founders
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Keyston Franklin - Chairman & CEO
Keyston is a US Army Veteran, strategically using his service skills and training to build pivotal partnerships in the cannabis industry that focus on business development, corporate/government relations, and veteran empowerment. As an entrepreneurial visionary and as a result of his dedication to service, Keyston Co-Founded CannaMatch, Halo Holding Group, and the Warrior Summit Coalition (Vice-President, COO). Most recently, Keyston joined the National Cannabis Industry Association’s Banking & Financial Services Committee (BFSC) to assist and make industry recommendations concerning Financial Institutions, Federal Banking Laws, and groups that represent Banking and Payment Solutions. Keyston founded Gallantri Industries to continue his dedication to service by using opportunities in cannabis to further empower veterans, their families, and their communities.
Education
MA Liberal Studies | University of Chicago
BA | Governors State University
Rodolfo Ceja - Founding Partner
Rodolfo is veteran and founding partner of Gallantri Industries. He is a resourceful business savvy professional with over 10 years of success in leading purchasing, strategic sourcing, operations, and general business. ARways to reduce expenses without compromising quality. Prior to becoming a principal at Halo Holding Group Rodolfo served as Senior Production Control Analyst at Honeywell for 2 years, and 4years as Logistics Coordinator for Unilever. Rodolfo’s logistical craft was honed early in his career as he served as Warehouse Supervisor at Coca-Cola and Operations Supervisor at DCS Logistics. Rodolfo is an effective team leader with prioor experience in U.S. Marine Corps
David Piatek - Founding Partner
David Piatek is a dedicated mortgage professional driven by a passion for assisting clients in achieving their homeownership goals. With a finance degree and entrepreneurship certificate from the University of Illinois, David's expertise lies in mortgage lending. He excels in educating clients about loan options and providing personalized guidance throughout the home buying process. With 12 years of experience in Chicago's real estate market and 6 years of service in the Illinois National Guard, David possesses a diverse background that allows him to streamline and simplify the home buying journey. Clients appreciate his extensive knowledge, efficiency, and commitment to their education. David's unwavering adherence to his golden rule of "doing what I say I'm going to do" has earned him high praise. Apart from his professional pursuits, David volunteers for various veteran charities, reflecting his dedication to both the community and military service.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Victor Lagroon - Executive Board Member
Victor Lagroon - Victor is Director of Strategic Partnerships and Alliances, Diversity and inclusion Veterans Advisor for City of Hope. He is the Chairman of Black Veterans Empowerment Council. Victor is Member of the Board of Directors for GoCivic Chicago and was the Veteran Director for the City of Chicago. Victor’s primary area of focus is to build strategic partnerships that will allow me to serve and impact Disparities in At Risk and Underserved Communities. Always striving to build and strengthen partnerships centered on Advocacy and Empowerment.
Victor LaGroon’s military experience began in 2003 with his enlistment and joined the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division, Ft. Drum. After completing his Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Huachuca in Military Intelligence. During his years in the U.S. ARMY Victor had the privilege to serve honorably as a soldier, Junior
NCO and Team Leader. Since being medically discharged Victor has worked diligently to serve and advocate for the health needs, benefits and resources of military personnel, veterans and their families.
Due to his years of commitment to Veterans and Military Members in the City of Chicago and State of Illinois, Victor was appointed by the Governor to the IDVA Illinois Joining Forces Foundation Board of Directors, and by Mayor Emanuel to the Advisory Council of Veterans Affairs for the City of Chicago. Recently, Victor joined the Mayor’s Commission for a Safer Chicago and has joined the Community Development Advisory Council.
Kevin Pilaski - Executive Board Member
Mr. Pilarski is the current CEO and President of FMU Services, Inc., a privately held consulting and expert witness testimony professional services firm. He is the former President of Zermatt Holdings, LLC, a $1.5B registered investment advisory firm. He is also the former Chief Commercial Officer for Revolution Global, a multi-state operating cannabis holding company.
INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD
Michael Zaytsev
Michael Zaytsev, or Mike Z, is a life & business coach, best-selling author, and award-winning Cannabis entrepreneur. Michael Zaytsev is author of "The Cannabis Business Book" (2020) and "The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Cannabis" (2016). His writing has been published in Forbes.com, Entrepreneur.com, International Business Times, and more. As Founder of High NY, one of the world's largest Cannabis Meetup communities, Mike Z has facilitated Cannabis education for thousands of people.
Carl Giese
With over 30 years of experience in the finance industry, Carl has an in depth understanding of the finance world, developing an “insiders” perspective on REO acquisitions nationwide and establishing senior contacts within federal agencies and private institutions. Carl served in Marine Corp and formed a non-profit called Residence for Patriots Services Foundation where he provided discounted homes to active-duty military and veterans. In 2015, Carl discovered the benefits of hemp and CBD and developed a company called Kanehtree LLC.
Nancy Birnbaum
Marketing Maven, Cannabis Industry Connector As the Founding Publisher & Market Director for Sensi Magazine NorCal, Nancy is known as "the Connector" in the Cannabis Industry. She has been a PR & Marketing consultant for the past 20 years, and has recently joined the Founder Institutes’ San Francisco Cannabis Cohort as a Mentor. She continues to help companies succeed by providing them with introductions to strategic partners, funding, and precious resources.
Christopher Foltz
Christopher Foltz is a renowned brand development catalyst, celebrated inspirational speaker and currently serves as Vice President of Global Reach for Sensi Media Group, publisher of the award winning cannabis lifestyle publication Sensi Magazine. From his roots in partisan politics, to a battle with drug addiction, 119 days in county jail, and losing everything to the point of homelessness, Chris has re-established himself as one of the most engaging initiators of social impact and development in the nation
Jeni Chang
Jeni Chang brings valuable expertise to Gallantri Industries as a distinguished member of our advisory board. With a background as a Managing Director in a business development incubator and with extensive experience in consulting, Jeni's knowledge and insight are vital in shaping Gallantri's trajectory. Her contributions to our team significantly enhance our ability to deliver high-quality products and services while fostering responsible and ethical practices within the cannabis sector.