Power and Experience Matter
Popghum’s leadership and advisory team includes experienced professionals who have successfully started and managed businesses that have generated revenue and/or sold for well into eight figures.
John Roberts, Chief Advisor
Mr. Roberts joined Popghum as an independent consultant in early 2011. He is one of the US food industry’s top leaders, formerly serving as President of The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, Inc. (NASFT®), which is the largest US specialty food trade association. NASFT also operates and manages the Fancy Food Shows® and Specialty Food Magazine. Under his leadership, NASFT increased revenues from $4 million to over $22 million. Mr. Roberts also served as President of Romanoff Foods, International for ten years. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice President at Buitoni.
Daniel A. Gadra, Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Gadra founded Popghum in March, 2009. He has extensive experience as a corporate transactional attorney and General Counsel for an emerging technology company. His expertise includes mergers and acquisitions, finance and other business transactions ranging from $5 million to $75 million, as well as advising small to mid-sized sized companies on contracts, corporate governance and general business law. Prior to Popghum, Mr. Gadra was an attorney with the law firms of Patton Boggs LLP and Pillsbury Winthrop LLP.
Chris Mellgren, Chief Operating Advisor
Mr. Mellgren advises Popghum on operations, including production, warehousing and distribution. He has over ten years of experience in the food industry. Chris is the co-founder of Central Baking Company (CBC), a Washington, DC based Dunkin Brands franchisee. Chris leads the day-to-day operations of CBC’s 22 retail locations and its Central Bakery. Under Chris’ direction, CBC grew to over $16 million in annual revenue and over 190 employees. The company was also recognized with the highest sales growth and customer service ratings in the Baltimore-Washington region for 3 consecutive years.