WHO WE ARE ?

Michael E. Lakshin is Co-Founder, Managing Partner and CEO of CreaITive. Prior to founding CreaITive with his partner, Mayya Molchan, Michael served as Managing Director and Co-CEO of Connections Unlimited (“CU”) from February 2017 to April 2018.

As a seasoned business executive and serial entrepreneur, Michael brings more than 26 years of start-up and senior business-management experience to the team.

Michael also has over 30 years of International experience in media, digital media, entertainment & internet/telecom in Russia/CIS, Italy, and the US. Michael has worked for various US & International Radio & TV Channels, and has produced and participated in the production of over 120 concerts, shows, and events, both domestically and internationally.

Prior to co-founding CU, Michael was the CEO of 8K Miles Media Group, a global media holding company that served Southern Asian Indian markets.

Additionally, Michael serves as the Managing Director and COO of Crescendo Communications, where he launched new services that have generated an extensive pipeline of new business for the company by expanding investor networks in the US, EU and CIS markets.

Throughout his extensive career he has also held other C-Level executive positions, such as CMO and COO, with responsibilities including strategic planning as well as corporate and IPO-planning. He has overseen 10 successful IPOs both in the U.S. and internationally, and has gained ample experience in building company culture, developing new business, and growing customer bases.

Academically, he holds an Executive MBA from Rutgers Business School with a dual concentration in Supply Chain Management and Internal Consulting.

Mayya Molchan is a dynamic, results-oriented leader with a strong track record and 15 years of experience in fast-paced organizations in the fields of financial, strategic and operational management.

Prior to launching CreaITive with her partner Michael Lakshin, Mayya served as Managing Director and COO/CFO of Connections Unlimited, LLC. (“CU”) from March 2017 to April 2018.

Mayya’s superior interpersonal skills played a key factor in resolving multiple complex issues (financial, operational, legal, human resources etc.), and motivated staff to maximize organizational performance.

Mayya also serves as the Senior Vice President of Crescendo Communications, one of the leading IR firms on the East Coast.

She has previously held managerial positions at various dynamic organizations, including CFO and Managing Director at UBP Asset Management, LLC and Senior Financial Analyst at Fairfield Greenwich Group.

Mayya began her career in the Audit Practice at Price Waterhouse Coopers, LLC.

Academically, Mayya holds a BA with Honors from Oxford Brookes University Business School, Oxford, UK with double Major in Business Administration and Management, and Accounting and Finance.

Naveed has joined the CreaITive team as the Founder and the CEO of SDTech.

He has been described as a “relentless and focused entrepreneur” who has over 18+ years of experience in providing thought leadership for organizations ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies.

As a creative digital strategist, Naveed has a robust understanding of traditional and digital marketing. He specializes in delivering adept solutions and services all over the globe across domains & vertical markets, which include banking, insurance, healthcare, etc.

Mike Daniel joined the CreaITive team on October 1, 2018, as Chief Creative Officer.

Mike received his bachelor of arts in interactive design from the Art Institute of Colorado and then began his career at Carat, where he quickly moved from production designer to senior designer and then to art director. Since then, he has held several high-level agency positions as senior art director and creative director until cofounding his own agency, Bunkhouse Creative, in 2008, with a focus on interactive art direction and front-end design.

He also recently joined WELD, a small digital agency headquartered in SLC. His goal is to grow the business in the Truckee, California, area by building relationships and assessing the demand for further agency needs. Mike is also a partner with Bandwango, a travel technology start-up, and has been involved with multiple nonprofit groups such as Protect Our Winters and Strap In For Life.

Mike is a world-class designer with a specialty in developing visually stunning front- end concepts. His appetite for interactive UI design, mobile fabrication, and arresting imagery gives our team large-scale creative versatility across multiple platforms. He specializes in numerous demographics and platforms, including web, mobile, and print. He has worked on major accounts in fashion, automotive, and aviation, and has a vast understanding of outdoor-oriented brands and action sports. He has also worked with brands including Disney, Adidas, Red Bull, and everything in between.

Mike is a passionate outdoorsman who enjoys snowboarding down the Sierras, hiking with his beloved Bernese mountain dog, and walking around his neighborhood in Truckee with his family.

Shaleek M. Simon is one of the pioneers of Hip-Hop & Rap music in the US has joined CreaITive to lead Company’s Music & Entertainment Division.

Shaleek M. Simon also serves as CEO of Leek Vision Media, LLC, an entertainment company that produces music, films, TV shows. Shaleek provides consulting services to various artists in the music industry. From 2005 to present, Shaleek has been Vice President of Wonder Boy, one of the most successful independent publishing companies in the industry. Shaleek was instrumental in brokering the licensing deal for the very first iPod (Apple) commercial in the US.

Currently Shaleek M. Simon is managing his business partner - legendary Rapper “AZ”(Anthony Cruz). Shaleek is the primary consultant for all business deals, tours, merchandising and important daily matters for AZ and his company Quiet Money Direct. He was the producer of “AZ’s” video/short film “Back to Myself” in 2015, shooting took place in Costa Rica.

In 1997 Mr. Simon signed a deal as a writer/producer with Leland Robinson Sr. the son of Joseph and Sylvia Robinson founders of Hip Hop pioneering group “The Sugar Hill Gang” and Hip Hop’s first record label Sugar Hill Records. In 1999 Mr. Simon took over as head of studio operations at the world famous Sugar Hill Studio in Englewood, NJ until a fire destroyed the facility in 2002.

Shaleek M. Simon holds a bachelors degree in communications form Upsala College.

Marcel Hadorn joined the CreaITive team as Chief Creative Officer and is also the Founder of Duotones LLC, a Swiss-based Interactive Agency.

After an apprenticeship as a Constructing / Designing Engineer, followed by a five-year-long occupation designing prototypes for the automation industry, Marcel felt ready for a new challenge. He has always been passionate about the aesthetic aspect of design, but it was unnecessary in his prior work, which prompted him to change professions.

Marcel is passionate about digital design and likes to combine the visual and the functional, as well as add interaction and animation. He worked for two years as a freelance web-designer, which resulted in Duotones—an agency built to create digital products with great user experiences. Duotones aims to make the interaction between humans and machines not only as easy and as intuitive as possible, but also as enjoyable as possible.

Apart from his passion for creating digital experiences, Marcel also enjoys being outdoors. He always has his camera on hand while hiking in the Swiss Alps, or gazing at the fascinating northern landscapes. Additionally, he appreciates taking the tip of a crayon over the texture of paper to draw figures from his imagination. Drawing is the root of Marcel’s design career.

Academically, Marcel holds a degree in Interaction Design from Weiterbildung an der MBSZ – a Marketing & Business School in Bern, Switzerland.

Tara works as a freelance writer and editor. Her editorial services include both fiction and non-fiction titles, and on and offline publications. As a ghostwriter, she has released books with major publishers such as McGraw-Hill, Penguin Putnam and BenBella.

She also provides social media marketing services and has worked for authors, small businesses, and big corporations including eBay, Hewlett-Packard, and Waterside Productions. Additionally, she is an actress best known for her role in "Hunger Diaries".

Tara secured a BA from the University of Colorado at Boulder in Dance and holds an MA in Public Relations and Press Office Communications from The Autonomous University of Barcelona.

She is a native English speaker with fluency in Spanish, currently based in Los Angeles, CA.

Francisco Pina is a communicator, facilitator, and problem solver. He launched his professional career by working for various law firms in New York & New Jersey, where he was responsible for developing new clients, as well as for increasing operational efficiencies in law practices.

Additionally, Francisco authored one of the first CRM systems in the legal field, which allowed law firms to expand target reach of potential clients while drastically improving the overall customer relations management and information flow. He also developed a method to outline case-related information for Federal Court systems that is still being used today. Throughout his marketing and communications career Francisco has secured hundreds of new clients and has substantially increased revenue for law firms by developing innovative marketing initiatives.

An opportunity arose during Francisco’s legal career with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Dominican Republic—he was offered the role of Strategic Analyst. He began analyzing department systems and processes to ensure a more effective work environment. While at the Ministry, he successfully established a clear mission, vision, and values program. He also helped modernize the ministry by overseeing the implementation of Sharepoint Services as well as the connection of the embassies and consulates to a central system. He successfully helped in the planning and execution of the XX Rio Group Reunion where the Latin American and European Union heads of states met to discuss social issues. After this event, the Federal Republic of Germany recognized Francisco for his outstanding work.

Francisco was then promoted and appointed vice consul in the city of Boston for the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. When his post was over he returned to work in marketing for the legal field and became communications and outreach manager for the School of Systems and Enterprises at Stevens Institute of Technology. At the school, Francisco oversaw the implementation of a new design for the school’s web page and the use of a new content management system. He was also in charge of marketing for the new Financial Engineering Graduate Certificate by Accenture.

After Stevens Institute of Technology, Francisco worked for the Seabra Group—the biggest importer of Portuguese products to the American market— where he established a digital presence for the Seabra Foods Supermarket chain in 13 states. Francisco’s hard work paid off, and the brand secured a full-feature episode on the Epicurious culinary TV show. He also helped establish marketing and sale points within the stores for the Dish Network and successfully planned and launched Sumol’s new apple-flavored soft drink on the east coast.

Francisco loves social media, digital marketing, music, reading, and traveling. He holds a Masters of Science in Internet Marketing from Full Sail University in Florida. Before attending Full Sail University, Francisco also received a Graduate Certificate in International Business and Law from The Hague Academy of International Law in the Netherlands. Prior to this he obtained a Certificate of Diplomacy from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Dominican Republic.

Francisco launched his path to higher education by attending Ramapo College in the State of New Jersey where he majored in Law & Society and minored in Spanish studies. He also obtained an Associates Degree in Applied Science concentrating in Paralegal studies from Berkeley College in New Jersey.

Victoria Mazepa has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. She produces and promotes special events, maintains relationships with major venues and works with artists. She has managed tours, represented talent, worked in the broadcast industry and helped put together innovative sporting and music events for international and nationwide audiences.

Locations of her events include Madison Square Garden, MGM Grand, Bally's and Rio in Las Vegas, Trump Taj Mahal, Bally's and Hilton in Atlantic City, and the Kodak and Universal theaters in Los Angeles. She has also worked and represented artists at the World Music Awards in Monaco, and helped bring the first ever Broadway show to Moscow, Russia. Additionally, she worked as a press agent for the multi-platinum recording artist and world-acclaimed Godfather of Soul, James Brown.

She started her career as an Event Production Coordinator for WMNB Radio and Television, and as a Booking Coordinator for Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts Concert Halls. Academically, she holds a BA from Rutgers University.

Dave Meltzer is the CEO of Sports 1 Marketing, a firm he co-founded with Hall of Fame Quarterback Warren Moon. Sports 1 Marketing is a sports and entertainment firm that leverages the relationship capital that surrounds the world's largest sporting events.

Previous and current projects include: The Super Bowl, The Masters, Pro Football Hall of Fame, Kentucky Derby, The Oscars, Consumer Electronic Show, Aggregated Marketing Platform, Nonprofit Tool Kit, and over 5,700 charitable events, golf tournaments, and galas. Dave is an author and sought after motivational speaker.

His books include: Connected to Goodness and Compassionate Capitalism, both of which became international best-sellers. Among his many media recognitions are: Entrepreneur Magazine; 2017 Top Five Best Entrepreneurial Speaker, Forbes; 2016 Top Ten Keynote Speaker, Variety Magazine; Recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor; and Sports Humanitarian of the Year for his ongoing philanthropic work.  As a Technology Pioneer, Dave was the CEO of Samsung's first smartphone division and the global release of the PC-E Phone. He later became the CEO of the most recognized sports agency in the world, Leigh Steinberg Sports and Entertainment.

Joey Brander has been making history all of his life.  In 2009, following a successful period with the Disney Channel and Radio Disney, Brander became the youngest person to host a CBS television show, “Beyond the Game”, for three years.  He followed that achievement by becoming the youngest person to have their own weekly show on ESPN Radio, hosting "The Joey Brander Show" from 2012-2014.

After making the foray into the business world, Brander has consulted multiple Fortune 500 companies and some of the fastest growing startups, with a focus on engaging the millennial demographic.

Joey is currently the President and Managing Partner of First Serve Partners, a leading venture capital fund and innovation lab that works at the intersection of sports, media, entertainment, and technology. The company’s executive team features some of the most influential leaders in the sports and media industries, including NFL Hall of Famer Warren Moon, sports business legend David Meltzer, Outback Steakhouse founder Tim Gannon and Showtime Sports Executive Producer David Dinkins Jr.

Joey Brander has been making history all of his life.  In 2009, following a successful period with the Disney Channel and Radio Disney, Brander became the youngest person to host a CBS television show, “Beyond the Game”, for three years.  He followed that achievement by becoming the youngest person to have their own weekly show on ESPN Radio, hosting "The Joey Brander Show" from 2012-2014.

After making the foray into the business world, Brander has consulted multiple Fortune 500 companies and some of the fastest growing startups, with a focus on engaging the millennial demographic.

Joey is currently the President and Managing Partner of First Serve Partners, a leading venture capital fund and innovation lab that works at the intersection of sports, media, entertainment, and technology. The company’s executive team features some of the most influential leaders in the sports and media industries, including NFL Hall of Famer Warren Moon, sports business legend David Meltzer, Outback Steakhouse founder Tim Gannon and Showtime Sports Executive Producer David Dinkins Jr.

Gordon M. Johnson (D-Bergen) was elected to the New Jersey State General Assembly in 2001, by the people of the 37th Legislative District.  As part of the General Assembly Leadership, Assemblyman Johnson serves in the position of Deputy Speaker.

He is the Chair of the Commerce and Economic Development Committee, Vice-Chair of the Judiciary Committee, member of the Budget Committee and also serves on the New Jersey Public Safety Communications Commission.  Previously, he served as the Majority Conference Leader, a leadership post in the New Jersey State Assembly during the 2012-2013 legislative session.  From 2006-2011, Assemblyman Johnson served as Chair of the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee.

In 1999, he was appointed Undersheriff of Bergen County.  He subsequently became Sheriff from January 18, 2001 through January 1, 2002.  In the days following September 11th, 2001, Sheriff Johnson served as commander of the force assisting the Port Authority Police securing the George Washington Bridge as part Bergen County's response to the terrorist attacks.  When the newly elected Sheriff took office, Gordon Johnson was asked to continue with the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department as Undersheriff, 2002-2005, responsible for the Bergen County Jail.

Assemblyman Johnson retired with the rank of Major from the United States Army Reserve in 2000.  He is highly decorated and holds the National Defense Service Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, NATO Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal and many more.  In 1990, Assemblyman Johnson served in Operation Desert Storm, where he was responsible for two Convoy Support Centers in the Saudi Arabian Desert.  In 1996, he was deployed to Germany in support of Operation Joint Endeavor where he was part of a team that coordinated the activities and missions of the Civil Affairs units stationed in Bosnia.

He has a robust legislative track record that includes increasing access to education for New Jersey students, veterans, and DREAMer’s. In 2015, Johnson was prime sponsor of legislation to enhance oversight of surplus military equipment being used by local law enforcement. Other legislative efforts include increased access to DNA testing to exonerate the innocent, improved oversight regarding high-hazard train operations and further legislative efforts to protect Holocaust reparations.

Gordon M. Johnson was raised in Englewood, New Jersey.  He has served twenty-four years with the Englewood Police Department, attaining the rank of Patrol Sergeant.  He is also experienced in labor relations and has served as President of the State P.B.A. Supervisory Officers Association-Local #216.

Graduating from St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, New York, Assemblyman Johnson, holds a B.S. in Social Science and a Masters Degree in Administration and Supervision from Seton Hall University.  Additionally, he is a graduate of the United States Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Assemblyman Gordon M. Johnson lives in Englewood with his wife Jacqueline.  He has a daughter, Stephanie and two sons, Brandon and Stephen.

With years of experience producing live entertainment, focusing on music and sporting events, Kyle Bahrle is joining Creaitive as a Consultant.

He currently works as the Event Operations Manager for the Prudential Center, where he oversees all aspects of production for concerts and athletic games.  Prior to this role, Kyle worked as Coordinator of Events Operations at the MetLife Stadium. There he organized large-scale affairs including the Super Bowl XLVIII (48), WrestleMania 29, and other major concerts, events, and NFL games.

He also holds experience working for the New York Jets on the pioneering team that prepared and executed the opening of the MetLife Stadium in 2010. He holds an M.S. in Sports Management from East Stroudsburg University and a B.S. from Columbia Union College in History & Physical Education.

Gayle Gladstone has produced television, "This is it - Kauai", and films including Tapping the Source.  She is known for creating programs that bring cutting edge information to general audiences.

She has managed the singing and acting career of Hoyt Axton ("Joy to the World", the soundtrack for Easy Rider, etc.) and has worked with international philanthropic organizations including the Club of Budapest, for which she served five years as a trustee. Gayle is focused on media projects that raise awareness to help humanity create a more caring world.

Gayle is the publisher of Waterfront Digital Press and works closely with her husband William Gladstone promoting the works of major authors such as Pulitzer Prize nominee Victor Villasenor, Doc Childs, the founder of HeartMath, as well as with other upcoming novelists and thought leaders.

Maria Piotrovskaya has joined the Creaitive team as Chairwoman of the Advisory Board. In 1993 she began her career as a Currency Broker for the St. Petersburg branch of the Dresdner Bank. In 1998 Maria was promoted to the Head of the Capital Markets department. By 2006 she became Regional Coordinator, where she helped define the Russian business development strategy for the bank.

At the beginning of 2008, Maria moved to Renaissance Capital with the roles of Managing Director and Head of Finance. She was additionally responsible for the strategic retail objectives of the Renaissance Credit Bank. All throughout her professional banking career, Maria has demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and competency, which brought her to the top of the Russian banking system as one of the most important female financiers in Russia.

Maria was raised in the family of an outstanding art historian, Mikhail Borisovich Piotrovsky. Piotrovsky was the director of the Hermitage museum, which holds one of the world's largest and most famous collections of art. This has allowed Maria to develop a high sense of purpose in achieving goals for the benefit of society. That’s why she has devoted herself to the education of Russian society about Dyslexia. Dyslexia is well researched throughout the world, but not well understood or studied in Russia, which causes thousands of children to lose the opportunity for full-fledged development and academic success.

Anthony Cruz is a Brooklyn-born rapper better known by his stage name, AZ. He is noted for being a longtime and frequent rhyme partner of rapper/entrepreneur Nas. In a countdown of the 10 Most Underappreciated/Underrated Rappers of All Time, the editors of About.com listed AZ as #1. He was also included in About.com’s list of the Top 50 MCs of Our Time (1987–present), and described as “arguably the most underrated lyricist ever.”

During his career, AZ has been affiliated with labels EMI, Noo Trybe Records/Virgin, Motown, Koch, and Quiet Money Records.

AZ is releasing a sequel album, Doe or Die 2. In addition, he has a self-published memoir, Jewels, Gems & Treasures, and his 20-year anniversary documentary can be seen on BET.com. He has also founded Quiet Money Films (QMF), where he was an executive producer while acting in numerous movies.

AZ is the ambassador for the Azad Brooklyn Edition Watch, which is in collaboration with the Barclays Center, the multipurpose arena in Brooklyn. This limited-edition watch can only be purchased at: quietmoneydirect.com.

In 2002, AZ was nominated for a Grammy, made a Sprite commercial, and appeared in several movies such as Belly and Envy.

On October 10, 1995, AZ released his debut album, Doe or Die, which peaked at #1 on the U.S top R&B/hip-hop album charts. The album sold more than a million copies.

Twenty years later, AZ is still considered one of the all-time best rappers and a true hip-hop legend (https://quietmoneydirect.com).

Sergey has more than 20 years of startup funding and operations experience in telecom, software development, real estate, consumer brands, entertainment, brand management, and marketing. He is a co-founder of Concent Telecom, Ocean Properties, and Longwood Investment Partners funds; and is also a co-founder and co-CEO of the Perfectomundo Tequila brand with legendary DJ and music producer Paul Oakenfold. As a founder and CEO of 360EMA, he worked on Deleon Tequila campaigns with the involvement of JayZ, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, and Guns & Roses; the launch of Le Tourment Vert Absinthe with Pete Wentz and Fallout Boy; as well as multiple consumer and lifestyle brands, including Kim Kardashian’s fragrance and the Forever 21capsule collection with Paris, Nicky, and Kathy Hilton and many others. Sergey is an investor, published author (The Fame Game) and expert in branding and marketing.

Sergey holds MBA in Finance from New York University; and Ph.D., Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, from Riga Aviation University.

Keith Carlson joined the CreaITive team as Chief Information Officer in 2018. Over the last 20 years Keith has led the technology efforts at many corporations and nonprofits, including businesses in the sports nutrition sector, health and wellness and nonprofits. He revels in helping organizations develop cutting edge technology solutions for complex business problems and brings a pragmatic, action-oriented approach to all issues he faces.

Keith began his career in systems engineering consulting for the Department of Defense, working for Management Consulting and Research. He quickly advanced from Junior Analyst to Senior Analyst there before moving on to Technomics, a boutique systems engineering and budget analysis agency. At that organization, he led many innovative technology developments, particularly for the USAF and Aerospace Corporation. He also presented papers to several organizations, including the Operations Research Society of America. His primary work at that time was in large systems models for space-based and strategic systems, that used numerical methods with fundamental physics and heuristic equations to optimize the performance and cost benefit of large systems, including space-based radars. After this work, Keith co-founded an early Internet consulting company that specialized in using the web to deliver information to the DoD, large banks including State Street Bank and organizations in the aerospace sector.

Keith was most recently Technology Director for the Novim Group, a nonprofit organization that conducts major studies on issues that have great global impact. Two recent examples include a study on small modular reactors and their impact on US energy markets and a study on the effect of proposed cuts in the 2017 and 2018 Federal budgets to climate-related projects. Keith recently was the project lead for an interactive analysis model and web/mobile application for public employee pension systems. This application was instrumental in bringing interactivity to the analysis of public employee pensions. Previous models took hours or days to evaluate each scenario but this application allowed interested users and policy makers to examine changes to pension parameters in seconds.

Keith works in all areas of technology, leading diverse groups spread across the globe. He has worked in numerous multi-national groups and has deep ties to other world-wide technology leaders, has led major efforts on the significant technology platforms and is a vocal advocate for cloud technologies in organizations of all sizes. He has worked with cloud technologies from Amazon, Google, Rackspace and others.

Keith is a proud father, civically engaged community member, music lover, and involved with a large circle of friends at his local dog beach where he walks his beloved 12 year old rescue, Bear.

Keith has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics, a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Computer Science all from University of California, Santa Barbara.