Joseph (Joe) Giildenzopf

Strategic advisory platform supporting founder-led and emerging companies during periods of growth and transition. Representative work includes: • Advising CEOs and investors on outcome based strategy alignment, operational optimization, and growth acceleration. • Supporting leadership teams preparing for capital raises and expansion • Developing operating frameworks and revenue strategies for scaling companies • Guiding product development, commercialization, and market expansion

Stepping back from day-to-day operations, as a board member, I continue to help guide the company’s strategic direction and ensure our commitment to innovation and excellence remains strong. The board, alongside our team, are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what in-bottle finished spirits can be.

Oak & Eden is a premium whiskey brand built around an innovative in-bottle finishing process designed to elevate and modernize the finished spirits category. I co-founded the company with my brother James with the goal of bringing meaningful product innovation to an established industry through patented technology, distinctive branding, and disciplined market expansion. As CEO, I led the development, commercialization, and national expansion of the brand, building an organization focused on product innovation, strategic distribution, and consumer engagement. Key outcomes include: • Built the company to approximately $7M in annual revenue • Established more than 15,000 points of distribution across 37 states • Sold more than 100,000 cases nationwide • Secured 7 issued patents (3 utility, 4 design) protecting product innovation and packaging • Earned 31 industry awards, including multiple Gold and Double Gold recognitions • Named #9 Most Innovative Company in the World (2024) by Fast Company • Built national retail presence with partners including Walmart, Total Wine & More, Spec’s, Binny’s Beverage Depot, and Meijer

Pine Valley Foods was a specialty food manufacturing and distribution company serving retail and fundraising markets across North America. I founded the company and led its growth from a startup operation to a nationally distributed food manufacturing business. As CEO, I was responsible for building the organization, scaling manufacturing operations, developing national distribution relationships, and leading the company through its eventual sale. Key outcomes include: • Scaled the company to approximately $32M in annual revenue • Built and led an organization of 300 employees across manufacturing, operations, and commercial teams • Expanded product distribution to all 50 U.S. states, Canada, and Mexico • Built a network of 500+ wholesale distributors supporting the fundraising market • Developed a product portfolio exceeding 500 SKUs • Achieved SQF Level 2 Food Safety Certification for manufacturing operations • Successfully sold the business in 2016

Zencas revolutionized the product fundraising industry with a high-availability, cloud-based platform designed to create, distribute, and redeem fundraising gift cards. Our solution provided customizable micro-sites for fundraising organizations and product suppliers, ensuring brand integrity with minimal client effort. Highlights include: - Created and redeemed over 5,000,000 fundraising gift cards - Partnered with prominent organizations such as Future Farmers of America, Special Olympics, and Lions Club International. Zencas was sold to Pine Valley Foods, Inc. in 2014, further integrating our innovative technology into their operations.

Throughout my career I have founded and operated several ventures across food production, distribution, technology, and real estate. These businesses provided early operating experience in product development, manufacturing, distribution strategy, and entrepreneurial leadership. Representative ventures include: • Chefco Wholesale Distribution - wholesale specialty food distribution • The Golden Bake Shop – specialty bakery concept sold after three years of operation • Hammons Properties – real estate development and investment activities • Polar Express – TL and LTL refrigerated transport