talk Show, a platform for youth social discussion.

With Ayilara’s leadership, doubling the company’s operational size and productivity within 2-3 years is an ambitious goal well within reach.

To learn more about Ayilara and Kreglex Productions & Concerns Limited, visit his website and the first-of-its-kind Bridal Film Festival.

Paola Crevatini Rebsamen

Step into the world of Paola Crevatini Rebsamen, a passionate entrepreneur, marketing expert, and influence coach who is turning the traveling world on its head. In 2016, she founded Femmetravel Retreats, a community and digital platform that empowers women to visit new places and achieve new milestones in life.

image11 061523427

Femmetravel Retreats are educational, cultural, and luxury retreats worldwide. They encourage women to leave their comfort zones and explore exciting travel destinations while learning something new and working on their personal growth. Paola also coaches women regarding building their personal brand, influencing them to create their dream life, secure better jobs, and demand higher rates.

One of her noteworthy achievements includes organizing The MissAdventure Festival in Croatia. With her sights set on delivering a TEDx talk and authoring a book, Paola is pure inspiration to women worldwide.

To learn more about Paola’s business, visit her official website and follow her on Instagram.

Stephanie Wray

Making significant decisions often requires taking a leap of faith and putting in a dedicated effort to achieve your goals. While the journey may be challenging, the outcomes are incredibly rewarding. Stephanie Wray is a prime example of such determination. She bravely left her conventional nine-to-five corporate job to embark on the path of entrepreneurship. As an independent consultant at Arbonne, she ventured into growing her own business.

image13 061523427

Arbonne specializes in a range of products encompassing skincare, makeup, nutrition, and healthy living. Stephanie passionately promotes these products, which help her customers live a healthy and happy life. Her own life journey serves as an inspiration to many.

As a single mother who has maintained sobriety for 14 years, Stephanie actively advocates for recovering individuals struggling with drug addiction. She stands as living proof that recovery is attainable, offering hope to those seeking to break free from the grips of drugs and embrace a healthier, more fulfilling life.

To learn more about Stephanie, visit her website. To buy her Arbonne products, click here.

Brett Back

Meet Brett Beck, a successful entrepreneur who struggled through addiction and hit rock bottom but got a second chance at life after rehab. Since then, Brett has been on a journey of self-discovery and transformation and has emerged as a passionate advocate for mental health and physical well-being. He believes in working on them daily for a fulfilling life.

image14 061523427

Brett’s motto is “Do good, be good, feel good.” He focuses on health and fitness products and works only with people and projects that align with his values. His triumph over adversity inspires anyone who has been through tough times and needs motivation for a better life.

Follow Brett for practical advice on how to live your best life.

Timeka Drew

Timeka Drew, the owner and founder of Biko Flower, has established herself as a leading entrepreneur in the world of medical cannabis. Her journey, in which cannabis was pivotal in saving her life, has ignited an unyielding passion for the plant. Committed to delivering exceptional quality, she remains intimately involved in every aspect of manufacturing.

Screenshot 2023 08 21 at 4.06.37 PM

Biko Flower offers three distinctive collections of flowers, each cultivated using specific methods to cater to diverse customer preferences. In addition to loose flowers, the company provides pre-rolled smokable flowers, ensuring a convenient experience for consumers. Timeka’s impressive online presence has garnered over 14,000 followers on Biko Flower’s Instagram page and has successfully established a dedicated YouTube channel.

Recognizing the surging popularity of cannabis for medicinal purposes, Timeka is determined to raise awareness about its myriad benefits. From pain relief and nausea reduction to managing diabetes and alleviating anxiety, she firmly believes that cannabis can drive positive social change. By dispelling stigmas and promoting understanding, Timeka envisions a society that embraces cannabis as a viable and invaluable therapeutic option.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.