Founders that scaled their businesses share grad advice for the Class of 2026
About Brian
- Chairman & CEO of Starbucks as of 2024, leading global turnaround strategy.
- Former CEO & Chairman of Chipotle, doubling revenue and restoring brand (2018–2024).
- Previously led Taco Bell as CEO, President, and CMO, driving innovation at Yum! Brands.
- Track record of reinvigorating major consumer brands and operational excellence.
- Pioneered AI and digital integration to enhance customer and employee experience at scale.
About Eric
- Co-founded method, OLLY, Welly, and Cast
- Scaled OLLY to $100M in revenue in 4 years
- Named eco-leader by Vanity Fair; eco-revolutionary by Time
- PETA Person of the Year; Clinton Global Citizen Award recipient
- Named to Fortune's 40 Under 40
About Allison
- Co-founded Poppi; sold to Pepsi for $1.95B in 2025
- Turned a kitchen-made ACV drink into a Shark Tank success story
- Led Poppi's viral growth to 1B+ TikTok views and 400K+ followers
- Won BevNet's Campaign of the Year within Poppi's first 24 months
- Helped make Poppi Amazon's #1 searched soda
About Lew
- Transformed Coach from $6M in sales to a $5B global lifestyle brand
- 35-year Chairman & CEO tenure at Coach
- Named by Barron’s among the world's 30 Most Respected CEOs
- Recognized by Institutional Investor as one of America's Best CEOs
- Restored NYC Head Start and day care programs as Child Development Commissioner
Founders that scaled their businesses share grad advice for the Class of 2026
Founders across various businesses – Method, Coach, Simple Mills, and Chomps – share wisdom for the class of 2026.
