Founders Night YQG 2023 with Jake Karls

Have a startup idea or growing company and interested in expanding your network in Windsor-Essex?

Join us in person for Founders Night YQG 2023, powered by St. Clair College Alumni Association, and the Zekelman School of Business at St. Clair College’s Zekelman School of Business Alumni Hall.

Meet fellow entrepreneurs and members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem while gaining insights from Jake Karls, Co-founder and Chief Rainmaker at Mid-Day Squares, one of the rapidly expanding chocolate manufacturing brands in Canada and the United States.

The unapologetically authentic, self-proclaimed “Willy Wonka of Canada” is a Forbes 30 Under 30 and will share his company’s story of stratospheric growth through brand building and genuine human connection.

Socialize over food and drinks with other founders, potential co-founders, advisors, mentors, and partners. Most of all, get out of the house and have fun!

About Founders Night YQG: This FREE event is a collaboration between WEtech Alliance, WindsorEssex Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre, EPICentre, Genesis Entrepreneurship Centreand co-powered by St. Clair College‘s Zekelman School of Business and St. Clair College Alumni Association. It is a nightlong celebration that brings together entrepreneurs, startups, innovators, change makers, entrepreneurial support organizations, local leaders, and community to celebrate, educate, connect, and build momentum and opportunity around our region’s startups.

Agenda:

• 6:00 PM – Arrival + Food + Networking
• 6:30 PM – Welcome / Introductions
• 6:45 PM – Keynote Presentation by Jake Karls
• 7:30 PM – Closing Remarks + Networking

Who should attend: Entrepreneurs, Aspiring Entrepreneurs, Founders, Startup Community Enthusiasts

What’s included in your ticket: YQG Founders Goodie Bag powered by 519 Culture (while supplies last) + Food and Drinks + Parking + Keynote Speaker + Mid-Day Squares

Event Hashtag: #FoundersNightYQG

Event Partners:

• WEtech Alliance
• WindsorEssex Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre
• EPICentre
• Genesis Entrepreneurship Centre

Event Sponsors:

• Zekelman School of Business
• St. Clair College Alumni Association
• Baker Tilly Windsor LLP
• Government of Canada
• Province of Ontario
• Empowerment Squared
• 519 Culture
• Baker Tilly Windsor LLP
• Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island
• Spoken Artists

Meet Our EPIC Speaker

Jake Karls, Co-founder + Chief Rainmaker at Mid-Day Squares

About Jake Karls

Jake Karls is a different type of business leader – unapologetically authentic, refreshingly relatable, and completely free of bullshit.

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 ingrained 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.

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