Meet Our Founders
Tommy Wafford
Tommy Wafford is a seasoned entrepreneur, dynamic speaker, and leadership strategist with a passion for helping organizations grow stronger, faster, and more sustainably. As the CEO and cofounder of Innovatix AI, he leads the development of a revolutionary AI interface that removes the learning curve, making artificial intelligence truly accessible to everyday users.
With a track record that includes three seven- and eight-figure acquisitions as the CEO and co-founder of multiple tech startups, Tommy brings practical experience and visionary leadership to every stage and boardroom. In 2017, one of his startups was named the #3 place to work in Georgia by Georgia Trend Magazine, and his work has been featured in PC Mag and Forbes.
Tommy is also the founder of LeadFast Co. and host of The LeadFast Podcast on Spotify, where he shares actionable leadership strategies that resonate with entrepreneurs, executives, and emerging leaders alike. His first book, Beyond the Strings, is available everywhere books are sold and is widely regarded as an essential resource for leaders across industries.
In addition to his work as a founder and author, Tommy is a highly sought-after consultant, currently serving on the advisory boards of multiple eight- and nine-figure software companies. His speaking topics often focus on high-performance team building, scaling startups, integrating AI into leadership, and anchoring business practices in faith-based principles.
Whether he’s on stage, behind a mic, or advising from the boardroom, Tommy Wafford is committed to helping others lead with clarity, confidence, and conviction.
Learn more about Tommy at www.leadfastco.com.
Marlon Gordon
Marlon Gordon is the Founder and CEO of NxtGen Network, a full-service marketing and production agency dedicated to building authentic relationships, telling meaningful stories, and driving innovation in foodservice and hospitality. Under his leadership, NxtGen has grown into a trusted creative partner for organizations across child nutrition, restaurants, and hospitality, producing high-impact campaigns, national events, and content reaching tens of thousands of industry professionals every month. He also leads NxtGen Cares, an international philanthropic initiative supporting communities around the globe.
Marlon is a visionary creator and host behind multiple influential brands, including First Taste TV™, which connects industry partners with school nutrition leaders through dynamic video content; the Next Up Talk Show and Next Up Podcast, known for spotlighting thought leaders and fostering real-time industry dialogue; Indulge, a podcast exploring dining, hospitality, and travel; and The Reluctant CEO, which focuses on personal and professional growth through conversations with experts from varying fields.
As a Nation’s Restaurant News contributor and producer, Marlon has produced acclaimed series like MenuMasters, celebrating top chefs nationwide, and the CEO Signature Series, featuring conversations with visionary executives shaping the future of foodservice. He is also the mind behind Served Digizine, a leading national digital publication reaching over 55,000 subscribers in the school nutrition space, and is a sought-after emcee and speaker for major events such as Ignite, a celebration attended by thousands of foodservice professionals annually, and conferences throughout the United States.
Most recently, Marlon joined the ownership team of Ask Jen A.I., an innovative platform bringing AI-powered solutions to professionals both inside and outside of foodservice. With a background spanning both operations and creative media, Marlon is widely recognized as a connector, disruptor, and industry leader whose faith-driven vision inspires others to push boundaries, innovate, and turn the impossible into reality.
Learn more about Marlon at www.nxtgennetwork.com and check out NxtGen Network on YouTube.