Our Team

The Managing Partners of GBS Growth Partners have almost 50 years combined experience in the food and beverage industry. Our experience combined with our Advisors, Operating Managers and Associates, encompasses all functional areas including strategic planning, sales, distribution, marketing, finance, supply chain, production, product development and private equity finance.

John Blackington has over 30 years of experience, both as the owner of his own company and as a senior executive for several leading food and beverage companies, including The Coca-Cola Company. He has helped jumpstart a number of successful new brands today in critical areas ranging from helping build sales and distribution systems, expanding retail availability, developing equity strategies and sourcing capital. He has developed the ‘Smart Equity’ Project, an innovative way of partnering beverage startups with major beverage companies to create synergy and leverage. He has a passion for helping entrepreneurs reach commercial success. John received a BS and MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Jack Brennan is a seasoned global executive with over 30 years in the food and beverage industry working with large companies as well as entrepreneurial start-ups. His experience spans senior positions with The Coca-Cola Company, Host Marriot Services, and G. Heileman Brewing. Jack has strong knowledge in critical areas such as strategic planning, business development, marketing, sales, distribution, operations and financing. Jack was previously a Partner with Tatleaux Partners, a consulting firm advising clients in areas of strategic planning and financing strategies. He has been assigned- Interim CEO of several portfolio beverage companies. Jack received a BS in Business from Boston College.

Tom Blackington has over 25 years of sales, marketing and operational success in the beverage industry across the US. He has worked with/for Coca-Cola as well as with early-stage companies including Bolthouse Farms, Celsius and Soylent. Tom has deep connections with retailers and distributors throughout Texas. He has strong contacts of ‘early adopter’ channels such as food service, colleges, schools and fitness channels.

Ken Tenace has over 25 years of experience helping high growth brands across the US. He began his career with Red Bull from their very early stages. He managed all key accounts in Southern California for the LA distributor of Red Bull. Ken has also held key sales positions within Neuro. Crunk Energy and Power Coco …placing their brands in distributorships and a broad range of retail channels across the country. Ken received his BS in Marketing from Cal State University, Long Beach.

Gregg Fairley is a senior executive with over thirty years of experience in the beverage and CPG industry. During his career with the Coca-Cola Company and the Dr Pepper Company, Gregg worked extensively with multiple retail and national accounts and bottler/distributors across the United States. In the past few years, he has helped a variety of early-stage high-growth brands like Celsius, Soylent and Bolthouse Farms build innovative strategies and commercialization plans to capitalize on growth in new business channels. Gregg has a BBA in Marketing from the University of Texas, Tyler.

Hal Kravitz has over 25 years of experience in the beverage industry. He is currently Lead Independent Director at Celsius Holdings, one of the fastest growing brands in the US. Prior to AQUAhydrate, Hal was CEO of AQUAhydrate,  President/CEO of Glaceau (Vitaminwater) and has held various senior positions at The Coca Cola Company and Coca Cola Enterprises (CCE) His last position at CCE was Chief Revenue Officer responsible for the strategic planning function. Hal brings in depth knowledge of all aspects of the beverage industry to GBS. Hal earned a BS degree from the University of Georgia – Terry College of Business.

Mark Macedonio has over 30 years experience leading sales and marketing functions at major alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage companies; Dr Pepper, Cott Corp., The Coca-Cola Company and what is now Suntory Beam. Over the last 15-year period, he has founded and built multiple companies, including M Imports which is an importer of national scope, marketing wine to major wholesalers, retailers and restaurant chains in 43 states. Mark received his BS from Colorado State University.

Lorne Paskin is currently a principle with Zuckerman – Honickman …the largest packaging distributor in the US. Lorne’s global supply chain experience and relationships including contract packers are a valuable asset to early-stage companies. Lorne has a BS from the University of Maryland.

Dan Wilder is a senior executive with over thirty years of experience in the beverage industry. He has worked with both large companies and start-ups, and has extensive senior leadership experience with multiple companies, including The Coca-Cola Company and CELSIUS Holdings. Most recently, Dan’s work with Celsius Holdings included expanding their market coverage to greater than 95% of the US and increasing revenue over $200 million in the past 4 years. He has worked in multiple retail channels, and has extensive experience, with top retailers and distributors nationally.  Dan received his BBA from The University of Texas at Arlington.

John Launder is a senior executive with over thirty years of experience in a wide array of disciplines in the beverage industry. He has worked with both large companies and start-ups, and has extensive sales, operations, marketing and general management experience with multiple companies, including The Coca-Cola Company. John has started several successful businesses including Sprite Bottling of Southwest, a distributor that marketed multiple brands across Texas. In addition to being an Advisor for GBS, John is currently an adjunct instructor in Business Strategy and Planning at the University of Arkansas. John has a strong background in marketplace execution and excellence. He received his B.A. from Westminster College and a M.A. from University of Missouri.