| John Davie CEO, Owner Buyers Edge Platform John B. Davie co-founded Dining Alliance in 2008 and has grown the company to be the nation’s largest purchasing group for independent restaurants. John is also the CEO of the Buyers Edge Platform, which is made up of more than a dozen distinct companies all focused on leveraged purchasing in the foodservice sector, capturing over $7B in national food spend. All companies in the enterprise provide purchasing solutions to different segments of the foodservice industry, including independent restaurants, multi-unit restaurants, country clubs, amusement parks, casinos, and healthcare. Some of the purchasing solutions provided include produce management, cost savings, supply chain assessments, technology and data analytics. John has a unique talent for recognizing niche opportunities and starting or acquiring companies to maximize the profitability of that particular space, including launching his own start-up ventures. In 2016, John was recognized in Boston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 issue and in 2018 Buyers Edge Platform was included in Inc. Magazine’s list of the 5000 fastest growing private companies in America. John is an NYU/Stern graduate, recently relocated to Lantana, Florida with his wife and their three children. Before that he spent many years in Boston and is an avid Boston sports fan and a top-ranked Boston-area billiards player. | |
| Nicole Valenti Director Datassential Nicole joined Datassential in 2012 after 15 years as Director of Custom Research at the NPD Group, Inc. Nicole has championed research studies using various analytical techniques including segmentation, discrete choice, pricing elasticity, TURF, and Max Diff; as well as brand equity, packaging, concept testing, and attitude and usage projects. She holds a Master’s Degree in Experimental Psychology and Statistics from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. | |
