We just made the addition to the about us section.
Post# of 45510
We just made the addition to the about us section. Here is a copy below...
Steven Samblis - CEO / Chairman of the Board
M r. Samblis comes to IC Places from a background of finance and entrepreneurship, starting in business as a stock broker for one of Americas largest brokerage firms.
During his time at the firm he achieve many awards including being named the top producing rookie broker in the firm. Moving into the position of IPO Analyst, he was quoted in hundreds of articles on IPOs including The Wall Street Journal, Time magazine and US News and World Report.
Mr. Samblis represented T. Boone Pickens United Shareholders Association, speaking before the Michigan Senate on the dangers of radical anti-takeover legislation.
He co-wrote and hosted The Investors Institute, a National television program which taught strategies for investing in IPOs. He then took the show on the road and held seminars for 250,000 people during an eight month cross country tour.
Mr. Samblis strategized with Author Mark Victor Hansen on the development and concept of the run away best selling book series Chicken Soup for the Soul. Mr. Samblis and Mr. Hansen later co-hosted the audio program -The World’s Most Powerful Marketing Tool.
Mr. Samblis has help people build their businesses into National brands. Working with a friend and owner of one fledgling gym in Durham New Hampshire, Mr. Samblis developed a marketing strategy and came up with the name - Planet Fitness. His friend renamed his gym - Planet Fitness -and then took that name and concept and turned it into the most successful and fastest growing fitness franchises in the country.
With his highly diversified background and hands on entrepreneurial experience, Mr. Samblis creates the company vision for IC Places and inspires the team to implement the vision on a daily basis.
Joseph Collins - President
Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, California took its toll on Joseph Collins Jr. Gang violence and drug ridden streets were a daily battle for the Collins family as they ventured out into their work and school lives. At the age of ten, Joseph’s mother decided to uproot her family and move them to the safer neighborhoods of Pomona, California where Joseph essentially grew up. Money was tight, forcing the family to rely on food stamps and other government assistance just to get by. Although there were many struggles growing up, Joseph still looks back on his childhood with fondness and accredits his parents as the most influential people in his life.
Joseph knew at an early age that he was born for television. The Three Stooges, Speed Racer and The Addams Family were among the many shows that lit the spark inside this future Television CEO, knowing that one day he would be developing and producing top notch shows like the ones he grew up watching. Gary High School in Pomona, California was the developmental grounds for Joseph’s future as the founder of Punch Television Network. Here he was heavily influenced by his high school teacher, Barbara Barkermeyer, who opened doors for him to gain his first Hollywood audition. Persistence paid off when, after months of calling, Joseph landed an internship with WVTV in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His flare and contagious personality helped him grow from an intern to working as the youngest news anchor to report the business news, drawing people in to hear his take on the daily events.
Many people have influenced and shaped Joseph’s role in the television world, from J.W. Witt former CEO of WVTV in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the story of William Paley, founder of CBS, to Michael Eisner, former CEO of Disney and Ted Turner, the cable industry's trailblazer. These men have inspired Joseph and helped keep him focus on achieving his dream of owning and operating a television network, which has since become a reality.
Joseph’s ultimate goal has come to fruition by bringing life-changing, inspirational television to viewers throughout the world. With a long list of accomplishments, recognition from various Senators and City Council members and the newly formed Punch Television Network, Joseph’s extensive background is bringing Punch Television Network to your living room.
JOSHUA MANDEL – VP of Productions
Born in Los Angeles, California. He graduated Landmark West and attended University of Southern California. While in high school he had an internship at Boss Film Studios where he worked on such films as Starship Troopers, Air Force One, Desperate Measures, and Turbulence. He also assisted the multi academy award winner wizard Mr. Richard Edlund. After college, he started working as a production assistant on films such as Rebound, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Little Miss Sunshine, Heartbreak Kid and the TV show The Loop. After working in production and post-production, he moved to freelance production accounting. He worked as a production accountant on the films Tropic Thunder, Surrogates and Real Steel. He is currently working as a production supervisor on 21 and Over.
PETER MESSINEO - Chief Financial Officer / Treasurer
Mr. Messineo is a CPA in Florida and New York and has over 25 years of accounting experience in public accounting practice, consulting and private industry as Controller and CFO.
Public accounting experience has been with national and regional CPA firms servicing a broad based clientele including software, manufacturing firms, distribution companies, and various service industry companies. Consulting experience has been with an international consulting firm servicing multi-billion dollar clients, in the capacity of financial support and reporting and with personal clients in the capacity as an intermediary compiling annual and quarterly filings required of the Securities and Exchange Commission; private placement memorandums; mergers and acquisitions; business budgeting and modeling; as well as other business development attributes. Peter received his degree in accounting from Pace University in New York and his Masters in Business Administration in Finance from Long Island University.
Howard Messer - CPA - VP of Finance
Punch Television is thrilled to have Howard Messer, CPA on board as the Chief Financial Officer for the network. Mr. Messer has extensive experience in the pubic company arena. He has served as the Chief Financial Officer for a NASDAQ and American Stock Exchange listed company in the technology and service field.
Through his leadership and financial vision, those entities experienced revenue and earnings growth at rates substantially higher than their peer group. Their market cap increase from $10,000,000 to over $500,000,000.
His public accounting background includes several radio and television stations in New York State. Mr. Messer is well versed in new media and has served as the Chief Operating Officer and business strategist for numerous start-up ventures. During his time with those companies, Mr. Messer was able to raise over $100,000,000 in debt and equity financing.
Mr. Messer is a graduate of the University of Virginia. He also serves as a member of The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Curtis O. Clark - Director of Programing
Curtis Omari Clark joins the executive team as Director of Production for the Punch Television Network. Mr. Clark has nearly forty-five years of experience in Community Outreach and thirty-six years of experience in Media and Television production. Some of his notable credits include an emphasis in turn key operations, and highlights in still photography in which he produced a documentary on Urban Life in five West African Countries—all video taped on location.
While attending Jefferson High in Los Angeles, California, Mr. Clark's leadership was instrumental in organizing a youth organization. This organization grew to over 400 members, which resulted in the first city wide high school walk-out. This had a major impact on social and civil rights in public schools. His influence on this issue prompted meeting requests from the staff of Dr. Martin Luther King and Senator Robert Kennedy.
Mr. Clark’s experience in Community Outreach extends into Directorship of a Single Women’s Shelter, Women and Children’s Shelter and the City of Refuge Rescue Outreach. He also served as an advocate Recruiter/Counselor at California State University at Long Beach. While holding this position, he was responsible for the admission of over 1500 minority students.
In the world of Media and Television, Mr. Clark has humbly held the position of Producer and Director of independent television productions, Urban Music Director of a Public FM radio broadcast, Program Manager for Cable TV, Public Access Production Manager, Cameraman and Program Director, Technical Photographer, and Music Director, just to name a few.
Mr. Clark has a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree is Mass Communications, with a Minor in Industrial Photography from California State University, Long Beach. He also holds a California Teaching Credential in Media Production.
Rachel Ramos - Executive Director
Executive Producer, Rachel Ramos is proud to call Punch Television Network her home. It’s safe to say that she is the ‘Queen behind the Scenes’. Not only is Miss Ramos the right-hand lady for Punch CEO Joseph Collins, she’s pouring her heart into changing lives and creating a television network known for its genuine passion and drive for success.
After nearly twenty years in the corporate world, Miss Ramos transitioned into entertainment to put her love and natural flair into her Punch family. From Operations to Marketing, Human Resources and Casting, Miss Ramos has her hands in nearly everything happening behind the scenes of Punch Television Network.
Miss Ramos is a mother of two and knows the importance of family, which is reason why Punch Television’s vision of family-friendly programming is something she’s very proud of.
“Watching this network grow right before my eyes has been a life-changing experience. I am so thrilled to be a part of this movement,” Ramos says.
Miss Ramos is proud to be part of the Executive Team and looks forward to growing with her Punch Television family.
Mark C. Corcoran - VP Distribution
Mark C. Corcoran, a proven media executive, is excited about bringing his experience and talents to Punch TV in a senior executive position as VP Distribution/Operations. Mr. Corcoran has over 25 years of financial/sales experience and the last 12 years has been in the media sector as an executive. Mr. Corcoran was with Outdoor Channel for six years and left there as VP Affiliate Sales and helped the company raise over 75 million in a secondary stock offering(NASDAQ) and achieved SOX compliance for Outdoor when he was the Controller/CAO for the company before he was promoted to VP Affiliate Sales. During, Mark's tenure at Outdoor, distribution increased over 400%
Mr. Corcoran then became the President of Pursuit Channel and achieved the successful launch of this channel. Mr. Corcoran has consulted for 7 different programming networks on distribution and other matters, 5 of these were new networks that received carriage and are growing.
Mr. Corcoran served on the board of directors for the Media Financial Management Association (MFM) for 3 years and presented on various panels at the MFM annual conferences and at National Cable Shows. Mark has been a member of MFM, Independent Programming Network Association, CTAM, Christians In Cable and various other associations. Mr. Corcoran has proven experience growing programming networks and is going to expand the reach of urban entertainment by growing Punch TV Network.
Mr. Corcoran has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration - Accounting from California State University, Long Beach.
BOARD OF ADVISORS
Charlotte Parker - Charlotte began her Hollywood career as Director of Public Relations for the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. She then joined several of the largest publicity firms in the entertainment industry, including Rogers & Cowan and The Lee Solters Company, specializing in film publicity. As the President of Parker Public Relations she has over 20 years experience in public relations, marketing and image making. She has guided the public images of over 200 celebrities, politicians, executives and corporations. Parker launched the publicity campaigns of director James Cameron and producer Gale Anne Hurd. She represented director John Frankenheimer and many films, including The Terminator, Aliens, Total Recall, and the animated classic The Swan Princess. As an expert media analyst and image consultant Parker has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, Court TV and the E-Channel and been written about in Spy Magazine, The Columbia Journalism Review, People and The Los Angeles Times Magazine. She is currently on the Board of Directors of The Bruce Lee Foundation and Operation Unity.
Joel Parker - Joel began his career in the News & Information Department of the RCA Corporation. He worked at the NBC Television Network for 10 years in the program department and Creative Services, where he managed the publicity accounts of several high profile series, the Super Bowl, NBC News and The Tonight Show. Joel currently represents many high profile clients including "Founding Father of Bodybuilding" Joe Weider. Joel also teaches television production at the University of Southern California.
Harvey V. Cohen - Harvey is a former state prosecutor for the 9th Judicial Circuit of Florida. He received a law degree from Stetson University College of Law. He was enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1985 through 1989. His assignments took him from upstate New York to Panama. After graduating from Stetson, Harvey was employed by the State Attorney's Office. Mr. Cohen is a partner with the Law Firm of Cohen & Battisti in Winter Park Florida. He is also a co-owner of the Arena Football League team The Tampa Bay Storm.
David Kaye - David is an SEO and affiliate marketing expert with over 13 years in this field. He's the driving force and owner of websites that are the highest sources of traffic to sites such as Amazon.com and eBay sending as many as 60 million visitors a month to eBay alone. He has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine for his accomplishments.
Barry Neil Shrum, Esq. - Barry is a renowned music, entertainment and Internet attorney, with specialized knowledge of venture startups, the music industry, royalty structures and cyberlaw. Mr. Shrum has worked with some of the biggest stars in the music and entertainment industries and routinely advises them on deal structures, venture capital and other relevant matters. Mr. Shrum is also experienced litigator with trial experience at both the State and Federal level. He is also the author of a book, Origins of An Idea: An Apologetic for Original Expression and a blogger at LawOnTheRow,com
Jay Leopardi - Jay is today's lifestyle and pop culture branding expert, who specializes in the growth and development of brands. His skills range from search engine monopolization to new business funding techniques; concept actualization, motivational speaking and product launch campaigns. Some of his entrepreneurial endeavors include product placement, licensing and integration as well as celebrity endorsements.
He launched his career at age 13 as a pop recording artist in Miami, Florida, landing his first record deal at age 17. Six weeks after releasing Jay's single, it became the top one hundred hit on the billboard charts, selling 60,000 copies. After the record label bidding began, Jay recognized that there were many other facets to the music industry. He then made the decision to become a music producer.
Growing up among top celebrities ranging from musicians to actors helped Jay recognize that the music business was much more intricate than what people heard on the radio. After years of producing albums, Jay decided to move to Cincinnati, Ohio to work alongside his father, Emmett C. Leopardi, who worked for the multinational corporation Procter & Gamble. There, Jay learned discipline and formal training from several of the top leaders in the brand management industry.
Currently a visionary marketer, branding expert, and one of “The Shark” Daymond John’s right hand men at Shark Branding, Jay works closely with celebrities and companies in delivering brand management support. Jay has been dubbed “The Bad Boy Of Branding & technology guru”. Jay reinvented himself and brought his strategic marketing expertise online. He began signing clients and securing product placement. Jay now works closely with big names including Cedric the Entertainer, Kel Mitchell, and Miguel Nunez Junior, to name a few.
CAL BOYINGTON
Cal Boyington launched his media shingle Manolin Studios in early 2008 in a strategic move to develop and produce his own fare. He also serves as Executive Producer of HD Net’s award-winning documentary series “Baker Boys,” Comedy Central’s much hyped new scripted comedy series “Workaholics,” currently airing after “South Park,” and “Trapped in Paradise,” for VH-1.
Boyington is an accomplished executive who, while forming Manolin, jointly served as the President of TV for QED International, a movie production/international sales company. Manolin sold numerous shows including: “Freshman” with Lil Romeo at MTV, “E.S.U.” at Discovery, “R5 Sons” a family-docu at TLC, and “That’s Rich” hosted by Mo Rocca at the E!. Manolin also produced a ground-breaking web-series for GoArmy.com entitled “Sports Explorers.”
Prior to producing, Boyington was the Head of Paradigm?s Alternative Television Division as well as a veteran talent agent at ICM for several years. As an agent, Boyington put together Animal Planet?s hit show “Whale Wars” and ABC’s “The Next Best Thing.” Some of Boyington’s other TV sales that debuted included, “Father Hood,” the Snoop Dogg family reality sitcom on E! and “6 Months” at A&E, a show chronicling families as they dealt with ailing family members. He sold “Sunday Morning Shootout” to AMC, which ran for over 250 episodes and airs in several territories around the world.
Additionally, Boyington participated in the sales of “Intervention” for A&E, “The Osbournes” for MTV, “Anna Nicole Show” for E!, A&E?s “Sons of Hollywood,” BET?s “Baldwin Hills,” “TV Land Awards,” “US Poker Championship,” “Knight School” with Coach Bobby Knight, and “Bound For Glory” for ESPN. He was integral in the success of “The Apprentice,” “America?s Next Top Model” and the revived “Last Comic Standing.”
In addition to Television development, Boyington has an indie-film in pre-production through Manolin titled, “The Pure Life,” which won the American Zoetrope Award for Best Screenplay.
Boyington has had consistent success in producing, packaging, and selling TV shows for Broadcast, and in series format development, acquisition and production. The Hollywood Reporter selected him for “The Next Generation of 2006.” Boyington is a member in good standing of The Academy of Television Arts and NATPE. He is experienced in contract negotiations, analyzing market trends and capitalizing on global market opportunities. He has specific experience in leveraging advertising monies as well as licensing and merchandising platforms for programs. High visibility in the entertainment community with continued success in deriving partnerships and innovative media solutions through extensive personal relationships.
JASON BERGENFELD
Born and raised in Southern California, Jason has always had a passion for many aspects of multimedia programming. What started as watching sports and Saturday cartoons has turned into a career in television lasting more than a decade.
Jason’s creative abilities as well as his business sense have enabled him to become a leader in his field. Known as a go-getter, Jason started his career working for the Oscar Award Winning company Kopelson Entertainment, until moving into the music video space during the boom with FM Rocks.
After moving back into television production, Jason produced shows for NBC, FOX, ABC, TruTV, GSN, BET, AOL TV, A & E, MSNBC, CCTV, Phoenix Television, and many more.
Before joining forces with Manolin Studios, Jason worked as SVP of Development & Acquisitions with Xonger Global Media/C4 Pictures where they produced such hits has Baldwin Hills (BET), Barbershop 1 & 2 (MGM Studios), Meet Joe Jackson (A & E), and many more films and television programs.
GREG GEROSKY
Prior to being an Executive Producer and partner of VidVilla LLC and Manolin VidVilla Studios LLC, Greg spent 5 years as a Producer and the Head of Post Production for Reveille Studios, now a division of Shine Group owned by Fox / Newscorp.
Greg built a large post division for Reveille with over 50 edit bays including online/finishing in as many as 4 separate locations across Los Angeles.
Greg has Produced and Co-Produced many shows including Masterchef USA (FOX), American Gladiators 1 & 2 (NBC), The Biggest Loser 12 (NBC) Tabatha’s Takeover 1-4 (BRAVO), Shear Genius 1-4 (BRAVO), The Buried Life 1 & 2 (MTV), Losing It With Jillian Michaels (NBC), One Born Every Minute 1 & 2 (LIFETIME), Gone Too Soon (Documentary for the TV GUIDE CHANNEL), and numerous other TV programs. Greg has also contributed largely to dozens of Web series projects for MSN and Yahoo, and both scripted and non-scripted development.
Prior to joining Reveille, Greg owned and operated a small production company based in South Florida producing local programming and commercial spots for local businesses. Greg is also a composer and has achieved several successes including a large national campaign for our nation’s Border Patrol and underscore for dozens of Reveille shows.