Speaker Biographies
Keynote Speaker
Mandy Wolfe
Mandy was born and raised in Montreal and knew she lad a love of all things food and family when she realized the kitchen was always her favorite place to be in anyone’s home. Having studied at McGill in history and literature, she started a private centring business on the side after graduating and traveling in South East Asia. She is one of the founders and the head chef at Mandy’s since its inception in 2004. She lives in Montreal with her three kids, and is still trying to convince them that salad is awesome.
Keynote Speaker
Rebecca Wolfe
Rebecca is the head designer and marketing chief at Mandys. Also a native Montrealer, the sister duo paired up in 2004 to open the first Mandys where Rebecca designed the restaurant and look of the brand. She studied psychology at McGill and worked many years in the fashion industry before launching Mandys. She designs every restaurant from her travel inspirations and immaculate imagination. She lives in Montreal with her husband and three kids, and is constantly creating and designing new looks in and out of the restaurants.
Jake Karls
Jake Karls is a different type of business leader – unapologetically authentic, refreshingly relatable, and completely free of bs.
He is the Co-founder and Chief Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares, the good-for-you chocolate brand that turned a kitchen-table dream into a global household name. Mid-Day Squares is leading the disruption of an extremely competitive vertical with a winning team, innovative marketing strategy, and fearless spirit.
The secret ingredient fueling the brand’s stratospheric growth? Genuine human connection. Jake’s role is to build the brand’s network and visibility. To hear him speak is to understand how he does it. By prioritizing relationships, harnessing the power of storytelling, and being himself, Jake has cultivated the loyalties of investors, buyers, journalists, influencers, his own team, and of course, the chocolate-loving community. Even Kim Kardashian is a fan.
He and his business partners, who happen to be his sister and brother-in-law, are strong proponents of a healthy corporate culture and emotional well-being, and even get together for regular business therapy sessions. Empathy and open communication are engrained in the culture at Mid-Day Squares, promoting long-term success and sustainability.
Jake is recognized as a rising star in the business world. He was a finalist in EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year awards, was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for 2023 (Food and Beverage category), and is featured as a regular contributor to media outlets across North America.
Ways to Connect
Instagram: @jakekarls_