Co-founder and CEO of Slim Chickens, Tom Gordon is the driving leader behind the brand. Apart from other brands that release large growth numbers, Slim Chickens stands out because of its foundation of systems and processes. By developing successful, multi-unit franchisees within the system who are just as passionate about Slim Chickens, Tom Gordon specializes in partnering with them by hosting the best franchise support team in the industry. His expertise lies in hiring the most passionate, highly qualified executive and corporate teams existing in their field of expertise. Furthermore, a proud horned frog from the South, he has built a leadership style and foundation that is second to none.

As a lifelong bartender, restaurateur, certified sommelier and Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) from the society of Wine Educators, Ryan Maybee, co-founder of J. Rieger & Co., is a veteran when it comes to wine, spirits and mixology. It was at Manifesto—located in the basement of the Rieger Hotel—where Maybee became fascinated by the history of the building and he discovered its connection to the historic J. Rieger & Co. distillery, originally founded in 1887. From that point on, he was set on ensuring it was resurrected. After meeting Andy Rieger at the opening of The Rieger in 2010, Maybee and Rieger started putting together a plan to bring back the old distillery. In 2014, the plan fully came to fruition and Maybee and Rieger successfully relaunched the brand with the release of Rieger’s Kansas City Whiskey. As co-founder of J. Rieger & Co., Maybee has played a crucial role in reviving the brand and gaining national prestige.