Jake Karls, Lezlie Karls, and Nick Saltarelli
Jake Karls
Co-founder + Chief Rainmaker at Mid-Day Squares
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 fuelling 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.
Keynotes by Jake Karls offer valuable, practical insights and his unique and unfiltered takes on some universally relevant themes. Your audience will come away hyped, energized, and ready to take on the world.
Ways to Connect
Instagram: @jakekarls_
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-karls-653106ba/
Lezlie Karls
Co-Founder & CEO of Mid-Day Squares | Entrepreneur & Innovator
Lezlie Karls is a dynamic entrepreneur and Co-Founder & CEO of Mid-Day Squares, a disruptive functional chocolate company that has redefined the snack industry. With a focus on creating a brand that breaks down barriers and challenges norms, Lezlie has led Mid-Day Squares to achieve exponential growth and success, landing on shelves in major retailers across North America. Her leadership and bold vision have been recognized widely, earning her accolades in the food and beverage industry as a forward-thinking leader and a champion of transparency and authenticity.
Lezlie's impact extends beyond just product innovation; she’s a pioneer in storytelling, utilizing social media and digital platforms to create an open dialogue about the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. Her candidness has made her a sought-after speaker on topics ranging from brand building and leadership to overcoming adversity and building a thriving culture in high-growth environments.
With her passion for empowering other entrepreneurs, Lezlie is a frequent speaker at industry conferences, where she shares actionable insights on disrupting industries, building powerful brands, and staying true to one’s vision while navigating the complexities of business growth.
Nick Saltarelli
Co-Founder @ Mid-Day Squares
Nick Saltarelli is also the Co-Founder of Mid-Day Squares. Nick blends creativity and strategy to craft authentic narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. He is a master of leveraging unconventional marketing techniques to drive massive awareness and create a loyal community of fans. Through his expertise in digital marketing, brand storytelling, and innovative growth strategies, Nick has helped Mid-Day Squares transcend traditional brand boundaries, turning it into a lifestyle movement.
Nick is passionate about sharing his journey to inspire fellow entrepreneurs and marketing professionals to embrace the challenges of building standout brands in a crowded marketplace.